Experts explain what it takes first time homebuyers to keep the Minnetonka home buying experience as easy as possible and that is knowing what closing costs are.Some are not aware that closing costs are typically set at 15 percent of the sales price, and most lenders would require for them to be paid upfront. Achieving your goal of efficiently projecting your available funds and discussing your preferences in the arrangement of final price means being more prudent to identify them earlier, even if some lenders can roll them into the loan package.

Remember that the lender’s primary basis in the amount he presented to you is the sales price paid by the buyer and not necessarily the net price (or the sales price minus the closing costs). There are various ways in which closing costs are allocated and this may need the help of your realtor and lender if only to come up with the most agreeable plan for you to stay within your budget limit.

Having knowledge about the responsibilities of a buyer is the first prerequisite to understanding what closing costs are. As explained by Barron, the author of the book 'Smart Consumer's Guide to Home Buying', homebuyers must know that custom dictates allocation of closing costs and designates buyer and seller responsibilities, and not the law, as many believes it to be.

It is the buyer who typically settles all the fees and the loan’s the discount points. The lender, on the other hand, adds all these at the end of the contract (but may vary significantly according to the financial institution concerned). More often than not, bankers will treat this fee as a part of the contract or may be dispensed depending on the customer, but still you must figure out the exact estimated amount.

The buyer is also responsible in paying the premium of the homeowner's title insurance policy and has to ensure that this be settled before the purchasing begins. An extra cash in your hands will be useful when paying for the premium so that it won't get rolled into the loan. Note also how premium cost may vary from one insurance company to another. Make some research on the homeowners insurance policy rates or look around for more options before you decide to sign the contract right away. The seller has the following responsibilities or obligations.

Sales Commissions - refers to the fees allocated to the agent of both the buyer and the seller. However, these may depend upon the real estate agent you chose to work with.

Inspection Costs - pertains to the expense of having various inspections and those that are required for homes prior to purchase.

Title Insurance - are part of the homebuyer's obligations although many people misconstrue that title insurance is no longer covered in the costs that they have to settle. But, the closing costs also covers the title insurance costs, making it a responsibility of the seller.

When you know what closing costs are, you can have a better idea as to what your home's final price will be during the signing. In fact, in doing so, lenders can already provide you with information you needed earlier in the financing process such as the fees you will have to pay, the discount points, and everything else you need to know.

Author and Realtor Alexandria P. Anderson helps clients to find and purchase Minnetonka real estate as well as Minnetonka Homes in Minnesota.