Who Pays for What?

Who Pays for What?

The Seller Can Generally Be Expected to Pay For:

• Real Estate Commission

• Document preparation fee for Deed

• Documentary transfer tax ($ 1.10 per $1,000.00 of sales price)

• Any city Transfer/Conveyance Tax (according to contract)

• Any loan fees required by buyer's lender

• Payoff of all loans in seller's name (or existing loan balance if being assumed by buyer)

• Interest accrued to lender being paid

• Statement Fees, Reconveyance Fees and any Prepayment Penalties

• Termite Inspection (according to contract)

• Termite Work (according to contract)

• Home Warranty (according to contract)

• Any judgments, tax liens, etc., against the seller

• Tax proration (for any taxes unpaid at Transfer of Title)

• Any unpaid Homeowner's dues

• Recording charges to clear all record against seller

• Any bonds or assessments (according to contract)

• Any and all delinquent taxes

• Notary Fees

• Escrow Fee

• Title Insurance Premium

The Buyer Can Generally Be Expected to Pay For:

• Title Insurance Premium

• Escrow Fee

• Notary Fees

• Document preparation (if applicable)

• Recording charges for all documents in buyer(s) names (according to contract)

• Homeowner's transfer fee

• All new loan charges (except those required by lender for seller to pay)

• Tax proration (from date of acquisition)

• Interest on new loan from date of funding to 30 days prior the first payment date

• Assumption/Change of Records fees for takeover of existing loan

• Beneficiary Statement Fee for existing loan

• Inspection Fees (roofing, property inspection, geological, etc.)

• Home Warranty (according to contract)

• City Transfer/Conveyance Tax (according to contract)

• Fire Insurance Premium for first year

• CC&r's book (even if the escrow does not close)

Yours or Theirs: The Personal vs. Real Property Dilemma

The distinction between personal property and real property can be the source of difficulties in a real estate transaction. A purchase contract is normally written to include all real property; that is, all aspects of the property that are fastened down or an integral part of the structure. For example, this would include light fixtures, drapery rods, attached mirrors, trees and shrubs in the ground. It would not include potted plants, free-standing refrigerators, washer/dryers, microwaves, bookcases, swag lamps, etc.

If there is any uncertainty whether an item is included in the sale or not, it is best to be sure that the particular item is mentioned in the purchase agreement as being included or excluded.