Hidden Costs In Your Real Estate Transaction

Use this little check list to help you spot some of the most common places where your costs can go up dramatically.  Little extras that pile on and can really add up.

 

We all want to save money! Sure we do. We probably know where the best priced gas is in town and how to shop for a discount airfare when going to visit the family but Real Estate can be very confusing.

Mobile Notary Fees: Your closing officer will cheerfully tell you that they can send someone to you to sign and notarize documents. Great! But guess who pays for this service - you! Your schedule may make it worth it but if you can stop by the title or escrow office you can potentially save $100-$250 dollars. The reason for the broad range is because if you are getting a loan there are more documents to sign and the price goes up.

Termite Company Repairs: In many areas small repairs that are commonly called wood rot are bid by the termite company. Everyone is busy, everyone wants to close the sale so the seller typically signs this document and pays 3-5 times the amount it would cost to have a fascia board or a post on the patio replaced. Often a handyman is enough to do these jobs. Please note; I am not talking an actual termite problem here. That would have to be treated properly by the termite company.

Escrow Fees: These can vary wildly. I have seen differences of $450 for the same transaction. As Realtors we have trusted partners that we refer you to. However, over time we can lose sight of what the fees are. Ask your Realtor to get three quotes for escrow services. If they want to use their preferred escrow provider ask them to match the best price.

Title Fees: In many states these charges are set by the state insurance commissioner and do not really vary. However, it would not hurt to get a quote and also look carefully for any surplus charge beyond the actual title policy fee. Buyers, if you are getting a loan you will have to buy what is called a lenders title policy for your lender this is in addition to the title policy on the home which the seller typically pays for. Be sure you get quotes on that. One note here, any discounted extended to one party must also be equally extended to the other party.

Broker Fees: Buyers and sellers need to be aware of add on charges from the brokerages involved in the transaction. More and more often I am seeing some brokerages are adding a fee on top of any commission they are getting. Typically called a transaction fee or a admin fee these are pure junk and if you insist I am sure they will get removed. If not you will have to decide if that brokers services are worth that extra fee to you.

Home Inspections:  A good home inspector can save you a fortune! I would simply ask your RealtorRead Our article on how to ask the best questions in your home inspection.

if they have several they recommend or just one. Ask what sort of report you will get and what the general fees in the area are. Currently in my area inspection fees, for essentially the same inspection can vary by $125. Some inspectors provide very detailed reports with heavy emphasis on photos others just a general overview with few pictures. Be sure you get the report you need for the type of property you are buying.

State Requirements: Many states have specific forms or reports they require to be part of a real estate transaction. Here in California there is a pack of Hazard reports the seller must provide the buyer. There are multiple companies that sell these reports and prices differ by as much $35 for the exact same reports.

Your general rule of thumb is to ask questions. Anytime you as a buyer or seller are asked to pay for something be sure that you know what it is, are okay with it and know what options are out there for you. Don't let the hidden costs in your Real Estate transaction get out of control.

For more information on Real Estate in Southern California Please visit our website at www.PSagent.com or call us anytime at 760-408-5300.

1050 E Louise Palm Springs For Sale

1050 E Louise Palm Springs for sale $399,000 - 3 bed 2 bath with pool and spa plus Sun room, outdoor storage building and fire pit.

This totally remodeled home is perfectly set up for your season in the sun in palm Springs. At this price it it is one very few homes to offer all this for such a great price. Close to downtown and all you want to do in Palm Springs. Enjoy everything you want in a move in ready remodeled property. The large walled lot offers plenty of privacy while the mountain views take your breath away.

Palm Springs California is an amazing destination resort located just 115 miles from Los Angeles.  Long a favorite of Hollywood today the vast majority of visitors are not famous they just want a slice of the stupendous weather that Palm Springs enjoys.  The diversity of things to experience in the Desert is growing all the time. From the fine dining, gaming shopping and golf to a party scene and film festival circuit that is growing all the time. Running out of things to do in Palm Springs is simply not possible. The outdoor activities and nature could keep you busy for weeks on end.

Search our blog here for more information on the enviable lifestyle that Palm Springs can offer and take time to look at the amazing homes that are some of the most affordable in California.

See More information at: 1050 E Louise  or text "1050" to 760-297-4800 to get it all on your smart device. Be sure to watch the innovative 3D tour - unlike any virtual tour you have seen before.

Why Work With A Real Estate Agent?

It is a legitimate question.  Why should you work with a Professional Real Estate Agent?

A qualified, competent real estate agent will help you understand all of decisions that have to be made when buying or selling a home. -Can show you what the pricing ought to be and clearly show you why.

Your qualified agent should provide value to you  in many ways. The services should be spelled out clearly for you. Each agent has their own style and marketing plan. Make sure you understand if it is a fit for you.

