Buying a home? Don’t get blindsided by the hidden fees at the closing table. In this episode of Closing the Deal, hosts Zach Dickson and Sam Enright break down everything you need to know about closing costs — from what they actually are, to how they’re calculated, who pays what, and how to reduce them.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or just haven’t bought in a while, this episode will help you feel confident when it’s time to sign those final papers.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

• What makes up your total closing costs
• How much to expect and when they’re due
• How to negotiate seller concessions or lender credits
• Which parts are actually negotiable
• How to plan ahead and save for your down payment + costs
• Why having a trustworthy lender and agent matters

💡 BONUS: We walk through a real-world example on a $250,000 home, showing exactly how fees, credits, and escrows come together.

If you’re preparing to buy, this is the episode that could save you thousands.

00:00 Intro

02:30 What Are Closing Costs?

05:30 Why They Exist

07:30 The Value Behind the Fees

10:00 Breaking Down the Costs

13:30 Title Work & Prepaids

16:30 Buyer Agent Commissions Update

18:00 Example: $250,000 Purchase Breakdown

25:00 Who Pays What

28:00 Negotiating Seller Concessions

30:30 Lender Credits & Assistance Programs

36:00 Saving & Preparing for Closing

38:30 Setting Expectations with Your Lender

43:00 How to Shop Insurance and Negotiate Strategically

46:00 Final Thoughts