Purchasing a home is a multifaceted financial transaction that involves various costs and fees. Two terms that often perplex homebuyers, especially first-timers, are “prepaid costs” and “closing costs.” Understanding the distinction between these two is crucial as they can impact your budget and the overall home-buying process.

Prepaid costs, as the name suggests, are expenses that you need to pay in advance before your home purchase is finalized. These costs are not directly tied to the purchase of the property itself but are essential for ensuring a smooth transition into your new home. Here are some common examples of prepaid costs:

1. Property Taxes: Property taxes are typically assessed annually. When you buy a home, you may be required to pay a portion of the annual property tax bill upfront. This prepaid amount goes into an escrow account, which the lender manages on your behalf, and is used to cover your property tax obligations when they come due.
2. Homeowners Insurance: Just like property taxes, you’ll often need to prepay a portion of your homeowners’ insurance for the year. This ensures your property remains protected from potential damage or loss.
3. Mortgage Interest: When you close on your home, you may be required to pay interest on your mortgage from the closing date to the end of that month. This is known as prepaid interest and is typically a part of your closing costs.
4. Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): If you’re putting down less than 20% as a down payment on your home, you may need to pay for private mortgage insurance. A portion of the premium may be due at closing.

Closing costs are the fees associated with the actual home purchase and transfer of ownership. These costs are incurred at the closing table when you sign all the necessary documents and take possession of the property. Closing costs typically include various expenses, such as:

1. Loan Origination Fees: These are charged by the lender for processing and approving your mortgage application.
2. Appraisal and Inspection Fees: These fees cover the cost of appraising the property’s value and conducting inspections to ensure it’s in good condition.
3. Title Insurance and Title Search: Title insurance protects against any legal issues or disputes regarding the property’s ownership. A title search ensures the property’s title is clear and free of any encumbrances.
4. Attorney Fees: These are the fees charged by the attorney to review your closing documents and oversee the transaction.
5. Recording Fees: These fees are charged by the local government to officially record the sale and transfer of property ownership.

In summary, prepaid costs are expenses paid in advance, which contribute to your ongoing homeownership expenses, while closing costs are the fees associated with the actual transfer of property ownership. Understanding the distinction between these two types of costs is crucial when budgeting for your new home purchase and can help ensure a smoother and more transparent real estate transaction. It’s advisable to work closely with your real estate agent, lender, and title company to get a clear breakdown of all the costs associated with your home purchase. Until next week!

Eve Leombruno, 2023 MBOR President