Which of the following costs would a buyer typically be responsible for at closing?

At closing, buyers are typically responsible for loan origination fees, which are charges from the lender for processing a new loan application. This fee compensates the lender for the expenses involved in evaluating and administering the mortgage. Loan origination fees can vary based on the lender's policies and are usually a percentage of the total loan amount.

The other costs mentioned have different responsibilities. Deed preparation is generally a cost associated with the seller, as they are the ones transferring the property title. The excise tax is often imposed on the transfer of real property and is usually the responsibility of the seller or governed by local customs. Mortgage payoff relates to any existing loans that the seller needs to settle, which is also a seller's obligation, not the buyer's. Understanding these distinctions is important for comprehending the overall responsibilities during a real estate closing.