Hello everyone :)

I tried to do some searching online about closing costs and which fees were negotiable, and what to look out for. Apparently, there are many areas in the closing where someone like myself can be charged something that really isn't necessary. But my search yielded some very muddled, sometime contradictory answers. So, I have come here for some more contradictory answers!! What should I look out for? Any red flags I should be looking for?

Thank you kindly :)

You need to be more specific. Closing on a condo or coop? Is it new construction? Purchase from a sponsor or prior owner?

Sorry...

Co-op
Not a new construction (built 1937, 6 floors, 42 units, upper east side)
Resale

Well, in an existing coop, there aren't really fees up for much negotiation. Taxes and recording fees are paid by appropriate responsible parties. Attorneys fees and bank fees are allocated in standard ways and not negotiated. The flip tax, if any, is typically paid by the seller but the parties are permitted to work out whatever they want so long as the coop gets its money.

Fees are more typically "negotiated" when a buyer is purchasing a new condo construction unit. There, closing costs are enormous and many buyers try to get the developer to pay all or a portion of these fees which can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars.

As a co-op buyer, your fees are mostly your attorney, your mortage closing costs, and the co-op's attorney's closing costs and managing agent fee, which are typically set fees. The seller has the commission, transfer tax, and flip tax (if any). They may try to negotiate to foist these on you, but they are customarily seller costs.