Our affiliation with the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network gives us unmatched international alliances with brokerages as well as the value of a trusted and recognizable brand around the world.
We have a remarkable history, one with deep roots dating back to 1963, with the formation of Gary Greene. From our earliest days in Houston, we have remained a brokerage leader in the real estate industry by developing relationships with our clients and our communities.
LOCAL ROOTS SINCE 1963
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I promise to communicate with you on a consistent, preplanned basis. I will work diligently throughout the entire process with the principal goal of obtaining for you the highest possible price, as well as a smooth process.
THANK SINCERELY,YOU
Thank you for inviting me to interview with you today and for considering me as the agent to represent you and your property. I truly appreciate the opportunity. I understand you have many choices in deciding who will best serve your needs during the process. The decision you make will impact the success of your sale. It is BHGRE Gary Greene’s and my sincere objective to market and sell your home while maximizing return in the shortest amount of time. We will use our expertise and extensive marketing tools to promote your property to qualified buyers until it is sold.
I am your advocate who will guide you through the entire home sale process, always keeping your best interest at heart.
From our earliest days in Houston, we have remained brokerage leaders in the real estate industry by developing relationships with our clients and our communities. The Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate brand was built upon a passion for the home. Sellers benefit from this well known brand through the exposure generated by millions of home searches on their website and the inherent trust of the iconic brand.
HOUSTON RESIDENTIAL SALES 2021 SALES VOLUME 2021 TOTAL TRANSACTIONS 2021 LISTINGS SOLD #1
GARYGREENE.COM WE HAVE THE NUMBERS$3.5B+9K+4.9K+
WE HAVE THE ROOTS
“We are Houston,” says Mark Woodroof, Gary Greene’s Managing Partner. “We didn’t parachute in from somewhere else. We have proudly been serving and giving back to our local communities for over 58 years.”
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Locally owned since 1963, the Gary Greene name has been a part of the Greater Houston Metropolitan area real estate landscape and consistently provides high-quality representation and outstanding service to generations of home buyers and sellers. Aligning with its long-standing principles, Gary Greene also incites meaningful change through the Gary Greene Realtor® Foundation, which has given over $4 million back to the community.
GARYGREENE.COM 6%neighborrelative,friend, 6%agenttheirorhomebuilder 3%sellertheknew4%signshouseopen&yard 28% agentestatereal 51% online 1%advertisementnewspaperprint WHERE BUYERS FIND THEIR HOME NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® BUYER AND SELLER REPORT
CUSTOM
APPLICATIONS
•
CUSTOM VIDEO
ONLINE MARKETING WEBSITE EXPOSURE
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We generate an entire website dedicated to your listing, with all property information and our professional photography prominently displayed. We are also able to connect a myriad of marketing tools to the site including our custom property videos, tours, etc. GaryGreene.com • HAR.com • Realtor.com • BHGRE.com • Zillow.com • Chron.com • Homes.com • Listglobally.com - Syndicates listings globally to over 93 websites in over 60 countries
More than 90% of buyers begin their initial home search on the Internet. We offer an impressive online presence for your property which allows us to present your property to potential buyers across multiple platforms, locally, nationally and globally, offering you maximum digital coverage. Our listings can be found on the following websites: LISTING WEBSITE
We will create a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) -friendly YouTube video of your property, complete with listing information and professional photos which will allow your listing to get maximum exposure as soon as the property hits the market.
90% of the time people spend on mobile devices is spent using apps, and engagement is up to four times better in apps than mobile web browsers. A more recent study showed 40.1% of website views come from mobile and HAR specifically has over 50%. Our listings can be found on the HAR App, Zillow App, Homes.com App, Realtor.com App, Trulia App, and The Houston Chronicle App.
Our digital advertising also includes deploying campaigns targeting users based on characteristics exhibited in their browsing habits which allows us to get your home in front of the right buyers as quickly as possible. Our strategies are crafted to target home buyers with appropriate demographics across a wide array of online networks.
