FINANCING - CLOSING

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I'VE APPLIED FOR MY LOAN?

Answer: It usually takes a lender between 1-6 weeks to complete the evaluation of your application. Its not unusual for the lender to ask for more information once the application has been submitted. The sooner you can provide the information, the faster your application will be processed. Once all the information has been verified the lender will call you to let you know the outcome of your application. If the loan is approved, a closing date is set up and the lender will review the closing with you. And after closing, you'll be able to move into your new home.

FIND A MORTGAGE FOR YOUR HOME BY STATE:

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
D.C.
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

WHAT MAKES UP CLOSING COST?

Answer: There may be closing cost customary or unique to a certain locality, but closing cost are usually made up of the following:

  Attorney's or escrow fees (Yours and your lender's if applicable)
  Interest (paid from date of closing to 30 days before first monthly payment)
  Property taxes (to cover tax period to date)
  Loan Origination fee (covers lenders administrative cost)
  Survey fee
  Recording fees
  First premium of mortgage Insurance (if applicable)
  Loan discount points
  Title Insurance (yours and lender's)
  First payment to escrow account for future real estate taxes and insurance
  Any documentation preparation fees
  Paid receipt for homeowner's insurance policy (and fire and flood insurance if applicable)

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR DURING THE FINAL WALK-THROUGH?

Answer: This will likely be the first opportunity to examine the house without furniture, giving you a clear view of everything. Check the walls and ceilings carefully, as well as any work the seller agreed to do in response to the inspection. Any problems discovered previously that you find uncorrected should be brought up prior to closing. It is the seller's responsibility to fix them.

WHAT DO I GET AT CLOSING?

  Truth-in-Lending Statement
  Settlement Statement, HUD-1 Form (itemizes services provided and the fees charged; it is filled out by the closing agent and must be given to you at or before closing)
  Mortgage Note
  Binding Sales Contract (prepared by the seller; your lawyer should review it)
  Mortgage or Deed of Trust
  Keys to your new home

WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO HAPPEN ON CLOSING DAY?

Answer: You'll present your paid homeowner's insurance policy or a binder and receipt showing that the premium has been paid. The closing agent will then list the money you owe the seller (remainder of down payment, prepaid taxes, etc.) and then the money the seller owes you (unpaid taxes and prepaid rent, if applicable). The seller will provide proofs of any inspection, warranties, etc.

Once you're sure you understand all the documentation, you'll sign the mortgage, agreeing that if you don't make payments the lender is entitled to sell your property and apply the sale price against the amount you owe plus expenses. You'll also sign a mortgage note, promising to repay the loan. The seller will give you the title to the house in the form of a signed deed.

You'll pay the lender's agent all closing costs and, in turn,he or she will provide you with a settlement statement of all the items for which you have paid. The deed and mortgage will then be recorded in the state Registry of Deeds, and you will be a homeowner.

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