George L. Duarte

Mortgage Loans Fremont California Horizon Financial Associates

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Horizon Financial Associates

We are a full-service mortgage brokerage serving the San Francisco East Bay Area in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. We are pleased to be your comprehensive source for all of your home financing needs – from a first home, to investment property, construction loans, cash out refinances, equity lines of credit and reverse mortgages.

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Closing Costs: Understanding What It Costs to Close on a Home and What You Can Expect to Pay

October 7, 2020 by George Duarte

Closing Costs: Understanding What It Costs to Close on a Home and What You Can Expect to PayIf you’re in the process of buying a new home, you’ve likely heard the term “closing costs” in regards to the many different fees and taxes that you’ll be required to pay during the purchase process.

In this post we’ll look at a number of these closing costs and what you will be expected to pay when you buy that next dream home.

Taking out a Mortgage? There Will Be Fees Attached

If you’re taking out a mortgage to finance the cost of buying your home you’ll end up incurring a variety of fees. Nearly all lenders will charge a mortgage application fee, which covers the cost of processing your application and all of the necessary paperwork.

You’ll likely have to pay for a professional appraisal of the home as well, as the lender will want to ensure that they aren’t lending you more than the house and property are actually worth.

Inspection And Insurance Costs Will Add Up

If you’re buying a pre-owned home you’ll need to pay for a home inspection to gain an understanding of the home’s condition and if you’ll need to make any repairs in the near future. You’ll also need to purchase homeowner’s insurance on the property to protect yourself in the event that something does go wrong with the home.

If you put less than 20 percent down on the cost of the home, your mortgage lender may also require that you purchase private mortgage insurance; this will vary depending on which state or province you are buying in.

Don’t Forget About Escrow Fees and Taxes

As with any major financial transaction you’ll need to satisfy the tax man by paying various taxes on your purchase. These will vary depending on where you are buying your home, but might include sales taxes, property taxes, transfer taxes, recording fees, title transfer fees and more.

If you used a third-party escrow service to manage these fees or to hold your deposit during the closing process you’ll also need to pay escrow fees prior to signing the final paperwork.

If you have other questions about the closing process and fees or costs that you’ll need to pay when you purchase a home, contact your local real estate agent. They’ve assisted many individuals just like you with their home purchase and will be able to provide expert advice.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Buying a Home, Closing Costs, Home Buying

Taking A Closer Look At Home Improvement In 2020

October 6, 2020 by George Duarte

Taking A Closer Look At Home Improvement In 2020When it comes to home improvement in 2020, many people are spending more time in their homes than they ever have in the past. With kids attending school from home and people working from home, many homeowners are looking at ways to potentially improve the qualities of their homes through home improvement projects.

With fall right around the corner, it is a great idea to take a closer look at some projects that can help homeowners stay safe while also saving money this winter.

Do Not Neglect The HVAC System

One of the most important points that all homeowners need to keep in mind involves the HVAC system. The HVAC system is one of the most important systems in the home, particularly during the winter when it will supply heat. If the heater hasn’t been turned on in a while, then it needs to be inspected. Routine maintenance will not only extend the longevity of the HVAC unit but will also help it run more efficiently. This could help homeowners save a lot of money on their utility bills.

Think About The Insulation In The Home

Homeowners who are looking for ways to reduce their utility bills should also think about the insulation in their homes. There are a few common locations in which heat might leave the home, driving up utility bills. This commonly includes the windows and doors. Therefore, homeowners should think about re-sealing their windows or doors in an effort to keep heat from leaving through these portals. This can reduce the stress on the HVAC system and save people money.

The Roof Is A Common Problem

Finally, homeowners should also think about their roofs as well. During the fall, it is common for leaves to land on the roof and start to clog the gutters. This can cause liquid to back up into the gutters and damage the roof. With this in mind, homeowners need to think carefully about the roof and make sure that this is included in a home improvement project. Roof leaks can lead to major repair bills quickly and addressing this problem early can save money.

These are a few of the top home improvement projects that all homeowners should consider in 2020.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Home Improvement, HVAC, MortgageTips

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George L. Duarte

MBA, CMC, CMHS
Call 510.377.9059
Fremont, CA

California DRE Corp Lic no. 01032295
DRE Personal Brokers Lic. No. 00943635
NMLS Corporate Lic. No. 302358
Personal Lic. No. 302219

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