Closing or Settlement

Some homebuyers approach the final days of the home sale transaction with great enthusiasm, feeling utterly confident that the end is in sight, and feeling completely organized about the move. They have accounted for every detail, contacting the moving company, arranging for the transfer of their telephone, electric, water, and gas accounts and having the home professionally cleaned. They start checking off the days until the closing on their calendar. But in reality, the closing may not be entirely predictable.

It is very useful for homebuyers (and sellers) to remember that closing dates are not set in stone. Lenders, appraisers, title attorneys, credit check services, and anyone else who is involved in the transactions can potentially cause a delay in the closing. If buyers keep this in mind while making arrangements, they can minimize the possible cost and inconveniences due to a delay.

As the closing approaches, the real estate agent will stay on top of the situation and keep in touch with everyone involved in the transaction to prevent any unnecessary delays.

Filed under: Closing or Settlement, Real Estate Tips by AgentImage

There is a federal law that requires mortgage lenders to give prospective buyers an itemized, “good-faith” estimate of their closing costs. Sometimes buyers arrive at the closing with this document in hand and proceed to question each item on the final closing statement that does not match the estimate exactly.

These “good-faith” estimates are just that–estimates. The lender’s charges will be fairly accurate, but the charges for attorneys, termite inspections, title insurance, and other items that appear on the closing sheet may vary from the estimate. Some pro-rated items, such as taxes or homeowner’s association fees, will also be different if you don’t close on the date that was used to calculate the estimate. The purpose of the disclosure law is to give you a ball park figure of your closing costs. But the estimate you are given won’t be to the penny–probably not even to the dollar!

Filed under: Closing or Settlement, Real Estate Tips by AgentImage

The lender is allowed to accumulate a borrower’s payments up to a two-month advance cushion at the end of a year. But if a surplus develops beyond this amount, the borrower is now entitled to an immediate refund unless the surplus is less than $50. These rules apply to new loans.

Filed under: Closing or Settlement, Real Estate Tips by AgentImage

The conclusion of a real estate transaction is an exciting time for everyone involved cytotec dosage. The closing table is the ideal place to sign papers, trade keys, and drink a toast to the new homeowners. Sometimes that setting is filled with tension and pressure as each side tries to work out important details of the transaction at the last minute.

How can you help make your closing a relaxed and happy one? First, try to get the details worked out ahead of time. There may be a few unresolved issues, such as repairs that were not completed, a disappearing dining room chandelier or a pre- or post-closing occupancy agreement. The atmosphere should remain positive in order that minor upsets will not threaten the entire transaction. If you anticipate a problem, no matter how minor it may seem, be sure to communicate the situation to your real estate agent in advance, so that it can be addressed before it has a chance to escalate.

Filed under: Closing or Settlement, Real Estate Tips by AgentImage

Because of the complexity of a real estate transaction, questions and concerns arise frequently for those who are buying or selling a home. Most people experience a degree of stress at the closing of the sales transaction. Both parties are probably feeling nervous and vulnerable as they sign the papers, and may even be fighting off an attack of buyer’s or seller’s remorse.

Even though you may be inclined to just sign the papers, it is a good idea to check the paperwork and ask any questions that come to mind. If you are signing a mortgage or deed of trust, be sure to review the document carefully. Check the spelling of your name, the property address and all of the inserted items for accuracy. Since much of the paperwork is prepared on short notice, mistakes are occasionally made. They are usually easier to fix while you are still at the title office, so don’t be shy about asking questions before you sign on the dotted line.

Filed under: Closing or Settlement, Real Estate Tips by AgentImage

When you buy a house you are asked to sign an amazing number of documents, especially if you are obtaining a mortgage loan. It is prudent to read all of the papers before signing them, but it may not be practical to do this at the actual closing. There is a way you can read everything first without holding up the closing.

The title company should have the papers ready for your review several days before the closing, but sometimes the lender delivers the paperwork at the last minute Check Out Your URL. If you insist on reading the fine print on every page, you will probably draw some serious groans from the others at the table. One practical solution is to request copies of all of the standard forms a week before the closing, so that you can read them at your leisure. At the closing you need only to make sure that the information is filled in correctly.

Filed under: Closing or Settlement, Real Estate Tips by AgentImage

The final closing date is an important item in the negotiation of the purchase agreement on a home. This is the day when the buyers get their ownership papers and the sellers get their money. It is important to remember that most standard contracts don’t pinpoint a specific date, and closings can be delayed due to factors beyond the buyer’s control.

The closing will usually be set as soon as the title search and lender’s paperwork can be completed. However, any number of factors can interfere with the closing schedule. For example, questions can arise about liens against the property that were paid, but not properly recorded. Items in the buyers credit history may have to be cleared up. These situations rarely cause the transaction to fall apart, but they can wreak havoc with your moving schedule. Your real estate agent will keep you up to date on the progress of your closing in order to avoid delays and minimize any inconvenience.

Filed under: Closing or Settlement, Real Estate Tips by AgentImage

If you are in the process of buying a home, you have probably figured out how much you will need for the down payment, but don’t forget about the closing costs associated with the purchase of any property. These additional costs can add up to a significant amount.

Closing costs will vary, depending upon the costs of financing your home loan and the time of the month that you close. Your real estate agent will be able to give you an estimate of all these costs, including the points on your loan, private mortgage insurance (if required), the title search, title insurance, attorneys’ fees, and any transfer taxes or recording fees changed by local government agencies. There may also be property taxes, homeowners’ association fees and insurance that must be prepaid.

Filed under: Closing or Settlement, Real Estate Tips by AgentImage

If you are selling a house that is under contract and scheduled to close in a few weeks, what can you do to make the transfer of ownership as easy as possible for you and your buyers?

Keep in close contact with your real estate agent so that you will know if there are any changes in the closing schedule. On the day the property changes hands, your house should be empty, clean and ready for the buyer. Contact all of the utility companies to let them know that you are moving and give the service company the buyer’s name (the buyer must follow up with calls to confirm). Don’t turn off the gas or electricity because the buyers need to confirm that the appliances are in working order. Let your insurance company know ahead of time that you are selling the house and arrange for your coverage to be transferred to your new home. The most important thing is to start the process well in advance in order to avoid any last-minute complications.

Filed under: Closing or Settlement, Real Estate Tips by AgentImage

The closing table is where buyer and seller can celebrate the final stage of a successful home sales transaction. On this happy occasion, you sign the closing papers, trade keys, and wish one another well. It is to everyone’s advantage to prepare for the closing such that all the details are worked out in advance.

As the home seller, how can you help ensure that your closing is a relaxed, cooperative event? First, enlist your real estate agent’s help to ensure that all issues are resolved ahead of time. Repairs should be completed, agreements kept, the house broom-clean and ready for the new owners to move in. The atmosphere doesn’t need to become adversarial, and minor upsets should not threaten the entire transaction. If you anticipate a problem, no matter how minor it may seem, be sure to communicate the situation to your real estate agent in advance, so that it can be resolved before the final closing date.

Filed under: Closing or Settlement, Real Estate Tips by AgentImage