Ever wonder what you’ll actually pay at the closing table in Saint Johns? You’re not alone. Closing costs can feel confusing when you’re planning a move or building your budget. The good news is you can estimate them with confidence once you know the common line items and local quirks in St. Johns County. In this guide, you’ll learn what to budget, what each fee covers, and simple ways to save. Let’s dive in.

What closing costs are

Closing costs are the one-time fees and prepaids you pay to finalize your home purchase, separate from your down payment. They include lender charges, title and settlement services, inspections, insurance prepaids and escrows, state and county taxes, and any HOA or condo transfer items.

How much to budget locally

A practical rule of thumb for many Florida buyers is about 2% to 4% of the purchase price for closing costs, not counting your down payment. Your total depends on your loan type, price point, insurance needs, whether you’re in a flood zone, and if the seller agrees to cover any costs or credits. The most reliable way to dial in the number is to request a Loan Estimate from your lender and a written title fee estimate from the title company early in the process.

Line items you will see

Lender fees and loan charges

These cover origination, processing, and underwriting, plus your credit report and appraisal. Typical ranges:

• Combined lender fees: about $500 to $3,000
• Appraisal: about $400 to $800
• Credit report: about $25 to $50
• Mortgage points: optional; each point equals 1% of your loan amount

Your loan program and interest rate strategy influence this total. FHA, VA, and condos can add extra requirements that affect costs.

Title, settlement, and title insurance

Title services protect your ownership and facilitate the closing. Expect:

• Lender’s title policy: required by your lender; premium based on loan amount
• Owner’s title policy: one-time premium based on price; who pays varies by local custom and negotiation
• Settlement/closing fee and title search: about $300 to $900
• Recording fees for deed and mortgage: often $50 to $300 total, depending on page count

In many Florida markets, sellers often pay for the owner’s policy, but this is not universal in St. Johns County. Confirm local custom and negotiate accordingly.

Inspections and survey

Inspections help you understand the home’s condition and can guide repairs or credits. Typical ranges:

• General home inspection: about $300 to $600
• Wood-destroying organism (WDO/termite) inspection: about $50 to $150
• Survey: about $300 to $700 or more, if required
• Specialty inspections (HVAC, pool, septic, radon, mold): about $100 to $400 each

Your lender and title company may require a survey, especially for single-family homes and properties with complex lots.

Insurance and prepaids

You’ll prepay certain costs at closing and fund an escrow account if your lender requires it.

• Homeowner’s insurance: often $1,200 to $3,000+ annually in St. Johns County, depending on age, features, wind mitigation credits, and coverage
• Flood insurance: if required by your lender, costs vary widely by flood zone and building features
• Initial escrow deposit: usually 2 to 6 months of your estimated tax and insurance amounts
• Prepaid interest: the daily interest from closing to the end of the month

Flood risk and insurance can significantly affect your budget, so check flood status early.

State and county taxes and recording

Florida charges documentary stamp taxes on deeds and an intangible tax on new mortgages. These are formula-based and scale with price and loan amount. St. Johns County also collects recording fees. Your title company will calculate exact amounts for your price point and loan size.

HOA and condo fees

If the home is in an HOA or a condo association, plan for:

• HOA or condo estoppel/transfer fees: often $100 to $500
• Prorated dues and any association-required reserves or deposits

Larger associations can have higher administrative fees and longer approval timelines.

Optional protections and extras

• Home warranty: about $300 to $700 for a 1-year plan
• Attorney fees if you choose to retain counsel

Local factors in St. Johns County

• State taxes are formula-based. Title companies use current Florida Department of Revenue schedules to calculate documentary stamps and intangible taxes for your deal.
• Recording is handled through the St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller. Fees vary by document type and page count.
• Property taxes are prorated at closing. Check the St. Johns County Property Appraiser for parcel history and current rates.
• Flood zones exist along coastal and low-lying areas. A flood determination and early insurance quotes can prevent surprises.
• Owner’s title policy custom varies. Ask your agent and title company what is typical for your property type and price range, then negotiate.
• Condos often require questionnaires, estoppel letters, and lender review. Build in time for this process.

Example budgets

These examples are for planning only. Your numbers will vary.