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ONLINE MARKETING DIGITAL BOOST
We launch your listing on Facebook, Instagram and Google with a unique approach to maximize your exposure at the critical time when your listing hits the market. This enhanced multi-day campaign is geographically targeted to expose the listing to potential home buyers searching in your market.
SOCIAL MEDIA
EBLASTS
Our online marketing involves emailing appropriately designed content to consumers. Through our technology platform, targeted marketing is sent to potential buyers in your market area as well as to area Realtors®.
ESTONIADENMARKCOLOMBIACHINACHILECANADACAMBODIABULGARIABELGIUMAUSTRIAAUSTRALIAARGENTINA FRENCHFRANCE LUXEMBORGLATVIALAOSJAPANITALYINDONESIAINDIAHONGGREECEGERMANYPOLYNESIAKONG PHILIPPINESPERUPAPUAPANAMANEWNEWNETHERLANDSMYANMARMOROCCOMEXICOMALAYSIAMACAUCALEDONIAZEALANDNEWGUINEA VIETNAMVENEZUELAURUGUAYUNITEDUNITEDUKRAINETURKEYTUNISIATHAILANDTANZANIASWITZERLANDARABEMIRATESKINGDOMSWEDENSPAINSOUTHSLOVAKIASINGAPORESERBIASENEGALROMANIAQATARPORTUGALPOLANDAFRICA
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Since 1963, Gary Greene has been committed to service excellence across Houston’s eight county region and beyond. In addition to our regional presence, we are affiliated with the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate WhenNetwork.selling your home, you need global exposure in addition to the strong marketing expertise we deliver locally. As an affiliate of Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, we have the resources to market your property to the highest possible number of potential buyers. With our global reach, we expose your property to buyers on six continents ensuring more eyes on your property. When your home is posted to our website locally, it is immediately promoted to over 90 website portals, 60+ countries and over 160M potential buyers.
ONLINE GLOBAL REACH
THE GARY GREENE REACH - ACCESSING OUR VAST INTERNAL NETWORK
PERSONAL NETWORKING
At your discretion, a special open house preview showing for brokers and agents will allow them to personally tour the property, both in person and virtually, and become familiar with it for possible presentation to their own clients, as well as visit with your listing agent to discuss specifics.
BROKER OPEN HOUSES
THE REAL ESTATE COMMUNITY
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Because statistics show that a large amount of home buyers facilitate their home search and purchase through a real estate agent, it is important that we market your listing to as many real estate professionals as possible.
Your home is presented and discussed in detail at our weekly sales meetings, with a visual walkthrough via a digital tour by our Gary Greene network of agents. Being #1 in transactions in the market area, our digital tour ensures that your property is being previewed by agents with the largest market share.
In addition to providing detailed information and professional photos of your property on MLS®, which reaches more than 47,000 Houston area Realtors®; we pride ourselves on going above and beyond by personally connecting with agents who have listed or sold a home in your market area within the past 12 months.
Your property’s new owner might be someone moving to the Greater Houston Metropolitan area as a result of a transfer or a new job. With many Fortune 500 companies and an expanding global presence, corporate relocations are a great source for potential buyers.
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene remains the oldest relocation brokerage in Houston and has been relocating buyers and sellers in and out of the Greater Houston area for over 57 years. We are a principle broker in the Realogy Advantage Network (formerly Cartus Network), the industry leader in global mobility, and are proud of our affiliation with over 60+ other relocation management companies. Our reach covers the entire Houston MSA (9,444 sq. miles) along with 10 counties. We actively participate in the major national mobility organizations, relationships that benefit our sellers and help secure significant group moves. We have been a selected broker for group moves such as ExxonMobil, XTO Entergy, Shell, Sabic, Westlake Chemical, McKesson Pharmaceuticals, BP, The Williams Company, Murphy Oil and many more, and since 2019, we have processed over 9,500 referral authorizations.
