Housing Wire

DECEMBER 16, 2024

The family-run brokerage firm recorded some legal w ins and losses , developed new tools for agents and clients , and navigated one of the slowest years for home sales in nearly three decades. of the loan amount) at settlement to use toward their closing costs.

Brokerage

Redfin

JUNE 5, 2025

Many cash buyers assume that by sidestepping a home loan, they also bypass the complex array of fees associated with closing. However, this is a common misconception.The truth is, even when you pay cash for a house, closing costs are a fundamental part of the transaction. How much are closing costs on a cash offer?

Closing costs

Toronto Realty Blog

DECEMBER 9, 2024

Whether it was delays, deficiencies, material changes, closing costs, the occupancy period, or eventually – prices , I started writing about this in 2008 or 2009. Then the following year: “Ontario To Boost Penalties On Developers Who Breach Ethics Rules” CBC News March 24, 2022 Yes, sure they will.

Construction

Redfin

JULY 9, 2025

Existing homes pros include faster move-in options, lower initial costs, more design options, and are typically in developed neighborhoods. These homes are typically sold by builders or developers and can be custom-builds, move-in-ready spec homes, or homes in new residential developments. What is an existing home?

New Construction

Redfin

JULY 18, 2025

Closing costs In addition to your down payment, plan for closing costs , which typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price. While 20% down can help you avoid mortgage insurance, many buyers put down less – especially with FHA or conventional loans. These include lender fees, title insurance, and appraisal charges.

Pre-approval

The Living Room

MAY 2, 2025

Prospective buyers should account for closing costs, inspections, and the ongoing maintenance associated with homeownership. This step not only clarifies your budget but also positions you as a serious buyer in the eyes of sellers. Financial Preparation for Home Buying: Budgeting for a home extends beyond the down payment.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JUNE 23, 2025

Earnest money is a good-faith deposit held in escrow that can be applied to closing costs or the down payment. Neighborhood concerns: Any known issues with neighbors, noise complaints, or local community developments that might impact the property. This only applies in certain states. What happens in the due diligence period?

Due diligence

The Mortgage Report

JUNE 10, 2025

Miki Adams , president at CBC Mortgage Agency : If you’re a first-time home buyer, definitely connect with a HUD-approved housing counselor and work on developing and understanding the budget that you’ll need to own a home. Not just the affordability of the house itself, but with closing costs rising, etc.,

FHA 203k rehab loan

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

State and local programs: Cities and states may offer down payment assistance, forgivable loans, or closing cost help. Fannie Mae’s HomePath Ready Buyer Program : This offers up to 3% in closing cost assistance when purchasing a HomePath property and completing a homeownership course.

Purchase and sale agreement

BAM Media

AUGUST 6, 2025

What mattered most: A short, clear reminder about next steps when things got overwhelming A plain-language explanation of legal or financial documents A check-in timed around an offer, appraisal, or moment of doubt A heads-up about closing costs or insurance before they became surprises These aren’t just good service touches.

Agents

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 4, 2025

Understanding Mortgage Rate Trends The reduction in mortgage rates on April 4, 2025, can be traced back to developments in the financial sector. Break-even Period : When evaluating whether to refinance, its essential to look at how long it takes to recoup the costs associated with the refinancing process.

Mortgages

Redfin

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

From the down payment to closing costs, there are a lot of expenses to consider. Whether youre buying a house in Seattle or a home in Denver – this Redfin guide will break down every major cost to help you budget effectively and avoid surprises. home price about $420,000as a benchmark for estimating these costs.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

If you’re wondering if you’re ready to buy a house , consider these three factors: Financial stability: If you have a low credit score, lots of debt, and not enough funds to cover a down payment and closing costs, you may want to wait to buy a home. Closing costs: Typically 2-5% of the home’s purchase price.

Pre-approval

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

This involves making a careful budget that includes potential costs like the down payment, closing costs, taxes, and possible renovation expenses. Improvements Can Influence Values Additionally, watch for upcoming developments or infrastructure projects impacting property values. But studying the market is not enough.

Purchase and sale agreement

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Many of these first time home buyer programs and grants can help cover a large amount of the “closings costs” and/or allow them to finance a higher percentage of the loan (or all of the loan in some cases). First Time Home Buyer Programs – National Visit the USDA Rural Development website at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

Closing costs

AAOA

MAY 22, 2025

The more deals you look at, the faster your instincts develop. Closing Costs In addition to the purchase price and renovation budget, plan for closing costs. Closing costs typically run between 2% and 5% of the purchase price. Sample Investment Breakdown Lets say youre buying a $2.5

Due diligence

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Their website lists their inventory of foreclosed homes including what real estate agent to contact. The homes are sold to brokers who sell the property on the governments behalf.

Pre-approval

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

7 ways to negotiate the price of a new construction home FAQs about negotiating new construction home prices What is a new construction home A new construction home is a new-build that has never been lived in and is typically sold by builders or developers. 7 ways to negotiate the price of a new construction home 1.

New Construction

Redfin

JULY 16, 2025

A model home is made to display the best upgrades, features, and layout options a new development has to offer, which are best for those looking for a well-upgraded home. You’ll likely have better luck negotiating other perks like closing cost assistance, home warranties, or upgrades and features if the home isn’t finished.

