California Closing Costs
Made Simple
California buyers pay $18K–$45K in closing costs, and sellers pay $54K–$90K—but who pays what depends on where you're transacting.
Download the California Closing Cost Cheatsheet
A printable 2-page PDF with NorCal vs SoCal customs, 26+ city transfer tax rates, and CalHFA closing cost programs.
NorCal vs SoCal Customs
Who pays title, escrow by county
26+ City Transfer Taxes
SF, LA, Oakland, Berkeley & more
CalHFA ZIP & GSFA
Zero-interest closing cost help
Cost-Cutting Strategies
Seller concessions, timing tips
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What's Inside the Cheatsheet
NorCal vs SoCal Closing Customs
Who pays owner's title insurance and escrow fees in each region. Bay Area, Sacramento, Central Valley, Southern California—the customs flip based on where you're buying.
26+ Charter City Transfer Tax Rates
Complete rate table for San Francisco (up to 6%), Los Angeles Measure ULA (5.5%), Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, Santa Monica, Culver City, and more—with tiered thresholds.
CalHFA Closing Cost Programs
ZIP (zero-interest), MyHome, and GSFA Platinum—what each covers, eligibility requirements, and how to stack them for maximum assistance.
Buyer vs Seller Cost Breakdown
Complete itemization of every closing cost—origination fees, appraisal, title insurance, escrow, recording, prepaids—with typical California ranges.
Cost-Cutting Strategies
Seller concession limits by loan type, lender credit trade-offs, end-of-month closing timing, and what's shoppable under TRID rules.
California Closing Costs by the Numbers
2–5%
Buyer Closing Costs
6–10%
Seller Closing Costs
26+
Charter City Transfer Taxes
$905K
2026 Median Home Price
Know Your Closing Costs Before You Close
Get the 2-page cheatsheet and avoid surprises at the closing table.
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