Chartered Financial Strategies LLC
Sean Monohan, CFP & Enrolled Agent
972-608-2626
www.cfscorp.net
ClearChoice Financial Group, Inc.
Kendal Marshall, CEO & Founder
469-941-2648 (O) / 460-742-1076 (C)
www.clearchoicefg.com
A+ Certified Appliance Service
Tyler Adkins
972-890-5014
APlusCertifiedAppliance.com
Callahan’s Appliance Inc.
888-319-8311
www.Callahansappliance.com
Box & Associates
972-392-0300
www.BoxAppraisal.com
DW Skelton &Associates
214,-265-1037 (O)
214-697-5897 (C)
Eric Biskamp
Appraiser (includes Property Square Foot measurement services)
214-235-8324 (C)
EricBiskamp.com
Shinpaugh Appraisal Company
Carl Shinpaugh
214-890-9916 / 214-202-7626
ShinpaughAppraisalCompany.appraiserxsites.com/
Auten & Willingham, P.C.
Mark Auten
214-643-8757 (O) / 469-223-7394 (C)
www.dallaswillattorneys.com
Mark@ANWLawFirm.com
Estate Planning, Business Formation, Probate, and Real Estate Law
Lori Leu & Associates
Lori Leu
972-996-2540 (O)
LeuLawFirm.com
Seniors, Wills, Estate Planning & Administration, Long-Term Care, Benefits Planning, etc.
Ruais & Associates, PLLC
Philip Ruais
214-572-2109 (O)
www.bluejeansLaw.com
Real Estate, Business Contracts, Estate Planning, Probate, Litigation, etc.
The Law Office of Cristina Levine PLLC
Cristina Levine
800-620-0900 / 469-400-6849
CristinaLevine.Lawyer.com
David Sotelo
214-621-4275
Don Barker
817-798-5724
DonPatty5@gmail.com
Greg Farris
972-741-6942
www.Greenhillsdesign.com
J.H. Masonry
Johnny Harper
817-905-5525
Nanroc In. (formerly Martinez Masonry)
Joe Martinez
972-347-2149
Master Masonry
Roger Landry
214-226-6007
www.MasterMasonry.com
The Fireplace Specialist
972-867-8998
All Star Carpet Cleaning
Sergio Perez
972-347-5884 (O) / 972-832-1082 (C)
AllStarPowerWand.com
Minuteman Carpet Services
Andrew Arnold
817-915-5334
Pure Dynamic
Brad Addington
972-746-2717 (O) / 214-995-0308 (C)
Steam Me Up
Jim Holcomb
214-232-5051
Chiropractor North Dallas Spine Center
Dr. Oscar Presas, NUCCA Chiropractor
972-781-0010 (O)
www.northdallasspinecenter.com
No popping or cracking. Just an adjustment of your upper cervical.
Back Office Credit Solutions
Kissena Sheets
Credit Consultant
800-656-0084 ext. 101 (O)
972-677-3460 (C)
www.BackOfficeCreditSolutions.com
My Score Restoration
Jerry Vergara
Credit Specialist
469-245-2466
Omega Credit Repair
David Dishman
Credit Specialist
214-733-8336
www.OmegaCreditRepair.com
Echeverria Brothers,
Julio Echeverria, Master Electrician
972 -265-9861 (O)
www.Facebook.com/EBElectric/
Cedar Creek Fences
Dave Phillips
214-218-2800 (O)
www.CedarCreekFences.com/index.shtml
Exterior Wood Savers
972-578-5024
www.WoodSavers.com
Johnson Fence Company
Bill Johnson
469-877-9415 (O)
www.BillJohnsonFences.com
RIF Fence Stain & Restoration,
Jim Waida
214-205-6481 (O)
www.RIFStain.com
Superior Custom Painting,
Gabe or Carlos Lopez, 214-251-6802 (O)
www.facebook.com/superiorcp/?ref=page_internal
