NICKELS AND DIMES

According to a study by Bankrate.com, Florida is No. 3 nationwide for closing costs, charging an average of $3,683 per transaction – only New York and Texas charge more. The study authors also note that a slowing housing market isn’t stopping closing costs from rising. The 2007 average closing cost nationwide of $2,736 rose to $3,118 in 2008, a 14 percent increase. New York City, at $4,016, is the most expensive place to close and $333 higher than Florida. North Carolina is the least expensive area with an average fee of $2,650, or $1,033 less than Florida. The top 10 most expensive states to pay closing costs in order are:

1. New York: $4,016
2. Texas: $3,975
3. Florida: $3,683
4. Oklahoma: $3,558
5. New Mexico: $3,465
6. New Jersey: $3,432
7. Pennsylvania: $3,411
8. Alaska: $3,409
9. Colorado: $3,358
10. California: $3,321

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