Closing Costs in Plantation: What Buyers and Sellers Pay

Are you budgeting for a home sale or purchase in Plantation and wondering who pays what at closing? You’re not alone. Closing costs can feel confusing, especially when local customs and contract choices come into play. In this guide, you’ll see what buyers and sellers typically pay in Broward County, how Florida’s state taxes show up on your statement, and smart ways to plan and negotiate your bottom line. Let’s dive in.

What closing costs cover in Plantation

Closing costs in Plantation are shaped by three things: the standard Florida Realtors and Florida Bar contract (often called FAR/BAR), local South Florida customs, and your negotiated deal. That means there are norms to guide you, but the final allocation depends on what you and the other party agree to in writing. You can review general contract guidance from Florida Realtors and confirm specifics with your title company.

At a high level, sellers usually cover commissions, deed-related taxes, and certain title and association items. Buyers usually cover lender charges, mortgage-related taxes, and prepaid escrows. Some fees fall into a negotiable middle ground.

Who usually pays what in Broward

Typical seller-paid items

• Real estate commission. This is usually the largest seller expense and commonly totals about 5 to 6 percent of the sale price. Local splits vary by listing agreement.
• Documentary stamp tax on the deed. This Florida state tax is customarily paid by the seller in Broward unless the contract says otherwise.
• Owner’s title insurance. In much of South Florida, including Broward, the seller commonly pays for the owner’s title policy. This is local custom and negotiable.
• HOA or condo estoppel/resale fees. Sellers often pay for the association’s estoppel letter or resale certificate that confirms balances and violations. Fees vary by association.
• Mortgage payoff and lien releases. Sellers pay off existing liens and cover recording or release fees tied to those payoffs.
• Prorated property taxes and assessments. Sellers credit their share up to the day of closing since Florida property taxes are paid in arrears.

Typical buyer-paid items

• Lender fees. Origination, application, processing, underwriting, credit report, appraisal, and any lender-required inspections are usually buyer costs.
• Mortgage-related taxes. If you finance, buyers typically pay documentary stamps on the promissory note and the intangible tax on the new mortgage.
• Lender’s title policy and related title charges. If your lender requires a policy, this is normally a buyer cost.
• Recording fees for the mortgage. Buyers generally pay to record their new mortgage and related documents.
• Prepaids and escrows. Buyers fund homeowner’s insurance, initial tax and insurance reserves, and prepaid interest.

Shared or negotiable items

• Closing agent and title settlement fees. Allocation can follow Broward custom or whatever the contract specifies.
• Deed recording fees. This is a smaller line item and may be allocated by custom or contract.
• Home warranties, repairs, and credits. These are negotiated.

Florida state taxes at closing

Florida imposes statewide taxes that commonly appear on your closing statement. Rates are set by the state and administered by the Florida Department of Revenue. Allocation is usually set by custom or contract.

• Documentary stamp tax on the deed. This applies to most real estate transfers. In Broward, sellers typically pay this tax.
• Documentary stamp tax on the note. This applies when a buyer signs a new promissory note for a mortgage. Buyers typically pay this.
• Intangible tax on the mortgage. This applies to the new mortgage amount and is typically paid by buyers.

Ask your title company to show the exact calculations on your Closing Disclosure or settlement statement.

Title insurance in Plantation

Title insurance protects ownership and lender interests. In Broward County, it is common for the seller to pay the owner’s title insurance premium, while the buyer pays the lender’s policy when financing. Title and settlement fees connected to these policies can be split or negotiated, and practices vary by contract.

Ask your title company whether a reissue discount applies. If the seller has a recent owner’s policy, that discount may reduce the cost of the new owner’s policy, which can lower total closing expenses in some cases.

Condo and HOA fees to expect

Many Plantation homes are in condo or HOA communities. Association documents and approvals can add time and cost to your closing.

• Estoppel or resale certificate. Confirms dues, assessments, and any violations. The seller commonly pays this fee in Broward. Amounts often run a few hundred dollars and can be higher for rush requests.
• Transfer and application fees. Associations may charge buyers transfer or application fees and may require board approval. Timelines vary by community.
• Move-in or move-out fees. Some buildings charge these fees to buyers or tenants.

Because association processing can delay closings if documents arrive late, request estoppels and required forms early. Your title company will coordinate, but you should stay ahead of any board approval steps.

Prorations and escrow basics

Florida property taxes are paid in arrears, which means the seller credits taxes up to the closing date and the buyer is responsible after closing. You can verify tax calendars and billing through the Broward County Property Appraiser and the county’s Records, Taxes and Treasury Division.

If you finance, your lender will set up an escrow account and collect funds at closing for homeowner’s insurance and property taxes. You will also prepay daily mortgage interest from the closing date to the start of your first payment.

Special assessments may be prepaid or prorated depending on whether they are liens at closing and what the contract specifies.

