FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

·       How long does the buying process take?  It can vary, once you find your home it can take 3 weeks to 60 days to go to settlement (closing)

·       When should I make an offer?   As soon as you find the property you want to live in.

·       How much should I offer?  I will do an evaluation on homes that have sold recently in the area that are similar in type and style, we can then discuss the prices of similar homes and see if the seller is in the correct price range.

·       Should I lock in my interest rate or should I float?  The lender will advise you as what your choices are and whether you should lock the rate.  Most of the time you will lock your rate, unless you are a gambler and think the rate will go down and not up.

·       When will get the keys?  At the settlement table when all the papers have been signed.

·       What happens at settlement (closing)?  In most cases, both you and the seller will be at the closing, I will be there with you.  The Title officer will go over all your mortgage papers, the deed (title), survey and you and the seller will sign where directed.

·       Is the Closing date on my contract guaranteed?  For the most part, yes you will close on the date according to the contract.  Sometimes unexpected delays do occur, so just be prepared.

·       How much earnest money should I put down?  It will vary on the price of the property and the seller.  Most of the time $1000 to $2000.

·       What happens to my earnest money?  As soon as your offer is accepted the check will be deposited into an escrow account, it will stay there until settlement and it becomes part of your closing costs money.

·       Will I get my earnest money back if the contract is not accepted?  Yes, you will as the check is not deposited until your offer is accepted and becomes a contract.

·       Is there anything I should not do during the house hunting process? Yes, please refer to the DO NOT’S sheet.

·       What is the likelihood of a multiple offer situation? With the shortage, it is very likely that more than one offer will be made on the property, BE PREPARED!

·       What monies will I need to come in with?  Your down payment money, your share of the closing costs,  Inspections ($350-$850) Appraisal ($450)

·       What type of inspections do I have to do?  A home inspection is definitely recommended, if property has well and septic you will need inspections on them as well, you can at your option do radon, lead based paint, chimney inspections.

·       How long does a home inspection take and do I need to be there? Inspections take about an hour and a half to two hours depending on the size of the house and yes you must be present.

·       Can you recommend a home inspector, lender and title company?  Yes I have inspectors, lenders and title companies I can recommend.

·       When do I change the utilities into my name? The week before settlement.