Buying a home in Maitland is exciting, but the closing line items can feel like a maze. You’re not just paying the down payment. You’re also funding taxes, lender fees, title work, inspections, and prepaids. The good news is you can plan for these costs with a simple framework and a few local rules of thumb. In this guide, you’ll learn what closing costs include, what’s unique to Florida and Orange County, and how much to budget at common price points in Maitland. Let’s dive in.
What closing costs include
Closing costs are the fees, taxes, prepaids, and required escrow deposits you pay in addition to your down payment. Common items include lender charges, title and settlement services, government taxes and recording fees, inspections, homeowner’s insurance, property tax prorations, and initial escrow deposits.
Most buyers should budget roughly 2% to 4% of the purchase price for closing costs in Maitland, not including the down payment. Your exact number depends on your loan amount, the closing date, and what you and the seller negotiate.
Florida taxes you will see in Maitland
Florida has several statewide taxes that show up on most financed purchases:
- Documentary stamp tax on the deed: 0.7% of the purchase price.
- Documentary stamp tax on the note: 0.35% of the loan amount.
- Intangible tax on the mortgage: 0.2% of the loan amount.
- Recording and clerk fees: Typically a modest fixed amount in Orange County, often in the low hundreds total, depending on the number of pages and documents.
Who pays these items is negotiable and set by the purchase contract and local custom. Confirm with your agent and the title company which party pays what in your deal.
Line-by-line: what Maitland buyers typically pay
Use this section as a checklist. Your exact mix will be spelled out on your lender’s Loan Estimate and the title company’s settlement statement.
Lender and loan costs
- Origination, processing, underwriting: Often 0.5% to 1.0% of the loan amount. Some lenders bundle or waive certain fees.
- Points: Optional. One point equals 1% of the loan if you choose to buy down your rate.
- Appraisal: Typically $400 to $800 for a single-family home in the Orlando area.
- Credit report: $25 to $50.
- Miscellaneous lender fees: Flood certification, tax service, and other small charges, commonly $25 to $200 each.
- Florida mortgage taxes: The documentary stamp tax on the note and the intangible tax on the mortgage appear as separate line items.
Who usually pays: Buyer, unless negotiated otherwise.
Title, settlement, and insurance
- Title search and exam: $200 to $600.
- Lender’s title insurance policy: Required when you finance. Premiums are regulated in Florida and scale with the loan amount.
- Owner’s title insurance policy: Protects your ownership. Often paid by the seller in some Florida transactions, but this varies by county and contract. Confirm in Maitland before you write your offer.
- Settlement or closing fee: Commonly $300 to $800, varies by title company.
Who pays: Depends on local custom and the contract.
Government and recording fees
- Doc stamp on deed: 0.7% of price.
- Doc stamp on note: 0.35% of loan.
- Intangible tax on mortgage: 0.2% of loan.
- Recording fees: Often $50 to $200 total, depending on pages and documents.
Who pays: Negotiable and guided by contract language.
Inspections and surveys
- Home inspection: $300 to $600.
- Wood-destroying organism inspection: $75 to $200.
- Survey: $350 to $900, if required by the lender or requested for boundary clarity.
Who pays: Usually the buyer.
Prepaids and escrow deposits
- Homeowner’s insurance: Often $800 to $2,500+ for the first year at or before closing, depending on coverage and the property.
- Property tax proration: Florida taxes are paid in arrears. You will typically reimburse the seller for your share of the current year based on the closing date.
- Initial escrow deposits: Many lenders collect 2 to 3 months of insurance and property tax reserves at closing. First-year outlays for taxes and insurance often land in the 1% to 3% range of the purchase price when combined with other prepaids.
- HOA estoppel or transfer fees: $100 to $500+, varies by association.
Who pays: Typically the buyer, but confirm HOA fees early so they are not a surprise.
Other possible items
- Attorney fees if used, variable.
- Special inspections or certifications as needed.
- Home warranty: Optional, typically $300 to $600.
How much to budget at common price points
These examples assume a 20% down payment and typical ranges for fees. They exclude the down payment itself and are for planning only. Your lender and title company will provide exact figures.
Example A: $350,000 purchase (loan $280,000)
- Florida taxes: Doc stamp on deed $2,450; doc stamp on note $980; intangible tax $560.
- Typical other items: Lender fees $1,400 to $2,800; appraisal $450 to $700; inspections $300 to $700; title and closing $1,000 to $2,000; recording $100 to $200; initial escrows $1,200 to $3,000.
