When Selling a House, Who Pays the Closing Costs?

Who Pays Closing Costs When You Sell a Home?

If you’re getting ready to sell your home in Southwest Michigan, you’re likely asking yourself:“Who pays closing costs when I sell?”It’s a great question—and one that can significantly impact how much you walk away with after the sale.

At the Keefer Fischer Real Estate Team, we believe in helping sellers make informed decisions every step of the way. Here’s what you need to know about closing costs in Kalamazoo, Portage, Mattawan, Battle Creek, and surrounding areas.

What Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs are the various fees and expenses required to finalize a home sale. They include services like title searches, loan processing, and document recording—plus things like real estate commissions and taxes.

Both the buyer and the seller typically pay a share of these costs.

What Do Sellers Usually Pay?

As a seller, your closing costs often include:

• Real estate commissions – Typically 5–6% of the sale price, split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents

• Transfer taxes and county/state fees

• Title company fees (depending on who chooses the title company)

• Owner’s title insurance policy (in some Michigan transactions)

• Any concessions or negotiated credits to the buyer

While it may sound like a lot, many of these costs are deducted from your sale proceeds—so you're not always writing a check at closing.

What Do Buyers Typically Pay?

Buyers usually pay for:

• Loan origination fees

• Appraisals and inspections

• Buyer’s title insurance policy

• Escrow setup for taxes and insurance

• Recording and lender fees

However, depending on the local market, buyers and sellers sometimes negotiate who covers what.

Can Sellers Help Cover Buyer Closing Costs?

Yes! In some cases, especially in slower markets or with first-time buyers, sellers may offer to pay part of the buyer’s closing costs as an incentive. This is known as a seller concession and can be a powerful tool to help seal the deal—especially if you want a quicker sale.

What Does It Look Like in Southwest Michigan?

In markets like Kalamazoo, Portage, Mattawan, and Battle Creek, seller closing costs follow typical Michigan real estate customs—but can vary slightly depending on:

• Local title company policies

• The structure of your offer

• Negotiations around inspection findings

• Whether the buyer is using certain loan programs

At the Keefer Fischer Real Estate Team, led by Kerry Keefer Fischer, we provide each of our sellers with a clear, upfront estimate of closing costs so they can plan with confidence.

Planning to Sell? We’ve Got You Covered.

Selling a home is a big step, and knowing what to expect when it comes to closing costs is a key part of the process. Our team at Keefer Fischer Real Estate has helped hundreds of homeowners across Southwest Michigan sell with clarity, strategy, and success.

Contact us today to learn more about how much it costs to sell your home—and how we can help you maximize your return.