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Cathy Smith
cathysmith@idealproperties.net

Phone
(419) 280-3942
E-Mail Us
Divine Realty Usa
1742 E. Benwick Rd.
Toledo, OH 43612

Contact Info.

Cathy Smith
cathysmith@idealproperties.net


Phone
(419) 280-3942

E-Mail Me


Divine Realty Usa

1742 E. Benwick Rd.
Toledo, OH 43612

Articles & Links
Find YOUR Ideal Property at IdealProperties.net
•••
Cathy Smith Realtor OH & MI
•••
Buy Your Ideal Property - Services
•••
3630 STILLWATER MAUMEE, OH VIDEO
•••
FREE REPORTS
•••
Moving
•••
Different Types of Loans
•••
Refinancing
•••
Closing Costs
•••
Length of Your Mortgage
•••
Saving for the Down Payment
•••
Leveraging Your Money
•••
How Mortgage Loans Work
•••
When To Pay Points
•••
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages
•••
How Much Can You Afford?
•••
Getting Your Finances in Order
•••
Your Credit History
•••
Mortgage Glossary
•••
Free CMA Request
•••
Neighborhood Information
•••



FIND YOUR IDEAL PROPERTY AT IDEALPROPERTIES.NET! CathySmith@IdealProperties.net 419-280-3942

Cathy Smith Realtor Ohio & Michigan

 

Experience in Real Estate, Marketing & Technology

With over 20 years of experience I have put together systems that integrate targeted, strategic marketing with the latest technologies and traditional know-how to create a sales approach that will aid in getting you a swift, high dollar sale on your home or a smart purchase that precisely meet your goals and exceed your needs. In short I have been involved in the Building and Real Estate Industries for years and I have a ton of resources that I can share with you.
 

Sellers & FSBOs see the bottom of this page for a low fee option of selling your Home.

 
Skills, Knowledge and Experience in:
 
Real Estate - I offer a professional customized and systematic, team approach to buying and selling homes. I have been personally involved in the Real Estate Industry since the early 80s. I have purchased and renovated numerous investment properties through out our community as well as working with others as Home Buyers and Sellers. I offer Relocation and Invester Services.
 
Building Industry - I am keenly aware of new construction and quality. I grew up in the building Industry with my father, Don Whitner, as a Builder and Developer. I provide Builder Marketing Services. I have dedicated over a decade to providing Marketing and Promotions for Builders, Developers, The Home Builder's Association and The Remodelor's Association.
 
Marketing & Technology - I incorporate effective marketing for your home with quick follow-up to potential buyers. I served as The Marketing Manager for Toledo Home Building News, Design Journal and Toledo Business Journals Professional Homes Section. I have utilized Multimedia Marketing Campaigns, from TV and Print Advertising, Articles, Professional Photography, web design, promotional events, handouts and Brochures. I have done promotions for businesses, organizations, builders, developers, developments, parades and home shows.  
 
Finance - I served as a Loan Officer from 2001 to 2006. I offer insights in the loan process, in screening buyers, pricing your home, financing strategies, Investor Services, sales negotiations and the home closing
 
Allow me to take your Real Estate transaction into the new millennium with technology and techniques that help to proficiently acquire a property or actively attract, contact and pursue potential purchasers while keeping your best interest in mind at all times.
 
TECHNOLOGY, TECHNIQUES, TOOLS & TUTORIALS
 
Technology, techniques, tools and tutorials are integrated into OUR Web Site and Our SELLER SYSTEMS to aid us as I offer you these services that proficiently:
  • Prepare, price and position your home to sell.
  • Manage all calls, paperwork and correspondence from showings to the home closing.
  • Employ prospecting systems that actively connect with and regularly follow-up with Buyers and their agents.
  • Design and place marketing and promotional materials to appeal to and elicit an interest from the target market most likely to buy your home.
  • Advanced technology that allows buyers full access to information on your home around the clock, 24/7 through the Internet, a home-tour-by-phone, signs, magazines, print and newspaper advertisements.
  • Award Winning Advertising: Internt, a direct mail campaign, appealing marketing materials and advertisements in publications at key events.
  • Sophisticated Seller Services Relocation Services - seller services, community and moving assistance.
  • Home Team, In-house staff, national affiliations and resources.
  • Investor Services - research, sales and financing strategies.
  • Builder Services - sales, marketing and business promotions.
  • Auction Services and Same Day Sale System - has The Lowest hassle and can get you The Highest price by influencing numerous buyers to carefully consider your listing. It may result in a bidding war, bringing an offer that is over your asking price.
  • Our Communications Systems - keep us alert and available
  • Our Seller's Plan of Action - is systematic and customized. Tracks how to best sell your home and meet your needs.
  • The Comparative Market Analysis - shows comparable properties to your own that have recently sold in your area to assist in pricing, sales strategies and negotiations.
  • Our Strategic Marketing Plan - outlines the promotions, technology and marketing that we will employ to bring an increased awareness, desire and demand for your property, helping to secure a quick, high dollar sale. Mortgage Loan Pre-Approval - FREE Pre-approvals helps to screen for qualified buyers.

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INTERNET & E-MAIL MARKETING

My High-End Home Listings are featured on their own Web Page with Links to A Video of the Home, A Slide Show, Property Details, Area and School Info, Maps and more.

 Ads, Bloggs and Video Tours for My Home Listings and

My Personal Web Site, IdealProperties.net

may be found in the following Search Engines and Directories

Google, YAHOO,

Ask.com, AOL, Alta Vista, MSN, Live, and many other

Real Estate Sites.

IdealProperties.net

Realtor.org, Realtor.com, Homes.com, Yahoo.com, AOL.com, GoogleBase, Trulia.com, Oodle.com HarmonHomes.com, LiveDeal.com, Youtube.com Barginnetworks.com, Realtytracker.com and Frontdoor.com, Bobvilla.com, Hotpads.com, Propbot.com, Zillow, Activerain.com,

and numerous sites that these

sites feed their information to.

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Marketing That Sells Homes

OUR Strategic Marketing creates leads while utilizing multiple avenues to target, attract, and contact buyers. Our Prospecting System collects from our marketing the contact information of potential buyers and REALTORS® that are likely to right an offer on your home.
 

