George L. Duarte

Mortgage Loans Fremont California Horizon Financial Associates

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The Different Foundation Options For Your House

August 30, 2022 by George Duarte

The Different Foundation Options For Your HouseAre you thinking about purchasing a home in the near future? Or, are you thinking about building one? If so, you must think carefully about the foundation of the home. It is responsible for supporting the rest of the structure, so you need to find the right foundation to meet your needs. What are a few of the top options available?

Basement

One of the first options you should consider is a basement foundation. This is a popular choice because it can create additional living space in your home. It can also act as an additional entrance, which can be useful in some situations. On the other hand, a basement does not always contribute to the square footage of your house. In addition, it can be a bit more susceptible to leaks when compared to other types of foundations. You must make sure you take care of your basement to prevent mold and mildew from growing.

Crawl Space

Another very common type of foundation you may encounter is a crawlspace foundation. A crawl space is not nearly as tall as the basement, so it does not provide any additional living space. On the other hand, it can be used as additional storage space, and it can provide some protection against environmental hazards. You must make sure the crawlspace is ventilated to prevent mold and mildew from growing. Furthermore, it requires routine maintenance to provide structural issues from developing with the house. Always take a look at the quality of the crawl space before you decide to make a purchase.

Slab Foundation

You should also consider a slab foundation for your house. A slab foundation is very quick to build, very difficult for infestations to access, and incredibly durable. The biggest downside is that it does not provide you with any additional storage space. In addition, it may make it hard to access the plumbing if there is a problem that has to be addressed.

Find The Right Foundation 

Ultimately, these are just a few of the many options available if you are looking for a new house. Familiarize yourself with the benefits and drawbacks of different foundation types. Then, do not hesitate to reach out to a professional who can help you find the right house to meet your needs.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Crawl Space, Foundation, New Home

The Type of Home You Want to Buy Determines Your Closing Cost and Here’s Why

August 9, 2022 by George Duarte

The Type of Home You Want to Buy Determines Your Closing Cost and Here’s WhySavvy home buyers who are preparing to make a real estate purchase should do their research and understand that they need to save money for not only the down payment but the closing costs as well. The closing costs can account for as much as three to five percent of the sales price in some cases, so this can be a rather sizable amount of money. Some home buyers however, may not realize that the amount of closing costs can vary considerably based on the home that is purchased. With a closer look at why this is, home buyers can make a more educated decision when selecting a home to purchase.

Prepaid Taxes And Insurance

One of the most significant closing costs relates to prepaid taxes and insurance, and both of these expenses are directly tied to the location and value of the property. Consider that the property tax rate can vary based on the city, county, and state. Real estate insurance can also vary based on the type of construction of the home if the home is located in a flood plain and other factors. These are only a few examples of how the location and property type can impact these fees, and home buyers should consider the costs associated with the tax rates and insurance when selecting a property to purchase.

Third Party Reports

There are several third party reports that are commonly paid for at closing, and these include an appraisal, a survey, a pest inspection and a property inspection. The third party reports may vary in cost based on the size of the home, the amount of land that is being purchased, and even the condition of the property. Those who want to keep their closing costs lower may consider learning more about how these fees are calculated up-front before finalizing their plans to buy a specific home.

Title Insurance Fees

Title insurance fees are another typically sizable expense for home buyers, and this insurance offers protection to the lender if the title is not clean. Title insurance can increase based on the size of the property as well as different factors that are revealed with a title search. This information can be difficult to learn with an initial home search, but home buyers should be aware that title defects can increase closing costs.

The location, size, age and construction of a property all impact the closing costs. Those who are shopping for real estate may be inclined to make a decision that keeps closing costs down, and they can reach out to their knowledgeable mortgage professional for more assistance with their particular situation.

Filed Under: Mortagage Tips Tagged With: Closing Costs, Home Purchase, New Home

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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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