I am introducing a new blog series called "The Stupidly Question of The Week" where I will draw from actual instances where over the years agents, lenders, buyers and sellers have given me pause with silly statements and questions that might qualify as stupidly.

The first in this new series will be as follows.

Why do "I" have to pay closing costs, isn't that the sellers responsibility?

I heard this question several years ago when while representing a buyer he said he was told that the seller would pay for his closing costs. He was also told that it's done all the time. The worse part about it--was the person who told him, his loan officer. Excuse me Mr. loan officer but that type of advice is better left to the agents.

Although I have successfully negotiated hundreds of sales where the buyers closing costs are paid either in part or in full by the seller, it's not a guarantee and to suggest or imply otherwise is completely dishonest. Closing cost as we all know can be negotiated. It may in some cases drive up the cost of the home if the seller adds to the price or it will reduce the net seller proceeds which can affect negotiations.

Bottom line---both buyer and seller have costs. Negotiating who pays them is fine but fostering a false sense of reality in either party serves nobody well.