Antioch Closing Costs Explained for Buyers

How much cash will you really need to close on a home in Antioch? If you are planning a purchase in Contra Costa County, it helps to know what closing costs include, who usually pays what, and how to keep your out‑of‑pocket manageable. Buying a home is a big step, and you deserve clear answers without surprises. In this guide, you will learn the typical 2 to 5 percent range for buyer closing costs, a line‑by‑line breakdown, local Antioch considerations like parcel taxes and Mello‑Roos, negotiation strategies, a checklist, and key timelines. Let’s dive in.

What closing costs cover

Closing costs are the funds collected at closing to complete the purchase and set up your mortgage and ownership. They include lender fees, title and escrow services, recording costs, prepaid items like interest and insurance, and prorations for property taxes and HOA dues. Some items are customary for buyers, others are often split or negotiated in California contracts. The exact mix depends on your loan type, property details, and your purchase agreement.

How much to budget in Antioch

A reliable rule of thumb is to budget 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price for buyer closing costs, not counting your down payment. The range reflects differences in loan programs, rate choices, and local line items.

Here are illustrative examples using the 2 to 5 percent range:

• $400,000 purchase: about $8,000 to $20,000
• $700,000 purchase: about $14,000 to $35,000
• $1,000,000 purchase: about $20,000 to $50,000

These ranges typically include lender fees, appraisal, your share of escrow and title services, prepaid interest, initial deposits for taxes and insurance, and common inspections. They do not include optional repairs or your down payment.

Line‑by‑line buyer costs

Loan‑related fees

• Origination and lender fees. Lenders may charge an origination fee or points. You will see these on your Loan Estimate. Some fees can be negotiated or traded for lender credits.
• Underwriting, processing, and application fees. These are itemized by your lender and can vary by program. Credit report fees may also appear here.
• Appraisal. Most loans require an appraisal. Costs vary by property size and complexity, and Bay Area appraisals often run several hundred dollars or more.
• Rate lock or broker fees if applicable. Confirm whether any lock fees apply for your target rate and timeline.
• Mortgage insurance. If your loan requires mortgage insurance, you may see upfront or monthly premiums depending on program.

Title, escrow, and recording

• Escrow fee. The escrow company manages funds and documents. In California, it is common to split the escrow fee between buyer and seller, but it is negotiable.
• Title insurance. The lender’s policy is usually a buyer expense. The owner’s policy is often paid by the seller in many Bay Area transactions, yet this is custom, not law, and can be negotiated in your purchase contract.
• Recording fees. County recording fees apply to the new deed and any loan documents. Who pays specific items can vary by local practice.
• Documentary transfer tax. Responsibility can vary by county and negotiation. Confirm current practice for Contra Costa County during your transaction.

Prepaid items and prorations

• Prepaid interest. You prepay interest from the day your loan funds to the end of that month. Your closing date will affect this number.
• Homeowner’s insurance. Most lenders require you to pay the first year’s premium at closing.
• Property tax prorations. Taxes are prorated between buyer and seller based on the closing date and the county’s tax calendar. Be prepared for any upcoming installments.
• Impound or escrow account setup. If your lender collects taxes and insurance with your mortgage payment, expect a starting deposit equal to several months of each.
• HOA dues and reserves. If the home is in an HOA, plan for prorated dues, transfer or processing fees, and any required reserve contributions.

Inspections, reports, and repairs

• General home inspection. A standard inspection usually costs several hundred dollars. Specialized inspections may be additional.
• Pest inspection. Wood‑destroying organism inspections are common in California. If repairs are needed, who pays is negotiated.
• Additional reports. Depending on the property, you may choose sewer scope, roof, pool, or other inspections. Natural hazard disclosures and HOA documents are typically provided by the seller, while extra reports you request are your cost.

HOA, Mello‑Roos, and special assessments

• Mello‑Roos or Community Facilities District assessments. Some newer neighborhoods in Contra Costa include annual assessments listed on the property tax bill. Confirm whether a property carries these obligations.
• Parcel taxes and special assessments. Voter‑approved parcel taxes or utility and service assessments can appear on tax bills. Review the current tax bill and the preliminary title report to understand what applies to a specific property.

Other potential costs

• Courier and wire fees, flood certification, and tax service fees.
• Notary fees, HOA transfer or move‑in fees if applicable.
• Escrow holdbacks if repairs or other items are being completed after closing by agreement.

Who usually pays what in Contra Costa

California relies on contract terms and local practice, so many costs are negotiable. In Antioch and broader Bay Area markets, these tendencies are common:

• Owner’s title policy. Often paid by the seller in Bay Area transactions. Always confirm in your offer.
• Lender fees, appraisal, and lender’s title policy. Commonly paid by the buyer.
• Escrow fees. Often split between buyer and seller, though this can vary.
• Transfer or documentary tax. Varies by county and negotiation. Confirm early in escrow.
• Inspections. Buyers typically pay for inspections, while repair costs can be negotiated.

