fbpx

Preferred Properties of Texas

The Preferred way to buy & sell real estate for you

What is a Title Search?

by Leave a Comment

It’s exciting to buy a home. It can be stressful and overwhelming, because there are many steps to take to reach the closing.

One of these steps is a title search.

You may think that the seller has the right to sell the home when you buy one. It’s not always true. You may find that someone else has a claim on the property.

A property title search can be useful in this situation.

What Happens during a Title Search?

A title search can be used to confirm that the property you are buying is owned by its legal owner. A title search will also reveal if there are any liens or claims against a property which could affect your decision to buy it.

A property title is not the same as a deed or a document.

The title refers to the concept of ownership rights.

A title company or attorney can perform a property search. They want to make sure that there isn’t another entity or person that could claim a stake on the home.

A title search is necessary if you are getting financing. Mortgage lenders will require you to do one before they approve your loan.

Who does a title search?

A title loan company or an attorney may do the search. The location of the home you are buying will determine who does the final search.

As a buyer after a contract has been signed, you can ask your attorney to order a title search. The attorney can complete the work or pass it on to a title company. The completed report is then sent to the seller’s agent. The seller’s agent is responsible for managing and resolving any issues that may arise.

You can find a variety of information sources when you conduct a title search.

County Land Records
* Deeds
* Property plats
* Tax Liens at the State and Federal Level
* Divorce records
* Bankruptcy court documents
* Construction liens
* Judgments

A title search will also reveal details about mortgages that are associated with the property.

How long does it take?

A title search could take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks. The older the house you are looking to buy, the longer it will take for a title search because there may have been several owners and transactions.

What if there are issues?

Some of the issues that may arise during a title research include:

* A broken chain in the title. In this case, the chain may be missing a deed. This is common for older homes.
* Incorrect description on the deed. There could be an incorrect or missing description in a deed. This would require obtaining a correct deed.
* Missing interests. If there is a transfer through an estate, then the heirs of that property must have relinquished any interest. If they haven’t, you will need to obtain deeds to release the property from those who have an interest.
* Liens are a legal claim on a property that is often used to recover a debt. Title searches can reveal if a lien is on a property, and if it’s expired or if payment is required.

A title search is an important part of the home buying process. If you have any questions about the title search process or its results, speak to your Realtor.

It could be costly and stressful to deal later with a lien or judgment. If you buy a house and there is a judgment on it, then it could become your responsibility.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/archives/item/1042638-what-is-a-title-search?rtmpage=

Shopping For Mortgage Rates the Right Way

by Leave a Comment

You’ll want to shop around for mortgage rates when you are ready to purchase and finance a house or refinance a mortgage. Every day, lenders set their rates. During a volatile, but not unheard of, mortgage market, lenders can set their rates more than once a day. The Fed does not set the typical 30 year fixed-rate mortgage. It is set by the individual lender. The Fed does influence mortgage rates, but only indirectly. Although some adjustable rates may reflect Fed action, your fixed rate loan is still in the hands of the lender.

How do you compare rates? Here are some things that you should do:

Compare rates the same day.

Mortgage rates are affected by market conditions. A rate quote given on Monday may be different from one on Thursday. To be fair to yourself and to the market, you should set aside a day to shop for rates. When you look at rates on a site, be sure to pay attention to the date that they were posted. You need to make some phone calls if it was posted a few days ago.

Shop at the same time every day.

You can help yourself by shopping the same day. The rate quoted in the morning may be different by the afternoon.

Shop for the same program.

Get a quote only for the exact same mortgage program. You cannot compare the rates of a 30-year loan with those for a 15-year loan, for example. You shouldn’t compare fixed rates with adjustable rates.

Points?

If you are shopping in the morning and getting quotes for 30 years, be sure to get the exact program. For example, get a quote on a 30-year loan with a single point. Get a quote for the same “lock” period. Most lenders offer different rate guarantees or locks for different time periods. A lender may offer a 10-day lock, 30-day lock and so on. The longer the lock, the higher the rate.

Compare lender fees. A lender may offer a better rate than others, but they might also charge higher loan fees.

Sometimes it can be difficult to compare apples with apples, but by following these steps you will be able to do just that.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/archives/item/1047958-shopping-for-mortgage-rates-the-right-way?rtmpage=

6 Things That Happen When You Become a Homeowner

by Leave a Comment

Being a homeowner means more than just having a set keys and your name written on the deed. You may feel a rush when you finally take possession of your home and realize that you have a place in the world, literally. That’s only the beginning. Here are some more things to expect.

