Tonight, you can celebrate, but today there will be a lot of paper signing and a poignant passing of the keys (do not forget the garage keys and electric door openers).
At the settlement will be an attorney or title company representative (chosen by the buyers), all buyers, listing and selling brokers, and all owners. The home seller should bring all warranties on equipment and any instructions on equipment maintenance or operation.
The attorney will have searched the title, provided title insurance, and obtained old and new lender instructions. First, all unresolved walk-through deficiencies are resolved.
With the buyer, the attorney explains the deed of trust or mortgage, the deed, VA, FHA, or lender forms, and settlement sheets. Buyer signs all these and pays the balance of the down payment and buyers closing costs with cashier or certified check.
Open look at closing costsSettlement fees vary widely depending on price, location, and other factors, but overall the buyer costs usually average between 3% and 7% of the sales price. Items that are usually included in the settlement fees are the loan origination fee, mortgage insurance premium (MIP), attorney fees, owner and lender title insurance, recording fees, county tax stamps, state tax stamps, and the survey fee. In addition, the lender will require an appraisal fee and a credit report fee in advance of the closing.
A few other items, not required to be listed under the law, may also have to be paid at a closing. These include advance deposits held in escrow for real estate property taxes and insurance. The lender collects a portion of these charges every month and then pays the insurance and taxes when they are due.
Because specific closing costs vary from area to area, and transaction to transaction, please contact me. Sometimes closing costs can amount to a sizable sum. Remember that some of the items are tax deductible. The loan origination fee, prepaid interest, and property tax adjustments may be such items.
Signing on the dotted lineIf the seller's taxes or insurance have been escrowed, the seller will receive any money accumulated in the account for bills not yet due. Additionally, the seller will be reimbursed for any money paid in advance and not used, such as property taxes. The seller will receive these refunds at or after settlement, depending on the area. Taxes and homeowner association dues or condominium fees will be prorated on a daily basis. Seller, buyer, and brokers are supplied a copy of settlement sheets for their records.
The house keys are passed. You are now the proud owner! Congratulations!!
