What you'll pay to close — typically 2–5% of the price — itemized: lender fees, escrow, title, appraisal, inspections, and prepaids. Plus who pays what, and how your rebate offsets them.
Closing costs for buyers in California typically run 2–5% of the purchase price, on top of the down payment — roughly $16,000–$40,000 on an $800,000 home. They cover lender/origination fees, appraisal, escrow and title, inspections, prepaid taxes and insurance, and recording. Buyers and sellers each pay different items, and some are negotiable. A buyer rebate applied as a closing-cost credit directly offsets these costs and lowers your cash to close.
Buyer closing costs in California typically run about 2–5% of the purchase price. On an $800,000 home that's roughly $16,000–$40,000, on top of your down payment.
Closing costs are the fees to finalize your loan and transfer the home — lender charges, escrow and title, appraisal, and prepaid items like taxes and insurance. The good news: some are negotiable, and your buyer rebate can offset a chunk of them. Here's the full breakdown of what you're actually paying for. Planning your total cash? Pair this with the affordability calculator.
| Cost | What it's for | Rough range |
|---|---|---|
| Loan origination/points | Lender fees to make the loan | 0–1.5% of loan |
| Appraisal | Confirms the home's value | $600–$900 |
| Escrow fees | Neutral third party handling the deal | Varies by price |
| Title insurance | Protects against title defects | Varies by price |
| Inspections | Home + specialty inspections | $400–$1,500+ |
| Prepaids | Upfront taxes & insurance | Varies |
| Recording & misc. | County recording, notary, etc. | Modest |
Ranges are general and vary by lender, price, and location. Your Loan Estimate itemizes your actual costs.
Some costs are customarily split or seller-paid, and it varies by county and negotiation:
This is where the 1% earns its keep. Applied as a closing-cost credit, your rebate directly offsets these fees, lowering the cash you bring to closing. On a $1,000,000 home, a $10,000 rebate can wipe out a big share of your closing costs. See exactly how in rebate at closing, and estimate yours on the rebate calculator.
You get two key documents. Your Loan Estimate arrives within three business days of applying and itemizes expected costs. Your Closing Disclosure comes at least three business days before closing with the final figures — including your rebate credit. Compare them; big unexplained changes are worth questioning.
We'll estimate your closing costs, negotiate seller credits where possible, and apply your rebate as a credit.
Disclaimer: Portfolio Home Realty is a licensed California real estate brokerage (DRE #02232009) serving Los Angeles County and Orange County. The buyer rebate is a portion of the buyer-side commission returned to eligible buyers at closing and is generally up to 1% of the purchase price, subject to lender approval and the seller offering buyer-agent compensation. Dollar figures on this page are illustrative estimates, not guarantees. This page is general information, not legal, tax, or lending advice — consult your CPA, attorney, or lender about your situation. Equal Housing Opportunity.