How Much Are Closing Costs in Ohio?

What is Closing Costs?

When trying to determine how much are closing costs in Ohio, it’s essential to break down the various components that make up these costs. In general, both buyers and sellers have their respective closing costs to consider, and the specific expenses can vary depending on several factors. Let’s explore the closing costs for both sellers and buyers in Ohio.

Who Pays Closing Costs in Ohio?

In Ohio, closing costs are typically split between the buyer and the seller, with each party responsible for their specific fees. However, it’s possible to negotiate who pays for certain costs during the home buying process.

How Much are Closing Costs for Sellers in Ohio

Sellers in Ohio can expect to pay between 1% and 3% of the home’s sale price in closing costs. The primary expenses for sellers include:

REALTOR Fee

Realtor fees are usually the most significant expense for sellers, typically ranging from 5% to 6% of the home’s sale price. These fees cover the commission for both the seller’s and buyer’s real estate agents.

Recording Fee

The recording fee is a government charge for registering the property transfer. In Ohio, this fee ranges from $28 to $48 per page, depending on the county.

Escrow Fee

The escrow fee is a charge for the services provided by the escrow company, which facilitates the transaction by holding funds and documents until the deal is closed. In Ohio, escrow fees typically range from $200 to $500.

Home Inspection Fee

While not always required, some sellers in Ohio may choose to pay for a pre-sale home inspection to ensure there are no hidden issues with the property. Home inspection fees usually range from $300 to $500.

How Much are Closing Costs for Buyers in Ohio

Buyers in Ohio can anticipate closing costs ranging from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. The main expenses for buyers include:

Homeowner Fees

Homeowner fees cover costs such as property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and, if applicable, homeowner’s association (HOA) fees. These fees can vary depending on the property and location.

Lender Fees

Lender fees are charges imposed by the mortgage lender for processing and underwriting the loan application. These fees may include loan origination fees, credit report fees, and discount points. In Ohio, lender fees can range from 0.5% to 1.5% of the loan amount.

Third Party Fees

Third-party fees encompass charges from various service providers involved in the home buying process. These fees may include appraisal fees, inspection fees, and title search fees. In Ohio, third-party fees can range from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the services required.

How Much Are Closing Costs in Ohio?

When it comes to how much are closing costs in Ohio, a 2021 report by ClosingCorp sheds light on the expenses homebuyers should expect. The study reveals that the average closing cost in Ohio amounts to $1,992 for a home loan of $145,637, which is about 1.48% of the home price. Ranking 20th for the most affordable closing costs in the nation, Ohio sits comfortably in the middle.

In fact, the Midwest region generally has lower closing costs, with Missouri, Indiana, Iowa, South Dakota, and Wisconsin all making the top 10 list of states with the lowest costs. Missouri, for example, has an average closing cost of just $1,290 for a home loan of $177,915. In comparison, the national average stands at $6,087.

However, Ohio homebuyers should be prepared to spend more than these initial estimates, as the data from ClosingCorp doesn’t account for loan origination fees (required when applying for a mortgage) and private mortgage insurance (needed if the down payment is less than 20%). These additional expenses can quickly add up to thousands of dollars.

It’s also worth noting that home values in Ohio have been on the rise. In 2021, the average price for a single-family home was $239,295, marking a 12.3% increase from the previous year.