The average origintion and title fees on a $200,000 mortgage rose 8.8% in 2011 to $4,070, according to Bankrate.com.  For the 2nd year in a row New York had closing costs of $6,183, Texas at $4,944 and Utah at $4,906.  Arkansas, North Carolina and Indiana had the lowest, averaging about $3,400.  Texas’ remain higher due in part to title policies being rather expensive.  The Federal Government now requires the buyer be given closing costs way before closing and must be within a certain range or will not close.  This is to protect the buyer, but uses up extra time and effort to close and particularly with a loan.