What Are Closing Costs?

There may be closing costs customary or unique to a certain locality, but closing costs are usually made up of the following:

• Attorney's or escrow fees (yours and your lender's if applicable)
• Property taxes (to cover tax period to date)
• Interest (paid from date of closing to 30 days before first monthly payment)
• Loan origination fee (covers lender's administrative costs)
• Recording fees
• Survey fee
• First premium of mortgage insurance (if applicable)
• Title insurance (yours and your lender's)
• Loan discount points
• First payment to escrow account for future real estate taxes and insurance
• Paid receipt for homeowner's insurance policy (and fire and flood insurance if applicable)
• Any documentation preparation fees