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Costs involved in buying a home

By
Real Estate Agent with Century 21 New Millennium

I work with mostly first-time homebuyers who are not familiar with the process of buying a home and who may be confused about how much money they may need to be able to buy.

DOWN PAYMENT - The minimum down-payment is usually 3.5% of the purchase price.  However, this can range from as little as 0% to as much as 20% of the price depending on the type of loan.  There are some programs available that assist with down-payment.  The Down Payment on your DREAM program in PG County is an example of a down-payment assistance program for first-time home buyers purchasing a vacant foreclosure in the County.

CLOSING COSTS - Closing costs are the costs associated with purchasing the home, acquiring the mortgage, purchasing title insurance, as well as any state or city taxes involved.  These costs vary by location and depending on your mortgage arrangements but usually run between 3% and 6% of the purchase price.  Sometimes arrangements can be made to have the seller assist the buyer with some or all of the closing costs.

EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT - This deposit is submitted with the offer.  The deposit is held in escrow and credited towards the buyer's down payment and/or closing costs.  However, this check is cashed following acceptance of the offer.  The seller may be entitled to the deposit if the buyer defaults on the contract.  This deposit is usually a minimum of 1% of the purchase price and the amount may need to be increased in competitive situations.

HOME INSPECTION - This is paid for by the buyer at the time of inspection.  The costs involved vary depending on the size and purchase price of the home but cost approximately $250-$500.

TERMITE INSPECTION - Many mortgages require a termite inspection.  This can either be billed to the closing company and paid at the settlement table or paid for up front.  The costs range from $35-$55.

OTHER INSPECTIONS - Any additional inspections that the buyer is interested in having done are paid for by the buyer.  These may include radon inspections which can cost between $125 and $200, mold inspections, well water tests, septic system evaluations, chimney inspections, and anything else the buyer is interested in investigating prior to committing to purchase the home.

APPRAISAL - A few lenders will have the appraisal paid for at closing.  However, many lenders will have the buyers pay for this up-front.  That way if something goes wrong with the contract the lender is not stuck with the cost of the appraisal.  This can vary in cost from approximately $350-$550.

 

If you are interested in learning more about purchasing a home  or for more information about the down-payment assistance programs available in Prince George's County, MD don't hesitate to contact me.

Posted by

If you or someone you know would like information about buying, selling, or renting a home in Prince George's, Montgomery,  Charles, Calvert, Anne Arundel, Howard, and/or Baltimore Counties please contact Dr. Stacey-Ann Baugh of Century 21 New Millennium.

 

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Donations made to charity with every successful closing!


Dr. Stacey-Ann Baugh

Century 21 New Millennium

www.LiveinPGCounty.com

staceyannbaugh@gmail.com

240-481-3565 (C)

202-546-0055 (O)

 

FINALLY!  A DOCTOR WHO MAKES HOUSE-CALLS!

 

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed! 

 

 

 

Comments (5)

Susan Neal
RE/MAX Gold, Fair Oaks - Fair Oaks, CA
Fair Oaks CA & Sacramento Area Real Estate Broker

Hi Stacey-Ann, This is an excellent post and good info.  I am amazed to find that occasionally a buyer or seller has no clue at all and their agent has not informed them that these costs will be incurred.

Oct 19, 2009 12:22 PM
Lisa Matykiewicz
United Brokers Group - Gilbert, AZ

Hi Stacey-Ann...good list.  I find that it is so important to spend more time upfront with first time home buyers.  I always want to make sure there are no surprises at closing!

Oct 19, 2009 12:37 PM
1~Judi Barrett
Integrity Real Estate Services 116 SE AVE N, Idabel, OK 74745 - Idabel, OK
BS Ed, Integrity Real Estate Services -IDABEL OK

I  have had several buyers lately that, even though they have purchased a home before, are not prepared for the costs. Good list.

Oct 25, 2009 12:55 AM
Diane Rice
Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL - Lansing, IL
SFR, SRES, CNC

A thorough list that prepares the expectant buyer... very good!  First timers need to understand what it all entails.  Thanks for sharing!

Oct 25, 2009 01:24 AM
Dr. Stacey-Ann Baugh
Century 21 New Millennium - Upper Marlboro, MD
A doctor who makes house calls.

Susan - I am always amazed at how few people know what's involved in buying the home

Lisa - I think even with good faith estimates, etc.  Many buyers are shocked at the amount of money they need to bring at closing

Judi - I think people quickly forget what is involved

Diane - thanks for the reblog

Oct 25, 2009 02:13 AM