Are you trying to pin down what you’ll actually pay at closing in Monument? You’re not alone. Closing costs can feel like a moving target, especially when fees vary by loan type, title charges, and HOA requirements. In this guide, you’ll get realistic ranges for buyers and sellers, a plain‑English breakdown of each cost, and local steps to get firm numbers before you sign. Let’s dive in.
What closing costs cover in Monument
Closing costs are the one‑time fees due when a home changes hands. As a Monument buyer, you should plan for about 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs, not counting your down payment. As a seller, your largest expense is the real estate commission, and total seller costs commonly land around 6% to 10% of the sale price. These are broad planning ranges.
Why do the numbers vary? Several factors drive the final total:
- Loan type and lender pricing, including points to buy down your rate.
- Title insurance premiums, owner’s vs lender’s policy, and who pays which policy.
- El Paso County recording fees and the local property tax cycle that affects prorations and escrows.
- HOA transfer and resale fees, condition of the home, and negotiated credits or repairs.
Use the ranges for early budgeting, then lock in contract‑specific figures with a lender’s Loan Estimate and a preliminary title quote as soon as you go under contract.
Buyer closing costs in Monument
Lender and loan fees
Your lender itemizes loan costs on a federally required Loan Estimate. Expect to see:
- Origination or application fee and any underwriting or processing charges.
- Optional discount points if you choose to reduce your interest rate. Each point usually equals 1% of the loan amount.
- Credit report and small automated verification fees.
- Appraisal fee, often paid by you. Typical national ranges run roughly $300 to $800 depending on property and loan.
- Flood certification and other small reporting fees.
Title and settlement fees
A title company researches the home’s ownership, clears liens, and manages closing and recording. Common lines include:
- Title search and exam.
- Title insurance policies. Your lender will require a lender’s policy. You may also choose an owner’s policy for your protection. Premiums are one‑time and scale with price and loan amount based on filed rate schedules.
- Settlement or closing fee paid to the title/settlement agent.
- Recording fees for the deed and mortgage. These are set by the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder and are typically modest. Always verify current amounts with the county or your title company.
Note on Colorado practice: In many Colorado markets the seller often pays the owner’s title policy, but this is custom‑driven and negotiable. Confirm the local approach for your Monument contract with your agent and title company.
Prepaids and escrow reserves
Your first year of homeownership includes some prepaid items collected at closing:
- Prepaid interest from funding date to your first payment period.
- Homeowners insurance. Lenders typically require a paid policy or binder for the first year.
- Property tax escrow. Many lenders collect several months of taxes to set up your impound account. Colorado’s property tax billing cycle and due dates influence the exact amount.
- Private mortgage insurance (PMI) if your down payment is under 20% on a conventional loan. The first premium or initial months may be due at closing.
Inspections and third‑party reports
You’ll likely cover the cost of inspections you order, such as:
- General home inspection and, where applicable, pest or wood‑destroying insect inspection.
- Sewer scope and lead‑based paint inspection for older homes.
- Well and septic inspections when relevant.
- HOA resale or estoppel packages if the property is in an HOA. Fees vary by association.
What buyers can negotiate
You can negotiate seller credits toward your closing costs or a rate buy‑down. You can also ask the seller to cover certain HOA transfer fees or the owner’s title policy. Your final numbers depend on your contract terms, lender rules, and what the home appraises for, so build in some flexibility until disclosures are final.
Seller closing costs in Monument
Real estate commission
Commission is typically the largest seller expense. National averages are commonly quoted around 5% to 6% of the sale price. Commission is negotiable and varies by brokerage, market conditions, and services.
Title and settlement items
- Owner’s title policy. In many Colorado transactions, it is common for sellers to pay the owner’s policy, though customs vary and are negotiable.
- Settlement or closing fee if charged to the seller in your area.
- Payoff of existing mortgages or liens, including any recording fees for releases.
Prorations and unpaid items
- Property taxes are generally prorated through the closing date based on the El Paso County tax cycle. Confirm the precise method with your title company or the county treasurer.
- HOA dues are prorated. Unpaid special assessments may need to be paid in full before closing.
Concessions and repairs
If you agree to credits for buyer closing costs, repair allowances, or rate buy‑downs, these show on your closing statement. Repairs negotiated after inspection or appraisal may be completed before closing or handled via escrow.
Other possible seller expenses
- Home warranty if you agreed to provide one.
- Transfer or documentary fees if applicable. Colorado does not have a general state real estate transfer tax, but local recording and administrative fees apply.
