✓ Have all agreed-upon repairs been completed to your satisfaction?
✓ Is anything missing that should have remained with the home, such as appliances, window treatments, or built-ins?
✓ Did the seller leave behind anything they shouldn’t have—like garbage, old paint, or personal items?
✓ Do the gutters and roof appear intact and in good condition from ground level?
✓ Has the seller removed all exterior items, including trash, chemicals, old paint, or building materials?
✓ Are there any visible signs of pests, such as wood damage or droppings?
✓ Do the garage doors operate properly? (You may receive remotes at closing, so it’s normal if they aren’t on-site.)
✓ Does the doorbell function, and is the mailbox in good shape?
✓ Confirm that water, electricity, and gas are on. Test major appliances: washer, dryer, dishwasher, stove, oven, refrigerator, and freezer.
✓ Run the heating and cooling systems (HVAC), regardless of outside temperature.
✓ Test the garbage disposal.
✓ Turn on all exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms.
✓ Run every faucet with hot and cold water. Check for proper drainage and any leaks under sinks.
✓ Flush every toilet and ensure they operate and refill correctly without leaking.
✓ Run all showers and bathtubs.
✓ Test all ceiling fans and light switches throughout the home.
✓ Verify that any repaired outlets are working.
✓ Check for signs of new mold, especially in corners or areas previously hidden by furniture.
✓ Open and close all doors and windows, ensuring they latch and lock. Note any sticky doors or missing screens.
✓ Inspect ceilings, walls, trim, floors, and baseboards. Confirm agreed-upon paint or caulking work is complete and look for any damage that may have occurred during move-out.
✓ Ensure all fixtures—such as lighting, ceiling fans, blinds, and built-ins—are still in place. These should remain unless your contract states otherwise. (This does not include personal items like portable lamps.)
✓ Have all agreed-upon repairs been completed to your satisfaction?
✓ Is anything missing that should have remained with the home, such as appliances, window treatments, or built-ins?
✓ Did the seller leave behind anything they shouldn’t have—like garbage, old paint, or personal items?
✓ Do the gutters and roof appear intact and in good condition from ground level?
✓ Has the seller removed all exterior items, including trash, chemicals, old paint, or building materials?
✓ Are there any visible signs of pests, such as wood damage or droppings?
✓ Do the garage doors operate properly? (You may receive remotes at closing, so it’s normal if they aren’t on-site.)
✓ Does the doorbell function, and is the mailbox in good shape?
✓ Confirm that water, electricity, and gas are on. Test major appliances: washer, dryer, dishwasher, stove, oven, refrigerator, and freezer.
✓ Run the heating and cooling systems (HVAC), regardless of outside temperature.
✓ Test the garbage disposal.
✓ Turn on all exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms.
✓ Run every faucet with hot and cold water. Check for proper drainage and any leaks under sinks.
✓ Flush every toilet and ensure they operate and refill correctly without leaking.
✓ Run all showers and bathtubs.
✓ Test all ceiling fans and light switches throughout the home.
✓ Verify that any repaired outlets are working.
✓ Check for signs of new mold, especially in corners or areas previously hidden by furniture.
✓ Open and close all doors and windows, ensuring they latch and lock. Note any sticky doors or missing screens.
✓ Inspect ceilings, walls, trim, floors, and baseboards. Confirm agreed-upon paint or caulking work is complete and look for any damage that may have occurred during move-out.
✓ Ensure all fixtures—such as lighting, ceiling fans, blinds, and built-ins—are still in place. These should remain unless your contract states otherwise. (This does not include personal items like portable lamps.)
The final step in a real estate transaction where all documents are signed, funds are transferred, and ownership of the property officially changes hands.
A detailed, federally required document outlining your loan terms, interest rate, monthly payments, and all closing costs. Buyers receive this at least three days before closing.
A document from your lender outlining estimated loan terms and closing costs. This is provided shortly after applying for a mortgage.
A neutral third party that holds funds and documents until all conditions of the sale are met.
A neutral professional who manages the closing process, ensures documents are completed correctly, and handles the transfer of funds and ownership.
The company that researches the ownership history of the property, issues title insurance, and often facilitates the closing.
Protection against future claims, errors, or disputes over the property’s ownership history. Lenders require it; buyers can opt into owner’s title insurance for added protection.
