St. Louis County Closing Costs: A Practical Guide

Are you trying to budget for a home purchase or sale in Kirkwood and keep getting stuck on “closing costs”? You are not alone. Understanding what these fees include, who pays them, and when they are due helps you plan with confidence. In this guide, you will learn the common buyer and seller costs in St. Louis County, how they show up on your Closing Disclosure, and local tips to avoid last‑minute surprises. Let’s dive in.

What closing costs include

Closing costs are the one-time fees and prepaids you pay to complete a real estate transaction. They are separate from your down payment. Buyers and sellers each have their own typical list of charges, and some items are negotiable in the contract.

In Missouri, total buyer closing costs often fall in the 2% to 5% range of the purchase price, not including the down payment. Seller costs are driven by commission, title policy custom, and payoffs. Exact amounts vary by loan type, lender, title company, and property details, so plan for ranges and confirm with your lender and settlement agent.

How the Closing Disclosure works

The Closing Disclosure is the official document that lists your final loan terms, itemized closing costs, and cash to close. Lenders must provide a Loan Estimate within 3 business days of application, then the Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing. Review it carefully and ask questions right away.

• Page 1 shows Loan Terms, Projected Payments, a summary of Closing Costs, and your Cash to Close.
• Page 2 breaks out Loan Costs and Other Costs line by line.
• Later pages include additional calculations and contact information.

Buyers should rely on the Closing Disclosure for final numbers. The Loan Estimate is an estimate and can change within set tolerance rules.

Buyer closing costs in Missouri

Every loan is different, but these are the common categories you will see on your Closing Disclosure.

Loan costs

• Origination charges and points. These appear under Origination Charges. Points are optional interest paid upfront in exchange for a lower rate. Some lenders also itemize processing or underwriting fees here.
• Services you did or did not shop for. This section typically includes the appraisal, credit report, and certain lender-required services.

Other costs and prepaids

• Title services and lender’s title policy. Title search, settlement or closing fee, and the lender’s policy appear under Other Costs. Premiums are one-time and usually tied to price or loan amount.
• Recording and government fees. Recording the deed and mortgage and any county or state fees show under Taxes and Other Government Fees.
• Prepaids. You will prepay homeowner’s insurance, a portion of property taxes, and prepaid interest from your closing date to your first payment due date.
• Initial escrow deposit. Many loans require an escrow cushion for taxes and insurance. Lenders commonly collect about two months of reserves or more based on timing.
• HOA and condo items. You may see HOA transfer or estoppel fees and any upfront dues.

Cash to close

Your Cash to Close equals your down payment plus total closing costs, minus any credits. Credits can come from the seller, the lender, or prorations. Bring certified funds as your Closing Disclosure instructs.

Seller closing costs in Kirkwood

Sellers in St. Louis County typically see these items on the settlement statement provided by the title company.

• Real estate commissions. Often the largest cost and stated as a percentage of the sale price. The combined commission is commonly in the 5% to 6% range, but the exact amount depends on your listing agreement.
• Mortgage payoff and per diem interest. Your payoff grows daily until the loan is paid in full at closing.
• Owner’s title insurance policy. It is customary in many Missouri transactions for the seller to pay for the owner’s policy. Confirm the custom and the final terms in your contract.
• Recording and government fees. County recording fees and any required transfer-related charges are deducted from proceeds.
• Prorated property taxes and HOA dues. You pay your share up to the closing date, shown as credits or charges.
• Seller closing fee. Settlement or attorney charges vary by title company.
• Repairs or credits. Any agreed repairs or buyer credits appear as line items.

Your final net proceeds equal the sale price minus commissions, payoffs, prorations, and closing charges, plus or minus any negotiated credits.

Kirkwood and St. Louis County specifics

Kirkwood sits within St. Louis County, which is separate from the City of St. Louis. For exact local fees and requirements, confirm with these county offices or your title company:

• Recorder of Deeds for recording fees and document requirements.
• Collector and Assessor for property tax schedules and assessed values.
• Your HOA or condo association for estoppel letters and transfer fees.

