What will you really pay on closing day in Port Huron? If you are buying or selling, the final numbers can feel confusing, especially when fees vary by loan type, property, and local rules. You want clear answers before you sign. In this guide, you will learn what closing costs include, who typically pays what in St. Clair County, realistic ranges, and how to get precise numbers for your situation. Let’s dive in.
Closing costs, in plain English
Closing costs are the fees you pay at settlement to transfer ownership and finalize any financing. They are separate from your down payment. These charges cover lender services, title work and insurance, recording with the county, prepaid taxes and insurance, and any transfer taxes or prorations.
You will see your expected costs early in the process on your Loan Estimate if you are financing. A few days before closing, you will receive a Closing Disclosure that shows your final, itemized numbers. Those two forms are your official references.
Who pays what in Michigan sales
Responsibility for individual line items is negotiable. Your purchase agreement will spell out the final deal, and local custom can influence who typically covers certain fees.
- Buyers often pay lender-related charges, the appraisal, inspection(s), their share of title and settlement fees, recording fees for the mortgage, and prepaid items like property taxes and homeowners insurance.
- Sellers typically pay the real estate commission, any mortgage or lien payoffs, and property tax prorations. In some Michigan markets it is customary for the seller to purchase the owner’s title policy, but this is negotiable in Port Huron.
- Transfer taxes can be assigned by contract. Confirm current practices and amounts with the Michigan Department of Treasury and the St. Clair County Register of Deeds.
Always review your Closing Disclosure to confirm who is paying each item.
Buyer closing costs: what to expect
Lender charges
- Origination or processing fee
- Underwriting and application fees
- Credit report and rate-lock fee, if applicable
- Discount points if you choose to buy down your rate
Third-party services
- Appraisal
- Home inspection(s) ordered by you
- Survey if required
- Flood certification or pest inspection if required
- Title search, lender’s title policy, and possibly an owner’s title policy
- Escrow or settlement fee to the closing agent
Government and recording
- Recording fees for the deed and your mortgage
- State transfer taxes if assigned to the buyer in your contract
Prepaid items and escrows
- Prepaid property taxes based on local billing cycles
- First year of homeowners insurance
- Prepaid mortgage interest from funding to your first payment
- Escrow account deposits for taxes and insurance
Seller closing costs: common line items
- Real estate commission, which is often the largest seller expense
- Payoff of existing mortgage(s), liens, or judgments
- Owner’s title policy if customary or negotiated
- Settlement or closing fee
- Prorated property taxes
- Recording or release fees to clear title
- Any agreed repairs or HOA-related transfer charges, if applicable
Port Huron and St. Clair County specifics
Local details matter because they affect your bottom line.
- Transfer taxes: Michigan levies state-level real estate transfer taxes. Responsibility can be negotiated. Confirm current amounts and assignment with the Michigan Department of Treasury and the St. Clair County Register of Deeds.
- Recording fees: Fees for deeds, mortgages, and releases are set by the county. Check the St. Clair County Register of Deeds for the current schedule.
- Property tax prorations: Taxes are prorated based on the local tax year and billing cycles. Contact the St. Clair County Treasurer or your local assessor for the current calendar and to understand how prorations will be calculated at closing.
- Title and local custom: Ask your local title company or your agent whether sellers commonly purchase the owner’s title policy in Port Huron. Practices vary by county and can be negotiated.
- Inspections: Many homes in the area are older. You may consider specialized inspections such as plumbing, electrical, radon, or lead-based paint for older properties, and well or septic inspections where applicable.
How much do closing costs run?
Every transaction is different, but these ranges can help you plan.
- Buyers commonly pay about 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price in closing costs, not counting the down payment.
- Sellers commonly pay about 6 to 10 percent of the sale price, with commission making up the largest share.
Typical dollar ranges for individual items:
- Appraisal: about $300 to $700
- Home inspection: about $300 to $600
- Escrow or settlement fee: often a few hundred dollars, such as $300 to $1,000
- Recording fees: typically tens to low hundreds per document
- Lender origination: often 0.5 to 1 percent of the loan amount, or a flat fee
- Title insurance: varies with price, often several hundred to a few thousand for combined policies
- Prepaid taxes and escrow deposits: can be several hundred to several thousand based on timing and local tax amounts
Example estimate, for illustration only
Purchase price: $200,000 with a $160,000 loan.
