To protect the buyer and the lender, a title search is conducted to ensure the seller legally owns the property and there are no outstanding liens. Buyers must pay for title insurance , which protects against future ownership disputes. Additionally, government recording fees are charged by local municipalities to legally register the change of ownership.

Lenders often require buyers to pay certain costs in advance. This includes several months of property taxes and the first year of homeowners insurance . These funds are held in an escrow account to ensure the bills are paid on time throughout the year. Who Pays What?

While buyers shoulder the majority of these costs, "seller concessions" can sometimes be negotiated. In a buyer's market, a seller might agree to pay a portion of the closing costs to incentivize the sale. However, in most cases, the buyer should be prepared to cover these expenses out of pocket. Preparation is Key