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Let Benson Property Group Reduce Home Buying Stress

Benson Property Group

Best Resources For Home Buyers

For most families, buying a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make. The entire process of buying a home can be very time-consuming and complex. And, if you are a first-time home buyer, the process can seem even more overwhelming. Benson Property Group stands ready to be your advocate and make this process as easy as possible by providing your family solid guidance and support so that you never feel alone.

From searching for the perfect property to negotiating the best price and handling all the paperwork. Having Benson Property Group as your buyer’s agent can help alleviate some of the stress and complexity of the home-buying process and provide peace of mind and a higher level of success.

Below, we have provided some helpful information and resources to help answer any questions you may have about the home buying experience. A good place to start is with the information provided here. Once you’ve formulated your questions, give us a call and get started on the right foot.

Home Buyer's Tools

Buying a home can be both exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. To make your journey a bit easier,  we have a variety of tools and resources to help you navigate this maze. Whether you’re just starting to look or you already have a house in mind, we can help you get your keys to your next home.

Current Mortgage Rates

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Our Preferred Lenders

Of course, you are absolutely free to select your own lender for the mortgage process. The lenders we have listed below have demonstrated a high degree of trustworthiness and responsiveness to our clients questions or issues. Feel free to reach out to them directly or allow us to arrange an introductory meeting.

Sue Smith - ABC Mortgage

This is will be a brief introductory section that will probably not be any longer than two or three sentences. 

Phone: 214-555-1212Email: Sue@loan.com

Bob Jones - BCD Mortgage

This is will be a brief introductory section that will probably not be any longer than two or three sentences. 

Phone: 214-555-1212Email: Bob@loan.com

Jill Brown - DEF Mortgage

This is will be a brief introductory section that will probably not be any longer than two or three sentences. 

Phone: 214-555-1212Email: Jill@loan.com

Commonly Asked Questions From Buyers

The team at Benson Property Group have assembled some of the most commonly asked questions we get from home buyers along with our answers. Please note that these FAQs are intended to serve as a general guide and are not intended as specific advice to every home buyer. Please feel free to contact us directly for specific recommendations for your unique situation.

Not at all! While 20% down helps you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), many buyers use FHA loans with as little as 3.5% down. Texas also offers several first-time homebuyer programs through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) that can help with down payments. VA loans for veterans may require no down payment at all.

The option period is a unique feature in Texas real estate! It’s typically a 5-10 day period after contract signing where you can terminate the contract for any reason while having your earnest money protected. You’ll pay a small option fee (usually $100-500) for this right. This is when you’ll get inspections done and negotiate repairs. It’s your safety net as a buyer.

We won’t sugar-coat it; Texas property taxes are among the highest in the nation, typically ranging from 1.8% to 2.5% of your home’s assessed value. However, we don’t have state income tax, and you can file for a homestead exemption once you own the home, which can significantly reduce your tax burden. Many of our clients successfully protest their tax assessments annually too.

A homestead exemption reduces your property taxes on your primary residence. File between January 1st and April 30th the year after you purchase your home. You’ll get a flat $40,000 exemption from your school district taxes, plus possibly more depending on your county and city. If you’re 65 or older or disabled, you qualify for additional exemptions.

Yes, it’s a legitimate concern here! In Texas, mineral rights can be separated from surface rights. If you’re buying in an area with oil and gas activity, we’ll review the title commitment carefully to understand what mineral rights, if any, come with the property. This can affect your property’s value and future use.

On average, 30-45 days from contract to closing. However, cash purchases can close faster, while some loan types might take longer. We’ll build a timeline based on your specific situation, but I always advise my clients to not give notice on a rental or make firm moving plans until we have a clear closing date.

Great question! A general home inspection covers everything from appliances to roof condition. A structural inspection, performed by a licensed engineer, focuses specifically on the foundation – which is crucial in Texas due to our expansive soils. I usually recommend both for most purchases, especially for older homes or in areas known for foundation issues.

