Blog

Fast, Accurate, and Efficient
Real Estate Closings Handled by Attorneys.

Blog

What Questions Should I Ask When Looking At Homes?

by Joshua Gerstin, Esq. | May 19, 2020

As you’ll see in this video, many of your questions should focus on potential problems and maintenance issues. Does anything need to be replaced? What things require ongoing maintenance like paint, roof, heating and AC, appliances and carpet? Also ask about the...

What Should I Look For When Walking Through A Home?

by Joshua Gerstin, Esq. | May 19, 2020

As we show you in this video, in addition to comparing the home to your minimum requirement and wish lists use the HUD Home Scorecard and consider the following: Is there enough room for both the present and the future? Are there enough bedrooms...

What Does A Home Inspector Do, And How Does An Inspection Figure In The Purchase Of A Home?

by Joshua Gerstin, Esq. | May 19, 2020

As we show you in this video, an inspector checks the safety of your potential new home. Home Inspectors focus especially on the structure, construction and mechanical systems of the house and will make you aware of only repairs that are needed. The Inspector does n...

How Can I Keep Track Of All The Homes I See?

by Joshua Gerstin, Esq. | May 19, 2020

There are some great tips in this video, like: if possible, take photographs of each house: the outside, the major rooms, the yard and extra features that you like or ones you see as potential problems. Write things down as you go. And don't hesitate to return for a...

How Are Pre-Qualifying And Pre-Approval Different?

by Joshua Gerstin, Esq. | May 19, 2020

Watch this video and it’ll make sense. Pre-qualification is an informal way to see how much you maybe able to borrow. You can be 'pre-qualified' over the phone with no paperwork by telling a lender your income, your long-term debts and how large a down payment ...

How Do I Begin The Process Of Buying A Home?

by Joshua Gerstin, Esq. | May 19, 2020

Remember these pointers from the video: start by thinking about your situation. Are you ready to buy a home? How much can you afford in a monthly mortgage payment? How much space do you need? What areas of town do you lik...

How Does Purchasing A Home Compare With Renting?

by Joshua Gerstin, Esq. | May 19, 2020

Like the guy in the video says, the two don't really compare at all. The one advantage of renting is being generally free of most maintenance responsibilities. But by renting, you lose the chance to build equity take advantage of tax benefits and protect yourself a...

How Do Lenders Decide The Maximum Loan Amount That Buyers Can Afford?

by Joshua Gerstin, Esq. | May 19, 2020

As you’ll see in the video, the lenders consider your debt-to-income ratio, which is a comparison of your gross (pre-tax) income to housing and non-housing expenses. Non-housing expenses include such long-term debts as car or student loan payments, alimony, o...

What Is A Credit Bureau Score And How Do Lenders Use Them?

by Joshua Gerstin, Esq. | May 19, 2020

As we show you in this video, a credit bureau score, or “credit score” is a number based upon your credit history that represents the possibility that you will be unable to repay a loan. Lenders use it to determine your ability to qualify for a mortgage l...

How Can I Find Out Information About My Credit History?

by Joshua Gerstin, Esq. | May 19, 2020

Watch this video and take a few notes! There are three major credit reporting companies: Equifax - www.equifax.com 1-800-685-1111 Experian - www.experian.com 1-888-397-3742 Trans Union - www.transunion.com 1-800-916-8800 ...