Buying in Shore Acres and wondering how much cash you will need beyond your down payment? You are not alone. Closing costs in St. Petersburg can feel like a moving target, especially with flood, condo, and county-specific items in the mix. This guide breaks down what you will pay, who typically covers what in Pinellas County, Shore Acres factors that can change your total, and clear example numbers so you can plan with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What closing costs include
Closing costs are the non–down payment funds needed to finish your purchase. For financed buyers, they typically total about 2% to 5% of the purchase price. Cash buyers avoid loan fees but still pay title, recording, and certain prepaid items.
Common categories you will see:
- Lender fees: origination, underwriting, processing, appraisal, credit report, flood certification, and rate lock.
- Title and closing: title search and exam, closing or escrow fee, lender’s title insurance policy, and recording fees.
- Government taxes and fees: state mortgage-related taxes and county recording fees, plus transfer taxes where applicable.
- Prepaids and escrows: prepaid interest, homeowners insurance, property tax escrows, and prorated taxes.
- Inspections and property items: home inspection, pest inspection, survey when required, and any HOA or condo estoppel/document fees.
- Insurance: homeowners insurance for all financed homes, and flood insurance if the property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
Federal rules protect you during this process. Your lender must provide a Loan Estimate within three business days of application and a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. You can learn how the Loan Estimate works from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and how to review your Closing Disclosure.
Who pays what in Pinellas
Customs vary by contract and negotiation, but here is what buyers in St. Petersburg commonly cover.
Lender fees
You usually pay for origination or processing, underwriting, credit report, the appraisal, and any rate lock fee. Appraisals often range from about $400 to $800 or more, depending on property type and complexity.
Title and closing
You typically pay the title search or exam, closing or escrow fee, and the premium for the lender’s title insurance policy when you finance. The owner’s title insurance policy is negotiable. In many Florida markets sellers often pay for the owner’s policy, but this should be addressed in your contract.
Government taxes and recording
Florida charges taxes on mortgage instruments. Borrowers typically pay the state’s mortgage-related taxes and the county’s mortgage recording fees. To confirm current rules and rates, review the Florida Department of Revenue pages on the documentary stamp tax and the intangible tax. Deed-related transfer tax on the sale is often paid by the seller by local custom, but it is negotiable.
Prepaids and escrow
Expect to prepay interest from your closing date to your first payment date, plus your first year of homeowners insurance or a portion of it. Lenders commonly collect an escrow cushion of about two months of taxes and insurance at closing. Property taxes are prorated so the seller covers their share up to the day of closing and you cover the period after that.
Inspections, HOA, and surveys
You typically pay for inspections and a survey if your lender requires one. Condo or HOA purchases include document and estoppel fees. These can vary widely and are often negotiable, though $100 to $400 or more is common for estoppel. Ask early so you are not surprised.
Shore Acres factors that change your costs
Shore Acres is a coastal neighborhood, and local conditions can add or reduce your total cash to close.
- Flood zones: Many homes sit in areas where lenders require flood insurance. Check the property’s FEMA flood zone using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and review county guidance on floodplain rules at Pinellas County Flooding and Floodplain Management. Flood premiums vary by elevation, structure type, and claims history.
- Condo or HOA timelines: Estoppel certificates and association document requests can affect your schedule and add fees. Ask about turnaround times once you go under contract.
- Title and survey items: Waterfront and older parcels may need surveys or extra title work. Build a little buffer for these items.
- Recording details: For questions about recording fees and procedures, the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller is your official resource.
Example cash to close (Dec 2025)
These examples use simple assumptions for illustration. Your lender and title company will produce exact numbers for your specific home.