The legal document that transfers ownership from seller to buyer.
A written promise to repay your mortgage loan under specific terms.
The document that secures the loan with the property as collateral.
The portion of the purchase price the buyer pays out of pocket at closing, separate from the loan amount.
Fees paid at closing for services such as appraisal, title search, lender fees, taxes, and insurance.
Adjustments for property taxes, HOA dues, or utilities based on how much of the billing period each party owns the property.
The deposit the buyer provides when making an offer, applied toward closing costs or the down payment.
The buyer’s last visit to the property before closing to confirm its condition and verify repairs are complete.
Fees the county charges to officially record the deed and mortgage documents.
Funds temporarily held after closing to ensure completion of outstanding repairs or items agreed upon by buyer and seller.
A document showing the exact amount needed to pay off the seller’s existing mortgage at closing.
Costs paid in advance at closing, such as homeowner’s insurance or property taxes.
A secure method of sending funds needed for closing. Buyers are often required to wire their final closing amount.
A detailed breakdown of all fees and credits for both buyer and seller, often used alongside the Closing Disclosure.
This provides the typical average amounts for common home-purchase fees paid outside of closing (POC). Values represent widely used market averages and may vary by lender, region, and property type.
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
With purchase contract | 1–10% of price (flat amounts common on lower-priced properties) | Same, often negotiated higher (5–10%) to strengthen offer | Held in escrow, credited at closing toward down payment. |
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Before closing | $400 – $700+ | Optional | Required by lenders regardless of home age. |
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Before closing | $100 – $500+ | Same | Mandatory for condos, senior and country-club communities, and many HOAs. |
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Before closing | $250 standard / ~$400 expedited (FL Stat. cap) | Same — applies regardless of financing | Statutorily capped in FL. N/A for non-HOA communities. |
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Inspection period | $600 – $1,200+ | Optional | Broad-based and detailed. Recommended regardless of age — new construction can have installation/functional defects or code issues; older homes have wear-related concerns. |
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Inspection period | $150 – $400 | Optional | Insurers require on older homes; typically waived for properties under ~15 years old. |
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Inspection period | $150 – $300 | Optional | Homes built to current FL Building Code often get automatic insurance discounts, reducing the value of ordering this separately. |
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Inspection period | $150 – $400 | Optional | Termite risk isn't tied to home age; lenders less likely to hard-require it on new construction. |
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Inspection period | $600 – $1,000+ | Optional | Typically ordered only if the general inspection flags a specific concern (settling, roof sag, etc.). |
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Before closing | $500 – $800+ | Optional but recommended | Boundary/easement issues aren't correlated with home age. |
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
At closing | 3% – 20% of price, depending on loan type & contract | 100% of price | Conventional loans typically 5–20%; FHA as low as 3.5%. |
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
With purchase contract | 1–10% of price (varies; flat amounts common on lower-priced properties | Same, often negotiated higher (5–10%) to strengthen offer | Held in escrow, credited at closing towards downpayment. |
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Before closing | $400 - $700+ | Optional | Required by lenders regardless of age. |
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Before closing | $100 - $500+ | same | Mandatory for condos, senior, country club communities and many HOA's. |
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Before closing | $250 standard / ~$400 expedited (Fla. Stat. cap) | Same — applies regardless of financing | Statutorily capped in FL. N/A for non-HOA communities. |
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Inspection period | $600–$1,200+ | Optional | Broadbased and detailed. Recommended regardless of age. New constr could have installation, functional defects, code issues, etc; older homes have wear-related concerns. |
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Inspection period | $150–$400 | Optional | Insurers require on older homes; Typically waived for properties under ~15 years old. |
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Inspection period | $150–$300 | Optional | Homes built to current FL Building Code often get automatic discounts, which can reduce the value of ordering this separately. |
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Inspection period | $150–$400 | Optional | Termite risk isn't tied to home age; lenders less likely to hard-require it on new construction. |
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Inspection period | $600–$1,000+ | Optional | Typically ordered if general inspection flags a specific concern; settling, roof sag |
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Before closing | $500 – $800+ | Optional but recommended | Boundary/easement issues aren't correlated with home age. |
Payment Timing | Financed Purchase | Cash Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Paid At closing | 3%–20% of price, depending on loan type & purchase contract | 100% of price | Conventional loans typically 5–20%; FHA as low as 3.5%. |