Explained by Tampa Real Estate Experts Emeri & Joe Lewkowicz
If you're planning to buy a home in Tampa, one of the smartest things you can do is get a clear picture of your closing costs early in the process. As Tampa real estate experts with more than 40 years of combined experience, Joe Lewkowicz and Emeri Lewkowicz have guided thousands of buyers through every step—from the first showing to the closing table. And if there’s one thing they want every buyer to know, it’s this:
Closing costs matter.
They affect your bottom line, impact how you negotiate, and determine how confident you feel walking into your purchase.
Below, Emeri and Joe break down exactly what closing costs look like in Tampa, what to expect, and how to prepare like a pro.
So… What Exactly Are Closing Costs?
Closing costs are the fees and expenses you pay at the end of your real estate transaction—right before the keys officially become yours. Many buyers are surprised to learn that these costs are in addition to the down payment.
Emeri puts it simply:
“Think of closing costs as the final step that wraps everything up. It’s the behind-the-scenes processing required to make your home yours.”
In Tampa, closing costs typically range between 2% and 5% of the purchase price, depending on the type of loan, the lender, and local service providers.
Typical Closing Costs for Tampa Homebuyers
Here’s a straightforward breakdown Joe often shares with his buyers:
1. Lender Fees
If you’re financing your home, expect lender-related closing costs such as:
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Loan origination fee
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Underwriting fee
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Application fee
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Credit report fee
These usually make up a good portion of your total closing costs. For a Tampa homebuyer, this can range from $1,000 to $3,000+, depending on the lender.
2. Appraisal Fee
Before a lender approves your loan, they need to confirm the home’s value.
Appraisals in Tampa generally cost $450–$700.
3. Title Search & Title Insurance
Joe explains it this way:
“Title work ensures there are no hidden issues with ownership. It protects you from future surprises.”
Costs for title search and title insurance often add up to $1,000–$2,500 depending on the home and purchase price.
4. Survey Fee
Some lenders require a property survey to confirm boundaries.
This can cost $300–$500.
5. Escrow Deposits
Your lender may require you to prepay a portion of:
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Property taxes
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Homeowner’s insurance
In Tampa, these escrow deposits typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the time of year.
6. Homeowner’s Insurance
While not technically a closing “fee,” the first year of homeowner’s insurance is usually paid at closing.
In Tampa, the cost varies from $1,800 to $3,000+ depending on factors like location, age of home, and hurricane risk.
7. Recording & Government Fees
The county charges fees to officially record ownership and process documents.
For the average Hillsborough or Pinellas County homebuyer, this ranges from $100–$300.
Who Pays What in Tampa?
In many Tampa transactions:
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Buyers typically pay most of the closing costs.
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Sellers may cover the owner’s title policy or certain fees depending on negotiation.
Emeri adds:
“Everything in real estate is negotiable. We’ve helped many buyers secure concessions that lower their out-of-pocket costs. It’s all about strategy.”
How Much Should Tampa Buyers Budget?
For a $500,000 home in Tampa, most buyers can expect closing costs between:
👉 $10,000 and $25,000
The wide range depends on loan type, insurance rates, and whether the buyer receives any seller credits.
Joe’s advice?
“Plan for the higher end. If you end up spending less, that’s a win. But you don’t want to be caught off guard.”
How Emeri & Joe Help Tampa Buyers Save Money
With decades of experience in the Tampa market, Emeri and Joe guide buyers through every nuance of closing costs, including:
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Identifying competitive local lenders
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Helping negotiate seller concessions when possible
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Reviewing loan estimates to avoid unnecessary fees
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Explaining each number so buyers feel confident and in control
“Our goal is to make sure you know exactly where every dollar is going,” Emeri says.
“Transparency builds trust—and that’s how we’ve served Tampa families for more than 40 years.”
Final Thoughts
Closing costs are a normal—and important—part of buying a home in Tampa. With the right guidance, you can navigate them smoothly and without stress.
If you're thinking about buying in Tampa, lean on the expertise of Emeri & Joe Lewkowicz, two of the most respected and knowledgeable real estate professionals in the region. They’ll make sure you understand every step, every option, and every dollar before you close.
