Ryan Osborne - Realtor

Most buyers budget carefully for their down payment — then get surprised at the closing table.

Closing costs typically run 2–5% of the purchase price. On a $400,000 home, that's $8,000–$20,000 due at closing, on top of your down payment.

Here's what's usually included:

💰 Lender origination fees
💰 Title insurance and settlement fees
💰 Appraisal and inspection costs
💰 Prepaid taxes and homeowners insurance
💰 Attorney fees (where required)

The good news: some of these are negotiable. Sellers can sometimes contribute credits. Lenders can roll certain costs into the rate.

But you have to know to ask.

First-time buyers especially — read your Loan Estimate carefully and ask your agent what's standard in your market before you get to the table.

Knowledge is the only thing that removes surprises from this process.