What is Cash to Close?

"Cash to Close" refers to the total amount of money that a homebuyer needs to bring to the closing table to complete the purchase of a property. It includes the down payment, closing costs, and other fees associated with the home purchase. How is it Calculated? The cash to close amount is calculated by subtracting any applicable credits, such as earnest money or seller contributions, from the total amount of funds needed to complete the transaction. The resulting figure represents the final amount of cash that the buyer needs to bring to the closing. It's important for homebuyers to carefully…
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What Is A Mechanic’s Lien?

A mechanic's lien is a legal claim placed on a property by a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier who has provided labor, materials, or equipment to improve the property. The lien serves as security for the payment of the debt owed to the party who provided the services or materials. Mechanic's liens are typically used in the construction industry, where contractors and subcontractors may perform work on a property and then have difficulty obtaining payment from the property owner. The lien provides the contractor with a legal means to collect payment for their work by placing a hold on the property…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 8, 2023

Last week’s economic news included reporting on construction spending, the Federal Reserve’s decision to raise its benchmark interest rate, and weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims. Construction Spending Increases in March The Commerce Department reported that month-to-month construction spending rose by 0.30 percent and year-over-year construction spending increased by $1.83 trillion. Residential construction fell by -0.20 percent in March, which was the tenth consecutive monthly decline in residential construction spending. Non-residential construction spending rose by 0.70 percent in March for the ninth gain in the past 10 months. Fed Raises Key Interest Rate Range Federal Reserve policymakers raised…
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5 Important Questions to Ask When Buying New Construction

Buying a new home is exciting. Buying a brand new home can be even more so with the realization of being the first owner and possibly being able to choose your own layout and finishes. The prospect of owning new construction is definitely exciting, but it doesn't come without its own set of questions. If you're in the market for a new home, and considering new construction, make note of the questions below when you begin your property search. What Are The Long Term Plans For The Community? Unless you're looking at custom homes on acreage, it's likely new construction…
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How the Purchase and Refinance Mortgage Process Works

The purchase and refinance mortgage processes are similar in many ways, but there are also some important differences. Here is a general overview of how each process typically works: Purchase Mortgage Process Determine your budget: Before you start shopping for a home, you need to figure out how much you can afford to spend. You can do this by calculating your monthly income, expenses, and debt, and getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Find a property: Once you know your budget, you can start looking for homes that fit your criteria, whether that's size, location, or other factors. Make an offer:…
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