Topic : Home Selling Tips
What Are Contingencies and Why Are They So Important?
by Sandy Gadow, Author, President, EscrowHelp.com
TIP: Contingencies protect both parties from any surprises and leave a way out of the contract. They should be carefully drafted and can be made specific to your particular transaction. A contingency is a condition in a Purchase Agreement which states that the agreement is reliant upon certain events taking place, such as approval of a […]
10 Often Overlooked Real Estate
Tax Deductions
Reprinted Compliments of Fidelity National Title Insurance Company
1. Home acquisition mortgage loan fees. If you have bought a primary or secondary home in the past year, you probably obtained a mortgage to finance the purchase. That mortgage is called an “acquisition mortgage” because it enabled purchase of the residence. If you paid a loan fee to obtain that acquisition […]
Seller’s Home Closing Checklist
by Sandy Gadow, Author, President, EscrowHelp.com
Have you removed all your personal property items? Have you left the property in the condition you promised you would? Is the Sale Price and payoff information correct on your closing documents? Were you given credit for any items agreed upon to be credited to your account? Is a satisfaction of mortgage or payoff document being prepared for your […]
Important Escrow / Settlement Terms
Reprinted Compliments of Fidelity National Title Insurance Company
Broker: This is the person who represents the buyer/seller during a real property transaction. When buying or selling real estate through a broker, you are protected by dealing with a party who is operating under state license. Escrow: This means to deposit money and documents with an escrow agent, usually in the […]
What Is A Preliminary Title Report?
Reprinted Compliments of Fidelity National Title Insurance Company
A preliminary report is designed to facilitate the issuance of a particular type of policy. The preliminary report identifies the title to the estate or interest in the described land. It also contains a list of defects, liens and encumbrances and restrictions which would be excluded from coverage if the requested policy were to be […]
How Real Estate Agents Help
Sellers Make More Money
Reprinted Compliments of Alamo Title Insurance
Pricing A homeowner is usually not the best judge of the value of his or her home. There are too many emotional ties to the home for the owner to be unbiased. Also the owner knows the amount he needs or wants from the sale and may not be objective. Real estate brokers have the most current […]
Buyers and Sellers Costs:
Who Pays What…
Reprinted Compliments of Fidelity National Title Insurance Company
The Seller Generally Pays: Real estate commission Document preparation fee for deed Documentary transfer tax Any city transfer/conveyance tax (according to contract) Payoff of all loans in seller’s name (or existing loan balance if being assumed by buyer) Interest accrued to lender being paid off, statement fees, reconveyance fees […]
Selling? 7 Reasons To Work With A Realtor®
by Sharon Hassler, President, Go Get Experts, LLC
When you see the term Realtor®, it means a member of the National Association of Realtors®, a real estate trade association. All Realtors® are licensed real estate agents but not all real estate agents are Realtors®. Selling a home can be a real challenge especially if you attempt it alone. Here are some of the benefits […]
Dressed to Sell:
Staging Makes the Difference!
by Sandy Dixon, Interior Arrangements, Inc.
Within seconds of walking into a house, prospective buyers form an impression and know whether they want to buy the house or not. In some cases they won’t even get out of the car, upon looking at the outside of the house. This initial reaction can make the difference between a swift sale and a […]
Home Improvements:
2005 Cost vs. Value Report
by Sal Alfano, for Remodeling Magazine
You’re getting ready to sell your home or thinking about remodeling and wondering about return on investment. What’s the percentage of payback for that kitchen or bathroom makeover? You might be surprised. Although value varies by region and neighborhood, and other factors must be considered, this report will give you some indication of what can […]