I get this question a lot, so I decided to share a list of fees that are customary to split between the seller and the buyer. I hope this helps explain what you can typically expect to be responsible for when selling or buying a home. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at (949) 444-9175.
The Seller Can Generally* Be Expected to Pay for:
• Real Estate Commission
• Owner’s title insurance policy
• One-half of the sub-escrow fee
• Seller’s escrow fee and processing fee
• Homeowner’s transfer fee (according to contract)
• Documentary transfer tax
• City transfer or conveyance tax
• Loan fees required by the buyer’s lender
• (FHA/VHA only)
• Document preparation fee for deed
• Payoff all loans in the seller’s name
• Interest accrued to lender being paid off, statement
fees, reconveyance fees, and prepayment penalties
• Termite inspection (according to contract)
• Termite work (according to contract)
• Home warranty (according to contract)
• Any judgements, tax liens, etc., against the seller
• Tax proration (for any taxes unpaid at the closing)
• Any unpaid homeowner’s dues
• Recording charges to clear all documents of
record against seller
• Any bonds or assessments (according to contract)
• Any and all delinquent taxes
• Notary fees
• Natural Hazard Report
• Messenger fees
• Owner’s title insurance policy
• One-half of the sub-escrow fee
• Seller’s escrow fee and processing fee
• Homeowner’s transfer fee (according to contract)
• Documentary transfer tax
• City transfer or conveyance tax
• Loan fees required by the buyer’s lender
• (FHA/VHA only)
• Document preparation fee for deed
• Payoff all loans in the seller’s name
• Interest accrued to lender being paid off, statement
fees, reconveyance fees, and prepayment penalties
• Termite inspection (according to contract)
• Termite work (according to contract)
• Home warranty (according to contract)
• Any judgements, tax liens, etc., against the seller
• Tax proration (for any taxes unpaid at the closing)
• Any unpaid homeowner’s dues
• Recording charges to clear all documents of
record against seller
• Any bonds or assessments (according to contract)
• Any and all delinquent taxes
• Notary fees
• Natural Hazard Report
• Messenger fees
The Buyer Can Generally* Be Expected to Pay for:
• Lender’s title insurance policy
• One-half of the sub-escrow fee
• Buyer’s escrow fee and processing
• Document preparation (if applicable)
• Email Loan Document fee
• Notary fees (as applicable)
• Recording charges for all documents in the buyer’s name
• Tax proration (for any taxes unpaid at the closing)
• Homeowner’s transfer fee (according to contract)
• All new loan charges
• Interest on the new loan
• Inspection fees (roofing, property, geological, etc.)
• Home warranty (according to contract)
• City transfer tax (according to contract)
• Fire insurance premium for the first year
• Next month's HOA dues
• Messenger fees
• One-half of the sub-escrow fee
• Buyer’s escrow fee and processing
• Document preparation (if applicable)
• Email Loan Document fee
• Notary fees (as applicable)
• Recording charges for all documents in the buyer’s name
• Tax proration (for any taxes unpaid at the closing)
• Homeowner’s transfer fee (according to contract)
• All new loan charges
• Interest on the new loan
• Inspection fees (roofing, property, geological, etc.)
• Home warranty (according to contract)
• City transfer tax (according to contract)
• Fire insurance premium for the first year
• Next month's HOA dues
• Messenger fees
