The Journey- Melissa Meeks Kilian

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THE JOURNEY



At Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty, we have everything in place to deliver like no one else. We’ll work with you as a true partner and guide you through each step of your journey. Who you choose to represent your property should be as exceptional as you are and as your next chapter is going to be. Doing more is our distinction.


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Melissa Meeks Kilian Broker Associate, CLHMS When it comes to real estate, Melissa Meeks Kilian is perceptive, astute, and highly experienced. She draws on a background in business and deep knowledge of real estate markets and trends to advise her clients with confidence and negotiate complex transactions. She listens attentively, cares about her clients immensely, and represents both buyers and sellers with expert precision in a changing real estate climate. At the same time, Melissa is dedicated to authenticity in a way that most people are not, which means that clients can count on Melissa to present luxury homes and investment properties without embellishment or unseen agendas. Also, when you partner with Melissa, you can expect her full attention and expertise. She’ll prioritize everything and focus exclusively on your home sale or purchase as a trusted advisor and industry expert. Through her punctual and individualized level of service, her clients feel prioritized and exclusive. In addition, Melissa balances strategic vision —seeing situations from 50,000 feet—with the countless small but critical tasks required to buy or sell your home. She is accessible and loyal, and she never outsources your important details to lessexperienced professionals. Melissa is a multifaceted executive and perfectionist. In short, Melissa combines personalized service with extensive business knowledge, keen negotiation skills, and honest, forthright communication. This is why her clients return again and again, and continue to refer her services to their most discriminating friends and colleagues. Appropriately distinguished, Melissa consistently holds a spot as a Top 10 Producer at Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty. Additionally, Melissa has a broker associate license and was initiated into Austin’s Luxury League for 2021. Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and shares her home with her husband and their son. She is a member of Riverbend Church.

ACCOLADES

President’s Club/Circle of Distinction Top 1.5% of Realtors in USA Consistently Ranked in Top 10 for Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty

5 1 2 . 2 1 7. 2 0 2 0 M E L I S S A . K I L I A N @ S O T H E B Y S R E A LT Y. C O M M ELISS AMEEKSK ILIAN. COM

PT50 nominee


Testimonials Over the past 6 years, we have had 12 real estate transactions, each time with a different realtor as not a single one ever fully met our realistic and rational expectations. From out of state, we came across Melissa as we inquired about a property which she had pending. That was the start of a relationship that will stand the test of time - now classified a friendship. Melissa found us a new build 50% finished that hadn’t hit the hottest of markets. Not only did she help us secure the property, she was also instrumental in the finish out process as we were completing the home from 1500 miles away. Melissa’s energy, sharpness, commitment, professionalism, acumen, is unparalleled. We’ve never met a realtor that treats a transaction – a project – an issue – as if they were their own. Melissa aims to carry the full burden of complicated transactions on her shoulders – so that her clients – which inevitably become her friends – don’t have to. Without question, she’s the finest in a very qualified pool of real estate professionals – and a truly wonderful lady. MATT Z.

Melissa recently represented us in the marketing and sale of our home in the Westlake area, and was able to accomplish what two prior highly qualified listing agents could not - a closed sale at the price we wanted. Our property had been on and off the market for a couple of years and had a very unique layout. Rather than seeing these challenges as obstacles, Melissa was creative and flexible with her marketing strategy, and simply persevered until she was able to deliver superior results. Melissa’s knowledge of market activity and trends goes well beyond the standard online research any Realtor can offer - she is seasoned and “in the know” on Austin real estate, and has credible market analysis to support her recommendations. In addition, the customer service went above and beyond even what we expected from Kuper Sotheby’s - as long distance sellers, Melissa was incredibly helpful in coordinating contractors, inspectors, etc., throughout the sales process, keeping us informed of even minor details. As a seller, I can not recommend Melissa highly enough.

AMELIA C.

After working with Melissa on two recent real estate transactions, I would never again consider using anyone else. Melissa has shown commitment to her clients, impressing us time and time again with her extraordinary understanding of everything real estate related. Her analytical skills, attention to detail, marketing expertise, and motivation set her aside from the start. Her understanding of any problems presented is reflected in the sound solutions she offers, which are always reinforced with extensive research and reliable data. She’s committed to excellence and highly motivated to succeed. I can’t say enough positive about Melissa, it’s with great pleasure I call her my friend and my Realtor.

GINGER A.

