The Be Aware of Real Estate Handbook

A Must Have Reference...

This book contains helpful real estate tips for people that are considering buying a first home as well as homeowners that HAVE bought or sold houses in the past.


Purchasing a Home Doesn't Have to be Stressful

Purchasing a home is considered one of the most stressful events in a persons life. The Be Aware of Real Estate Handbook, is a collection of real estate tips to help you in buying or selling your home, along with stories of real-life experiences that have actually happened to people just like you.

Table of Contents NOTE TO THE READER REAL ESTATE REAL LIFE BOO-BOOS INTRODUCTION PART ONE T-I-P-S CREDIT REPORTS credit scoring online down payment funds “CLOSING COSTS”: WHAT ARE THEY? ASSUMABLE NO QUALIFYING LOANS OWNER FINANCING/BALLOON PAYMENTS LEASE PURCHASE MORTGAGE SHOPPING PROPERTY TAXES ON YOUR NEW HOME TAX COLLECTOR / APPRAISAL WEBSITES REAL ESTATE “KICKBACKS”

Did you Know? "...even if you are married, you do not have to jointly purchase a home?" "If you have a credit card with a $5000 limit, but you only owe $1000, this may be treated as a $5000 debt." "...even if you have some blemishes in your credit rating, you CAN STILL purchase a home." Learn more about why in The Be Aware of Real Estate Handbook!

HOME INSPECTION COMPANIES

SPECIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

TO LIEN OR NOT TO LIEN

REAL ESTATE APPRAISALS

“DESKTOP” APPRAISALS

SUBDIVISION SALES

SELLING YOUR HOME BY OWNER OR REAL ESTATE

SELLING BY OWNER

SELLING THROUGH A REALTOR

BUYER’S CONTRACT

CONTINGENCIES IN THE CONTRACT

SELLER’S CONTRACT

“MAY ASSIGN” OR “MAY NOT ASSIGN” A CONTRACT?

HOW STRONG IS YOUR BUYER?

THE FINAL DAYS BEFORE CLOSING

THE FINAL WALK-THROUGH

HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE

PAYING WITH A CASHIER’S, CERTIFIED, or PERSONAL CHECK?

TABLE FUNDING

CLOSING TABLE

REFINANCING YOUR MORTGAGE

PART TWO REAL DEALS AND S-Q-U-E-A-L-S

THE HOUSE SALE THAT ALMOST WASN’T

THE DEAL THAT WAS “SAVED”

THE “FOR SALE BY OWNER” DILEMMA

THE STRANGER WHO WAS A “BUYER”

THE CLOSING THAT ALMOST WASN’T

CLOSING DAY “UNPLEASANT SURPRISE”

TOO MANY SURPRISES AT THE CLOSING TABLE

ONE LIEN TOO MANY

SIGNATURE BLUES

THE DREAM HOUSE NIGHTMARE

FENCING FAVORITES?

THE ALMOST FIRE SALE

SHOULD HAVE LEASE OPTIONED

THE BEST “FRIENDLY” ADVICE

DELAYED RETIREMENT

A BAD ASSIGNMENT

BAD DEAL GONE GREAT

IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED — TRY, TRY AGAIN

PRE-APPROVED FOR WHAT?

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER’S LESSON

REALTOR BOO-BOO

THE LETTER OF EXPLANATION

THE RETIREMENT CUSTOM HOME NIGHTMARE

THE BIDDING WAR

THE “DON’T WORRY ABOUT A THING” DEAL

THE NEXT BUYERS (PART II OF THE “DON’T WORRY ABOUT A THING” DEAL)

THE FOR SALE BY OWNER SAMPLE CHECK LIST

FOR SALE BY OWNER TELEPHONE CHECKLIST

SETTING UP AN APPOINTMENT

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