In real estate, the "price" is rarely the price.

For buyers and sellers in New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick counties, the final number on the settlement statement can come as a shock if you aren't prepared. North Carolina has unique customs—like our "two-check" deposit system and attorney-driven closings—that differ from other states.

Whether you are buying a condo in Surf City or selling a bungalow in Leland, here is the definitive 2025 guide to who pays for what at the closing table.

1. The Seller's Tab: The "Exit" Costs

In our market, the seller's list is shorter, but the numbers are often larger.

Revenue Stamps (Excise Tax)

The Rule: This is North Carolina’s transfer tax. It is non-negotiable and almost always paid by the seller.

The Math: The rate is $1.00 per $500 of value.

Example: If you sell your home for $500,000, you owe the state $1,000 at closing.

Real Estate Commissions

Typically, the seller pays the full listing commission, which is then split with the buyer's firm.

Prorated Property Taxes

You only pay for the days you owned the home. If you close on June 1st, you will be debited for the first 151 days of the year, and the buyer will be credited that amount to pay the full bill when it arrives in the fall.

Deed Preparation

You are responsible for paying the attorney to draft the new deed transferring title. Expect this to cost $250–$400.

Wire & Courier Fees

To pay off your old mortgage, expect $100–$150 in administrative wire fees.

2. The Buyer's Tab: The "Entry" Costs

Buyers in late 2025 are facing a heavier upfront load, driven largely by insurance and lending fees.

Lender Fees

Origination & Appraisal: Expect to pay 0.5% to 1% of the loan amount plus $500–$700 for the appraisal.

Title Insurance

The Rule: In NC, the buyer pays for both the Lender's Policy (mandatory) and the Owner's Policy (highly recommended).

The Cost: This is a one-time fee based on the purchase price. For a $500k home, budget roughly $1,000–$1,300.

Attorney Settlement Fee

Unlike other states that use title companies, NC uses real estate attorneys. The buyer typically chooses the attorney and pays the settlement fee.

2025 Estimate: $900–$1,500 depending on the complexity of the title search.

Recording Fees

You pay the Register of Deeds to record your new Deed and Mortgage.

The Math: $26 for the Deed + $64 for the Mortgage (Deed of Trust).

The "Coastal" Pre-Paid: Insurance

This is the big one. In our coastal zip codes, lenders typically require you to pay the first full year of your Homeowners, Wind/Hail, and Flood insurance upfront at closing.

Wilmington Reality: With average premiums hovering near $4,000–$7,000 in beach zones, this can be a massive check.

3. The Negotiables: Where the Battle Happens

These are the items we fight over during the Offer to Purchase and Contract (Form 2-T) stage.

Due Diligence Fee (The "Ante")

Who pays: Buyer pays Seller.

Is it refundable? NO.

2025 Market Norms: On a standard single-family home, we are seeing fees range from $2,000 to $5,000. For luxury or multiple-offer situations, it can easily jump to $10,000+. This is credited back to the buyer at closing, but it is cash out of pocket on Day 1.

Home Warranty

Who pays: Negotiable. In a balanced market, we often get sellers to cover this (~$600–$800) as a gesture of goodwill.

HOA Transfer Fees

Who pays: Usually the Buyer, but negotiable.

Watch Out: Some communities (like Brunswick Forest or St. James) have significant "Capital Contribution" fees that can run $2,000+. Always verify this before offering—don't assume it's a small $200 admin fee.

4. The "Remote" Closing Fee

Buying from New York or Ohio? You don't have to fly down for closing, but it will cost you.

"Mail-Away" Fee: Local attorneys will charge an extra $150–$250 to prepare a remote signing package.

Remote Notary: You will need to hire a notary in your home state to witness the signing, which can cost another $50–$100.

The Bottom Line

A good surprise is a birthday party; a bad surprise is a $5,000 shortage at the closing table.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we provide a "Net Sheet" (for sellers) or a "Cash-to-Close Estimate" (for buyers) before you sign the offer. We calculate the excise tax, the insurance pre-paids, and the HOA capital contributions so you know the exact number down to the penny.