Congratulations! With the help of a Realtor, you have negotiated the purchase price and terms for your future home . . . you are officially under contract!
You may be wondering, “What other costs should I expect to pay when buying a house?” Generally, closing costs can be broken down as follows:
So, what is the bottom line? There are many factors that determine buyers’ total closing costs and other costs paid outside of closing when purchasing your home. The numbers above are estimates based on a sampling of closings in the Triangle area of North Carolina. Your closing costs may vary based on your lender, the size of your loan, and whether or not you’re paying in cash. To get the most accurate estimate, talk to your Real Estate Agent and Mortgage Lender.
Lender Related Costs—Mortgage costs vary from lender to lender and can change frequently. You should contact each lender and obtain a list of fees prior to contracting for a mortgage.
Attorney Fees—Unless you have experience with the process of writing and filing deeds, you will need to hire a lawyer for deed preparation and recording. Choosing the right lawyer to assist in closing can significantly reduce potential problems associated with purchasing a home.
Survey—Before purchasing real estate, it is always a good idea for a buyer to determine whether buildings or other improvements are actually located on the property and verify that a neighbor’s buildings or improvements do not encroach on the property to be purchased.
Title Search—Lenders require a title search to determine if any title defects, liens, mortgages, or easements are involved with the real estate in question.
Title Insurance—Lending institutions require title insurance to cover possible costs related to title defects or even certain unrecorded liens that may be uncovered after closing. Title insurance varies depending on the amount of the loan. Lender title insurance does not insure owners; therefore, an owner may want to buy an additional buyer’s policy.
Recording Fee—This is a fee paid to have the deed recorded at the county courthouse.
Home Inspection—This is an optional inspection (but always strongly recommended) whereby a trained licensed contractor inspects a property before closing. A home inspector typically inspects the foundation, electrical, plumbing, and overall construction. In addition to a home inspection, a buyer may wish to hire specialized inspectors to evaluate the roof, heating system, septic system, and any other systems or structures involved in the real estate transaction. An inspection for wood-destroying insects is generally requested by lending institutions. It is recommended that all buyers have a yearly inspection for wood-destroying insects. If a home has a warranty against wood-destroying insects, we advise the warranty be continued if possible.
Escrow—This is the legal term that acknowledges your lender is “holding” money from you in order to pay another party.
Serving central NC:
Cary, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex, Holly Springs, Wake Forest & surrounding areas.
10030 Green Level Church Rd Suite 802 #189
Cary, NC 27519
Monday – Friday
09:00 am – 06:00 pm EST
All other times by appointment.