Ways to lower your cash to close

• Ask for seller credits. You can request that the seller cover certain closing costs or provide a credit at closing. This reduces your cash requirement.
• Trade rate for lender credits. Some buyers accept a slightly higher interest rate in exchange for lender credits that reduce upfront costs. Have your lender compare the long‑term trade‑offs.
• Negotiate title and escrow splits. Where allowed, shop for service providers and negotiate splits in your purchase contract.
• Evaluate loan program options. Different programs may have different upfront costs or mortgage insurance structures.
• Use assistance programs. First‑time buyer and state programs may allow funds to be used toward closing costs. Review eligibility, limits, and timelines before you write an offer.
• Balance credits and price. In some cases, sellers prefer credits over a price reduction. Credits directly reduce your cash at closing.

Note: Some loan programs cap how much a seller can contribute. Confirm limits for your loan type before you depend on a large credit.

Timeline and documents to watch

• Loan Estimate within 3 business days of application. Use it to compare lenders on rate, fees, and credits.
• Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing. Review carefully and compare to your Loan Estimate. Ask questions about any changes.
• Preliminary title report and HOA documents. Order early and review for liens, easements, Mello‑Roos, parcel taxes, and special assessments.
• Inspection reports during your contingency period. Schedule early so you have time to negotiate repairs or credits.
• Good faith deposit. Confirm the amount and verify that escrow received it.
• Final walk‑through. Typically 24 to 48 hours before closing to verify agreed condition and repairs.

Funds‑to‑bring checklist

• Earnest money deposit, typically 1 to 3 percent of the purchase price based on local practice and your offer terms.
• Down payment funds per the contract and your loan program.
• Closing costs using the 2 to 5 percent rule, confirmed by your lender’s estimates.
• First year homeowner’s insurance premium if required by your lender.
• Initial escrow or impound deposit for taxes and insurance if your lender requires it.
• Inspection fees for general and pest inspections and any specialty inspections you choose.
• HOA transfer or estoppel fees if applicable.
• Wire, courier, and moving costs.
• Any lender‑required cash reserves that must be documented.

Wiring safety and fraud prevention

• Always call a verified phone number for your escrow or title company to confirm wiring instructions before sending any funds.
• Do not rely on email alone for account details or last‑minute changes. Independently look up phone numbers instead of using email contacts.
• Never wire funds without verbal confirmation of the account name and number.

Local Antioch tips to verify

• Property taxes and assessments. California’s base property tax rate is roughly 1 percent of assessed value under Proposition 13, plus any local parcel taxes or assessments. Review the current tax bill and watch for supplemental bills after a purchase.
• Parcel taxes and Mello‑Roos. Check the preliminary title report and the most recent tax bill to identify any voter‑approved parcel taxes, Community Facilities District assessments, or other special charges.
• Recording and transfer tax practices. Confirm who pays documentary transfer tax and recording fees for your specific contract in Contra Costa County.

Ready to run your numbers?

You do not have to guess your closing costs. With a clear plan and the right negotiation strategy, you can buy confidently and keep surprises to a minimum. If you are exploring Antioch or nearby East County neighborhoods, our team focuses on step‑by‑step guidance, clean communication, and strong negotiation so you know exactly what to expect at the closing table. Connect with the Sold Buy Team to plan your budget, understand your options, and move forward with confidence.

FAQs

What are typical buyer closing costs in Antioch?

• Most buyers should budget 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price for closing costs, excluding the down payment. Your loan type, service providers, and timing can shift the final number.

Who usually pays the owner’s title insurance in Contra Costa County?

• In many Bay Area transactions the seller pays for the owner’s title policy, but this is custom rather than a rule. Your purchase contract determines the final allocation.

How can I reduce my cash to close as a buyer?

• Ask for seller credits, compare lenders for potential credits, negotiate escrow and title splits, consider loan programs with lower upfront costs, and review assistance program options.

What prepaid items should I expect at closing?

• Expect prepaid interest from funding to month‑end, the first year of homeowner’s insurance if required, initial deposits for your escrow account, and prorated property taxes and HOA dues.

What Antioch‑specific taxes should I check before buying?

• Review the property’s current tax bill and preliminary title report for parcel taxes, Mello‑Roos or other special assessments that can add to annual carrying costs.

When will I receive my Closing Disclosure and what should I do with it?

• You should receive your Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing. Compare it to your Loan Estimate, verify fees and credits, and ask your lender and escrow officer about any differences.