117 Realty

How to Prepare for Closing Day as a Seller How to Prepare for Closing Day as a Seller - Closing day is the final step in transferring ownership of your home to the buyer. Preparation helps reduce last-minute issues, supports a smooth transfer of funds, and ensures you meet your obligations under the purchase contract. Below is a practical...

Understanding Escrow and Title in a Home Purchase Understanding Escrow and Title in a Home Purchase - Escrow and title are two related parts of a home purchase that help ensure the transaction is handled fairly and accurately. Escrow focuses on the process of collecting and distributing funds and documents according to the purchase contract and...

What to Expect at the Final Walk-Through What to Expect at the Final Walk-Through - The final walk-through is typically your last opportunity to confirm the property is in the agreed-upon condition before closing. It is not a second inspection and it usually does not create new negotiations, but it can help you verify that repairs were com...

What Is an Appraisal and Why It Matters to Lenders What Is an Appraisal and Why It Matters to Lenders - An appraisal is an independent, written opinion of a property’s market value as of a specific date. It is performed by a state-licensed or state-certified appraiser who evaluates the home and recent comparable sales to estimate a value that...

Understanding Seller Closing Costs Understanding Seller Closing Costs - Seller closing costs are the fees and credits a homeowner may pay to complete the sale of a property. These costs are typically deducted from the seller’s proceeds at closing and can vary based on the contract terms, local practices, the property type, and the....

What Closing Costs Are Included in a Mortgage? What Closing Costs Are Included in a Mortgage? - Closing costs are the fees and prepaid items needed to complete a real estate purchase or refinance. Some closing costs may be included in your mortgage (rolled into the loan amount) depending on the loan program, the type of transaction, the property...

How Property Type Affects Mortgage Terms How Property Type Affects Mortgage Terms - Mortgage terms are not based only on your credit, income, and down payment. The type of property you are financing can change your interest rate, required down payment, mortgage insurance, allowed loan programs, appraisal requirements, and even how the lend...

How to Prepare Financially Before Applying for a Mortgage How to Prepare Financially Before Applying for a Mortgage - Preparing financially before you apply for a mortgage can help you understand what you may qualify for, reduce surprises during underwriting, and make the closing process smoother. The steps below focus on common lender...

Relocating with a Family: Housing Considerations Relocating with a Family: Housing Considerations - Relocating with a family is more than a change of address. Housing decisions can affect daily routines, school continuity, commuting time, childcare logistics, and long-term financial stability. The goal is to identify a home and neighborhood that.....

Preparing Your Home for the Market: A Seller’s Guide Preparing Your Home for the Market: A Seller’s Guide - Selling a home is a process with many moving parts. Preparing the property thoughtfully can help reduce surprises, support a smoother transaction, and present the home clearly to buyers. This guide covers practical, seller-focused steps...