Realtor Questions

Why should someone buy versus rent in this market?
Where does a newbie buyer start?
How long does the home buying process usually take?
How many houses should a buyer look at?
Should a buyer ask friends and family members for their opinions on a home?
How does a buyer know they are buying the right home?
What are the first steps for submitting an offer?
What is the option period?
What is the option and earnest money?
Who pays for closing costs?
When is the right time to buy?
Why should you buy a home?
What is the general process for buying a home?
Why do Realtors refer them to a title company, lender, insurance agent and inspector?
What happens once we have the inspection report?

Mortgage Lender Questions

Where do I start when I am ready to buy a home?
How does a lender paid?
Why should I buy versus rent in this market?
What is the difference between pre-approval and pre-qualification?
How long does the process take from pre-approval to closing?
What is the difference between a mortgage broker and a mortgage bank?
How does a buyer know if they are ready to buy a home?
What is the best way to build up the right  kind of credit for buying a home?
How does a buyer check their credit score?
What is a lender looking for to pre-qualify a buyer for a loan?
Can I qualify for a mortgage while I am in school, living off of student loans, if my spouse is working full time?
Where can I go for a loan?
Why should I buy a home?
What do I need to take into consideration when figuring out how much home I can afford?
What is the minimal down payment I can put down to purchase a home?
In addition to your downpayment, what other  monies do I need to bring to the table for closing?
What government assisted first time buyer programs/loans are available?
Can I purchase a duplex as a first time buyer and utilize first time buyer programs?
What condition does the lender and appraiser require the property to be in if you are obtaining a mortgage?
Where can a buyer look for foreclosure properties?
Are there any special loan programs for foreclosed properties?
Is there a way to finance repair costs into your loan?
What does my monthly mortgage payment include?
Are there any hidden fees in my monthly payment or can my monthly mortgage payment change?
What is PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)?
What are the benefits of a 30-year fixed loan versus an ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgage)?
What kind of loans could be utilized to  help parents purchase property for their kids attending college?
What does it mean to lock an interest rate?
What does it mean when a lender refers to a loan point?
What is underwriting?
Who pays for closing costs, survey, appraisal, ect?
Once I close, what will my monthly mortgage payment include?
Do I need to create an escrow account?
What are the benefits of setting up an escrow account?
What is Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?
What expenses can a buyer deduct from their primary residence on your taxes?

Title Company Questions

How long does the process take once I sign the contract?
When does the title company come into the process?
What does a title company do?
What is an escrow officer?
How does closing work and what do I need to bring to the closing table?
Does the buyer or seller choose the title company?
What does the title company do with the option and earnest checks?
What is a HUD-1 statement?
Are there any up front costs prior to closing?
What is closing?
Can you close if you live out of state or do you need to be in Austin to close?
Do I need to create an escrow account?
What are the benefits of setting up an escrow account?
What is title insurance?
Do I need title insurance?
When does the buyer own the property?
When does the buyer get the keys for the property?

Home Inspector Questions

Do I need to get an inspection?
How do I know the home inspector is going to give me an unbiased report?
What is the role of a home inspector in the transaction?
Why do I need a home inspection? It’s an extra $500 I could use towards something else.
What does the home inspector look at?
Do I need to be present at the inspection?
Are home inspectors required to find every possible defect on a house?
Do most properties have issues including new properties?
What do I do once I have the inspection report?
Why does a Realtor refer a certain inspector and does the Realtor receive a referral fee?
What should I be aware of when I am buying an older home? How can I resolve these issues?
What types of termites do we have in Central Texas?
Are foundations suppose to crack?
Should I have my house pre-inspected before I put it on the market?