Example A: $300,000 purchase

Estimated buyer closing costs at 2% to 4%: about $6,000 to $12,000

• Lender fees and appraisal: $1,200 to $3,000
• Title, lender policy, and recording: $800 to $2,000
• Inspections and survey: $400 to $1,000
• Prepaids and escrow: $2,000 to $4,000
• HOA/condo/other: $0 to $1,000

Example B: $600,000 purchase

Estimated buyer closing costs at 2% to 4%: about $12,000 to $24,000

• Lender fees and appraisal: $1,500 to $4,000
• Title, lender policy, and recording: $1,500 to $3,500
• Inspections and survey: $500 to $1,500
• Prepaids and escrow: $3,000 to $7,000
• If flood insurance is required: plan for a higher annual premium

Ways to reduce costs

• Compare lenders. Request Loan Estimates and ask how lender credits could lower your cash to close.
• Negotiate seller concessions. You can ask the seller to pay certain closing costs or the owner’s title policy.
• Consider rate vs. credit trade-offs. A slightly higher rate can come with a lender credit that lowers your upfront cash.
• Compare title providers. Title insurance premiums follow Florida schedules, but closing and service fees can vary.
• Time your closing date. Closing near month-end reduces prepaid interest.
• Explore assistance programs. Some state, county, or nonprofit programs may help with closing costs.
• Be selective with optional items. Skip what you don’t need, but do not cut essential inspections.

Timeline to closing

• Early: After you apply, your lender must provide a Loan Estimate within 3 business days. Review fees and ask questions.
• About 3 days before closing: You receive the Closing Disclosure with your final numbers. Compare it to your Loan Estimate and confirm any credits.
• At closing: Bring a government ID and verified funds for your cash to close. Follow the title company’s wire or cashier’s check instructions.
• After closing: The title company records your deed and mortgage and issues title insurance policies.

Questions to ask

Your lender

• What is my estimated total cash to close and what is included?
• How would a rate change or lender credit change my costs?
• How many months of tax and insurance reserves will you collect?
• Are there any lender-required inspections or certifications I should budget for?

The title company

• Can you provide an itemized estimate of title, recording, and state taxes for my price and loan?
• Who typically pays the owner’s title policy for homes like mine in St. Johns County?
• What recording fees apply and how are they calculated?
• How much will you collect for escrow reserves at closing, if any?

Your agent

• What seller concessions are common right now in Saint Johns and nearby communities?
• Can you gather HOA estoppels and seller documents early so we can estimate HOA costs?
• Which local lenders, title companies, and inspectors give fast, accurate estimates?

How our team helps

• Early budgeting. We coordinate with your lender to outline realistic closing costs using recent St. Johns County transactions.
• Smart offer strategy. We help you structure seller concessions and clarify who pays which fees based on local custom.
• Local vendor network. We connect you with lenders, title companies, inspectors, and insurance pros who understand Saint Johns and coastal factors.
• Coordination and review. We track estoppels, tax data, and title commitments and help review your Closing Disclosure before you sign.

Next steps

• Request a Loan Estimate from at least two lenders to compare fees, credits, and rate options.
• Ask a local title company for a written title and closing fee estimate for your price range.

If you want a clear, local plan for your move, reach out to the team that treats you like family. Connect with Dana Hancock to map out your budget and next steps.

FAQs

What do buyers typically pay in St. Johns County?

• Many buyers should budget about 2% to 4% of the purchase price for closing costs, not including the down payment.

Who pays the owner’s title insurance policy?

• It varies by local custom and negotiation in St. Johns County; confirm with your agent and title company and address it in your offer.

Are flood insurance costs part of closing costs?

• You will usually prepay the first year of homeowner’s insurance, and if your lender requires flood insurance, that premium can factor into your upfront prepaids and escrow.

How can I lower my cash to close amount?

• Compare lenders, ask about credits, negotiate seller-paid costs, consider timing your closing near month-end, and explore assistance programs.

What inspections should I plan for as a buyer?

• Plan for a general home inspection, WDO/termite inspection, and a survey if required, plus any property-specific checks like HVAC, pool, or septic.

What is the difference between down payment and closing costs?

• Your down payment is equity you put into the home; closing costs are the one-time fees and prepaids needed to finalize the purchase.