Cash to close calculator

Every dollar you'll wire on closing day - down payment, closing costs, prepaids, minus credits.

"Cash to close" is the single number that matters on closing day: the wire amount you have to send to the title company. It is not the same as your down payment, and it is not the same as your closing costs. It's everything combined, minus what you've already paid (earnest money) and any credits you've negotiated.

The formula: Down payment + Closing costs + Prepaid taxes/insurance + Initial escrow − Earnest money deposit − Seller credits − Lender credits.

Worked examples

Real numbers for common scenarios. These are estimates - your final closing disclosure will reflect the exact fees your specific loan and property require.

Scenario

$400,000 home, 20% down, 30-yr conventional, $5,000 earnest, no concessions

Inputs

Sale price: $400,000
Down payment: $80,000
Closing costs: $9,400
Prepaid interest + escrow: $3,200
Earnest money: −$5,000

Estimate

Cash to close: $87,600

Scenario

$325,000 home, 5% down FHA, $3,000 earnest, $6,000 seller credit

Inputs

Sale price: $325,000
Down payment: $16,250
Closing costs: $11,800
Prepaid + escrow: $4,100
Earnest money: −$3,000
Seller credit: −$6,000

Estimate

Cash to close: $23,150

Run your own numbers

The calculator gives you the same itemized breakdown for any price, down payment, loan type, and location.

Open the calculator

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between cash to close and down payment?+

Down payment is just the price × down percent. Cash to close adds closing costs, prepaid interest, and your initial escrow deposit, then subtracts your earnest money and any credits. Cash to close is always larger than the down payment alone.

Why is my cash to close higher than my Loan Estimate said?+

Three common reasons: (1) you closed later in the month, so prepaid interest dropped - or earlier, so it grew; (2) the lender required more months of escrow than initially quoted; (3) the seller credit was capped by the loan program (FHA caps at 6%, conventional at 3% under 10% down).

Can I get a lender credit to lower my cash to close?+

Yes. In exchange for a slightly higher interest rate (usually 0.125-0.375% higher) the lender will issue a credit at closing - typically $2,000-$8,000. Math: if the credit equals about 36 months of the rate increase, it's a wash. If you're staying less than that, take the credit.

When do I pay cash to close - and how?+

On closing day, by wire transfer to the title company. Cashier's checks are accepted up to about $50,000 at most title companies but wire is universally preferred. Wire instructions should come directly from the title company over the phone - wire fraud is the #1 closing scam, so verify the routing number by calling a number you looked up independently.

Related calculators

Florida closing cost calculator

Itemized buyer-side closing costs for any Florida home - doc stamps, intangible tax, title insurance, lender fees, and escrow.

Seller credit calculator

How much credit to ask for - and whether it beats a price reduction.

Monthly mortgage payment calculator

Your real monthly payment, including the four costs most calculators leave out.

All numbers shown are estimates for planning purposes. Closing costs, taxes, and fees vary by lender, title company, county, and individual transaction. LoanElk is not a lender, broker, or financial advisor. Your final Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure are the authoritative figures.