Remove Earnest money deposit Remove Marketing Remove Title search
article thumbnail

A Seller’s Guide To When A Buyer Does and Doesn’t Get Their Earnest Money Back

HomeLight

However, if the buyer terminates the contract for any other reason not specified in these conditions, the seller is typically entitled to keep the earnest money as a concession for the time they took the home off the market to enter into the exclusive agreement. Is earnest money refundable? Years of Experience.

article thumbnail

What Does It Mean When a House Is in Escrow?

HomeLight

Here’s what you can expect: Title search: Verifying the property’s legal ownership and any existing liens or claims. Home appraisal: Assessing the property’s market value to ensure it aligns with the purchase price. During the escrow period, several key activities take place to ensure the home sale stays on track.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Closing on a House Checklist: 6 Things Home Buyers Must Do Before They Move In

Realtor.com

Appraisal contingency: With this contingency, a third party hired by your mortgage lender evaluates the fair market value of the home. When you buy a home, you “ take title ” to the property and establish legal ownership—a process that’s confirmed by local public land records.

Closing 139
article thumbnail

What You Need to Know If You’re Buying a Home from the Owner

HomeLight

For sellers in neighborhoods with many recently sold homes, it can be easier to determine what their asking price should be based on estimated market value. The housing market can also play a role in the seller deciding to sell the home themselves. One of the benefits of hiring a listing agent is their marketing expertise.

article thumbnail

How to Buy a House in San Diego: 14 Steps to Close the Sale

HomeLight

Henderson says that while connecting with a reputable agent who knows the San Diego market is important, one thing potential buyers should be sure to do is to align themselves with a great lender. The San Diego real estate market tends to follow seasonal trends, with prices rising after the holidays and into the summer.

Closing 118
article thumbnail

Your Ultimate Guide to Buying a Home in Connecticut in 14 Steps

HomeLight

With the current shifting market, financing is heavily looked at, and there’s a preference for a local lender that understands the process here.”. Research the market and determine where you would like to buy. In competitive markets, cash offers could be more likely to be accepted by sellers with multiple interested buyers.

article thumbnail

Your Guide to Buying a Home in the Sunshine State of Florida

HomeLight

Research the market and determine where you would like to buy. While families relocating often means a more competitive market during the summer months, Raymer notes that at least during this year (2022), it hasn’t been as busy as the previous couple years. “We These loans also offer 0% down for qualified borrowers. Maria Raymer.