article thumbnail

How to Buy a House in the Bay Area: 14 Steps to Close the Sale

HomeLight

Consider factors such as how long you plan to be in the area, if you have steady employment, and if you have enough money saved for not just the down payment, but for closing costs , maintenance, property taxes, and more. down payment and/or closing cost assistance. Loans are between 3%-3.5%

Closing 82
article thumbnail

Real Estate Markets Dictate Adding or Waiving Appraisals

Realty Biz

The buyer pays for the appraisal as part of their closing costs. Sometimes a lender will waive the requirement of an appraisal when they know there is significant equity in the property. Generally, lenders will consider forgoing the appraisal when there is more than 25 percent equity in the home.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

How to Start Investing in Real Estate with $1,000

Realty Biz

What it doesn’t take is much money. You only need to put a small amount down as an earnest money deposit, and you get that money back either when the deal closes or if you put contingencies in place for it. To cover closing costs, negotiate a seller concession.

article thumbnail

How to Read a Settlement Statement When Selling a Home

HomeLight

Sellers can expect to pay between 6%-10% of the final sale price in commissions and closing costs, so it’s nice to see exactly where that money is going. What is an excess deposit, and who will receive the funds listed on that line? Let’s say the buyer put down a $7,000 earnest money deposit on a $100,000 home.

article thumbnail

When Is a House Down Payment Due and How Much Do I Need?

HomeLight

In other words, there won’t be any surprises at the closing table — you’ll know exactly what you’re paying and to whom. Don’t forget about closing costs. Some of these costs are the seller’s responsibility, and some will be yours. The remaining down payment is made at closing, at the same time that closing costs are paid.

article thumbnail

How to Start Investing in Real Estate with $1,000

Realty Biz

What it doesn’t take is much money. You only need to put a small amount down as an earnest money deposit , and you get that money back either when the deal closes or if you put contingencies in place for it. To cover closing costs, negotiate a seller concession. House Hacking.

article thumbnail

Your Top 11 Questions About Down Payments, Answered (Including: What’s an Average Down Payment?)

HomeLight

Once you’re in your new home, if you’re thinking about remodeling or repairs, a VA refinance loan also allows eligible borrowers to take cash out up to 100% of their home’s equity to pay for renovations such as new kitchens or a new addition. It’s then applied toward the down payment or closing costs at closing.