Selling your home

Wouldn't I get better results from a large real estate brokerage company?

Not necessarily. The agent's experience and skill is what gets the job done correctly. We utilize all the same tools and information that agents who work for a franchise broker do. The main difference is that you end up paying more for an agent that works for a larger franchise company because they have higher overhead and different business model.

Why are your fees so different than a traditional agent/brokerage house?

Times are different. The real estate market is changing and evolving. The model of 6% or 7% commission, we feel, is outdated. Sellers have access to much more information than before. Our business model doesn't require us to charge our clients the high commission fee. We keep our overhead low and pass the savings on to our clients. 

Will my property be advertised well?

Yes. We strongly recommend that we list your property with the local and cooperating MLS databases that we are a member of. A recent study by the National Association of Realtors shows that nearly 70% of homes sold were with the cooperation of other agents through the MLS database. We will also advertise your home with highly recognized home finding internet sites like homes.com, homeseekers.com and realtor.org. We also advertise your home with the local papers online like OCRegister.com and LATimes.com.

Are there any "hidden charges?"

Good question. No there are no "hidden or surprise charges" at the close of your transaction. Our listing fee to you will always be the flat $4,995. If you do want your home listed in the MLS database, you will need to pay a cooperating broker fee.

Financing

Wouldn't it be better to go to my bank for a mortgage loan?

Not necessarily. If you already know the type of mortgage product that you want it may be advantageous. In most instances, mortgage loans are not the primary line of business commercial banks are in. Therefore, they are limited to only the mortgage loan programs that they have to offer. We are different because we have relationships with many of the largest mortgage banks in the country. These banks have a wider array of mortgage financing options available since their primary business is mortgage financing. Also, the time to fund loans is typically more efficient than through your traditional commercial bank.

What types of mortgage financing do you offer?

We offer a wide array of products for borrowers with perfect and not so perfect credit. If you have hard to prove income or are self-employed, that is not an issue with us. For purchases we have financing options up to 103% of the purchase price. We also offer Interest Only and Option ARM products as well as your more traditional Fixed and ARM type mortgages.

For Refinancing we have loan programs up to 125% of your home's value. We offer a very extensive list of mortgage financing options from low Fixed rate programs to more aggressive Option ARM products.

Is it good to pay points to buy down the rate?

It really depends on how long you plan on staying in the property. If you plan to stay for long time then it usually does make sense to buy down the rate. If you only plan on staying for a short time then buying down the rate usually doesn't make sense. You will be paying for the buy down and not have enough time in the home to recoup the money paid out for the lower rate. We advise that you call us to discuss the options available to your particular situation.

What is the deal with "No Cost" loans? Does it really exist?

No. You may heard the phrase "There is no such thing as a free lunch"? That certainly applies here as well. Whether you are involved in a purchase or refinance transaction, you will always incur costs and fees. Escrow, title, lender, mortgage broker, county and other fees are always applicable. Yes you may not pay for them through the loan but you will pay for them. Typically, "No Cost" loans will pay for these fees with a higher rate than you normally would qualify for. In the long run, you end up financing these charges and you pay thousands more in interest fees that could have been avoided. In addition, some of the fees incurred in a refinance or purchase transaction may be tax deductible. We are not CPAs and do not give out tax advice. You are better served speaking with your CPA for tax related questions.

Still have questions? Call us today Toll Free at 877.858.6177

Or email us at info@karisrealty.com

Copyright © 2007 Karis Realty & Finance, Inc.