{"id":108292,"date":"2025-12-17T11:44:02","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T19:44:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=108292"},"modified":"2025-12-17T11:59:45","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T19:59:45","slug":"how-to-get-closing-costs-waived","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-get-closing-costs-waived\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Closing Costs Be Waived? 6 Ways Buyers Can Lower Costs at Closing"},"content":{"rendered":"

Closing costs can add thousands of dollars to the price of buying a home, often catching buyers off guard right before the finish line. Whether you\u2019re browsing <\/span>houses for sale in Los Angeles, CA<\/span><\/a> or exploring <\/span>homes for sale in Austin, TX<\/span><\/a>, understanding these fees can help you plan for the true cost of buying.<\/span><\/p>\n

While closing costs usually can\u2019t be completely eliminated, there are legitimate ways to reduce them, shift who pays them, or effectively \u201cwaive\u201d them through credits and assistance programs. In most cases, \u201cwaived\u201d means the costs are covered or offset, not erased entirely.<\/span><\/p>\n

This Redfin article breaks down when closing costs can be waived and the most realistic strategies to lower or avoid paying them upfront.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are closing costs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Closing costs<\/span><\/a> are the fees and expenses required to finalize a real estate transaction. They typically range from 2% to 5% of the home\u2019s purchase price and are paid at closing. Common closing costs include:<\/span><\/p>\n