RELOCATION CONNECTIONS
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PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE PROMOTIONS
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YARD SIGNS & OPEN HOUSES
Your home should be made-ready for the public open house as you would for any showing by keeping the exterior and interior in impressive condition. We will arrive early to place open house signs, turn on all lights, open window coverings, adjust interior temperature, etc. At the conclusion of the public open house, your home will be left as it was found; we will provide feedback, and follow-up with visitors about a second showing or offer.
PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES
Like in-person open houses, your home should be made-ready and kept in impressive condition. We will arrive early to set up and make any adjustments needed and will conduct the open house virtually. We will also return the home to the condition it was found, provide feedback, and follow-up with visitors about a second showing or offer.
Your open house will be promoted on GaryGreene.com, HAR.com, Zillow.com, Realtor.com and all of their corresponding apps. If in-person, there will also be strategically placed open house signs to draw prospective buyers. If virtual, buyers will be able to attend the virtual open house on several technology platforms and view the recorded virtual open house at a later date.
The Better Homes and Gardens® brand is a trusted and recognized institution, which extends beyond real estate with an audience of over 40 million consumers engaged 365 days a year. Our brand resonates with buyers when our sign is placed in your yard. Once our branded sign is displayed, it is important to make your home available for consumers to tour. Public open houses, both in-person and virtual, are held and scheduled (at your discretion) on selected dates.
IN-PERSON
VIRTUAL PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES
FRIENDS, RELATIVES & NEIGHBORS
CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL MAILINGS
We create a custom, professionally designed “Just Listed” postcard which is mailed directly to your nearby neighbors alerting them that your home is active on the market. By using smart technology we are better able to pinpoint the recipients, which ensures we are marketing your home as effectively as possible.
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CUSTOM LISTING WEBSITE
Gary Greene has an award-winning, in-house graphics and marketing department skilled in the preparation of effective marketing materials and tools made available to all buyers, including your friends, family, and neighbors.
We provide an entire website dedicated to your listing, with all property information and our professional photography prominently displayed, which is easily shared with friends and family. We are also able to connect a myriad of marketing tools to the site, including our custom property videos, tours, etc.
LUXURY MARKETING PROGRAM
Instagram - strategically targeted sponsored ads
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene has been representing luxury homebuyers and sellers in the Houston market area with great success since 1963. We have in-depth knowledge of the market and are proud to bring the distinctive legacy of our brand to the sale of your property.
RobbReport.com - reaches an audience of over 2.1M with over 3M in unique page views with the average household income of $480K+ and average net worth of $3.1M
BHGRECollection.com - is a central repository for our most exclusive listings, represented by Distinctive Collection real estate professionals across the country. Your property will take its place among this impressive collection, ready to be showcased to affluent prospects.
WSJ.com - reaches an audience of 42M digital readers per month with the average household income of $242K+ and average net worth of $1.4M+
Twitter - strategically targeted sponsored ads
Town and Country - Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Distinctive Collection runs a full page ad 3x year in the national luxury publication Distinctive Collection National Luxury Magazine
Facebook - strategically targeted sponsored ads
ADVERSTISING online •••• print •••• social •••
PaperCity - reaches over 270K readers in the most affluent Houston neighborhoods Houston Modern Luxury - reaches over 160K readers in the most affluent Houston neighborhoods
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Listglobally.com - reaches over 160M potential buyers in over 61 countries
GARYGREENE.COM LUXURY MARKETING PROGRAM
the distinctive
our brand to the
We
your property. events&property •••• Custom 8 or 16 Page Property Brochure Custom Feature Sheets Custom Just Listed Postcard Custom Broker Open House Invitations PRINT MATERIALS
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene has been representing luxury homebuyers and sellers in the Houston market area with great success since 1963. have in-depth knowledge of the market and are proud to bring legacy of sale of
OBJECTION VS CONDITION
It is important to differentiate between possible objections and conditions regarding the property.
