California Closing Cost Calculator (Buyer)

On top of your down payment, plan for closing costs of roughly 1.5%–2.5% of the purchase price for a financed East Bay purchase. This estimator itemizes the big categories — escrow, title insurance, lender fees, and prepaid taxes/insurance — using typical Northern California figures.

Good news for buyers: in Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Joaquin counties, the county transfer tax ($1.10 per $1,000) is customarily paid by the seller. City transfer taxes are rare in the cities I serve.

Purchase Price

Down Payment (%)

Financing

Escrow & settlement fees—

Title insurance (owner's + lender's)—

Lender fees, appraisal & credit—

Prepaids (taxes, insurance, interest)—

Recording & misc—

Estimated total closing costs—

Estimates only — not financial, tax, or lending advice. See methodology below.

HOW IT WORKS

Methodology & Assumptions

Estimates use typical Northern California pricing: escrow ≈ $1,500 base + $1/1,000; combined owner's + lender's title ≈ 0.28% of price; lender/appraisal/credit ≈ $2,950 on financed deals; prepaids assume ~6 months of property tax impounds, first-year insurance, and 15 days of interest. Actual fees vary by escrow/title company, lender, and closing date — your Loan Estimate and estimated settlement statement are the authoritative numbers.

More tools: How much house can I afford? · Should I buy or keep renting? · What will my property taxes be? · How long until I can buy?

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Common Questions

Who pays transfer tax in Alameda and Contra Costa counties?+

By local custom the seller pays the $1.10/$1,000 county documentary transfer tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Joaquin counties. It's negotiable in the contract, but seller-paid is the default expectation.

Can closing costs be rolled into my loan?+

On a purchase, generally no — but seller credits negotiated in the offer can cover some or all closing costs, and lender credits can trade a slightly higher rate for lower cash-to-close. Both are strategies I use regularly.

Why are prepaids so large?+

California semiannual property taxes plus a year of insurance get collected up front (especially with an impound account). It's not a fee — it's your own future expenses funded at closing.

Let's Talk Strategy

Free consultation, zero pressure — market analysis, financing guidance, and a plan built around your goals.

Get Your Free Consultation