Estimate your mortgage closing costs for any state. Enter your purchase price and down payment — we apply state-specific averages from LodeStar 2026 to estimate total closing costs including transfer tax and recording fees.
Closing costs typically range from 0.5% to 5% of the loan amount depending on the state, lender, and transaction type. Per LodeStar 2026, the national average refinance closing cost is $2,207 (0.67% of the average loan). Purchase transactions generally cost more than refinances due to the addition of title insurance, transfer taxes, and additional third-party fees. Enter your purchase price and state above to see the estimate for your specific transaction.
Closing costs fall into three main categories: (1) Lender fees — origination fee, underwriting fee, points, and processing charges, typically 40% of total costs; (2) Government fees — recording fees, transfer taxes, and mortgage registration taxes, typically 30% of total costs; (3) Third-party fees — title search, title insurance, appraisal, home inspection, attorney fees (in required states), and settlement services, typically 30% of total costs. The exact breakdown depends on your lender, state, and transaction.
Yes — refinance closing costs are typically lower than purchase closing costs. Refinances do not involve real estate transfer taxes (which apply only when ownership changes hands), and title insurance costs are usually lower. Many lenders also offer no-closing-cost refinance options where costs are rolled into the loan balance or offset by a higher interest rate. This calculator estimates refinance costs at the state-specific LodeStar average and excludes transfer tax for refinance transactions.
Several closing cost components are negotiable or avoidable. Lender fees (origination, underwriting, processing) vary significantly between lenders — shopping multiple lenders is the single most effective way to reduce costs. Title insurance premiums are set by state law in some states and negotiable in others. Government fees and transfer taxes are fixed by law and not negotiable. Some lenders offer lender credits to cover closing costs in exchange for a slightly higher interest rate, which can be a favorable trade-off if you plan to sell or refinance again within a few years.
Under RESPA (12 C.F.R. § 1026.37), your lender must provide a Loan Estimate within 3 business days of receiving your application. The Loan Estimate itemizes all expected closing costs and is the most reliable source of cost information for your specific transaction. Three business days before closing, you receive the Closing Disclosure, which shows final costs — these must match the Loan Estimate within regulated tolerances. Use this calculator as an early planning estimate; rely on your Loan Estimate for transaction-specific accuracy.
This calculator provides estimates based on LodeStar 2026 statewide average closing cost data and is intended for planning purposes only. Actual closing costs vary by lender, transaction type, loan amount, property location, and current market conditions. Your lender is required to provide an itemized Loan Estimate within 3 business days of application under RESPA. This tool is not a substitute for a formal Loan Estimate or legal advice.