How Much Are Closing Costs in NJ?
Updated August 27, 2026 · By Jorge Ramirez, Keller Williams Premier Properties · NJ License #1754604
There is no reliable one-size-fits-all percentage. For a financed purchase, begin with the lender’s Loan Estimate, then compare it with the final Closing Disclosure. Those forms separate loan costs, other costs, credits and Cash to Close. Cash purchases and seller transactions use different documents and line items.
Buyer worksheet: copy amounts from documents
| Worksheet category | Where to verify it | What can change it |
|---|---|---|
| Loan costs | Loan Estimate / Closing Disclosure, Section A–C | Loan product, points, lender and services selected |
| Taxes and government fees | Other Costs section and settlement documents | Recording details, property and transaction |
| Prepaids and initial escrow | Loan Estimate / Closing Disclosure, Section F–G | Closing date, tax cycle, insurance and loan terms |
| Title and settlement | Loan Estimate / Closing Disclosure and provider quote | Coverage, services, endorsements and transaction facts |
| Inspection and appraisal | Signed provider agreements and receipts | Property, scope and provider |
| Attorney cost, if retained | Attorney engagement letter or quote | Scope and agreement |
| Credits and deposits | Contract, Closing Disclosure and settlement statement | Negotiated terms and documented deposits |
The CFPB explains that the Loan Estimate is provided after a mortgage application and the Closing Disclosure must be reviewed against it before closing. Ask about any unexplained change; do not replace the documents with a generic web percentage.
Attorney review is not an automatic fee assumption
NJDOBI’s home-buying guide explains that a contract prepared by a real estate licensee includes an attorney-review clause and that, if you choose to consult an attorney, counsel may propose changes or disapprove the contract during the review period. Whether to retain counsel is your choice. If you do, use the agreed quote in your worksheet.
Seller costs: separate statutory estimates from negotiated costs
Seller documents may include mortgage payoff, property-tax adjustments, title or municipal items, negotiated credits, and other transaction-specific charges. Broker compensation is fully negotiable and not set by law; it may be paid by the seller, buyer, a third party, or through compensation shared between brokerage firms. The applicable written brokerage services agreement controls. See NJDOBI Bulletin 24-11.
The table below shows only calculated base NJ Realty Transfer Fee and, above the statutory threshold, Graduated Percent Fee estimates before negotiated broker compensation and before all other transaction costs. It is not a seller total.
| Sale price | Estimated base RTF | Estimated Graduated Percent Fee | Combined statutory-fee estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| $400,000 | $3,215 | $0 | $3,215 |
| $600,000 | $5,185 | $0 | $5,185 |
| $800,000 | $7,305 | $0 | $7,305 |
| $1,000,000 | $9,575 | $0 | $9,575 |
| $1,500,000 | $15,625 | $15,000 | $30,625 |
These examples apply the published schedule to the stated consideration. Property class, full or partial exemptions, reduced schedules and deed facts can change the result. Confirm the final figures with the settlement professional and the NJ Division of Taxation.
Cash to Close is not the same as closing costs
The CFPB Closing Disclosure separates total closing costs from Cash to Close. Cash to Close can also reflect the down payment, deposits, credits and other adjustments. Use the final disclosure and wire instructions from a verified channel; never send funds based on an email change you have not independently confirmed.
Questions to ask before signing
Which figure is an estimate and which is contractual?
Ask the lender or settlement provider to identify estimates, provider quotes, negotiated credits and final document amounts.
Why did a line change?
Compare the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure line by line and ask the lender about material changes before the closing deadline.
What is excluded from this worksheet?
Tax consequences, repairs after inspection, moving expenses and future ownership costs are separate from the closing-cost document review.
Build a document-based worksheet
Enter figures from your Loan Estimate, provider quotes and closing documents—without hidden assumptions.
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