: These are paid to your local government to officially record the new deed and mortgage. Expect to pay between $20 and $250 , though this varies significantly by county.

: Paid to the title company or escrow agent who handles the funds and documents. This is often around 1% of the sale price or a flat fee between $350 and $1,000+ . What These Fees Cover

: Checking public records for unpaid liens, mortgages, or boundary disputes.

A real estate attorney or closing agent performs several critical tasks:

: Examining the purchase agreement for unfair clauses or missing disclosures.

Attorney requirements depend on your location. For example, Connecticut , Florida , and New York are among the 21 states where an attorney must oversee the closing process. In other states, hiring a private attorney is optional but can be helpful for navigating complex legal language.