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Closing Fees For Purchasing Real Estate

Helping make real estate dreams come true


 Closing Costs Checklist


The cost of buying a property goes beyond simply paying the price negotiated between the buyer and seller.
If you pay cash, you will probably pay less and close faster. If you are taking on a mortgage, the closing costs involved to complete the transaction can range from 2% to 7% of the purchase price.

Fees required vary by state. Here are some of the common fees included in a typical settlement, which will comprise your closing costs:
Fees related to a mortgage loan (if you are borrowing to buy):

    * Loan origination fee
    * Loan discount ("points") - a one-time fee charged by the lender to lower your monthly interest rate
    * Appraisal fee* (the lender usually orders an appraisal to determine the value of the property)
    * Credit Report fee* (for the lender to research your credit rating)
    * Lender's inspection fee* (for walking through the property)
    * Mortgage insurance application fee* (for additional insurance to protect the lender if you default)
    * Assumption fee* (fee to process new documents if a buyer is taking over a seller's mortgage)
    * Underwriting fee (the underwriter or insurer reviews your loan package and gives final approval to close to the lender)

* This fee is usually paid before you meet with the settlement or escrow agent to close the transaction.
Fees a lender requires you to pay in advance:

    * Interest on your mortgage loan from the day of closing to the end of the month.
    * Hazard insurance premium (protection from such hazards, as fire, wind or vandalism)

Amounts that may be deposited on reserve with the lender:

    * Hazard insurance premium for the year (also called "Homeowner's Insurance")
    * Mortgage insurance - the number of months varies
    * City property taxes - usually two months in advance
    * County property taxes - usually two months in advance
    * Annual assessments (cover any updated value placed on the property for tax purposes)

Fees related to the property's title:

    * Closing fee for the settlement agent or attorney (depending on who handles the closing)
    * Document preparation (be sure to ask for details if you are charged for this; also ask about any "courier" fee if imposed)
    * Notary fees (for witnessing signatures on legal documents)
    * Attorney fees (if a lawyer is involved in the title process)
    * Title Insurance - lender's coverage (protects the bank), owner's coverage (guarantees that the buyer has the right to the property)

Transfer and government recording fees:

    * Fee to record (place on public file) the deed, mortgage and any releases
    * County and possible city transfer taxes due on recording of the deed

Additional Settlement fees

    * Pest inspection fee
    * Other miscellaneous fees may include home inspections, land surveys, flood certification, earthquake insurance, radon tests, or lead-paint inspections depending on the location and history of the property.
     *Broker Administration Fee
     *Other Real Estate Agency Fees



Have you received a Notice of Default on your property?  What are your plans?  Do you plan to walk away or do you want to try a Short Sale which has much less damage to your credit and helps you save face? You need a plan of action and if you want to buy some time, stay in the home until it sells and save up some money - then contact:

 Kathleen Lordbock REALTOR/Staging & Short Sale Specialist 

Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes

Don't just walk away - there is hope, there is help!


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