What Does a Closing Cost? What are Closing Costs? What?

March 23, 2016 by

You did it!  You finally bought your very own home.  Well, almost.  The closing is just a week away and all is going well.  All you need to do is make sure you have everything everyone is asking for on closing day.  But you’re a little confused because your attorney and the agents and your lender keep tossing terms about as casually as breathing, all the while expecting you to understand exactly what is going on and how it affects you.  You’re going to sign things that say this is so after all!

So what, exactly, are “closing costs” anyway?  Is that the price of a closing?  Well, kind of.  But it’s not like you say, “Hey that looks like a nice closing, I’ll take one of those please.”  Closing costs for each buyer and each transaction will always be unique based on their particular financial circumstances and the agreed-upon terms of the deal as negotiated and declared in the signed Purchase & Sale Agreement.  Sound a little overwhelming?  Not to worry, that’s what this blog is here for.

Follow me.

First, it is indeed true and accurate to say that “closing costs” are particular amounts of money that you (the buyer) will be expected to pay on “closing day” -the day the place you are buying officially transfers ownership (by way of recording in the registry of deeds) to you from the seller.

These mysterious “costs” often include one or more of the following: attorney’s fees, title insurance, recording fees, loan origination fees and/or discount points, prepayments of real estate taxes and insurance premiums, appraisal fee, credit report cost, and underwriting fees.  All in all, closing costs typically end up ranging from about 2% to 6% of the loan amount depending on the area.

There is no set list of items nor are there fixed dollar amounts, but here is one typical collection of closing costs to use as a general guideline:

  • Attorney Fees (for closing, title exam, and document preparation): $500-$1000 +/-
  • Premium for title insurance, if needed
  • Discount Points (1 point=1% of loan, etc.)
  • Appraisal fee, credit report fee
  • Property Tax Reserves
  • Prepaid interest
  • Recording Fee
  • Tax Stamps ($4.59 per $1000)

Sometimes the seller will contribute to these costs as part of the deal.  Always check with your lender for final closing cost numbers and details -they will give you an estimate early on (called a Good Faith Estimate and now required by law) and then the actual numbers usually a day or two before your closing.

So there you have it.  Closing costs are not quite as scary as one might think!  The important thing to remember is to ask questions early and often.  Between your attorney, your lender, and your real estate agent, you should have a team of experienced professionals who can make sure you’re prepared and knowledgeable at every turn.  Don’t hesitate to ask about each and every term mentioned in this blog and anything else you come across on the way to closing.  There is no question too small!  The closing officer will also walk you through the Settlement Statement on closing day –this form itemizes all the costs being paid by the sellers and the buyers, so take your time reading through it and ask questions about anything that you don’t recognize or understand.  Finally, the closing officer will ask for a check for your down payment and closing costs.  This is it!

You are now not only a homeowner, but one who understands closing cost lingo like it’s nobody’s business.

Once again, thank you for tuning into the Marston Beacon Hill real estate blog.  Do not hesitate to get in touch with any questions!

Until next time,

Annie Bergen and the Marston Beacon Hill Team

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If I Knew More About My Condo Fee, What a Wonderful World it Would Be.

October 19, 2015 by

Don’t know much about history.  Don’t know much biology.  But I do know that I love condominiums.  And if I knew more about their fee, what a wonderful world it would be.  What a wonderful world it would be.  All together now!

Do you like the idea of sharing the joys and responsibilities of home-ownership with others instead of going it alone?  And is it agreeable to think of sharing costs and decision-making regarding the upkeep of your building’s common areas?  Then condominium living might be for you!

But, you might be thinking, what exactly is a condominium?  What are condo fees?  And how does it all work?  The terms are so familiar, yet also mysterious at the same time.

Well these are all great questions and you’re not alone in asking them.  So we at Marston Beacon Hill have gone ahead and compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about condominiums, condo fees (aka association fees), and the major points you need to know in order to keep it all straight.  So come along and explore these questions with us –here we go!

