How Much are Closing Costs? (And What's Actually Included)

In real estate, the most expensive mistakes come from what you didn’t ask. Let’s talk closing costs—because this one trips people up.

What Are Closing Costs—And How Much Should You Budget?

Whether you're buying or selling a home in Pembroke Pines, closing costs can add up fast.

And in 2024, with new rules around commissions, it’s more important than ever to know what’s actually included—and what’s not.

Buyers:

You’ll typically pay 3% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs.
On a $500,000 home, that’s about $15,000 to $25,000.

But here’s what most people miss:
⚠️ These numbers do not include your buyer agent’s commission or any attorney fees.

Thanks to recent industry changes, buyers may now be responsible for paying their agent directly, unless otherwise negotiated.

Common buyer closing costs include:

  • Loan origination fees

  • Appraisal & inspection fees

  • Title insurance & title search

  • Recording & transfer fees

  • Prepaid property taxes & insurance

  • Escrow & settlement charges

After you apply for a loan, your lender will provide a Loan Estimate within 3 business days showing a full breakdown.

Sellers:

Sellers usually pay 1.5% to 4% of the home’s sale price.
On a $500,000 sale, that’s roughly $7,500 to $20,000 in closing costs.

⚠️ This does not include your listing agent’s commission or any legal fees—those are separate and negotiated individually.

Typical seller closing costs include:

  • Title & transfer taxes

  • Escrow and filing fees

  • Municipal lien searches

  • HOA estoppel & payoff fees (if applicable)

  • Doc stamps or local recording fees

Why It Matters

Closing costs are more than a line item—they’re a strategy.

Knowing what’s included (and what isn’t) lets you negotiate smarter.

If you're thinking about buying or selling, I’ll walk you through exactly what to expect based on your price point.

💡 Pro Tip

Don’t wait until the final week to get a number. Ask your agent or title company for a closing cost estimate early on—whether you’re buying or selling.

Let’s Make Sense of Your Options

Whether you’re comparing loan offers or just trying to understand what the numbers actually mean, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Book a quick call and I’ll walk you through it—no pressure, just clarity.

Let’s schedule a Strategy Session.