Seller’s Plan of Action and marketing plan

I actively market your home and keep you abreast of any and all feedback and activity that we get on your home. I also have an aggressive follow-up program that seeks out potential buyers looking for a home just like yours and then continues to contact them to try to peak their interest to tour and purchase your home.  My marketing is interactive and builds upon itself. The Flyer that is handed out at the home is also incorporated as the introductory piece in your property’s video presentation, and the DVD on your home, for your listing web page, in bloggs, internet ads, in the Prospect Packets and as the flyer for the e-marketing campaign. The digital design offers the viewer’s a link to your home’s personal web page, where they will find your home details and information as well as links to the video tour, as well as to maps, school and area information and much more. The Property Listings in my marketing campaigns are strategically targeted to and designed to appeal to buyers that are most likely to buy a home specifically like yours.

 

Our Seller’s Plan of Action – This Plan of Action is systematic and customized. It tracks the progress of the listing process and prospects, it enables us to create awareness and desire for your home, to meet your needs and to get Your Home SOLD not just listed, keeping you informed every step of the way.

comparable market analysis - I provide you with a comparable market analysis and research on your home that will allow me to work with you to determine the best price for us to list your home for sale.

sELLER’S nET PROFIT fORM – We will go over the financials involved to see what you hope to net on the sale.

Tactical price reductions - We will go over the marketing plan and will tactically make price reductions at critical junctures where we can promote the reduction to a target audience and get it directly into the e-mail boxes of buyers in search of a homelike yours.

FOR SALE SIGN - Yard Signage, handouts and Directional Signs create interest and intrigue. I will place a “FOR SALE” sign in the yard with a mailbox to distribute flyers.

DIGITALLY SECURED LOCKBOX - I will need keys for your home from you that I will place in a Sentry Lockbox that is secured digitally and all activity can be monitored on the Internet.

READY, SET, SELL LIST - I will provide a detailed checklist on each area of your home where I will make notes of things that we could do to make your home more appealing and ready to sell.

MEASURE ROOMS & SQUARE FOOTAGE - I measure each room and determine your homes exact square footage to use in marketing and on the Multiple Listing Service, MLS.

PROFESSIONAL GRADE PHOTOGRAPGHY - I will take dozens of photos of each area of your home in the interior and the exterior. State-of-the-art photography with a wide-angle lens, bright, crystal clear views with professional settings giving prospects an enticing showcase of your home that will make your home appear even more spacious and desirable, to be used in ads, e-mails, flyers and on the web.

VIDEO OF YOUR HOME - I will take videos of your home and property and incorporate it into a digital presentation that can be handed out on a DVD. It will be featured on youtube, on your home’s web page and blogg with links to your listing information. This service may be reserved for homes that are $200,000 or above.

Our Communications Systems - keep us alert and available, cell phone or e-mail

MONTHLY E-REPORTS – I will send you monthly digital reports that will update you on any activity that we have each week. I will be able to track what marketing was running and how many showings it generated and how many people came to the open houses. I will give you regular feedback on showings and open house activity.

MORTGAGE LOAN PRE-QUALIFICATION The Pre-qualification will help to screen for qualified buyers. I will help to direct buyers to reputable Lenders to ensure a quick and smooth closing.

Referrals - 70% of all homes are sold through referrals I receive leads from my Marketing, Buyers and Sellers: Investor Services, Builder Services, Relocation Services, Employment Agencies, HR, Attorneys, CPAs, Financial Planners, acquired from networking, communications, sales, marketing, business, and promotions.

Selling Strategies and Negotiations Techniques - from my background in Real Estate, Building, Business and Mortgage Lending I am knowledgeable and I have a good base of information and resources.

CLOSING DEPARTMENT – Our closing staff have years of experience and stay on top of the details of the purchase and closing to assure us of a smooth and successful closing.

Moving Management System - Tips, Timelines and Resources

 

marketing plan

 

marketing plan - Our Strategic Marketing Plan outlines the promotions, technology and marketing that we will employ to bring an increased awareness, desire and demand for your property, helping us to secure a quick, high dollar sale. OUR Strategic Marketing creates leads for your home while utilizing multiple avenues to target, attract, and contact prospective buyers.

 

open house – I will hold open houses and market them on numerous sites on the Internet.

open house PARTY I will work with you to put together a gathering for friends, neighbors, co-workers, people from local organizations . . . we may choose to do a block party, an ice-cream social, or a fundraiser. The Invitations also help to promote your listing and get them to think about whom they can pass this on to.

Auction Services and Same Day Sale System - has the Lowest Hassle and can get you The Highest Price by influencing numerous buyers to carefully consider your listing. It may result in a bidding war, bringing an offer that is over your asking price.

Realtors® Promotions - Direct Marketing, E-mail Marketing to Top Real Estate Agents in the area and nationally, invitations to Open Houses, offering incentives and tours.

 

Print Advertisement– designed and placed to attract and appeal to the target market that are most likely to buy your home. We may utilize Flyers, Newspapers, Magazines, Mailers, and Event Handouts

HOME FLYERS - I will immediately create a special flyer highlighting your home listing and Buyer Prospect Packets to be distributed at your home. These flyers will be made available to realtors, area businesses, my referral sources and prospects, at the home and in the yard sign distribution box as well as at events and expos.

Buyer Prospect Packets – I will include a flyer on the home, an MLS sheet with details on the home, the property disclosures needed to write the offer and a mortgage sheet to show the monthly payment information.

Monthly Loan Payment Sheet – Shows the monthly payment on your home, principle, Interest, Taxes and Insurance (PITI) with different down payment amounts to prospective buyers touring your home.

direct mail campaign - Post Cards – we send out a postcard campaign going out to potential buyers and the surrounding community, 100s sent as “Just Listed” and the other promotions are sent as needed

DVD presentation - I will create a DVD presentation on your home to distribute to prospects at opens, showings, expos and events. These will be made available to prospects that tour your home at showings and opens. This DVD will display your ad; show the main areas of your home on video, it will offer links to your home Web Page, maps and listing information. It will be used in your home’s web page, on your video presentation and emailed to referral sources and prospects. This DVD is offered for homes over $400,000. In this digital age they are more likely to go to your listings web page that may feature a video tour.

