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Closing Cost Allocation Calculator

Who pays what at closing is largely set by local custom, modified by seller concessions. This calculator splits the typical line items — commission, title, escrow, transfer tax, recording — between buyer and seller and handles common overrides.

$
$

negotiated concession

Buyer pays

$7,013

Seller pays

$23,983

Total closing costs

$30,995

Buyer % of sale price

1.65%

How the math works

Local custom drives closing cost allocation more than anything else. In most US markets, the buyer pays appraisal, origination, and owner's title; the seller pays commission, transfer tax, and owner's title (in some states). California and certain metros push more onto the seller.

Everything is negotiable. Seller credits effectively shift closing costs to the seller while keeping the sale price (and loan amount) constant. Cap concessions at the lender's maximum (typically 3%–6% depending on loan type and LTV).

How to Use

  1. Enter the sale price.
  2. Pick the local custom: buyer-pays-most, seller-pays-most, or split.
  3. Enter any seller concession the buyer negotiated. This shifts buyer cost onto the seller.
  4. Choose who pays the owner's title policy — this varies by state and sometimes by county.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the national default for closing cost split?

In most US markets, buyers pay 2–4% of sale price and sellers pay 6–8% (mostly commission). California and some Northeast metros push owner's title and other items onto the seller.

Should I negotiate seller credits or a price reduction?

Seller credits preserve the sale price (and loan amount) while shifting costs. Price reductions lower the loan amount. Cash-constrained buyers usually prefer credits. Run our Seller Credit vs Price Reduction calculator.

What's the maximum seller concession?

Conventional loans: 3% at 90%+ LTV, 6% at 75–89% LTV, 9% at under 75% LTV. FHA: 6% flat. VA: 4% non-recurring. USDA: 6%. Confirm with lender before negotiating.

What about prepaids?

Prepaids (escrow funding, per-diem interest) are traditionally buyer-paid. A seller concession can cover them up to the maximum. They're not 'true' closing costs — they fund future obligations, not past ones.

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