For Buyers
How I Can Help
Before you start looking
Closing Costs
- Assure that you see all the properties in the area that meet your criteria.
- Guide you through the entire home buying process, from finding homes to preview, getting the best financing, referring a certified home inspector and competent closing attorney.
- Make sure you get your money's worth for your new home and help you avoid costly mistakes.
- Answer all of your questions about the local market area, including schools, neighborhoods, the local economy, and more.
Before You Start Looking For Your New Home:
- Check your credit rating. Straighten out any deficiencies before they hinder your purchase.
- Determine a comfortable monthly budget for your new purchase, including down payment and monthly payment.
- Find a loan program that meets your needs and get pre-qualified (preferably pre-approved).
- Choose a REALTOR® that you trust and who understands your needs.
- Determine what neighborhood best matches your needs.
- Identify important features you require of your new home.
- Request a good faith estimate from your financial consultant listing the estimated charges to expect at closing.
- As a buyer, expect to pay document stamps. This fee is required by law and is based upon the sale price of the property.
- Title fees: the attorney or title agent will charge closing fees, document preparation fees, abstract fees, recording fees, and most likely courier fees.
- Title insurance is a one time promulgated fee based upon sale price.
- Origination fee is a charge offen incurred by the mortgage broker or banker.
- Appraisal fee may be paid at closing or prior to closing and may be made payable directly to the appraiser. If you are obtaining a mortgage, this fee cannot be avoided.
- It would be most beneficial to speak with the title agent prior to commiting to utilize their services. Ask for a detailed preliminary estimated closing statement listing all fees.
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Lender fees include charges for loan processing, underwriting, preparation and establishing an escrow account.
- Third-party fees include charges for insurance, title search, and other inspections such as termites.
- Government fees include deed recording and state & local mortgage taxes.
- Escrow and interest fees include homeowner's insurance, loan interest, real estate taxes, and occasionally private mortgage insurance.
Buyers: Upon the day of closing it is imperative to perform a walk-through of the home you are purchasing. The home should be in broom swept condition. At this time, you must note any deficiences or missing items. If your contract reflects the purchase of furniture or you made an agreement with the seller, insure that all items on the inventory list are present prior to paying the sellers in full for the merchandise. Most likely these issues can be ironed out at the closing table.
Important Note: There are no second chances once it closes. You own it! I highly recommend that buyers purchase a one (1) year Home Warranty Protection Plan that commences on the day of closing. Unforseen and unanticipated issues may arise and you will be covered. A cost of less than $400 brings Peace of Mind which is Priceless!
I urge you to contact FPL at least a few days prior to closing to transfer power into your name on a specific day. This will avoid delay should a deposit be required. In most cases, utility departments required a copy of the closing or HUD statement in order to provide water.
Be sure to visit the US Postal Service or ask a letter carrier for a change of address packet. You will want to have your mail forwarded as soon as possible to avoid any late charges.
