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Blog entries tagged with "fees":
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Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers
and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and
blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to
our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain
Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members
of this community.
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Traditionally, no one can receive a commission on a real estate sale unless they are a licensed agent working through a brokerage… but this is going to change now. 
I am wondering if there is anyone out there that feels the same way about the National/Local Association of Realtors as I do. I feel that the dues are far too much and in return we receive nothing worthwhile aside from the MLS. Joining the MLS without the association seems like … (7 comments)
SENDERRA COMMERCIAL FUNDING
This last week I had the (1st) opportunity to get burned by a buyer. She was under an Exclusive Right to Represent contract (she totally understood the contract because she questioned it line upon line which I diligently explained to her. After showing her 25+ homes over a 3 week period, I called her after … (60 comments)
The News Is Buzzing....
When it comes to buying a home, you may have quite a number of fees associated with your closing. You need to determine which fees are associated with your lender and which fees are associated with buying the home. Then you can review the fees to see if you are paying … (0 comments)
Many people call around looking for the best rate they can get. Ironically they don't realize all the harm they are doing by trying to shop their loan for themselves. The term Broker means just that. A broker takes down the basic pertinent information used to determine rates and fees and … (0 comments)
Sticker shock for buying that first house must also extend to the closing costs fpr many people. I just sent a rough estimate to a prospect I am working with so he can plan his finances. Many times sellers will help out with a concession at closing. However, many of the … (4 comments)
That's What I'm Hearing...
Many 1st-time buyers are unaware of the additional costs that are incurred when closing a Real Estate transaction, with the exception of the down payment. There are several costs that you will need to be aware and have funds set aside for, as closing costs can accumilate to the tune of about 3-5% … (2 comments)
How much does your Homeowner's Association charge to provide current information to Title Companies and prospective buyers during the escrow process? If the deal falls through, do you still have to pay for it? Is there a separate processing fee in addition to the transfer fee?
Chances are, most homeowners won't … (7 comments)
By: David N. Slavin, ABR, SRES www.SellMyHouseDave.com 
I just finished a blog from a Realtor in Florida and was concerned about some of her misconceptions of the mortgage industry. I have quoted her here and would like to respond to what she said, one item at a time. Her comments are in italic.
If you want to lessen … (10 comments)
Fannie Mae outlined on Tuesday a new pricing policy aimed at helping the mortgage finance giant gird against increased credit risks and losses from home loans it buys from mortgage lenders, but the changes could end up squeezing out many borrowers.
The following deansguide article presents Thomas Musil and his idea that virtual deals may some day replace real estate agents. Although I do not see this happening anytime soon, Musil's posit is both interesting and informative at the same time. Tell me what you think?
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I finally completed my personalized website. I used google sites to design it (it's free) and signed up with Go Daddy for the domain. I decided to make it a little different and gear it towards easy reading and funny pictures to brighten up someones day. Because, people who are facing … (0 comments)
It is much more cost-efficient to trade Forex in terms of both commissions and transaction fees. Most Forex Brokers charge no commissions or fees whatsoever, while still offering traders access to all relevant market information and trading tools. In contrast, commissions for stock trades range from $7.95-$29.95 per trade with online … (0 comments)
The Federal Reserve approved HOEPA which amends Regulation Z Truth in Lending requirements. The new rules take effect on October 1, 2009, except for the escrow requirement, which will take effect in 2010. Regulation Z has protects people from unfair and deceptive predatory lending, but NEW to the mix are the … (0 comments)
Everyone wants to be a homeowner. But does everyone want to pay the fees? I'm not talking about mortgage, closing costs, or insurance. I'm talking about the (seemingly) little things that go under the radar. Yes, today we're talking about those three dreaded words:
I am sure many of you are anxiously awaiting the Omnibus Housing Bill that recently passed through the house. Hopefully it will soon be passed by the Senate, and then signed off by the President. Here is what I have been hearing about the bill and how it can help get … (1 comments)
In my recently completed survey of home stagers, I asked a series of questions in which I asked respondents to indicate How Difficult it was to find useful information on...
In Utah, all it takes to be a home inspector is to call yourself one.
One of my escrow officers just sent me an email telling me the Riverside County is raising it's recording fees. I also hear that the California State legistalators are proposing (maybe it's already passed) a sizeable increase in the state income stax as well as other massive tax increases to make … (1 comments)
Having been in this business for over 16 years this has to be the only industry that seems to think working for less is the way to get ahead. Having read a recent article in REM it published an article that said income for US Realtors dropped,stating the median income was $42,600. … (0 comments)
MetroBrokersTV: Hi and welcome to Metro Brokers TV. I am Scott Shields, the Communication and
Marketing Director for Metro Brokers. I
am joined today in the studio with Roxie Pool.
Roxie, thank you for coming down today.
