HOME BUYER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What out-of-pocket expenses should I consider when buying a property?
Beyond the down payment and closing costs, buyers should be aware of additional expenses. Depending on the property, you may need to budget for essential home inspections such as General Home inspections, Termite Pest Control Inspection, Roof Inspection, possibly a Septic Tank inspection in rural or oceanfront regions or where city sewage is not connected and fees associated with your loan such as credit check fee, home appraisal and broker commission if the seller is not offering to pay buyer's broker commission fees. These inspections ensure a thorough assessment of the property's condition, helping you make informed decisions during the home buying process.
Do I pay an agent to help me find a property?
There are no hidden fees from a real estate agent to help you find a property nor for referring you to a lender. In occasions where the seller of the property has not agreed to offer a buyer's agent commission, then the buyer shall be responsible for any fees associated with buyer side representation. Commissions are not set and are negotiable; however, some brokers may have their own set fees. Be aware that all fees should be discussed with your agent when you hire them to represent you. Please refer to our Buyer's Representation page for more details on how broker commissions work.
Can an agent help me find off market or For Sale by Owner properties?
Yes. An agent can you find off market and For Sale by Owner properties. Buyers should be aware that in Off Market and For Sale by Owner scenarios where no seller compensation agreement has been established, the buyer may be responsible for paying the brokerage a commission fee. The buyer should also be aware, if they ask the agent to perform specific property search campaigns that the buyer may be responsible for upfront costs to cover expenses related to those efforts (i.e. database list, hiring staff or paying staff to perform extra duties, materials, postage, and etc) - these efforts are not guaranteed to show immediate results.
Can I ask my agent for buyer credits or cash back when I close?
Real estate laws and brokerages may carry certain restrictions on giving monetary credits. Real estate agents and brokerages are not obligated to give client credits. Each office is independently owned and operated and buyers should speak with their immediate agent regarding credits.
Does the seller charge me extra to purchase their property?
When a property is listed on the market for sale, the asking price is based on current Market Value and what the seller feels their property is worth. However, there are auction platforms where the buyer may be subject to a buyer's premium which can be negotiated into the offer price. Talk to your agent about these fees before bidding at auctions. Otherwise, there are no hidden fees in the sale of a property; as per legal requirements all fees associated with the purchase or sale of a property are disclosed to both the buyer and seller on their HUD-1, net sheet or sales estimate form before and during the escrow processes.
Buyers are responsible for any fees associated with their loan, such as: loan origination fees, appraisal report, money deposits towards the property purchase, down payment, your portion of any closing costs and escrow fees. Again, there are no hidden fees, as you will be provided with a preliminary estimate of buyer fees and will receive a breakdown of all costs associated with your purchase before and during the escrow processes. A list of estimated fees can be provided by your lender during your loan consultation and during our Buyer Consultation.
How can I buy a newly constructed home instead of a resale home?
You have options! We have a network of new home builders throughout California. Contact Us for more information.
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