How the Cash-to-Close Calculator Works
Your cash-to-close is the total amount you need in your bank account on closing day. It's more than just the down payment — it includes closing costs, prepaid expenses, escrow deposits, and any credits from the seller or lender.
This calculator estimates every line item on your Closing Disclosure and adds them up so you can see the full picture before you make an offer. Enter your purchase price, down payment, loan type, and state, and the calculator breaks down each fee category: lender fees, title costs, government charges, prepaids, and loan-specific fees like FHA MIP or VA funding fees.
What's Included in Cash-to-Close
- Down payment — your equity contribution, based on the percentage you choose
- Lender fees — origination, appraisal, and underwriting charges
- Title and settlement — title search, title insurance, escrow agent fees
- Government fees — recording fees and state transfer taxes (the single biggest variable by state)
- Prepaids — interest from closing to month-end, insurance premium, property tax escrow
- Loan-specific costs — FHA upfront MIP (1.75%), VA funding fee (2.15%), USDA guarantee fee (1%)
- Credits — earnest money already deposited and any seller concessions reduce your total
Why Cash-to-Close Estimates Matter
Most first-time buyers budget for the down payment and assume closing costs are "a couple thousand dollars." The reality: closing costs typically run 2-5% of the purchase price — that's $8,000 to $20,000 on a $400,000 home. Add prepaids and escrow deposits, and the total cash needed can be $5,000 to $15,000 more than the down payment alone. Knowing this number early lets you avoid a last-minute scramble for funds three days before closing.