Free closing cost estimate · Highlands County, FL
Highlands County closing costs for buyers
Buying a $400,000 home in Highlands County with 20% down on a conventional loan, plan on about $14,316–$15,441 in buyer closing costs (3.6%–3.9% of the price), or $94,316–$95,441 total cash to close including the $80,000 down payment. Use the calculator on this page to change the price, down payment, loan type, or closing month.
Highlands County closing costs by home price
| Home price | Closing costs | Cash to close (with down payment) | Tax escrow (2 mo.) | Mortgage taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | $11,142–$12,267 | $71,142–$72,267 | $437 | $1,320 |
| $400,000 | $14,316–$15,441 | $94,316–$95,441 | $612 | $1,760 |
| $500,000 | $16,641–$17,766 | $116,641–$117,766 | $786 | $2,200 |
| $750,000 | $20,733–$21,958 | $170,733–$171,958 | $1,223 | $3,300 |
What is specific to Highlands County
- Property tax escrow uses Highlands County's blended millage of about 1.31% of assessed value, which puts two months of escrow at roughly $612 on a $400,000 home with homestead.
- Homeowners insurance is prepaid for the first year. Highlands County's average HO-3 premium is about $2,736 a year (Florida OIR, wind included); scaled to this price that is about $6,152.
- In Highlands County the seller customarily pays for the owner's title policy (about $2,075 at $400,000), so it is not in the buyer total. Confirm in your contract.
- Florida's mortgage taxes apply statewide: doc stamps of 0.35% and intangible tax of 0.2% on the loan amount, $1,120 and $640 on a $320,000 loan.
- The deed doc stamp tax (0.70%, about $2,800 at this price) is normally paid by the seller.
Itemized estimate at $400,000
| Line item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Loan origination (1%) | $3,200 |
| Appraisal | $500–$800 |
| Title search | $150–$300 |
| Owner's title insurance | $2,075 (usually seller-paid) |
| Lender's title insurance (simultaneous issue) | $25–$100 |
| Recording fees | $280–$330 |
| Doc stamp tax on the mortgage (0.35%) | $1,120 |
| Intangible tax on the mortgage (0.2%) | $640 |
| Homeowners insurance, first year prepaid | $6,152 |
| Property tax escrow (2 months) | $612 |
| Prepaid interest (mid-month close at 6.75%) | $888 |
| Home inspection | $350–$600 |
| Survey | $400–$700 |
How we estimate: Florida statutory doc stamp and intangible tax rates, Florida promulgated title insurance rates, Highlands County's property tax millage (the same table the True Cost Calculator uses), the county's average homeowners premium from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, and typical lender, inspection, and survey fees. Actual costs depend on your lender, title company, and contract.
Related
- Highlands County property tax rates by city
- True Cost of Ownership Calculator — monthly cost after closing
- Closing costs in every Florida county
Frequently asked questions
How much are closing costs in Highlands County, FL?
For a $400,000 home with 20% down, buyer closing costs run about $14,316–$15,441, or 3.6%–3.9% of the price, before the down payment.
Who pays title insurance in Highlands County?
The seller customarily pays the owner's policy in Highlands County. The buyer pays the lender's policy, which is discounted when issued at the same time as the owner's policy.
How much is the doc stamp tax when buying in Highlands County?
Buyers with a mortgage pay 0.35% doc stamps plus 0.2% intangible tax on the loan: $1,760 on a $320,000 loan. The deed doc stamps (0.70%) are usually paid by the seller.
Why is property tax collected at closing in Highlands County?
Lenders set up an escrow cushion, typically two months of property tax, so the first tax bill can be paid on time. At Highlands County's millage that is about $612 on a $400,000 home with homestead.