Frequent Closing Costs

Seller Frequent Closing Costs

– Seller’s attorney fees, often in the range of $800-$1500 and included preparing a new deed conveying title to the buyer.

– Massachusetts excise stamps are charged to the seller upon transfer of title, and they are $4.56 per $1,000.00. These are paid at closing by the closing attorney, and funds are taken from the         proceeds of the sale.

– Outstanding mortgages or other liens which are outstanding must be paid off at closing. Often written notice is necessary before lenders will release the payoff figures. The lender’s fee to prepare   the discharge and record same is in the $100.00 range.

– Adjustments to condo fees (condo), final water & sewer bill (if metered separately), and oil readings are made at closing.

– Brokerage fee is due and payable at closing.

– A smoke detector certificate must be issued by the Fire Department. This needs to be coordinated well in advance, as no closing can take place without a recent certificate issued by the Fire     Department. Costs for this certificate are the obligation of the seller (Most cities charge $50 for condos & single-dwelling units, $100 for two unit buildings, $150 for three-six unit buildings).   Your Realtor will arrange the appointment with the fire department. Sometimes detectors replacement and installation costs could be part of the closing costs as well.

– A 6d Certificate (applicable to condominiums only) is required at closing in the form of a notarized statement from the trustees or board of manages of the condominium certifying that all   outstanding condominium fees have been through the end of the month of the closing. Some condo property managers charge a fee to prepare the 6d, and this would be paid by the seller in   advance of closing.

– If the seller has received the tax bill from his city or town, it should be brought to the closing whether paid or unpaid. If the tax bill is paid, bring to the closing a stamped receipt and inform the   conveying attorney prior to the closing that you will be bringing your receipt. This, along with the municipal lien certificate (which will have been ordered by the buyer’s attorney), documents   your lien status.

– If there are to be holdbacks or escrows because of outstanding issues, these issues need to be discussed well before the closing date. Mortgage lenders have become more stringent about     holdback agreements and require that they be approved by the lender prior to closing.

 

Buyer Frequent Closing Costs

– Attorney and title search fees for the bank and the buyer, drawing papers, etc. (usually between $650-$1200).  The attorney’s fee is lower if he/she also represents the lender.  Ask your attorney.

– Recording fees – around $400 ($125 for the deed, $175 for the mortgage, $35 for the declaration of homestead, and $65 for the municipal lien certificate).

– Courier fee – $30-$60.

– Survey and plot plan – $150.

– Municipal lien Certificate –  ranges from $25 to $65 depending on where the property is.

– Bank charge for credit report and flood certification fee – $50-$75.

– Title insurance – usually right around $4.00 per thousand of purchase price.

– Tax escrow amount – often between 2 and 6 months, depending on when in the tax cycle you’re closing. Ask your attorney about this.

– Appraisal fee – ranges – usually $400-$600.

– Hazard Insurance – for single and multi-families – most banks require a one-year, prepaid insurance policy.

– Points, if applicable.