What Are Closing Costs in Palm Beach County?

Nobody likes surprise numbers at the closing table. So here’s the honest version: what buyers and sellers actually pay on top of (or out of) the price in Palm Beach County — line by line, in plain English.

If you’re buying

Your down payment gets the headlines, but it’s not the whole check you write. Plan on roughly 2–5% of the purchase price above your down payment for closing costs. The big lines:

• Lender charges — origination, underwriting, and points if you’re buying the rate down.
• Title insurance & settlement — protects you if anyone ever challenges your ownership. Florida regulates these rates, so they don’t vary much shop to shop.
• Documentary stamps on the mortgage — Florida’s tax on the loan itself.
• Prepaids — homeowner’s insurance and property taxes collected up front into escrow.
• Inspection & appraisal — paid during the process, not at closing, but they’re part of your real cash to close.

If you’re selling

Sellers don’t bring a check — the costs come out of the proceeds. The lines that matter:

• Real estate commission — the largest line, agreed up front in the listing agreement. No surprises.
• Documentary stamps on the deed — Florida’s transfer tax on the sale price, traditionally the seller’s line.
• Title search & settlement fees — clearing liens and preparing the closing package.
• Prorations — taxes and HOA dues split fairly at the closing date.
• HOA estoppel — the association’s official statement of what you owe. Small line, big paperwork.

Every deal is a little different — cash versus financed, HOA versus no HOA, homestead versus investment. Before you commit to anything, I’ll walk your specific numbers line by line. That’s the job.