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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the normal time elapsed from ratified contract to settlement?
  2. Who has the right to choose the settlement company?
  3. Should there be any fees prequalifing for a loan?
  4. How much do I qualify to buy?
  5. Townhouse or Condo? What's the difference?
  6. What are closing costs?
  7. How much will closing costs be?
  8. Do I have to come up with any funds when I submit an offer for a property?
  9. What happens to the deposit?
  10. Is now a good time to buy or sell?
  11. What is the role of Homeowners/Condo Associations in the process?
  12. Where can I find out more about Buying or Selling a home?
  1. What is the normal time elapsed from ratified contract to settlement?

    About 30 days. Top

  2. Who has the right to choose the settlement company?

    The Purchaser. The seller may have his own attorney. Top

  3. Should there be any fees to prequalify for a loan?

    Most lenders do not charge upfront fees. Some may attempt to charge to keep you from shopping around. Top

  4. How much do I qualify to buy?

    Let a mortgage professional help you determine that. There are too many factors that determine the interest rate and the financing programs available to you. Make sure you deal with a lender that will inform you of all your financing options not just the ones that they offer. Top

  5. Townhouse or Condo? What's the difference?

    One is a style of building and one is a type of ownership. Condominium refers to the type of ownership, not the style of the structure. In a condo, as an individual owner, you do not own your own parcel but rather are a part owner of the entire development. Exclusively, you own the interior of your unit. The Townhouse, an attached, multi level, single family dwelling could be owned fee simple (land and building) or condo (interior only). Top

  6. What are closing costs?

    These are fees paid at closing. They commonly include lender's, title company's, and real estate brokers' fees; termite inspection expenses; recording; taxes and escrow accounts for them; and HOA dues. Top

  7. How much will closing costs be?

    For buyers about 2 to 3% of purchase price. For sellers, the real estate brokerage fees plus about an additional ½% of sale price. Top

  8. Do I have to come up with any funds when I submit an offer for a property?

    Yes. It is called an earnest money deposit. In Virginia a contract must have consideration to be legally binding. Top

  9. What happens to the deposit?

    Typically it is put in an escrow account. The amount is credited towards your closing costs at settlement. Should the contract be legally voided it is returned to you pending the written release of all parties of the contract. Should you breach the contract you are subject to forfeiting some or all of the deposit. Top

  10. Is now a good time to buy or sell?

    No doubt that there are buyer's markets and seller's markets. In any cycle there are intelligent transactions to be made based on location, type of property, and personal motivation. Top

  11. What is the role of Homeowners/Condo Associations in the process?

    Properties in owners associations require the seller to provide the purchaser an updated set of disclosure documents. It is expected that the property will be turned over free of violations and that dues and assessment fees are up to date. The lender and Title Company will question the associations as well. Top

  12. Where can I find out more about Buying or Selling a home?

    Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage makes available both information about buying and information about selling a home. Top