Like the video says – real estate agents aren’t paid by the hour!They’re paid a percentage of the purchase price in a successful real estate transaction. When one agent represents the sellers and another represents the buyers the commission is typically split between them. In the US, real estate commissions are commonly 6% of […]

  Purchasing a home is exciting. Once escrow begins, the excitement can change to frustration, particularly if you are not ready for the closing costs that quickly accumulate. Closing costs simply refer to the fees associated with various things associated with the escrow process in a real estate transaction. In the excitement of having an offer accepted for your dream […]

  What is title insurance and why should any buyer get it when purchasing a home (single family, townhouse, condo, apartment, or whatever format your home purchase takes)? Doesn’t the attorney or settlement company handling the closing see to it that you have a clear title? Isn’t this just another way for someone to siphon a few coins off […]

  As we show you in this video, an escrow account is an account, established by your lender, to set aside a portion of your monthly mortgage payment to cover annual charges for homeowner’s insurance mortgage insurance (if applicable), and property taxes. Escrow accounts are a good idea because they assure money will always be […]

  As we show you in this video: The Settlement Statement, HUD-1 Form, which itemizes services provided and the fees charged; it is filled out by the closing agent and must be given to you at or before closing. A Truth-in-Lending Statement A copy of your Mortgage Note Your Mortgage or Deed of Trust The […]

  While this video simplifies things to help you remember: you’ll present your paid homeowner’s insurance policy or a binder and receipt showing that the premium has been paid. The closing agent will then list the money you owe the seller remainder of down payment, prepaid taxes, and so on. and then the money the […]

  What you’ll see in this video is, there may be closing costs customary or unique to a certain locality but closing costs are usually made up of the following: Attorney’s or escrow fees (Yours and your lender’s if applicable) Property taxes (to cover tax period to date) Interest (paid from date of closing to […]