Sellers:

The biggest mistake a seller can make is listing  with the wrong agent.  Who is the right agent you ask? Well read the list below and see if your agent

-Can explain clearly the pluses and minuses of any offer
- Can show you how to properly prepare your home for the market - a good agent is honest with you about the changes you need to make in your home. Don't be offended be glad you have a professional on your side.
- Has  a Network of contacts to promote your property to other than "some agents" in their office
-Has a network of service professionals to handle anything that comes up during the sales process.
(Lending, home maintenance, gardeners, cleaners, insurance, tax and legal professionals)
- Can Advise you on what works and what does not in your particular market.
-Can deliver you a written plan of what they will do to sell your home. Your time is valuable you should not have to "guess" what your next steps are.
-Knows their numbers (sales and other listed comparable properties) forwards and backwards.

Three things that don't matter when hiring someone to sell your home:

1) Number of homes sold - When an agent tells you that they sell 100, 200 or 300 homes a year this is your first tip off that you are dealing with a large "team."  Instead of dealing with one person you will have to go through many assistants and handlers. The persons name on the sign in front of your home may never even see your property.  Some sales teams like this are quite accomplished. However, if personal relationships with the person who is selling your home are important to you, you might want to hold off on signing with one of these teams. Likewise, if the agent you are talking too can only show you 4-5 sales they may not be full time or active enough to get your home sold. Obviously there could be a specialized exception but be sure to ask if the number seems too low. A productive agent in most markets is selling between 24 and 40 homes per year.

2) Ads in the Newspaper of Glossy Magazines - Readership of these publications has fallen off a cliff in the last decade. If your listing agent does this it won't hurt anything but it is not a reason to list with someone and it is not going to sell your home in most cases.

3) A Large Franchise Name - Buyers NEVER ask who has the home listed. They either want to see it or they don't. Any agent that tries to sell you on their franchise is not doing you any service.  By their very nature Franchises are a loose conglomeration of privately held companies. Their "networks" will not likely help you get a buyer. Each franchise has strengths in different geographic areas.  This is of no help to you. Real Estate agents very rarely work outside their territories and unless your home is a unique or specialty property it will just be "a house" to someone not familiar with your area.

Buyers:

Here is your first clue that your agent may not be the best one for you. They put you directly in their car and take you to look at a house.  While this might meet your desire for instant gratification it is not the sign of a professional agent.

A good buyers agent is going to ask you questions. They are going to help you see what you are looking for, what you can afford and what is best suited to you.  Yes you will look at houses but rather than run through  dozens of homes that are not a fit for you you will see homes that are most likely a perfect fit for you.

When you are working with a professional buyers agent and they take you to a home you should either see a home that closely matches your needs or the agent should be able to



explain why they showed you this home.  It could be price, neighborhood or some other feature but it should be a valid reason for not matching your needs to the property.

Watch for the agents that listen to you and show you the right properties. Those are the winners that you want to work with.

41775 Ward Drive Palm Desert

Sssshhhh!  We've got a secret.....just about the best Palm Desert  Deal Out there.....  $659,000

Privacy and space rarely comes in a package this attractive.  Great main house floorplan with three beds and 2.5 baths.  Large pool spa and wading pool, big outdoor entertaining area partially covered.

Then you get a one bedroom guest house with its own bath.  Tons of storage, 2 car and golf cart garage plus your very own fruit orchard in the back corner of this enormous lot.

All of this nestled in the interior of Sunterrace a quiet Palm Desert Neighborhood minutes from shopping, Dining and golf but seemingly in a private world all its own. With ultra low Homeowners fees, unique semi custom homes this gated community is a special place.

A hidden gem that won't stay that way at this price!  Call or text for your showing today!

760-408-5300

Brand New Pool and Spa In This Remodeled Palm Springs Home

[gallery type="slideshow" columns="1" link="none" ids="3884,3883" orderby="rand"]

 



Three Bed two bath fully remodeled home with BRAND NEW Pool and Spa.  Palm Springs CA - Call 760-408-5300 for pricing and more details. Enjoy the upcoming season in Palm Springs with this amazing home - close to everything.

Views, privacy - newly remodeled. Two car garage and sun room compliment the three bed two bath floor plan. Best of all this is the last home on this quiet cul-du-sac street to need fix up. All the neighbors already shine!

Call or email today: michael@psagent.com.

Come see why everyone wants to buy a home in Palm Springs!

Palm Desert CA Homes For Sale In Capri

 

Palm Desert Neighborhoods -Amatista & Brenna at Capri are located just off Country Club drive near Washington Street in Palm Desert. Close to shopping and easy access to the I-10 and other East Valley attractions such as the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Spotlight 29 Casino and Fantasy Springs Casino/Golf Course and Bowling Lanes.

From this well located neighborhood you can walk to the Ronald Reagan elementary school just outside the gates, and it is just a quick 5 minute drive to the beautiful Desert Willow golf course where Palm Desert Residents get reduced rate golf. There are lots of reasons to live in Palm Desert but these well located Newer construction homes are a few of the better ones! bedroom/Casita arrangement and some have three car garages. Generous yards and some with pools. You really can have it all in your perfect Desert home. These gated communities also have very low homeowners association fees.


SEARCH HOMES FOR SALE IN PALM DESERT CALIFORNIA:

See all Palm Desert CA homes for Sale in Capri with this link

Search All Palm Desert California Homes For Sale