HomeLight

OCTOBER 29, 2024

This means that the majority of Alabama sellers must pay off their existing mortgage before they can transfer the property title to the new buyer. Title search and recording fees A title search reveals whether or not there are any liens against your property or conflicting ownership claims that would prevent you from selling.

Closing costs

HomeLight

OCTOBER 31, 2024

Let’s take a look at which fees might qualify for tax deductions and which can reduce your capital gains taxes. What are examples of seller closing costs? When selling a home, you’ll encounter various closing costs as part of the process. On average, sellers pay between 2% and 5% of a home’s sale price in closing costs.

Closing costs

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

As you begin the homebuying process , you may come across homes sold “as-is.” In this Redfin article, we’ll cover what you need to know about buying a house “as-is,” – and whether it’s the right option for you. What does “as-is” mean when buying a house?

As-is

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 29, 2024

As of December 29, 2024 , the landscape of mortgage rates is crucial for anyone looking to buy or refinance a home. Todays mortgage rates reflect significant adjustments, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage interest rate sitting at 6.99%. This rate has increased by 10 basis points compared to the previous week.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 20, 2024

Title Search and Insurance: These fees are related to verifying ownership and protecting the lender's interest. Here's the straightforward answer: The best time to refinance is when interest rates are lower than your current rate, or when your financial situation has improved, allowing you to secure a better loan term. Why Refinance?

Mortgages

Redfin

JUNE 23, 2025

You can schedule inspections, review the title, secure an appraisal, and check for any red flags that could affect your decision to buy. You put an offer on a home and it’s been accepted, now the due diligence period begins. In real estate, the due diligence period is the time between an accepted offer and closing.

Due diligence

Windemere Buying

MAY 19, 2025

A title contingency allows you to raise any issues you may have with the title status of the property and stipulates that the seller must clear these issues up before the transfer of title can be completed. The agreed-upon contingencies included in the contract define what happens if something doesnt go as planned.

Home sale contingency

Redfin

JUNE 5, 2025

These are typically paid at the closing table and cover the administrative and legal aspects of the transaction: Title search and title insurance : Before you can legally own a property, a title company conducts a thorough title search to ensure there are no existing liens, claims, or encumbrances on the property’s title.

Closing costs

HomeLight

OCTOBER 31, 2024

Current property ownership documents You’ll also need documentation to prove property ownership: Property deed and title documents: These establish legal ownership. The title is the concept of legal ownership granted by the deed. Selling inherited property can feel overwhelming, especially if the home is out of state.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JUNE 11, 2025

In this article: Home inspection contingency Appraisal contingency Financing contingency Title contingency Home sale contingency Home insurance contingency Kick-out clause FAQs about contingencies in real estate 1. The title company typically conducts this search shortly after the contract is signed.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

It’s crucial to understand the difference between these deed types, as a special warranty deed offers a more limited guarantee regarding the property’s title. Within the world of deeds, a “warranty” signifies the extent to which the seller guarantees the property’s title. Now, let’s get started.

Title search

Redfin

AUGUST 5, 2025

Conveyance is when the property you’ve worked tirelessly to purchase becomes yours, and you’re transferred the deed and title. The transaction is completed using an instrument of conveyance, usually a legal document such as a title , deed or lease. A title company usually helps manage a conveyance. What does conveyance mean?

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

Not getting pre-approved for a home loan before starting your search A common mistake for first-time homebuyers is jumping into the search without first getting pre-approved for a mortgage. These can greatly affect both the quality of your purchase and your bottom-line expense.

Pre-approval

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

Run a title search and enter into escrow: A title search ensures the seller has legal ownership and the property is free of liens. Even without liquid funds, buyers can explore bridge loans, private lenders, or creative financing to structure a cash-like offer. What is a cash offer? Who makes cash offers on a house?

Purchase and sale agreement

HomeLight

MARCH 24, 2025

This can be done through a title search , which will reveal any debts or claims against the property, including unpaid taxes. If you have questions about liens or whether the title can be properly conveyed to you and any co-heirs, present these to your attorney. Request Offer 1.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

Verify the lien Request a title search or check with your county records to confirm any liens on your property. Yes, but the lien must still be cleared for the title to transfer properly. Selling a home is already a major undertaking, but when there’s a lien on the property, the process can get more complicated.

Title search

Redfin

JANUARY 28, 2025

From evaluating the loan terms to understanding the hidden costs, assuming a mortgage isn’t a decision to take lightly. This Redfin article has everything you need to know before jumping in. What is an assumable mortgage? Assumable mortgages represent a unique opportunity in the right circumstances but require careful due diligence.

Loans

Redfin

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

On average, sellers can expect to pay between 6% to 10% of the sale price in closing costs , including agent commissions, transfer taxes, and title fees. Real estate commission 3%6% of sale price Negotiable Title fees 0.5%1% Closing costs arent just a buyers responsibility – sellers have their own expenses to consider as well.

