How Much Are Closing Costs in Ohio?

How Much Are Closing Costs in Ohio?

How much are closing costs in Ohio? For buyers, closing costs in Ohio typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price. For sellers, closing costs (excluding agent commission) average about 3% of the sale price. On a $350,000 home in Union County, that means buyers should budget $7,000 to $17,500 and sellers should expect roughly $10,500 — before commission is factored in.

Closing costs are one of the most common blind spots I see with both buyers and sellers in Marysville, Ohio and throughout Union County. Sellers focus on commission and forget the other 3% coming off their proceeds. Buyers budget for their down payment and then scramble when the lender's Closing Disclosure shows another $10,000+ in fees they didn't plan for.

This guide breaks down exactly what closing costs look like in Ohio in 2026, who is typically responsible for each line item, and what the real numbers look like at price points common in the Marysville and Union County market. If you're planning to buy or sell a home in Central Ohio, these are the numbers you need before you make any decisions.

What Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs are the fees, taxes, and charges that both parties pay when ownership of a property officially transfers from seller to buyer. They're separate from the purchase price and from agent commission. Some are fixed fees set by the county or state, some are lender-required, and some are negotiable between buyer and seller.

In Ohio, these costs are governed by a combination of state law (including the Ohio Revised Code § 319.54 for conveyance fees) and local county practices. The split of who pays what follows established customs, though nearly everything is technically negotiable in the purchase agreement.

Ohio Closing Costs for Sellers

Sellers in Ohio typically pay around 3% of the sale price in closing costs, not counting agent commission. Here's what that includes:

Conveyance fee (transfer tax): Ohio calls its transfer tax a "conveyance fee." The state charges $1 per $1,000 of the sale price, and most counties — including Union County — add $3 per $1,000 in permissive fees. That makes the standard rate $4 per $1,000 of the sale price. On a $350,000 sale in Marysville, your conveyance fee would be $1,400 plus a $0.50 per-parcel recording fee. The seller pays this when the deed is recorded with the county.

Title insurance (owner's policy): In Ohio, the seller customarily pays for the owner's title insurance policy, which protects the buyer's ownership interest. This typically runs about 0.25% of the sale price. On a $350,000 sale, budget roughly $875.

Title search and settlement fees: The title company charges for the title search, document preparation, and settlement coordination. These fees typically range from $400 to $800 depending on the title company and complexity of the transaction.

Recording fees: County charges for recording the deed and any related documents. In Union County, expect $30 to $75 depending on the number of pages.

Prorated property taxes: You'll owe property taxes for the portion of the year you owned the home up to the closing date. This is calculated at closing and credited to the buyer. In Union County, where property tax rates vary by school district, this can be a significant line item depending on when you close.

Possible additional seller costs: Mortgage payoff and any associated prepayment penalties, HOA transfer fees if applicable, any agreed-upon repair credits or buyer concessions, and a home warranty if offered as part of negotiations.

What About Agent Commission?

Agent commission is the single largest cost for most Ohio sellers but is handled separately from closing costs on your settlement statement. In Ohio, total commission currently averages around 5.7% to 5.9% of the sale price, typically split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. On a $350,000 sale, that's roughly $20,000 to $20,650.

When you combine closing costs (~3%) and commission (~5.8%), total selling expenses generally fall in the 8% to 10% range. For a detailed breakdown specific to Marysville, visit our cost to sell a house in Marysville net sheet.

Ohio Closing Costs for Buyers

Buyers in Ohio should budget 2% to 5% of the purchase price for closing costs. The range is wider than sellers because buyer costs are heavily influenced by the type of mortgage and the lender's fee structure.

Loan origination fee: Most lenders charge 0.5% to 1% of the loan amount for processing and underwriting the mortgage. On a $280,000 loan, that's $1,400 to $2,800.

Appraisal fee: The lender requires an independent appraisal to confirm the property's value. In Central Ohio, expect $400 to $600.

Home inspection: Not technically a closing cost (it's usually paid upfront), but budget $325 to $450 for a standard inspection in the Union County area.

Title insurance (lender's policy): The buyer pays for the lender's title insurance policy, which protects the lender's interest in the property. This is separate from the owner's policy the seller pays for.

Prepaid interest: You'll pay interest from your closing date through the end of that month. Closing later in the month reduces this charge. Ohio follows the standard practice of paying mortgage interest in arrears.

Escrow deposits: Your lender will collect upfront deposits for property taxes and homeowner's insurance to fund your escrow account. This is usually 2 to 3 months of estimated taxes and insurance.

Government-backed loan fees: FHA loans require an upfront mortgage insurance premium (1.75% of the loan amount). VA loans have a funding fee (typically 1.25% to 3.3% depending on down payment and service history). USDA loans have a 1% upfront guarantee fee. These can significantly increase buyer closing costs compared to a conventional loan.