Texas Best Fence & Patio
972-210-2460 (O)
www.TexasBestFence.com
Edward Jones
Craig Mills, Financial Advisor
972-733-1037 (O)
Mills@EdwardsJones.com
Holcomb Wealth Management
Kimberley Holcomb, CFA
972-980-0284 (O)
KHolcomb@holcombwealthmgt.com
Omega 2 Wealth Management
Karin McIntosh
817-500-o556 (O)
Karin@Omega2Wealth.com
www.omega2wealth.com
The Protected Legacy Group
Jim Stephenson
972-813-9657
TheProtectedLegacyGroup@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/JimCindyStephenson
CSC Floors
Amber Suggs, Territory Manager
214-368-0082 (O) / 214-334-9328 (C)
www.CSCFloors.net
Juan Aguilar (Bathroom, Kitchen & Flooring Remodels)
469-471-8936
Style Floors (Flooring & Remodeling)
972-548-2727
www.stylefloors.net
Chris Latham
817-305-3700
Chris76114@gmail.com
Arch Foundation Repair
214-467-9700 (O)
www.ArchFoundationRepair.com
Bedrock Foundation Repair, LLC
214-824-1211 (O)
www.bedrockfoundationrepair.com
Integrity Foundation Repair
Jeff Marshall
817-561-6500 (O) / 817-269-2171 (C)
www.IFRDFW.com
MBR Guaranteed Foundation Repair
Phillip Duffin
817-469-1090 (O) / 817-891-6426 (C)
www.mbrgfr.com
Perma Pier
972-833-0926 (Dallas) / 817-497-8164 (Fort Worth)
www.PermaPier.com
Structured Foundation Repairs
972-349-4430 (O)
www.structuredfoundation.com
Interior Insights LLC
Debra Coffey
214-387-9300
Tracie Byrd, 404-694-4422 (C)
McKinney/Frisco Overhead Doors
972-837-1080 (O)
McKinneyFriscoOverheadDoor.com
Nation Overhead Door & Gate
972-590-8895 (O)
www.nationoverheaddoor.com
Armor Glazing, Dario Garcia, 214-837-0392, armorglazing@gmail.com
Granite Stone Cutters
214-502-8029 (O)
www.GraniteStoneCutters.net
Rene De Santiago
214-416-1308 (C)
Dallas Gutter and Repair
Eric Wales
972-234-1251
www.DallasGutter.com
No Leak Rain Gutters
972-727-8838 (O)
Texas Gutter Solutions
469-667-9101 (O)
Certified Industries LLC
Barry Locke
214-537-6461 (C)
CertifiedPressureWashing.net
Design Remodel Pros (Handyman Services)
Brian & Sara Belmonte
(972) 407-0754 (O)
www.DesignRemodelPros.com
Eduardo Juarez
214-598-1504
EduardoJuare@hotmail.com
Flooring/Handyman/Remodeler
Fix Me Up
Jim Holcomb
214-232-5051
www.SteamMeUp.com
Handy Hallet
Robert Hallett
469-989-8576
HandyHallet@gmail.com
In & Out Handyman Services
Larry George
469-446-2228
Big Bear A/C and Heating
972-998-9990 (O)
www.BigBearAir.com
CoolAir
972-679-4072 (O)
www.ColdAirAC.com
Master Tech Service Corp
817-251-4455 (O)
MasterTechServiceCorp.com
Matco HVAC
972-292-1880 (O)
www.MatcoServices.com
Mr. Duct Cleaner
972-322-4356 (O)
www.MrDuctCleaner.com
Taylormade Heat and Air, LLC
Lance Taylor
469-424-3404 / 469-212-9732 (O)
TaylormadeHeatAndAir.com
When selecting a plan be sure to include upgrades for A/C, Heater and garage doors to ensure the likelihood of coverage if failure occurs. DO NOT ORDER, just call to determine which company and plan you want. Contact your agent to place the order.