- Buyer estimate at 2.5 percent: about $5,000 total. That might include an appraisal around $450, inspection around $400, lender fees around $1,600, title and lender’s policy around $900, and prepaid insurance, taxes, and escrow around $650.
- Seller estimate at 8 percent: about $16,000 total. That might include a 6 percent commission at $12,000, plus payoff and prorations, and title or closing fees around $1,000 to $2,000.
Your actual numbers in Port Huron will depend on your contract, local fees, and your loan.
How your loan type affects costs
Conventional loans
You pay lender fees, the appraisal, and customary title and settlement fees. There is no upfront government mortgage insurance fee.
FHA loans
FHA financing includes an upfront mortgage insurance premium. You may pay it at closing or finance it into your loan. Expect standard lender and third-party fees as well.
VA loans
Most VA borrowers pay a funding fee that can be financed. VA also places caps on certain fees and allows for seller-paid concessions that can reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
USDA loans
USDA loans include a one-time guarantee fee and an annual fee, and sometimes stricter escrow or reserve requirements.
Tip: Compare Loan Estimates from multiple lenders. Each estimate clearly shows lender charges, third-party fees, and which costs can change before closing.
Ways to reduce or plan for costs
- Compare lenders for lower origination fees and competitive rate options.
- Ask about lender credits in exchange for a slightly higher interest rate.
- Negotiate seller concessions to cover part of your closing costs, subject to loan program limits.
- Review title and settlement fees with the closing agent to understand what is negotiable.
- Time your closing to manage prepaid interest and tax escrows, based on your lender’s advice.
How to get exact numbers in Port Huron
- Request Loan Estimates from at least two local lenders so you can compare fees and total cash to close.
- Ask a St. Clair County title company or closing agent for a detailed quote that includes title insurance, recording fees, and settlement charges.
- Confirm recording fees and current transfer tax rules with the St. Clair County Register of Deeds and the Michigan Department of Treasury.
- Contact the St. Clair County Treasurer or your local assessor for tax billing schedules and to understand prorations for your property.
- Verify local custom on who purchases the owner’s title policy with your agent and the title company.
- If you are using FHA, VA, or USDA financing, ask your lender for a program-specific fee explanation and review your Loan Estimate carefully.
- Before closing, review your Closing Disclosure line by line. It is the final word on your costs and who pays each item.
Ready to run the numbers with a local pro?
Getting the details right can save you time and stress at the closing table. If you want a clear estimate tailored to your property and financing, reach out for local guidance and introductions to trusted lenders and title partners. Request a free valuation or start a conversation at PortHuronHomes.com.
FAQs
Who typically pays Michigan transfer tax in Port Huron?
- Responsibility can be negotiated in the purchase agreement. Confirm current practice and amounts with the Michigan Department of Treasury and the St. Clair County Register of Deeds.
How much are buyer closing costs in Port Huron?
- Buyers commonly pay about 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price, excluding the down payment. Your loan type, timing, and local fees will affect the total.
What are the main seller closing costs in St. Clair County?
- The real estate commission is usually the largest expense, followed by any mortgage payoff, prorated property taxes, title or settlement fees, and small recording or release charges.
Are title insurance and escrow required for Port Huron homes?
- Lenders require a lender’s title policy. An owner’s title policy is optional but commonly purchased. Escrow or settlement services are needed to handle recording and the transfer of funds.
How are property taxes prorated at closing in St. Clair County?
- Taxes are split between buyer and seller based on the local tax year and billing dates. The St. Clair County Treasurer or your local assessor can confirm the current calendar used for prorations.
Can I roll closing costs into my mortgage?
- Some costs can be financed depending on your loan program and lender approval. You can also negotiate seller concessions or request lender credits to reduce cash to close.
What documents show my final closing costs?
- Your Loan Estimate outlines expected costs shortly after application. Your Closing Disclosure, delivered at least three business days before closing, shows your final, itemized amounts and who pays what.
