If you’re buying or selling a home, one of the first surprises people run into is closing costs.

Closing costs are simply the fees and expenses that come with finalizing a real estate transaction. These costs can include lender fees, escrow and title charges, appraisal costs, prepaid taxes and insurance, recording fees, HOA transfer fees, and others, depending on the type of sale.

The total amount will vary based on the property price, the type of loan, and even where in San Diego County the home is located. As a general rule of thumb, buyers can expect roughly 2–3% of the purchase price in closing costs, while sellers usually see 5–8%, which includes agent commissions and transfer taxes.

For example, on a $900,000 home in places like Encinitas, Clairemont, or Chula Vista, a buyer might see around $18,000–$27,000 in total closing costs. The good news is that many of these expenses are itemized and negotiable — and sometimes, we can structure a Buyer’s offer so the Seller helps cover part of the costs.

I’ll help you look at the right resources, so you know what to expect for your specific price range and property type. Some resources to better understand what closing costs will be like for your scenario would a Lender, who can provide a detailed loan estimate based on your scenario, and an Escrow company, who can help you understand the fees that are paid to the escrow holder and title insurance issuer. Another common closing cost is a Home Warranty, which often sellers pay for for a year on behalf of a buyer. As part of my service to my clients, I cover the cost of the first years home warranty, so our buyer’s offer can stand out and be that much more competitive.

If you’re considering a move or just want a quick breakdown of what your closing costs might look like in today’s market, reach out. I’m happy to help get you an estimate net proceed sheet.

When you understand the numbers, you have more power to make informed decisions — and that’s always my goal for clients.

Thanks for reading,

Andrew Householder Temple, REALTOR® | DRE# 02202066 | Coldwell Banker West | (619) 452-6193 | HouseholderRE@gmail.com