What are Closing Costs?
All residential real estate sales involve certain fixed costs. Sellers and buyers customarily share these costs, as specified in the sales contract.
Many of the closing costs associated with buying a house are associated with getting a mortgage loan. At Stepping Stone Mortgage, we are highly experienced in mortgage lending, so we can compile a comprehensive report on closing costs related to your mortgage in your "Loan Estimate".
The Loan Estimate (LE)
Buyers will get a "Loan Estimate" of closing costs around the time the loan application is submitted to the lender. The closing costs spelled out in the Loan Estimate are estimated based on our experience with mortgage loans, but costs usually change by small amounts between delivery of the Loan Estimate (LE) and closing. We review Loan Estimates with buyers every day, so we'd be glad to answer your questions about closing costs.
We've provided a general list of closing costs below, but we will give you a specific list of closing costs, with amounts, soon after you complete your loan application. At Stepping Stone Mortgage, we don't believe in surprises, so if your costs change, we will be sure to let you know immediately.
Standard Closing Costs
Loan-Related Costs
- Credit Report
- Interest Payment
- Escrow Fees
- Various Taxes
- Costs related to "originating" your loan
- Points — These are costs you pay up-front to lower your mortgage interest rate (optional)
- Appraisal Fee
Property Taxes
- Recording Fees and Transfer Taxes
- Insurance
Homeowners Insurance
- Flood or Quake Insurance if applicable
- Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
- Title Insurance
Stepping Stone Mortgage can answer questions about these closing costs. Give us a call: (541) 683-3300.