Published November 20, 2025

Who Pays Closing Costs in Tennessee – Buyer or Seller?

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Written by John & Tracy Turner

Who Pays Closing Costs in Tennessee – Buyer or Seller?

Who Pays Closing Costs in Tennessee – Buyer or Seller?

Closing costs can be confusing, especially if this is your first time buying or selling a home in Tennessee.

The short answer is: both buyers and sellers have closing costs. How much each side pays can depend on local custom and what is negotiated in the contract.

Typical Buyer Closing Costs

Buyers in Rutherford County often pay for:

  • Lender fees (origination, processing, underwriting)
  • Appraisal fee
  • Credit report fee
  • Title insurance for their lender
  • Prepaid taxes and homeowner’s insurance
  • Real estate commissions for their real estate agent
  • Recording fees

These usually add up to around 4–7% of the purchase price, depending on the loan, the property, and their agent.

Typical Seller Closing Costs

Sellers usually pay:

  • Real estate commissions for their real estate agent
  • Their share of any closing company or attorney fees
  • Prorated property taxes through the closing date
  • Any agreed repairs or concessions

The exact amounts will be spelled out on the closing statement at the end of the transaction.

Can Sellers Help Pay Buyer Closing Costs?

Yes. In some cases, buyers ask the seller to pay part of their closing costs, called seller-paid closing costs or seller concessions. Whether this is realistic depends on:

  • Current market conditions in the Middle Tennessee real estate market
  • How competitively the home is priced
  • How many offers the seller is receiving

In a strong seller’s market, concessions are less common. In a more balanced or buyer-friendly market, we see them more often.

How Closing Costs Fit Into the Offer Strategy

Closing costs are part of the overall offer package. Price, concessions, repairs, and timelines all work together. A good Murfreesboro TN real estate agent can help you see how changing one piece affects the whole deal.

For a bigger picture of how closing costs fit into the home buying journey, you can also read:

https://www.turnervictory

Buying a Home in Murfreesboro, TN: Step-by-Step Guide

Every Contract Is Negotiated

Remember, there is no single rule that fits every transaction. The contract is where buyers and sellers agree on who pays what—and our job is to help you understand the full picture so you can make smart decisions.

Want a Closing Cost Breakdown for Your Situation?

If you are planning to buy or sell in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, LaVergne, Eagleville, or anywhere in Rutherford County, we can walk you through what closing costs would likely look like for you.

Reach out to the Turner Victory Team at Onward Real Estate:

When you want clear, local guidance from a Murfreesboro TN real estate team, we are here to help.

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