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Closing Costs Calculator

Estimate buyer and seller closing costs on a home purchase, itemized and adjusted for your state.

Updated June 2026 · Editorial standards

Your details

$
$
Total buyer costs
$6,900
Buyer % of price
1.7% of price
Total seller costs
$24,200
All costs combined
$31,100

In California, total closing costs on a $400,000 home are about $6,900 for the buyer (1.7% of price) and $24,200 for the seller (6.1%). Agent commission is the largest seller cost; loan origination and title fees dominate buyer costs.

Buyer closing costs

Loan origination fee (1%)$3,200
Appraisal fee$550
Title insurance (buyer)$2,000
Title search$300
Recording fees$250
Escrow / prepaid setup$600
Transfer tax (buyer share)$0
Total buyer costs$6,900
By the KalkWise Editorial Team Reviewed for accuracy Updated June 2026

What is the closing costs calculator?

In short

Closing costs for homebuyers typically run 2–5% of the purchase price — about $8,000–$20,000 on a $400,000 home. Sellers typically pay 6–10% including agent commissions.

This closing costs calculator estimates the buyer-side and seller-side costs of a home sale, itemized and adjusted for your state's transfer tax. It covers origination, appraisal, title insurance, escrow, recording fees, agent commission, and settlement fees.

How to use this calculator

  1. 1Enter the home price and your down payment (this sets the loan amount).
  2. 2Select your state — transfer taxes vary widely.
  3. 3Choose whether you're the buyer, seller, or want to see both.
  4. 4Review the itemized breakdown and totals.
  5. 5Use the percentages to compare against the typical 2–5% buyer / 6–10% seller ranges.

The formula

buyer costs=origination+title+escrow+transfer tax
seller costs=commission+transfer tax+title+settlement
transfer tax=rate (¢/$100)100×price
Buyer costs = origination (≈1% of loan) + appraisal + title insurance + escrow + transfer tax share. Seller costs = agent commission (≈5.5%) + transfer tax + title + settlement. Transfer tax = (rate in ¢ per $100 ÷ 100) × price.
loan
— Purchase price minus down payment
price
— Home purchase price
rate
— State transfer-tax rate (cents per $100)
commission
— Real-estate agent commission (≈5.5%)

In a few states (MD, DC, NJ, PA, NY) the buyer pays half the transfer tax; elsewhere the seller pays it.

Worked example

The scenario

$400,000 home, $80,000 down ($320,000 loan), in California.

gives

The result

Buyer closing costs ≈ $5,900 (~1.5% of price); seller costs ≈ $24,400 (~6.1%) driven mostly by the ~$22,000 agent commission.

Common use cases

  • Budgeting cash-to-close beyond the down payment
  • Comparing closing costs across states before relocating
  • Estimating net proceeds as a seller after commission and taxes
  • Negotiating who pays which closing costs in an offer

Limitations & assumptions

  • Estimates use typical national averages and a simplified state transfer-tax table — actual fees vary by lender, title company, and county.
  • Does not include prepaid items like property tax escrow beyond a flat setup, HOA transfer fees, or discount points.
  • Agent commission is assumed at 5.5% but is negotiable and changing across the industry.

Frequently asked questions

Buyers typically pay 2–5% — roughly $8,000–$20,000 — covering origination (~$3,200), appraisal (~$550), title insurance (~$2,000), escrow, and recording fees. Sellers pay 6–10%, mostly the ~$22,000 agent commission.

Disclaimer: KalkWise calculators are provided for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the figures you enter and the assumptions described above. Actual outcomes will vary. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.