Spot Ads - Special Events, local publications and/or promotions to your home’s target market to very targeted groups and in organization newsletters or e-mails.

 

INTERNET EXPOSUREAccess to your home Information 24/7. Studies show that most buyers today use the net

On www.IDealProperties.Net - my web site, reaching prospects on the World Wide Web. My site offers numerous tools, links and tutorials for homebuyers and sellers. Free Home Search, Auto e-mail Search, School, Market and Area information, free Home Valuations and so much more. It is optimized getting it a high ranking on most search engines. So buyers will be able to find your listing quite readily.

HOME LISTING WEB PAGE - I will create a web page for your home optimized to your target market to get a high placement in the search engines, with links to the video presentation, advertisements, home details, photography, aerial views (if available), maps, school, market and area information, bloggs and more.

VIDEO - I will create a youtube.com video presentation on your home. The full DVD presentation on your home will be posted on you tube and will be promoted on youtube.com, google, aol.com . . .A link to this video will be displayed on your home’s web page, and emailed to referral sources and prospects.

DIGITAL HTML ADVERTISEMENT - I create a digital Ad that links to your home Web Page, to the video and listing information. Used in your home’s web page, on your video presentation and emailed to referral sources and prospects.

e-mail campaign – Your home listing ad will be sent in an e-mail campaign going out area professionals and to key referral sources, realtors®, Attorneys, CPAs, HR, Relocation, Employment Agencies . . .  

e-mail prospect program - In an e-mail program reaching potential buyers that have set up an Internet search for a property like yours with regular follow-ups with your homebuyer prospects.

DRIP E-MAIL – regular e-mails sent out to key buyer prospects that have expressed an interest in your home We collect their contact information from marketing, open houses, expos, referrals, showings, e-mail or the web.

A Listing on Real Estate web sites; on Realtor.com, Homes.com, and other buyer harvest sites like Yahoo.com, AOL.com, GoogleBase, Trulia, HarmonHomes.com, LiveDeal, Oodle, barginnetworks.com, craigslist.com, Realtytracker.com and nls.point2.com, Hotpads.com, Zillow, activerain.com, homegain.com and numerous site that these sites feed their information to. These listings may link buyers directly back to my web site and/or they can reach me by phone or e-mail. I have enhanced listings on Realtor.com, NORRISMLS.com and Homes.com that show numerous photos, listing and area information and links back to my website or even to your listing' web page as well as shares this information on dozens of other web sites across the Internet.

Real Estate BLOGG - a real estate blogg to draw Internet prospects to your home’s web page

Multiple Listing Service - In the Ohio or Michigan MLS listings reaching Realtors and buyers looking for a home like yours as well as reaching dozens of sites that have an automatic MLS feed.

 

pROSPECTINGOur listings and our marketing helps to generate numerous inquiries from active buyers which in turn are input into an interactive data base that helps us to keep in contact with them.

OUR HOT HOME LISTINGS GETS YOUR HOME to the Buyers - We utilize software that facilitates Your Home Listing Information to reach the prospective buyers, almost anywhere on the Internet, who have specified a desire for a home like yours.

Hot Home Listings - daily e-mails to buyers, a link to new home listings that meet their criteria. We create Buyers a Personal Web Page where the home listings are stored and managed. The buyer saves listings they want to tour and notes in their favorites folder. These Buyers may see the listings before the Realtors® do.

Buyers Personal Web Page - to manage homes that meet buyer’s criteria. Your Home may be saved in their Favorites.

Home Alert System - regularly follows-up with Purchase Prospects and Agents that have toured your home or are seeking a home like yours. We send out regular Home Alerts with price changes, enhancements, Buyer and Realtor® incentives, offering FREE Pre-approvals, an Auction or a Same Day Sale Notice.

Open House Guest Sign-In Sheet The Buyer information is input into a data base and Follow up system.

BUYER LEADS AND REFERRAL SOURCES – I may receive leads for your home from my referral sources and from my current client base of Buyers and/or Sellers: Investor Services, Builder Services, Relocation Services, Employment Agencies, HR, Attorneys, CPAs, Financial Planners, acquired from networking, communications, sales, marketing, business, and promotions.

RELOCATIONS – I work with relocation companies, corporations, hospitals, schools and organizations that have business executives, doctors, professors and other professionals relocating into and out of the area.

It would be my honor to serve you as your Real Estate Agent. This Seller’s Plan of Action will help me to methodically walk you through each step of the home listing process from the Comparable Market Analysis, the Purchase Agreement, The Purchase Negotiations, the Home Inspection, The Financing, to The Closing Process.

 

Some of the Marketing mentioned above is offered to my listings that are $200,000 and above but are certainly available to your listing as we are trying to get your home sold. I look forward to working with you. Please feel free to contact me any time.

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ESTIMATED FEES FOR PURCHASES $150,000 AND LOWER.

 THIS IS FOR OHIO PROPERTIES ONLY.

 

SELLER FEES;

 

TITLE GUARANTY                                             $     3.50 /thousand        _______X $  3.50 = $_____________

 

EXAM (PLATTED PROPERTY)                        $220.00                                                        = $220.00________

 

CONVEYANCE FEE

(Lucas County only – call for quote on other

Counties)                                                                  $    4.00/thousand        _______ X $  4.00 = $______________

 

TAX PRORATE                                                      based on date of closing                            = $______________

 

PAYOFF OVERNIGHT COURIER SERVICE   $  20.00 per payoff      ______  X $20.00 = $______________

 

DEED PREPARATION (if no seller attorney)     $ 45.00                                                        = $______________

 

CLOSING FEE                                                        $185.00                                                       = $185.00________

 

CLOSING PROTECTION LETTER                                                                                        = $50.00_________

 

LOAN PAYOFF                                                       first mortgage                                           = $______________

                                                                                    second mortgage/equity line                    = $______________

 

COMMISSION                                                        ______________X __________%             = $______________