2-10 Home Warranty
1-800-795-9595
www.2-10.com
American Home Shield
1-800-735-4663
www.AHSwarranty.com
Broward Factory Service
1-877-237-9700
www.BFSHomeWarranty.com
Fidelity National Home Warranty
1-800-308-1420
homewarranty.com
First American Residential Service
1-800-444-9030
www.HomeWarranty.firstam.com
Nations Residential Service
1-888-737-7070
www.Home-Warranty.com
Old Republic Home Protection Plan
1-800-445-6999
www.ORHP.com
Super Home Warranty
1-844-997-8737
www.HelloSuper.com
343 Home Inspections (Mechanical & WDI)
214-800-2001 (O)
www.343Inspections.com
360 Inspections,
Lance Dubahoe
469-224-0360 (O)
www.Inspect360.com
A-Action Inspections
972-572-4500 (O)
www.A-ActionHomeInspection.com
Best Inspections (Mechanical & WDI)
903-463-2220 (O)
bestinspections.net
Focus Real Estate Inspections
Kirk Watson
979-676-3228 (O)
www.Focusrei.com
Kissee Inspections
469-438-8509 (O)
www.KisseeInspections.com
Pillar to Post Home Inspections
Ken Duggan
214-399-5862 (O) / 214-986-6045 (C)
www.LivingwithmyHome.com
Providence Property Inspections
469-980-6818 (O)
www.ProvidenceInspect.com
Road Runner Inspection Services
Allan Bankston
214-226-9492 (O)
www.RRISTX.com
Show ’N Tell Inspections
Richard Whitsitt
214-642-7853 (O)
www.WeInspectDFW.com
The Home Inspectors
972-235-0800 (O)
https://thehomeinspectorstx.com/dallas-fort-worth
Insurance (Hazard/Home/Auto):
- Allstate – Chris Zeigler, 469-535-2500 (O) / 214-870-4269 (C), ChrisZeigler@Allstate.com, agents.allstate.com/Chris-Zeigler-frisco-tx.html
- Dexter & Company (Luxury Home Insurance and Riders) – Gail Rolseth, 469-951-0258 (C), GRolseth@DexterCompany.com, DexterInsurance.com
- Dean Insurance Group – Steve Davidson, Agent-Insurance Broker, 214-227-9377 ext. 3 (O), Steve@DeanInsure.com, DeanInsure.com
- Goosehead Insurance, Adam Fleumer, 214-838-5415 (O) / 913-683-9760 (C), Adam.Fleumer@Goosehead.com
- Innovating Business with Enterprise Solutions, Mashondi Payne, 469-200-0250 (C)
- PLI Brokerage, Inc. (Luxury Home Insurance & Riders) – The Chubb Group of Insurance, 1-866-324-8222, Chubb.com
- State Farm – Vince Adams, 1-855-733-7333 (O), 817-377-3401 (C), Adams.hqa0@statefarm.com, www.vinceadams.biz
- Stonebridge Insurance Group (Insurance Broker) – Mark Lowey, 214-558-2727 (C), StonebridgeInsuranceGroup.com
- Thomas Insurance Agency LLC, Reginald Thomas Jr., Agent-Insurance Broker, 972-474-8133 (O) / 469-777-0796, RThomas@ThomasInsureAgency.com / Reggie.Thomas@American-National.com
Interior Insights LLC
Debra Coffey
214-507-4506 (C)
Tracie Byrd, 404-694-4422 (C)
All Texas Services (Collin/Denton County)
Alberto Hernandez
972-505-8698 (C)
Antonio Zarate
214-475-5913 (C)
College Fund Landscaping
972-985-0279 (O)
www.collegefundlandscaping.com
CitiTurf
Lawn Care, Pest Control & Sprinkler Repair
972-516-0001
www.cititurf.com
Kim’s Emerald Lawns (Collin/Denton County)
469-272-6339 (O)
www.EmeraldLawnOnline.com
Green Meadows Landscaping
Kronda Thimesch
972-670-0331 (O)
GreenMeadowsLandscaping.com
Lewis Hernandez (Primarily Trees)
214-309-8681 (O)
Quality Lawn & Landscaping (Collin/Denton)
Acosta Antonio
214-404-1956 (C) / 972-814-5576 (O)
Sundrop Gardens
Manuel Hassenteufel
214-417-6036 (O)
www.SundropGardens.com
MrReKey Locksmith,
Dustin Tabbert
972-282-9696 (O)
www.rekey.com/locksmith/fort-worth
(Unique code: 121907, Client receives $10 discount if code used)
Lupe & Maria
214-353-0236, (Frisco, Plano, Carrollton)
Maria McClaughlin’s Cleaning Service
972-712-4575 or 214-492-9875 (Frisco, Plano, McKinney)
Realty Cleaning Services
214-440-7000
Tomasa Cortes
214-881-7069
Ultra Spic n Span Cleaning Inc.