You Might; It depends on your location. If you’re in a designated flood zone, your lender will require it. However, given our history with storms and heavy rains, I sometimes recommend flood insurance even if you’re not in a flood zone. Remember, about 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas in Texas.

Earnest money is your “good faith” deposit showing you’re serious about the purchase. In Texas, it’s typically 1% of the purchase price. It’s held in escrow and applied to your down payment at closing. If you back out during the option period or if the seller defaults, you’ll get it back.

On average, 30-45 days from contract to closing. However, cash purchases can close faster, while some loan types might take longer. We’ll build a timeline based on your specific situation, but I always advise my clients to not give notice on a rental or make firm moving plans until we have a clear closing date.

Need any clarification on these points? Remember, while these are general answers, every situation is unique, so feel free to ask about your specific circumstances!

Understanding Closing Costs

Here is an overview of the types of closing costs you may incur when you finance your new home. Some are one-time fees, while others reoccur over the life of the loan. When you select a lender and apply for your loan, you should receive a Good Faith Estimate of Settlement Charges, and a booklet that will explain these costs in detail.

Loan Origination Fee:

Usually 0.5-1% of your loan amount. This is your lender’s fee for processing your mortgage. Think of it as their payment for handling all your paperwork and getting your loan ready to go. The fee covers everything from processing your application to underwriting the loan. Some lenders call this a “processing fee” or “underwriting fee,” but they all serve the same purpose.

Property Appraisal:

Normally $300-600. An independent expert determines your home’s value. Lenders require this to ensure they’re not lending more than the house is worth. The appraiser will compare your home to similar properties that have recently sold in the area and consider factors like location, condition, and special features.

Home Inspection:

This can vary from $300-500 or more depending on the complexity of the inspection you choose. This is your detective work on the house! An inspector checks everything from the roof to the foundation, helping you avoid costly surprises later. They’ll provide a detailed report with photos and recommendations, which you can use to negotiate repairs with the seller or budget for future maintenance.

Title Insurance Policy:

Usually between 0.6% to 1% of the purchase price of the home. This protects you if someone later claims ownership rights to your property. It’s a one-time fee that covers you for as long as you own the home. This could protect you if, for example, a previous owner’s heir shows up claiming ownership or if there are unpaid construction liens you didn’t know about.

Title Search Fee:

From $200-400. Ensures the seller has the legal right to sell the property and there are no liens or claims against it. Think of it as the home’s background check. The title company will dig through county records, sometimes going back 50 years or more, to verify the chain of ownership and any potential issues.

Property Survey:

A property survey is usually from $400-700. It maps out your property boundaries and identifies easements. Required by most Texas lenders and helps prevent future boundary disputes. A survey can also show if any structures, like fences or driveways, encroach on neighboring properties or if your neighbor is encroaching on your property.

Escrow Account Setup:

Escrow Account Setup can vary widely from $500-1,000 or more. This account holds funds for your property taxes and homeowners insurance. The amount varies based on your tax rate and insurance costs. Your lender will typically require 2-3 months of reserves upfront, plus the prorated amount needed to cover upcoming bills.

Attorney Fees:

Attorney fees can range from $500-1,500. While not required in Texas, many buyers choose to have an attorney review their contracts and closing documents for peace of mind. They can explain complex legal terms and ensure your interests are protected. In complicated transactions, like those involving unique property features or unusual contract terms, an attorney’s expertise can be particularly valuable.

Recording Fees:

Approximately $100-200. Your County charges for officially recording your deed and mortgage documents. Makes your ownership public record. These fees vary by county and the number of pages being recorded, but they’re essential to establish your legal ownership of the property.

Credit Report Fees:

From $50-$100. Lenders charge this to pull your credit history, helping them determine your interest rate and loan terms. They’ll actually pull your credit from all three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) to ensure they have a complete picture of your creditworthiness.

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