Closing costs in California

In California, closing costs are well above the national average. Expect to cough up between 0.98% and 1.15% of your total home purchase price — though the seller may be willing to sweeten the deal with a concession.

Average closing costs in California

In California, the average home sells for $600,000 to $700,000. If you find a property within that price range, expect to pay between $6,120 and $7,140 — before taxes — in closing costs. These charges cover your inspection, appraisal and origination costs, as well as title insurance and courier fees. Depending on the type of property and how you’re paying for it, you may also need to pony up for mortgage insurance, flood certification, HOA or condo fees. Some of these are negotiable, but the taxes are set in stone. California is subject to property and transfer taxes, though property taxes have been capped at 1% of the purchase price since 1978.
Our averages are based on sample data. Closing costs can vary based on your lender, the size and type of your loan and even your credit score.

Who pays closing costs in California?

Closing costs are split between the buyer and the seller in the Golden State, though the buyer absorbs most of them. Your rates reflect your lender and the market, as well as the type, location and price of the property.

What to know about buying or selling a property in California

The Golden State stands out for its unique settlement process. When you buy or sell a property in California, you’ll need to keep a few rules and guidelines in mind.

California law doesn’t require the buyer and seller to physically meet at the closing table.

You might not ever meet the other party face to face. Buyers and sellers often leave the communication up to their real estate brokers and agents, who ask questions and negotiate on their clients’ behalf. Once the terms of the sale and escrow are finalized, you get the keys to your new home.

Unlike in most states, buyers and sellers can be represented by the same real estate broker.

Your broker can be what’s called a dual agent, or — in the case of two agents working for the same broker — a dual-agency partnership. If you agree, the buyer and seller must consent to the arrangement in writing. You’ll complete a Disclosure Regarding Real Estate Agency Relationships form, which identifies the brokers and agents involved in the real estate transaction.

Depending on where you live, you might need to pay Mello-Roos taxes.

Under the Community Facilities Act, Mello-Roos taxes are used to fund improvements to local infrastructure. They can be used to build or repair streets, sewers and sanitation systems, pay for police protection and cover the maintenance of parks, schools and other facilities. Before buying a home, ask whether the property is located in a Mello-Roos Community Facilities District. If it is, ask about the expected special-tax payment due each year, and factor it into your budget.

Consider earthquake insurance.

California is prone to earthquakes. If you have a mortgage, you must buy homeowners insurance — but your policy won’t cover earthquake damage, except in the case of fire. Those policies are sold separately, and they’re optional.
When you buy homeowners insurance, the company must offer to sell you earthquake insurance. The written offer must lay out the limits, deductible and premiums you’d pay. And you have 30 days to accept the offer.

Bottom line

California’s closing costs are among the highest in the country: Expect to pay 0.98% to 1.15% of the sales price. There’s room to negotiate some fees, while others are fixed.
With closing costs so high, it’s worth it to compare mortgage lenders to find the most affordable for your needs.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a lawyer to purchase a home in California?

No. You don’t need to hire a lawyer to represent your interests at closing in California. But purchasing property can be a complex transaction. Many buyers choose to engage an experienced lawyer to help them through the process.

What is Proposition 13, and how does it affect property taxes?

In 1978, California voters passed Proposition 13. The measure caps property taxes at 1% of a home’s assessed value at the time of purchase. Prior to this, the property tax rate across the state averaged 3% of a home’s market value.

Why do I have to pay for a credit report?

Before you buy a home, your mortgage lender conducts a hard pull of your credit report to review your credit history and ratio. Your report confirms your creditworthiness and your ability to pay your mortgage, potentially landing you lower rates with solid credit.

Do I get my earnest money back at closing?

Typically, your earnest funds are held in an escrow account managed by the buyer’s real estate agent or title company. At closing, the deposit is either returned to you or deducted from your closing costs.

Written by

Katia Iervasi

Writer

Katia Iervasi is a lead writer and spokesperson at NerdWallet and a former editor at Finder, specializing in insurance. Her writing and analysis on life, disability and health insurance has been featured in The Washington Post, Forbes, Yahoo, Entrepreneur, Best Company and FT Advisor. She holds a BA in communication from Australia's Griffith University. See full bio