Texas Buyer Closing Cost Estimator
How much cash do you actually need at the closing table? Built for Texas: TDI title rates, simultaneous-issue lender's policy, no transfer tax, and the prepaid tax escrow that surprises most first-time buyers.
Purchase details
What buyers pay at closing in Texas
Buyer closing costs in Texas usually run 2–4% of the purchase price before the down payment. The big categories are lender charges (origination, underwriting, appraisal, credit report), title and escrow charges (lender's title policy, escrow fee, recording, endorsements, survey), and prepaids — interest from your closing date to the end of the month, the first year of homeowners insurance, and the escrow reserves your lender collects for taxes and insurance.
The Texas-specific parts
Two things set Texas apart. First, the owner's title policy is customarily paid by the seller, and when it's issued in the same transaction the lender's policy costs only $100 under the simultaneous-issue rate. Second, because Texas property taxes are paid in arrears, the seller credits you for the months they owned the home — which offsets much of the tax reserve your lender collects at closing.
Using a rebate to cover closing costs
A KAT Realty buyer rebate — the seller-paid buyer-agent fee minus our $4,999 flat fee — is applied on the closing statement as a credit. On a $450,000 purchase with a 3% fee that's about $8,500, enough to cover most or all of a buyer's closing costs and prepaids so your cash goes to the down payment instead.
Frequently asked questions
How much are closing costs for a buyer in Texas?
Typically 2–4% of the price plus escrow reserves. On a $450,000 home expect roughly $9,000–$18,000 before the down payment, less any seller credits or KAT rebate.
Who pays title insurance in Texas?
Customarily the seller pays the owner's policy and the buyer pays the lender's policy ($100 when issued simultaneously). It's negotiable in the contract.
Do I need a new survey?
Often not. If the seller has an existing survey and signs a T-47 affidavit that nothing has changed, the title company will usually accept it and you save $400–$700.
Why is there a property tax escrow reserve?
Your lender collects a cushion so it can pay next January's tax bill. The seller's proration credit at closing offsets the months they owned the home.
Can seller concessions cover closing costs?
Yes, within loan-program limits (usually 3–6% for conventional, 6% for FHA). We negotiate these into your offer when the market allows.
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KAT Realty Group is a full-service flat fee real estate service: buyer representation for $4,999 and seller listing for $5,999, serving Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and all of Texas. See all calculators or request a consultation.