Typical cost ranges in Plantation

Every transaction is unique, but these ballparks help you plan. Actual amounts vary by price point, loan terms, condo versus single-family, and negotiated terms on your FAR/BAR contract.

• Buyer closing costs excluding down payment commonly total about 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price for a financed purchase. This includes lender fees, appraisal, lender’s title policy, recording fees, prepaid insurance and taxes, and initial escrows. For example, on a $350,000 home, buyer costs might roughly range from about $7,000 to $17,500.
• Seller closing costs are typically dominated by commission. Including commission, documentary stamp tax on the deed, owner’s title insurance where customary, HOA estoppel fees, and prorations, sellers often see net closing costs in the range of 6 to 10 percent of the sale price. On a $350,000 sale with a 6 percent commission, sellers might see total costs around $24,000 to $25,000, depending on other fees and credits.

Always rely on your Closing Disclosure or settlement statement for precise numbers.

Lender fees and appraisals

If you are buying with a mortgage, expect lender fees such as origination, application, processing, and underwriting. You will also pay for a credit report and appraisal. Appraisal pricing can vary by property type and complexity. If a flood certification is required, your lender will include that fee as well.

To avoid surprises, ask for a Loan Estimate early and compare options across lenders. The structure of lender credits or points can reduce upfront cash at closing in exchange for rate changes.

Tips to lower or shift costs

For buyers

• Request early estimates. Ask your lender and title company for itemized estimates so you can plan cash to close.
• Compare lenders. Shop rates and fees and ask about credits to offset closing costs within program rules.
• Negotiate concessions. Seller-paid closing costs can sometimes be negotiated, subject to loan limits and market conditions.
• Order association docs early. For condos and HOAs, push for estoppels and questionnaires early to avoid rush fees and delays.

For sellers

• Evaluate commission in context. Commission is negotiable, but consider the total marketing strategy and likely impact on your sale price and net.
• Plan for HOA and repairs. Estoppel fees and repair credits can affect proceeds. Consider addressing major issues up front to preserve leverage.
• Ask about title discounts. If you can provide a recent owner’s policy, ask the title company if a reissue discount applies to reduce title premiums.

For both parties

• Review your Closing Disclosure. Federal TRID rules require that buyers receive the Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before consummation. Use that time to check every line and ask questions. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers helpful guidance on how the Closing Disclosure works.

Recording fees and local logistics

Broward County charges fees to record deeds, mortgages, and lien releases. The exact amount depends on the document type and page count. You can confirm current recording procedures and fee schedules with the Broward County Clerk of Courts. Because recording volume can vary, ask your title company about timing for payoffs and releases.

Flood zones and insurance

Some Plantation properties fall within flood zones. If your home is in a designated zone and you are financing, your lender will require flood insurance. Premiums and coverage can affect monthly payments and how much cash you need to bring to closing for prepaids and escrows. Ask your lender and insurance agent to price this early.

Get an exact estimate for your Plantation closing

The best way to dial in your numbers is to review a current Loan Estimate and a draft settlement statement with your lender and title company. If you want a clear, line-by-line picture tailored to your address and contract terms, reach out to the local team that knows Broward customs and FAR/BAR practice. For a friendly, concierge-style walkthrough of your likely costs and ways to optimize your bottom line, connect with KB Premier Group.

FAQs

What closing costs do sellers pay in Plantation?

• In Broward, sellers typically pay the real estate commission, documentary stamp tax on the deed, owner’s title insurance by local custom, HOA or condo estoppel fees, mortgage payoffs and releases, and prorated taxes through the closing date.

How much should a buyer budget for closing costs in Broward County?

• For a financed purchase, buyers often budget about 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price to cover lender fees, appraisal, lender’s title policy, recording, prepaids, and initial escrows.

Who pays Florida documentary stamp tax on the deed at closing?

• In Plantation and much of Broward, the seller commonly pays the documentary stamp tax on the deed unless the FAR/BAR contract assigns it differently.

Does the seller pay for owner’s title insurance in Plantation?

• It is common South Florida custom for the seller to pay the owner’s title policy, while the buyer pays the lender’s policy if financing. This is negotiable and set by contract.

What condo and HOA fees should I expect in Plantation?

• Expect an estoppel or resale certificate fee, possible transfer or application fees, and sometimes move-in or move-out charges. Estoppel fees are often a seller cost in Broward, but the contract controls.

How are property taxes prorated at a Broward closing?

• Florida taxes are paid in arrears, so sellers credit taxes up to the closing date and buyers take responsibility after. Your title company calculates the daily proration using county tax schedules.

Can I negotiate for the seller to pay my closing costs as a buyer?

• Yes, buyer closing cost credits can be negotiated within loan program limits and market conditions. Discuss caps and strategies with your lender and agent before writing your offer.