Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked questions
If you don’t find the answers to the questions you have, please feel free to reach us and we will do our best to continue to update our FAQ page with additional questions and concerns.
What is the neighborhood area like?
One of the most common question the buyers often has. There are rules against steering a potential buyer to one area over another, especially due to any reasons related to categories not allowed by federal, state or local law. Some of these include but are not limited to race, religion, crime, quality of schools, etc.
There are websites a Realtor can provide that will help the you, the buyer, get the information you are looking for on the neighborhood. This is factual statistical data and can be useful to the buyer and remove any liabilities from the Realtor in relation to laws against steering.
What can be claimed as tax deduction when purchasing a home?
We encourage you to follow up with a professional tax advisor. There are certain restrictions and limits, a Realtor is not authorized to provide legal tax representation. However, according to H&R block:
“In most cases, the only tax deductions on a home purchase you may qualify for is the prepaid mortgage interest (points). You need to deduct prepaid mortgage interest (points) paid to the lender if you meet certain qualifications. This means you report income in the year you receive it and deduct expenses in the year you pay them.”
What closing cost will I need to prepare for when buying a home?
There a a number of items you will need to pay for when you’re looking forward to a closing. We have an article that highlights this in our blog, please feel free to read it to get a better idea. Some items you can look at paying are:
- Loan Origination Fee
- Buyer’s Realtor Fees
- Listing Agent Fees
- Title Company
- Government Taxes
- Notary Public
You can find more in our article.
What is homestead exemption?
This is a great program for property owners to apply for on their primary home. Homestead helps reduce property taxes by sheltering certain percentage of the home value from property taxes.
Should I get a home inspection?
As a home buyer, it is highly recommended to seek the assistance of a home inspector. The buyer should be well informed and have a good idea of any structural deficiencies to the property. The buyer should be aware of the real condition of the property. Electricity, plumbing, heating, roof, and much more can be included in the home inspection. A proper home inspection can give the buyers an opportunity to renegotiate with the seller before executing the final contract offer.
How quickly can one close on a contract?
In some instances, there is what we call a cash deal, this type of transaction can close in 2 weeks. When you take out a loan, normal escrow periods are around 30 to 45 days. In some rare instances, we have seen up to 90 days. This time frame offers enough time to do all the investigative work and get the loan underwriting completed.
If I looked at the same property with an agent, but did not like the agent's services, can I choose another agent to purchase that same property?
If a Realtor shows you the property at a previous date and you are now looking at the same property with a new agent, the Ethical thing to do is to purchase the property with that Realtor. The legal thing to do — if you signed a buyer agency agreement and the contract has not expired — is to stick with the Realtor or wait till expiration.
Potential legal conflicts can arise when you view a property with one agent and make an offer on that property with another agent. If you signed a buyer agency agreement, you will almost always run into legal ramifications due to breach of contract. In an instance such as this one, you will need to pay both agent fees, one for helping you acquire the property and another for the agent that originally showed you the property. If your buyer agency agreement is expired with the original realtor, you will not need to worry about paying both agent fees.
You can be sure that almost always the previous agent will find out that you purchased the property with a new agent. He or she will want to make a claim to all or portions of the commission. To avoid such a situation, ask or make the agent aware ahead of time of your intentions so that a remedy can be sought and you can legally use a different real estate agent or broker.
Is there a Government program for first time home buyers?
Yes, depending on your location there can usually be some government programs available, some requirements and benefits vary from program to program. Kashmiri Realty can help you find the government benefit information you need and that is best for your real estate transaction, Contact Us today at 904-551-4955 for more details.
Should I sell on my own or use a Real Estate Agent?
Yes, as the owner of the property you can always sell your property as (For Sale by Owner), but just stop there for a minute and think about that. You alone will need to List the property on one of the free website that allows you or many of them, arrange showings, negotiate on your own. At this point you really need to ask yourself, “Do I really want to do this on my own?”
The good news is, when you hire a real estate agent, they will work for you and until the deal is closed, it is free, totally free for you.
Higher a Realtor that will implement all of the essential duties of their job, listing and marketing, showing the property, help you through the negotiation process and more. At Kashmiri Realty, we will be happy to help you from beginning to end.
What is a USDA Loan?
The USDA Loan is a Rural Housing Home Loan Purchase Programs, that offers 100% USDA Financing. This is a very convenient program If you are looking to purchase on a rural community. No down payment plus a low fixed mortgage interest rate and low fixed monthly payments. Ask your lender for more information on this wonderful loan program.
There is another program called the “renovation loan program” where you can borrow up to maximum $10,000.00 More details on this program will be provided here.
Is a 504 Loan a good option for purchasing commercial real estate?
Yes, if you qualify for an SBA 504 Commercial Real Estate Loan through a CDC Lender, it is a great choice to go with. Most DCD Lenders are non-profit organizations that provide up to $10 Million in commercial real estate financing for either the purchase or development of commercial real estate for business purposes.
You can also seek an SBA 504 loan for the financing of business equipment and depending on the CDC Lender you chose to go with, they may be able to help you acquire an SBA 504 business loan that will include both the purchase of the real estate and some extra financing for the business equipment. These are options you’d have to assess with CDC Lenders in your area.