Why It Pays to Use a Professional
* When you use an agent, you'll get the benefit of professional experience from the moment you consider buying your house. Your agent will help you establish a fair ...
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Why It Pays to Use a Professional
* When you use an agent, you'll get the benefit of professional experience from the moment you consider buying your house. Your agent will help you establish a fair market value from his or her daily dealings in your desired neighborhood.
* An agreement between buyer and seller is just the beginning of a final transaction. From that point on your agent or broker can assist you in the details and paperwork necessary to make it complete: from building and termite reports to fire insurance and closing arrangements with Desjarlais Law & Title.
* Your agent or broker will give you advance estimates of your closing costs, as well as keeping you informed of the details to assure a smooth and timely closing.
When You Make Your Purchase
A vital part of any sale is title insurance. Lenders usually require a loan policy to protect their interests, and buyers need an owner's policy to protect their equity. Be ...
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When You Make Your Purchase
A vital part of any sale is title insurance. Lenders usually require a loan policy to protect their interests, and buyers need an owner's policy to protect their equity. Be sure to ask your agent or broker for protection from Desjarlais Law & Title through Chicago Title Insurance. Your title insurance policy will be backed up by the resources of Chicago Title Insurance, the strongest title insurance family in the industry.
If You Are Buying a Home
For most of us, a home is the single biggest purchase in our lives. The enormity of the financial transaction aside, finding the right home to fit our particular needs and wants is no easy undertaking. Just as you wouldn't buy a car, computer or cellphone without doing some ...
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If You Are Buying a Home
For most of us, a home is the single biggest purchase in our lives. The enormity of the financial transaction aside, finding the right home to fit our particular needs and wants is no easy undertaking. Just as you wouldn't buy a car, computer or cellphone without doing some research into various models and prices, you shouldn't consider purchasing a home without some expert advice and guidance. Though some people may think of using the services of a realtor only when selling their homes, a realtor can be invaluable when buying one as well.
For instance, a realtor can help you determine how much home you can afford based on your financial situation, help you get pre-qualified for a loan, and even inform you about available financing options. A realtor also is an expert on the neighborhood, and can provide detailed information about schools, transportation, local taxes and community characteristics. Using a realtor also means gaining access to homes listed in Multiple Listing Service (MLS). That means a realtor can give you information about a wide range of available homes from which to choose. When it comes to finding out if you're paying too much, they can provide you with market analyses comparing asking and selling prices of homes in the neighborhood.
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What To Expect In A Residential Transaction
Buying a home involves several stages. Below is a list of the more common steps during a residential transaction.
Your situation may vary and it is best to contact your real estate professional for more information.
Purchasing Your Home: Costs and Fees
There are various costs and fees involved in purchasing a home. The following list depicts an example of the costs you may be responsible for. Keep in mind that responsibility for some of these charges can be negotiable and the responsible party may vary from area to area. Ask your attorney / real estate agent about applicable costs in your area.
- Title insurance premium (according to contract)
- Escrow fees (according to contract)
- Document preparation (if applicable)
Read more
Purchasing Your Home: Costs and Fees
There are various costs and fees involved in purchasing a home. The following list depicts an example of the costs you may be responsible for. Keep in mind that responsibility for some of these charges can be negotiable and the responsible party may vary from area to area. Ask your attorney / real estate agent about applicable costs in your area.
- Title insurance premium (according to contract)
- Escrow fees (according to contract)
- Document preparation (if applicable)
- Notary fees
- Recording charges for all documents in buyer's names
- Termite inspection (according to contract)
- Tax proration (from date of acquisition)
- Homeowner's transfer fee
- All new loan charges (except those required by lender for seller to pay)
- Interest on new loan from date of funding to 30 days prior to first payment date
- Inspection fees (roofing, property inspection, geological, etc.)
- Home warranty (according to contract)
- State transfer/conveyance tax (according to contract)
- Hazard insurance premium for first year
- Flood insurance premium for first year (may be required or optional depending on property’s location)
- Wind insurance premium for first year (may be required or optional depending on property’s location)
The following check list will assist in making the relocation process more organized. An important aspect of a successful move is pre-planning.
Find out what to do before the move and things you may overlook on moving day. Also, prepare yourself with the minimal necessities during the moving process. Finally, plan ahead and prepare your new residence for your arrival.
What to do before moving day:
Schedule rental truck and/or moving company at least six weeks in advance.
Begin gathering packing supplies and start packing early.
If you are renting, notify your landlord or management company at least 4 weeks in advance.
Contact utility companies and schedule shut off dates. These include water, electricity, gas, cable, trash service, telephone, etc.
Call your local phone company at least two weeks before your move to either transfer your number or request a new number for your new home.
Have gas, electric and water services connected at your new residence the day before you move in. Have services scheduled to be turned off at your old address the day after you move.
Arrange for cable installation at your new address.
Notify post office of new address and mail change of address forms at least one month in advance.
The following will be forwarded at no charge for the period indicated:
- First Class, Priority and Express Mail: 12 months unless otherwise requested by mailer.
- Newspapers and Magazines: 60 days.
- Packages weighing 16 ounces or more: 12 months locally (you pay forwarding charges if you move outside the local area. If you do not want this class of mail forwarded, contact your local Post Office).
- Mail Address Change Notification cards to people and businesses who send you mail.
If you have pets and/or plants, you need to arrange for their transfer. Most moving companies cannot move them for you.
If you need to dispose of hazardous products, call 1-800-cleanup.
Specific Tasks You Don't Want to Overlook
If you are traveling a great distance, have your car serviced 2 weeks in advance.
Make hotel reservations if you are traveling long distance or are unable to move in to your residence right away.
On moving day carry hard-to-replace items with you, such as jewelry, family photos, etc.
Make sure to back-up your computer files before you disconnect and pack it away.
Last Minute Tasks for the Day of the Move
Pack a survival kit with enough essentials to tide you and your family over for at least 24 hours:
Personal needs - eyeglasses, medication, extra clothes, etc.
Bathroom needs - towels, soap, toilet paper, etc.
Cleaning needs - sponges, cleaners, broom, dustpan, etc.
Kitchen needs - snacks, drinks, disposable utensils, cups, and plates, etc.
Basic tools - hammer, screwdrivers (phillips head & flat head), knife, tape, etc.
Payment for movers.
Keys and directions to your new home.
Responsibilities at your future address:
Arrange to register your children in new school(s).
Familiarize your children with their new environment.
Put together your children and your own health records - keep these handy during your move.
Look for new doctors and dentists.
Update or open new bank accounts.