| |
Finding the Best Real Estate Professional Finding the Best Real Estate Professional Finding the right real estate professional requires doing a little research and asking a few questions....
If Real Estate Investment Is So Great, Why Doesn't Everyone Do It? Oh, that's an easy one. I can answer that in one word. FEAR. Real estate investment is a great way to change just about everything in your life,...
Why You Should Invest In Real Estate
Why real estate, or why property, some people ask when looking for an investment. Well, as far as I am concerned, real estate/property investment...
Real Estate Deals - Common Misconceptions
Are high-profit real estate deals only for the wealthy? Is it possible to buy with no money down? Do you really have to know the "right" people?...
When a Real Estate Agent May Not Be The Best Option Historically, when homeowners wanted to sell their home, the first call made would be to a Realtor. Since the early 1900’s, Realtors have represented...
|
Real Estate Closing Costs Exposed
Mark Walters
Closing costs can come as a shock to anyone buying or selling real estate - especially to investors. Here's an explanation of the various expenses you must plan for:
Down Payment Most lenders require a down payment of from zero to 20% for a normal home purchase.
Lender's Loan Origination Fee Government regulations allow 1% origination fee on FHA or VA loans. Conventional loan fees can vary from 1 to 3 points or more. A point is 1% of the loan.
Appraisal Fee About $300-$500. Non refundable.
Credit Report $50-$60. Non refundable.
Tax Service Fee In some areas a charge of approximately $75 by a tax service company to verify to lender that taxes are actually being paid.
Assumption Fee Fee of approximately $250 up to 1% of the loan balance charged by existing lender for permission to assume existing loan.
Pest Inspection Fee A fee of $100 - $175 is charged for inspecting property for wood destroying organisms (termites). Customary for the seller to pay.
Optional Fees At buyer's option: property inspections that cover foundation, electrical, plumbing and overall construction at a cost of $300-$400. Roof inspections cost $75-$125. Geological reports about $100. Septic $200-$400. Radon $50-$100. Asbestos $75-$125.
Title Insurance Cost determined by a rate chart and is based on the loan amount.
City Transfer Tax Imposed within the corporate limits of some cities. The VA does not allow the veteran buyer to pay any portion of this cost.
Miscellaneous Costs & Fees $150 should cover notary, recording documents, endorsements, etc.
Hazard/Fire Insurance Reserve Two month's premium is usually collected for the impound account if required. Paid by buyer.
Prepaid Interest Interest must be paid from close of escrow to 30 days prior to the first regular mortgage payment.
Mortgage Insurance Required on all conventional loans greater than 80%. Cost ranges from about 1/2% to 1% per year. 14 months premium is collected in advance. For benefit of lender in case of default.
Tax Impounds When new loan is going to have an impound account, lender will require from 2-10 months taxes be deposited in impound account. If taxes are prorated, buyer's total charge for taxes should equal about six month's taxes.
Escrow Fee $750-$2500, depending on the sales price. Can be paid by buyer, seller or split. Everything is negotiable.
We have listed examples for typical closing cost. Closing procedures and costs vary from area to area.
Your real estate agent and loan agent can provide estimated closing costs. Don't neglect to add them to all the other costs of buying real estate when determining the affordability of a property.
About the Author
About The Author: Mark Walters is an investor and author. You can find his published material at http://www.CashFlowInstitute.com http://cfiblog.blogspot.com/
|
|