Closing Cost Calculator
Estimate how much cash you need at the closing table. Start from typical fees, edit any line to match your Loan Estimate, and see total closing costs, prepaids and escrow, and your final cash to close.
From closing day to the end of that month.
Varies by state; often paid by the seller.
How to use the Closing Cost Calculator
- Enter the home price, down payment percent and mortgage rate.
- Adjust lender fees such as origination, points, appraisal and underwriting.
- Edit title, inspection and government fees for your area.
- Add your property tax, insurance, escrow months, earnest money and any credits.
- Read your cash to close and download the itemized list.
What is included in closing costs?
Closing costs are the one-time fees paid to complete a home purchase or refinance. Buyers in the US typically pay around 2% to 5% of the loan amount, depending on the lender, the state and the price. They fall into four groups:
| Category | Typical items | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Lender fees | Origination, underwriting, processing, credit report, appraisal, discount points | 0.5%–1% of the loan, plus $500–$800 appraisal |
| Title & third-party | Lender's and owner's title insurance, settlement/escrow fee, inspection, survey, attorney | Title insurance often 0.5%–1% of the price |
| Government | Recording fees, transfer or stamp taxes | From under $100 to over 1% of the price, by state |
| Prepaids & escrow | Prepaid interest, first-year insurance, initial escrow deposit for tax and insurance | Depends on your tax bill, premium and closing date |
How cash to close is calculated
Cash to close = Down payment + Closing costs + Prepaids − Earnest money − Credits
Prepaid interest covers the days from closing to the end of the month: loan × rate ÷ 365 × days. On a $320,000 loan at 6.5%, one day of interest is about $56.99, so closing on the 16th of a 30-day month (15 days) adds about $854.79.
The escrow reserve is a cushion the lender holds for future tax and insurance bills, usually 2 to 3 months of each. With the default numbers above ($400,000 home, 20% down), the estimate comes to about 3% of the price in closing costs plus prepaids.
These are estimates. Your lender must give you an official Loan Estimate within three business days of your application and a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing; use those to fill in exact figures.
Frequently asked questions
How much are closing costs for a buyer?
Buyers usually pay about 2% to 5% of the loan amount in closing costs, not counting the down payment. On a $320,000 loan that is roughly $6,400 to $16,000. The amount depends on the lender's fees, title insurance rates and state or local taxes.
What is the difference between closing costs and cash to close?
Closing costs are the fees for the loan and the transfer. Cash to close is the total you bring to closing: down payment plus closing costs plus prepaids and escrow deposits, minus the earnest money you already paid and any seller or lender credits.
What are prepaids?
Prepaids are costs paid in advance at closing: interest from the closing date to the end of the month, the first year of homeowners insurance, and an initial deposit into the escrow account for future tax and insurance bills. They are not lender fees, but you still need the cash.
Can the seller pay my closing costs?
Yes, through seller concessions or credits negotiated in the purchase contract. Loan programs cap them, for example often 3% to 9% of the price on conventional loans depending on the down payment, and 6% on FHA loans. Enter any credit in the Seller / lender credits field.
How can I lower my closing costs?
Compare Loan Estimates from several lenders, ask about lender credits in exchange for a slightly higher rate, shop for title and settlement services where allowed, close near the end of the month to reduce prepaid interest, and negotiate seller concessions.
Are closing costs included in the loan?
On a purchase they are usually paid in cash, though lender credits or seller concessions can cover some. On a refinance they can often be rolled into the new loan balance.
Are my numbers private?
Yes. All calculations run in your browser and nothing is uploaded.