In a real estate closing, what would the buyer normally pay for?

During a real estate closing, it is customary for the buyer to pay for the recording of the new loan. This action is necessary to properly document the new mortgage in the public records. Recording ensures that the lender's interest in the property is officially recognized and provides legal protection against future claims by other parties.

This cost is associated with the administrative process involved in filing the loan documents with the county or municipal office responsible for maintaining property records. By ensuring that the lending institution's interest is recorded, the buyer helps solidify the legal standing of their ownership and the mortgage's enforceability.

In contrast, while other tasks such as deed preparation, real estate commissions, and release of old liens are crucial parts of the transaction, these responsibilities typically fall to the seller or are negotiated in a manner that may not involve the buyer directly covering those costs during the closing process. Thus, the buyer's responsibility primarily lies in paying for the recording, which is a fundamental requirement when finalizing their new mortgage.