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No Money Down Can Be Very Misleading

By
Real Estate Agent with Dirt Road Real Estate SA676002000

Often, I have read of real estate agents in other forums responding to this question from first time home buyers about the down payment amount with a response of “No Money Down.” Unfortunately, this response can be very misleading.

Even if the loan does not require any down payment such as for qualified US veterans or a very small down payment such as 3% for FHA loans, there are other fees and out of pocket expenses involved in buying homes. Some of these fees can be included in the loan and others must be paid via certified check or wire transfer at close of escrow. Now each state is different as real estate is local; however, here are a few though not all

  • Escrow Fees 
  • Recording Fee
  • Septic Transfer Fee
  • Inspections Fees such as Home Inspection, Termite Inspection, Mold Inspection, Radon Inspection
  • Well Inspection
  • Solar Inspection
  • Well Transfer Fee
  • Survey
  • Certified Foundational Tie Downs for Manufactured Homes
  • Engineering Report for Tie Downs for Manufactured Homes
  • Credit Report
  • Appraisal Inspection Fee
  • Prorated Taxes
  • HOA Transfer fees
  • HOA prepayment of monthly or annual fees

First time home buyers and those who may not have purchased a home in recent years or are  thinking of relocation to another state, should ask their lenders what other out of pocket costs will be present. Authentic professional real estate agents may help answer some of these questions. However some lenders do have overlays, an additional criterion which lays over the basic loan requirements.

If you are considering buying a home with a loan, find a local lender in the area you are seeking. Then connect with a local professional real estate agent who knows the area and works within his or her area of competency. By taking these actions, you are more than likely not to be disappointed or surprised after you find your dream home and then learn you need all these extra dollars.

#GoldenValleyAzHomesAndLand #RealEstateAgent #Homeownership #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #NewHome #Relocation #WeDoThingsDifferently #LetsGetBackToRealConversations

Leanne M Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent Who Goes the Extra Mile Because Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends.

Feature Photo Courtesy of Pixabay.com

Any reproduction of Leanne M Smith’s blog for use by any AI or GAI, distribution or reproduction including but not limited to electronic newsletters e.g. PDF’s Internet sites or physical products e.g. newspapers, CDs without prior written permission and consent by me, Leanne M. Smith (Leanne Hoagland-Smith) is strictly prohibited.

Posted by

Leanne M. Smith, MS, GRI, rCRMS

2018 KGVAR Rookie Realtor of the Year-55+
219.508.2859 MST
Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends
Connect with me on LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/leannehoaglandsmith

Comments(7)

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GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

So very true.  Thanks for sharing, make it a great Friday and enjoy your weekend!

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

Apr 11, 2025 11:45 AM
Leanne Smith

Thank you and may you also make it an exceptional weekend.

Apr 11, 2025 02:44 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks for shedding light on this, Leanne Smith! You’ve done a great job highlighting the nitty-gritty that often gets overlooked. It's crucial for first-time buyers to have the full picture—keep spreading the knowledge! 🏡✨

Apr 11, 2025 12:11 PM
Leanne Smith

Good afternoon Lew Corcoran and good to read you enjoyed the "highlighting" of the nitty gritty that often gets overlooked. Thank you for your kind words. Enjoy the weekend.

Apr 11, 2025 02:42 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Leanne,

I always suggest buyers find a local lender so they can discuss the full scope of what it takes to purchase a house, sometimes there are fees that hadn't counted on!

Apr 11, 2025 02:25 PM
Leanne Smith

One of my biggest challenges is buyers who work with a lender outside of the area. These lenders are often not familiar with rural real estate. Good afternoon Dorie and thank you.

Apr 11, 2025 02:38 PM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker
Great information, thanks for sharing.  I hope you have a great day.
Apr 12, 2025 03:47 AM
Leanne Smith

Thank you and good morning.

Apr 12, 2025 08:01 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

There aren't many things in life that are truly free, so there are definitely costs associated with no money down, haha.

Apr 12, 2025 06:21 AM
Leanne Smith

No there are no many things in life that are truly free and unfortunately many are led to the lending table quite disappointed.

Apr 12, 2025 08:02 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Excellent reminder, Leanne. And one fee we have here in the Carolinas is the buyer paying the sales transfer tax when building a new home. In resale, that sales tax is paid by the seller.

Apr 12, 2025 09:48 AM
Leanne Smith

Again, you affirm why real estate is local. Seller or buyers would benefit from working with a professional real estate agent as yourself who knows all those "little" things that can become "big" things at COE.

Apr 13, 2025 10:58 AM
Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308
Stake Your Land Realty, Inc. - Eustis, FL
Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®

Leanne Smith 

So, so true and the same with downpayment assistance.

Apr 16, 2025 07:27 AM
Leanne Smith

Agreed and this is another reason why a seller or buyer should employ a professional real estate agent. Thank you and good morning.

Apr 16, 2025 07:49 AM