Tawanna Fields
214-392-5949 (DFW area)
FieldsTawanna@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/ultraspicnspan
Veronica Aguilar
214-431-8557 (Frisco, Plano)
We Shine Through Detailed Cleaning Service
Candis Smith
972-616-3878 (Collin & Denton County)
A-1 Freeman Moving Group
Local, Domestic & International Moving Company
Mark Waller
972-506-1710
www.A-1Freeman.com
Fantastic Moves
214-349-6683
www.FantasticMoves.com
Move Masters
214-560-7919
www.DFWMoveMasters.com
Rhino Moving Pros
469-713-6683
www.RhinoMovingPros.com
Nannies On The Go
817-442-0225 (Southlake)
817-442-0200 (Dallas)
info@NanniesOnTheGo.net
www.NanniesOnTheGo.net
Ongo Solutions (Odor Removal)
Ofer Kadeem
817-939-9969 / 817-440-6175
Ofer@OngoManagement.com
Site One Landscape Supply
Odor Control
972-346-3577
www.SiteOne.com
Abanico Painting
Javier Rodriguez
972-603-6896
Ramsay & Alan’s Painting
Jose Juarez
469-544-2571
Paint, Stain, Drywall & Sheetrock (exterior, interior, doors, cabinets and shutters)
DFW area (free estimates)
www.ramseyandalanspainting.com
Steve Tickner Residential Painting Specialist
972-517-7313
steveticknerpainting.com
Camp Bow Wow
469-331-6223 (Main)
campbowwow.com/plano
World Pet Travel
Angela Passman
214-396-5070 (USA) / 506-4000-1689 (Costa Rica)
www.MovePet.com
Concord Plumbing Co.
John Dickerson
214-733-3635
Do It All Plumbing
Norman Bundrant, Master Plumber (Collin/Denton County)
469 -487-9209
www.DoItAllPlumbing.us
Buckeye Plumbing
Jim Nigel, Master Plumber (Tarrant County & Dallas South of I-30)
817-894-1809
Texas Green Plumbing
Roger Wakefield
972-442-4101 / 214-907-2928
www.TexasGreenPlumbing.com
Poolsmith
Randy Smith
972-214-9291
www.Poolsmith.net
(Service areas: McKinney, Prosper, Frisco, Princeton, Allen, Fairview, Plano)
CERTIFIED – BACKGROUND CHECKED – INSURED
Blue Star Power Washing
214-631-9530 (C)
www.bluestarpowerwashing.com/
Certified Industries LLC
Barry Locke, 214-537-6461 (C)
APW Power Washing
Gary Anderson
972-523-2793 (C)
www.apwservices.com/
Alex Guthrie Construction
469-446-8508
AlexGuthrie.net
Burns Construction & Remodel
Mark Burns
214-385-9919
MarkBurns2008@yahoo.com
Champion Home Services
Rick Middaugh
832-229-4065
www.ChampionRemodelingTX.com
Design Remodel Pros
Brian & Sara Belmonte
(972) 407-0754
www.DesignRemodelPros.com
DFW Remodel Team
Vino Paudel, General Contractor, Remodeler
972-987-0530
www.updateourhouse.com/welcome-1.html
FS Renovations
Servicing entire DFW area, Ashley Coatney as a reference for a great price
972-247-7700
FSRenovations2@yahoo.com
www.dfwrenovations.com
Luna Pros
800-663-4406
lunapros.com
Pruitt Construction Company
James Pruitt
903-456-2810
Serving You F1rst Contracting
Kevin Seaman
214-864-1161
www.ServingYouFirstContracting.com
Star Home Remodeling
John or Stefano
972-954-2476
www.StarHomeRemodeling.com
Authority Roofing
Catherine Brenneman, Certified Master Elite Roofer
972-317-7663 (O)
214-697-2464 (O)
CBrenneman@AuthorityRoofing.com
www.authorityroofing.com
EcoTech Roofing
Robert Burnley
972-922-3606 (O)
www.EcoTechRoofing.com
First Out Roofing
Nick Frederickson
214-289-6776 (C)
Mark Snow (Former Claims Adjustor)
806-433-0125 (C)
www.Firstoutroofing.com
JH Roofing & Construction
Jesse Hwong
972-235-2525 (O)
469-878-2315 (C)
www.jh-roofing.com
Swan Roofing, LLC
972-596-8313 (O)
www.swanroofing.com
Texas Best Construction
Richard Stallings
214-394-8563
www.Texas-BestConstruction.com
Water-Tite Roofing
817-561-6500
www.WaterTiteRoof.com
ADT Security
Holger Moncayo
469-693-1125
DFW Security
1-877-372-0350
www.DFWSecurity.com