Melissa is a rarity amongst Realtors. Not only does she have an exceptional knowledge of the industry, enormous experience and empathetic people skills - she has an amazing ‘can do’ attitude that makes things happen and delivers outstanding results. I cannot recommend Melissa highly enough.

ALEX S.


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Sotheby’s is More Than Just Our Name

A Powerful Heritage Over the last two centuries, Sotheby’s auction house has built an iconic brand with unparalleled prestige. Today, Sotheby’s International Realty builds on its legacy with the auction house by offering the same elevated standards and exemplary service. We harness the global power of the Sotheby’s name and its proprietary database of clients to create unique opportunities and introduce your property to the most qualified buyers all around the world. Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty inherited this iconic brand name, building on its centuries-long legacy by delivering unrivaled real estate services. Our reputation for quality service and expertise is unmatched. This is our unique difference. While our brand is inherently local, our reach is global and that means more exposure that connects sellers with qualified homebuyers all around the world.


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Leaders in Texas Since 1972

The Local Experts Kuper Realty Corporation was founded in 1972 by Charles Kuper Sr. and his son Charles Jr. (Charlie) to facilitate the sales and marketing of their personal commercial real estate ventures in San Antonio. In 1976, Kathleen Kuper joined her husband and son with the intention of establishing the best service-oriented, residential real estate firm in the city. She brought her drive, dedication, and integrity combined with her gracious personality to the company, creating a unique culture that has carried through to today. That local legacy then combined with the Sotheby’s International Realty brand as the regional affiliate for Central Texas in 1978, taking the power of Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty to the next level. The company is now led by J Kuper, who has spent the last decade transforming the business and growing it to exponential levels. It remains our mission to be the leader of luxury real estate in Texas by providing service that exceeds expectations, delivering knowledge that surpasses the competition, and presenting progressive marketing and innovative technology that outperforms the industry demand.


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Our Numbers are Your Assurance

Backed by the Best 81 C O U N T R I E S & T E R R I TO R I E S

1,100 O F F I C E S WO R L DW I D E

26,000 G LO BA L SA L E S AS S O C I AT E S

1744 T H E Y E A R S OT H E BY ’S H E R I TAG E B EG A N

1.2 million E N G AG E D S O C I A L M E D I A FO L LOW E R S

$167 Annual Global Sales Volume

BILLION


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$3.2 Annual Local Sales Volume

BILLION

3,468 A N N UA L LO CA L T R A N SACT I O N S

$922,000 AV E R AG E LO CA L T R A N SACT I O N P R I C E

$1 Billion C LO S E D R E F E R R A L VO LU M E

1972 T H E Y E A R KU P E R ’S H E R I TAG E B EG A N

10 325 LO CA L SA L E S AS S O C I AT E S

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03 THE PROCESS



The Right Partner Makes all of the Difference

Working with a Buyer’s Agent Some people wonder if they should use a real estate agent in the process of buying a new home. Since the listing agent represents the seller, it is in your best interest to find a professional and knowledgeable buyer’s agent who will represent you in the transaction and work to get you the best deal possible. Seller’s agents are legally obligated to represent the seller’s best interests. This includes the right to share any information you (the buyer) give them to their seller. Also, they are not allowed to disclose information to you that could hinder the seller’s negotiating position. Your buyer’s agent would be able to share with you any information they discover about the seller’s situation. Your buyer’s agent will help guide you through the homebuying process in every way. Buyer’s agents are very knowledgeable about different neighborhoods and markets. They will be able to help you find exactly what you are looking for, ensure you pay the right price for it, take care of all paperwork, guide you through the inspection and repair process, and successfully get you to closing. Once your Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty agent has an understanding of your property needs and preferences, you can also expect them to provide you with the following: ADVANCED ACCESS In some neighborhoods, homes are sold within days, or even hours, of being put on the market. Others are marketed and sold within a real estate brokerage’s network without ever being made available to the public. In many cases, your agent can arrange for advanced access to properties that are represented within their exclusive professional and company networks. QUICK ALERTS Aside from in-house and off-market opportunities, properties are put on the market via a multiple listing service (MLS) virtually every day. As soon as a property that meets your criteria is posted on the MLS, your agent will let you know of that listing and arrange a showing. PRIVATE SHOWINGS Your agent can schedule in-person showings of properties that match your preferences and needs and work around your schedule. Additionally, the demand for video and chat software has increased exponentially to ensure a potential buyer is able to effectively view and evaluate the home even if they can’t physically be there. Your agent is skilled in the top platforms that can execute virtual showings. EVALUATION OF OPTIONS It can be challenging to determine the fair market value of a home and to assess whether it is a good value for its listed price and for your budget. Variables that impact the value of a home or property include its location, neighborhood, community plan, proximity to amenities, lot attributes, views, property size, interior and structural condition, construction type, age, unique features, and the state of the local real estate market. Your agent is an expert on all the factors and will advise you, always, with your interests as the utmost priority.


