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Closing Costs in Bethesda, MD

Estimate closing costs for Bethesda, MD real estate. Montgomery County's transfer taxes are among the highest in the DMV region. With median home prices around $950,000, precise closing cost calculations are essential.

Median Price: $950,000Est. Range: 3% to 6% for buyers, 2% to 4% for sellersMontgomery County

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Local Taxes & Fees in Bethesda, MD

Bethesda's median is near $950,000, which is what makes percentage-based charges bite harder here than anywhere else in the Maryland DMV — the same rate that costs a Gaithersburg buyer a few thousand dollars costs a Bethesda buyer several times that. Maryland also levies a state recordation tax on the sale price, and Maryland title insurance premiums come from rate schedules each underwriter files with the Maryland Insurance Administration, so the premium is set by the filed rate rather than negotiated at the table.

Bethesda is unincorporated Montgomery County, so no municipal transfer tax sits on top of the county's, and deeds record with the county in Rockville.

Montgomery County levies a county transfer tax of 1% on top of Maryland's 0.5% state transfer tax — 1.5% combined. On a $950,000 sale that is $14,250 of transfer tax before anything else. Absent an agreement otherwise the county transfer tax is shared evenly between buyer and seller. A qualifying first-time Maryland homebuyer gets a reduced state rate of 0.25%, which the seller then pays in full.

Frequently Asked Questions — Bethesda, MD Closing Costs

How much are closing costs in Bethesda, MD?

Closing costs in Bethesda, MD typically range from 3% to 6% of the purchase price for buyers and 2% to 4% for sellers. Maryland has higher transfer taxes than many states, with both state and Montgomery County transfer taxes applying.

What is the transfer tax in Montgomery County?

Montgomery County charges a county transfer tax on real estate transactions in addition to the Maryland state transfer tax of 0.5%. The combined state + county rate makes Maryland closing costs higher than Virginia in most cases.

Who pays transfer taxes in Maryland?

In Maryland, transfer taxes are typically split between buyer and seller, though this is negotiable. The state transfer tax (0.5%) and Montgomery County transfer tax are both calculated on the sale price.

Does Bethesda have a recordation tax?

Yes. Maryland charges a state recordation tax based on the sale price. In Montgomery County, this applies to deeds, deeds of trust, and other recorded instruments. Contact Pruitt Title for exact calculations.

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Closing Costs in Nearby Maryland Cities

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Title Services in Nearby Cities

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Need a Precise Closing Cost Estimate?

These are estimates based on standard Montgomery County rates. Every transaction is different — contact Will Rapuano at Pruitt Title LLC for an accurate, line-by-line closing cost breakdown for your Bethesda, MD property.

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