Articles Tagged "closing costs"

Making the leap from renting a home to owning a home is a huge reward! The hard work and savings have finally paid off and you are now ready to work with a real estate agent on making your dream a reality. But, perhaps you're wondering what to expect when buying your first home. It's natural to feel a sense of stress when making a large investment, as there will be a shift in responsibility and life changes. However, don't let this scare you out of your dream! Owning a home is one of the best accomplishments you will experience in life. Check out this guide on going from a renter to a first time homeowner to fully embrace each step. 

Increase in Responsibility

The best part about owning a home is having the freedom to make the space unique to you. You can paint the walls, replace kitchen cabinets, plus take full advantage of the financial savings that come with buying a home over renting a home. These are intriguing benefits of buying a home, but it's important to remember the increase of responsibility that also accompanies homeownership. This means being financially able to make any unexpected repairs, such as a broken cooling or heating. 

Repairs, Renovations, and Updates

Chances are, when buying your first home the house will need minor repairs or updates. Many incorporate this within their budget when looking at homes on the market. Becoming a homeowner means repairing broken appliances or leaky faucets, as well as any additional expenses. When working with your trusted real estate agent during the home buying process, take time to assess damages or repairs that will need addressed both in the short term and long term. If you do come across a home emergency that needs addressed as soon as possible, reach out to neighbors in your community for referrals.

Miscellaneous Home Buying Expenses

Unfortunately, there's more to simply getting a mortgage and buying a home. There is the cost of the house, but other upfront and miscellaneous expenses that may catch you off guard. It's important to educate yourself on the hidden, unexpected costs of purchasing a home. Here are some extra expenses to consider:

• Home inspections 

• Home insurance

• Closing costs (Lender fees, Appraisal, Title, Escrow fees, Interset)

• Maintenance and repairs

Choice Properties understands your needs and desires when it comes to the home search. We are here to help you define what you want, seek the best property and move forward feeling educated and able to make good decisions throughout the process. You can trust us to help you navigate it with the best real estate agents working for you. Call us to get started on your dream home search today.

Buyers and sellers in the housing market have many fees to consider when purchasing and selling a home. One of the costs, closing fees, can be confusing to understand who pays for the fee. Learn more about closing costs when buying or selling a property.

Buyer Costs

Closing fees can be present for both buyers and sellers. Typically, the buyer is faced with more line-item expenses than the seller (who typically pay more). Most buyers are getting loans to make the purchase of a home and many charges stem from the loan itself. A buyer should receive something called a loan estimate form early on in the sale process. The document spells out all approximate costs a buyer will face when making the purchase of a home so there are no surprises at closing. Some buyers may use the information on the loan estimate to shop for different lenders, interest rates and costs.

Buyers getting a loan will see some of the following costs:

• Appraisal fee

• Origination fee

• Prepaid interest

• Prepaid insurance

• Flood certification fee

• Tax servicing fee

• Credit report fee

• Bank processing fee

• Recording fee

• Notary fee

• Title insurance

It is prudent to go through all listed fees line by line with the mortgage professional to understand what the fees include and how they apply to the loan. Aside from expenses of getting a loan or buying a home, some expenses (such as property taxes or HOA fees) are pro-rated and paid at the time of closing. If an individual is buying a home and closes toward the end of the property tax period, it is likely the person will need to pay the balance of taxes upfront. This also includes prepaid loan interest. If a person closes toward the end of the month, the lender may ask for first month's payment up front.

Negotiate Sharing Costs

Part of the negotiation on a home sale can include asking the seller to pick up some of the closing costs as part of the negotiation. Credit for $5,000 reduction in purchase price can save a fair bit of money in the closing costs up front, even if it only saves a little bit monthly over the life of the loan.

Sellers Commission

The seller will usually bear the biggest brunt of fees: the real estate commission. Commission is based on a percentage of total sale price. In addition to real estate commission, sellers may have to pay the balance of property taxes, if it has not already been done, as well as any prorated homeowners association dues.

It can pay big dividends to pay attention to closing costs so as not to get charged fees which can be negotiated or lowered. Any real estate agent will be happy to work with individuals and families on home closing paperwork to provide the most for overall satisfaction.

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