Home Buying
Total questions 6000
What questions should a first-time home buyer ask during the open houses or home showings?
Back in 1999 I purchase my first property using a realtor my wife and I decide on after some basic research. The property was a...
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What fees are included with closing costs?
Usually closing cost will include orgination fees, discount points, lenders fees,escrow fees, credit report cost, title insurance...
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What is the average cost of a new house survey?
cost of a survey is based on the per square feet of the house which usually range up to $80 through $200 per square feet.
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What are the benefits of buying foreclosed homes?
The obvious benefit is that you are purchasing a distressed property that has to be sold because of an unfortunate financial...
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If a house has evidence of termite tunnels in the garage but not inside the house is this a serious problem to reject a house?
It should not be a problem as long as the home has been inspected and you have a termite bond then there should not be a...
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Is it better to buy a single family or multi family home?
The answer depends on your life goals and style. Single? Middle-aged and childless? Retiring and traveling? For a place to live,...
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What steps do you need to take when buying a home with cash?
If buying on contract get title insurance. Buyers have made payments for years only to find that the seller did not have clear...
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What books would you suggest for the first time home buyer or anyone who just wants to learn more about the home buying process?
Maybe one or more of these interesting books might help make the whole homebuying ordeal a little less stressful. The 106...
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How do you get a clear deed to 'paid in full' property when the seller dies before it can be transferred?
In general practice a sale of land is a single transaction supervised by an attorney with the consideration being given over IN...
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Is it a good idea to buy and would there be any problems buying a house that had mold mildew window and roof leakage that has been fixed?
Buying a home is often better than renting. If there is any type of mold or mildew situation, please get an inspection before you...
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As a buyer what questions should you ask regarding the electrical wiring of a house over 40 yrs old?
The questions are the same for a house that may be only 40 days or less old. Is the wiring adequate for your needs. Is the wiring...
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Can an illegal immigrant be deeded a home that they purchased on contract?
Yes, just because you are a immigrant (illegal), doesn't mean you can't buy something. A contract is legal and binding. If i go...
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As a first time homeowner are you responsible for repair that was not caught by inspection?
A home inspection is limited to readily accessible areas of the building and is limited to visual observations of apparent...
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What is a seller's concession?
It works like this: suppose you agree on the price of the house at, say, $200,000. You then ask the seller for a 3% seller...
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Is a sale agreement binding if the owner of the house signs it?
Atnswer All legal contracts are written with the purpose of binding the parties. Contracts voided within the terms of the...
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After you get a list of parcel numbers how do you go about buying the deed or deeds?
It depends where you live, although it's similar everywhere.
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How do you find out who is the owner of another home?
Contact the County Assessors office where you live. Property records are public information (to some extent). Some Assessors...
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What is a survey for a new house and is it necessary to have it done?
A survey is a detailed map/plot of the general layout of your home and lot. It contains all of your homes boundaries. It also...
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How do you estimate the cost per square foot of a home?
You need to pull a report of the homes for sale in your area. You can do this by visiting one of the sites on the web that offer...
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What is the penalty for a time share abandonment in Florida?
The penalty will depend upon your contract. It could range from a negative report on your credit rating, to various penalties...
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What rights do you have for guaranteeing an empty house on settlement?
I'm not totally sure I understand your question. If you could clarify, it would help. If you're purchasing a house and the...
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Is there a legal way to break a lease if you want to buy a house?
Join the military. When you get official orders transfering you out of the area, the landlord has to release you from the lease...
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If your lawyer never offically transfered the deed of your dad's house to you can you begin the sales process without that document or can you file for emergency transfer in New York?
Property cannot be sold, partitioned, refinanced, etc. without having a clear title. The party involved must contact the attorney...
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How do you find out if a home is for sale?
Talk to the homeowner's association, or go to city hall. Answer Ask any real estate agent. They all have access to the same...
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What are your legal options if you just found black mold in a house you bought 2 weeks ago?
If the black mold is inside the walls and you can't see it anywhere else then it is doubtful the former owners knew about it and...