- Estimated buyer cash at closing: $8,400 to $12,200. About 2.4% to 3.5% of price.
Example B: $500,000 purchase (loan $400,000)
- Florida taxes: Doc stamp on deed $3,500; doc stamp on note $1,400; intangible tax $800.
- Typical other items: Lender fees $2,000 to $4,000; appraisal $450 to $700; inspections $300 to $700; title and closing $1,200 to $3,000; recording $100 to $200; initial escrows $1,500 to $4,000.
- Estimated buyer cash at closing: $10,200 to $17,100. About 2.0% to 3.4% of price.
Example C: $700,000 purchase (loan $560,000)
- Florida taxes: Doc stamp on deed $4,900; doc stamp on note $1,960; intangible tax $1,120.
- Typical other items: Lender fees $2,800 to $5,600; appraisal $450 to $900; inspections $300 to $800; title and closing $1,500 to $4,000; recording $100 to $200; initial escrows $2,000 to $6,000.
- Estimated buyer cash at closing: $15,100 to $24,100. About 2.2% to 3.4% of price.
Who pays what in Orange County
In Florida, the split for items like the owner’s title policy and deed documentary stamp tax can vary by county and contract. In Maitland, the parties often follow local custom, but your contract terms control. Confirm with your agent and the title company how these items will be allocated in your specific deal.
Seller credits can reduce your out-of-pocket amount, subject to loan program limits. If you want to lower your cash needed at closing, we can help you structure a clean offer with targeted credits.
Smart ways to manage closing costs
- Get your Loan Estimate early. Within three business days of application, your lender must provide an itemized estimate of fees, prepaids, and escrow requirements.
- Request a preliminary title quote. Ask the title company for a breakdown of title premiums, settlement fees, and recording charges for Orange County.
- Ask about lender credits. Some lenders can offset part of your costs in exchange for a slightly higher interest rate.
- Explore assistance options. Florida and Orange County sometimes offer homebuyer assistance that can help with closing costs. Program availability changes, so check current options.
- Pin down HOA fees early. Ask for the estoppel documentation soon after going under contract to avoid last-minute surprises.
- Leave a small cushion. Budget an extra $500 to $1,500 for prorations or HOA items that can appear close to closing.
Timing, taxes, and homestead planning
Property taxes in Florida are assessed annually and paid in arrears. Your share at closing depends on the closing date within the tax year. This proration appears as an adjustment on your closing statement.
If you plan to make the property your primary residence, learn about the Florida homestead exemption. It can reduce your ongoing property tax bill after you meet residency requirements and file with the Orange County Property Appraiser. It does not lower your upfront closing costs, but it matters for your long-term budget.
Step-by-step to get precise numbers
- Apply with your lender and review the Loan Estimate for lender fees, taxes, and escrow deposits.
- Ask your title company for a title premium and closing fee quote, including deed and mortgage recording estimates for Orange County.
- Confirm HOA estoppel and transfer fees with the seller or listing agent.
- Review the Closing Disclosure before signing. It will reflect final numbers and any prorations.
Buying in Maitland should feel clear and straightforward. With the right prep, your closing statement will match your expectations and your move-in day will be the fun part. If you want a concierge-style plan for your purchase, reach out to Apex Serhant for a tailored estimate and a smooth path to the closing table.
FAQs
How much should a Maitland buyer budget beyond the down payment?
- Plan for roughly 2% to 4% of the purchase price for closing costs and initial escrows, then refine once you have your Loan Estimate and title quote.
Which Florida taxes will I pay on a Maitland purchase with a mortgage?
- Expect the deed documentary stamp tax at 0.7% of price, the note documentary stamp tax at 0.35% of loan, and the intangible mortgage tax at 0.2% of loan, plus recording fees.
Can I negotiate who pays closing costs in Orange County, FL?
- Yes. Many items are negotiable in the contract. Seller credits can reduce your out-of-pocket total, subject to loan program limits.
What are prepaids and escrows for Florida closings?
- Prepaids include the first year of homeowner’s insurance and property tax prorations. Lenders also collect 2 to 3 months of reserves to fund your escrow account.
When will I receive exact closing numbers for my Maitland home?
- You will get a Loan Estimate within three business days of loan application and a Closing Disclosure with final figures before closing.
Is owner’s title insurance required in Florida?
- Lenders require a lender’s title policy on financed purchases. An owner’s policy is optional from the lender’s perspective but recommended to protect your equity, and who pays is negotiable.
