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The Answer Book for Buyers

Your Short Sale Purchase Team

CHECKLIST Your Short Sale Purchase Team If you’re serious about purchasing a short-sale property, it’s important for you to have expert assistance. Here are some people you’ll want by your side: Experienced real estate attorney. A ...

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Before Making a Short Sale Offer

QUESTIONS TO ASK Before Making a Short Sale Offer If a home is being sold for less than what the current owner owes on the property—and the seller does not have other funds to make up the difference at closing—the sale is considered a sh...

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Your Mortgage Application

CHECKLIST Your Mortgage Application Every lender requires documents as part of the process of approving a mortgage loan. Here are documents you’re generally required to provide.. W-2 Tax returns — or business tax returns if you’re ...

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Service Provider Contacts

WORKSHEET Service Provider Contacts You won’t necessarily need all these professionals, but your REALTOR® can help you assemble a list.   Name Contact Info REALTOR® ADVISERS Real estate attorney ...

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About Property Tax

QUESTIONS TO ASK About Property Tax It’s natural for the sale price of a home to loom large in your mind. But don’t forget to look at what your property tax bill might be. What is the assessed value of the property? Assessed value is ...

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About the Appraisal Process

WHAT TO KNOW About the Appraisal Process Once you are under contract, your lender will send out an appraiser to make sure the purchase price is in line with the property’s value. Appraisals help guide mortgage terms. The appraised value...

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Green Home Terms

VOCABULARY Green Home Terms Whether you’re building the home of your dreams or looking for an existing unit, there’s a lot of data involved in finding the right environmentally friendly dwelling. Here’s a breakdown of the different cert...

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When Choosing a Home Inspector

QUESTIONS TO ASK When Choosing a Home Inspector Do you belong to a professional association? There are many associations for home inspectors, but some groups confer questionable credentials or certifications in return for nothing more than a...

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The Condo Board

QUESTIONS TO ASK The Condo Board Before you purchase a condo, you should have an attorney review property documents for you. However, you should contact the board yourself ahead of time. You’ll learn how responsive and organized its members...

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When Considering a Condo or HOA

QUESTIONS TO ASK When Considering a Condo or HOA Condominiums, townhomes, and properties located within a homeowner association offer certain perks, but it’s important to consider them in your decision process. How much storage is availa...

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