In addition to the closing costs listed below, the buyer pays a realtor commission that is 3.5% of the loan amount.




Closing Cost
Charge

Loan origination
\$280

Title insurance
\$476

Attorney's fees
\$675

Inspection
\$200

Recording fees
\$118

Escrow
\$573






If the loan amount is $\$165,000$, how much was paid at closing?


A\$2,322
B\$2,899
C\$5,775
D\$8,097

Verified Answer :

  • Calculate the sum of all fixed costs: \(\$280 + \$476 + \$675 + \$200 + \$118 + \$573 = \$2,322\).
  • Determine the realtor commission by multiplying the loan amount by the commission rate: \(0.035 \times \$165,000 = \$5,775\).
  • Find the total cost by adding the fixed costs and the commission: \(\$2,322 + \$5,775 = \$8,097\).
  • The total amount paid at closing is \(\boxed{\$8,097}\).

Explanation

  1. Analysis of Closing Costs

To determine the total amount paid at closing, we need to calculate the sum of all fixed closing costs and the variable realtor commission. First, we identify the list of fixed costs: loan origination (\$280), title insurance (\$476), attorney's fees (\$675), inspection (\$200), recording fees (\$118), and escrow (\$573). Next, we identify the realtor commission, which is defined as \(3.5\%\) of the loan amount of \(\$165,000\).

  1. Calculation of Fixed Costs

We calculate the sum of the fixed costs:
\[\text{Total Fixed} = 280 + 476 + 675 + 200 + 118 + 573 = 2322\]
So, the total fixed closing cost is \(\$2,322\).

  1. Calculation of Realtor Commission

Now, we calculate the realtor commission, which is \(3.5\%\) of the \(\$165,000\) loan:
\[\text{Commission} = 0.035 \times 165000 = 5775\]
So, the realtor commission is \(\$5,775\).

  1. Final Calculation

Finally, we calculate the total amount paid at closing by adding the fixed costs and the realtor commission:
\[\text{Total Cost} = 2322 + 5775 = 8097\]
Comparing this result to the given options, we see it matches option d. The total amount paid at closing is \(\boxed{\$8,097}\).

Examples

Understanding how closing costs are calculated is essential when buying a home. For example, if a home buyer knows the fixed administrative costs and the percentage-based commission for a realtor, they can accurately budget their finances. By breaking down costs into fixed fees and variable percentages, a buyer avoids unexpected financial burdens, ensuring the home purchase process is transparent and well-planned. This approach applies to many real-life budgeting scenarios, such as service contracts or purchase agreements.