# Cash to close

> Cash to close is the amount you bring to closing: down payment plus closing costs, minus your deposit and any credits. How the number is built.

URL: https://mail.mortgage-math-us.com/glossary/cash-to-close/  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-29 · By the MortgageMath US Editorial team

## Quick answer

**Cash to close** is the amount you must pay at closing: your down payment plus closing costs, minus money you’ve already paid, such as the earnest money deposit, and any credits from the lender or seller. It appears on page 1 of the Loan Estimate and the Closing Disclosure, and the Closing Disclosure shows the full calculation on page 3.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source | As of |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closing costs, low end of the CFPB range (used in the example) | 2% | [CFPB](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/prepare/figure-out-how-much-you-want-to-spend/) | Oct 28, 2026 |
| Closing Disclosure arrives before closing | 3 business days | [CFPB](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/closing-disclosure/) | Oct 28, 2026 |

## From price to cash to close

*Example: $360,000 purchase with 10% down*

| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Down payment (10%) | $36,000 |
| Closing costs at 2% of the price | $7,200 |
| Earnest money already paid (1% in this example) | −$3,600 |
| Seller credit toward closing costs | −$3,000 |
| **Cash to close** | **$36,600** |

The deposit is subtracted because you’ve already paid it, but it still counts toward the purchase. The CFPB says you’ll typically pay the balance by cashier’s check or wire transfer; ask your closing agent which they accept, and confirm any wiring instructions with them by phone.

## Why the figure moves

The Loan Estimate shows an *estimated* cash to close. It changes if closing costs shift, the closing date changes the prepaid interest, or you renegotiate credits after an inspection. On the Closing Disclosure, which arrives at least 3 business days before closing, the “Calculating Cash to Close” table puts the Loan Estimate figure next to the final one and flags each line that changed. Estimate yours with the [closing cost calculator](https://mail.mortgage-math-us.com/tools/closing-cost-calculator/).

## Related terms

- [Closing costs](https://mail.mortgage-math-us.com/glossary/closing-costs/) and [down payment](https://mail.mortgage-math-us.com/glossary/down-payment/)
- [Earnest money](https://mail.mortgage-math-us.com/glossary/earnest-money/) and [seller concessions](https://mail.mortgage-math-us.com/glossary/seller-concessions/)

## Sources

- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25077?g=010XX00US) — Median value of owner-occupied homes (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [CFPB](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/prepare/figure-out-how-much-you-want-to-spend/) — Typical closing costs, low end (share of purchase price) (Oct 28, 2026)
- [CFPB](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/closing-disclosure/) — You receive the Closing Disclosure at least this many business days before closing (Oct 28, 2026)
- [CFPB: Loan Estimate explainer](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/loan-estimate/)

_General information, not financial advice._