 

HOME WARRANTY (if applicable)                                                                                          = $______________

 

MISCELLANEOUS BILLS PAID AT CLOSING                                                                   = $______________

 

                                                                       ESTIMATED TOTAL SELLERS FEES______= $______________

 

BUYERS FEES:

 

EAGLE POLICY OF TITLE INSURANCE  $5.75/thousand + 15% of same policy  – TG amount

                                                          OR                                                                                       = $______________

 

STANDARD POLICY OF TITLE INSURANCE $5.75/thousand   ________X  $5.75        = $ _____________                              

 

SIMULTANEOUS ISSUE                                      $100.00                                                       = $______________

(When owner’s and loan policies are purchased at the same time.  Not needed on cash transactions)

 

EXAM (platted property)                                       $   30.00                                                      = $_30.00________

 

COMMITMENT FEE                                             $100.00                                                      = $100.00________

 

CLOSING PROTECTION LETTER                                                                                       = $_15.00________

 

CLOSING PROTECTION LETTER – LENDER                                                                   = $ 35.00_______

 

EPL ENDORSEMENT                                            $  75.00                                                      = $______________

(Lender may require additional endorsements at a fee)

 

SURVEY COVERAGE                                            $100.00                             

 

SURVEY                                                                    $150 - $250 (based on property             = $______________

                                                                                                           location)

 

RECORDING                                                            $28 for 1st two pages, $8 each page       = $______________

                                                                                     after (typically $28 for 2 page deed

                                                                                     $140 for 16 page mortgage)

 

OVERNIGHT, WIRE AND                                     $20 overnight original docs to lender   = $______________

 

ELECTRONIC DELIVERY FEES                         $20 incoming funds wired by lender    = $______________

 

                                                                                     $15 documents emailed by lender         = $______________

 

MISCELLANEOUS BILLS PAID AT CLOSING                                                                  = $______________

 

CLOSING FEE                                                          $235.00                                                    = $235.00_________

 

                                                                            ESTIMATED TOTAL BUYERS FEES__=$_________________

 

 

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What to Expect on the HUD Closing Statement

The parties to a real estate sale may negotiate on who will pay certain closing costs.  In the absence of an agreement, local custom calls for each party to pay those closing costs related to that portion of the transaction for which they are responsible.  Some of those costs and who usually pays them are described below.

The information below will give you a rough idea of what you will expect to see on the HUD or Settlement Statement at the time of closing, what fees are paid by the Seller and what fees are to be covered by the Buyer. These fees may vary based on the area, the property, the purchase price or the lender’s requirements.

When a buyer asks to have his closing costs covered by the seller they must be made aware that this money is in essence coming out of the buyer’s loan and they are really paying it themselves over the term of the mortgage. The Lender will usually only allow the Seller to pay up to 3% or as much as 6% of the Buyers closing fees depending on the loan programs requirements. You may want to look into how much interest will be paid on that few thousand dollars over say a 30 year period and the possible tax benefits of this. Having these fees paid within your loan or by the seller may give you even more benefits when you consider that a lender gives you a better interest rate when you have a higher loan amount and with more money to put on a down payment the lender will qualify you for a larger amount. The major downside of this is that the Seller may not view you as a buyer with solid purchasing power and may not be as willing to work with you to get the deal accepted.

There are also Buyer’s Down Payment Assistance Programs that can be wrapped into the loan. The lender will usually allow you to use from 3 – 9% of the purchase price Down Payment Assistance based on the loan program and the property’s appraised value.

In order to use Seller Paid Closing Costs or Buyer’s Down Payment Assistance Programs you will need to be sure that you are buying the property for that much under market value because a Lender will not make a loan for more than the appraised value of the home. If the home does appraise for too low to fold those costs into the loan then you may ask the Seller if he would consider taking back a second loan for you. If a Seller needs to get out from under the home and will have some equity in the home after his loan payoffs have been made then this could be very advantageous to both you and to the Seller.

There are many creative ways to put a deal together you make ask your Real Estate Agent, however your Loan Officer will be able to up date you on the many financing programs that are available. Be sure to ask your Loan Officer to give you a copy of your Good Faith Estimate after he has plugged in the exact numbers for the property that you are purchasing so that you will know exactly what to expect to pay at closing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Definition of Closing Costs

Seller Paid Fees

Buyer Paid Fees

Abstract
An abstract is a summary of the history of ownership of the property.  If an existing abstract needs to be updated or continued, the cost will be lower than if a complete, new abstract must be prepared.  An update usually costs between $75 - $150.  A new abstract in Ohio or Michigan can cost upwards from $250 - $400.  The cost for an abstract is usually paid by the Seller.

Abstract

Update $75 - $150

 

Complete $250 - $400

 

 

 

Appraisal

 

Appraisal

$250 - $400

 

Real Estate Agent/Broker Commisions

Real Estate Agent/Broker Commisions

Buyers Agent 2% - 3%

Seller’s Agent 2.5% - 4%

 

Down Payment
Most lenders require a borrower to pay at least 10% of the purchase price as a down payment but certain loans or government loan programs require less or even no down payment. With a good credit rating you may be allowed as low as a 3% down payment. Ask about down payment assistance programs.

 

Down Payment

Percentage of Purchase Price

3 – 10%

 

Loan Origination Fee, Points
A loan origination fee is a lender's fee to a borrower for establishing a new loan. Conventional loan origination fees may be 1 to 3+ points. A point is 1% of the loan. The LO gets paid by the Lender that is buying the loan based on the interest rate and how large the loan amount is. It is usually best not to pay points.

 

Loan Origination Fee, Points

1% of the loan per point

Appraisal Fee
An appraisal fee is paid to an appraiser to obtain an estimate of market value upon which the lender will base the loan amount. The cost is about $300-$400. This fee is usually paid by the buyer.

 

Appraisal Fee

$300-$400

Credit Report
A credit report is an evaluation of the buyer's credit habits made by a credit bureau for the lender. The cost is $50-$60 and is usually paid by the buyer.

