06/18/2026
If you have ever heard the term closing costs and immediately felt confused, you are not alone.
Closing costs are the one time expenses you pay to complete the purchase of a home and officially transfer ownership into your name. Think of them as all the behind the scenes services that make the transaction legally complete and protect everyone involved.
They are made up of several different pieces. This can include lender related fees for processing and underwriting your loan, the appraisal that confirms the home is worth what you are paying, title work to ensure the property has a clear history and can legally be transferred, title insurance that protects you from future ownership issues, county recording fees, and prepaid items like homeowners insurance and property taxes that are collected upfront at closing.
A simple way to think about it is this. Your down payment goes toward the price of the home. Closing costs go toward everything it takes to actually process, verify, and secure the purchase.
Most buyers will see closing costs land somewhere around two to five percent of the purchase price, but that number can vary based on your loan type, your lender, the property, and how your contract is structured. Sometimes sellers may even contribute toward these costs depending on negotiations.
The most important thing to know is you will not be left guessing. Your lender will provide a detailed breakdown early in the process, and I will help you walk through it line by line so you understand exactly what you are paying for and why.
My goal is always to make sure you know your numbers early so there are no surprises at the finish line.
Becca Godissart
Realtor | ABR | SRES
Century 21 Champion
814.762.6830