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COMMUNICATION & FEEDBACK
We will provide periodic activity reports that detail all marketing and advertising efforts. The reports will include open houses, showing activity and comments from prospective buyers and their agents, as well as a neighborhood market activity report that includes a list of comparable properties on the market that are active, pending, or recently sold. Also, a digital activity report will be provided, outlining the online traffic being driven to your property.
• An objection is a feature or state that can be adjusted or corrected. Common objections: outdated paint or wallpaper, carpet in disrepair, landscape in need of sprucing, etc.
• A condition is a feature that can’t be changed or altered. Common conditions: property located on a busy street, property backing to commercial property, located in a flood plain, etc.
ACTIVITY REPORTS
ADVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS
Our communication with you, the seller, is critical to an exceptional selling experience. You will be contacted via your preferred method with feedback, reports, and comments on a regular basis.
Armed with the knowledge of the difference between objections and conditions, we will review and consider all market activity and feedback provided by prospective buyers and their agents and will share suggestions based on all pertinent information so you are armed with the best information to make informed decisions along the way.
opportunity and may ultimately be overlooked. *Based on NAR Homebuying and Selling Survey AVG. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIST PRICE AND SELLING PRICE BY LENGTH OF TIME ON MARKET* MARKET ACTIVITY OVER TIME VALUE OF COMPETITIVE POSITIONING WEEKS ON MARKET CATIVITY 1 2345 6789 MARKET 60%95%85%30%10%-5%+5%+10%+15% % OFWHOBUYERSWILL VIEW PROPERTY LIST PRICE IN TORELATIONMARKET -1.90% Less than 4 Weeks -3.60% 4 - 12 Weeks -5.60% 13 - 24 Weeks -8.90% More than 24 Weeks
weeks
Approximately 80% of market activity occurs the first six and proper results greater probability of a quick sale. overpriced surge of
home may experience fewer showings and can miss this first six week
An
“market value” pricing
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COMPETITIVE
during
in
exposure and an increased
POSITIONING
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Clean appliances and keep in good working condition.
Neutralize the home of any pet, smoking or cooking odors. Make sure the home smells fresh and clean.
Impress with a spotless and uncluttered kitchen.
Remove unnecessary items from kitchen cabinets to show off their spaciousness.
Clean garage and storage areas.
Make sure all light fixtures and lamps are working properly.
Since first impressions are lasting, we will suggest improvements to enhance the marketability of your home and ensure that it will compete more favorably with other homes in the marketplace. Evaluate how your home looks from the street. Curb appeal is paramount and the first impression.
Organize closets to show off storage space.
Consider painting the front door, replacing the mailbox and doormat to freshen the entrance.
Paint any part of the house that needs it. Clean walls and windows, inside and out. Repair screens and windows so they show and work properly.
PREPARE
Together, we will tour your home to prepare a detailed summary of the interior and exterior areas of the property.
Keep interior in impressive condition and at a comfortable temperature. Open window coverings and turn on lights. Lamplight is more pleasant than harsh overhead lighting.
THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF SOME OF OUR TYPICAL
polish ••••• stage •••••• organize ••••• show •••••
Clean carpets and patch or replace if necessary. Wax floors where appropriate. Make rooms appear larger by storing or removing excess furniture. Replace any items that are of a permanent nature (light fixtures, etc.) but will not be a part of the sale.
Keep all pets and children out of the way during showings.
Cut and trim the lawn and get landscaping in top condition, adding new plants and color as necessary.
Repair any plumbing leaks and repair or replace any unsightly caulking around tubs and sinks.
Show off all rooms, including the attic and storage space, to their best advantage. RECOMMENDATIONS:
If you have a pool, make sure it sparkles.
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene utilizes ShowingTime to schedule and manage showings. ShowingTime is the leading showing management and feedback service provider in the real estate industry. With 24/7 availability, agents and sellers can receive optimal service any time of the year.
SHOW
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Using ShowingTime can result in more showings, a higher feedback response rate and a better home-selling experience. ShowingTime addresses all aspects of the home selling process, starting with bringing each showing request to sellers’ fingertips, sending notifications when a showing is complete, tracking showing activity on a listing(s), and consolidating all feedback and activities in easy-to-read infographics.
