What Are Closing Costs?

There may be closing costs customary or unique to a certain locality, but closing costs are usually made up of the following:

- Attorney's or escrow fees (yours and your lender's if applicable)
- Property taxes (to cover tax period to date)
- Interest (paid from date of closing to 30 days before first monthly payment)
- Loan origination fee (covers lender's administrative costs)
- Recording fees
- Survey fee
- First premium of mortgage insurance (if applicable)
- Title insurance (yours and your lender's)
- Loan discount points
- First payment to escrow account for future real estate taxes and insurance
- Paid receipt for homeowner's insurance policy (and fire and flood insurance if applicable)
- Any documentation preparation fees