Common Closing Costs for Buyers The lender must disclose a good faith estimate of all settlement costs. A check to cover your closing costs will probably have to be a cashier's check. The title company or other entity conducting the closing will tell you the required amount for: Downpayment
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05/29/2007
What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk-through Be sure that: Repairs you've requested have been made. Obtain copies of paid bills and any related warranties. All items that were included in the sale price-draperies, lighting fixtures-are still there. Screens and storm windows are in place o
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05/29/2007
5 Things to Understand About Title Insurance 1. It protects your ownership right to your home both from fraudulent claims against your ownership and from mistakes made in earlier sales, such as mistake in the spelling of a person's name or an inaccurate description of the property. 2. It's a one
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05/29/2007
10 Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Costs 1. Raise your deductible. If you can afford to pay more toward a loss that occurs, your premiums will be lower. 2. Buy your homeowners and auto policies from the same company. You'll usually qualify for a discount. But make sure that the savings r
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05/29/2007
5 Things to Understand About Homeowners Insurance 1. Look for exclusions to coverage. For example, most insurance policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage as a standard item. These coverages must be bought separately. 2. Look for dollar limitations on claims. Even if you are covered for
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05/29/2007
Choices That Will Affect Your Loan Mortgage term. Mortgages are generally available at 15-, 20-, or 30-year terms. The longer the term, the lower the monthly payment if the same amount is borrowed. However, you pay more interest overall if you borrow for a longer term. Fixed or adjustable in
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05/16/2007
Creative Ways to Afford a Home If your income and savings are making homebuying a challenge, consider these options. 1. Investigate local, state, and national downpayment assistance programs. These programs give loans or grants to cover all or part of your required downpayment. National programs
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05/16/2007
Information a Lender Needs From You 1. W-2 forms or business tax return forms if you're self-employed for the last two or three years for every person signing the loan. 2. Copies of one or more months of pay stubs from every person signing the loan. 3. Copies of two to four months of bank or cr
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05/16/2007
Questions to Ask Your Lender Be sure you find a loan that fits your needs with these comprehensive questions. 1. What are the most popular mortgage loans you offer? 2. Which type of mortgage plan do you think would be best for us? Why? 3. Are your rates, terms, fees, and closing costs negotiab
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05/16/2007
Questions to Ask Your Condo Board Before you buy, contact the condo board with the following questions. In the process, you'll learn how responsive-and organized-its members are. 1. What percentage of units is owner-occupied? What percentage is tenant-occupied? Generally, the higher the percenta
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05/16/2007