You will discover that our property taxes are nearly the highest as well. In the midst of your angst, remember that the sun always shines in Butler County.

There are two potential clouds on the horizon: transfer taxes and title insurance charges. We have a sales tax on real estate in Pennsylvania--called a transfer tax. It is paid at the time that the deed is recorded at the local courthouse. This was intended as a 'temporary' tax over 35 years ago. Typically, it remains, as do all taxes, forever.

The transfer tax is typically 2% of the sales price. By custom, not law, the buyer and the seller split the cost of the tax. The tax is levied as follows:

• Commonwealth of Pennsylvania   1%
• Local Municipality                      1/2%
• Local School                             1/2%

Some areas are more progressive than others and charge more than the common 2%. The City of Pittsburgh charges a total of 3.25%. However, you really ought to think several times about moving to a city where the mayor keeps attempting to use his office to steal private property.

For a description of title insurance, we refer you to our closing cost explanation page. In many states the seller pays the closing costs. In Pennsylvania it is a buyer's fee. Typical cost for the search and insurance will be less than 1% of the purchase price.

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