Q&A: Buying a Home in the Greater Daytona Beach Area - Real Estate Corner
“Greater Daytona Beach Area” Real Estate Corner
Q & A, Answers by Brenda Benz
- I am not familiar with the Daytona Beach and Volusia County area. How can I find the right neighborhood for my family?
Your Lifestyle and Family Needs will set the path toward your new home - Specific Areas and Neighborhoods may suit your needs perfectly. Research school zones if needed and that will help your Realtor know the best neighborhoods within your school zone of choice | Once you decide on the Mainland or on the Beachside, your Realtor can select properties that suit your Florida lifestyle and your family’s needs | Price Ranges and your Desire or Willingness to live in a Homeowners Association Community will guide your Realtor toward available choices | Work with a Realtor who offers AREA KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE, to guide you every step of the way in finding the “Right” Florida home for you.
- Are there any Lender Bond programs for First Time Homebuyers?
Yes, there is a Bond Program currently available to Buyers who qualify, offering $7,500 toward down payment or closing cost assistance. Call or email Brenda today for details on this program.
- Are there any special Heroes discounts or programs available for those in the Military, Teachers, Firefighters, Medical Workers and Safety Patrol Officers?
There are a number of programs offering discounts. However, locally in the Volusia County area, Brenda Benz offers a Heroes Program, giving 25% of her sales commission to Buyers who qualify. This to be applied toward Buyers Closing Costs and pre paids. For Sellers, a discounted commission will apply. Contact Brenda Benz today! (No other discounts are applicable)
- Is there any time of the year that is better to buy a home?
No....Your right time is according to your own timeline based on YOUR financial and personal needs.
- What are Home BUYER costs/expenses?
Lender Costs (Your Loan officer can give you a breakdown of your costs/expenses with a Good Faith Estimate) | Escrow Deposit – Amount to be collected and within the timelines shown on your contract, normally within 3 days and will be placed into an escrow account | Home Inspections can be paid prior to, or at the time of service | Appraisal – A lender cost normally paid directly to the lender | Survey – If the Seller does not have a current survey on file, a survey will be ordered; payable prior to survey being performed or shown as an expense to you on the HUD at closing | Wind Mitigation Inspection can be performed prior to closing to help you in reducing your insurance premium. It can save you hundreds of dollars yearly.
- What are Home SELLER costs/expenses?
Real Estate Commission as shown on your Listing Agreement | Prorated Taxes for the days/months you have lived in the house for the current year | Mortgage Pay-off, if applicable | Title Insurance | Documentary Stamps | Title Company Fees | Recording Fees | Outstanding Liens/Judgments/Utility Bills, etc. if applicable. I will personally create a Seller’s Net Sheet which
Will show you an approximate $$ that you will net. |
- If I am getting financing, should I talk to a lender before I start to look for my Florida home?
YES! Getting preapproved is very important for the following reasons: A Pre-approval letter shows that you can buy a house and gives you peace of mind in doing so | A Pre-approval letter helps define your search on the price range you should look within | You’ll have more leverage in negotiations, as Sellers are more likely to negotiate with a Pre-approved buyer than one that is not. It will also help you in a multiple offer situation | A Pre-approval letter is better than getting prequalified. Please contact me for preferred lenders of choice.
- Who pays the Realtor fees when buying a home?
The Seller pays the Real Estate commission. Therefore, it costs you NOTHING to work with a licensed Realtor.
- What is a Short Sale?
A short sale occurs when a property is sold at a price lower than the amount that the homeowner owes on their mortgage, and the homeowner's mortgage lender(s) agrees to the "short" payoff. A short sale contract is contingent upon 3rd party/Lender approval.
- How can I find out what area schools have the best school rating and how can I search for a home in our school zone of choice?
Click HERE to view the 2014 Volusia County School Ratings. Click HERE to Search a specific address for the assigned school zones. Select the City and then type in the address.
I welcome your emails with additional questions to be sent to: [email protected] or please don’t hesitate to communicate with me 7 days a week. Tell Me: Volusia County Moms sent you!
Need a short term loan? To get more information about short term loans, click here.
Comments