Which of the following items are typically prorated between the buyer and the seller?

Real estate taxes are typically prorated between the buyer and the seller during a real estate transaction because they are expenses related to ownership of the property that can arise at any point during the year. The proration of taxes ensures that each party only pays for the time they own the property within the tax year.

For instance, if a property is sold halfway through the tax year, the seller is responsible for the taxes incurred up to the date of the sale, while the buyer is responsible for the taxes incurred from the date of the sale onwards. This adjustment in the closing statement reflects a fair allocation of expenses based on the time of ownership, allowing both parties to settle their financial obligations accurately.

In contrast, inspections, surveys, and mortgage origination fees are generally paid directly by either the buyer or the seller according to their prior agreements and are not typically prorated. These costs are considered transactional or service fees rather than ongoing ownership expenses that relate directly to the property's use over time.