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How do you find out if there is a lien on a property?
You could go to the county clerk office and do some research there, or another is to call a title company and have them do a...
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Can an illegal alien buy a house in the U.S. if he or she pays cash?
I believe so. No financing will be involved so you'll not have to document your residency status in the US to a lender. Answer...
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If you have a contract to buy a house how can you legally break that contract?
If the offer or contract was prepared by a competent real estate agent or attorney, it should contain a number of stipulations...
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How do you make a seller and realtor financially responsible if they sell you a house with many undisclosed latent defects?
Usually there is nothing you can do about it. But, if it is a new house, you might want to go and see the homeowner's association...
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If someone buys a house with someone else and one of them refuses to pay their half what are their rights?
If the two of you all have a written contract then you can take that person to a small claims court and sue for the unpaid...
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How do you find real estate transactions in Alabama?
The county court registers the transfer, and the sale of property in that county.
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If the buyers of your home wish to purchase some of your furniture should this be in writing and do you need a lawyer for this subject?
No, you do not need a lawyer to sell furniture. It is usually separate from the home sale, although executed at the same time. It...
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How old can you be to purchase a home in New Jersey?
You need to be at least 18 (or a legally emancipated minor) to enter into a contract, such as a home purchase. There is no upper...
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Is it a bad idea to buy a 40-year-old condo?
The best way to answer that question is to ask yourself, "Is this condo in good condition?" If the condo is in good shape, then...
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If buying a house in Queensland with rental tenants in place on a contract can the buyer break the lease if they wish to move into the property?
It's best to discuss this with the realtor or a lawyer, but the usual protocol is an agreement at the time you purchase the home...
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Will foreclosure keep you from buying a house in the future?
It's better to sign the house back to the financer to save them the trouble of going through foreclosure, just for their...
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Can a 17-year-old buy their own apartment in their name?
Might depend on where you live and what the age of majority is there. Getting financing (mortgage) to buy the apartment might be...
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Can you buy a home after filing for bankruptcy?
Hi. There are "No Credit Check Mortgages" but they have a higher interest rate and you have to put 25% down on the price of a...
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How do you transfer real estate?
Title is transfered by the conveyance and acceptance of a deed. Answer If you are trying to just transfer a title then you...
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How does the mortgage company know if you are married or not?
They can do a credit check on you or check the electrol role to see if you have any financial links to any body else or share a...
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Are prepaids considered closing costs?
Prepaids are actually pre-paid interest. If you negotiate in the purchase agreement that the seller is to pay for the buyer's...
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How should you buy a home if you are a first-time home buyer?
Call a real estate agent. Remember that fees for his/her service are paid by the seller. If you are a first time buyer with no...
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Can a property in two names be forced to sell under a one name personal guarantee?
no way. State laws are uniform with this. it didn't used to be this way, because if you are married it is one thing, or another.
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When a Buyer's Agent and a Seller's Agent are both involved in a home purchase who gets a commission and who pays it?
The seller pays the fee and the commision is split 50% between the two. Answer The seller pays for it and the split is not...
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Can you sell your home while in Chapter 13 and keep the profits to buy a replacement home?
Not without permission from the court.
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What closing costs can a seller legally pay for a buyer?
The underwriting requirements of a mortgage you may be taking to buy the property have restrictions that dictate the percentage...
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Are your checking and savings accounts just as important to a lender as your credit score when purchasing a home?
Yes and no. One of the factors affecting your scenario would be assets and "seasoning", meaning how long have you had the money...
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Are there any programs that give down payment assistance for a vehicle like they have for buying a house?
New Answer There is a program that assists anyone in the country with borrowing cash for a down payment. There is a great loan...
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How do you start the process of buying a house as a cosigner for a daughter and granddaughter in Dundalk Maryland?
Call a reputable mortgage loan company. Answer You would be brought into the purchase as a co-owner of the property and...
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Is it possible to buy a home after filing chapter 13 then chapter 7 bankruptcy?