Ohio-specific note: Ohio does not charge a mortgage tax, which means buyers avoid an expense that exists in some other states. That's one place Ohio works in your favor.

Who Pays What in an Ohio Closing?

Here's the standard breakdown of which party typically pays each cost in an Ohio real estate transaction. Keep in mind — everything below is customary, not legally required. The purchase agreement determines the final split.

In practice, the biggest negotiation point is whether the seller agrees to cover some of the buyer's closing costs — often called a "seller concession" or "closing cost credit." In Union County's current market, whether a seller can resist this request depends on inventory levels, how many offers are on the table, and how motivated the buyer is.

Real Cost Examples for Union County, Ohio

Here's what closing costs look like at three price points common in the Marysville and Union County market. These are estimates — your actual numbers will depend on your lender, title company, tax proration, and negotiated terms.

$275,000 Sale

Seller closing costs (est.): $8,250 (3%) + commission (~$8,250 at 3.00%) + conveyance fee = ~$17,500 total
Buyer closing costs (est.): $5,500 to $13,750 (2–5%)
Union County conveyance fee: $1,100

$350,000 Sale

Seller closing costs (est.): $10,500 (3%) + commission (~$10,500 @ 3.00%%) + conveyane fee = ~$22,400 total
Buyer closing costs (est.): $7,000 to $17,500 (2–5%)
Union County conveyance fee: $1,400

$450,000 Sale

Seller closing costs (est.): $13,500 (3%) + commission (~$13,500 @ 3.00%) + conveyance fee = ~$28,800 total
Buyer closing costs (est.): $9,000 to $22,500 (2–5%)
Union County conveyance fee: $1,800

These numbers reinforce why I always prepare a detailed net sheet for my sellers before we go to market. You need to know what you'll walk away with — not just what the house sells for. If you're selling in Marysville or Union County, I can run these numbers for your specific property, mortgage balance, and situation. Visit our Marysville Seller Playbook for more tools and guides.

How to Reduce Your Closing Costs in Ohio

You can't eliminate closing costs, but you can manage them:

For sellers: Get a net sheet from your agent before you list — not after you have an offer. Understanding your true bottom line upfront prevents surprises and helps you price strategically. Compare title company quotes; fees vary. If you're selling without an agent (FSBO), your closing costs don't disappear — you still owe conveyance fees, title costs, and prorated taxes. See our Marysville FSBO Guide for a realistic breakdown of what going solo actually costs.

For buyers: Shop your lender. Loan origination fees, discount points, and processing charges vary significantly from one lender to the next — often by $1,000 or more on the same loan amount. Ask every lender for a Loan Estimate (the standardized form required by federal law) and compare them line by line. Close later in the month to reduce prepaid interest. And check whether you qualify for the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) Down Payment Assistance program, which can provide 3% to 3.5% of the purchase price toward down payment and closing costs — and that assistance is forgiven after seven years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who pays closing costs in Ohio — the buyer or the seller?

Both parties pay closing costs in Ohio, but they pay different costs. Sellers typically cover the conveyance fee (transfer tax), owner's title insurance, and their share of prorated property taxes. Buyers pay lender-related fees like loan origination, appraisal, escrow deposits, and the lender's title policy. The purchase agreement determines the final split, and seller concessions toward buyer closing costs are common depending on market conditions.

Q: How much are closing costs on a $300,000 house in Ohio?

On a $300,000 home in Ohio, sellers can expect approximately $9,000 in closing costs (about 3% of the sale price, excluding commission). Buyers should budget $6,000 to $15,000 (2–5%), depending on their loan type and lender. In Union County, the conveyance fee alone would be $1,200 at the standard $4 per $1,000 rate.

Q: Does Ohio have a transfer tax on real estate?

Yes, though Ohio calls it a "conveyance fee" rather than a transfer tax. The state charges $1 per $1,000 of the sale price, and most of Ohio's 88 counties add a permissive fee of up to $3 per $1,000 — bringing the typical total to $4 per $1,000. Union County follows the standard $4 per $1,000 rate. The seller customarily pays this fee at closing when the deed is recorded with the county auditor.

Know Your Numbers Before You Make a Move

Whether you're buying your first home in Marysville or selling a property you've owned for 20 years, closing costs are real money that affects your bottom line. The sellers who plan for these costs upfront make better pricing decisions. The buyers who budget for them avoid last-minute scrambles.

If you're thinking about buying or selling in Marysville, Ohio or anywhere in Union County, I'm happy to walk you through the actual numbers for your situation — no pressure, just straight answers.

Jim West, REALTOR®
The Jim West Team | Revolution Realty
Serving Marysville, Ohio (43040) and Union County
(614) 507-5732 | jimwestteam.com