YOU CAN:
SHOWING FEEDBACK We will contact each buyer’s agent and/or prospective buyer for feedback to discuss the interest level, answer any questions, address buyer concerns, and encourage scheduling a possible second showing of the property. We can also determine what impression your home may have made on the buyer and/or agent and take action on any suggestions or recommendations that might better market your home.
• Confirm/decline showing requests • See all upcoming appointments • Review your home’s showing and feedback activity • Adjust your notification preferences
BY DOWNLOADING THE MY
As a seller, you can take advantage of the My Home by ShowingTime mobile app and web experience, which makes it easy to manage and take part in the home-selling process. HOME MOBILE APP,
The mortgage lender will begin processing the loan by: a. ordering an appraisal of the property; and b. verifying prior loan history, employment and financial position.
The Earnest Money Contract (EMC) is signed.
Simultaneously with the loan processing, the title company will research the title and send their title commitment to the buyer, seller, Realtor® Associates, attorneys, and mortgage lender.
Parties sign closing papers and title transfers from the seller to the buyer upon funding.
Once the buyer’s loan and title are approved, the closing date is coordinated between all parties.
AFTER THE CONTRACT IS SIGNED
Seller receives Option Fee as per terms of EMC and deposits.
Buyer makes loan application with their selected mortgage lender according to the time specified in the EMC and delivers documentation requested by lender.
Buyer and seller contact utility companies to transfer service to buyer. Note: the seller does not turn off utilities until the home is sold.
The title company will prepare a closing statement with charges to both buyer and seller, usually available for review the day prior to closing.
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The above procedure averages approximately 30-45 days. If the buyer’s credit is rejected or he cannot qualify for the payments, the contract is cancelled and the buyer’s earnest money is returned if all parties agree to the release. Contracts may be contingent on inspections and buyer’s ability to qualify for payments. The house must appraise satisfactorily and the title should be clear. Therefore, buyer and seller should not make definite plans until all contingencies have been removed.
12.10.9.8.7.6.5.4.3.2.1.11.
The Realtor® Associate will “open title” at the title company named in the Earnest Money Contract, and the title company will deposit the earnest money check. If the amount of the earnest money is greater than $5,000, and will be held for an extended period of time, you may request it be placed in an interest bearing account.
Buyer schedules property inspections and contacts insurance agent, paying close attention to the Option Period, if applicable, as defined in the EMC.
The title company will act as a neutral 3rd party, escrow agent and title insurer. The escrow agent will coordinate with all entities to receive the following information for closing: a. invoices and loan documents from the buyer’s mortgage lender b. buyer’s hazard insurance from the buyer’s insurance agent c. tax certificates d. survey
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You and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene n Gary Greene helps negotiate the offer. Buyer and seller agree on price and conditions. The buyer orders mechanical and general inspections. The listing or selling agent sends signed ear nest money contract to title company. Buyer makes loan application (if applicable).
Verifies all financial information on buyer Your Title Company Begins title work and tax information
Closer reviews title commitment and notifies all parties of any defects Title company forwards title commitment to lender and Gary Greene Title company receives closing instructionsfrom lender Title company sends signed documents tolender for final approval Compiles loan package and submits to Collectsunderwriterand packages additional materials as requested by underwriter REVIEWS FINAL, SIGNED DOCUMENTS SENT FROM TITLE COMPANY Prepares and delivers loan documents and funds to title company Gets Buyer approval
CONTRACT TO CLOSING CONTRACTFUNDING LOAN
CLOSING OCCURS Loan is rated by underwriter Repackages and resubmits to underwriter Loan is approved Orders flood certificate Orders, receives and reviews appraisal and property survey
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2. Title policy is sent to the Mortgagee and the
Yourowner.Mortgage Company
Abstractor begins title search Examiner verifies title Issues title commitment
1. All documents are recorded in the county clerk’s office.
Receives executed contract and earnest moneycheck (which is cashed)
Closer consolidates all closing documents
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CONVENTIONAL LOAN: Any mortgage loan other than a governmental loan.