Safe Haven Security
1-877-842-0818
mysafehaven.com
Smith-Thompson Security
972-526-8500
www.SmithThompson.com
Kellee’s Custom Shutters
LeeAnn Kemp
903-227-2997
www.KelleesCustomShutters.com
We Got Shutters
James Peters
214-636-9398
WeGotShutters.com
Aldridge Lawn Sprinklers
972-578-2733
American Lawn Sprinkler Company
972-420-8700
Lynn Wilson Interiors
Lynn Wilson, Stager
507-271-9907
www.LynnWilsonInteriors.com
Staged Just In Time
Denise Smith, Certified Staging Professional
214-762-2867
www.Homesstagedjustintime.vpweb.com
Crannell Engineering
972-691-6633
www.Crannelleng.com
Amerisurveryors
214-677-4966
www.Amerisurveyors.com
CBG Surveying Inc.
214-349-9485
www.cbgtexasllc.com
Innovative Surveying
469-260-0828
Jimmy Pogue Land Surveyors
214-371-0666
www.JimmyWPogue.com
Roome Land Surveying
Chad Sledge
972-423-4372
www.RoomeSurveying.com
Texas Heritage Surveying, LLC
214-340-9700
www.txheritage.com
Collin County Cab
469-952-7772
(24-hour taxi service for airport, in-town runs, doctor’s visits, etc.), servicing Frisco, Plano, Allen, McKinney and the surrounding areas
Becerra Lawn Maintenance
214-241-9141
Wright Way Tree Service
214-434-9929
Wright-way-tree-service.business.site
Electricity
- Ambit Energy
1-877-282-6248
www.ambitenergy.com - CoServ Electric
1-800-274-4014
www.CoServ.com - Grayson-Collin Electric Coop
1-800-967-5235
www.GCEC.net - Stream Energy
1-866-447-8732
mystream.com - TXU Electric
1-800-242-9113
www.txu.com - Other Providers (Select “Compare Retail Offers”)
www.PowerToChoose.org
Gas
- Atmos Energy
1-800-460-3030
www.atmosenergy.com - CoServ Gas
1-800-566-2314
www.CoServ.com - Grayson-Collin Electric Coop
1-903-482-5231
www.GCEC.net
Water and Trash (If your city is not listed, call the city in which you will be residing for information)
- City of Allen
1-214-509-4500
www.CityofAllen.org - City of Arlington
1-817-275-5931
www.Arlington-TX.org - City of Dallas
1-214-651-1441
www.DallasCityHall.com - City of DeSoto
1-972-230-9627
www.ci.Desoto.tx.us - City of Frisco
1-972-292-5800
www.FriscoTexas.gov - City of Heartland
1-972-329-8300
www.Heartlandtx.net - City of Lancaster
1-972-218-1200
www.Lancaster-TX.com - City of Little Elm
1-214-975-0480
www.LittleElmtx.us - City of Mansfield
1-817-276-4200
www.Mansfield-TX.gov - City of McKinney
1-972-547-7550
www.MckinneyTexas.org - City of Plano
1-972-941-7105
www.Plano.gov - City of Richardson
1-972-744-4111
www.Cor.net - City of The Colony
1-972-625-3129
www.ci.The-Colony.tx.us
Telephone/Cable/Internet
- AT&T
1-800-464-7928
www.ATT.com - DirecTV
1-888-777-2454
www.directv.com - DISH Network
1-888-825-2557
www.dish.com - Time Warner (Spectrum)
1-972-742-5892
www.timewarnercable.com/Dallas - Verizon
1-800-837-4966
www.verizonwireless.com
ServPro
Brett Young
972-335-9900 / 512-791-3959
www.ServProSouthFriscoTheColony.com
Puro Clean Water Restoration
Jim Bauer
214-463-2252 / 469-656-7000
www.purocleanmckinneyfrisco.com
Rainy Day Services
972-747-7734
www.rainydayservices.com
BullDozier Window Service
972-238-9309
Clear Reflections (Window Cleaning)
951-970-7282 (O)
www.clearreflectionswc.com
Lone Star Spit & Shine Windows
Sheldon Coone
972-987-6024
www.lonestarspitandshine.com
Precision Windows
972-562-8828
www.precision-windowsdfw.com
Squeaky Clean Windows
Chuck Davis
817-938-7654
www.squeakycleanwindowsdallas.com
Texas Windows
469-771-3049
www.texaswindows.com
Blinds and Drapes for Less
972-270-3203 (O)
BlindsandDrapesForLess.com
When contacting lenders, inquire and compare the following:
- What is loan process?
