What buyers and sellers actually pay to close on a Simi Valley or Ventura County home. No surprises at the closing table.
California closing costs typically run 2% to 3% of purchase price for buyers and 5% to 8% of sale price for sellers. On a median-priced Simi Valley home of $830K, that is roughly $16K to $25K in buyer costs and $42K to $66K in seller costs. Most line items are negotiable between buyer and seller.
| Line Item | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lender origination fee | $1,500 to $3,500 | Varies significantly by lender |
| Underwriting and processing | $500 to $1,500 | Often bundled with origination |
| Appraisal | $500 to $900 | Fixed fee regardless of loan size |
| Credit report | $25 to $75 | Minor line item |
| Escrow fee (buyer portion) | $800 to $1,500 | Split with seller |
| Title insurance (lender policy) | $1,000 to $2,000 | Required by lender |
| Recording fees | $100 to $250 | County-level |
| Prorated property taxes | Variable | Based on close date |
| Prepaid homeowners insurance | $1,400 to $4,000 | First year premium |
| Prepaid interest | $500 to $2,500 | Depends on close date |
| Initial escrow deposit | $3,000 to $6,000 | Property tax and insurance impound |
| Inspections (general, sewer, termite) | $500 to $1,500 | Before contingency removed |
| Typical total | 2% to 3% of price | $16K to $25K on $830K |
| Line Item | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Listing agent commission | 2.5% to 3% of price | Negotiable |
| Buyer agent commission (if offered) | 2% to 3% of price | Negotiable post-2024 rules |
| Title insurance (owner's policy) | $1,200 to $1,800 | Seller-provided in CA |
| Escrow fee (seller portion) | $800 to $1,500 | Split with buyer |
| Transfer tax (Ventura County) | $1.10 per $1,000 | $913 on $830K |
| Natural hazard disclosure report | $100 to $150 | Required CA disclosure |
| HOA transfer / doc fees | $300 to $800 | If applicable |
| Home warranty (if offered) | $500 to $900 | Common buyer concession |
| Inspection credits negotiated | $0 to $15,000 | Variable |
| Pre-listing repairs / staging | $2,000 to $8,000+ | Highly variable |
| Typical total | 5% to 8% of price | $42K to $66K on $830K |
Most closing costs in California are negotiable between buyer and seller. Standard practice varies regionally but deviations are common:
Since August 2024, buyer agents' commissions are negotiated case-by-case rather than automatically advertised on the MLS. The practical effect: more explicit negotiation around who pays what commission, sometimes favoring sellers, sometimes buyers.
Buyers typically 2% to 3% of purchase price. Sellers typically 5% to 8% of sale price. On an $830K Simi Valley home, that is roughly $16K to $25K for buyers and $42K to $66K for sellers.
By convention, the seller pays transfer tax in California. Ventura County's rate is $1.10 per $1,000 of value.
Yes. Buyer requests for closing-cost credits from the seller are common, especially in slower markets or with first-time buyers using FHA or VA loans.
Yes. Conventional loans typically cap at 3% of price (with 10%+ down) or 6% (with 20%+ down). FHA caps at 6%. VA caps at 4%.
Yes. Title insurance protects against defects in title. In California, sellers traditionally provide an owner's policy and buyers pay a separate lender policy.
Yes. Title and escrow rates vary between companies. In practice, listing agents often recommend a specific company they work with regularly.
A required California disclosure identifying if the property is in a flood, fire, earthquake, or other natural-hazard zone. Seller pays. Buyer reviews.
At closing, via wire transfer or cashier's check. Typically 1 to 3 days before recording. Never wire funds based on email instructions alone, always verify by phone.
Most are not. Some (mortgage interest paid at closing, property taxes) may be deductible. Talk to your CPA.
Yes. Given the purchase price, property specifics, and loan details, I can produce a detailed estimate for your transaction.
Given a purchase price and loan structure, I can produce a detailed estimate for your specific transaction.
Talk to Brian