You learn what pride of ownership is

Nothing compares to being a proud homeowner. You may be proud of your car, your clothes and other small possessions. Buying your first place is an accomplishment, and you get to come home to that accomplishment every day.

You’ll enjoy greater peace of mind

After you have moved in, unpacked and taken a deep breath, you will have that moment. That moment when you realize “This is mine.” Fortunately, this moment occurs often. You’ll know when you see your countertops and realize that you can change them in any way you like. You can also get a pet without asking permission. You can paint your walls any color you like.

You’ll be obsessed with paint colors

Spend hours at Home Depot collecting paint chips. Even if all you want to do is paint the walls white, it’s not easy. “There are hundreds and hundreds of white paints available, and most of them are considered white,” said The Spruce. “This makes choosing a plain white paint color nearly impossible.”

You’ll learn skills that you never imagined

You may soon be able refinish your floor, tile a backsplash and snake a toilet. You can hire people to do these tasks and any other you may need in your home, but doing it yourself can be more satisfying and cost-effective.

If you have a limited budget after purchasing your first home, it’s likely you’ll also need to learn how to maintain your lawn. Get your edging skills down.

Prioritize your tasks differently

Oooh! That skirt is so cute. But if you buy it, you’ll want the shirt and the jacket and the boots, and the jewelry, and, before you know it, you’ve spent half the money it would take to update your fireplace.

Invest in yourself

When you invest in your home with money and sweat equity, you impact its value. This is an investment not only in your home but also in you and your family’s future.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/archives/item/1035879-6-things-that-happen-when-you-become-a-homeowner?rtmpage=

Can You Use Gifted Money As a Down Payment?

by Leave a Comment

The down payment is one of the most important things to consider when you plan to purchase a home, or hope to do so.

The down payment you pay is a portion of the property’s purchase price. In most cases, your down payment for a primary home can be anywhere from 3% to 20%. The down payment amount required will depend on your mortgage type and property type.

You may be able buy a property that is more expensive or receive a lower rate of interest if you pay a higher down payment.

First-time homebuyers often receive gifts to help with their down payment from family, but there are some restrictions.

Gift money: Limitations

When you receive a gift of money for your down payment, a mortgage lender will take into consideration a few factors.

They will first look at the value of the gift. Lenders will also look at the source of the gift and your relationship with the person who gave it to you. If you don’t have a close relationship with the person who gave you the money, a lender may not allow you to use it as a down payment.

A lender will require a gift letter if you are using money that was given to you. You should state in the gift letter that you do not have to pay back any loans. You may be asked to show proof that the money was transferred into your account by a lender.

The lender might also ask the person who gifted you to send you a copy their bank statement or check.

Gifts and conventional loans

Conventional loans do not have any guarantee or insurance from the government. Gift money can be used for down payments and closing costs as long as the source is acceptable.

Gifts from family members are acceptable. Families under these definitions include parents, siblings, and grandparents. Included are also in-laws, domestic partners and grandparents.

FHA Loans

FHA loans are available to borrowers with low-to moderate-incomes. The gift money you receive from a donor who is eligible must be used to apply for the loan. Even though conventional loans have stricter guidelines, there are usually more family restrictions.

While the FHA’s family relationship requirements are stricter, you can still accept gifts from your employer or charitable organizations. You can also use funds that come from a public entity or government agency that assists first-time or low-to-moderate-income home buyers.

VA Loans

If you are a veteran or service member, you can get a VA loan with no down payment. Gifts for VA loans are restricted if they come from an “interested party”.

A party interested in the transaction is a seller or an agent.

Gifts are less important, since you do not have to pay a down payment on these loans.

Learn More About Gifts

In most cases, there are no restrictions on the amount that someone can contribute to your down payment. You may be required to make a down payment using your own funds in some cases. If you are buying a property as an investment, this is often the case.

Your lender can give you a standard letter of gift that the recipient fills out.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/archives/item/1044162-can-you-use-gifted-money-as-a-down-payment?rtmpage=

4 Sources for Down Payment and Closing Cost Cash

by Leave a Comment

The majority of loan programs require some form of down payment. Some programs require as little as 3% of the purchase price, while others do not. The VA home loan program, and the USDA rural area program are two of the most popular programs.

VA loans are only available to veterans and a few other borrowers. The USDA program is designed to help populate rural communities by providing financing in areas that conventional programs will not touch.

