Buying a home is an exciting journey, but understanding the associated costs can be daunting. Beyond the purchase price, there are various fees involved in the homebuying process that every buyer should know about. In this blog, the TJS Team, led by Tina Jingru Sui, breaks down the most common fees to help you plan and budget effectively for your next home in Atlanta, Duluth, Suwanee, Dacula, Buford, Alpharetta, or Johns Creek. Understanding Fees in the Homebuying Process! | Real Estate Tips - YouTube [](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_xZUHZXKo0bSLj8sqaSrEw?embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tinasui.com%2F) 亚特兰大隋静儒地产团队Tina Sui-Atlanta Realtor-TJS Team 17 subscribers [Understanding Fees in the Homebuying Process! | Real Estate Tips](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLKxPDb2eM0) [](https://www.youtube.com/embed/hLKxPDb2eM0) 亚特兰大隋静儒地产团队Tina Sui-Atlanta Realtor-TJS Team Search Watch later Share Copy link Info Shopping Tap to unmute If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. More videos ## More videos You're signed out Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer. CancelConfirm Share Include playlist An error occurred while retrieving sharing information. Please try again later. [ Watch on ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLKxPDb2eM0&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tinasui.com%2F) 0:00 0:00 / 6:08 •Live • [](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLKxPDb2eM0) **1. Pre-Purchase Costs** Earnest Money Deposit What It Is: A good-faith deposit that shows you’re serious about purchasing the home. Amount: Typically 1-3% of the purchase price, held in escrow until closing. Home Inspection Fee What It Is: The cost of hiring a professional inspector to assess the property’s condition. Amount: Usually ranges from $300 to $500, depending on the property size. Appraisal Fee What It Is: The lender requires an appraisal to confirm the home’s value. Amount: Typically between $300 and $700. **2. Loan-Related Fees** Origination Fee What It Is: Charged by the lender for processing your loan application. Amount: Usually 0.5% to 1% of the loan amount. Credit Report Fee What It Is: Covers the cost of pulling your credit report during the loan application process. Amount: Typically $30 to $50. Discount Points What It Is: Optional fees paid upfront to lower your mortgage interest rate. Amount: One point equals 1% of the loan amount. **3. Closing Costs** Title Insurance What It Is: Protects against future claims on the property’s title. Amount: Typically ranges from $500 to $1,500, depending on the home’s price. Escrow Fees What It Is: Paid to the escrow company or attorney handling the transaction. Amount: Often split between the buyer and seller, averaging $500 to $2,000. Property Taxes and HOA Fees What It Is: Covers prorated taxes and any homeowners association fees. Amount: Varies based on location, with areas like Alpharetta and Johns Creek typically having higher HOA fees for luxury communities. Recording Fees What It Is: Covers the cost of officially recording the sale with the local government. Amount: Generally $50 to $150. **4. Ongoing Costs After Closing** Homeowners Insurance What It Is: Required by lenders to protect your home from damages. Amount: Average annual premiums range from $1,200 to $2,000 in Georgia. Mortgage Insurance (if applicable) What It Is: Required for loans with less than a 20% down payment. Amount: Typically 0.5% to 1% of the loan amount annually. **5. Tips for Managing Fees** Plan Ahead Work with your lender to get an estimate of closing costs and budget accordingly. Negotiate When Possible Some fees, like lender origination fees, may be negotiable. The TJS Team can help you identify opportunities to save. Use Assistance Programs Explore local and state programs offering down payment or closing cost assistance, especially for first-time buyers in areas like Dacula and Buford. **6. How the TJS Team Can Help** Navigating the homebuying process can be complex, but the TJS Team is here to simplify it. Transparent Guidance: We’ll break down every cost so there are no surprises. Trusted Referrals: Connect with inspectors, lenders, and attorneys who provide excellent service at reasonable rates. Expert Negotiation: Our team ensures you get the best value, from your offer to closing. Buying a home is a big step, but understanding the fees involved doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Contact the TJS Team, led by Tina Jingru Sui, for expert guidance in Duluth, Suwanee, Dacula, Buford, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and beyond. **Let’s make your homebuying experience seamless and stress-free!** Get in Touch Talk to Us Choose Side: First Name Last Name Your Number Your Email Your Message [](https://www.tinasui.com/)  Contact Us [404.375.2120](tel:+1.404.375.2120) | [404.905.2596](tel:+1.404.905.2596) [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) Navigate - [Buyer](https://www.tinasui.com/buyer/)
- [Seller](https://www.tinasui.com/seller/)
- [Property Management](https://oppomax.managebuilding.com/Resident/public/home)
- [Featured Listings](https://www.tinasui.com/understanding-fees-in-the-homebuying-process-real-estate-tips-from-the-tjs-team/#)
- [Communities](https://www.tinasui.com/communities/)
- [Resources](https://www.tinasui.com/resources/)
- [About Us](https://www.tinasui.com/about-us/)
- [Blog](https://www.tinasui.com/category/blog/)
- [Contact Us](https://www.tinasui.com/contact-us/) Jingru Tina Sui is committed to providing an accessible website. If you have difficulty accessing content, have difficulty viewing a file on the website, or notice any accessibility problems, please contact us at [404.375.2120](tel:+1.404.375.2120) to specify the nature of the accessibility issue and any assistive technology you use. We strive to provide the content you need in the format you require. © 2025 Jingru Tina Sui. All rights reserved. [Sitemap.](https://www.tinasui.com/sitemap/) Real Estate Website Design by [**Agent Image**](https://www.agentimage.com/) [Go to mobile version](https://www.tinasui.com/understanding-fees-in-the-homebuying-process-real-estate-tips-from-the-tjs-team/?amp=1) reCAPTCHA Recaptcha requires verification. [Privacy](https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/) - [Terms](https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/terms/) protected by **reCAPTCHA** [Privacy](https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/) - [Terms](https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/terms/)