Property taxes are prorated through the day of closing. Title companies use the latest assessed amounts to calculate prorations. Buyers who escrow should expect an initial deposit for taxes and insurance at closing.

Many Kirkwood neighborhoods have HOAs. Request the HOA estoppel early so any outstanding dues, special assessments, and transfer fees are known well before closing.

Recording practices and funding can affect timing. Ask your title company if they use electronic recording and how that may impact when keys are released.

Hypothetical examples

These examples are for illustration only. Your numbers will differ based on your lender, loan type, property, and title company.

• Example A, $350,000 purchase in Kirkwood. A buyer estimating 3% for closing costs would plan for about $10,500, not including the down payment. A seller estimating 8% might plan for about $28,000, which could include a combined 6% commission, owner’s title policy, and other closing charges.
• Example B, $600,000 purchase. A buyer using 2.5% would plan for about $15,000. A seller using 7.5% would plan for about $45,000, depending on commissions, payoffs, and prorations.

Use conservative ranges if you are not sure, then refine with your lender and title company as soon as you are under contract.

Budgeting and timeline

• Loan Estimate. You receive this within 3 business days of applying for your mortgage. Use it to compare lenders and get a first look at estimated fees.
• Closing Disclosure. You receive this at least 3 business days before closing. This is the document to review for final costs and cash to close.
• Funds needed at closing. Buyers typically bring the down payment, closing costs, and prepaids or escrow deposits. Sellers bring funds only if net proceeds are not enough to cover costs and payoffs.
• Wiring safety. Always confirm wiring instructions directly by phone using a known number for your title company. Wire fraud is real. Never act on email or text instructions without voice verification.
• Form of payment. Most title companies require a wire or certified funds. Personal checks are rarely accepted.

Quick comparison: buyer vs seller

Kirkwood closing checklist

Buyers

• Get your Loan Estimate and compare lenders.
• Request any HOA estoppel early if applicable.
• Secure your homeowner’s insurance binder before closing.
• Review your Closing Disclosure as soon as you receive it and ask questions.
• Prepare certified or wired funds exactly as instructed.

Sellers

• Request payoff statements for all mortgages and liens early.
• Ask your agent for a seller net sheet and confirm the commission split in your listing agreement.
• Provide deed and title details quickly to the title company.
• Gather HOA documents and respond to buyer requests promptly.

Ready for your numbers?

Bring your Loan Estimate and any seller net sheet to a quick consult. Together, you can map your likely Cash to Close or net proceeds and spot any line items that need clarification.

If you want a local, step-by-step guide to closing in Kirkwood, reach out to Stacy Deutschmann for a personalized plan.

FAQs

Who pays for the owner’s title policy in Missouri?

• It is commonly customary for the seller to pay for the owner’s title insurance policy in Missouri, including in many St. Louis County transactions. Always confirm what is agreed in your purchase contract.

What are “prepaids” for buyers and why is there an escrow cushion?

• Prepaids include homeowner’s insurance, a portion of property taxes, and prepaid mortgage interest from closing to your first payment. Lenders collect an escrow cushion to ensure funds are available when taxes and insurance come due.

How are property taxes prorated in St. Louis County?

• Taxes are prorated through the day of closing. The title company uses the most recent assessed or billed amounts to calculate the seller’s share up to closing and the buyer’s share after closing.

Can seller credits cover buyer closing costs?

• Yes, if negotiated in the contract and allowed by the loan program. Credits reduce the buyer’s cash to close and reduce the seller’s net proceeds.

What payment forms are accepted at closing?

• Title companies typically require a wire transfer or cashier’s check for funds to close. Personal checks are rarely accepted and can delay funding.

How can I avoid delays in a Kirkwood closing?

• Request HOA estoppels early, secure homeowner’s insurance promptly, review the Closing Disclosure right away, and verify wiring instructions by phone with the title company before sending funds.