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The Essential Step Before Your Home Search

Securing Your Financing Before starting your home search, it is important to evaluate your financial situation, confirm your budget, familiarize yourself with mortgage options, and secure pre-approval from a lender if you are not planning on paying with cash. This will help you conduct your search with confidence and negotiate for your desired home successfully. Your Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty agent can connect you to qualified professionals to get your loan handled efficiently and effectively. ESTABLISH YOUR BUDGET As a general guideline, total monthly housing costs for your primary home―including mortgage payments, taxes, maintenance fees, insurance, interest charges, and utilities― should not exceed about 25 percent of your gross monthly household income. Many financial advisors also suggest that total monthly debt, including mortgage payments, credit card payments, and car payments, should not exceed about 35 percent of your gross monthly income. Always consult a financial professional for specifics, tips, and tools. Those purchasing an investment property should also consult real estate and financial advisors to understand the tax and financial implications of their purchase. CONFIRM YOUR DOWN PAYMENT If your down payment amount is less than 20 percent of the total purchase price, you will need to purchase mortgage loan insurance that guarantees the debt against default. In most cases, this will be added to the mortgage loan payment. OPTIMIZING YOUR MORTGAGE Work with your lender to optimize your mortgage-payment schedule for your unique situation. Many primary homeowners aim to pay off their mortgages as quickly as possible, which can be achieved with more frequent installments. If you are purchasing real estate solely for investment purposes, other considerations such as tax implications may come into play. Consult your real estate and financial advisors for assistance. GET WRITTEN PRE-APPROVAL It is important to gain pre-approval for a home loan before you start looking at properties. The lender will carefully review your financial situation, including your credit, income, assets, and other information. You will be provided with a pre-approval letter stating your borrowing power, or how much home you can afford. In markets where there is a high demand for the type of home you wish to purchase, written pre-approval is essential―and could give you a competitive edge.


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Open the Door to What’s Next

Finding Your New Home Prior to viewing homes with your Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty agent, it is important to clarify your specific needs, your budget, and your personal preferences― including any anticipated changes in your life. All of them will impact the purchase of your home and what you will be looking for in the future. Here are some primary points to help you get started: FIND YOUR STYLE While you might love craftsman homes or the sleek look of a modern kitchen in a penthouse apartment, you’ll be happiest if you consider what type of home will work best for you. Single-family homes offer more privacy, freedom, and space. Condos often come with condo associations that handle a lot of the outside maintenance for you, but a condo might not have the green space you need and you’ll pay monthly dues to the association. ASK THE PROS Nobody knows more about a neighborhood than the current residents! Without being intrusive, look for an opportunity to chat with your potential neighbors. What’s their opinion of the block and the neighborhood? IMAGINE LIVING THERE Check out the local amenities in the neighborhood you are interested in and see if it works out with your day-to-day routine. Are there restaurants, stores, and other services that you enjoy close by? Is the neighborhood near a freeway so you can get on the road in a reasonable amount of time? Also, try to visit the neighborhood multiple times and at different times of the day. Lastly, walk through the streets near the home and see how it feels. You will notice more things walking than just driving by. THE SAFETY FACTOR There are several resources online you can check for neighborhood crime statistics. You can also call or stop by the local police department and request the crime statistics. Crime reports are public records and should be made available to you upon request. THE RULES If the home is part of a Homeowners Association (HOA) you will want to get a copy of the bylaws and study those carefully. Many HOAs have rules you would never even think of. For example, the HOA might regulate the type of plants you can have in your yard, type of fencing you can put up, whether or not you can post signs, and specific rules regarding pets.


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Explore a World of Possibility

Online Search Expertise The world’s #1 luxury real estate website―sothebysrealty.com―is at work for you during your online home search. Not only is every listing beautifully presented, but there are exceptional homes to see around the country and around the world. Immerse yourself with vibrant photographs and, with many properties, videos and 3D tours. Unique to Sotheby’s International Realty is the ability to search for a home based on your lifestyle: city, country, farm, ranch, waterfront, beach, golf, ski, and many others.