 

Credit Report

$50-$60

Tax Service Fee
A tax service fee is a charge of approximately $75 by a tax service company to verify to the lender that taxes have actually been paid when due or are due to be paid by a borrower or mortgage company if impounding.

 

Tax Service Fee

approximately $75

Inspection Fees
Inspections the buyer may choose to have done may include a general property inspection that usually cover foundation, electrical, plumbing and overall construction at a cost of $200 -$300. Roof inspections cost $75-$125. Septic inspections may cost between $200-$400.
Homes built before 1978 Lead Base Paint/Asbestos

 

Inspection Fees

$200 -$700

$200 -$300 structural, mechanical

$ 89 Wood boring Pests

$ 95 Radon 

$ 300+ Mold

$ 45 Carbon Monoxide

Title Insurance
Title insurance covers title defects and even certain unrecorded liens, is based on the loan amount or purchase price and is required by almost all lenders. The cost depends on the amount of the loan, for a lender's policy, or the purchase price, for an owner's policy.  A title insurance policy for a lender does not insure owners so the owner may want to buy their own policy.  The cost for title insurance is usually paid by the buyer/borrower. Closing Fee $165, $23 per pay off overnight fee. Buyer $215, Shipping $55, Wire fee $15

 

Title Insurance

$3 per $1000 plus $350

Closing Fee $165,

$23 per loan pay off overnight fee

 

Title Insurance

 

$215, Shipping $55, Wire fee $15

 

Title Examination Fee
The title to the property is reviewed for liens, mortgages, easements or defects.  This fee is sometimes added directly to the cost of title insurance or may be a separate item on the settlement statement.  This is usually paid by a buyer.

Title Insurance – Title Exam & Settlement Fee

$3 per $1000 plus $350

Title Examination Fee

$150 - $200.

 

Definition of Closing Costs

Seller Paid Fees

Buyer Paid Fees

Deed Preparation
This is like a bill of sale for real estate.  This cost ($60) is usually paid by the seller.

Deed Preparation $60

 

Plat Sketch
A plat sketch is a sketch of the boundaries of a piece of real estate used to determine whether buildings or other improvements are actually located on the property and that the neighbors' buildings or improvements do not encroach on the property to be financed.  The cost for a plat sketch (between $60 -$75) is usually paid by the buyer. 

 

Plat Sketch

 

between $60 -$75

Deed Tax
A deed tax is a state tax.  The cost is $3.30 per $1,000 of the selling price.  This tax is usually paid by the seller.

Deed Tax

$3.30 per $1,000 of the selling price

 

Miscellaneous Costs & Fees
An estimate of $150 should be considered to cover other items such as recording fees and document preparation, as well as allowing for variations from these other estimates.

 

Miscellaneous Costs & Fees
An estimate of $150

Hazard Insurance Reserve
If hazard insurance is to be paid monthly to the lender, a portion of the next premium is collected for the escrow account in order to ensure that enough money is impounded to pay the premium when it comes due.  The buyer will usually need to either provide or pay for coverage for the 1st year. If you have seller paid closing costs then add the buyer’s insurance payment into it to be sure to hit your 3 or 6%

 

Hazard Insurance Reserve

The buyer will usually need to either provide or pay for coverage for the 1st year.

Recording Fees
Charges by the County Recorder to record deeds, mortgages, satisfactions of mortgage or other documents required to clear or transfer title are collected by the closing agent.  In most counties, the cost is $20.0 for each page and each party may be required to record one or more documents, depending on the transaction.

Recording Fees

$20

Recording Fees

< > $200

Prepaid Interest
A borrower often must pay interest from the date of closing to 30 days prior to the first regular mortgage payment. 

 

Prepaid Interest
A borrower often must pay interest from the date of closing to 30 days prior to the first regular mortgage payment. 

Mortgage Insurance
Mortgage Insurance usually is required on conventional loans greater than 80% of appraised value. The cost may range from 1/2% to 1% per year and 14 months premium is often collected in advance. This is coverage for the lender in case of default.  The premium is paid by the buyer.

 

Mortgage Insurance

1/2% to 1% per year and 14 months premium is often collected in advance.

Mortgage Registration Tax
Mortgage registration tax is a state tax charged by the State of Minnesota for giving a mortgage.  The tax amounts to 23¢ per $100 of mortgage amount.  This tax is usually paid by the buyer/borrower.

 

Mortgage Registration Tax

23¢ per $100 of mortgage amount

Tax escrow (impound)
If the new loan is going to have an escrow account for the payment of taxes and insurance, the lender will require from 2-10 months taxes to be deposited at the time of closing, depending on when the next taxes or insurance need to be paid out of the escrow account.  These sums are paid by the buyer/borrower.

 

Tax escrow (impound)

2-10 months taxes to be deposited at the time of closing, depending on when the next taxes or insurance need to be paid

 

Underwriting/Credit Fees

 

Underwriting/Credit Fees

$125 - $450

 

Processing Fees

 

Processing Fees

$125 - $450

 

Tax Service Fee

 

Tax Service Fee

$65

 

 

 

 

 

Definition of Closing Costs

Seller Paid Fees

Buyer Paid Fees

 

Flood Certification Fee

 

Flood Certification Fee

$10 - $25

 

Property Survey or Survey Coverage

 

Property Survey $200 - $400

 Survey Coverage $100- $150

 

Mortgage Insurance

 

Mortgage Insurance

$0 - $500

Closing Fee
Closing fees are paid to the closing agent for closing the transaction.  These fees range from $150 - $350, depending on the complexity of the closing. Usually the buyer pays a fee to close a loan if there is financing and a seller pays a fee for the work needed to transfer ownership of the land to the buyer.  Each party may hire their own closing agent, though, to ensure that their part of the transaction is properly handled.  Or the parties may choose to hire the same closing agent to close both the seller's and the buyer's portion of the transaction.

Closing Fee

$150 - $350

Closing Fee

$150 - $350

 

 

Real Estate Terms & Definitions

Abstract (Of Title)
An abstract is a  history of a piece of property including a summary of the public records relating to that land. Some people mistakenly believe that an abstract is like a motor vehicle title certificate.  That belief is wrong.  An abstract is simply a summary of the history of property.  With that history it is possible to draw conclusions about ownership and liens.