Yes, it is possible but there are circumstances. Time is a big factor, that is how much time has passed since the chapter 7 was...
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What kind of a credit score do you need to get a 1.0 interest rate if you are interested in purchasing a home in California?
1.0 interest rate does not exist
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How much per square foot should you pay for a new home in Arizona?
$125-$225 a square foot.
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Can you purchase a home with a work permit as proof of residency status?
This is a very involved question, but anyone that is considered an adult of sound mind, and is able to enter into a contract can...
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How much does a pool add to your resale value in Florida?
It depends on the size, age and condition of the pool, whether it's enclosed and how much decking is around it. If the pool is...
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With a Credit score of 530 and a foreclosure 2 years old and a Bankruptcy discharged 6 years ago Can you buy a house?
Sorry for being the bearer of bad tidings, but with the credit history described procuring a loan would not be likely. It is...
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What should you do when the property owner died before the sale of his home was complete and what can the beneficiaries do if the property is still in his name?
I'm a bit confused, however, if the deceased named beneficiaries pertaining to the property, then there had to have been a will....
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What is the minimum down payment necessary if you have filed bankruptcy but previously had been a home owner for twenty years?
In some cases Zero down! There are many programs that will assist you by paying your down payment and closing costs then rolling...
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How can you compare the cost of living between two cities?
Comparing COLA "Use the bankrate.com calculator to compare the cost of living between U.S. cities. Select the city you're in...
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If you just sold your home in Texas and did not put all of the profit into your new home will you have to pay something at tax time?
According to the IRS, you don't have report capital gains if you made a profit of 250,000 (if you're single) or 500,000 (if...
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Do you get your deposit back if you cannot get financing?
Usually you can get your deposit back if nothing improper (i.e. failure to perform by you)is done by you. Check your agreement of...
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If you want to buy a house in Arizona that has 3 mortgages on it and the previous owners declared chapter 13 bankruptcy on all three do you assume all 3 mortgages if you assume the senior loan?
You have to look at the bankruptcy file and also review the Chapter 13 plan to determine the status of the other two mortgages. ...
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Do buyers or sellers pay commissions to real estate brokers?
Depending upon the state in which the transaction takes place, either party may pay a brokerage fee. Disclosure and agreement of...
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Can a seller transfer a deed to the buyer if a federal tax lien is against the property and can the property be settled?
NO. You cannot transfer the ownership of the property UNTIL the lein is paid off, in full.
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What if you and your boyfriend are buying a house and he wants only his name on the loan and deed but you're both to pay the mortgage and when we sell how are you protected to get half of the equity?
Unless your name is on the mortgage, a lien, or listed with a subordination agreement recognized by the mortgage holder, you will...
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On average how much would it cost to furnish a house with three bedrooms and two baths?
THAT DEPENDS ON YOUR STYLE OF DECORATION AND HOW MUCH MONEY YOU HAVE TO SPEND. SOME PEOPLE GO TOP DOLLAR ON EVERYTHING AND SPEND...
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What should you do if you live in Florida and own a home with your fiance and he is leaving the state and refuses to sell home but you don't want to keep it?
The only thing I could suggest is that if you are considering moving with your soon to be husband is to possibly rent it out to...
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What is the average price for a house in 2008?
50 cents if your lucky and its foreclosed
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Can you sell your home after you've been dismissed from bankruptcy?
Yes
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Can you buy a house with no job but a good down payment?
No, you can't. When Buying a home you will need two years of empolyment history, and it is not good if you are job hopping, That...
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If your friend bought a house with her boyfriend and her name is the primary and they broke up how can she switch the name of the primary to his name if he wants the house and she is moving out?
If everything else is ok, simply have all parties fill out a "quit-claim deed" and file it at the county recorders office. If...
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How do you sell the house of a deceased person?
The executor of their estate is responsible for this, an executor is usually appointed by the probate court. They have power of...
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Can you sell your house with a lien on it?
Yes, but as part of the settlement the lien will be considered and the buyers agent and especially the mortgage company will...
