Blaine, WA Closing Costs: What Buyers & Sellers Pay

Are you trying to pin down what closing costs actually cover for a Blaine home purchase or sale? You are not alone. These fees can feel vague until you see them itemized on an estimate. In this guide, you will learn what typical buyer and seller closing costs include in Whatcom County, how much to budget, what is negotiable, and where to verify exact numbers before you close. Let’s dive in.

Buyer closing costs at a glance

Buyer closing costs in Blaine typically run about 2%–5% of the purchase price, not including your down payment. Your final amount depends on your loan type, lender fees, and prepaid items. Some costs are set by your lender or the county, while others can be negotiated with the seller.

Common buyer line items include:

Lender charges: application, origination, underwriting, processing, credit report, and rate-lock fees.
Discount points: optional prepaid interest to lower your interest rate.
Appraisal and other third-party items: appraisal, flood certification, and a lender-required title insurance policy.
Title and escrow: title search and exam, lender’s title insurance, owner’s title policy (optional but common), document prep, and escrow/closing administration.
Recording: county charges to record your deed of trust and other documents.
Prepaids and reserves: first year of homeowner’s insurance, prepaid mortgage interest, and initial escrow deposits for taxes and insurance.
Inspections: home inspection, pest, septic/well, sewer scope, or specialty inspections as needed.
Miscellaneous: notary, courier, wire fees, HOA document fees, and a home warranty if you choose to purchase one.

Seller closing costs at a glance

Seller closing costs in Blaine commonly total about 6%–10% of the sale price. The biggest single item is often the broker commission, which is typically around 5%–6% of the sale price. You also pay the state’s Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) unless negotiated otherwise.

Common seller line items include:

Broker commissions.
REET to the State of Washington (confirm current rates with the Washington State Department of Revenue).
Payoff of your existing mortgage(s), liens, and judgments.
Title and escrow: your share of the escrow closing fee and any title clearance work.
Recording: deed recording and related charges.
Prorations: property taxes, HOA dues, and utilities, prorated to the closing date.
Agreed repairs and any seller credits to the buyer.

Who pays what in Blaine

Customs vary, and your purchase and sale agreement sets the final split. In Blaine and across Whatcom County, the buyer usually pays lender fees, appraisal, prepaids, and the lender’s title insurance policy. The owner’s title policy and escrow fee split are often negotiated.

Key notes for local practice:

Owner’s title insurance: payment responsibility varies by local custom and negotiation. Confirm up front with your escrow officer.
Escrow fee split: often split, but the exact arrangement is negotiable in your contract.
Recording: buyers commonly pay to record the deed of trust; the deed recording can fall to the seller. Confirm your allocation with your title/escrow company.
REET: typically paid by the seller in Washington unless your contract says otherwise.

Prepaids, prorations, and deposits

Some items are not “fees” but still affect your bottom line. You should plan for them in your budget.

Prepaid interest: covers interest from closing to the end of the month.
Insurance: many lenders collect the first year of homeowner’s insurance at closing.
Escrow/impound account: lenders may require 2–12 months of tax and insurance reserves, depending on program rules.
Property tax proration: Washington property taxes follow a semi-annual schedule and are commonly prorated at closing. The Whatcom County Treasurer maintains the local tax calendar and proration practices.
HOA dues, utilities, and assessments: prorated between buyer and seller as of the closing date. Check with the City of Blaine utilities for any final bills or connection fees.

Budget examples for Blaine homes

Every transaction is unique, but these examples help you set expectations. These are estimates only. Ask your lender and title/escrow company for exact figures for your property and loan.

Buyer on a $500,000 purchase: 2%–5% equals about $10,000–$25,000 in closing costs, excluding your down payment. This range covers lender and third-party fees, title/escrow and recording, prepaid interest and insurance, initial escrow deposits, and inspections. The owner’s title policy, if you buy it, varies by price.
Seller on a $500,000 sale: 6%–10% equals about $30,000–$50,000. That typically includes broker commissions, REET, title/escrow and recording charges, prorated taxes and dues, and any credits or repairs.

For a quick sense at other price points, apply the same ranges:

$350,000 purchase: buyers might expect roughly $7,000–$17,500.
$600,000 sale: sellers might expect roughly $36,000–$60,000.

Ways to reduce your out-of-pocket

You have several levers to bring down cash needed at closing. Lender rules and loan-to-value limits apply, so confirm options with your lender.

Compare lenders and Loan Estimates to find better fee structures or rate/credit options.
Ask for seller credits toward closing costs. Concession limits vary by program (conventional, FHA, VA).
Consider a lender credit in exchange for a slightly higher interest rate.
If allowed, roll certain costs into the loan amount.

Local items to verify in Whatcom County

Because some costs change over time or vary by document type, verify with the right sources before you finalize your numbers.

REET rates and filing rules: Washington State Department of Revenue.
Recording fees and document requirements: Whatcom County Auditor/Recorder.
Tax due dates and proration practices: Whatcom County Treasurer.
Utility balances or connection fees: City of Blaine utilities.
Title and escrow fee quotes and local customs: a Blaine-based title/escrow company.

What to request from your lender and escrow

Ask for clear, written estimates early. These documents help you avoid surprises and compare options.

From your lender: a Loan Estimate within three business days of application and a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing for financed purchases.
From your escrow/title company: an itemized fee quote and a draft settlement statement.
From your listing agent if selling: a seller’s net sheet with estimated proceeds.
From your agent or escrow: a REET calculation and a breakdown of who pays each title and escrow item, based on your contract.

Safe, smooth funding and timing

Wire fraud is real. Before sending funds, always call your escrow/title company using a verified phone number to confirm wiring instructions. Do not rely solely on email details. Plan your earnest money and final funds timing so the title company can record on schedule with the Whatcom County Auditor/Recorder.

Ready for your next step?

If you are buying or selling in Blaine, local clarity is everything. I will help you understand each line item, confirm the current Whatcom County fees, and negotiate smart splits that fit your goals. Call or email Christine Cicchitti for a free local market consult and personalized next steps.

FAQs

What are typical buyer closing costs in Blaine?

Plan for about 2%–5% of the purchase price, covering lender fees, appraisal, title/escrow, county recording, prepaids, reserves, inspections, and misc. items.

What closing costs do Blaine sellers pay?

Sellers commonly pay broker commissions, Washington’s REET, their share of title/escrow and recording, loan payoffs, prorations, and any agreed credits or repairs.

Who pays Washington’s Real Estate Excise Tax (REET)?

In Washington, the seller typically pays REET unless your purchase and sale agreement allocates it differently; verify rates with the Department of Revenue.

Can a Blaine seller pay a buyer’s closing costs?

Yes, through seller concessions or credits, subject to loan-program limits; ask your lender how much is allowed for your financing.

Can I roll closing costs into my mortgage?

Sometimes; it depends on loan program and loan-to-value ratios, and whether the cost type is eligible to be financed.

When will I see my final closing numbers?

Buyers with financing receive a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing; sellers receive a settlement statement from escrow before or at closing.