Acceleration
The right of a lender to demand immediate repayment of a loan, usually because of some kind of default on the part of the borrower.

Agent
Someone who acts for another. A real estate agent acts on behalf of the either the buyer or the seller.

Agreement of Sale / Purchase Agreement
A written contract setting out the terms of a sale.

Appraisal
An estimate of the value of property.

ARM-Adjustable Rate Mortgage
A loan in which the interest rate changes, usually as a result on a change in one or more government statistical index rates.

Assessment
A local tax "assessed" against property, usually for a specific purpose, such as for sewer or water improvements.

Assessor
A person who values real estate for tax purposes.

Assignment
A transfer of a right to another person.

Assumption
An agreement whereby one party takes over the responsibilities of another.  For example, one party may sometimes assume a loan or mortgage originally agreed to by another party.

Balloon Mortgage
A mortgage for a  term shorter than necessary to fully repay the debt. As a result, a large lump sum or "balloon payment" is due at the end of the loan.

Bridge Loan
A short term loan used to help finance the purchase of a new home when a buyer has not sold his old home. The bridge loan is paid off when the old home is sold.

Building Code
A set of laws that control the construction of buildings.

Capital Gain
Income  from the sale of a capital (tangible) asset.  A capital gain is usually the difference between the original purchase price and the later sale price.

Chain Of Title
A history of the ownership and liens affecting the title as far back as records are available.

Closing
The end of the transaction when the seller hands over the title to the buyer in exchange for payment. Also called settlement.

Closing Costs
Costs the buyer or seller must pay at the time of the closing.

Cloud (On Title)
A title defect which undermines the marketability of real estate.

Commission
Money paid to a real estate agent or broker by the seller as compensation for finding a buyer and completing the sale. Usually it is a percentage of the sale price: 4 to 7 percent on houses, 10 percent on land.

Construction Loan
A short term  loan to pay for the construction of building or homes. Usually at the end of construction, the construction loan is paid off with financing from a longer term loan.

Contingency
A condition that must be met before a contract is binding. Contingencies include: the property must appraise for sales price or buyers approving of various inspections.

Contract for Deed
A contract between purchaser and a seller of real estate to give a deed after it is paid for.

Conventional Loan
A fixed rate and fixed term loan that is made without government insurance.

Conveyance
The transfer of the title to land from one to another.

Covenants
Agreements written into deeds and other instruments stating performance or non-performance of certain acts or noting certain uses or non-uses of property.

Deed
A legal document by which property title is transferred from one owner to another.

Default
Failure to meet legal obligations in a contract.  For example, the failure to make the monthly payments on a mortgage.

Depreciation
Decline in value of a house due to wear and tear or any other reason.

Down Payment
The down payment is the percentage of the purchase price that the buyer must pay in cash and may not borrow from the lender. The down payment amount in addition to the mortgage equals the purchase price of a property. They can vary from 0% to over 50%. The less your down payment the better your credit has to be. Lower down payments generally result in higher interest rates.

Due-on-Sale Clause
A provision in a mortgage  that allows the lender to demand immediate payment of the balance of the mortgage if the borrower sells the home.

Earnest Money
The deposit money given to the seller by the potential buyer as evidence of good faith in purchasing real estate. The broker places the money in an escrow or trust account until closing, when it becomes part of the down payment.

Easement
A right- of- way granted to a person or company authorizing access to or over the owner's land. An electric company obtaining a right- of- way across private property is a common example.

Encroachment
An obstruction, building, or part of a building that intrudes beyond a legal boundary onto neighboring private or public land, or a building extending beyond the building line.

Encumbrance
A legal right or interest in land that affects a good or clear title, and diminishes the land's value.

Equity
The value of the property less the amount of unpaid mortgages and any outstanding liens.

Escrow
Money or other valuables given to a third party with directions to deliver them to another party upon the fulfillment of a specific act or condition.  Often a lender will escrow taxes and insurance.

Fair Market Value
That price a property will bring given that both buyer and seller are fully aware of market conditions and comparable properties.

FHA - Federal Housing Administration
Part of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It was established in 1934 to encourage improvement in housing standards and communities. The FHA insures mortgage loans.

FHA Mortgage
A mortgage loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

Foreclosure
A legal process by which the lender or the seller forces a sale of a mortgaged property because the borrower has not met the terms of the mortgage. Also known as a repossession of property.

Grantee
That party in the deed who is the buyer or recipient.

Grantor
That party in the deed who is the seller or giver.

Home or Property Inspection
A detailed inspection of the physical structure, the plumbing, electrical and heating systems and the overall condition of the home. Typically the cost is $150-$300 and the results are detailed in a multiple page report.

Homeowners Insurance
Insurance that protects the homeowners from Casualty losses or damage to the home or personal property and from liability damages to other people or property. Homeowners insurance is required by the lender and may be included in the monthly mortgage payment.

Interest
A charge paid for borrowing money.

Joint Tenancy
Joint ownership by two or more persons with right of survivorship. Upon the death of a joint tenant, his interest does not go to his heirs, but to the remaining joint tenants.

Legal Description
The geographical identification of a parcel of land.

Lien
A hold or claim on the property of another to satisfy an unpaid debt or obligation.

Listing Agreement
An agreement between a homeowner and a licensed real estate broker that authorizes the broker to sell real estate during a given time period, usually for a commission.

Loan Origination Fee
A fee charged by the lender for evaluating, preparing and submitting a proposed mortgage loan.

Loan-to-Value Ratio
The ratio of a mortgage loan principal to the property's appraised value or its sales price, whichever is lower. Loan-to-value ratios vary depending upon the individual lender's policy.

Lock-in Rate
A commitment made by a lender to make a mortgage loan at a specified rate, pending loan approval, on or prior to a specified date.

Market Value
The highest price a buyer will pay for a property and the lowest price the seller will accept in a typical market.

Mechanic's Lien
A lien created by statute on a specific property for labor or materials contributed to an improvement on that property.

Mortgage
A lien on real estate given by a borrower as collateral for the loan .

