Are you trying to pin down how much you will pay at the closing table in Palm Beach County? Between state taxes, title charges, lender fees, and HOA items, the totals can feel confusing. You deserve a clear, local breakdown so you can budget confidently, compare offers, and avoid last‑minute surprises. This guide explains who typically pays what in Palm Beach County, shows example line items for buyers and sellers, and flags local details that affect your bottom line. Let’s dive in.
Closing costs 101 in Palm Beach County
Closing costs are the fees, taxes, and prepaid items needed to transfer a property and, if applicable, fund a mortgage. In Florida, many items follow local custom but are negotiable. In Palm Beach County, the common convention is:
- Seller usually pays the real estate commission, documentary stamp tax on the deed, and often the owner’s title insurance premium and payoff-related recording fees.
- Buyer usually pays lender charges, documentary stamp and intangible taxes on a new mortgage, the lender’s title policy, the mortgage recording fee, and prepaids for escrows.
Major buckets include transfer taxes, title and settlement fees, lender costs, prepaid and prorated items, inspections and association fees, and the real estate commission for sellers. Your contract can shift who pays certain items, so confirm early.
Buyer closing costs: what to expect
Taxes and recording charges
When you take out a new mortgage, Florida applies documentary stamp tax on the promissory note and an intangible tax on the mortgage’s original principal. You will also pay to record the mortgage with the Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller. These are state and county items and change over time, so your title company and lender will calculate the exact amounts for your loan.
Title and settlement fees
Most lenders require a lender’s title insurance policy. You will also see charges for the title search, settlement or closing fee, document preparation, and courier services. In many Palm Beach County deals the seller pays for the owner’s title insurance policy, but this is negotiable and should be confirmed in your contract.
Loan-related expenses
Expect lender-specific fees such as origination, underwriting, processing, and a credit report. Your lender will also order an appraisal. Appraisal costs commonly land in the several-hundred-dollar range depending on property type and loan. If your down payment triggers private mortgage insurance, the lender will outline that cost structure.
Prepaids and prorations
Florida property taxes are paid in arrears. At closing you will see tax prorations based on the closing date. You may also fund initial escrow accounts for taxes and homeowners insurance, and possibly flood insurance if your lender requires it. For condos and HOAs, you will see prorated dues and any transfer or application fees per the association.
Buyer example (illustrative only)
Assume a $400,000 purchase with a $300,000 loan. A sample, not a quote:
- Documentary stamp tax on the mortgage: about $1,050
- Intangible tax on the mortgage: about $600
- Appraisal: about $350
- Title, lender policy, and settlement fees: roughly $800 to $2,000
- Prepaids and escrow deposits: can vary widely, often $1,000 to $3,000
Buyers often see total closing costs, excluding the down payment, in the range of roughly 2% to 5% of the purchase price, depending on loan terms and prepaids. For a precise estimate, review your Loan Estimate and request a fee sheet from your title company.
Seller closing costs: what to expect
Major seller expenses
The largest line item for many sellers is the real estate commission. Market practice in many Florida markets, including Palm Beach County, often hovers around 5% to 6% of the sale price, split between listing and buyer representation. Commission is always negotiable. Sellers also customarily pay the documentary stamp tax on the deed and the owner’s title insurance premium, though this can be negotiated.
Other seller costs
If you have a mortgage, plan for the payoff amount plus any lender payoff and processing fees. You will also see recording fees to release the mortgage. Taxes and HOA dues are prorated based on your ownership period. For condos and many HOA communities, associations charge an estoppel or resale certificate fee to confirm balances and rules. Fees vary by community and timeline.
Seller example (illustrative only)
Assume a $400,000 sale with a 5.5% total commission:
- Commission at 5.5%: $22,000
- Documentary stamp tax on the deed: about $2,800
- Owner’s title insurance premium: often in the $1,000 to $2,000 range for mid-range price points
- Payoff and recording, HOA estoppel and transfer items: commonly $200 to $1,000 or more
Excluding any mortgage payoff, seller-side closing costs often total 7% to 10% of the sale price once commission and taxes are included. Your actual net will depend on your contract, association, and payoff details.
Palm Beach County details that affect totals
- Recording fees: The Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller sets document recording fees for deeds, mortgages, and releases. Amounts are modest per document and vary by page count and document type.
