Are closing costs required?

Yes. However, the buyer is not required to pay closing costs. All real estate transactions will have costs associated with it. These costs will greatly vary depending on the transaction. Some VA closing costs are not allowed to be paid for by the buyer. In a transaction where the buyer will pay no closing costs and make no down payment are called VA no/no loans (no down payment / no closing costs). All closing costs are negotiable (as to who will pay what). Closing costs include the first mortgage payment, property taxes, recording fees, etc etc.