Closing costs are the moneys necessary to pay off all expenses incurred by buyer and seller on a property. This will include an accounting of all funds spent and received in the transaction for both the buyer and seller. Following is a partial list for items generally paid for by either buyer or seller in San Francisco.
Buyers:
- Escrow fees
- Title insurance
- Loan fees, including points
- Appraisal fee
- One year’s hazard insurance premium (if not a condominium)
- Deed recording fees
- Notary fees
- Prorated property taxes split between buyer and seller
- Pre-paid interest to your lender
- Prorated homeowners dues is you are purchasing a condominium.
Sellers:
- Transfer tax
- Real Estate agent commissions
- Loans and loan fees (to close out existing loans)
- Prorated property taxes split between buyer and seller
- A portion of the taxable gain if above allowed limits
- Prorated rents and security deposits if an income property
- Deed and recording fees
The estimate of closing costs is generated when both the agents in the transaction, provided to the escrow officer that reflect the terms and conditions of the purchase contract. The escrow officer will then compare the two sets of instructions and, if they match, the escrow holder will execute these instructions, disbursing funds and recording the deed which marks your ownership of the property.
