If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’ve probably heard the term closing costs. But what exactly are they, and who pays closing costs? These costs cover things like legal fees, title work, and taxes that come with selling a home. In a traditional sale, both the buyer and seller share the costs, but the breakdown depends on where you live and what’s negotiated in the deal.

If you want to skip the hassle of closing costs and sell your home quickly, selling to a cash home buyer like Golex Properties can be a great option. Instead of dealing with commissions, repairs, and surprise fees, you can sell your home as-is and walk away with cash in hand.

Let’s break down who usually pays closing costs, how things work in Florida, and how selling to a cash buyer can save you money and stress.

What Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs are the expenses that come with finalizing a home sale. These costs usually include:

• Title search and Title insurance – Making sure the property has a clear title.
• Recording fees – Paid to the county for officially transferring ownership.
• Appraisal and inspection fees – Common in traditional sales.
• Attorney or escrow fees – Covering the legal work of the sale.
• Real estate commissions – Usually paid by the seller.
• Taxes and HOA fees – Any unpaid property taxes or association dues.

These costs usually add up to 2% to 5% of the home’s price.

Who Pays Closing Costs in a Traditional Sale?

In a traditional home sale where both the buyer and seller work with real estate agents, each party is responsible for their own set of closing costs. However, the breakdown of who pays for what can sometimes be negotiated. Below is a detailed look at what sellers and buyers typically cover.

What Sellers Usually Pay For

Sellers often have more expenses than buyers when it comes to closing costs. Here’s what they typically pay for:

• Real Estate Agent Commissions – This is usually the biggest expense for sellers. Commission rates typically range from 5% to 6% of the sale price, which is split between the seller’s and buyer’s agents.
• Title Insurance for the Buyer – Title insurance protects the buyer in case of disputes over ownership. In many areas, the seller is responsible for providing the buyer with a title insurance policy, which can cost around 0.5% to 1% of the home’s value.
• Unpaid Property Taxes – If the seller has any outstanding property taxes, they must be paid before the sale can close. This includes prorated property taxes for the time the seller owned the home in the current year.
• HOA Dues and Transfer Fees – If the home is part of a homeowners association (HOA), the seller may need to pay any overdue HOA fees. Some HOAs also charge a transfer fee, which covers the administrative cost of updating their records to reflect the new owner.
• Prorated Mortgage Interest – If the seller still has a mortgage, they may owe interest on the loan up until the closing date. This is typically deducted from the final sale proceeds.
• Seller Concessions (if negotiated) – Sometimes, buyers ask sellers to help cover part of their closing costs. This is known as a seller concession, and it can be a set dollar amount or a percentage of the sale price. Sellers may agree to this if it helps close the deal, especially in a buyer’s market where demand is lower.

What Buyers Usually Pay For

Buyers also have their share of closing costs, mostly tied to securing a mortgage and legally transferring the property. Here’s what buyers typically cover:

• Loan Origination Fees – These are fees charged by the lender for processing the mortgage application. They usually range from 0.5% to 1% of the loan amount.
• Appraisal and Inspection Fees – Most lenders require buyers to pay for a home appraisal (to confirm the property’s value) and a home inspection (to check for structural or safety issues). Combined, these can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500, depending on the location and size of the home.
• Title Insurance (Lender’s Policy) – Unlike the seller’s title insurance policy (which protects the buyer), the lender’s policy protects the bank in case of ownership disputes. The buyer is responsible for this cost, which is usually 0.5% of the loan amount.
• Recording Fees and Transfer Taxes – These fees are paid to the local government to officially record the property transfer. Costs vary by state and county but can add up to several hundred dollars.
• Prepaid Property Taxes and Homeowners Insurance – Many lenders require buyers to prepay several months’ worth of property taxes and homeowners insurance as part of their loan agreement. This ensures these costs are covered even if the buyer falls behind on payments.

Can Sellers Cover Some of the Buyer’s Closing Costs?

Yes! In some cases, buyers negotiate for the seller to cover some of their closing costs. This is called a seller concession, and it’s often used to help buyers who may not have enough cash on hand to cover both their down payment and closing costs.

