Saturday, November 16, 2013

CLOSING COSTS

I’m buying my first home. What are some of the costs I should plan for, besides the purchase price?

For  first-time home buyers it’s so important to understand the full cost of buying a property.

1. Deposit : Require at the time of offer. This deposit is part of the
                   Down payment.

2. Home Inspection : A home inspection is the most widely
                 recognized pre-closing cost. It may be seen as an optional
                 expense but it’s also a smart one is because a qualified
                 home inspector, engineer or contractor can identify
                 underlying problems with a home’s major systems, like
                 heating and electrical. in a rural area, you should also have
                 the septic system inspected and water testing conducted
                 for the good of your health.

3. Appraisal : Some lender may require, as a condition of financing,
                that you pay for an appraisal or survey of the property to
                ensure the home’s value matches its sale price.

4. Land Transfer Tax :  A land transfer tax is up to 2% of the
                purchase price. In Toronto, an additional tax of up to 2 %
                applies. As a first-time buyer, you should talk with your real
                estate agent about whether you are eligible for a refund of
                the land transfer tax.

5.Legal fees : Your lawyer will conduct a title search on the home to
                 ensure the seller can actually sell the property and that
                 there are no liens against it. They will also register the deed
                 and mortgage for you.

6. Refund to Seller : You may also need to refund the seller for pre-
                paid expenses — property taxes, maintenance fees,
                utilities, hot water heater rental fees.

7. Insurance Policies : Three different insurance policies round out the
               closing expenses.
               1. mortgage insurance: if your down payment is less than
               20 per cent of the sale price.
               2. Title Insurance : will protect you against title fraud, errors
               in surveys and encroachment issues with neighbours.
               3. Home Insurance : You need to get Home Insurance
               before the closing which will depends on what type of
               insurance you are choosing.

8. Moving Expenses : Some gas, hydro and water companies charge
              a hook-up fee and you’ll need to pay if you want to forward
              your mail from your old address.


9. Renovation or Upgrades : Some house are in move-in condition ,
              some may need little TLC. dated kitchen and broken fence.
              A fresh coat of paint, some window coverings, or perhaps a
              shiny new fridge and stove also add up.

 Understanding the full cost of buying a home will help to budget for these final touches. 

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