Closing on your house

If you are selling your house, you may have to jump through a few hoops between the time you and the buyer reach an agreement and the time the money and deed change hands. The structural inspector usually finds a few things that need to be repaired or replaced, and the termite inspection may reveal the presence of unwanted pests. Most buyers will also have a list of items that they want the seller to fix.

The ideal is to have your home as perfect condition as possible in time for the walk-through inspection prior to closing. If you have agreed to complete repairs on your home, it is a good idea to get an early start on the work so there will be plenty of time to correct any "surprises" that may be found. Call several companies to get competitive bids for the work that needs to be done or ask your real estate agent for recommendations.

Presenting the buyers with a clean, well-maintained home will make the process a lot easier for them, especially if they get a case of last-minute jitters.

Rising Rates

Ironically, it could be rising interest rates that finally push home buyers off the fence and into the market.

While Congress is debating the tax-cut compromise, the financial markets have interpreted the proposal as a development that will likely push mortgage interest rates higher than they have been for months.

Analysts are predicting that buyers will move quickly when it looks like rates are going up and are unlikely to come down. "Once people see this might actually be the bottom, they’ll go for it," says Paul Dales of Capital Economics.

The average rate for a 30-year fixed loan increased to 4.61 percent in the week ended Thursday, Dec. 9, from 4.46 percent the previous week. The average 15-year rate rose to 3.96 percent from 3.81 percent.

It's time to make a move if you've been thinking about it.

Final walk-thru before closing

Buyers can be a little cranky on closing day if things go wrong during the walk-through inspection. For example, the sellers' dependable old dishwasher might stop midway through its cycle and the bathroom sink might clog unexpectedly. These situations can create anxiety for the buyers and sellers, but such problems are quite common and usually simple to resolve.

Most purchase agreements require that the major mechanical systems and the appliances being conveyed are in working order at the time of the closing. Defects are often discovered during the structural inspection, allowing the sellers plenty of time to have the repairs made. Occasionally there are last-minute breakdowns or defects that are not spotted until the walk-through inspection. In that case, an agreement can be made with the sellers at the closing to escrow funds for the repair or replacement of the items in question.

Real Estate Tip if you are self employed

There's no question that it could be more difficult for you to get a mortgage loan if you are a free lance viola player than if you are a government accountant. Traditionally, lenders have been more cautious when evaluating loan applications of buyers who are self-employed than people who work for a regular salary.

However, if you are self-employed, there is no reason for you to shy away from applying for a home mortgage loan, especially if your earnings have been in the same field for at least two years. It is a good idea to meet with one or more loan officers before you begin your search. They will probably want to analyze your tax returns for the past 2 or 3 years, keeping in mind that many self employed people can look impoverished on paper, since you can write off some expenses that salaried individuals can not. Try to get pre-approval from the lender, and ask for a letter stating that you have pre-qualified for a loan which your real estate agent can attach to any offer you submit on a home. This will make you more attractive to the sellers.

Sellers want communication

Sellers want communication. Most agents think the only thing homeowners want when they list with an agent is to sell their house. Of course this is important, but from the time they list with you to the time it sells, the No. 1 thing they want is communication. A frequent complaint about agents is that they list homes and are never heard from again. So keep in touch with the seller through various means, such as phone calls, e-mails, notes, and face-to-face meetings.

Approval from FED for USDA/Rural Housing loans

The federal government has finally given the go ahead for approved lenders to begin funding USDA/Rural Housing loans. Here are a few benefits of USDA/Rural Housing Loans:

* Zero Down payment required which drastically reduces the amount needed to close and allows more buyers to be eligible for the program.
* Closing costs and prepaids can be financed if supported by appraised value so buyers with limited assets can still qualify.
* Assumable with prior approval. Re-sales of the property may be more affordable and homeowners with assumable mortgages have more marketable homes.
* Rural properties are eligible. It makes home financing easier and more available in outlying communities.

Real Estate by Pam: Deadlines for contracts are very important

Real Estate by Pam: Deadlines for contracts are very important: "Both buyer and seller should be aware of all of the deadlines in their purchase agreement. Each contract is different, but there are usually..."