Average closing costs in North Carolina

Contributed by Tom McLean

Feb 7, 2026

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4-minute read

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You must pay closing costs when buying a home. If you're buying a home in North Carolina, costs tend to be lower than average. Plus, how much you pay will vary depending on the transaction type.

How much are closing costs in North Carolina?

Closing costs in North Carolina averaged $2,480, including recording fees and taxes, according to 2025 data from LodeStar Software Solutions. That's 54% lower than the national average of $5,410.

Without recording and taxes, average North Carolina closing costs are $2,302, which is 50.6% less than the national average of $4,661.

Closing costs can vary significantly depending on location, home price, and other factors.

The median home price in North Carolina in 2025 was $382,211, according to LodeStar. That's 12.7% less than the national median sale price of $438,236.

The average closing cost percentage in North Carolina is about 0.56% of the home’s sale price, including recording fees and taxes, which is less than the national average of 1.06%. Without recording and taxes, the national average is 0.86%.

Closing costs can vary significantly depending on location, home price, and other factors. Home prices, your down payment, and mortgage rates in North Carolina all have an effect how much you'll pay for a home.

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What is included in closing costs in North Carolina?

Closing costs is an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of fees related to getting a mortgage and transferring legal ownership when buying a home.

A few of the specific costs in North Carolina include an excise tax, escrow fees, and an origination fee, which is capped at 0.25% of the loan amount.

Who pays closing costs in North Carolina? Generally, both buyers and sellers are responsible for paying closing costs. And since nearly every fee is negotiable, including real estate commissions, precisely what you'll pay varies based on your specific situation.

The table below includes many, but not all, of the typical closing costs you'll face as a home buyer in North Carolina.

Closing cost	Description	Who generally pays?
Appraisal costs	An appraisal determines the value of a property.	Buyer
Attorney fees	Attorney fees represent charges accrued for legal services during the closing process. These can vary significantly based on the nature of the transaction.	Buyer and seller
Escrow fees	Escrow fees are paid to an intermediary, such as a title company, in a transaction to hold funds and distribute them to the appropriate parties.	Buyer
Excise tax	A North Carolina excise tax is levied at a rate of $1 for every $500 in property value.	Seller
Homeowners association transfer fee	The seller may need to pay an HOA fee to transition the account from the buyer to the seller.	Seller
Loan origination fee	When you take out a mortgage, the lender may charge an origination fee. Origination fees in North Carolina are capped at 0.25% of the loan amount.	Buyer
Lender’s title insurance	A lender's title insurance policy protects the lender's financial interest in the property if someone presents a legal claim to the property.	Buyer
Owner’s title insurance	An owner’s title insurance protects your financial interest in a property in case someone comes forward with a legal claim to the property.	Buyer
Mortgage insurance	If you're buying a home with a government-backed loan, you may need to pay a form of mortgage insurance at closing. For FHA loans, it's called mortgage insurance premiums. Borrowers purchasing a home with a VA loan may be required to pay a funding fee, while USDA loan borrowers must pay a guarantee fee.	Buyer
Property tax	Property taxes are levied by the local municipality. Depending on the timing of the sale, the seller may be required to pay a portion of the property tax bill for the year.	Buyer or seller
Real estate agent commission fees	When working with a real estate agent to close the deal, the buyer or seller may need to compensate them. Commissions average 5.50% of the purchase price in North Carolina.	Seller or buyer
Rate lock fee	A rate lock fee allows you to lock in your offered interest rate for a specified period. Many buyers lock their rate to protect themselves against potential rate increases.	Buyer
Recording fee	Recording fees are paid to the local government to update public records.	Buyer
Survey fee	When someone surveys the land or measures it to establish property lines, you'll need to pay a fee.	Buyer
Title search fee	A title search examines the property's ownership history to confirm that you are purchasing it from a legitimate owner.	Buyer

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Tips for lowering your closing costs in North Carolina

Paying some closing costs is practically unavoidable. However, no one wants to pay more in closing costs than necessary. The following strategies may help you reduce your closing costs in North Carolina.

Seller concessions: Seller concessions involve asking the seller to pay some of your closing costs. For example, ask them to cover the recording fee or the costs of the survey. It never hurts to ask.
Lender shopping. Different lenders have different rates, terms, and fees. Shopping around allows you to find the most affordable option.
Negotiating a lower sale price. Of course, working with your real estate agent to secure a lower sale price also can reduce your closing costs.

Bottom line: North Carolina closing costs are negotiable

When making a home purchase in North Carolina, keeping your closing costs low is a top priority for many. The good news is that closing costs are negotiable, which means you can lower your costs by working with your real estate agent to have the seller pick up more of the tab.

If you are ready to move forward with a home purchase, apply for a loan with Rocket Mortgage® today.

Sarah Sharkey

Sarah Sharkey is a personal finance writer who enjoys helping readers make informed financial decisions. She lives in Florida with her husband and dogs. When she's not writing, she's outside exploring the coast.

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