Pre-approval

Marco Santarelli

MAY 20, 2025

I've seen first-hand how events, from policy announcements to global trade developments, can send ripples through the market. Estimate your housing costs: Research property taxes, homeowners insurance, and potential maintenance costs in your desired area. as per Bankrate data. Lenders typically prefer a DTI of 43% or less.

Mortgages

The Mortgage Report

JUNE 9, 2025

So, while the headline might focus on trade policy, the downstream effect is that it makes housing less attainable for families and reduces the incentives for investors and developers to bring new units to market. How can prospective homebuyers navigate higher costs brought on by tariffs and economic volatility?

FHA 203k rehab loan

Marco Santarelli

MAY 24, 2025

It's more crucial than ever to get quotes from multiple lenders and compare not just the interest rate but also fees and closing costs. The Bottom Line The recent increase in 30-year mortgage rates to the highest level in over a year is a significant development for the housing market.

Mortgages

The Close

MARCH 11, 2025

Future development projects: Upcoming infrastructure or commercial projects can lead to increased demand and property appreciation in the near future. Have there been any significant developments or changes in the neighborhood since you bought the property? Are there any current offers or interests from other potential buyers?

Sales

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 15, 2025

As someone who's spent years kicking the tires on properties, crunching numbers, and watching markets shift, I've developed a real appreciation for places that offer solid value and growth potential without the sky-high entry costs of coastal cities. The population is growing consistently. Use realistic rental income estimates.

Investor

Marco Santarelli

MAY 12, 2025

Potential for Negotiation: With sellers not holding all the cards, there might be more room to negotiate on price, repairs, or closing costs. For many, especially buyers who felt priced out, this change could be a welcome development. Don't be afraid to make a reasonable offer.

Marketing

Norada Real Estate

JUNE 22, 2025

Lender Fees : Beyond interest rates, potential borrowers should watch out for origination fees, closing costs, and other lender fees that could inflate the overall cost of the mortgage. Each has unique benefits and requirements, catering to different borrower profiles.

Mortgages

HomeLight

JULY 17, 2025

Townhouses are commonly found in cities and suburban developments and can offer more space than condos or apartments. They’re often single-story and located in suburban or rural settings, though some urban infill developments now include cottage-style homes in clusters. The term can also overlap with “bungalow” in some regions.

Construction

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 17, 2025

Geopolitical developments, tariffs, and trade policies often induce market volatility affecting mortgage rates. It's essential for borrowers to compare refinance offers across lenders and ensure that the long-term benefits outweigh closing costs. Treasury yields, especially the 10-year Treasury note, which serve as benchmarks.

Mortgages

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Moreover, the real estate commission allows agents to cover their business expenses, such as advertising, professional development, and administrative costs. These costs can include title search fees, attorney fees, transfer taxes, and any other expenses related to the closing process.

Purchase and sale agreement

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 27, 2025

Lower Entry Costs: You save on loan origination fees, appraisal fees required by lenders, and other financing-related closing costs. It's crucial to think about these carefully: Opportunity Cost: This is perhaps the most significant financial consideration. These costs continue whether you have a mortgage or not.

Finance

Marco Santarelli

AUGUST 7, 2025

Cost Conscious :  High mortgage rates  are top of mind for the buyers. New Construction : Buyers are considering  new construction  because builders provide rate buydowns and closing cost assistance. Consider New Construction : Builders are offering incentives such as rate buydowns and closing cost assistance.

Marketing

Redfin

AUGUST 5, 2025

They aren’t right for every borrower, but if you meet the down payment, credit score, closing cost and DTI requirements, a jumbo construction loan for building your dream home might fit your needs. Projects can include single-family homes, planned unit developments, site condominiums and modular construction.

Construction

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

Some programs help lower your closing costs or the taxes you pay. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, as well as employers, community organizations, and state and local governments. Closing costs : With a home equity loan, you’ll need to pay closing costs which can add up.

Loans

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 12, 2025

More inventory generally means more choices for buyers and potentially less intense bidding wars, which is a positive development. In this high-cost environment, a solid financial foundation is non-negotiable. Conversely, some Southern markets experiencing an increase in inventory are starting to lean towards being buyer's markets.

Equity

Redfin

JUNE 17, 2025

Builder incentives If you’re looking to build your home, there are often money-saving incentives such as help with closing costs and interest-rate buy-downs. If you’re building a home, costs like landscaping, custom features, and the like can add up. There may also be additional costs like landscaping.

Renovation

Housing Wire

JUNE 26, 2025

This aims to cover down payments , closing costs and mortgage interest rate buydowns. In addition, the act would target assistance to those most in need — specifically Black, Latino and other historically marginalized communities — to help close racial wealth and homeownership gaps. .

Equity

Norada Real Estate

JUNE 7, 2025

Refinancing Requires Careful Calculation: Before you decide to refinance, carefully calculate your breakeven point – how long will it take for your savings from a lower monthly payment to offset the closing costs of the refinance? With rates currently around where they are, refinancing might not be advantageous for everyone.

Mortgages