Look for these hidden costs on your closing statement
Throughout the closing process, you will be given various documents, some being mandatory government disclosure documents. These disclosures…
Why Is My FICO Score So Important in Getting a Mortgage?
Most lenders rely on a credit score, called a “FICO score” to determine a Borrower’s creditworthiness when applying…
6 Tips to Ensure a Smooth House Closing
Real estate closings can be fraught with complications and setbacks, but they can go smoothly and quickly —…
What Should The Purchase Agreement Include?
The Purchase Agreement (or Residential Purchase or Sales Agreement and Deposit Receipt) is the overriding document that will…
How Much Can I Borrow?
Depending on your annual income, cash reserves, creditworthiness, and the appraised value of the property, you may be…
What States Have No State Income Tax?
There are currently nine states which do not require you to file a state income tax return. States…
Use Contingencies To Protect Your Right To Cancel a Sale
Kristen and Ben had been looking for the right property to buy for over six months. They finally…
Do I Live In A Community Property State?
Holding title to real property as Community Property is a type of ownership available to married couples only….
Confused About How to Hold Title to Your Property? Here Are Your Options
One of the most important decisions that needs to be made at closing is how you choose to…
State by State Closing Guide
Here is a summary of closing practices for each of the United States. This is a general reference guide. Local practices within your city or county may differ.
How Will My Loan Be Handled in Escrow?
Once you have opened escrow and given the escrow officer the details of your purchase, you will next…
Is Title Insurance A Worthy Investment?
Evelyn Hunter wanted to deed a small condominium apartment in Pasadena, Ca., to her grandchildren. Because this property…
How to Find Open Permits
on the Property You Want to Buy
As a potential Buyer, you may have have no reason to suspect that an outstanding permit exists on…
How to Use Seller Financing to Your Advantage
Seller financing can be a useful tool to not only the Buyer but also to the seller. With…
How to Find Unrecorded Liens And Open Permits on a Property
With all the many tasks necessary to ensure a smooth closing, there is one area of concern that…
Don’t Let Easements Restrict Use Of Your Property
You may think of an easement as just a right of way that is given over your property…
How to Compete Against an “All-Cash” Buyer
Let’s assume that you are in the category of buyers who need to find a property now and…
State-by-State COVID-19 Addendum
Most real estate associations have prepared COVID-19 addenda similar to those found in the California addendum, though the…