- Can application be taken over the telephone, via a website, or in person?
- Financing Options available?
- Do you need to put any money down to purchase the house?
- What are the financing programs, Terms and Interest Caps?
- FHA, Conventional, VA, USDA,
- 30 year fixed, 15 year fixed, etc.
- ARMs (Adjustable Rate Mortgages), Interest Only, Construction Loans, etc.
- Interest Rates for different financing options?
- Is there a loan origination fee? If so, how much?
- Are there any points being charged for the rate quoted?
- What exactly is a point?
- Can you lock the interest rate? If so, is there a rate lock fee?
- If interest rate changes, can you get the lower rate?
- How long can you lock a rate?
- What is the APR (annual percentage rate) –
- This is very important when comparing lenders. It is designed to represent the true cost of the loan to the borrower, expressed in the form of a yearly The purpose is to prevent lenders from hiding fees and upfront costs behind low advertised interest rates. The APR will give you an idea of the overall difference in fees charged by the lender to close your loan.
- Will property taxes and hazard insurance be escrowed?
- Is there a fee if you don’t want to use an escrow account?
- What is the estimated time to close loan?
- Can they email you a “Good Faith Estimate” or “Closing Costs Worksheet”?
- Good Faith Estimate is an estimate of the charges which you are likely to incur at the closing/settlement of your
- When can you anticipate your first mortgage payment and for how much? How much money will you need to bring to closing/settlement?
Once you’ve gathered your information, if you’d like for me to assist you in comparing lenders, let me know.
GENERAL HOMESTEAD
- You have an ownership interest in the property and use the property as your personal residence; however, you are required to state that you do not claim an exemption on another residence homestead in or outside of Texas.
- You must own and reside in the home on January 1 of the tax year.
- You must provide a Texas driver’s license or state identification card and the homeowner’s vehicle registration receipt. The address on the identification and the vehicle registration receipt MUST match the address for which the homestead exemption is requested.
- If the owner does not own a vehicle they can send a current utility bill showing name and address along with an affidavit indicating non-ownership of a vehicle. The bill MUST match the address for which the homestead exemption is requested.
- IT’S FREE! DON’T PAY TO FILE A TEXAS HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION! Scammers send official-looking stationary to suggest that a fee (usually $50 or more) must be paid for a homeowner to get an exemption. These claims are false and deceptive.
Property owners should read applicable statutes carefully. Below are the relevant websites and/or homestead applications.
Dallas County – http://www.dallascad.org/forms.aspx
Collin County – https://www.collincad.org/downloads/viewcategory/13-residential-exemptions
Denton County – https://www.dentoncad.com/forms-and-downloads#All%20Documents%2FExemptions
Tarrant County – http://access.tarrantcounty.com/en/tax/property-tax/rates-and-exemptions.html
When you hire me as your Realtor®, my Fiduciary Duties to you are:
- Obedience
- Loyalty
- Disclosure
- Confidentiality
- Accounting
- Reasonable Care & Diligence
When viewing properties, please keep in mind that although this may be a very emotional time,
- Do… view the process as a business decision.