Sellers are more likely to agree to concessions when:

• The home has been on the market for a long time with no offers.
• The seller is motivated to close the deal quickly.
• The market favors buyers, meaning there are more homes available than buyers looking.
• The buyer is using FHA, VA, or USDA loans, which allow sellers to contribute toward closing costs.

On the other hand, sellers are less likely to agree to concessions when:

• There are multiple offers on the home.
• The market favors sellers, meaning demand is high.
• The home is priced competitively, and the seller is already offering a good deal.

If a seller does agree to cover some of the buyer’s costs, it typically comes out of their proceeds from the home sale rather than upfront cash. However, there are limits on how much a seller can contribute, depending on the type of loan the buyer is using.

Who Pays Closing Costs in Florida?

If you’re selling a home in Florida, you may be wondering how closing costs work and who pays closing costs in Florida. Closing costs are a standard part of any real estate transaction. The specific breakdown of costs can vary depending on local customs, county regulations, and negotiations between the buyer and seller.

In Florida, the seller typically covers more of the closing costs than the buyer, but the exact details depend on the agreement made during the sale. Some expenses are expected to be paid by the seller, while others are traditionally handled by the buyer.

What Sellers Usually Pay For

In Florida, home sellers are typically responsible for covering more of the closing costs than buyers. These costs are often deducted from the final sale proceeds rather than being paid out of pocket before closing.

Here’s what sellers usually pay:

• Title Insurance for the Buyer – Title insurance protects the buyer in case of any legal disputes over property ownership. In most Florida counties, the seller pays for this policy, which can cost between 0.5% and 1% of the home’s sale price.
• Title Search Fees – Before closing, a title company performs a title search to make sure there are no liens, unpaid debts, or legal issues tied to the property. In most Florida counties, sellers are responsible for covering these fees, which usually range from $150 to $500.
• Real Estate Agent Commissions – If you’re selling through a real estate agent, you’ll likely pay 5% to 6% of the home’s sale price in commissions, which is split between the seller’s and buyer’s agents. This is one of the largest costs for sellers.
• Recording Fees and Documentary Stamp Taxes – When a home sale is finalized, the transfer of ownership must be recorded with the county. Florida charges documentary stamp taxes (also called a transfer tax), which is usually the seller’s responsibility. The rate is $0.70 per $100 of the sale price (except in Miami-Dade County, where the rate is $0.60 per $100 plus an additional $0.45 per $100 if the home is not a single-family residence).
• HOA Fees and Transfer Costs – If the property is part of a homeowners association (HOA), the seller may be required to pay outstanding dues and a transfer fee to update the HOA’s records to the new owner. Transfer fees vary but can range from $200 to $1,000 or more depending on the HOA.
• Outstanding Property Taxes and Utility Bills – Any unpaid property taxes, utility bills, or assessments must be settled before the sale is finalized. Sellers are usually responsible for paying prorated property taxes up until the closing date.
• Mortgage Payoff and Prepayment Penalties – If the seller has an outstanding mortgage on the home, the remaining balance must be paid off at closing. Some lenders also charge prepayment penalties if the mortgage is paid off early.

What Buyers Usually Pay For

Buyers in Florida also have their share of closing costs, primarily tied to mortgage-related expenses and inspections. Here’s what buyers typically cover:

• Lender Fees – Buyers who take out a mortgage must pay fees associated with loan origination, credit checks, and underwriting. These fees vary but usually range from 1% to 2% of the loan amount.
• Appraisal and Inspection Fees – Lenders require an appraisal to determine the home’s value and may also require a home inspection to assess its condition. Buyers usually pay for these, with appraisals costing around $300 to $600 and inspections ranging from $300 to $500.
• Title Insurance (Lender’s Policy) – In addition to the owner’s title insurance policy (which the seller usually covers), buyers must purchase a separate title insurance policy for their lender, which can cost $500 to $1,000.
• Escrow and Prepaid Costs – Many lenders require buyers to prepay property taxes, homeowners insurance, and mortgage interest to be placed in an escrow account at closing. These costs vary based on the loan terms and local tax rates.
• Recording Fees and Mortgage Transfer Taxes – Buyers must pay a recording fee to officially record their mortgage, as well as a mortgage tax of $0.35 per $100 of the loan amount.

