When you are buying a home it may feel like every time you turn around there is a hand out for some unexpected fee or expense. This is probably especially true if you are a first-time buyer.

The fact is there are many steps along the way to a closing and each has a professional who must be paid for her time and expertise. These expenses often fall under the general heading of "closing costs." These four items are some of the safeguards required by lenders who want to verify that the property is worthy of the loan.

1. Home Inspection: Most contracts include a contingency that requires a property to pass inspection.

2. Appraisal: The mortgage company also wants to make sure the home is worth at least the amount you agreed to pay for it. An appraisal by a third party determines the fair market value.

3. Survey: A professional survey of the property is often required to verify the boundaries and other property characteristics.

4. Title Search and Title Insurance: Your lender will hire a company that determines who is the legal owner of the property in question. The lender wants to verify that you are buying from the rightful owner and there are no liens or other claims to the property by other parties. And to safeguard against any oversights in this review process, an errors and omissions insurance policy is also secured.

For more information about other closing costs, ask your real estate professional or lender.