HOA Transfer Fees: What Title Companies Should Confirm to Avoid Closing Delays

HOA transfer fees are a common but often misunderstood part of Colorado real estate transactions. These fees, charged when ownership changes hands, can vary widely between communities and may include administrative costs, document delivery, or reserve contributions. For title companies, confirming these fees early is essential to avoid last-minute surprises and ensure a smooth closing. COCRS helps streamline this process by providing accurate, up-to-date fee information.

What Are HOA Transfer Fees?
Transfer fees may include:

• Administrative charges for updating ownership records
• Document delivery fees for resale packages or status letters
• Reserve contributions or capital improvement fees
• Move-in/move-out fees in condo or townhome communities

These fees can range from under $100 to several hundred dollars—or more.

Why Title Companies Should Pay Attention

• Unconfirmed fees can delay closings or trigger escrow adjustments
• Unexpected charges may frustrate buyers or sellers
• Incorrect fee disclosures can lead to compliance issues
• Fee disputes may require negotiation or legal review

Best Practices for Title Companies

• Request fee schedules from the HOA or management company early
• Verify fee amounts and due dates using COCRS’s contact reports
• Include fee details in the title commitment or closing instructions
• Escrow funds if fee amounts are unclear or disputed

How COCRS Supports This Process
COCRS simplifies fee verification by:

• Providing HOA contact reports 
• Retrieving status letters that confirm current charges
• Offering document packages that include transfer fee disclosures

Conclusion
HOA transfer fees may seem minor, but they can cause major headaches if overlooked. Title companies that confirm these fees early and use COCRS tools to verify and disclose them can avoid delays, protect clients, and ensure a smoother closing experience.