Closing costs

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

These documents include purchase agreements, deeds, titles, lease agreements, and financing contracts. Title Search and Examination Before completing a real estate transaction, verifying the property’s title is crucial to ensure it is free from any liens, encumbrances, or disputes.

Purchase and sale agreement

HomeLight

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

Hillman says a title search will help to reveal the status of the property. If you’re selling an inherited property in North Carolina, it’s likely you’re trying to walk a tightrope of time, money, and family dynamics. You may be anxious about getting a signed purchase contract from a buyer so you can move forward as fast as possible.

Pre-approval

Redfin

JUNE 30, 2025

That said, laws and practices vary slightly by state, so it depends on how the title company, attorney, or escrow agent handles closings. Closing agent: A title company representative, escrow officer, or closing attorney (depending on the state) oversees the process, ensures documents are signed correctly, and handles funds.

Closing

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

But studying the market is not enough. To be successful, you must also consider your financial position. This involves making a careful budget that includes potential costs like the down payment, closing costs, taxes, and possible renovation expenses. I also recommend you not forget little details.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JULY 9, 2025

Determine your budget Estimated time: 2-4 weeks Before jumping into your home search the first step is to determine how much you can afford. If your search extends beyond that, reapply. During this time, your lender will finalize your mortgage, the home will be appraised and inspected, and a title search will be conducted.

Pre-approval

Redfin

AUGUST 5, 2025

These professionals can guide you through the process and be sure that you check all the boxes so the transaction is valid and legal. Financing options You’ll also need to weigh out your financing options. You may have the option of applying for a new mortgage or assuming your parents’ mortgage.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JUNE 17, 2025

The steps of the due diligence period can include any of the following: Home inspection Pest inspection Appraisal Negotiation of closing costs Title search and title insurance Renegotiations (if applicable due to home inspection) During this period before settlement, the buyer and seller are able to continue negotiations.

Closing

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Real Estate Commission – Who Pays Realtor Commissions When Buying Or Selling A Home Understanding who pays the real estate commission when buying or selling a home is crucial. The commission is typically divided equally between the buyer’s and seller’s agents, based on a percentage of the sale price.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

AUGUST 5, 2025

Title contingency:  If the seller is unable to transfer the title to the buyer free and clear, without any liens or  encumbrances , a title contingency prevents and protects the buyer from having to purchase the home. What is a contingency? Sometimes, buyers need more than money to get the deal done. They need to be flexible.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JULY 11, 2025

Title issues are discovered If the title search uncovers ownership disputes, liens , or unresolved legal claims on the property and the title can’t be cleared, the buyer can cancel the contract under a title contingency and get their earnest money refunded. When is earnest money refundable?

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

So how can you find a reliable title company near you? Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned seller, understanding what a title company does and how it protects your transaction is key to avoiding costly surprises. Get Started What is a title company? What does a title company do?

Title

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Top Frequently Asked Questions From Home Sellers It’s known that the home buying process comes with many frequently asked questions and the home selling process is no different. Whether you have never sold a home or have sold half a dozen, there are many questions that come with the process. How is the real estate market right now?

Purchase and sale agreement

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Tips to Research the History of Your House Embarking on a house history search project can be exciting but requires careful research and investigation. They often provide searchable databases to streamline your search process. Your real estate attorney may also be able to assist with finding valuable information through a title search.

Due diligence

Redfin

JULY 24, 2025

Title services: This includes a title search to ensure there are no legal issues with the property and title insurance. Refinancing your mortgage is a significant financial decision, and understanding the costs involved is crucial. One of the most frequently asked questions is whether a down payment is required.

Mortgages

Redfin

FEBRUARY 21, 2025

If you’re looking to buy property in Houston or a house in Seattle , understanding how to search if a property has any liens can save you from unexpected headaches. Many counties maintain online databases where you can search property records by address or the owner’s name. What are liens? Heres how to do it: 1.

Title search

Redfin

JULY 29, 2025

A lot of people will ask “Is down payment included in closing costs?” ” when they’re buying a home. And the simple answer is no, they’re not the same. It’s easy to get them confused because they’re both big upfront costs you pay when you’re in the homebuying process. understanding the difference is key.

Closing costs

HomeLight

OCTOBER 25, 2024

Calculating your net home sale proceeds involves many subtractions: home preparation expenses, real estate agent commission , escrow fees , title search insurance, recording fees, and on, and on, and on. Then, be sure to review your closing statement to make sure everything looks accurate. No showings, no repairs, no open houses.

Closing costs

Housing Wire

MARCH 10, 2025

In an industry dominated by private insurers, Iowa Title Guaranty (ITG) continues to operate as a state-run, not-for-profit title system that gives homebuyers a more affordable avenue for settlement services. Iowa bans private commercial title insurance in favor of its unique state-backed model.

Title

HomeLight

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

Title contingency: The sale of the home is contingent on the title search showing no issues or concerns. Loosening the stipulations in a contract can make your offer much more attractive. The appraisal contingency is there to protect the buyer in case of any issues surrounding your appraisal. What is a contingency?

Inspection contingency