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Where can you find an example of a quitclaim deed?
It's called a "quick" claim deed. Google the phrase using the correct term...should be lots of info on the internet. A...
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What is the purpose of a home seller's concession?
Seller-paid concessions, when used properly, can mean the difference between closing a home sale and losing one. A concession is...
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What is the average cost of a new home in 2005?
3-bed 2-bath $180,000
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Can you break the contract for a co-op?
Depends on what the contract states.
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If you bought a house in April with equity in the property can you refinance now or do you have to wait a year?
The strict answer to the question is YES. The practical answer is - it depends on how much equity you have int he house, and how...
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If there is money left over from the seller's concession that is put into the price of the house by the buyer who gets the remaining money that is technically put into the purchase price?
In my experience words like "concessions" and "incentives" can be used rather loosely. Real estate transactions are often...
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If you buy your first home can you ask for an extra amount at the bank closing for paying credit card bills?
Not at the closing. You need to discuss this at the time of loan application, or be prepared to do parts of the application...
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What is the average price for a house in Colorado?
The average price for a house depends on the are in which you live. Many times you find this online by typing in the search bar...
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What should your credit score be for a first-time home purchase?
The higher the score, the cheaper your loan will be. 700+ will get you the cheapest prime rates advertised in the paper. ...
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How long do you have to wait in Canada before purchasing a house after bankruptcy?
I think it stays on your credit for 7 years, but you may be able to do an assumable mortgage with minimal money down
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Can you purchase a home before your divorce is final?
It depends on what state you are in i think. I know that in the state of Arizona you cant divorce has to be finally or other...
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What is a quick deed transfer?
If you mean a "Quit Claim Deed". Here's your answer. For instance if you own a house and you just want out of it, no money, just...
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How do you estimate square footage?
Square footage is the length of your room times the width. For a circular room, measure the diameter (length across the...
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How long and how wide is an acre in feet?
An acre is defined as 43,560 square feet, or ten square chains (a chain is 66 feet long). The dimensions can be any width and...
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How does a person buy a house that has a tax lien against it?
just like any other house you just hve to pay the tax lien to who evers holding it against the house
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How do you add your name to a grant deed?
To become an additional named owner in a deed, you would need to have someone prepare a new deed to be signed by the current...
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What is a carriage home?
what is a carriage home?
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Can a married couple take out a joint mortgage even if the wife is not working?
YES. AS LONG AS YOUR CREDIT IS NOT HINDERING THE LOAN. THESE DAYS IT IS ALL ABOUT FICO SCORES. E
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How do you add a name to your property or home title?
To add someone to the title to your home, you should contact an attorney. Most often a simple quit claim deed is prepared...
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If you took out a conventional mortgage when can your rent out the property?
after 1 year
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What is the crime rate in Lefferts Garden Brooklyn?
High
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What is the name of a framed building covered with brick?
Some will refer to the property as a brick house while others will say it is brick faced. The structural integrity is mostly...
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How long after writing a contract can you expect to close on a home?
if all goes well you should be able to close in 30 days Answer It will also depend upon when the parties want to close...
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If your father is selling his house and you would like to buy it but have credit scores in the mid-500's is it possible for him to cosign your loan?
yes. if he is willing but why pay someone else the interest. let him finance it for you and save a bundle - ubless he needs the...
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Can a French citizen buy a house in the US?
any person with money and will to buy a house in usa can. talk to a real estate agent you will be surprised of how many options...
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After a Chapter 7 bankruptcy can a previous lender attach a lien to a new property purchased?
Not if the debt was officially discharged in the bankruptcy.
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If you have a credit score with the lower being 511 and are trying to buy a house and would be a first time buyer with no money down are there any programs in which you may qualify?
try going to lending tree.com or these types of services because they will pull credit one time and allow 100's of lenders bid on...
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To whom does the listing broker owe direct fiduciary responsibility?
The listing broker is contracted to the seller, is an agent of the seller and owes fiduciuary responsibility to the seller.
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