Closing and loan consummation costs are not 100% identical in different states, but you can expect most of the following: Fees for Loan Origination — processing and administration of the loan Fees For Recording — official records of ownership. Fees for Survey(s) The first Mortgage Insurance premium, if your loan requires it. To-date Property Taxes Title Insurance fees — yours and the lenders. (See Title Insurance Made Simple on this site.) Points (prepaid interest) Escrow fees and/or attorney fees Document preparation fees First payment to the escrow account for future taxes & insurance If you have not already paid homeowners insurance, that will come up. Likewise, if flood insurance or fire insurance are required, youll need a receipt or payment arrangements. Read things carefully before signing or paying, and keep copies.

Real estate transactions are complicated, and real estate agents are usually involved to ensure they are successful and legal. In many cases, there are 2 agents — one representing the buyers interests, one the sellers. In most cases, real estate agents are compensated with a percentage of the transaction, which links their payment to a successful job. In most states, 6% has long been the common commission percentage. This is split — usually in half — when two agents are involved. Real estate commission rates are not set by the government, or by industry bodies. In most states, commissions are legally negotiable. Keep in mind that point above - commission is linked to success. Think about the expertise and work you need them to do to understand how they earn the commission.

The S crow is kind of a mascot here, because there is no such bird. You wont hear the word "escrow" for years, and then youll hear it all the time if youre buying a home. Heres what the word means. Some of the charges connected to a home: Real estate taxes Mortgage insurance Homeowners insurance are applied annually. The escrow account is a bucket where part of monthly mortgage payments accumulate to pay these costs. Escrow account costs may — and usuallydo — change each year, because these charges change. Its useful to understand that the lender is responsible for making those payments on time, from the escrow account. If somethings late, make sure you are not fined or punished.

Like the video states, there are no simple methods with which to enhance your credit history. However, you can work to keep it appropriate by keeping an excellent credit report. Pay your expenses on time. Pay for cards and keep month-to-month financial obligations sustainable. Limitation your general financial obligations, and examine your credit report yearly for precision and remedy any mistakes.

Your credit history will have a direct effect on your mortgage loan. Its in your interest to check your history, and address any issues, as early as possible. Federal law entitles everyone to a free annual credit report. You can request your free credit report at this site: annualcreditreport.com You can also request it directly from the 3 credit bureaus: Trans Union – www.transunion.com 1-800-916-8800 Experian – www.experian.com 1-888-397-3742 Equifax – www.equifax.com 1-800-685-1111 Look for other videos on credit history and credit score here to learn more.

The term "appraisal" has a specific meaning in the home-and-mortgage process. Its not an inspection; it is a professional assessment of thevalue of the property. The companies and individuals that do this assessment are called "appraisers". Its important to understand that the appraiser works for the lender, not the buyer or the seller. While a professional opinion about value seems like a useful thing in negotiating price, thats not their job. Because the property will be used as loan collateral, the lender really needs to know what its worth; thats the job. Appraisers have the training and experience to put numbers on key aspects of a property: Size Condition How it compares with other properties in the local market They have the training to focus on things that will affect value; as the video says, damage and neglect affect value but a sink full of dishes does not. The appraised value can affect transaction details. If the value is lower than the offered price, the offer might have to change — for example, reducing the price, or increasing the down payment. Appraisal results are a good point-in-time thing to know. Just remember that the appraisers customer is the lender, not you.

Heres a short article and helpful explainer video, giving you some tips on choosing a lender for your mortgage loan. While applying for a mortgage can be intimidating, remember that lenders want your business! You are the customer, making one of the biggest purchases of your life. Companies you consider should be responsive, professional and helpful as you start sizing up your options. There are many advantages to working with a lender that has a local presence. They will have connections with the other businesses and government organizations involved in the purchase, and will know "how to do this" in your particular state and locality. A local presence also helps the lenders personnel be up-to-date on home values and conditions in the area, which could potentially be a factor in your search. Companies without a local presence should not automatically be rejected. Your communication preferences and record-keeping habits might make a national lender with a robust digital loan-processing system a fit. You should be comfortable with calls and video, rather than face-to-face conversation, if that looks like a fit. Advice from friends and family may be helpful, but keep this in mind. People do not buy homes as often as they buy groceries, or even cars. Verify the advice you receive with your own homework, online research, and feel for the situation.

This video outlines what to expect after youve applied for a mortgage loan. There are 6 required pieces of information for a mortgage loan application, covered in another video here on Video-Genius. Some lenders may request additional information at the time of application, or later. Once you have supplied the 6 required pieces, lenders have to provide a Loan Estimate in 3 business days. Lenders will verify the information you provide, through actions like credit checks, credit history and employment verification. Most lendersmust follow these steps, to assess your ability to repay. (Dont be offended by verification — it is required.) Once information has been verified, and processes like underwriting completed, the lender will make a decision about loan approval. If the loan IS approved, they will deliver a Closing Disclosure detailing all of the costs and terms. If you have a Closing Disclosure already, there are videos here that cover all of the pages and details to help you make sense of it. The Closing Disclosure itself must be delivered to you, 3 business days prior to consummation of the loan. The lender will usually set a date for that loan consummation process; this may also be your closing meeting. For clarity — closing essentially means "transferring ownership", and consummation basically means "committing to the loan." Once you have completed both of these, take a breath and pat yourself on the back! Successfully buying a home is a big milestone. Hopefully you remembered to get the keys so you can start transforming "the property" into your home.