The costs of buying a home may be daunting. For example, you may have finally saved enough for a down payment on your first home, with a little left over to buy the furniture you will need. Then you hear about having to pay closing costs you weren't anticipating, and this may seem like a real setback.

One way to cover such a shortage is to make the sellers an offer that calls for them to credit you for some of the closing costs. As a rule, the sellers may pay a maximum of 3 percent of the sales price if the buyer is putting five percent down. If the buyer is making a down payment of 10 percent or more, the seller can contribute up to 6 percent of the sales price to cover the buyer's closing costs. Some items, such as prepaid taxes and the first month's mortgage payment, must be paid by the buyers. Sellers may also contribute to paying the appraisal, points, title insurance, settlement attorney fees, state or local transfer taxes and similar items.

Keep in mind that if the credit is included in the price of the house, the appraiser will have to justify the amount, based on sales prices of similar homes in the neighborhood.

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Lacie Maynard
Realty Executives
3479 Gulf Shores Parkway, Ste. B
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
800-760-6019
Fax: 251-968-4340
laciemaynard@NUMBER1EXPERT.com

Always willing to go the extra mile, Lacie's outstanding attention to detail has earned her continual referral business as well as a wealth of new business. For nearly a decade, Lacie has been a top listing and selling agent all along the Alabama Coastline. As one of America's NUMBER1EXPERTS™ in the Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Foley area Lacie is well equipped to guide you through all your real estate needs. Call or email her today!