How much are closing costs in California?

For a buyer, closing costs and prepaids often total about 2% to 3% of the price, depending on the loan, the county and the closing date. Your Loan Estimate lists every line within three business days of applying.

Who pays transfer tax in California?

By custom the seller typically pays the county documentary transfer tax. Some cities charge an additional transfer tax, and in certain areas the cost is split or negotiated. Your purchase contract and escrow officer will spell out who pays what.

Can the seller pay my closing costs?

Yes, through seller credits written into the purchase contract. Each program caps them, commonly 3% to 9% of the price on conventional loans depending on the down payment, and 6% on FHA loans.

All calculators · Buying a home

Closing Costs Calculator

Closing costs are more than fees. Prepaid interest, the first year of insurance and the tax impound account all come due at closing. Adjust each line to see the cash you will need.

Estimated closing costs

$18,999

About 2.2% of the $850,000 price, including prepaids and the opening impound deposit.

Lender fees36%
Title and escrow25%
Prepaid interest10%
Tax impound12%
Insurance prepaid9%
Other8%

Lender fees (1.00% of loan): $6,800
Title and escrow (0.55% of price): $4,675
Prepaid interest (15 days): $1,886
Property tax impound (3 months): $2,338
Homeowners insurance, first year: $1,800
Other costs: $1,500
Total closing costs: $18,999
Down payment: $170,000
Cash needed to close: $188,999

Fees are about $12,975; the other $6,024 is prepaid interest, tax and insurance you would pay anyway. In most California purchases the seller typically pays the county transfer tax, so the buyer usually pays none.

Get exact numbers from our team (949) 774-9599

Estimates for illustration only, not a loan offer or a commitment to lend. Rates, taxes, insurance and program rules vary; our team will confirm exact figures for your situation.

How this calculator works.

Lender fees are estimated as a percentage of the loan and cover origination, underwriting, the appraisal and the credit report. Title insurance and escrow are estimated as a percentage of the price; in California both are often split between buyer and seller by local custom.

Prepaid interest covers the days from your closing date to the end of that month, at the daily interest on your loan. The tax impound starts your escrow account with a few months of property tax, and homeowners insurance is usually paid for the first year up front.

In most California purchases the seller typically pays the county documentary transfer tax, and the buyer usually pays no state transfer tax. Some cities add their own transfer taxes, and who pays them can be negotiated, so confirm with your escrow officer.

Prepaid interest = loan × rate ÷ 365 × days. Tax impound = price × tax rate ÷ 12 × months.