Windemere Buying

MAY 19, 2025

Even if you are pre-approved for your mortgage , you may not be able to obtain the right loan for the home. Title Contingency Before the sale of a home goes final, a search will be performed to ensure that any liens or judgments made against the property have been resolved.

Home sale contingency

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 29, 2024

Mortgage News This Week In the week ending December 22, 2024, there has been a notable increase in mortgage rates, pushing 30-year fixed-rate loans to an average of 6.91%. How to Get the Best Mortgage Rate Navigating the mortgage process requires understanding the different types of loans and knowing how to secure the best rates available.

Mortgages

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. Sellers often prefer cash buyers because there’s less risk of a loan falling through, and the whole closing process can happen much faster. home purchases were made in cash in 2024.

Closing costs

Redfin

AUGUST 6, 2025

The escrow account holds the deposit along with important documents like the purchase contract, loan paperwork, and the deed. A neutral third party – usually an escrow officer from a title or escrow company – manages these funds and documents to ensure all terms of the contract are met before any money or ownership changes hands.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JANUARY 28, 2025

Assumable mortgages offer a unique alternative, allowing buyers to take over the sellers existing loan – potentially locking in a lower interest rate and saving money over time. From evaluating the loan terms to understanding the hidden costs, assuming a mortgage isn’t a decision to take lightly.

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. They cover everything from real estate agent commissions to title insurance, escrow fees, and transfer taxes. Real estate commission 3%6% of sale price Negotiable Title fees 0.5%1%

Closing costs

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. Home appraisal If the buyer is financing the home, the lender will usually require a home appraisal to ensure the home’s value supports the loan amount. How the Process Works 3.

Due diligence

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. Reasons for denial can include credit issues, job changes, or changes in loan terms.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

Even without liquid funds, buyers can explore bridge loans, private lenders, or creative financing to structure a cash-like offer. A cash offer simply refers to a situation where a buyer pays the entire purchase price upfront, without using a mortgage or other loan. What is a cash offer? Can you make a cash offer without actual cash?

Purchase and sale agreement

HomeLight

MARCH 24, 2025

Confirm the status of the mortgage You need to know whether there are any outstanding liens , such as a mortgage, home equity loan, or HELOC (line of credit) attached to the inherited house. This can be done through a title search , which will reveal any debts or claims against the property, including unpaid taxes.

Purchase and sale agreement

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. Even a small difference in your mortgage rate can really add up over the life of the loan, so it’s worth your time to shop around.

Pre-approval

Redfin

AUGUST 6, 2025

How much a down payment is depends on a variety of factors such as how much you can afford, your credit score, what mortgage loans you qualify for, and if you are eligible for down payment assistance. However, there are many low and no-down payment loans available, like FHA, VA, and USDA loans.

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

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

Redfin

AUGUST 5, 2025

Mortgage lenders may have stricter requirements and guidelines for home loans involving family members, so be sure to share all the details with them as soon as possible in the loan-seeking process. Because of this extra IRS oversight, many lenders have stricter requirements for mortgage loans on non-arm’s length transactions.

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. It’s best to shop around to find the best rate and determine the best type of mortgage loan for you. Don’t just default to your current bank. If not, you may forfeit it.

Pre-approval

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

Pro Tip: Setting aside enough for a solid down payment can result in better loan terms and reduced monthly payments. These include fees for obtaining the loan and transferring ownership. A fixed-rate mortgage has the same interest rate for the entire loan term, providing predictability and stability to borrowers.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JULY 24, 2025

We’ll explain how it’s possible to roll closing costs into your new loan, potentially eliminating the need for upfront cash. Refinancing a mortgage, explained by Redfin , involves replacing your existing home loan with a new one, often to secure a lower interest rate or different loan terms.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 11, 2025

Buyer is unable to secure financing A financing or mortgage contingency protects buyers if they’re unable to get approved for a home loan. Earnest money is held in an escrow account managed by a neutral third party, such as a title company or escrow firm, until the sale is completed or terminated. Where does earnest money go?

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

When inheriting a property, you need to make sure you know if there are any liens like a mortgage or an equity loan that need to be paid,” Hillman says. Hillman says a title search will help to reveal the status of the property.

