Why Buy With Us?
This simple question is one that needs to be answered right away. Why should a homebuyer trust you to find their dream home and negotiate the best price? What knowledge and experience do you bring to the table that will insure a smooth transaction?
In an information-rich world, there is no shortage of real estate data and news; the challenge is in knowing how this information can be used to your advantage when buying a home.
At Nord Realty understanding your personal and financial goals is our first priority. From there, we empower you with market insight and strategic advice so that you can make decisions with confidence.
Homes For Sale
Many IDX providers allow you to create saved searches to link to. This can be for homes based on price range or property characteristics.
Pre-Approval
What is the importance of getting pre-approved for a mortgage? How do you go about getting pre-approved?
Securing a formal pre-approval is the only way to make sure you can negotiate confidently with vendors, whether it’s at an auction or not.
By getting a formal pre-approval, you can dive into property hunting, knowing how much you can borrow. You might even come across as a prepared and serious buyer to the seller.
Please be aware that interest rates and lending policies are subject to change.
If they do, even a formal pre-approval may no longer be vaild.
Be sure of current rates and policies before going to auction, preferably the same day or as close as possible.
The lenders will most likely not notify you of this unless you ask.
Escrow and Closing Costs
What is escrow? Are there any closing costs that buyers should be aware of? What is the process of purchasing a home?
Simply put, escrow is an arrangement with a third party who is uninvolved with the buying and selling of a home. This means that this party is neither the buyer nor the seller. In real estate transactions, escrow holds all funds that are associated with the transfer of title, as well as maintains all documents and contracts.
In a real estate context, escrow is generally used to protect the buyer’s good faith deposit, so that the money goes to the correct party according to the conditions of the sale. Escrow is also used to hold a homeowner’s funds for taxes and insurance purposes.
Though all the taxes, fees, lender charges and insurance add up, generally neither party pays 100% of all the closing costs. Instead, the seller will typically pay between 5% to 10% of the sales price and the buyer will pay between 3% to 4% in closing costs.
It’s good to note however, that even though you may avoid the bulk of closing costs, you as the seller will still have to cover realtor commission costs which can add on as much as 6%.
Home Warranty
What is a home warranty? Is it worth purchasing?
A home warranty may provide a solution to home repair bills. By paying a yearly fee (and a service fee for each claim), you are financially covered in case any covered item breaks down from normal wear and tear.
Home warranties allow you to worry less about budgeting for big repair bills, but not all home warranties provide the same level of service or coverage.
A home warranty helps to cover costs to repair or replace certain systems and appliances in your home when they break down. A seller may offer it as part of a purchase contract, you can buy it at the time you purchase your home, or you can buy a home warranty after you’ve owned your home for some time.
A home warranty contract usually lasts for a year. When you have a claim, you contact the home warranty company, and it sends out a contractor from its network. You pay a service call fee, which is specified in your contract. As long as the repair is covered under the terms of your agreement, the contractor makes the repair or replacement, and the home warranty company pays for the cost.
Home warranty contracts do have payout limits and restrictions, which is why it’s so important to read the fine print carefully before you sign up.
Relocation
Are you relocating to this area? Looking for more information to help you find the right city and neighborhood for your family?
Our relocation guide includes the most up-to-date and vital information for people looking to move to our area.
First-Time Buyers
Do you work with first-time homebuyers often? Do you know about special programs to make home buying easier for the first time buyer? Why are you the best agent for the first time homebuyer?