What Are Closing Costs For A Home Purchase?

What are closing costs when buying a home? Well, there are the usual hard closing costs that everyone sees on their settlement statement. And there are the soft closing costs that can add up to just as much, if not more. But today we will answer the question, "what are closing costs when buying a home" from the perspective of … [Read more...]

Will Interest Rates Go Up?

Generally speaking, when interest rates go up, that's bad for my real estate business. That's bad for any real estate business. That's bad for anyone who ends up having to pay more in finance charges. So I'm hoping, for my sake, the sake of my fellow Realtors, and for your sake that rates do not go up. But hopes and wishes aside, mortgage interest rates will probably increase soon. Why? … [Read more...]

Buying A Home – Get A Survey

I've always been an advocate for getting a survey whenever you buy a home.  I always do whenever I buy a home.  I've written about getting a survey before on this blog.  Doesn't matter if it's a new home or a home that's 50 years old, you still need a survey.  Here's a quote from an addendum to the NC Standard Offer to Purchase And Contract that states it well: *NOTE REGARDING SURVEYS: … [Read more...]

Closing Costs When Selling A House

It's very important to know what the closing costs are when selling a house.  Once you identify your closing costs you can then calculate your potential profit from the sale. Pay-Off Existing Mortgage(s) This will be the biggest expense for most people.  You can get an idea of this closing cost from looking at your latest statement from your mortgage company, or by calling and asking for the … [Read more...]

What is Earnest Money?

Earnest money deposit is an up front cost that is required when buying a home.  When making an offer to buy a home in North Carolina, this is quite possible the first money a home buyer invests in his or her new home.   As a home buyer, it is very important for you to understand the benefits as well as the risks before you write that check! What Is it? Earnest money is just what it sounds … [Read more...]