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What is a contingency?
A contingency is added to a contract to spell a condition on the sale. I can be put into the contract by either the buyer or seller. Examples of common contingencies are: a requirement that the buyer obtain financing or sell the current home; the seller has a home inspection done; or the seller must repair certain items before settlement. Contingencies can be removed by an addendum to the contract, or they can expire if a time limit is specified in the contract.
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What is earnest money?
Earnest money is a deposit the buyers make when they sign a contract to buy a house. It makes the contract binding and signifies the intention of the buyer to complete the purchase. At closing, the earnest money becomes part of the down payment. If the buyer defaults, exceptions are spelled out in the contract, the earnest money becomes payment for damages suffered by sellers and their agents.
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Once a settlement date is set, can it be changed?
Settlement it the last step in home buying – before the moving begins, that is! Sometimes called closing, settlement is where the seller receives the funds from the buyer and the buyer gets proof of ownership. While everyone does their best to meet the settlement date, it is important to remember that many things can crop up to delay the settlement.
Remember, delays in settlement do not necessarily mean the transaction is falling apart. Most transactions do eventually go to settlement. Many problems can be straightened out in a day or so. The key is flexibility.
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What is "Market Value?"
Market value or fair market value is the most probable price that a property should bring (will sell for) in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, the buyer and seller, each acting prudently, knowledgeably and assuming the price is not affected by undue stimulus. Implicit in this definition is the consummation of a sale as of a specified date and the passing of title from seller to buyer under conditions whereby:
- Buyer and seller are typically motivated
- Both parties are well informed or well advised
- A reasonable time is allowed for exposure to the open market
- The price represents the normal consideration for the property sold unaffected by special or creative financing or sales concessions granted by anyone associated with the sale.
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Which home renovations add the most to the price?
As a rule, the most value returned from renovating a home comes in the kitchen. According to one national survey, kitchen remodels returned an average of 88% of the investment. In other words, a $10,000 kitchen remodeling project would add approximately $8,800 to the value of the home. Bathrooms were second, returning 85%.
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