The Answer Book for Buyers For the New Owners CHECKLIST For the New Owners Before the property changes hands, consult this list to make sure these items are transferred with the house. Owner’s manuals and warranties for any appliances left in the house. Garage door opener(s). Extra set of house keys. Other keys. Think beyond the front doors; do you have any cabinets or […]
The Answer Book for Buyers Move With Pets HOW TO Move With Pets Update your pet’s tag with your new address. Make sure your pet’s collar is sturdy and correctly sized. The tag should also include your mobile number and e-mail address so that you can be reached during the move. Request veterinary records. Ask your current vet to send your pet’s medical […]
The Answer Book for Buyers Pack Like a Pro HOW TO Pack Like a Pro Plan ahead. Develop a master to-do list so you won’t forget something critical heading into moving day. This will also help you create an estimate of moving time and costs. Discard items you no longer want or need. Ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how you’d […]
The Answer Book for Buyers Prepare for Your Move CHECKLIST Prepare for Your Move Update your mailing addressat usps.com or fill out a change-of-address form at your local post office. Change your address with important service providers,such as your bank(s), credit companies, magazine subscriptions, and others. Create a list of people who will need your new address. Whether you plan on sending formal change-of-address […]
The Answer Book for Buyers Your Final Walk-Through CHECKLIST Your Final Walk-Through Closing time is hectic, but you should always make time for a final walk-through to make sure that your home is in the same condition you expected it would be. Here’s a detailed list of what to check for on your final walk-through group collaboration software.   Basement, attic, and every room, […]
Uncategorized Transaction Documents VOCABULARY Transaction Documents When you walk away from the closing table with a big stack of papers, know what to file away for future reference. Loan estimate Your lender is required to provide you with this three-page document within three business days of receiving your loan application. It will show estimates for your interest rate, […]
The Answer Book for Buyers Track Closing Costs WORKSHEET Track Closing Costs Be prepared and know who’s responsible for the variety of fees and expenses at the closing table.   BUYER COST SELLER COST OTHER Down payment       Loan origination       Points paid to receive a lower interest rate       Home inspection       Appraisal   […]
The Answer Book for Buyers About Title Insurance WHAT TO KNOW About Title Insurance Title insurance protects your ownership right to your home, both from fraudulent claims against your ownership and from mistakes made in earlier sales, such as misspellings of a person’s name or an inaccurate description of the property. In some states it is customary for the seller to purchase the […]
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The Answer Book for Buyers Lower Homeowners Insurance Costs HOW TO Lower Homeowners Insurance Costs The first step is to shop around; quotes on the same home can vary significantly from company to company. Review the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange report. CLUE reports detail the property’s claims history for the last five years, which insurers may use to deny coverage. Make the sale contingent […]
The Answer Book for Buyers About Homeowners Insurance WHAT TO KNOW About Homeowners Insurance A homeowners insurance policy will protect you against certain losses and damage to your new home and is generally required by lenders prior to closing. Some lenders will collect the money you owe for homeowners insurance as part of your monthly mortgage payment and place it in an escrow […]
The Answer Book for Buyers Buy in a Tight Market HOW TO Buy in a Tight Market Increase your chances of getting your dream house in a competitive housing market. Get prequalified for a mortgage. You’ll be able to make a firm commitment to buy and your offer will be more desirable to the seller. Stay in close contact with your real estate agent. Your […]
The Answer Book for Buyers Your Short Sale Purchase Team CHECKLIST Your Short Sale Purchase Team If you’re serious about purchasing a short-sale property, it’s important for you to have expert assistance. Here are some people you’ll want by your side: Experienced real estate attorney. A real estate attorney who’s knowledgeable about the short-sale process will increase your chances getting an approved contract. The attorney […]
The Answer Book for Buyers Before Making a Short Sale Offer QUESTIONS TO ASK Before Making a Short Sale Offer If a home is being sold for less than what the current owner owes on the property—and the seller does not have other funds to make up the difference at closing—the sale is considered a short sale. A short sale is different from a foreclosure, which is […]
The Answer Book for Sellers For the New Owners CHECKLIST For the New Owners Before the property changes hands, consult this list to make sure these items are transferred with the house. Owner’s manuals and warranties for any appliances left in the house. Garage door opener(s). Extra set of house keys. Other keys. Think beyond the front doors; do you have any cabinets or […]
The Answer Book for Sellers Move With Pets HOW TO Move With Pets Update your pet’s tag with your new address. Make sure your pet’s collar is sturdy and correctly sized. The tag should also include your mobile number and e-mail address so that you can be reached during the move. Request veterinary records. Ask your current vet to send your pet’s medical […]
The Answer Book for Sellers Pack Like a Pro HOW TO Pack Like a Pro Plan ahead. Develop a master to-do list so you won’t forget something critical heading into moving day. This will also help you create an estimate of moving time and costs. Discard items you no longer want or need. Ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how you’d feel if […]
The Answer Book for Sellers Prepare for Your Move CHECKLIST Prepare for Your Move Update your mailing addressat usps.com or fill out a change-of-address form at your local post office. Change your address with important service providers,such as your bank(s), credit companies, magazine subscriptions, and others. Create a list of people who will need your new address. Whether you plan on sending formal change-of-address […]
The Answer Book for Sellers Transaction Documents VOCABULARY Transaction Documents Property disclosure form This form requires you to reveal all known defects to your property. Your real estate agent will let you know if there is a special form required in your state. Purchasers’ access to premises agreement This agreement sets conditions for permitting the buyer to enter your home for activities […]
The Answer Book for Sellers Track Closing Costs WORKSHEET Track Closing Costs Be prepared and know who’s responsible for the variety of fees and expenses at the closing table.   BUYER COST SELLER COST OTHER Down payment       Loan origination       Points paid to receive a lower interest rate       Home inspection       Appraisal   […]
The Answer Book for Sellers Recognize a Qualified Buyer HOW TO Recognize a Qualified Buyer Offers can be exciting, but unless your potential buyer has the resources to qualify for a mortgage, you may not really have a sale. Your real estate professional will try to determine a buyer’s financial status before you sign the contract. But it’s good for you to know what […]