1. I always hear about the “budget,” but am not quite sure what that means . . .

Condominium associations elect a board of trustees to oversee the planning and execution of running the condominium.  In order to make and implement decisions efficiently and effectively, the trustees need to create a budget for the condominium to run on just like any family or individual needs to do.  In order to do this the trustees first look at all necessary expenses (discussed below) and then add in any special projects (also discussed below).  Then they use that number as the total budget for the year.  Each unit owner’s condo fee is then based on their respective percentage of the total budget needed for the year.  For example, if it takes $50,000 per year to operate a building and you own 5% then you would owe a total of $2500 for the year, making your monthly association fee $208.33.  So, the next time you think you might like your association to oh, let’s say, “just go ahead and build a gym,” don’t forget that this will also mean a corresponding increase to your monthly fee!  So which do you think will make you sweat more?  The gym or the fee?

2. Let’s Talk about “Condo Fee,” Let’s Talk about You and We

The term “condo fee” stands for condominium fee and it refers to a monthly dollar amount that a condominium unit owner must pay to their condominium association.  It is also, by the way, actually an “association fee,” rather than a “condominium fee” even though it is commonly referred to as the latter — A condominium is a type of ownership entity. An association is the organization of condominiums. The fee that is paid is an association fee rather than a condominium fee –are you loving this yet?  The fees are split between all owners in the condominium and cover costs that vary from building to building, generally going towards common area maintenance, utilities, and other costs of running the condominium.  Some associations include very little in the fee –perhaps just maintenance, heat, and hot water.  Other larger associations can include salaries of maintenance or concierge staff and the upkeep of common amenities like roof decks, pools, and gyms.  There is also generally a portion that goes to building up a healthy reserve in case the association has to make an emergency or planned repair.

3. Why do condo fees change (often go up) and can I do anything about this?

One thing that generally confuses people is why their condo fees often change –and unfortunately usually go up!  Well, this can be for many reasons.  Sometimes the association chooses to increase the monthly fee to raise money for increased routine costs, or to make a repair to the building that was unanticipated like getting a new roof.  These expenses would often be too much for people to handle in one go, so it helps to roll them into the condo fee and spread them out over time.  Since the raw underlying costs involved change, the fees that are passed onto owners have to change as well. For example, fuel costs have been going up as much as 25% this year, so condo fees are going up to reflect this added cost.  In order to be fiscally responsible, associations plan for upcoming capital needs, and a good way to do this is to put aside money in a reserve account. Part of the condominium fees often include a portion for funding this contingency account. In the case of an unplanned event, or a cosmetic or non-capital expense, calling for a supplementary assessment may be done.

And there you have it!

The secrets of condominium living 101 have been unlocked and are yours forever.

We hope this information has been helpful.  If you find yourself still brimming with unanswered questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch anytime and we would be glad to help.

Until next time,

Annie Liza Bergen and the Marston Beacon Hill Team

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Dude, What Car?

August 5, 2011 by

Do you spend a large majority of your waking hours looking for parking, talking about parking, worrying about parking -or one of my best friend’s all-time favorites -telling really great stories about parking?

Well then maybe it’s time to lose your car!

Owning a car in downtown Boston can be time consuming and expensive.  It can be wonderfully liberating to live without a car.

Let me tell you why.

Four Reasons to Live without a Car in Boston

Reason Number One: No More Parking Tickets!

How happy would it make you to never have to pay a parking ticket again? Oh the things you might do, the places you might go –you’ve got extra spending money!

Reason Number Two: Say Goodbye to the Street-Cleaning Sweats

You know what I’m talking about.  Did you read that sign correctly?  Or did you read the wrong sign altogether?  Did a city ordinance have all the signs changed in the middle of the night?  Imagine not having to care one way or the other.

Reason Number Three: No More Snow Emergencies

You’re bundled by the fire after a day on the slopes, far from the city, only to realize your car is parked on a major artery back in Boston, and a snow emergency requires it to be removed.  Imagine not having to worry about where your car is, ever.

