Points

Points, also known as discount points, are a one time fee a buyer can pay a lender to lower the interest rate on a loan (or just to procure a loan). Points are paid at closing, and equal 1% of the loan amount of a real estate property (for example, one point on a $100,000…

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Types of Loans

There are many different types of loans available to assist people in buying homes. The following information is included for general informational purposes only. Much loan information is regional specific, varying from location to location. Ask your lender about specific information as it applies to your situation. If you have yet to select a lender,…

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Title Insurance

Property Ownership – How Secure Are You? Real estate is traditionally a family’s most valuable asset, and many laws have been passed to protect it. While most of these laws are set up to protect the owner, their family and heirs, others may have claim on the property. In certain situations, governmental bodies, contractors, lenders,…

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Homeowner’s Insurance

Most lenders require homebuyers to carry homeowner’s insurance.  This is a hazard insurance policy designed to cover your property against peril. Most homebuyers elect to take out a comprehensive homeowner’s insurance policy.  This type of coverage covers the cost of rebuilding your home, your possessions, liability, vandalism, theft, water damage (not flood related) and loss…

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Escrow

Escrow is “a deed, a bond, money or a piece of property held in trust by a third party to be turned over to the grantee only upon fulfillment of a condition,” as defined by Webster. It exists to provide confidentiality and impartiality during a real estate transaction. Escrow exists because buyers, sellers and lenders…

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