You budgeted for your down payment, but what about everything else due at the closing table? If you are buying in DeWitt, knowing your closing costs upfront helps you plan with confidence and avoid last‑minute surprises. In this guide, you will see each buyer line item, local Clinton County fees, and a simple example to estimate your cash to close. Let’s dive in.

How much are buyer closing costs?

Most Michigan buyers pay about 2% to 4% of the purchase price in closing costs, not including your down payment. The exact amount depends on your loan type, lender fees, escrow requirements, and any seller credits you negotiate. See the statewide overview in this resource from ConsumerAffairs on Michigan closing costs.

Your buyer costs, line by line

Loan fees

• Origination, processing, underwriting: typically 0.5% to 1.5% of the loan amount. These appear on your Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure.
• Discount points: optional prepaid interest to lower your rate. Each point equals 1% of the loan amount.
• Appraisal: usually $350 to $700, ordered by your lender.
• Small lender charges: credit report often under $50, plus modest flood or tax service fees.

For a deeper overview of common lender fees in Michigan, review this HomeLight guide to state closing costs.

Title and settlement

• Lender’s title insurance: typically paid by the buyer and priced from several hundred dollars to around $1,200 depending on the loan amount and rate schedule. You can preview estimates with this Michigan title rate calculator.
• Owner’s title insurance: protects your ownership. In many Michigan markets the seller commonly pays for the owner’s policy, but this is negotiable and not universal. If the buyer pays, a ballpark is about 0.5% to 1.0% of the price depending on rate tables and discounts.
• Title and settlement (closing) fee: often $300 to $800 for the buyer’s share, depending on the title company and your contract.

Local practice note: Many Michigan closings are handled by title companies that prepare the closing statement, manage funds, and record documents.

County, recording, and transfer taxes

• Clinton County recording fee: $30 per recorded document, plus a $5 tax certificate fee for deeds and some land contracts. Additional small surcharges can apply on assignments or discharges. See details from the Clinton County Register of Deeds.
• Michigan transfer tax: total statutory rate equals $3.75 per $500 (state) + $0.55 per $500 (county). By law, the seller is typically responsible, but the purchase agreement can shift this. The tax is calculated in $500 increments, rounding up any fraction. Statute text is available here: Michigan Compiled Laws on transfer tax.

Example on a $300,000 sale: 300,000 ÷ 500 = 600 increments. 600 × $4.30 = $2,580 total transfer tax. Buyers often do not pay this unless it is negotiated into the deal.

Prepaids and escrow deposits

• Homeowner’s insurance: often $800 to $2,000+ for the first year, paid at closing.
• Prepaid interest: daily interest from your closing date to the start of your first payment.
• Escrow reserves: lenders commonly collect 2 to 6 months of property tax and insurance to fund your escrow account.

Inspections and property condition

• General home inspection: typically $300 to $600.
• Specialty inspections: radon, well, septic, or pest can add $100 to $500 each.

HOA and prorations

• HOA transfer or document fees: often $100 to $400+ depending on the association.
• Prorations: property taxes, HOA dues, and utilities are prorated to the closing date, so you will see credits or charges based on timing and your contract.

Local to DeWitt: taxes and paperwork

• Property taxes: Many Michigan communities bill in two installments, often referred to as summer and winter taxes. Due dates and penalties vary by township and year. For current schedules and payment details, check the Clinton County Treasurer, and rely on your closing agent for exact prorations on your statement.
• Property Transfer Affidavit (Form L‑4260): As the buyer, you must file this with the local assessor within 45 days of transfer. Filing updates the assessor’s records and affects taxable value. Your title company often provides the form, but you are responsible for filing. Learn more and access forms from the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Example closing costs on a $300,000 DeWitt purchase

Assume 20% down with a conventional loan. Typical buyer closing costs in Michigan run 2% to 4%, or about $6,000 to $12,000 on this price point.

Representative line items:

• Appraisal: $400 to $700
• Credit report and small lender fees: $30 to $100
• Origination and underwriting: $1,200 to $4,500 (about 0.5% to 1.5% of the loan amount)
• Lender’s title insurance: $500 to $1,200
• Buyer share of settlement fee: $300 to $600
• Recording fees in Clinton County: plan for $30 to $90 depending on the number of documents
• Prepaids and escrow deposits: $1,000 to $4,000+
• Inspections: $300 to $800+

Context for the seller side: On a $300,000 sale, the total Michigan transfer tax equals $2,580, which is usually paid by the seller unless your contract says otherwise.

Tips to lower your cash to close

• Shop lenders: compare origination fees and rate options, including whether discount points make sense.
• Negotiate credits: ask the seller to cover specific buyer fees or offer a closing credit.
• Bundle title policies: where available, simultaneous issue discounts can reduce combined premiums.
• Time your closing: a later closing in the month can reduce prepaid interest, though escrow needs may vary.
• Be careful with cutbacks: do not skip important inspections or needed coverage just to save a few dollars.

What to do next

• Review your Loan Estimate and your Closing Disclosure line by line. These are your authoritative numbers.
• Ask your title company for a buyer-side worksheet early, and confirm who pays for the owner’s title policy per your contract.
• Verify Clinton County recording fees and any HOA charges that may appear on your statement.
• Calendar your Property Transfer Affidavit within 45 days and confirm who will file it.

Ready to budget with clarity and move forward in DeWitt? Let’s make it simple and low stress. Reach out to Christopher Silker for a friendly, detailed walk‑through tailored to your purchase.

FAQs

How much are buyer closing costs in DeWitt, Michigan?

• In Michigan, buyers typically pay about 2% to 4% of the purchase price, depending on loan type, lender fees, escrow reserves, and any seller credits. See the statewide view from ConsumerAffairs.

Who pays Michigan transfer tax and how is it calculated?

• By statute the seller is usually responsible, but the contract can shift it; the total rate equals $3.75 per $500 (state) plus $0.55 per $500 (county), calculated in $500 increments and rounded up. See the Michigan transfer tax statute.

Do I need both owner’s and lender’s title insurance in Michigan?

• The lender will require a lender’s policy that buyers typically pay, while the owner’s policy protects your ownership; in many Michigan markets the seller often pays for the owner’s policy, but it is negotiable. You can preview premiums with this title rate calculator.

What is Michigan’s Property Transfer Affidavit and when is it due?

• Form L‑4260 must be filed with your local assessor within 45 days of transfer to update records and manage taxable value. Access forms and guidance from the Michigan Department of Treasury.

When will I know my exact cash to close?

• Your lender provides a Loan Estimate early and a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing; these documents list your exact closing costs and cash to close for your transaction.