Purchasing a Home

STEP 1:

In negotiating the purchase of your new home, the initial step will be to instruct your broker to make an offer of purchase. This offer should be in writing and accompanied by a check (5-10% of the purchase price) to show "good faith." The offer should include:

o    The amount you are willing to pay

o    Closing and occupancy dates

o    Any contingencies, including obtaining of mortgage, building and pest inspections

If the offer is not acceptable, further negotiations are necessary to reach terms agreeable to both buyer and seller

STEP 2:

When buyer and seller agree on terms:

o    The buyer immediately applies for financing and arranges for building and pest inspections

o    The seller arranges with his attorney for the drawing of the contact of sale based on the agreed terms

STEP 3:

The sales contract should include, among otherthings, the following:

o    Purchase price

o    Mortgage contingency, if any

o    Quality of title to be conveyed

o    Itemized list of personal property included in sale

o    Satisfactory building and pest inspection (if desired)

o    POINTS or Loan Origination Fee

o    INTEREST ON THE LOAN. Interest covering the period from date of closing until end of month

o    TITLE INSURANCE. Often the banks require this insurance

o    ATTORNEY'S FEES

o    SURVEY FEES. If not recently surveyed, the Lender or Title Insurance Company may require a registered survey or map showing the location of the house and the boundaries of the property, as well as easements and right of way

o    RECORDING FEES. The buyer usually pays the fee for legally recording the new deed and mortgage

o    ADJUSTMENT COSTS. Paid to seller at closing (where applicable)

o    PEST INSPECTION

o    BUILDING INSPECTION