New Hampshire closing costs: build an itemized cash-to-close plan

Do not use a percentage as your final budget

Closing costs vary with the property, lender, loan and transaction. A rough percentage cannot replace an itemized Loan Estimate. Separate lender fees, third-party services, government charges, prepaid items and initial escrow funding.

Cash to close is a different number: it also reflects the down payment, deposits already paid, credits and other adjustments. Ask the lender to explain which costs can change and which services you can shop for.

Use a transparent example

Illustration only: a $400,000 purchase with a 3.5% down payment needs $14,000 for the down payment. If separately estimated charges and prepaid items total $10,000, the starting total is $24,000 before deposits, credits, assistance and other adjustments. The $10,000 is a made-up scenario, not an NH market average.

Confirm transfer charges and property-tax allocations for the actual closing with the settlement professional. Do not assume a seller credit can cover every item or that a program will reimburse money already paid.

Verify changes before signing

Compare the final Closing Disclosure against the Loan Estimate and ask about unexpected differences. Confirm payment instructions through a trusted contact before moving funds. Keep enough room in the household budget for moving, repairs and costs that are not in the mortgage closing.