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Allowable Seller Paid Closing Costs

By
Mortgage and Lending with George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages NMLS #65149

Most Mortgage Loans that I do these days have Seller Paid Closing Cost, this is true even on a purchase where the Buyer has significant assets.  As a result of this, a common question that I am asked all the time from Buyers and Realtors, is how much can they ask the Seller to contribute towards Closing Costs?

Given that I am asked this question almost daily I thought that it maybe useful to provide that information for what seems to be the four major Mortgage Loan Programs these days.  I have provided below a chart that I put together that I believe provides this information in a simple and clear format.

 


NOTE: 

FHA does not allow for Sellers to pay Closing Costs that are paid before the Closing.  For Example many Lenders will collect for the Appraisal Fee, and Application Fee at the time of application, the Buyer cannot be reimbursed these fees later at the Closing by the Seller.  Also Homeowners Insurance if paid by the Buyer before the Closing cannot be reimbursed later at the Closing by the Seller.  These are just a couple of example, but this FHA guideline applies to all fees or expenditures that are paid by the Buyer before the Closing.

The way that a Buyer is able to be reimbursed for fees and expenses that are paid before the Closing, is if they are  doing a Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance Loan (DAP).  In this case FHA will allow the Buyer to role those fees and expenses into the DAP Loan, and be reimbursed the funds at the Closing.

 

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 Info about the author:

George Souto is a Loan Officer who can assist you with all your FHA, CHFA, and Conventional mortgage needs in Connecticut. George resides in Middlesex County which includes Middletown, Middlefield, Durham, Cromwell, Portland, Higganum, Haddam, East Haddam, Chester, Deep River, and Essex. George can be contacted at (860) 573-1308 or gsouto@mccuemortgage.coml

Posted by

George Souto
NMLS# 65149

C (860) 573-1308
CALL 7 Days/Wk
Fax (860) 760-6891

Email Me
About Me
My Blog

I am a Mortgage Loan Officer who can assist you with all your mortgage & refinancing needs in
CT, and RI

I can assist you with your Conventional,
FHA, CHFA, VA, USDA, & 203K loan programs.

I reside in Middlesex County which includes Middletown, Middlefield, Durham, Cromwell, Portland, Haddam. E. Haddam, Higganum, Chester, Essex, Deep River.

 

Comments(8)

Al & Peggy Cunningham, Brokers
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage - Brampton, ON
Our Family Wants To Help Your Family!

It is amazing George how our countries are so similar and so different. Closing cost is one of those that are different. Each side looks after their own closing costs.

Feb 23, 2012 10:05 AM
Marge Piwowarski
Phoenix AZ Horse Property - Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix AZ Horse Property, LLC

George, I needed this one too so again I reblogged and suggested it.  Bet I am not the only one who can benefit here. 

Feb 23, 2012 12:51 PM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Great information George! I bet if you asked 10 Realtors to answer this questions at least 5 would get it wrong - pretty sad when you think about it.

Feb 23, 2012 08:55 PM
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

You are correct, so few folks really know or understand seller paid closing costs other than many transactions today, will incorporate a seller concession.

I'm sure are hearing that some of these numbers will be lowered going forward.

Great post, thank you for sharing it with all of us.

Feb 23, 2012 09:19 PM
Ann Hayden 636-399-7544
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties-St. Louis Missouri - Des Peres, MO
SelectAnn.com

George,

This is a very useful chart.

Ann Hayden in Wildwood, MO

Feb 24, 2012 09:18 AM
Nick T Pappas
Assoc. Broker ABR, CRS, SFR, e-Pro, @Homes Realty Group, Broker/Providence Property Mgmnt, LLC Huntsville AL - Huntsville, AL
Madison & Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Resource

George, I'm going to print your chart off just as a quick reference for some of the newer agents in our office.  Great info at a glance.

Feb 24, 2012 12:27 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

George

We are not seeing alot of seller concessions, at least judging by what is listed in the MLS upon closing which is where they are supposed to be noted for appraisal purposes, at the moment. Good information for buyer, and sellers.

Jeff

Feb 24, 2012 01:28 PM
Nick T Pappas
Assoc. Broker ABR, CRS, SFR, e-Pro, @Homes Realty Group, Broker/Providence Property Mgmnt, LLC Huntsville AL - Huntsville, AL
Madison & Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Resource

George, just wanted to say that we had a conversation about this very topic today and printing off your chart for the new agents was an easy reference..

Feb 26, 2012 07:49 AM