Questions

• Q: If I need help with my down pmt…can my parents or a family member gift me the money needed for the down pmt, closing costs, & pre-paid items?

  A: On FHA, VA, RD (the government loans)…..YES!
  On Conventional…yes but the first 5% must come from and directly be sourced from the actual buyer(s).

  Credit: Russ Ogden, Nola Lending Group LLC

• Q: Due to the economy many potential home buyers may have some credit issues…What if filed Chapter 13 bankruptcy? How long do I have to wait before I can get qualified for a home loan?
  1. Conventional loan…48 months after discharge.
  2. FHA loan…12 months after discharge.
  3. VA loan…12 months after discharge.
  4. RD loan…36 months after discharge.

  Credit: Russ Ogden, Nola Lending Group LLC

• Q: Can you show me house listed by another realtor?

  A: The answer is Yes. the brokers inside our MLS all cooperate with each other and I always suggest you have your own representation. It is similar to an attorney trying to represent both the defendant and the plaintiff.

• Q: Can I bring a personal check to closing?

  A: Purchasers will need certified funds/ cashiers check for closing Attorney will usually let you know 24 hours prior to close what the amount will be. A good mortgage lender will also give you a heads up about an estimated amount and then follow this through to the closing.

• Q: What mortgage fees should I see on my GFE or Fees Worksheet?

  A:

  1. Appraisal…approx $400
  2. Lender Fees (for processing, underwriting, flood cert, etc)…approx $995
  3. Attorney Fees include: Closing fee $400-600, Lender’s Title coverage…generally $3 per 1000 ($100k home may be $500), Owner’s title $300-600 pending size of loan (this fee is optional), and recording or releasing fees $35-100.
  4. Interest due…this depends on the date of closing and is your interest due until your first due date.
  5. Hazard Insurance Premium…this is your full annual premium on your home owner’s policy.  On a purchase you pay for your first year in advance.  If a refinance…it depends when you yearly premium is due.  If your monthly premium is $100/month. This would total $1200 due at your loan close.
  6. Hazard Insurance Reserves…this is your home owner’s cushion to start your new escrow account. Where the lender will be paying your next year’s premium by the collection of your escrow account. If $100…2-3 months of reserves are generally required…so $200-300.
  7. Property Tax Reserves…Taxes are due in arrears…so depends on the time of year and the amount of your yearly tax bill on your property.  General estimate is $500-$1500.
  8. Aggregate adjustment…this is an adjustment pending the months collected and when premiums are due. This is a negative number…and will slightly reduce your costs on escrow account.

  In today’s tougher economic times…you can negotiate a certain % of closing costs to be paid by the seller. So–if you are buying a property…always have your realtor discuss how much closing costs can be negotiated to be paid by the seller.  If you are going for a rock bottom price…odds are the seller will be less likely to pay all or some of your closing costs. BIG POINT–it doesn’t hurt to ask!

  Closing costs and pre-paids (listed above in #1-#8…are very dependent on the size of the loan)…generally $2500-6500 can be expected in closing costs & pre-paid items (setting up your escrow).

  Credit: Russ Ogden, Nola Lending Group LLC

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