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Buyers’ Expected Costs in a Real Estate Transaction

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty of California, Inc. CA DRE #01490977

Buyers’ Expected Costs in a Real Estate Transaction

 

There are multiple costs a buyer will need to pay in a real estate transaction here in the Carlsbad, and it’s important to understand what to expect so there are no, or few, surprises during the process of buying a Carlsbad home.

 

Buyer HandbookYour buyer agent should review some of this with you, of course, and you will also be apprised of costs associated with getting your loan, if applicable, by your lender.

 

Keep in mind that these real estate transaction fees will vary depending on where you are buying the property, perhaps the type of property (condo vs single family detached home) and other factors. Also, not every fee you might need to pay is included here, and some items are negotiable between the buyer and seller.

 

It goes without saying the bulk of the costs are associated with purchasing the property, with a loan or for cash. But there are fees you can expect to pay even if you are not using financing.

 

Of course there are fees associated with the due diligence phase – the home inspection, for example, along with other inspections you might wish to have to supplement the home inspection. Here are some other inspections you might want to consider depending on the property and any concerns you might have.

 

As far as the lender is concerned they are required to disclose fees you can expect to pay early on in the process, including things like the appraisal. While many fees will be paid at the time of closing some, like the appraisal, may be required up front. Closing costs can include pre-paid interest, impounds required by the lender (e.g., property taxes, PMI, hazard insurance), and title insurance the lender requires.

 

Here’s a list of other possible fees you can anticipate, depending on the property and what’s been negotiated in your contract with the seller:

 

Prorated taxes and interest

HOA fees (e.g., pro-rated and 1 month in advance)

Property taxes that are due and not delinquent

Homeowners’ Insurance (aka hazard insurance) pre-paid for 1 year

Escrow fee (buyer portion)

Document preparation fees

Courier fees

Notary Fees

Document Recording fees

 

Search Carlsbad homesFor more information on how to buy a home, check out my video series on my YouTube Channel, Home Buying Tips and Advice.

 

If I can assist you in any way with your home purchase, please get in touch with me at (760) 840-1360 so we can discuss your home buying needs and budget, and create a strategy to get you into a new home in Carlsbad, or nearby, in 2017.

Posted by

Jeff Dowler, CRS
Certified Residential Specialist / Realtor®


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Beth Atalay
Cam Realty and Property Management - Clermont, FL
Cam Realty of Clermont FL

Jeff, this is probably one of the most asked  questions, especially by buyers with financing. Awesome post!

Jun 20, 2017 04:27 PM
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

Great post, Jeff Dowler . I am sure many buyers will appreciate what you have to say. 

Jun 20, 2017 04:54 PM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Buyers and sellers both get apx. net sheets so they can make a good decision.

Jun 20, 2017 04:57 PM
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

When it comes to buyers asking for sellers to pay closing cost that is an expense the buyer pays regarless. it is either in a higher price when you ask the seller to pay your cost or you paying it in cash.

Jun 20, 2017 07:20 PM
Jim Cheney
Saint Francis Property Santa Rosa, CA - Santa Rosa, CA
Rincon Valley Realtor 707.494.1055

Nice reminder of the cost of real estate Jeff Dowler .  First time buyers are frequently surprised at all the stuff they have to pay for.

Jun 21, 2017 12:00 AM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Good morning Jeff.  Some of the buyers I have worked with want to know to the penny.  Not possible, it is beyond my pay grade.  I have them contact the title company for a firm price. 

Jun 21, 2017 02:16 AM
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Excellent post, Jeff Dowler and to be noted in the strong Sellers' Market that we are still working in, buyers normally cannot expect to see the seller pay for normally buyer-paid fees. The successful offers are the cleanest ones!

Jun 21, 2017 04:47 AM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

Great heads up Jeff Dowler ....Buyers sometimes think it is only the price

of the property that is a "payable."

Jun 21, 2017 10:28 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Jeff- your post brings to mind a time many many years ago when all of us were buying our first homes and Larry was trying to explain to a friend all of the extra costs besides the price of the home. 

Jun 22, 2017 06:13 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Jeff -- not only is this a frequently asked question but it's one that deserves much discussion.  Financially and emotionally.  Your post provides an excellent overview of the topic.  Nicely done.  

Jun 23, 2017 09:07 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

            

                    Thank you Jeff Dowler 

Jun 24, 2017 05:42 PM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

this is a very important post to share with buyers - even though the lender will give this information to them, we should also remind them of what costs to expect

Jun 25, 2017 04:15 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Great information for all buyers Jeff! Buyers should be well informed before even starting the search for a home!

Jun 25, 2017 07:06 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

WOnderful post! I can see why Kathy chose to highlight it this week!

Jun 25, 2017 07:43 AM
Debbie Walsh
SHAHAR Management - Middletown, NY
Hudson Valley NY Real Estate 845.283-3036

This is a post that will be viewed again and again and again.  Sometimes their lender does not cover everything with them properly and they need to stay on top of all costs.

Jun 25, 2017 07:53 AM