resolved before the offer moves forward. The two most common contingencies are financing and home inspections. For financing, the offer is made contingent on the first-time buyer receiving a sufficient mortgage loan from their bank, or for current homeowners, contingent upon the sale of their home. For home inspections, the offer is made contingent upon a satisfactory home inspection report.
STEP 8: PUT MONEY IN ESCR Y IN ESCROW
Part of the home-buying process involves putting money into escrow; the buyer is expected to put money into escrow in order to make the contract binding, which then helps the contract move through and toward closure. A lot of people, both buyers and sellers, are confused about what “escrow” is. Essentially, it refers to a time period, not a place. Escrow is the period between 1) the time an offer of purchase is made on a property; and 2) the time when that property’s title is officially transferred from seller to buyer — to the new owner. The escrow process is essential in cases in which the ownership title will be changed. The money put into escrow, or the initial deposit amount collected as part of escrow, is considered as “earnest” money. This money is the payment amount that will follow the home purchase process. How much money are you, the buyer, supposed to put into escrow? This totally depends on the terms as stipulated in the offer of purchase. Still confused? The good news is that an escrow agent who specializes in this period and process should be involved. The agent serves as a third party who enjoys a neutral state between seller and buyer, and helps provide assurance to both parties. The REALTOR® or Real Estate Agent is also heavily involved in the actual transaction to ensure the
15
Powered by FlippingBook