RESPA stands for the Federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. This video tells you about it all.
RESPA requires lenders to disclose information to potential customers throughout the mortgage process. By doing so, it protects borrowers from abuses by lending institutions.
RESPA mandates that lenders fully inform borrowers about all closing costs, lender servicing and escrow account practices and business relationships between closing service providers and other parties to the transaction.
For more information on RESPA, visit HUD.GOV or call 1-800-569-4287 for a local counseling referral.
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What Responsibilities Do I Have During The Lending Process?
To ensure you won’t fall victim to loan fraud, as you’ll see in this video, be sure to follow all of these steps as you apply for a loan:
- Be sure to read and understand everything before you sign.
- Refuse to sign any blank documents.
- Do not buy property for someone else.
- Do not overstate your income.
- Do not overstate how long you have been employed.
- Do not overstate your assets.
- Accurately report your debts.
- Do not change your income tax returns for any reason.
- Tell the whole truth about gifts.
- Do not list fake co-borrowers on your loan application.
- Be truthful about your credit problems, past and present.
- Be honest about your intention to occupy the house
And do not provide false supporting documents.
What Should I Look Out For During The Final Walk-Through?
Well, as this story shows, this will likely be the first opportunity to examine the house without furniture giving you a clear view of everything.
Check the walls and ceilings carefully as well as any work the seller agreed to do in response to the inspection.
Any problems discovered previously that you find uncorrected should be brought up prior to closing. It is the seller’s responsibility to fix them.
What Makes Up Closing Costs?
What you’ll see in this video is, there may be closing costs customary or unique to a certain locality but closing costs are usually made up of the following:
- Attorney’s or escrow fees (Yours and your lender’s if applicable)
- Property taxes (to cover tax period to date)
- Interest (paid from date of closing to 30 days before first monthly payment)
- Loan Origination fee (covers lenders administrative cost)
- Recording fees Survey fee First premium of mortgage Insurance (if applicable)
- Title Insurance (yours and lender’s)
- Loan discount points
- First payment to escrow account for future real estate taxes and insurance
- Paid receipt for homeowner’s insurance policy (and fire and flood insurance if applicable)
And any documentation preparation fees.
What Can I Expect To Happen On Closing Day?
While this video simplifies things to help you remember: you’ll present your paid homeowner’s insurance policy or a binder and receipt showing that the premium has been paid. The closing agent will then list the money you owe the seller remainder of down payment, prepaid taxes, and so on. and then the money the seller owes you unpaid taxes and prepaid rent, if applicable.
The seller will provide proofs of any inspection, warranties, and so on. Once you’re sure you understand all the documentation you’ll sign the mortgage, agreeing that if you don’t make payments the lender is entitled to sell your property and apply the sale price against the amount you owe plus expenses.
You’ll also sign a mortgage note, promising to repay the loan. The seller will give you the title to the house in the form of a signed deed. You’ll pay the lender’s agent all closing costs and, in turn, he or she will provide you with a settlement statement of all the items for which you have paid.
The deed and mortgage will then be recorded in the state Registry of Deeds and you will be a homeowner.
How Do I Choose The Right Lender For Me?
There are some great tips in this video. Choose your lender carefully. Look for financial stability and a reputation for customer satisfaction.
Be sure to choose a company that gives helpful advice and that makes you feel comfortable.
A lender that has the authority to approve and process your loan locally is preferable since it will be easier for you to monitor the status of your application and ask questions. Plus, it’s beneficial when the lender knows home values and conditions in the local area.
Do your research, and ask family and friends.
What Happens After I’ve Applied For My Loan?
Once you’ve supplied the 6 required piece of information and included any other information the lender deemed necessary, you’ll receive a Loan Estimate within 3 business days.
Once all the information has been verified IF the loan is approved the lender will provide a Closing Disclosure to you three business days before loan consummation. T
hey’ll usually set a date for loan consummation – which may also be at your closing meeting.
Closing is basically transferring ownership of the property; consummation is commmitting to the loan itself.
Once both are completed, you should be planning your move-in.
How Can I Find Out About Schools & Community Resources?
The video puts this in more visual terms, but basically, contact the local Chamber of Commerce for promotional literature or talk to your real estate agent about welcome kits, maps, and other information.
You can get information about school systems by contacting the city or county school board or the local schools.
You may also want to visit the local library. It can be an excellent source for information on local events and resources and the librarians will probably be able to answer many of the questions you have.
How Can I Determine My Housing Needs Before I Begin The Search?
Like the video shows, your home should fit the way you live, with spaces and features that appeal to the whole family.
Before you begin looking at homes make a list of your priorities – things like location and size.
- Should the house be close to certain schools? your job? to public transportation?
- How large should the house be?
- What type of lot do you prefer?
- What kinds of amenities are you looking for?
Establish a set of minimum requirements and a ‘wish list.” Minimum requirements are things that a house must have for you to consider it while a “wish list” covers things that you’d like to have but that aren’t essential.