Buyer Guide
Buyer Closing Costs in Erie & Niagara County
Plan on roughly 3% to 5% of the price on top of your down payment. Your lender's Loan Estimate gives your exact numbers, but these are the WNY-specific pieces.
| Cost | Who pays | How it’s figured |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage recording tax | Buyer (lender pays 0.25%) | 1–2 family homes: 0.50% on the first $10,000 of the loan and 0.75% on the rest, in both Erie and Niagara County. Erie Clerk · Niagara Clerk |
| Deed and mortgage recording fees | Buyer | Erie: $45 plus $5 per page per document. The RP-5217 transfer report filing fee is $125 for residential property. Erie Clerk |
| Owner’s and lender’s title insurance | Buyer | Rates are regulated in NY and based on price and loan amount. The lender’s policy is required with a mortgage. |
| Buyer’s attorney | Buyer | Flat fee. Get a quote up front. |
| Lender fees, appraisal, credit report | Buyer | See your Loan Estimate |
| Homeowner’s insurance | Buyer | First year paid before closing |
| Escrow deposits and tax adjustments | Buyer | Reimburse the seller for any prepaid taxes, and fund your escrow account |
| Inspections | Buyer | Paid at the time of inspection |
Example: on a $250,000 home with a $237,500 loan, the mortgage recording tax is about $1,756 ($50 + 0.75% × $227,500).
What the seller pays here (not you): NYS and Erie County transfer tax, the abstract update and the survey.