Sam,

What is your agents advice? Normally, closing costs are shared between the seller and buyer. What did your contract specify? This information should be clearly stated in your agreement.

You can't have a contract without agreement on all matters relative to the transaction. If you have a contract, you have an agreement and there should be NO suprises.

Check your contract closly....
Good luck

Scott pretty much covered it and gave good advice ... If it is written into an offer contract that has been executed by both parties (you [buyer] and seller) they can't legally back out of that term and you should consult a real estate attorney if they are in fact trying to do that. However, if you are going directly through the sellers agent verbally and they are simply telling the agent to tell you they won't pay closing costs you could just hold firm on your offer. Closing costs are a negotiable item so you could always posture and tell the sellers agent they have a deal if they pay closing costs otherwise you will continue looking ... In this market often the sellers will reconsider. Also, as an fyi, if you are working with the agent who represents the seller too you should know that they are legally obligated to protect the seller in the negotiation process which means when it comes to helping you negotiate and protecting your interests they have to be neutral (basically they can't really give you advice). If this is the case you may want to consider hiring a buyers agent.

Hope this helps!

Was it part of your offer or purchase and sales agreement? You should consult with your mortgage rep asap to see what your options are. If your using a sales agent they might have additional ideas that will work with your specific situation. Home insurance varies depending on the property & other specific details, you should contact your auto insurance carrier and see if they offer any deal. Also consult lending institutions, professional associations, groups such as AAA etc. also ask friends, family, colleagues for referrals to insurance companies they're happy with.

Good luck

Sam,
Were the closing costs written into the fully executed P&S as concessions back at closing? Are you dealing with a homeowner or is the property bank owned? Homeowners insurance depends on the company and the individual property, but is rarely over $1,000.00 per year

Difficult to state on home insurance only an agent can quote depends on policy, value of home, content.

If you have an executed contract state seller pay $4000 closing cost then they are in breach of a contract must be owned at closing title company enforces all terms and conditions of contract.

NOW if you are submitting an offer usually home COULD BE all depends market up $4000 covers your closing cost which you finance in term of your loan. Which cost seller nothing

Perhaps either listing / buyer agent is not explaining correctly closing cost seller.