Buying or selling in Dublin and wondering how much you will actually pay at the closing table? You are not alone. Closing costs can feel opaque, especially when local customs and loan rules come into play. In this guide, you will learn who typically pays what in Dublin, Franklin County, how to estimate your total, and where you can negotiate. Let’s dive in.
What closing costs cover in Dublin
Closing costs are the fees, taxes, and prepaid items that finalize a home sale. They are separate from your purchase price or the seller’s proceeds. Buyers and sellers each cover different items, and some charges are negotiable.
- Buyers usually pay lender fees, third‑party services like appraisal and inspections, title search and the lender’s title policy, recording fees, and prepaid escrows for taxes and insurance. A common national range is 2% to 5% of the purchase price, not including the down payment.
- Sellers usually pay real estate commissions, owner’s title policy in many Ohio deals, recording and lien releases, prorated taxes, and any agreed credits or repairs. Commissions are often the largest single cost and are commonly about 5% to 6% of the sale price.
Local details matter. In Dublin, county recording, any conveyance fees, and property tax prorations are handled through Franklin County offices and the City of Dublin.
Buyer closing costs in Dublin
Typical buyer line items
Here are common buyer‑paid items you will see in a Dublin purchase:
- Lender fees: origination, processing, and underwriting
- Discount points: optional and paid to lower your rate
- Appraisal and credit report
- Title search and lender’s title insurance policy (loan policy)
- Owner’s title insurance policy if not paid by seller under local custom
- Escrow deposits for property taxes and homeowners insurance
- Home inspection, plus any pest, radon, or sewer scope inspections
- Survey if required by lender or contract
- Recording fees for the mortgage and deed with the Franklin County Recorder
- Prorations for property taxes and HOA dues based on Franklin County tax calendars
- Prepaid interest from closing to your first payment and your first year homeowners insurance premium
- Private mortgage insurance if required by your loan
Local note: Owner’s title insurance is often paid by the seller in many Ohio transactions, but it is negotiable and can vary by contract and title company. Always confirm with your title company or attorney.
How much buyers should budget
A practical rule of thumb is 2% to 5% of the price for closing costs, excluding your down payment. Loan type, interest rate strategy, and escrow size can move you up or down in that range.
- Example buyer on a 350,000 home: A conservative 3% estimate is about 10,500 in closing costs. That might include lender fees and points, appraisal, title and settlement charges, escrow deposits, recording, and inspections.
- Example buyer on a 550,000 home: Using a mid‑range 2.5% estimate, you might budget around 13,750. Title policy premiums and some fees scale with price, so higher prices increase dollar amounts even if your percentage stays similar.
Ways to reduce buyer costs
- Compare multiple Loan Estimates. Look at both interest rate and total closing costs.
- Ask about lender credits versus paying discount points. Find the best long‑term tradeoff for your plans.
- Request quotes from a few local title companies for title and settlement fees.
- Explore state assistance through the Ohio Housing Finance Agency for down payment or closing cost help if you qualify.
Seller closing costs in Dublin
Typical seller line items
These are common seller‑paid items in Franklin County:
- Real estate broker commissions that often total about 5% to 6% of the sale price
- Owner’s title insurance policy premium in many Ohio deals, plus settlement fees (negotiable)
- Payoff of your existing mortgage, home equity line, or any judgments or liens
- Prorated property taxes and HOA dues through the closing date
- Recording fees for mortgage releases and final documents with the county
- Any city or county conveyance or transfer fees that apply
- Agreed seller concessions, buyer credits, or a home warranty if included in the offer
How much sellers should expect
Commissions are usually the largest cost. When you add prorations, title and recording, and any concessions, many sellers see a total near 6% to 10% or more, depending on concessions and repairs.
- Example seller on a 350,000 home: A 5.5% commission would be 19,250. With typical title and settlement charges and normal prorations, total seller closing costs can exceed 22,000 before your mortgage payoff.
Net sheet and timing tips
- Ask your agent or title company for a net proceeds estimate before you list. This helps you price and plan.
