Buying or selling in Peters Township and wondering what closing will really cost you? You are not alone. Many buyers and sellers focus on price and forget about the fees and taxes that show up at the end. This guide breaks down typical closing costs in Washington County, how local items like transfer tax and recording fees work, and what you can do now to budget with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What closing costs include
Closing costs are the fees, taxes, and adjustments you pay to complete the sale. They are separate from the price of the home and from your monthly mortgage.
- Buyers typically budget about 2% to 5% of the purchase price.
- Sellers often see 6% to 10% of the sale price when agent commissions are included.
- Actual amounts depend on your loan, local taxes, and who pays certain line items per your contract.
In Pennsylvania, closings are often handled by a title or settlement company or by an attorney. Buyers should review the Loan Estimate after applying for a mortgage and the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. Sellers should request a seller net sheet early to estimate proceeds.
Buyer closing costs in Peters Township
Here are the most common buyer costs and typical ranges for our area. Your numbers will vary based on price and loan terms.
- Loan origination and points: often 0.5% to 1.5% of the loan amount.
- Appraisal: commonly $300 to $700 for a single-family home.
- Credit report: about $25 to $50.
- Underwriting or processing fees: varies by lender.
- Title search and lender’s title insurance: often $300 to $1,500+ depending on price and insurer rates. A lender’s policy is required if you finance.
- Owner’s title insurance: who pays varies by local custom and negotiation. Ask your title company for Washington County practice.
- Recording fees: modest flat fees per document, often $25 to $200 per recording. Buyers commonly pay to record the mortgage.
- Escrow or impounds: lenders may collect 1 to 6 months of property taxes and homeowners insurance in advance.
- Survey fee if required: about $300 to $1,000+.
- Inspections: home, pest, septic as applicable, often $300 to $1,000 total.
- Prepaid interest, prorated taxes, and utility adjustments: calculated to the closing date.
Seller closing costs in Washington County
Sellers usually pay a different set of costs tied to conveying clear title and paying commissions.
- Real estate agent commission: commonly 5% to 6% of the sale price total, split between listing and buyer brokers.
- Owner’s title insurance: often provided by the seller in many Pennsylvania transactions, but this varies in Washington County. Confirm with your title company and in your contract.
- Transfer or realty tax: payer varies by local custom and negotiation. Verify the rate with Washington County and confirm responsibility in your sales contract.
- Recording fees for mortgage payoff or deed releases: modest flat fees.
- Settlement or attorney fee if used: about $200 to $1,000+ depending on scope.
- Prorated taxes, HOA dues, and utility adjustments: calculated to the closing date and reduce net proceeds.
Local taxes, fees, and who pays what
Local practice matters in Peters Township and across Washington County. Do not assume one party always pays a given item. Confirm early and write it into your contract.
Transfer tax in Peters Township
Pennsylvania imposes a state realty transfer tax. Counties and municipalities can add their own components. The total rate and the payer can vary by location and by contract.
- Verify the current rate and collection practice with the Washington County Treasurer or Recorder of Deeds.
- Confirm in your contract whether the buyer, seller, or both parties will pay the tax.
Recording fees and title insurance
Recording fees are charged by the county to file deeds, mortgages, and releases. These are typically modest flat fees per document or page.
- Ask the Washington County Recorder of Deeds for the current fee schedule.
- Request an itemized title quote from a local title or settlement company. In Washington County, who pays the owner’s policy can be a matter of custom or negotiation, so get clarity before you sign.
Prorations, assessments, HOAs, and utilities
Property taxes are prorated to the closing date and may include county, township, and school taxes. Special assessments, sewer or road fees, and municipal permits can affect closing, and some require payoff or disclosure.
- Ask your title company for a tax and proration worksheet.
- Check with Peters Township for any assessments or permits tied to the property.
- For condos or planned communities, confirm HOA transfer or administrative fees and who pays them under association rules.
- Plan for final utility readings and any septic or sewer requirements, especially for rural properties.
Sample budget for a $300,000 Peters Township home
Use these numbers as a starting point only. Ask your lender and title company for quotes tailored to your situation.
Buyer at $300,000 purchase price
- Estimated total closing costs at 2% to 5%: $6,000 to $15,000
- Loan origination or points: $1,500 to $4,500
- Appraisal and inspections: $400 to $1,000
- Title search and lender’s policy: $800 to $1,800
- Recording and miscellaneous: $150 to $600
- Escrow or impounds: $1,000 to $3,000
Seller at $300,000 sale price
- Agent commissions at 6% example: $18,000
- Owner’s title policy if customary or negotiated: $800 to $1,500
- Recording and payoff processing: $100 to $400
- Prorated taxes or assessments: variable based on timing
Step-by-step checklist to pin down your numbers
- Request your Loan Estimate from the lender and ask for a sample Closing Disclosure early.
- Ask a Washington County title company for an itemized title quote. Confirm local custom for owner’s title insurance.
- Contact the Washington County Recorder of Deeds and Treasurer to confirm current recording fees and transfer tax rates.
- Check with Peters Township for any special assessments, permits, or municipal fees.
- Confirm with your lender how many months of taxes and insurance they will collect at closing for your escrow.
- If there is an HOA or condo, request the resale or transfer packet and fee schedule.
- Write in your contract who pays each line item. Have your agent or attorney review.
Timeline and how funds move
- Buyers receive the final Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing on a mortgage. Review it carefully and ask questions right away.
- Buyers typically bring funds by certified check or bank wire as directed by the title or settlement company. Always verify wire instructions by calling a known phone number to avoid fraud.
- Sellers receive net proceeds by check or wire after mortgages and liens are paid off and documents are recorded.
Contract tips that prevent surprises
- Spell out transfer tax responsibility: buyer, seller, or split.
- Clarify owner’s title insurance: who provides and who pays.
- Decide who pays to record the deed and the mortgage.
- Note any HOA transfer fees and who covers them.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Assuming one side always pays a fee. Customs vary by county and by deal.
- Skipping a careful review of the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure.
- Forgetting to confirm transfer tax rates and county fees early.
- Ignoring wire safety steps. Confirm instructions by phone with your settlement company.
Work with a local guide
Closing costs do not have to be a guessing game. With clear quotes from your lender and title company and a contract that defines who pays what, you can protect your budget and your timeline. If you want a local team to help you estimate net proceeds, review quotes, and negotiate clean contract terms, the Darla K. Jobkar Real Estate Team is here to help. Request a free home valuation or schedule a market consultation with the Darla Kay Jobkar Real Estate Team.
FAQs
What are typical buyer closing costs in Peters Township?
- Buyers often budget about 2% to 5% of the purchase price for closing costs, depending on loan terms, taxes, and prepaid escrows.
Who pays the Pennsylvania realty transfer tax in Washington County?
- It depends on local custom and contract terms. Confirm with the Washington County Treasurer or Recorder of Deeds and make sure your contract states who pays.
Are recording fees in Washington County significant?
- Recording fees are usually modest flat amounts per document, but multiple recordings can add up. Ask the Recorder of Deeds or your title company for exact line items.
Who pays for owner’s title insurance in Peters Township?
- Practice varies in Washington County. Sometimes the seller provides it, sometimes the buyer pays, or it is shared. Confirm local custom and state it in the contract.
What if my Closing Disclosure is different from my Loan Estimate?
- Discuss any differences with your lender right away. Federal rules require good-faith estimates and clear disclosures, and corrections may be needed.
How are property taxes and HOA dues handled at closing?
- They are typically prorated to the closing date. You may see credits or debits for county, township, school taxes, and any HOA transfer or administrative fees.