- Do… COME PREPARED TO PURCHASE
- Bring checkbook for Earnest Money and Option Money
- Allot time to submit offer
- Do… rate each property on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the perfect home. Please note that typically, perfect homes are hard to find so, any home that rates an 8 or 9 should be strongly considered as a home to submit and offer on.
As you rate each property, consider:
- The neighborhood
- The property curbside appeal
- First impression when you enter the home
- Property finish out
- Repairs needed, if any
- Size of home relative to your needs
After viewing a property, please rank properties by 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th purchase choice. Any property that slips to 5th or higher should be discarded.
When a lender tells you that you may be able to get into a home for no money down, they do not mean you will not need any money to purchase/close on a property. Oftentimes buyers confuse “No Money Down” with the thought that they will not need any money. This is far from the truth. Typically, to purchase a home, the buyer will need funds for earnest money, termination option and/or inspections.
With this in mind, when a lender says “No Money Down”, they typically mean you may be eligible for 100% financing using one of many lender programs that may be available.
Closing costs are expenses that cover fees associated with the transfer of property ownership, fees paid to state and local governments, and the costs of obtaining a mortgage loan. Some of these fees are negotiable, and could be paid by either the buyer or the seller. Some costs are one-time fees (non-recurring closing costs, such as title search, termite inspection, appraisal, etc.); while other fees such as homeowner’s insurance or property taxes are things you will expect to continue to pay on a regular basis as a homeowner. As part of the loan selection process, your mortgage consultant should give you an idea of how much money you should have in reserve to cover your end of these costs. The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) requires the lender to provide you with a Good Faith Estimate within three days of the submission of your loan application. RESPA also states that as a home buyer, you have the legal right to request a copy of the HUD-1 Settlement Statement 24 hours before your closing is scheduled. The HUD-1 clearly defines all closing costs, including those that are to be paid by the buyer and the seller. It’s a good idea to have both of these forms before your closing so you can compare the estimated costs to the actual costs before you finalize your transaction.
- Loan Pre-Approval Letter or Letter of Funds Availability from Loan Officer / CPA / Financial Advisor / Bank.
- Earnest Money
- Termination Option Fee (for existing homes)
- Inspection Fees
Mechanical Inspection
WDI (Wood Destroying Insect) Inspection - Down Payment
Minimums: FHA– 3.5%; Conv – 5 to 10% of Sales Price - Closing Costs (loan origination, title insurance, prepaids -taxes/insurance)
Ranges from 3-6% depending on price of property. Consult lender for more accurate amount.
Most real estate agents work for a broker as independent contractors and are 100% commission based. Typically, the commissions are paid at closing by the seller (i.e., owner, builder, bank, etc.) to the broker then distributed to the agent based on either a percentage commission split with the broker or full commission less a transaction fee. This is true even if the agent you are working with has signed a buyer representation agreement with you. However, a real estate transaction can be negotiated any number of ways, and that includes the possibility that the buyer could end up paying some or all of the sales commission.
Since most real estate agents work solely on commission and have expenses and financial obligations just like you, your loyalty is much appreciated. Most agents will respond with a sincere commitment to servicing your needs.
Note: Typical, Seller Closing Costs: $150,000 Property; 6% commission paid on Sales Price = $9,000 plus title policy, property taxes year-to-date, legal fees and processing fees. These additional fees on average are 2.5 -3% of Sales price or $4500. So, Seller’s Estimated Closing Costs are $13,500. Keep this in mind, when considering the notion of having the Seller additionally pay your closing costs.
Broker represents the seller & the buyer and provides only factual information and no advice to either party; shall treat both parties honestly; shall not disclose if seller will take a lower price or if buyer will pay more than submitted offer; and may not disclose confidential information.
Broker represents the owner and must place the interest of the owner first; buyer should not tell owner’s agent anything they do not want the owner to know because owner’s agent must disclose any material information known to owner.
Broker represents the buyer and must place the interest of the buyer first; owner should not tell buyer’s agent anything they do not want the buyer to know because buyer’s agent must disclose any material information known to buyer.
*When you call our vendors, please mention that you were referred by Gillian Cunningham Realty Group. Thank you!