Mortgage Insurance
An insurance policy that provides protection for the lender in case of default and or which guarantees repayment of the loan.  Mortgage insurance does not give insurance benefits to the borrower.

Non Assumption Clause
A statement in a mortgage contract forbidding the assumption of the mortgage without the prior approval of the lender.

Note or promissory note
A written promise to repay a debt. In the nature of an I.O.U.

Offer
A proposal to purchase real estate at a particular price, subject to other specified terms and conditions. Acceptance of the offer by the seller creates a purchase contract. A counteroffer is a different offer made in response to the initial offer.

Origination Fee
Application fee(s) for processing a proposed mortgage.

Plat
A map or chart of a lot, subdivision or community drawn by a surveyor showing boundary lines, buildings, improvements on the land, and easements.

Point
An amount equal to one percent of the loan amount paid to a lender for making the loan. A lender may charge the borrower several points in order to provide the loan.

Prepayment
A privilege in a mortgage permitting the borrower to make payments in advance of their due date.

Prepayment Penalty
Money charged for an early repayment of debt. Prepayment penalties are allowed in some form, but are not necessarily imposed in many states.

Principal
The amount of debt, not counting interest, left on a loan.

Purchase Agreement
An agreement between buyer and seller setting out the price and terms of the sale.

Real Estate Agent
A licensed person who works under the direction of a broker selling and renting real estate.

Real Estate Broker
A middle man or agent who buys and sells real estate for a company, firm, or individual on a commission basis. The broker does not have title to the property, but generally represents the owner.

Refinance
Obtaining a new mortgage loan on a property already owned.  Often to replace existing loans on the property.

Restrictive Covenants
Private restrictions limiting the use of real estate.

Second Mortgage
A mortgage made subsequent to another mortgage and subordinate to the first one.

Secondary Mortgage Market
The place where primary mortgage lenders sell the mortgages they make to obtain more funds to originate more new loans. 

Special Assessments
A special tax imposed on property, individual lots or all property in the immediate area, for road construction, sidewalks, sewers, street lights, etc.

Survey
A map or plat made by a licensed surveyor showing the results of measuring the land with its elevations, improvements, boundaries, and its relationship to surrounding tracts of land.

Title
Ownership of real property. Title is transferred from one party to another through a document called a deed.

Title Insurance
Protection for lenders and homeowners against financial loss resulting from legal defects in or other claims against the property's title. The cost of the policy is usually a function of the value of the property and is often borne by the purchaser and or seller.

Title Search
An examination of municipal records to determine the legal ownership of property. Usually is performed by a title company or attorney.

Variable Interest Rate
A fluctuating interest rate which can go up or down depending on the going market rate.

Waive
To relinquish, or abandon. To forego a right to enforce or require anything.

Zoning Ordinances
The acts of an authorized local government establishing building codes, and setting forth regulations for property land usage.

Ordinarily, geographic precision is needed when describing real estate.  Imprecise or ambiguous descriptions lead to disagreement and conflict.  Owners and builders need to know precisely where a parcel is located in order to plan for its use and development.  Finding out that the new garage you just built is on the neighbor’s property can spoil neighborly friendship.

One common description error  occurs when a parcel is subdivided using generic references like the “North Half” of a lot that is not oriented in a north/south or east/west direction.  Does the dividing line run parallel with the other boundaries or does it run in an east west direction according to the written description?  Descriptions of this sort, when the original parcel lies at an angle to the direction referred to in the description, can pose problems.

Another related problem arises when generic references like the “North Half” of a lot are used when the original lot is irregularly shaped.  If a lot is wider at one end than the other, for example, the dividing line between the halves may actually be closer to the wide end than to the narrow end.  One half cannot be bigger than the other half but neither half will have the same shape as the other.  This kind of description can often lead to disputes.

Problems can also arise when a parcel is divided using assumed dimensions which prove to be incorrect.  For example, a “forty” is, in theory, a square forty acres measuring 1,320 feet on each side.  In fact, a “forty” in theory is not the same as where the forty was actually laid out by the original government survey.  The section corners actually laid out by the original government survey were never precisely located where they were theoretically supposed to be.  Legally, the actual corners are where they were actually laid out, not where they might have been laid out using more precise survey technique that was unavailable at the time of the original survey.  Some “forties” are considerably smaller or larger than forty acres.  A landowner who incorrectly assumes his forty to be exactly 1,320 feet on each side and then sells smaller parcels out of that forty with dimensions that combine to total exactly 1,320 feet on each side, is almost certainly leaving a gap between parcels (when the forty is larger than 1,320 feet on a side), or selling overlapping parcels (when the forty is smaller than 1,320 feet on a side).

Another common description error occurs whenever a parcel is described using a measurement from a waterway.  Because waters rise or fall, and shorelines erode, measurements from a waterway are a moving target and imprecise.  Measurements should never be taken from a waterway because of that problem.

These errors are just a sample of description problems.  Many others also arise from time to time.  A common feature of description errors is that they are imprecise or ambiguous.  Another common feature is that more than one party may claim ownership of the same parcel.  A good legal description of real estate is precise and not susceptible to dispute between adjoining landowners.

 

 

PROPERTY OWNERSHIP

Joint tenancy and tenancy in common are the two most common forms of joint ownership of real estate.  Both forms describe ownership by more than one person of the same real estate.  They differ, though, in how ownership transfers upon the death of one of those owners. 

When a joint tenant dies, the surviving joint tenant(s) are then the owners of the deceased owners' share.  "Joint Tenancy" means that if one of the owners dies, the remaining owners acquire the share of the deceased owner automatically. Joint tenants have a "right of survivorship."

When a tenant in common dies, the deceased owners' share passes to heirs or creditors according to the laws of inheritance.  The surviving owners do not automatically acquire the deceased owners' share. Tenants in common do not have a right of survivorship.

Joint tenancy is the most common form of joint ownership among spouses, especially when neither spouse have children from prior relationships.  Tenancy in common may be more appropriate for non family joint ownership or when spouses have children from prior relationships.

