Buyer Closing Costs

Escrow Fees

These fees are paid to the escrow company, which acts as a neutral third party to manage your transaction and hold funds until closing. In San Francisco and Sonoma County, buyers customarily pay the entire escrow fee. 

Title Insurance

Title insurance protects you from defects in the chain of title or future ownership claims on your new property. If you’re financing your purchase, you’ll need two policies—one for yourself and one for your lender. Buyers in San Francisco and Sonoma County typically pay for their own title insurance. This coverage ensures a clear and secure transfer of ownership at closing.

Inspection Fees 

If the seller hasn’t provided inspection reports, you’ll need to conduct your own property inspections. These may include general home, pest/fungus, sewer or septic, well/water quality, or structural engineering inspections. Additional inspections may be recommended depending on the property type and location. These reports help you understand the home’s condition and can prevent costly surprises later.

Property Taxes

Condo Fees

For condo purchases, expect prepaid HOA dues and possibly move-in fees or deposits. These amounts vary by building, so we’ll confirm them early to ensure they’re included in your final settlement statement.

Buyer Agent Commission

As of 2024, new regulations have changed how real estate commissions are handled. Home sellers are no longer obligated to pay the buyer’s agent. Instead, each party compensates their own agent: the seller pays the listing agent through a listing agreement, and the buyer pays their agent via a buyer–broker agreement.

All brokerage fees and commissions are negotiable and can vary by agent, property type, and region. We’ll review your options to ensure your fee arrangement is transparent, fair, and compliant with the latest standards in the San Francisco and Sonoma County real estate markets.