Reason Number Four: No More Registration, No More Insurance, No More Parking Stickers.

Enough said.

So, are you thinking the car-less life doesn’t sound too bad after all and want to learn more?

Well then read my list of . . .

Four Ways to get around Boston without a Car

Way Number One: You Can Walk Places.  Cardio is good for you and Grrrreat for the environment too!

Walking is liberating and fun.  You will see things you’ve never noticed before.   You can work on your waistline.  You experience Zen moments with the morning birds and squirrels before you get to the office.  And that’s all great for your health –but it doesn’t stop with just your well-being alone, it’s great for the planet, too.

Way Number Two: Tired of Walking?  Ride the T!

The T is still better for the environment than your car.  If your commute is too long to walk, you can combine walking with riding the T.  If you need to, you can drive to a T parking lot and then ride the rest of the way into Boston. Some things you can do on the T:

            1. You Can Meet New People.  You have at least one full stop to get them to like you and they are a conveniently captive audience.
            2. You Can Read That Book you started twenty times, but don’t have time to read at home.
            3. You Can Just Relax.
            4. You Can People Watch.
            5. You Can Check Out the Art!  (See picture to right.  That’s a wall painting at the Fenway T stop).

Way Number 3: Maybe the T’s not for you?  Ride a Bike.

Don’t have your own bike?  Don’t despair.  The Hub’s got a wicked new bike sharing program.  Check it out here: www.hubway.com.  PS: Don’t forget your helmet -it’s a matter of safety as well as a fashion statement.  Now get on your bikes and ride!

Way Number Four:  I Really Need a Car.  OK then, Just Zip It!

If you really just can’t live without the wheels, maybe you can at least live with –sharing the wheels!  Zipcar is a fantastic company that exists solely to get you from place to place in a car.  Just sign up for a membership then jump in a car wherever they’re parked. It’s that simple and cars are available all over town.

See how simple life can be?

Until next time,

Annie Bergen and the Marston Beacon Hill Team
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Home Buying 101: Working with a Buyer Agent

October 28, 2010 by

Congratulations, you made your first move towards buying your new home by clicking on this blog post!

Now you will be well prepared when the time comes to get your search underway.

Today’s real estate blog tidbit is one that most people grapple with when they’re first thinking about diving into the home buying process –Should I work with a Buyer Agent?  Do I really need them?  Can’t I just go to Open Houses and call the Seller’s Agent directly?  Do I need to sign things and “commit”???  ….that’s scary!

These are all legitimate questions and part of a logical and healthy consumer thought process.  Because I think there is no better teacher than experience, I’ll share a little real-life anecdote for you to chew on.  Last month I received a phone call from a friend who recently bought a condo and she said to me, “Annie, I wish I had worked with a dedicated full-time buyer agent –now that the deal is done, I can see all the frustration their expertise and guidance would have alleviated –I had no idea how complicated and involved the process would be and I regret that I never had anyone to call with my questions and concerns —and not just anyone, but someone who would actually call me back with answers!”

I thought about my friend’s frustrations and concerns and decided to write down the main points that pop to mind when I try to help people who are deciding whether or not to use a Buyer’s Agent so that anyone reading this blog can have a launching pad for their own search.  Keep in mind, there is no one right answer and no perfect formula for everyone.  I believe it is best to do your research, talk to lots of friends and family who have gone through the process, and most of all, use your gut when deciding on whether to work with an agent to help you make one of the biggest purchases of your life.  As my friend found out the hard way, she would have gladly given up the discount she received to have had an agent who clearly made her and her purchase a priority and provided not just transactional expertise, but a certain healthy level of emotional support to lend strength and confidence to one of life’s biggest endeavors.