Pre-approval

Redfin

FEBRUARY 21, 2025

Whether you’re preparing for a move, considering a home equity loan, or simply maintaining your propertys clean title, uncovering liens early can save you from unexpected costs and stress down the road. Use an online title company For a more thorough lien search, consider using an online title company.

Title search

Redfin

JULY 29, 2025

This includes things like appraisal fees, title insurance, and lender fees. A larger down payment can lead to a smaller loan, potentially lower interest rates, and can help you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) if you put down at least 20%. It’s your personal investment in the property. understanding the difference is key.

Closing costs

HomeLight

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

Financing contingency: The buyer must qualify for a mortgage loan and receive financing for the deal to continue. Title contingency: The sale of the home is contingent on the title search showing no issues or concerns. Home sale contingency: Buyers purchase is dependent on the sale of their existing home.

Inspection contingency

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

Housing Wire

FEBRUARY 25, 2025

The best hard money loans for real estate depend on your investment strategy, whether youre financing a short-term flip, a rental property or a large-scale development. Youll also learn how hard money loans work, what it takes to get approved and key factors to consider before applying.

Hard money loan

Housing Wire

DECEMBER 16, 2022

For most real estate industry professionals, title insurance needs no introduction. A trusted product , title insurance has been used to protect real estate transactions and property rights for over a century. Title insurance is different than most other insurance products. Title insurance is a comprehensively regulated product.

Title

Housing Wire

JUNE 21, 2022

As someone who spent a career in the title insurance industry – both as a builder of a title business and leader of the industry’s trade group, — I am proud of the role we play in helping to protect what most Americans consider the biggest purchase of their lives. Why is a title search necessary for refinancing?

Title

Housing Wire

APRIL 10, 2023

In December, HousingWire spoke to Flueid about the concept of instant title and why it is a misnomer for mortgage lenders. HousingWire: HousingWire recently spoke to Flueid about the concept of instant title and why it’s a misnomer for mortgage lenders. We’ve seen this shorten the transaction timeline by only about a day.

Title

Housing Wire

DECEMBER 14, 2023

Specifically, title and settlement fees have been characterized as a high-burden and regressive (costing proportionally more for low- and moderate-income borrowers) cost to borrowers. The research found that title and settlement fees are neither regressive nor represent a significant component of the overall closing costs.

Title

Housing Wire

MARCH 2, 2021

HousingWire: What are some due diligence and underwriting challenges loan originators face today? Historically low interest rates in 2020 led to an all-time high in mortgage lending for new loans, but with forbearance moratorium deadlines being extended, some lenders are getting nervous. It’s easy to see why. Altisource does.

Title

Housing Wire

MARCH 15, 2021

The title insurance and settlement services provider was originally bought b y Solutionstar Holdings , an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationstar Mortgage Holdings (Mr. It makes the title firm a good match as Blend looks to scale its operations. How hybrid title and valuations help increase lending efficiency.

Title

Housing Wire

MAY 11, 2023

This integration allows lenders to access Flueid’s title data and insights during the loan application process, resulting in time savings and a simplified consumer experience. Loan officers and underwriters can now easily check title information and review critical insights to understand the status of a property and consumer.

Loans

Housing Wire

DECEMBER 26, 2022

With the housing market slowing down from its pandemic-fueled frenzy, wire fraud threats, regulatory challenges and the perennial challenge of an aging workforce, the title insurance industry will have a lot to juggle in the new year. For the title insurance industry, she feels this will result in a thinning of the herd.

Title

Housing Wire

JANUARY 8, 2021

Loan Origination Fee. Loan origination fees are what lenders charge to set up a loan. The costs vary depending on the lender, but typically range between 0.5% – 1% of the loan amount. If your loan is insured by the Federal Housing Administration, the FHA charges an upfront premium of 1.75% of the loan amount.

Closing costs

Housing Wire

APRIL 18, 2022

When the COVID-19 pandemic shut the country down in 2020, title and settlement professionals were deemed essential and continued to help consumers purchase homes and refinance mortgages. Protecting homeowners is always at the center of the title insurance industry’s core values: to lead, deliver and protect. Fee disclosure is robust.

Title