The Seller May Pay
The costs of buying a home may be daunting. For example, you may have finally saved enough for a down payment on your first home, with a little left over to buy the furniture you will need. Then you hear about having to pay closing costs you weren't anticipating, and this may seem like a real setback.
One way to cover such a shortage is to make the sellers an offer that calls for them to credit you for some of the closing costs. As a rule, the sellers may pay a maximum of 3 percent of the sales price if the buyer is putting five percent down. If the buyer is making a down payment of 10 percent or more, the seller can contribute up to 6 percent of the sales price to cover the buyer's closing costs. Some items, such as prepaid taxes and the first month's mortgage payment, must be paid by the buyers. Sellers may also contribute to paying the appraisal, points, title insurance, settlement attorney fees, state or local transfer taxes and similar items.
Keep in mind that if the credit is included in the price of the house, the appraiser will have to justify the amount, based on sales prices of similar homes in the neighborhood.
Do These Real Estate Tips Really Apply to YOU? I've learned these tips through years of experience as a top real estate agent. But I know that YOUR situation might be different. That's why I'm here. It's my job to personally advise homebuyers and sellers. Ask me if any tip that I've included here really applies to your situation. Do any of these tips raise questions for you? Didn't find what you're looking for? Let me know! I am happy to answer ANY questions. It's my job! There's no obligation, and I promise to get back to you quickly...
| Q |
Which law allows a person to give another individual up to $10,000 a year without any tax consequences?
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| A |
The Federal Gift Tax Law allows both parents to give a child (or anyone) $10,000 each in one year. |
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