BRIDGEPORT - Wise County Messenger

ALL AROUND WISE, Decatur, Texas, Thursday, December 11, 2008 13
BUSINESS
PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
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By CHRIS ROSPRIM
President
Greater Denton/Wise County
Association of Realtors
You finally found the perfect
house and your offer was accepted.
Now, all you need to do
is sign your name a few times
and you get the keys, right
Unfortunately, things don’t
always go as planned.
What if your closing isn’t the
smooth-as-silk process you’ve
imagined I’m not saying it’s
common, but things do happen,
so it’s to your advantage
to be prepared, just in case.
All about closing
Closing is a process that
egins weeks before the acual
closing date and follows
n outline dictated largely
y the buyer’s original offer
o the seller of the house. The
ales contract covers the key
lements of the settlement
r closing. Closing costs will
ikely include most of the folowing:
Charges for establishing
nd transferring ownership.
hese include title search,
itle insurance and related
scrow fees. Title insurance
s also part of closing and can
e troublesome if the seller
oesn’t have a clear title to the
roperty. Your lending instituion
won’t give you a mortage
loan on a house unless
you can prove that the seller
owns it. This proof comes in
the title search.
Amounts paid to state and
local governments. These include
city, county and state
transfer taxes, recording fees
and prepaid property taxes.
Costs of getting a mortgage.
These include appraisal, credit
checks, loan documentation
fees, notary charges, loan
origination, underwriting,
commitment and processing
fees, hazard insurance, interest
prepayments and lender’s
inspection fees.
Anticipating
closing costs
This laundry list of potential
charges can seem daunting,
but your mortgage lender
will give you a Good Faith Estimate
of all your closing costs
within three business days of
your application for a loan.
You’ll also get a statement of
your actual costs a few days
before closing — so you know
just how much that fat check
should be when you get to
closing.
What if closing
is delayed
There are times when closing
can be delayed by weeks,
through no fault of your own.
This is a bad thing, as it could
affect any interest rate you
have locked in (most locks
are for 30 to 45 days). Have
a backup plan for such a delay,
such as another lender in
your back pocket.
Make a list and
check it twice
We all know people who are
fanatical listmakers. They
keep little pads and sticky
notes everywhere, but it
works for them. Even if you’re
not into lists, making one for
closing day is a good idea.
Here’s what you’ll need,
both on the buying and selling
side:
Buyer’s closing
checklist
A certified check or money
order for the amount specified
on your final settlement costs
statement
Your personal checkbook
in the unlikely event other
charges come up at closing
Proof of a homeowners insurance
policy for the new
house
Your lender’s Good Faith
Estimate
Seller’s closing
checklist
Keys, padlock combinations
and garage door openers
Codes to security system
Owners manuals for all appliances
Checkbook for closing costs
or other expenses paid by seller
(as agreed to as part of the
buyer’s final offer)
Ask your Texas Realtor and
your lender for more information
about what you’ll need at
the closing table. Their experience
can go a long way to ensuring
a smooth transaction,
which is to everyone’s advantage.
Follow these tips, be prepared
and chances are you’ll
be smiling at the end of the
day. No one wants this to drag
out … believe me.
For more information about
buying and selling property in
the Lone Star State or to find
a Texas Realtor, visit Texas-
RealEstate.com.
Presented by
Amanda P. Lovette, M.D. and Staff
Board Certified in General Pediatrics
BUT MOMMY, I
WANT THAT TOY
Toys are an important part of childhood.
They help children learn and develop, as
well as entertain them. When selecting
a toy for a child, it is vitally important to
provide the child with safe, fun tools for
development. This includes choosing
toys that are right for the child’s age.
There are many types of toys on the
market. Unfortunately, some toys can
be dangerous. Poorly constructed toys,
or toys that are inappropriate for a child’s
age and level of development, can lead
to tragic results. Parents should follow
the manufacturer’s recommendations
and read the warning labels on toy
packaging. The American Academy
of Pediatrics agrees that parents are
the last line of defense in safeguarding
children from dangerous toys.
NEED MONEY
CAN’T WORK
Social Security Disability Benefits
can help those unable to work
even temporarily in some case
Application Help, Initial
Claims, Appeals, Hearings
•GMC
•Buick
•Pontiac
•Chevrolet
•Hyundai
•Pre-owned
Call 24 hours for a FREE
Informational brouchure
1-877-525-5885
GOBBLE UP
YOUR
SAVINGS!
“OH YES!”
MIKE
WHEAT
“Whatever your vehicle need,
I’m here to serve you at our
Pre-owned Lot on the south
side of US 287.”
940.627.2177
Who should you trust
with your OB/GYN care
Decatur Women’s Health Center
offers a full range of obstetrical and gynecological
care for women at every stage of life.
Monday through Thursday
Bring a new unwrapped toy and receive
10% off ticket or
1 Free kid’s meal with every adult meal
purchased
Call For Reservations
Decatur
2025 Hwy. 287 N.
1 mi. North of Decatur,
Next to Catfish O’Harlie’s
940-627-8804
SERVING
BREAKFAST EVERY DAY
6:00 - 10:30 a.m.
As all loving parents know, safe
toys can be so important for a child’s
proper development. If you have any
questions about today’s column, please
call LOVETTE PEDIATRICS at (940)
627-8044. We’re conveniently located
at 2014 Ben Merritt Drive, Suite B,
Decatur We are committed to serving
your children’s healthcare needs and
strive to create an environment that
is personal, sensitive and nurturing.
Healthy Futures Start Here. Our friendly
staff will always go the extra mile to make
our patient’s visit most comfortable.
Flu season is here. Call to make
an appointment to get your child
vaccinated.
Toys that have small parts should not
be given to children under three years
of age.
www.lovettepediatrics.com
(Left to Right) Melissa Bradley, Dr. Douglas Kyle, Kim Mote, Patricia Ruiz
“Friendly, professional and confidential.”
Your health and well-being as a woman are our concern.
We offer a full range of obstetrical and gynecological care.
Our emphasis is on making you feel comfortable,
confident and reassured.
Call today to schedule your next appointment.
940-627-4216
1713 S. FM 51 • Suite 201 • Decatur
We’re Saving Lives
In Your Community
Our mission is to make it possible for the residents of your community and the surrounding area to get lifesaving,
emergency care they need. As the largest air ambulance provider in the United States, we remain committed to
our mission of providing life- and limb-saving emergency care to the members of the communities we serve. Our
crew shares in this mission and looks forward to providing a vital part of your emergency response team.
If you live, work or travel in rural America, you need Texas LifeStar. Your membership makes it possible for us to
be there for you and your community.
For Additional Information, Call Today:
Your local Membership Coordinator
Curtis Gates
Call for information about our low cost memberships (940) 210-0000
WHEN IT COMES TO CRITICAL CARE, IT’S ABOUT TIME.