What are closing costs?
Closing costs refer to the fees and expenses that are incurred during the final stages of the home buying process. These costs can add up quickly and can be quite substantial. However, there are several ways you can achieve lowering your closing costs and save money when buying a home.
1. Shop Around for Lenders and Settlement Services
One of the most effective ways to reduce your closing costs is by shopping around for lenders and settlement services. Different lenders and settlement service providers have different fees, rates, and charges. By comparing rates and fees from multiple lenders, you can find the best deal that suits your needs.
When shopping for lenders, make sure you get quotes from at least three different lenders. You should also compare the loan terms, interest rates, and closing costs associated with each lender. Additionally, you can negotiate with your lender to waive some of the fees or reduce the interest rate.
Similarly, when shopping for settlement services, such as title insurance or appraisal services, make sure you get quotes from at least three different providers. You can also negotiate with these providers to lower their fees.
2. Review Your Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure
Before closing on your home purchase, you will receive a loan estimate and a closing disclosure from your lender. The loan estimate outlines the estimated costs associated with your loan, while the closing disclosure provides a detailed breakdown of all the actual costs you will pay at closing.
Make sure you review these documents carefully and compare them to each other to ensure there are no surprises on closing day. If you notice any discrepancies or errors in these documents, contact your lender immediately to resolve them.
3. Consider Seller Contributions
Another way to lower your closing costs is by negotiating with the seller to contribute towards some of the closing costs. This is known as a seller concession or contribution.
A seller concession is a percentage of the sales price that the seller agrees to pay towards the buyer’s closing costs. The maximum amount of seller contributions varies depending on the type of loan and the down payment amount. However, seller contributions can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs at closing.
In conclusion, lowering your closing costs when purchasing a home requires some effort and research. By shopping around for lenders and settlement services, reviewing your loan estimate and closing disclosure, and considering seller contributions, you can significantly reduce your closing costs and save money.
Top 2 Authoritative Reference Publications or URLs:
1. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
2. Los Angeles Homes for Sale