When it comes to mortgage loans and interest rates, it's never a good idea to gamble. That's why I typically advise my clients to lock in an interest rate at the earliest opportunity. This is just one step of the standardized system we have put in place to ensure the best … (0 comments)
Hello Everyone,
Common Closing Costs for Buyers
Community Pool
Understanding Points, Rates and Fees There are several additional costs associated with your mortgage 
Now more than ever, I know that we have to be watching our expenses and doing all that we can to make money! But I have a gripe! We are getting out of control with the exorbitant MLS fees some agents are charging! Banks are taking away our commission, we have to … (4 comments)
Are you getting the best deal?
I recently got notice that my single family home Homeowner's Association is considering a $930 capital contribution/move-in fee when you purchase in our neighborhood. The board wants to recoup costs just in case a moving truck breaks common area trees or ruins grass in common areas. Does anyone out there have … (6 comments)
Whoever invented the "S" word should be.......well, maybe not. that is a little harsh. If a client of mine even whispers it under their breath, good-by client. "Maybe another realtor would be more suited for you." To SUE someone takes so much negative energy in my mind. Wasted energy that could … (6 comments)
Mortgage rates have dropped down today with certain special lenders to 5.50% on a 30 year fixed. Hybrid 7/1 ARMS are down to 4.875% (all with 1% origination fee). 
Local governments are being hit with a heavy economic burden with the slowdown in residential real estate. Sizeable reductions in new home construction and demands from the state of Florida requiring local governments to cut back their budgets are taking their toll. Fewer permits being pulled for new home construction means … (0 comments)
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans have become an extremely popular choice recently for Americans looking to buy a new home, or refinance an existing home. In fact, according to the FHA, the total volume of FHA loans has reportedly tripled in the last year alone - but why?In recent years, the … (4 comments)
I love technology but I am crippled by it many times. Technology is supposed to help us out, save us time and make things easier..... I took a trip to San Diego to visit relatives recently and I ended up taking a trip back to a simpler time and I was … (0 comments)
… (0 comments)
I admire all of the Real Estate agents in the industry. I feel that it is often overlooked the amount of money it costs an agent to remain in business. The standard for a Real Estate agent has always been a 3% commission. To a consumer that means that they are … (3 comments)
Since this is the busy season I am looking for a way to blog, and save time. I am going to try something new (for me). I am going to put my blog comments that are out of the rain, into a post here. 
Some comments on my blog make me laugh sometimes. I wrote a something yesterday discussing agent mobility and several agents commented about how they are and have been mobile - AWESOME. A few comments from some centered around commission splits and negatively pointing out that more tools equate lower splits to agents … (32 comments)
Today in the Miami Herald, http://www.miamiherald.com/ one more problem is taking front page for South Florida condo owners. It seems that an increasing number of condo owners are not paying the association fee, this put the remaining owners in a very tight squeeze. In a very extreme case 90% of the owners … (0 comments)
AVERAGE AMERICANS SPENT 26.5 HOURS PREPARING TAXES
We get calls here at Indigo Financial Group inquiring about our rates. I don't give them. Why? Well, there is so much that goes into the decision on rate that it would be an injustice to give one over the phone. 
I love the Active Rain community and I love your opinions. Active Rain is the number 1 place on the internet to get good professional opinions. I say this because my research on the articles that have been posted demonstrate a level of knowledge about our Real Estate and Mortgage industry … (13 comments)
I know what you're thinking, "Chaz, what in the world is the Tax Effective Payment??? I've never heard of that before!"
The City of Sacramento has created a Rental Inspection Program. All rental units in the city will be charged a $28 annual fee and will be subject to annual inspections. There is a self certification element to it as well.
A loan's interest rate is only half the information
When buying a home, you pay for more than just physical property at the closing table. You also pay a series of charges. Commonly, homebuyers lump all of these charges under the heading of "closing costs". 
Well by now I'm sure most of you have heard about the proposed impact fee increase in Anne Arundel county. But for those who have not.......Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold has proposed an increase in impact fees. These are fees paid by builders to the county for infrastructure upgrades. The fees are then passed on … (0 comments)
Do you know that a realtor does not make 6% of the sales price? When 2 different agents/brokers represent the parties in a real estate transaction (which is what happens most of the time), each side gets 3%. That 3% is then reduced in many ways.
I've written a number of articles on the mortgage merge account, or mortgage checking account and there are new names for this technique being created by new MLM's every day. It's one of the fastest growing undercurrents in America. The big question, is it really worth the money your friends are … (14 comments)
Many clients ask about the cost of lawyers & notaries & I happened to get a price list in my mailbox the other day. I thought I'd share the prices for some of the more common services so everyone has an idea of what to expect when they go to a … (2 comments)
… (3 comments)
Over the past few years, consumers have become much more reliant on doing research on the Internet. 
Many lenders and brokers make promises to their customers that they can not keep. The problem occurs when the customer goes to close the loan and is surprised by additional fees that were not disclosed initially by the lender. 
You might first be asking what is a Discount Broker? These are real estate brokers or agents that will give you large discounts or breaks for their services. There are thousands of different variations of a discount broker but that is the basic concept. 
