Cash to close is your down payment plus 2–5% in closing costs and escrow prepaids, minus earnest money and seller credits. Here's the real number for Twin Cities buyers.
Before you sign a Twin Cities builder's contract: the on-site agent works for the builder, earnest money runs about 5%, and upgrade deposits are often nonrefundable.
How to write a winning offer on a Twin Cities home in 2026 without overpaying—price, earnest money, appraisal gap, inspection, and terms that beat the field.