What will closing actually cost you?
Estimate buyer closing costs for a Southern California purchase — lender fees, escrow and title, prepaid taxes and insurance, and the other line items that stack on top of your down payment — so your total cash-to-close doesn't surprise you at the finish line. Free bilingual tool.
Common questions
How much are closing costs for a buyer in California?
Typically about 2% to 3% of the purchase price, on top of the down payment. The biggest pieces are lender fees, escrow and title charges, and prepaid items like property taxes and the first year of homeowners insurance. The calculator itemizes them for your price so you see where each dollar goes.
Can the seller pay my closing costs?
Often, yes — seller credits of 1% to 3% are commonly negotiated, and loan programs cap how much is allowed (FHA up to 6%, conventional typically 3% to 9% depending on your down payment). A credit reduces your cash-to-close without changing the loan itself.
Are closing costs part of the loan or paid in cash?
Usually paid in cash at closing, on top of your down payment. Some programs allow rolling certain fees into the loan or covering them with a slightly higher rate (a lender credit). Each path trades upfront cash against monthly cost — worth comparing with real numbers before you choose.