- Attorney fees are uncommon in Colorado residential deals but possible.
- Staging costs and payoff of judgments or liens if required.
When you approach the finish line, your title company will provide a seller closing statement detailing payoffs, prorations, and your expected net proceeds.
Quick example: what this could look like
These figures are hypothetical and for illustration only. Replace them with your Loan Estimate and title quote for accuracy.
- Buyer of a $650,000 Monument home: 2% to 5% closing costs equals about $13,000 to $32,500. A sample mix might include $2,200 in lender fees, a $600 appraisal, $2,000 in title and settlement charges, $1,000 in recording and smaller government fees, and the rest in prepaids and escrows for insurance and taxes.
- Seller of a $650,000 Monument home: 6% to 10% closing costs equals about $39,000 to $65,000. If total commission is 5.5% ($35,750), you might also see $2,000 to $4,000 in title, recording, and proration items plus any agreed credits. Your mortgage payoff is separate from these percentages and reduces your net.
Your real numbers will depend on your loan, HOA fees, title premiums, and negotiated terms.
Local steps to get exact numbers
Buyer checklist: get firm figures early
- Ask your lender for a Loan Estimate that clearly lists origination charges, points, prepaids, and escrow requirements.
- Request a preliminary title quote for title premiums and settlement fees from a licensed El Paso County title company.
- If the home is in an HOA, contact the HOA or management company for resale or estoppel fee amounts and any transfer requirements.
- Confirm local custom on who pays the owner’s title policy and any HOA transfer fees.
Seller checklist: estimate your net
- Ask your listing agent for a seller net sheet showing multiple commission scenarios and typical Monument title and closing charges.
- Have the title company obtain payoff demands for all mortgages and liens.
- Verify HOA transfer fees, resale packet timelines, and any special assessments.
- Discuss likely repairs or credits based on inspection norms in your price range.
At contract acceptance: timelines to watch
- Buyers should receive a Loan Estimate within three business days of loan application and a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing.
- Both parties can request the final Closing Disclosure or settlement statement in advance to review payoffs, prorations, and credits.
Monument HOA and community notes
Monument includes many planned communities where HOAs are common. Expect a resale or estoppel package that confirms dues, assessments, and any restrictions. HOAs may charge transfer or document fees and could require compliance checks. Fees vary by association, so verify amounts early to avoid last‑minute surprises.
Who to contact for authoritative numbers
- Your lender for the Loan Estimate and a detailed cash‑to‑close breakdown.
- A licensed title or settlement company in El Paso County for title premiums, settlement fees, recording estimates, and payoff calculations.
- El Paso County Clerk and Recorder for current recording fees and document charges.
- El Paso County Treasurer or Assessor for property tax cycles, due dates, and proration methods.
- Your HOA or community management company for resale packet and transfer fee requirements.
- Colorado Division of Real Estate or the Colorado Association of REALTORS for statewide disclosure and practice guidance.
Work with a local advisor
Closing costs do not have to be a surprise. With clear estimates and local guidance, you can plan your Monument move with confidence. If you want help comparing Loan Estimates, confirming title customs, or preparing a seller net sheet tailored to your property and HOA, our team is here to help. Schedule a Free Consultation with The Daniels Team to get a clear, local plan to the closing table.
FAQs
Who usually pays the owner’s title policy in Monument?
- It depends on local custom and your contract. In many Colorado markets sellers pay for the owner’s policy, but it is negotiable. Confirm with your title company and agent.
How are property taxes prorated in El Paso County?
- Taxes are prorated based on the county’s billing cycle and assessment through the closing date. Your title company or the county treasurer can explain the proration method for your transaction.
Does Colorado have a state real estate transfer tax?
- Colorado does not have a general state real estate transfer tax. Local recording and administrative fees still apply, so verify your exact amounts with the county or your title company.
What is an HOA estoppel or resale package?
- It is a document set from the HOA that certifies dues, account status, pending assessments, and key community rules. Fees vary by association and are often a seller expense unless negotiated otherwise.
What does a home appraisal usually cost for Monument buyers?
- Nationally, appraisals often range roughly $300 to $800 depending on the property and loan type. Your lender will quote the specific fee for your file.
How much should buyers budget for closing costs?
- Plan on about 2% to 5% of the purchase price for lender fees, title and settlement, prepaids, and small government charges. Get a Loan Estimate and title quote for precise numbers.
How much should sellers budget for closing costs?
- Many sellers see total costs in the 6% to 10% range, with commission being the largest line. Ask your agent for a custom net sheet and confirm title and HOA items early.