In most cases the seller will pay a portion of your costs, usually around three percent. When you buy new construction, the builders will have specials. We currently have those in place on select inventory. Your best bet is to just ask. We at J Clark Homes would be delighted to answer any further questions, and help you with your search. Please contact us if you need any assistance. Thank you.

It depend on what kind of loan you qualify for. It can be all the way to 9% if its an FHA loan.

Here in Killeen the Market is so competitive, that if one seller doesn't want to pay your closing cost the next one will. 90 % of my client receive there earnest money (plus appraisal cost) back at closing. Also to go a little further most reputable loan officer will waive the 1% origination fee. The mortgage melt down has not affected buyers with decent credit and VA benefits.

Talk with a Real Estate Professional.
Closing costs are a negotiated item. As a Buyers Reprehensive I always ask the seller to pay the closing costs. Sometimes I get all the cost paid, sometimes only some of the costs paid. It all depends on what the seller is willing or not willing to do.

Tracy

As previously stated, these costs are negotiable and different in every case. In certain instances, there are fees you are not allowed to pay on your own behalf (VA guaranteed loans) and either the seller or your lender will be required to pay them for you. Of course, there are also several down payment assistance programs available to assist you as well. In the end, it will depend on the competence and negotiating skills of your Buyer’s Agent and what program your lender is able to qualify you for. Your first step should be to talk with a lender to see where you stand. Then find a Realtor to act on your behalf as a buyer’s agent. If the agent is a member of the Fort Hood Area Association of Realtors (which I am) and the property you are interested in is listed in the FHAAR MLS, your Buyer’s agent fees will most likely be paid by the seller. Good luck in your search and feel free to call me if you have any other questions about our market.

You have received some good answers about the willingness of sellers to pay buyer costs. To get answers to your real question, your costs, you should find a good agent and enter into a buyer's representation agreement. It will likely cost you nothing, while saving you time and money. If agents in your area charge for buyer's representation, it's likely only a nominal fee. The agent will be able to give you a reasonable estimate of the costs related to buying a home, and advise you about how to negotiate an offer that asks a seller to pay part of your costs.

The Killen, Fort Hood area is unique in this aspect. Most home sellers and new home builders cover closings costs, but it is a negotiated item, it does not mean it is an automatic as some may think.

As Bradley answered, its really case by case. What I've seen recently is typically anywhere from $0 to $4500 paid towards buyers closing costs in our Killeen area/market. I just negotiated a sale for first time buyers where they received $4760 in concessions from the seller ($3510 was closing costs, $1250 was new carpeting), put in about $1700 of their own money (down payment, some costs) and we still got their home for $10k below appraised value. Its possible to get the type of help you need and still be able to find and afford a home you'll enjoy. I'm a licensed Realtor with Coldwell Banker United, Realtors in Killeen, if I can help, please let me know.

Every Seller and every property is going to be a case by case basis. Most seller's are prepared to cover at least a portion of the buyer's cloing cost. That is always a point that can be negotiated along with price and other aspects of an offer.