HELPFUL TERMS
FIXED RATE MORTGAGE: Mortgage loan in which the interest rate will not change throughout the duration of the loan.
PMI is generally required if the buyer’s down payment is less than 20 percent of the purchase price or appraised value.
AGENT: Term used to describe a real estate salesperson licensed by the state who, under the supervision of a broker, represents a buyer or seller in the purchase or sale of a home.
BROKER: A person licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission who acts as the fiduciary agent of the seller or buyer in a real estate
BUYERtransaction.AGENCY: Agency relationship in which a buyer contracts with a broker to represent the buyer’s interests in real estate transactions.
PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST PAYMENT (P&I): The monthly payment of interest charges and part of the principal loan balance. With taxes and insurance included, this makes up the monthly mortgage payment (PITI).
GOVERNMENTAL LOAN: A mortgage loan guaranteed or insured by a government agency such as the Veteran’s Administration (VA) or the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
REAL ESTATE TERMS AGENCY: A term used to describe the legal relationship between a seller and a broker, or a buyer and a broker.
CONTRACT/CLOSING TERMS
INSPECTION: Service performed by an inspector to identify any possible structural or mechanical problems.
CLOSING: The final step in the sales agreement where property ownership is transferred from seller to buyer.
LISTING CONTRACT: An agreement between a homeowner and an agent authorizing the agent to offer the owner’s property for sale.
A payment plan by which the borrower gradually reduces the balance of the mortgage by making monthly payments of principal and interest.
APPRAISAL: The opinion of an appraiser in estimating the market value of a home; usually required by a mortgage lender.
CLOSING COSTS: Fees and expenses, other than the cost of a property, charged to transfer EARNESTownership.
Also called hazard insurance, covers physical damage to the property, as well as theft and personal liability. It does not cover flooding; flood insurance must be purchased separately.
POINT: One percent of the loan amount paid to the lender, usually in exchange for a lower interest rate on the loan.
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2. A portion of the monthly mortgage is placed in an escrow account to pay taxes and mortgage HOMEOWNERSinsurance.INSURANCE:
SURVEY: Required by the lender, a process whereby the property is measured and a scaled blueprint of the land and its property lines, structures and easements are drawn.
TITLE: A document that refers to the ownership of a particular piece of property.
TITLE INSURANCE: Policy that protects the holder from any loss resulting from defects in the TITLEtitle.SEARCH: Research of public records to identify ownership, liens and encumbrances affecting the property.
MORTGAGE TERMS
A real estate option is a specially designed contract provision between a buyer and a seller. The seller offers the buyer the option to buy a property by a specified period of time at a fixed price.
MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE® (MLS): A computerized list of all properties for sale by member brokers.
REALTOR®: A licensed agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of Realtors®, through local affiliates such as Houston Association of Realtors. Realtor® membership is voluntary and represents a commitment to the highest levels of professionalism.
SELLER OR OWNER DISCLOSURE: Legal requirement that the seller disclose in writing any known defects or repairs that have been made to the property.
1.ESCROW:Arrangement between a buyer and seller to place the down payment and other monies or documents with the third party until the completion of the contract closing.
MONEY: A down payment the buyer gives the seller up front as a show of good faith, indicating the buyer’s intent to purchase the property.
CAP: The maximum interest rate on an adjustable rate mortgage that may be charged.
ADJUSTABLE-RATE MORTGAGE (ARM): Mortgage loan in which the interest rate of a home may vary at specific intervals during the loan AMORTIZATION:term.
PRIVATE MORTGAGE INSURANCE (PMI): A policy that protects the lender in the event of default, and insures repayment of the loan in case of the borrower’s death or disability.
ASSESSED VALUE: Estimate of property value by a public tax assessor used as the basis for calculating property tax.
MARKET VALUE: The highest price a buyer would pay and the lowest price a seller would OPTION:accept.