04 Sep 2024
By noelkelman

Homebuyer’s Guide to Pre-Paid Costs

Home Building Tips, ,
Buying a home is an exciting adventure, but it’s crucial to understand all the financial aspects involved to make the process smoother. Beyond your down payment and closing costs, there are several pre-paid costs that you’ll need to address at closing. These pre-paid costs are essential to consider as you plan your home purchase. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand these costs and prepare effectively. What Are Pre-Paid Costs? Pre-paid costs are expenses you’ll need to pay upfront at closing, in addition to your down payment and closing costs. These costs are designed to cover certain future expenses…
Read More
17 May 2024
By noelkelman

Escrow Analysis: Your Key to Understanding Mortgage Payments

Escrow Tips, ,
Escrow might sound like a fancy term, but it's not rocket science. Let’s break it down into simple terms. In simple terms, an escrow analysis is a review of your escrow account conducted by your mortgage lender. Think of it as a regular check-up for your escrow account. You might be wondering, what is an escrow account? An escrow account holds funds collected with your monthly mortgage payment to cover expenses like property taxes, homeowners insurance, and sometimes even mortgage insurance. Why It Matters Without a proper escrow analysis, you might end up short on cash when those tax and…
Read More
14 Feb 2024
By noelkelman

A Comprehensive Guide to Explaining Escrow Accounts

Homebuyer Tips, ,
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner considering a refinance, the term "escrow account" often looms as a source of confusion. Yet, understanding the ins and outs of escrow accounts is crucial for managing your homeownership responsibilities effectively. In this article, we'll address some common questions and concerns regarding escrow accounts to shed light on their importance and functionality. What is an Escrow Account? Escrow accounts, sometimes referred to as "impound" accounts, serve as a financial mechanism to facilitate the payment of property taxes and homeowner's insurance. Typically, lenders require homeowners to contribute a portion of these expenses…
Read More
03 Jan 2024
By noelkelman

The Role of Mortgage Escrow Accounts in Property Tax and Insurance Payments

Home Mortgage Tips, ,
A mortgage escrow account, also known simply as an escrow account, is a financial arrangement set up by a mortgage lender to manage and disburse certain payments related to the property on behalf of the homeowner. The purpose of an escrow account is to ensure that essential expenses, such as property taxes and homeowners’ insurance, are paid on time. Here's how a mortgage escrow account works: Creation of Escrow Account: When you obtain a mortgage loan, your lender may require you to establish an escrow account. This account is typically separate from your mortgage loan account. Monthly Payments: As part…
Read More
05 Jul 2023
By noelkelman

The Role of Escrow in Real Estate Transactions

Home Buyer Tips, ,
Purchasing or selling a property is a significant financial transaction that involves numerous parties, legalities, and a substantial amount of money. To ensure a smooth and secure process, the real estate industry relies heavily on a mechanism known as escrow. Understanding Escrow Escrow refers to a neutral third-party entity or professional, typically an escrow officer or a title company, entrusted with holding and disbursing funds and documents during a real estate transaction. It acts as a safeguard, ensuring that all parties fulfill their obligations and that the transaction progresses smoothly. How Escrow Works Once the buyer and seller have agreed…
Read More
05 Jul 2023
By noelkelman

The Role of Escrow in Real Estate Transactions

Home Buyer Tips, ,
Purchasing or selling a property is a significant financial transaction that involves numerous parties, legalities, and a substantial amount of money. To ensure a smooth and secure process, the real estate industry relies heavily on a mechanism known as escrow. Understanding Escrow Escrow refers to a neutral third-party entity or professional, typically an escrow officer or a title company, entrusted with holding and disbursing funds and documents during a real estate transaction. It acts as a safeguard, ensuring that all parties fulfill their obligations and that the transaction progresses smoothly. How Escrow Works Once the buyer and seller have agreed…
Read More
21 Apr 2023
By noelkelman

Ensuring A Stress-Less Closing

Mortgage, ,
Buying a home is an exciting and exhilarating time. Between the time your offer is accepted, and when you finally have keys in hand and you are ready to step into your new home, it can be stressful. The escrow period, also known as the closing, can take the most easygoing home buyer to the brink of insanity. After you have negotiated your best price and come to an agreement, there are ways to make the escrow process less anxiety-provoking. Here are some tips from top real estate agents to help you get through the escrow process without losing your…
Read More
22 Nov 2022
By noelkelman

Escrow And Your Mortgage: The Most Important Points To Know

Mortgage, ,
There are many complicated terms thrown around regarding your mortgage, and one of them is an escrow account. You will probably hear that your lender will collect some additional money every month for escrow payments. If you take a look at your mortgage statement, you will see your interest, your principal, and your escrow. What does this mean, and why do you have to pay additional money that isn't going toward the balance of your loan? The Definition Of An Escrow Account An escrow account is an extra account that your lender opens on your behalf to make sure certain…
Read More