Select Albuquerque Houses  
 

Real Estate Investors - Don't Close Your Eyes To Closing Cos

 
  By Lothar  
     
 
When buying or selling real estate closing costs can come as

a shock. Here's an explanation of the various expenses:



Down Payment

Most lenders require a down payment of from zero to 20% for

a normal home purchase.



Lender's Loan Origination Fee

Government regulations allow 1% origination fee on FHA or VA

loans. Conventional loan fees can vary from 1 to 3 points or

more. A point is 1% of the loan.



Appraisal Fee

About $300-$500. Non refundable.



Credit Report

$50-$60. Non refundable.



Tax Service Fee

In some areas a charge of approximately $75 by a tax service

company to verify to lender that taxes are actually being

paid.



Assumption Fee

Fee of approximately $250 up to 1% of the loan balance charged

by existing lender for permission to assume existing loan.



Pest Inspection Fee

A fee of $100 - $175 is charged for inspecting property for

wood destroying organisms (termites). Customary for the seller

to pay.



Optional Fees

At buyer's option: property inspections that cover foundation,

electrical, plumbing and overall construction at a cost of

$300-$400. Roof inspections cost $75-$125. Geological reports

about $100. Septic $200-$400. Radon $50-$100. Asbestos

$75-$125.



Title Insurance

Cost determined by a rate chart and is based on the loan

amount.



City Transfer Tax

Imposed within the corporate limits of some cities.

The VA does not allow the veteran buyer to pay any portion of

this cost.



Miscellaneous Costs & Fees

$150 should cover notary, recording documents, endorsements, etc.



Hazard/Fire Insurance Reserve

Two month's premium is usually collected for the impound account

if required. Paid by buyer.



Prepaid Interest

Interest must be paid from close of escrow to 30 days prior to

the first regular mortgage payment.



Mortgage Insurance

Required on all conventional loans greater than 80%.

Cost ranges from about 1/2% to 1% per year. 14 months premium is

collected in advance. For benefit of lender in case of default.



Tax Impounds

When new loan is going to have an impound account, lender will

require from 2-10 months taxes be deposited in impound account.

If taxes are prorated, buyer's total charge for taxes should

equal about six month's taxes.



Escrow Fee

$750-$2500, depending on the sales price. Can be paid by buyer,

seller or split. Everything is negotiable.



We have listed examples for typical closing cost. Closing

procedures and costs vary from area to area.



Your real estate agent and loan agent can provide estimated

closing costs. Don't neglect to add them to all the other

costs of buying real estate when determining the affordability

of a property.


About The Author
Mark Walters is an investor and author. You can find his
published material at http://www.CashFlowInstitute.com
http://cfiblog.blogspot.com/