Who Pays the Fees

A major question that crops up with every escrow is "who pays for what?" The answers will vary from one area to the next depending on the "Customary Practices" of that area. Below are common practices for Ventura County. The Purchase Agreement will utlimately spell out who is to pay for what.

Sellers Generally Pay:

- Real Estate Commission
- Title insurance for owner's pollicy
- Escrow fee (seller half)
- Documentary Transfer Tax
- Notary Fees for Deed
- Property tax proration (to date of settlement)
- Special delivery/courier fees, if required
- Document preparation fees for deed
- Recording fees (seller side)
- HOA transfer fee and prorata dues
- Pest Inspection and section 1 clearance
- City records search fee
- Home warranty (if specified in contract)
- Work/repairs required (according to contract)
- Bonds and assessments (according to contract)
- Matters of record against the property or seller (loans, tax liens, judgements, etc) and fees required to clear them

Buyers Generally Pay:

- Title Insurance (lender coverage)
- Escrow fee (buyer half)
- Notary Fees for buyer documents
- Property Tax proration ( from acquisition date)
- Special delivery/courier fees, if required
- Document preparation fees
- Document recording fees
- Prorata HOA dues
- Section 2 termite work
- Inspection fees (whole house, roof, mold, etc)
- Fire Insurance premium for the first year
- Lender's new loan charges
- Matters of record against buyer and fees required to clear them
- Interest on new loan from date of funding to 30 days to the first payment