How Location Affects Closing Costs in Florida

Florida’s closing cost responsibilities vary by county. While the seller typically pays for the buyer’s title insurance and title search fees in most counties, some areas shift these costs to the buyer.

For example:

• In most Florida counties (such as Palm Beach, Broward, and Hillsborough), the seller pays for the buyer’s title insurance and title search fees.
• In counties like Miami-Dade and Collier, buyers typically pay for their own title insurance and title search unless negotiated otherwise.

Because these rules aren’t universal, it’s important for both buyers and sellers to confirm what’s standard in their specific county and negotiate accordingly.

How to Avoid Paying Closing Costs When Selling Your Home

If you’re selling a home in Florida and want to avoid paying closing costs, selling to a cash home buyer like Golex Properties is a great option.

How Does a Cash Sale Save You Money?

• No Real Estate Agent Commissions – Cash buyers don’t require agents, so you save 5% to 6% of your home’s value in commissions.
• No Title or Recording Fees – Golex Properties covers all title fees, search fees, and transfer taxes, so you don’t pay a dime.
• No Repairs or Inspections – Sell your home as-is without spending money on fixing issues or waiting for inspections.
• No Hidden Fees – With Golex Properties, you get a transparent, no-hassle closing process where you know exactly how much you’ll walk away with.

How Fast Can You Close?

Unlike traditional sales that take 30 to 60 days, selling to a cash buyer allows you to close in as little as 7 days. This is perfect for homeowners who need to sell quickly due to:

• Financial difficulties or foreclosure risks
• Inherited properties they don’t want to maintain
• Out-of-state ownership
• Tenant-occupied homes they no longer want to manage

If you’re selling your home and don’t want to deal with high closing costs, hidden fees, or long waiting periods, consider selling to Golex Properties. We’ll cover all closing costs, giving you a quick, hassle-free sale so you can walk away with more money in your pocket.

Selling for Cash? Here’s How It Saves You Money

Selling your home the traditional way can get expensive. But when you sell to a cash buyer, things get a lot simpler. Here’s why:

• No Commissions – No agents, no fees. You keep more of your home’s value.
• No Loan Fees – Cash buyers don’t need appraisals or lender paperwork.
• Closing Costs Covered – Many cash buyers, including Golex Properties, pay all closing costs.
• No Repairs Needed – Sell your home exactly as it is—no costly fixes required.
• Fast Closings – Skip the long process and close in as little as a week.

Traditional home sales come with a lot of extra costs that sellers don’t always expect. A cash sale is straightforward, quick, and stress-free.

Who Pays Closing Costs When Selling for Cash?

One of the biggest advantages of selling your home for cash is avoiding the stress and expense of closing costs. In a traditional home sale, closing costs can add up to thousands of dollars, cutting into your final profit. But when you sell to Golex Properties, you don’t have to worry about who pays closing costs—because we cover them for you.

We buy homes in Florida and Georgia, offering homeowners a fast, hassle-free way to sell without hidden fees, commissions, or delays. Whether you’re in a difficult situation or just looking for a quick and easy sale, we make the process simple by handling all closing costs for you.

How Does Selling for Cash Work?

Selling a home for cash is very different from a traditional sale with a real estate agent. When you work with a cash buyer like Golex Properties, you can skip many of the common expenses and steps involved in selling a home. Here’s how the process works:

1. Request an Offer – Contact us and provide basic details about your home. There’s no obligation, and the process is completely free and confidential.
2. Get a Fair Cash Offer – We’ll assess your home and provide a fair cash offer based on market conditions and your property’s condition.
3. Skip the Repairs and Showings – You don’t need to fix anything or stage your home for buyers. We buy homes as-is, so there’s no stress over costly updates.
4. Close Quickly and Get Paid – If you accept our offer, we handle all the paperwork and closing costs. You choose the closing date, and we make sure everything is handled smoothly.

