Remove Due diligence Remove Earnest money deposit Remove Mortgages
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From consultation to closing: The definitive homebuying checklist

Housing Wire

Secure a mortgage pre-approval As a rule of thumb, its best to have your clients obtain a mortgage pre-approval prior to setting up any searches and conducting property tours. Do your due diligence: Protect client interests The due diligence period is the time when the buyer conducts inspections to verify the condition of the property.

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Here’s What Your Real Estate Agent Means When They Say “We’re In Escrow”

Redfin

When a home is in escrow, it means the buyer and seller have signed a purchase agreement, and an escrow account has been opened to securely hold the buyer’s earnest money deposit. The escrow account holds the deposit along with important documents like the purchase contract, loan paperwork, and the deed.

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9 Smart Tips for Making an Offer on a House That Stands Out

Redfin

Get pre-approved for a mortgage and have cash ready One of the biggest signals to sellers that you’re serious is a mortgage pre-approval letter. In addition to getting pre-approved, having cash reserves prepared for your earnest money deposit and other closing expenses is also one of the top tips for making an offer on a house.

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What Is a Mortgage Contingency? Purchase Offer Protection

HomeLight

Perhaps the biggest gear that needs to turn in your favor is the mortgage loan. A common worry among homebuyers is to find the perfect house, put down a deposit with an accepted offer, and then learn that your mortgage application is denied — you lose both the house and your earnest money.

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A Seller’s Guide To When A Buyer Does and Doesn’t Get Their Earnest Money Back

HomeLight

The danger to a seller in this scenario is having to pay an extra mortgage payment and additional marketing fees if, after weeks of being wrapped up in an exclusive agreement with a buyer, the buyer falls through. Earnest money is meant to compensate the seller for the time wasted in the event of a failed contract.

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How Can a Buyer Get Their Earnest Money Back?

Realty Biz

You must put up an earnest money deposit when you buy a home. The purpose of earnest money is to show you're serious about buying. Many people refer to earnest money as a good-faith deposit. Earnest money deposits can be used as leverage in negotiations.

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How to Make an Offer on a House

Point2Homes

With a budget in place, your next step should be to get pre-approved for a mortgage. If possible, offer a larger earnest money deposit rather than the 1% to 2% that is more common. Alternatively, you can reduce the due diligence period. So, create a watertight budget before you even start searching.