  • The main reason you want to work with a Buyer Agent is that you want someone who is on your side and your side only.  If you go directly to the seller’s agent of a particular property, that agent has been hired specifically to get the most money for their seller, not to look out for your interests or your wallet.  My friend mentioned that the agent did not seem to really seem to have time for her or to be proactive about her purchase process and negotiations –she felt like she was just another number.  Along with expertise, she wanted to feel taken care of and looked out for –all legitimate needs when you’re making what is probably the largest purchase of your life!  At the end of the day, in my opinion, it doesn’t matter who your agent is affiliated with as long as a friend or someone you trust has recommended them and feels that their work ethic and style will match your needs as a buyer –from my experience, buyers (and sellers for that matter) are happiest when their decision about who to work with is based on first-hand accounts from several trusted sources including their own gut reaction, rather than relying solely on what you read on a broker website or in a home buying book.
  • You Don’t Pay the Buyer Agent’s Commission, The Seller Does!   I know it sounds funny, but here’s typically how it works (every scenario can be different).  The seller signs up with a listing agent and pays them a fixed percentage of the sale price –then when a Buyer Agent brings a buyer, half of that commission goes to the Buyer Agent for bringing the Buyer.  So most of the time, even if you went directly to the seller’s agent, they would still get the same percentage commission so it doesn’t make sense not to have half of that go to someone who is representing you instead of the seller.  Once in a while you may find a seller’s agent (and seller) who will agree to somehow lower the commission and/or sale price in a way that makes it financially better for a buyer not to bring another agent into the picture.  However, it is important to remember, once again, that the seller’s agent will only be looking out for the seller’s best interests –price, home inspection, etc.  Especially if you are not a real estate and/or neighborhood expert yourself, it doesn’t make sense not to take advantage of a service that doesn’t cost you anything AND potentially (most likely) saves you money since the Buyer Agent knows how to negotiate and knows the properties in his or her target neighborhoods well so can advise on value and offer strategy.  The Buyer Agent has a very real vested interest in making you happy and taking care of you –they don’t get paid if they don’t!  And then they also rely on your referrals and praise to keep growing their business.  Apart from these incentives, there are plenty of great Buyer Agents who simply do a great job for you because they sincerely love to help and are thrilled when a buyer finds their dream home –I can tell you from my experience, it really is a rewarding achievement to be a part of!
  • You don’t need to reinvent the wheel in terms of investigating neighborhoods, finding the best properties that most closely match your needs/wants, or understanding and evaluating fair market value –this is what the Buyer Agent does every day!  If you find an agent you feel comfortable with and feel like you can trust, he or she is worth their weight in gold –they will provide you peace of mind, save you a ton of time in legwork and research, and educate you on properties you may not have known about because they’re hidden in an adjoining neighborhood or listed as a 1+ bedroom instead of 2. They will take your list of wants and needs and then help you think outside the box to find value!
  • Do I need to sign something?  I don’t like commitment! Don’t worry.  Again, every agent is different.  Again, use your gut.  If and when you reach a point of mutual trust with an agent, you may consider signing something with them to assure them they will get paid for all their hard work regardless of how the final property is found.  Some agents only work with buyers who sign an agreement.  Others are happy to work with you and form a relationship and you can both decide if/when the time is right to put it in writing.  In any case, you will sign something, of course, when you decide to make an offer saying that this agent is representing you as a Buyer Agent (and that’s a good thing ….you don’t want them “representing” you when they really work for the seller!

Your life is busy and complicated enough –make sure to do yourself a favor and don’t try to become a real estate agent at the same time you decide to buy a house! There are knowledgeable people out there to help you.

Until Next Time,

Happy House Hunting!

Annie Liza Bergen for Marston Beacon Hill
annie@marstonbeaconhill.com

PS: Today’s bonus blog ingredient of the day is a lovely morning photo I took of the Boston Public Garden on a recent misty October morning  –isn’t it refreshing?  I am lucky enough to walk by this view every day on my way to work.  And as my friends and coworkers will tell you, I just got a new phone and I love the camera it has –I was a tad late for work today because I’m taking pictures all the way there! But maybe that’s ok since the pictures are for a work blog???

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