Closing costs are fees and charges for services associated with the administrative, financial, and legal aspects of a real estate transaction that must be paid upon the settlement of a home purchase.
Aside from paying for the home purchase price, Florida home buyers will have to include closing costs in their budget.
On average, buyers closing costs in Florida amount to 3% to 4% of the home loan’s value. The seller usually pays 5% to 10% of the home’s sale price. Below, you’ll see a range of closing costs for both the buyer and the seller based on the home purchase price.
Buyer vs. Seller
Buyer
| Home Purchase Price | Buyer’s Closing Cost (3% to 4%) | Total Upfront Cost (With 20% Down Payment) |
|---|---|---|
| $217,500.00 | $5,111.25 to $7,612.50 | $48,611.25 to $51,112.50 |
| $326,250.00 | $7,666.88 to $11,418.75 | $72,916.88 to $76,668.75 |
| $435,000.00 | $10,222.50 to $15,225.00 | $97,222.50 to $102,225.00 |
| $652,500.00 | $15,333.75 to $22,837.50 | $145,833.75 to $153,337.50 |
| $870,000.00 | $20,445.00 to $30,450.00 | $194,445.00 to $204,450.00 |
Seller
| Home Purchase Price | Seller’s Closing Cost (5% to 10%) |
|---|---|
| $217,500.00 | $13,050.00 to $21,750.00 |
| $326,250.00 | $19,575.00 to $32,625.00 |
| $435,000.00 | $26,100.00 to $43,500.00 |
| $652,500.00 | $39,150.00 to $65,250.00 |
| $870,000.00 | $52,200.00 to $87,000.00 |
How Much Are Closing Costs in Florida?
Closing costs in Florida are paid by both the buyer and the seller, but different parts of the state have unique customs when it comes to who pays for what.
To give you an idea what you will be required to pay for, whether you’re the buyer or the seller, the table below shows a list of typical fees involved in the settlement, who pays closing costs in Florida in general, and the average rate for each.
Average Closing Costs in Florida
| Closing Costs | Who Pays? | Average Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Origination Fee | Buyer | 0.5% to 1.5% of the mortgage value |
| Appraisal Fee | Buyer | Between $325 and $425, varies per the size and the type of property |
| Credit Report Fee | Buyer | $10 to $100 |
| Title Search | Buyer | $60 to $150 |
| Title Insurance | Buyer | $5.75 per thousand for the first $100,000 and $5 per thousand above that |
| Escrow Fees | Seller | $500 to $800 |
| Mortgage Insurance | Buyer | 0.5% to 1% of the loan amount |
| Recording Fees | Buyer / Seller | $120 to $150 |
| Home Inspection Fees | Buyer / Seller | $250 to $500 |
| Realtor Fee | Seller | 5% to 6% of the agreement value |
Lender-Related Costs
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Loan Origination Fee
Loan origination fees cover the cost of processing the buyer’s loan application. They vary depending on the lender you work with.
Appraisal Fee
The cost related to the home appraisal lenders require to verify that the house is worth the price set by the seller.
Credit Report Fee
A credit report service charges this fee to pull credit reports needed for the buyer and the seller.
Title and Escrow Costs
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Title Search and Insurance
Title search fees are associated with the process of verifying that the title of the property is clear and free of any liens or other encumbrances. The cost of title insurance varies depending on the size of the loan.
Escrow Fees
The escrow fee is the remuneration charged by the escrow agent for services like clearing the house for sale and transferring the ownership to the buyer and releasing the respective funds to the seller.
Prepaid Costs
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Property Taxes
In Florida, property taxes are among the closing costs for seller in Florida. The seller is responsible for such taxes up to the time of closing.
Mortgage Insurance
FHA borrowers are typically charged an up-front mortgage insurance premium (MIP) which can amount to as much as 2.25% of the loan amount, and an annual MIP, which ranges from 0.45% to 1.05%, depending on the size of the mortgage and the borrower’s credit score.
Miscellaneous Costs
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Recording Fees
A recording fee is paid to the local city or county to update the ownership records. This fee varies across counties in Florida.
Home Inspection Fees
A home inspection is a visual assessment of a home’s material condition. The prices vary depending on the property’s location, size, and the type of inspection performed.
Conclusion
Whether you’re buying or selling a home in Florida, it is essential that you work with a reliable and experienced real estate agent.
As every deal is unique and the laws can differ from one locale to another, having a realtor who knows the local markets inside-out by your side can help ensure that you get the best deal from your real estate transaction.
I can help you understand your closing costs and get the most from your home sale or purchase. Please contact me at 941-899-5466 or mikenovakrealtor@gmail.com today so we can schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are closing costs negotiable in Florida?
Yes, all closing costs are negotiable, both in terms of the amount and what services each side must pay for.
Are seller-paid closing costs common in Florida?
Yes, sellers pay the majority of closing costs in Florida. They are responsible for covering the real estate commission fees on the deal.
Can I estimate my closing costs in advance?
Yes. If you’re the buyer, the loan estimate you’ll receive within three days of submitting your application for financing will show your closing costs. You can use this to compare costs from different lenders and choose which one gives you the best deal.
If you are the seller, your starting point is your list price. Since you’re responsible for paying the real estate commissions of both your agent and the buyer’s, this traditionally adds up to around 6% of your sales price.
Can I roll my closing costs into my mortgage?
Generally, the answer is yes. However, not all lenders will allow you to roll your closing costs into your mortgage, and the rules can vary depending on the type of mortgage you’re getting. If you choose to roll your closing costs into your mortgage, you’ll have to pay interest on those costs over the life of your loan.
