Closing Costs Georgia

In Georgia, closing expenses are crucial for property owners who want to sell their homes. These expenses may include transaction-related fees, such as taxes, title fees, and commissions paid to real estate agents.

Knowing what closing costs to anticipate will help you budget for your home sale and ensure you get the most money possible. First, you need to understand the many closing fees and how they may affect the final price of your Georgia house sale. Here's an overview of what you need to know:

Who Pays Closing Costs in Georgia?

The buyer and the seller cover closing expenses in a house sale. The specific closing costs in Georgia that each party pays may differ depending on the terms of the sales contract and any other agreements made by the buyer and seller.

Sellers often pay a portion of closing costs, such as title and closing service fees, owner's title insurance policy, transfer taxes, attorney fees, and recording fees.

Buyers, meanwhile, frequently pay for the appraisal fee, the lender's title insurance policy, the loan origination fees, and any prepaid expenses like homeowner's insurance and property taxes.

Before ending a real estate transaction in Georgia, make sure to understand the closing costs and who is liable for them. Remember that the buyer and seller may negotiate some closing costs as well.

What Are Georgia Seller Closing Costs?

• Title service fees: Sellers must pay for the property's title to be free, clear, and transferable to the new owner. In Georgia, title service fees typically account for 0.30% of the home's purchase price.

• Owner's title insurance: This coverage protects the seller from potential litigation or property title problems. The typical cost of owner's title insurance coverage in Georgia is 0.28% of the home's purchase price.

• Transfer tax: The buyer and seller commonly split Georgia's 0.10% transfer tax based on the sales price.

• Recording fees: These fees are paid to enter the sale into the county recorder's office. The average recording charge in Georgia equals 0.01% of the sales price.

• Incentives for the buyer: Sellers sometimes give buyers incentives, such as paying the closing expenses or giving credit for repairs. In Georgia, these incentives typically cost about 2% of the home's purchase price. 

• Other expenses: The seller may also take responsibility for additional expenses, such as prorated property taxes, HOA dues, or home warranty fees, depending on the particulars of the sale. These expenses can range significantly in cost and are unique to each sale.

How Much Are Seller Closing Costs in Georgia?

Depending on the specifics of the sale, such as the home's purchase price, the negotiated contract conditions, and the local housing market, the total closing costs that sellers in Georgia will pay may change. However, the average closing costs in Georgia for homes typically amount to roughly 3.13% of the total sale price.

For example, closing costs on a $323,991 home in Georgia would be roughly $10,134. Remember that this is only an estimate, and actual closing costs may change depending on the particulars of each sale.

Understanding closing expenses before concluding a property transaction in Georgia is essential because the buyer and seller may negotiate some closing charges.

How to Save on Georgia Seller Closing Costs

One of the most significant expenses for sellers is usually the fee paid to the real estate agent. You can negotiate this fee to cut costs. You can also lower your Georgia seller closing expenses to save money by using the following tips: 

• Negotiate broker commission rates: Broker commission fees usually range from 5% to 6% of the sales price in Georgia. They are, however, adjustable, and some brokers might work for a lower commission or provide a lower rate.

• Work with an expert real estate agent: An experienced and skilled real estate agent can help you navigate closing costs and negotiate the best terms for your transaction. Additionally, they can offer insightful information on the local real estate market, pricing plans, and advertising methods for a quick and profitable home sale. 

• Use Redy to find a real estate agent: Redy can connect you with a motivated Georgia real estate agent and help you save on commission. Our platform allows agents to submit proposals for you to review, compare, and find the best offer for your needs. Each proposal also includes a cash bonus to put more money in your pocket! 

Closing Cost FAQs for Georgia Sellers

What are title service fees, and why do I have to pay them?

Title service fees are the costs associated with a title search and inspection of your property to check for liens and other claims against the title. They go toward paying for the paperwork processing needed to transfer ownership to the new owner.

Who pays for owner's title insurance in Georgia?

In Georgia, the seller typically covers the cost of owner's title insurance. This insurance protects the seller from any potential future title-related claims or issues.

What is a lender's title insurance, and who pays for it?

Lender's title insurance protects the lender in the event of a title problem. The lender usually requires this insurance, which is typically paid for by the buyer.

What is transfer tax, and how much will I have to pay?

Transfer tax is a tax charged on property transfers from one owner to another. The transfer tax rate in Georgia is 0.10% of the sales price and is usually shared between the buyer and seller. For example, if the property is worth $200,000, the transfer tax would be $200.

Bottom Line

Understanding typical closing costs during a home sale in Georgia can help you prepare for the expenses and potentially save money. Ready to get started? Plus, by leveraging Redy's platform, you can find a qualified agent to help you navigate the closing process and identify even more cost-saving opportunities. If you're ready to take the next step and find a top local agent, sign up for a free account with Redy today.

To learn more about selling your home, visit our Home Seller Resources >