This process eliminates many of the expenses and uncertainties that come with selling through an agent. You don’t have to wait for a buyer’s mortgage approval, pay commissions, or deal with last-minute surprises.

What Closing Costs Do Sellers Usually Pay?

If you sell your home the traditional way, you’d normally be responsible for several closing costs, including:

• Real estate agent commissions – Typically 5% to 6% of the home’s sale price, split between the seller’s and buyer’s agents.
• Title insurance for the buyer – Protects the new owner from ownership disputes. In Florida, this is usually the seller’s responsibility and can cost 0.5% to 1% of the sale price.
• Title search and recording fees – Ensures there are no liens or legal issues with the property. These fees range from $500 to $1,500.
• Transfer taxes and recording fees – Charged by the county to transfer ownership. This can cost $0.70 per $100 of the home’s value in Florida.
• Unpaid property taxes and HOA fees – If you owe back taxes or homeowners association fees, these must be settled before the sale.
• Seller concessions (if negotiated) – If the buyer asks for help covering their closing costs, you may have to pay a portion of their expenses.

These costs add up quickly, often reducing how much money sellers actually walk away with. But with a cash sale, these costs disappear.

Why Sell to a Cash Buyer Like Golex Properties?

When you sell to Golex Properties, you avoid closing costs entirely. We cover everything, so you don’t have to worry about extra fees eating into your final payout. Here’s what that means for you:

• No commissions – Since we buy homes directly, you don’t need a real estate agent, which means you save thousands in commission fees.
• No title fees – We handle the title insurance, title search, and all legal paperwork.
• No recording fees or taxes – We cover any required fees for transferring ownership.
• No surprises – The offer we give you is exactly what you’ll receive at closing—no deductions, hidden costs, or last-minute charges.

This makes selling fast, predictable, and stress-free.

Who Can Benefit from Selling for Cash?

Selling to a cash buyer is ideal for homeowners who need to sell quickly and don’t want to deal with the complications of a traditional sale. We buy homes from sellers in a variety of situations, including:

• Dealing with an inherited property – If you’ve inherited a home and don’t want the hassle of repairs, maintenance, or paying taxes, selling for cash allows you to settle the estate quickly.
• Selling a rental home with tenants – Managing tenants can be stressful, and selling a rental property the traditional way can be complicated. We buy homes with tenants in place, so you don’t have to worry about evictions or waiting for leases to end.
• Facing foreclosure or financial stress – If you’re behind on mortgage payments or facing foreclosure, selling for cash can help you get out of debt and avoid damage to your credit score.
• Living out of state and need to sell quickly – If you own a home in Florida or Georgia but live elsewhere, selling remotely can be a challenge. A cash sale lets you sell without making trips or dealing with real estate agents.
• Going through a divorce or major life change – If you need to sell quickly due to a divorce, relocation, or downsizing, a cash sale lets you move on without a lengthy, stressful selling process.

No matter the situation, Golex Properties provides a simple solution that saves you time and money.

How Fast Can You Close?

One of the biggest benefits of selling to a cash buyer is speed. Traditional home sales can take 30 to 60 days or longer, especially if the buyer needs mortgage approval. But with a cash sale, the process moves much faster.

At Golex Properties, we can close in as little as 7 days, depending on your timeline. If you need more time, we’re flexible and can work with you to set a closing date that fits your schedule.

Bottom Line: Keep More of Your Money When Selling for Cash

Selling a home the traditional way comes with hidden costs, long wait times, and a lot of uncertainty. Between agent commissions, title fees, and transfer taxes, many sellers end up paying thousands of dollars in closing costs.

But when you sell to Golex Properties, you don’t have to worry about who pays closing costs—because we cover them for you.

• No commissions
• No title fees
• No transfer taxes
• No recording fees
• No hidden charges

Instead, you get a fair cash offer with no surprises, allowing you to sell fast and walk away with more money in your pocket.

Get a Free Cash Offer Today

Skip the stress of closing costs, agent fees, and long waits. If you need to sell your home quickly in Florida or Georgia, Golex Properties makes it easy. Get a free cash offer now and close in as little as a week!