Haskell Homes: Education

Select your situation for helpful next steps:

The idea that you need 20% down on a house is a myth. How much down payment you need depends on the mortgage you receive. Certain loan programs allow as little as 3% or even zero down!

How much do REALTOR® services cost?

When you’re using a REALTOR® to purchase a home, there is no cost to you. The seller pays for your representation. When it comes to selling a home, we charge 1%. However, if you use Haskell Homes to purchase a home, we will sell your home at no charge.

How much can I afford?

To identify your budget for a house, start by taking a hard look at your personal finances, including your income, monthly expenses, and debt. Next would be to bring this info to a lender and from there they can narrow down a price that is tolerable for your finances.

What are the costs to buy a home?

To close on your home loan and get the keys to the property, you’ll need to pay closing costs, which are all of the fees associated with the mortgage. These can include:

Application fee

Appraisal fee

Credit check fee

Origination/underwriting fees

Title insurance

Title search fee

Down payment

Depending on the lender, some allow for closing costs to be rolled into the loan.

How long does the process take?

Generally speaking the whole process takes roughly 30 days from the day you’re put under contract. This typically depends on how quick the lender can get the loan done.

Download The Complete “What Comes Next?” Checklist

download the checklist

How much will it cost me to sell?

The average commission charged in the industry to sell your home is between 6% and 7%. This commission is usually split between the agent listing your home and the agent that brings the buyer who purchases your home. Haskell Homes however only charges 1% listing fee and 2.8% to the agent working with the buyer for a total of 3.8%. If you are also buying a new home, Haskell Homes will sell your home for no commission at all!

What is my home worth?

In order to get an accurate valuation of your home, we prepare what's called a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis). This process looks at recently sold homes in your area that are similar and compares the features to derive at your homes worth. Call us today for your free market analysis so you can be better prepare your home for the market.

How long will it take to sell my house?

Location, Price, Condition and other factors play into how long a house will stay on the market. Call us today and we can pinpoint the average days on market for similar homes in your area.

Should I use a Real Estate Agent?

In all circumstances you should hire an agent that you can trust with your home sale. Statistically Real Estate agents sell homes for 5.5% higher than those trying to sell it themselves and in a shorter amount of time. Evaluating your home's value can be very tricky and hiring a professional will not only save you money but a lot of time as well.

Should I make repairs before selling my house?

We always recommend preparing your home for the market by giving your house a thorough cleaning and making repairs to all deferred maintenance items such as:

Paint touchup

Replacing missing/damaged trim, doors, outlets, tile, floors

Drywall repair

Pet Damage

Yard Cleanup

But if you're looking to replace your carpet, countertops, cabinets, floors, tile, roof, furnace, hot water heater or other costly items, we would recommend having us take a look at it first for you to avoid spending unnecessary money. Every home sale is different and in some cases major repairs should be considered before listing your house for sale, but that’s not always the best strategy.

Download The Complete “What Comes Next?” Checklist

download the checklist

How much do I need for a down payment?

The idea that you need 20% down on a house is a myth. How much down payment you need depends on the mortgage you recieve. Certain loan programs allow as little as 3% or even zero down!

What are the current interest rates?

Rates can differ depending on factors like purchase price vs. money down, FHA/VA loan, conventional, jumbo, investment property, second home and even where your credit score is. They change daily as well, but you can always give us a call and we can tell you what the interest rates are for your specific home purchase.

If I have a house to sell before buying, can you help with that too?

Absolutely! In fact we will sell your home at no commission if you use Haskell Homes to assist with the purchase of your new home.

What are the costs to buy a home?

To close on your home loan and get the keys to the property, you’ll need to pay closing costs, which are all of the fees associated with the mortgage. These can include:

Application fee

Appraisal fee

Credit check fee

Origination/underwriting fees

Title insurance

Title search fee

Down payment

Depending on the lender, some allow for closing costs to be rolled into the loan.

What is Earnest Money and is it refundable?

Earnest money is an amount, usually close to 1% of the price of the home, that is given to the title company in form of a check at time the contract is executed by both buyer and seller. That check is cashed by the title company and held through the course of the transaction until closing where it is allocated towards your down payment. As a buyer, you are protected as you hit different dates outlined in your contract such as inspection date, appraisal date, loan conditions date to name a few. You can always terminate the contract in good faith and receive your earnest money back in full as long as you do so prior to those categorized dates in the contract.

Download The Complete “What Comes Next?” Checklist

download the checklist

Education

Educational Resources

To help keep you on track

Select your situation for helpful next steps:

How much do I need for a down payment?

How much do REALTOR® services cost?

How much can I afford?

What are the costs to buy a home?

How long does the process take?

Download The Complete “What Comes Next?” Checklist

How much will it cost me to sell?

What is my home worth?

How long will it take to sell my house?

Should I use a Real Estate Agent?

Should I make repairs before selling my house?

Download The Complete “What Comes Next?” Checklist

How much do I need for a down payment?

What are the current interest rates?

If I have a house to sell before buying, can you help with that too?

What are the costs to buy a home?

What is Earnest Money and is it refundable?

Download The Complete “What Comes Next?” Checklist

Your New Home Awaits