- Condo and HOA estoppels: Turnaround times and fees vary across communities. Factor in potential expedited costs if you are on a tight timeline and order early.
- Property tax timing: Because Florida taxes are paid in arrears, the closing date dictates who reimburses whom for the current year.
- Flood and insurance: Palm Beach County includes coastal and inland flood zones. Lenders may require flood insurance, which influences your escrow and monthly payment.
- Remote signings: Florida allows remote notarization subject to lender and title-company rules. Many out-of-state buyers and sellers use mail-away closings or remote signing options.
Checklists: be ready for a smooth closing
For buyers
- Government-issued ID and verified funds for closing. Verify wiring instructions with the closing agent by phone to avoid wire fraud.
- Current Loan Estimate, pre-approval, and any lender conditions.
- Insurance quotes for homeowners and, if required, flood coverage.
- Inspection and appraisal scheduled within contract timelines.
- HOA or condo application materials as needed.
For sellers
- Mortgage payoff statement and loan account details for release.
- Association contact info and authorization to produce estoppel or resale documents.
- Title-related items such as any existing survey and required disclosures.
- Forwarding address for final prorations and association mail.
Timing at a glance
- Contract accepted and escrow opened
- Buyer’s inspection period and appraisal
- Buyer’s lender and title work in process
- Seller orders HOA or condo estoppel early
- Loan commitment issued and closing scheduled
- Funds wired, documents signed, and recorded
Smart questions to ask your lender and title company
- Who pays for the owner’s title insurance policy in my contract, and what is the exact premium for my price point?
- What are my documentary stamp and intangible taxes on the mortgage, based on my loan amount?
- What are the deed transfer taxes for my sale price, and who pays them under our contract?
- What are the HOA or condo estoppel and transfer fees in this community, and how long will they take?
- How much will I need for prepaids and escrow deposits for taxes and insurance at my closing date?
- Can I close remotely, and what are the requirements for remote notarization or a mail-away package?
Two quick examples (illustrative only)
These simple snapshots show how specific items add up. Your numbers will differ.
Buyer snapshot
- Purchase price: $400,000
- Loan amount: $300,000
- Mortgage taxes: about $1,650 combined (documentary stamp plus intangible on the new mortgage)
- Appraisal: about $350
- Title, lender policy, and settlement fees: about $1,200
- Prepaids and escrows: about $2,000
Estimated buyer closing costs: roughly $5,200 to $6,200, plus down payment.
Seller snapshot
- Sale price: $400,000
- Commission at 5.5%: $22,000
- Deed tax: about $2,800
- Owner’s title premium: about $1,500
- Payoff and recording, HOA estoppel: about $500
Estimated seller costs before loan payoff: roughly $26,800 to $27,500.
Get a tailored closing cost estimate
Every property, loan, and association is different. The fastest way to budget accurately is to pair your lender’s Loan Estimate with a local title fee sheet and guidance from an experienced Palm Beach County agent. Ready to run the numbers and map out your strategy? Connect with Roger Plevin for a personalized estimate, vendor introductions, and calm, end‑to‑end coordination.
FAQs
Who pays Florida documentary stamp taxes on a Palm Beach County home sale?
- In many Florida deals the seller pays the documentary stamp tax on the deed, while a buyer with a new mortgage pays the documentary stamp and intangible taxes on the mortgage, subject to contract.
How are Florida title insurance premiums determined for Palm Beach County closings?
- Florida title insurance rates follow state-regulated formulas based on price and loan amount; ask your title company for an exact one-time premium quote for your transaction.
What are condo or HOA estoppel fees in Palm Beach County and who pays them?
- Associations set their own estoppel or resale certificate fees; buyers often request them and sellers frequently pay them, but check your contract and community’s policy.
How much are total closing costs for buyers and sellers in Palm Beach County?
- Buyers commonly see 2% to 5% of the purchase price excluding the down payment, and sellers often see 7% to 10% before mortgage payoff, though actual totals vary by deal.
Can I close remotely on a Palm Beach County property if I am out of state?
- Yes, Florida permits remote notarization and mail-away closings when allowed by your lender and title company; confirm requirements early in your timeline.
