San Francisco Real Estate Closing Costs: Who Pays What?

Here's a guide to closing costs. In other words, who pays what? This list is a general guideline of charges and may not be wholly inclusive for your transaction.

The Seller customarily pays:

• Real Estate Commissions
• Document Preparation for Deed
• Documentary Transfer Tax (amount is dependent upon sales price)
• Payoff of all Loans against the Property
• Interest Accrued on Loans Being Paid Off, Reconveyance Fees and Pre-Payment Penalties
• Home Warranty (if specified in contract)
• Any Judgment or Tax Liens Against the Seller
• Property Tax Proration
• Unpaid Homeowners’s Dues (for condominiums)
• Bonds or Assessments
• Delinquent Taxes
• Move-out Fees (for Condominiums)
• Notary Fees and Recordation Fees
• Third party Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement and California Tax Disclosure Report
• Pre-sale Pest Inspection Fee
• Underground Storage Tank Report
• Miscellaneous Changes

The Buyer customarily pays:

• Title Insurance Premium for Lender and Buyer
• Escrow Fee
• Notary Fees
• Contractor’s and Pest Inspection Fees
• All new Loan Changes (points, appraisal, document processing fees, etc.)
• Interest on New Loan From Date of Funding to 30 Days Prior to the 1st Payment Date
• Beneficiary Fee from Assumptions of Existing Loan
• Home Warranty (if specified in contract)
• Homeowner’s Insurance for 1st Year
• Earthquake Insurance (optional)
• Private Mortgage Insurance (typically 2 months) if Required by Lender
• Private Mortgage Insurance Impound Account (1 year) if Required by Lender
• Property Tax Impound Account if Required by Lender
• Move-in Fee (for condominiums)
• HOA Account Transfer Fee
• Miscellaneous Changes

Those are the basics. Learn more about Real Estate Closing Costs in San Francisco.

More to Explore: San Francisco Neighborhoods

Want to learn more about neighborhoods around SF? Here are a few we think you’ll love.

• Noe Valley - Sunny village with Victorian charm and a relaxed small-town feel
• Bernal Heights - Bohemian hilltop community with panoramic views and a tight-knit vibe
• Mission Dolores - Culturally rich urban hub blending Latin American heritage with art and nightlife
• SoMa - Revitalized industrial district with historic warehouses, tech innovation, museums, and urban energy
• More San Francisco neighborhoods

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Case Studies - San Francisco Real Estate Success Stories

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• View all our SF Real Estate Case Study blogs

Work With the Best SF Realtors

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