 

====================================================================================================

 

REAL ESTATE PARTNERING

For Sellers & FSBO - No Listing Commissions

CUT COMMISIONS - If you are price conscious or you are concerned with not making enough off of the sale of your home to cover all that you have into it, and then you should CUT THE COMMISIONS. Pay a small Partnering Fee to the Listing Agent and only be obligated to cover the Buyer’s Agent Commission of at a minimum of 2.5% of the purchase price. This helps you to recoup the money you have into your home and will allow you to list it for a much lower price so that it will sell sooner.

 

win-win for everyone. The Seller can cut the amount of money that is paid out upon the sale of the home and therefore may be able to list it for less and sell it sooner. The Selling Agent makes a small fee to cover the effort put into listing and marketing the home and has the opportunity of finding a buyer for the home and getting paid as the Buyer’s Agent. The Buyer’s Agent can make a full or slightly discounted commission so they have every incentive to get it SOLD.

 

3 PACKAGES AND ADD ONS - There are three price packages (see below). Each package is priced based on the list price and the services that are offered. Additional marketing services may be added at any time to help increase chance of selling the property.  You will find a more detailed explanation of each of these services and other ways to market your home in the Marketing Plan document.

 

INCLUDED - Each Package will include listings that will be posted on six to ten Real Estate Web Sites, a Comparable Market Analysis with a Suggested list price for the Property, a Closing Costs Work Sheet, a description of the property to be included in the marketing and the digital flyer or web page, some research and information may be included to help to market and/or price the property.

 

Homes with A List Price of $400,000 and Above.

Listing Partnering Fee is $975 with an offer of at least 2.5% for the Buyer’s Agent (to any agent that brings a buyer).

·         Listing on the Multiple Listing Service – reaching thousands of Realtors and their Buyers.

·         Enhanced Listing on Realtor.com with 20 photos, link to its own webpage

·         20 Photos, digital, high quality

·         120 Flyers and a full color digital template for reprints.

·         Webpage for the listing

·         Video for this listing

·         Photo Slideshow that features Home and area information

·         Open House Ads on the Internet promoting 24/7, digital tours on the Listing’s Web Site.

 

Homes with A List Price of $170,000 and Above

Listing Partnering Fee is $720 with an offer of at least 2.5% for the Buyer’s Agent (to any agent that brings a buyer).

·         Listing on the Multiple Listing Service – reaching thousands of Realtors and their Buyers.

·         Enhanced Listing on Realtor.com with 20 photos, link to its own webpage

·         20 Photos, digital, high quality

·         120 Flyers and a full color digital template for reprints.

 

 

Homes with A List Price of $170,000 and Below

Listing Partnering Fee is $330 with an offer of at least 2.5% for the Buyer’s Agent (to any agent that brings a buyer)

·         Listing on the Multiple Listing Service – reaching thousands of Realtors and their Buyers.

·         Enhanced Listing on Realtor.com with 20 photos, link to its own webpage

·         20 Photos, digital, high quality to be provided by the Seller

·         Flyers and a full color digital template for reprints.

 

 

REAL ESTATE PARTNERING

Sellers and FSBOs – No Listing Fees

CUT COMMISIONS - If you are price conscious or you are concerned with not making enough off of the sale of your home to cover all that you have into it, and then you should CUT THE COMMISIONS. Pay a small Partnering Fee to the Listing Agent and only be obligated to cover the Buyer’s Agent Commission of at a minimum of 2.5% of the purchase price. This helps you to recoup the money you have into your home and will allow you to list it for a much lower price so that it will sell sooner.

 

win-win for everyone. The Seller can cut the amount of money that is paid out upon the sale of the home and therefore may be able to list it for less and sell it sooner. The Selling Agent makes a small fee to cover the effort put into listing and marketing the home and has the opportunity of finding a buyer for the home and getting paid as the Buyer’s Agent. The Buyer’s Agent can make a full or slightly discounted commission so they have every incentive to get it SOLD.

 

3 PACKAGES AND ADD ONS - There are three price packages (see below). Each package is priced based on the list price and the services that are offered. Additional marketing services may be added at any time to help increase chance of selling the property.  You will find a more detailed explanation of each of these services and other ways to market your home in the Marketing Plan document.

 

INCLUDED - Each Package will include listings that will be posted on six to ten Real Estate Web Sites, a Comparable Market Analysis with a Suggested list price for the Property, a Closing Costs Work Sheet, a description of the property to be included in the marketing and the digital flyer or web page, some research and information may be included to help to market and/or price the property.

 

Homes with A List Price of $400,000 and Above.

Listing Partnering Fee is $975 with an offer of at least 2.5% for the Buyer’s Agent (to any agent that brings a buyer).

·         Listing on the Multiple Listing Service – reaching thousands of Realtors and their Buyers.

·         Enhanced Listing on Realtor.com with 20 photos, link to its own webpage

·         20 Photos, digital, high quality

·         120 Flyers and a full color digital template for reprints.

·         Webpage for the listing

·         Video for this listing

·         Photo Slideshow that features Home and area information

·         Open House Ads on the Internet promoting 24/7, digital tours on the Listing’s Web Site.

 

Homes with A List Price of $170,000 and Above

Listing Partnering Fee is $720 with an offer of at least 2.5% for the Buyer’s Agent (to any agent that brings a buyer).

·         Listing on the Multiple Listing Service – reaching thousands of Realtors and their Buyers.

·         Enhanced Listing on Realtor.com with 20 photos, link to its own webpage

·         20 Photos, digital, high quality

·         120 Flyers and a full color digital template for reprints.

 

Homes with A List Price of $170,000 and Below

Listing Partnering Fee is $330 with an offer of at least 2.5% for the Buyer’s Agent (to any agent that brings a buyer)

·         Listing on the Multiple Listing Service – reaching thousands of Realtors and their Buyers.

·         Enhanced Listing on Realtor.com with 20 photos, link to its own webpage

·         20 Photos, digital, high quality to be provided by the Seller

·         Flyers and a full color digital template for reprints.

 
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Cathy Smith
cathysmith@idealproperties.net

Phone
(419) 280-3942
Divine Realty Usa
1742 E. Benwick Rd.
Toledo, OH 43612




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