Your down payment is only one part of the money needed to complete a home purchase. Closing costs and cash to close describe different figures. Understanding both helps you plan your funds, evaluate credits and avoid a last-minute scramble before your Denver closing.

Give each dollar a purpose

Closing costs can include lender charges and services required to complete the transaction. Your paperwork may also include prepaid expenses and funds used to establish an escrow account. Cash to close reflects the funds you still need to bring after accounting for the down payment, costs, deposits, credits and applicable adjustments.

Use the lender's current estimate and the settlement figures for your transaction. A general percentage of the purchase price is a rough planning shortcut, not a substitute for reviewing actual charges.

Understand what a credit changes

A negotiated seller credit may reduce eligible expenses you pay at closing, subject to lender and program limits. Ask the lender how it can be applied before building an offer around it. A lender credit can work differently and may be paired with a higher interest rate. Compare the upfront benefit with the ongoing cost.

Review the Closing Disclosure early

For most mortgage loans covered by these rules, you should receive the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. Compare it with your most recent Loan Estimate: loan terms, payment, charges, credits and cash to close. Raise unexplained differences promptly.

Your practical checklist: Keep a record of deposits already paid; confirm how credits appear; ask which amounts are final; and identify the person who will answer a last-minute funds question. Do not assume your earliest worksheet is the final amount.

Keep a separate move-in budget

Closing the loan does not pay for the moving truck, utility setup or the repairs you plan to tackle after receiving the keys. Put those expenses on a separate line so they do not silently consume the emergency savings you intended to keep.

Official resources

Planning a Denver move? Explore our homebuyer guide or contact Jonathan Loewenberg at Search Denver Homes | Compass: 303-800-5623. We can help you compare properties and coordinate your real estate timeline with your lender.

Reviewed November 14, 2026. General educational information; your lender must confirm loan availability, eligibility, pricing and documentation for your situation. Examples are illustrative, not loan offers.