Changes.. They ARE happening in the mortgage business without question! The most recent announcement from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is an important one. In the last few months there has been a lot of mentioning the 'Re-pricing of Risk'... Their announcement was about new 'Delivery Fees' that will be charged … (1 comments)
In the future automated parking garages will certainly be everywhere, as robotic cars approach they will automatically sync with the automatic parking garages and be guided in like the Shuttle Craft of the Star Ship Enterprise. Sounds too way out for you? Well it shouldn't as we already have several automatic … (1 comments)
Washington Post (12/14/07) P. D1; Cho, DavidSenate legislation to revamp the Federal Housing Administration mortgage program has finally moved out of committee and is expected to be passed in the next couple of days when it comes up for a full floor vote. The bill would reduce the required down payment … (1 comments)
Good Faith Estimates How accurate should a GFE be? Are consumers more interested in interest rate or fees?Recently a client of mine received a GFE from a broker I am unfamiliar with. On the GFE there were the fees.$500 - underwriting fee$450 - application fee$300 - processing fee$850 - loan origination fee$1200 … (14 comments)
That is my question to all of you agents out there. Everything in this business is dues and membership. I was in law enforcement for several years and once you were certified on something then thats it you were certified. You had to keep up with updates but there were no … (2 comments)
… (0 comments)
Dear AR members ... I would like to get a simple sampling on the following question:
November 17th, 2007 Options Realty
Buyer Agency Agreements and Listing agreements are often times filled out in advance by agents who may present the information to you as if you have no other choice. Not reading or full understanding what you're signing can leave a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. Surf through any message … (2 comments)
How to Evaluate Real Estate Franchises
A client called yesterday about a legal issue. I couldn't answer his question and suggested he call his lawyer. He bemoaned the fact that each time he calls, "the clock is ticking". So I called my own lawyer and received a timely (and free) answer to his question.It made me think … (5 comments)
all realtors are required to belong to a local association and the national association as well. we just received the bill for our 2008 dues and the first question that arose in my mind was what value am i going to receive for these fees?
Overdraft Loans Trap Borrowers in Debt
Property management plays an integral part when one is investing in real estate. I have gone through my bad shares of poor property management as some of you can also attest to based on your own past experiences. I found that some companies will charge low management fees but in the end … (2 comments)
Is it Worth Paying
Points and Fees?
I'm interested to hear about everyones experience with HOA document fees.
We have all heard the countless advertisements and discussions on home loans with absolutely no fees. In fact, there is a discussion post as to why the lenders don't pay the fees themselves. The later is a whole different topic. I want to enter into the debate now of whether it's … (2 comments)
In a highly competitive industry like real estate, what reasons would a seller have for going it alone? Not surprisingly, the majority of unrepresented sellers choose to sell By Owner in order to avoid paying a commission. Before traveling the For Sale By Owner route, consider the following question. Would you … (0 comments)
That's what one site is proposing.
I recently posted the following blog and I just wanted to say THANK YOU to Active Rain and to all of you who responded. I am extremely passionate about Keller Williams and I can't say enough about it. In case you missed it, we're still running the contest, so please call … (0 comments)
By Debby Lisella, REALTOR
Prudential Carruthers REALTORS
You’ve found your dream home, the seller has accepted your offer, your loan has been approved and you’re eager to move into your new home. But before you get the key, there’s one more step—the closing.
Also called the settlement, the closing is the … (0 comments)
REALTORS!!! 
SalesEscrow Fee: $1.75 per Thousand + $200.00 Base FeeSeller's Fees: $150.00 Processing FeeBuyer's Fees: $250.00 Loan Tie-In FeeCourier Fees (Varies by Service Provider)Miscellaneous Fees (Request Estimate for Specific Transaction)Grant Deed - included in Seller Processing FeeOrdering Demands - included in Seller Processing Fee (up to 2 Payoff Lenders) Additional cost for … (0 comments)
Whether you are buying or selling your home fees are an inevitable part of the closing process. What do they all mean though and are they all really necessary?Unfortunately when you are dealing with real estate there are always going to be fees and closing costs involved in the process. Even … (4 comments)
What are some of the fees associated with a mortgage? The mortgage fees can be confusing, and downright frustrating with some lenders. The more you know, the more you can potentially save yourself in unnecessary wasted money. What fees you should be wary of? "What are all the misc fees? These fees are are third-party vendor fees, the … (0 comments)
There are lots of fees that you'll have to pay during the closing. RESPA allows the borrower to request to see the HUD-1 Settlement Statement that shows all actual charges imposed on borrower in connection with the settlement at least one day before the settlement. If you see a charge that doesn't … (2 comments)
Question: Why use an agent, when you can do it all yourself, and potentially save thousands? What is a Realtor's value in today's market? Answerer: Quality representation and good advice is worth every cent.
Thomas R. in Atlanta, GA writes, Stephen, I'm getting ready to buy my fourth house. On each of my last 3 deals, more money was required than was indicated on my Good Faith Estimate. What should I be looking for to get an accurate estimate? Thomas, the lender should include all … (0 comments)