There are also closing fees associated with obtaining a home loan. At the settlement table, there are certain costs that must be paid. These include an appraisal and credit report. Other charges, also known as recurring charges, are repeated over and over. Interest and homeowners insurance are examples of charges. Where does one get these funds from? Where do you get your funds?

Bank Account

These accounts will be checked by your lender, to ensure that you have the money you claim to have. Lenders will also want to know that these funds are ‘seasoned’, meaning they cannot just appear. A seemingly random deposit is not eligible for use.

Retirement Account

Many retirement accounts let you borrow money from them. Ask your employer if you can borrow from your 401(k). If you are eligible, the lender may have set repayment terms which will be deducted from your paycheck at each payment period. There are no universal 401(k), loan terms. Instead, lenders set their own. The lender sets the terms.

Financial Gift

You may be the lucky recipient of a financial donation from a qualified source or a member of your family. There are non-profit organizations that provide home buying assistance. Donors will need to provide proof that they are making a financial contribution. These funds are typically wired to settlement agent at the closing date. A signed letter from a donor may be required.

Asset Sales

You may also be able sell an appraisal asset in order to raise funds for your down payment or closing costs. Appraisable assets are those whose value can be documented by third parties. You might be able to sell an automobile loan because third parties can provide a current market valuation for the property. It is important to document the sale and the value. The proceeds from the sale must be matched with a deposit into an account that you own.

You can tap into any of these sources. Talk to your loan officer if you have any questions and work out all the details before.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/mortgage-advices/item/1047550-4-sources-for-down-payment-and-closing-cost-cash?rtmpage=null

The New Real Estate Trend: What Makes Barndominiums Unique

by Leave a Comment

People who are in the market to buy a home have specific needs and expectations. The differences in the personalities and decorating preferences of homeowners makes things even more diverse. Real estate is constantly changing due to all of this. Pole barn houses have been making waves in the real estate market and offer a lot to potential homeowners.

What makes pole barn houses stand out?

Pole barn houses are relatively new to the real estate market. They’re also called Barndominiums. Pole barns are converted into living quarters. They can be constructed as homes or combined with other structures and workshops. This makes them a truly unique option for potential homeowners. Check out some of the reasons why pole barn houses are the latest trend in real estate.

Customization Options

Barndominiums are popular because of their many customization options. They are one of the most versatile housing solutions available today. They are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, and their designs can be tailored to suit almost anyone’s needs. They can have an open floor plan or be divided into separate rooms like traditional homes. There are also endless compromises that can be made between the two extremes.

Pole barn houses allow for customizations that go beyond the interior and exterior space. The exterior and surroundings of the house can also be customized. Pole barn houses can be customized with different colors and siding options. Also, they can add wraparound porches and patios. These options can extend to outdoor kitchens, entertainment areas, and other features. The design options for outdoor areas with pole barns are endless.

Cost-Effectiveness

Pole barn houses are also becoming more popular because of their cost-effectiveness. They are much more affordable than traditional houses. They require less resources and don’t require as much site preparation. They can also be built quickly. Barndominiums are cheaper to build because of this, as well as other factors. Pole barn houses are affordable, making it easier for many people to become homeowners.

Sustainability

Pole barn houses are also attractive because of their sustainability. They don’t use as many materials and therefore have a smaller footprint than traditional houses. Many of these materials are more sustainable than the ones used to build traditional houses. Pole barn houses can also incorporate a number of energy efficient and sustainable features, such as solar energy, environmentally friendly materials, and energy saving layouts. These are some of the most sustainable housing options available.

Faster construction

Barndominiums are often built faster than other types of homes. Barndominiums can be built in a few short months, depending on their layout and other factors. After site preparation and other factors are taken into consideration, it can take a long time to build a conventional house. This is a very attractive feature for many potential homebuyers.

A Different Route to Homeownership

Although there are many housing options available, they may not meet everyone’s requirements. Pole barns offer a range of unique features that make them a great solution for potential home owners. Pole barn houses are a viable alternative because they offer a range of customization options, as well as greater affordability and sustainability. Barndominiums are the newest trend in real estate.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/headlines/item/1047566-the-new-real-estate-trend-what-makes-barndominiums-unique?rtmpage=wishes

Explore Our Unique Barndominium Listing: Your Dream Combination of Barn and Home https://www.preferredpropertiestx.com/listings/just-listed-3219-lakeside-drive-in-granbury-tx/

Preferred Properties of Texas

(254) 965-7775|Contact Preferred Properties of Texas