What the Closing Costs Calculator Shows
The calculator estimates total closing costs based on your purchase price, loan type, state, and lender. It breaks down costs into three categories: lender fees (origination, points, underwriting), third-party fees (appraisal, title, attorney), and prepaid items (insurance, property taxes, interest).
Closing cost categories by type and negotiability
| Cost Category | Typical Range | Negotiable? |
|---|---|---|
| Loan origination fee | 0.5–1.5% of loan | Yes — compare lenders |
| Discount points | 0–3% of loan (optional) | Yes — buy down rate or skip |
| Appraisal | $400–$700 | Rarely |
| Title insurance (lender) | $700–$2,000 | Partially — shop title companies |
| Title insurance (owner) | $700–$2,000 | Partially — shop title companies |
| Property taxes (prepaid) | 2–6 months | No |
| Homeowners insurance (prepaid) | 12–15 months | No — but shop rates |
| Transfer taxes | 0–2.2% of price | No |
The national average closing costs on a $400,000 purchase (excluding prepaid items): $6,800–$9,200, or approximately 1.7–2.3% of purchase price. With prepaid items (taxes, insurance, interest): total cash due at closing typically reaches 2.5–4% of purchase price — $10,000–$16,000 on a $400,000 home.
How to Read Your Loan Estimate
Lenders must provide a Loan Estimate within 3 business days of application. Page 2 shows closing costs in three sections: Section A (origination — negotiable), Section B (services you cannot shop — lender-required), Section C (services you can shop — title, settlement). Section C is where comparison shopping saves the most.
The Cash Needed at Closing Formula
Total cash at closing = Down payment + Closing costs + Prepaid items − Seller concessions − Lender credits. Example: $400,000 home, 10% down ($40,000), $8,000 closing costs, $5,000 prepaids, $4,000 seller credit: total cash needed = $40,000 + $8,000 + $5,000 − $4,000 = $49,000.
Calculate Your Complete Closing Cost Estimate
Enter your purchase price and state — see every fee before you’re at the table.