What are settlement costs commonly referred to as?

Settlement costs are commonly referred to as closing costs. This term encompasses all the fees and expenses associated with the finalization of a real estate transaction, which includes various services provided during the closing process. Closing costs can cover a wide range of items such as title insurance, appraisals, inspections, escrow fees, and recording fees, all of which need to be settled before the transfer of ownership is completed.

Understanding closing costs is crucial for both buyers and sellers in a real estate transaction as they can significantly affect the overall amount paid at closing.

The other choices tend to refer to more specific types of fees. Processing fees usually relate to the costs associated with handling paperwork and ensuring compliance during the loan approval process. Loan origination fees are specifically the charges for processing and underwriting a loan. Administration costs could refer to various operational expenses but do not specifically capture the range of fees associated with a real estate closing.