- Request payoff quotes from your mortgage servicer early. Confirm per diem interest and release timelines.
- Decide up front whether you will pay the owner’s title policy and whether you are open to closing cost credits. Align this with your pricing and appraisal strategy.
Who pays what: local custom vs. contract
Some fees follow common Ohio practice, but the contract controls. In many Ohio transactions, the seller pays the owner’s title policy. That said, payment can be negotiated in Dublin based on offer strength, market conditions, and title company norms.
Other items that can shift between parties include certain settlement fees, survey, and inspection credits. Seller concessions are often used to help buyers with closing costs, subject to loan program limits. Your lender will cap total seller‑paid costs for the loan type.
Property tax proration and recording in Franklin County
Prorations adjust for who owes which portion of property taxes and dues on the closing date. Franklin County billing cycles and assessment timing determine how this math works. Your title company will calculate the exact amount using the county’s schedule, and you can review it on your settlement statement.
The Franklin County Recorder handles recording of deeds, mortgages, and lien releases. These recordings trigger county fees that appear as line items on your closing statement. Amounts are set by county schedules and can change, so your title company will use the current rates.
Quick cost estimator
Use this simple approach to get in the ballpark before you gather quotes.
- Buyers: purchase price multiplied by 0.02 to 0.05. Choose closer to 2% if you have minimal points and smaller escrows. Move toward 4% to 5% if you are buying points, have larger tax escrows, or plan specialized inspections.
- Sellers: start with sale price multiplied by 0.055 to estimate commission. Add a couple of percentage points for title, recording, and normal prorations. Add any planned credits or repairs on top.
- Double check: call a local title company for a buyer or seller estimate. They can price title premiums, recording, and proration with current county schedules.
Timeline and documents to expect
- Loan Estimate: When you apply for a mortgage, your lender must provide a standardized Loan Estimate. Use this to compare offers line by line.
- Closing Disclosure: You will receive a final Closing Disclosure at least three business days before you sign your loan. Review it against your Loan Estimate and ask questions early so any fixes can be made before closing.
- Settlement statement: The title company prepares the final statement that combines both sides’ credits and charges. This is the document that shows your exact cash to close or net proceeds.
Practical tips for Dublin buyers and sellers
- Shop early: Get lender quotes and title fee estimates as soon as you are serious about buying or selling.
- Ask about the owner’s title policy: Confirm who is paying and the dollar impact. This can be a meaningful line item.
- Plan for escrows: Taxes and insurance escrows can be several months of payments collected up front for buyers.
- Clarify concessions: If you offer or request credits, make sure they fit your loan program’s limits and your appraisal plan.
- Verify local fees: If you want exact recording and conveyance costs, your title company will reference Franklin County and City of Dublin schedules.
Ready to talk real numbers?
Every deal is different, and small choices can change your cash to close or net. If you want a personalized buyer estimate or a seller net sheet based on today’s Dublin market, reach out. The team at Keys + Company can walk you through likely costs, local customs, and smart negotiation options so you can move forward with confidence.
FAQs
What are typical buyer closing costs in Dublin, Ohio?
- Most buyers budget 2% to 5% of the purchase price for closing costs, excluding the down payment, with the exact amount driven by loan type, escrows, and title fees.
Who pays for the owner’s title policy in Ohio home sales?
- In many Ohio transactions the seller pays for the owner’s title insurance policy, but this is negotiable and can vary by contract and title company.
How are property taxes prorated at closing in Franklin County?
- Title companies calculate prorations using Franklin County’s tax billing calendars so each party pays their share based on the closing date.
Are there transfer or conveyance fees when selling in Dublin?
- Some jurisdictions have county or municipal conveyance fees. Your title company will confirm the current Franklin County and City of Dublin requirements for your sale.
Can sellers pay a buyer’s closing costs in Dublin?
- Yes, seller concessions are common and can help cover buyer costs, but lenders set limits on how much a seller can contribute for each loan program.
What documents will I receive before closing on a mortgage?
- You should receive a standardized Loan Estimate after you apply and a final Closing Disclosure at least three business days before you sign your loan.
