Seller's attorney fees, often in the range of $800-$1500 and included preparing a new deed conveying title to the buyer.
Massachusetts excise stamps are charged to the seller upon transfer of title, and they are $4.56 per $1,000.00. These are paid at closing by the closing attorney, and funds are taken from the proceeds of the sale.
Outstanding mortgages or other liens which are outstanding must be paid off at closing. Often written notice is necessary before lenders will release the payoff figures. The lender's fee to prepare the discharge and record same is in the $100.00 range.
Adjustments to condo fees (condo), final water & sewer bill (if metered separately), and oil readings are made at closing.
Brokerage fee is due and payable at closing.
A smoke detector certificate must be issued by the Fire Department. The ordering of this needs to be coordinated well in advance, as no closing can take place without a recent certificate (usually within sixty days) issued by the Fire Department. Costs for this certificate are the obligation of the seller ($50 in Boston for single-dwelling units, $100 for two unit buildings, $150 for three-six unit buildings). Your Realtor will arrange the appointment with the fire department.
A 6d Certificate (applicable to condominiums only) is required at closing in the form of a notarized statement from the trustees or board of manages of the condominium certifying that all outstanding condominium fees have been through the end of the month of the closing. Some condo property managers charge a fee to prepare the 6d, and this would be paid by the seller in advance of closing.
If the seller has received the tax bill from his city or town, it should be brought to the closing whether paid or unpaid. If the tax bill is paid, bring to the closing a stamped receipt and inform the conveying attorney prior to the closing that you will be bringing your receipt. This, along with the municipal lien certificate (which will have been ordered by the buyer's attorney), documents your lien status.
If there are to be holdbacks or escrows because of outstanding issues, these issues need to be discussed well before the closing date. Mortgage lenders have become more stringent about holdback agreements and require that they be approved by the lender prior to closing.