Assumptions used:
- Conventional loan
- Closing costs (excluding down payment): 2.5% to 3.5% of price (3% shown below)
- Initial escrow: 2 months of property taxes and homeowners insurance
- Annual property tax placeholder: 1.2% of price
- Annual homeowners insurance estimate varies by home
Example A: $400,000 purchase
- Down payment: 10% = $40,000
- Estimated closing costs at 3%: $12,000
- Property tax estimate: $4,800 per year → 2 months ≈ $800
- Homeowners insurance example: $1,600 per year → 2 months ≈ $267
- Prepaids and escrow cushion: about $1,067
- Estimated cash to close: $40,000 + $12,000 + $1,067 ≈ $53,067
Example B: $600,000 purchase
- Down payment: 10% = $60,000
- Estimated closing costs at 3%: $18,000
- Property tax estimate: $7,200 per year → 2 months ≈ $1,200
- Homeowners insurance example: $1,800 per year → 2 months ≈ $300
- Prepaids and escrow cushion: about $1,500
- Estimated cash to close: $60,000 + $18,000 + $1,500 ≈ $79,500
Example C: $1,200,000 purchase
- Down payment: 20% = $240,000 (to avoid PMI)
- Estimated closing costs at 3%: $36,000
- Property tax estimate: $14,400 per year → 2 months ≈ $2,400
- Homeowners insurance example: $3,500 per year → 2 months ≈ $583
- Prepaids and escrow cushion: about $2,983
- Estimated cash to close: $240,000 + $36,000 + $2,983 ≈ $278,983
Key reminders:
- Your down payment, loan program, lender credits, and any seller concessions can change these totals.
- Flood insurance, condo or HOA estoppel fees, and required repairs or surveys can add costs.
- For precise tax estimates, look up the property’s history with the Pinellas County Property Appraiser.
Ways to lower cash to close
- Shop lenders: Request a Loan Estimate from at least two lenders and compare rate, fees, and credits.
- Ask for seller credits: Many loan programs allow seller-paid closing costs up to a set limit.
- Use lender credits: You can often accept a slightly higher rate in exchange for credits toward closing costs.
- Time your closing date: Closing later in the month can reduce prepaid interest.
- Verify HOA and flood early: Get condo or HOA estoppel fees and flood quotes up front so you can negotiate or plan.
Documents and timelines
- Loan Estimate: Provided within three business days of application. See the CFPB’s guide to the Loan Estimate.
- Closing Disclosure: Delivered at least three business days before closing. Learn how to read your Closing Disclosure.
- Title commitment and tax proration: Review the title commitment for exceptions and confirm tax prorations. You can verify prior tax data with the Pinellas County Property Appraiser.
Local resources
- Pinellas County Property Appraiser for parcel assessments, prior tax bills, and estimating tax escrows.
- Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for recording fees and official records.
- Florida Department of Revenue documentary stamp tax and intangible tax for mortgage-related taxes.
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center and Pinellas County Flooding and Floodplain Management to verify flood zones and insurance requirements.
Ready to run your numbers?
You deserve a clear, no-surprises path to closing on the right Shore Acres home. If you want a neighborhood-specific closing cost worksheet and help coordinating your lender, title, insurance, and HOA steps, reach out to Kym Coyle. You will get local insight, responsive support, and a plan tailored to your home and timeline.
FAQs
What are average buyer closing costs in Shore Acres?
- For financed buyers, a common range is about 2% to 5% of the purchase price, plus prepaids for taxes and insurance; your exact total depends on loan type, lender fees, and property-specific items.
Who typically pays owner’s title insurance in St. Petersburg?
- It is negotiable; in many Florida markets sellers often cover the owner’s policy, while buyers usually pay the lender’s policy when financing.
Do Shore Acres homes require flood insurance?
- If the property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area and you finance the purchase, your lender will require flood insurance; confirm the zone on the FEMA map and get quotes early.
How are property taxes handled at closing in Pinellas?
- Taxes are prorated so the seller pays up to the day of closing and you pay after; your lender may also collect an escrow cushion of about two months at closing.
Can closing costs change after I get a Loan Estimate?
- Some fees can change within limits; you will receive a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing that reflects final numbers, and significant changes can trigger a new review period.