48 million annual visits 400 million annual pageviews 57 million video plays 14 language translations 60 currency conversions


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Nothing Compares to Expertise in Action

Submitting an Offer You’ll work with your Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty agent to come up with an offer that reflects the condition of the property and is a fair market price. Your agent will be able to research comparable homes and help you come up with a smart offer. They may even suggest to put in an offer at full price or over asking price if the home is priced well and competition is anticipated. LEGAL AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS An offer commits you to certain legal and contractual obligations as soon as the other party has accepted it. Prior to submitting an offer, ensure that you are clear on the legal obligations you are undertaking, should the offer be accepted. VALUATION Prior to submitting your offer, your agent can provide you with information on recent area sales, local market information, and background on whether there are other competitive bids. BACKGROUND RESEARCH With some investigation, your agent may also be able to assess your seller’s background and objectives for selling, which may assist you in formulating a competitive offer. OFFER DETAILS The details of an offer typically include your legal name, the address of the property, the price you are offering to pay, inclusions (items in or around the home that you think are included in the sale should be specifically stated in your offer, such as appliances, light fixtures or window coverings), the amount of your deposit, dates you take legal and physical possession of the home, legal subjects or conditions upon which the contract becomes final (such as a satisfactory home inspection report or financing approval), and the date that the offer expires. Your offer is a legally binding document and should be prepared by a real estate professional or attorney. TIME FRAME Ensure that any time frames indicated in your contract are realistic, particularly if your offer is still subject to securing a mortgage loan, a situation best avoided by obtaining preapproval in advance. High market activity, as well as increased vigilance by lenders, may mean that mortgage approval requires more time. Consult your agent and lender for the latest information.


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Masterful Negotiation at Work

Negotiating & Acceptance After you submit your offer, the seller will have the option to accept, reject, counter, or invite you to resubmit. This process can be stressful if there are a lot of counteroffers back and forth, but trust that your Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty agent will be there to help you every step of the way. Once an offer is accepted, you will pay earnest money that will be put into an escrow account. This is a good faith deposit towards the purchase of the home and shows that you intend to follow through with the transaction. Here are the details on some of the steps you can expect in the process: PREPARATION After submitting an offer, you should be prepared to negotiate, not just on the initial price, but on all key factors impacting the sale of the home, including deposit, inclusions, dates for completion and possession, and deadlines for subject removals. Ensure that you know your budget and purchase requirements prior to submitting your offer so that you don’t commit to additional costs in what can be an exciting, emotional, or heated process. MULTIPLE OFFERS In high-demand, low-inventory areas, you may find yourself bidding against other buyers. Some sellers in high-demand niche markets may also intentionally list their home at a low price, hoping to stimulate multiple offers. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the price will be bid up significantly over the asking price, but it does mean that due diligence is required on your part and the part of your agent to ensure that your offer is strategic, competitive, and reflective of what you are ultimately willing to pay for the property. Whether you are anticipating competition or not, you should be pre-approved for your mortgage prior to your home search, well in advance of submitting an offer. In a multiple-offer situation, this will impact your ability to negotiate successfully, particularly if others making an offer are already pre-approved. It also lets you know the maximum you can afford in what may be a stressful situation. POTENTIAL RESPONSES You can expect one of three responses to your offer. ACCEPTED: The deal is complete and, once signed by the seller, the offer becomes a binding legal contract. COUNTEROFFER: The seller may make changes to your offer, such as adjustments to the price, closing date, or conditions. You may accept the counteroffer and close the deal by signing the document. Or, you may make another counteroffer back to the seller. REJECTED: The seller may choose to reject the offer and the sale will not go through. OFFER ACCEPTANCE Once both parties come to an agreement and negotiations conclude, you move on to the next steps in the buying process. You will have a set period of time in which to satisfy the legal conditions agreed to in your contract, such as completing a satisfactory home inspection or securing financing. Only after your conditions are removed do you have a legally binding document.


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The Importance of Due Dilligence

Inspections & Appraisals Inspections are a critical step in the homebuying process. That’s why your Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty agent will help guide you through the home inspection process, connecting you with the best service providers in the local area, facilitating the process on your behalf, and negotiating any repairs or adjustments to the contract based on the results of the inspection report. After any necessary repairs are made and before you close on the property, you will perform a final walk-through. You will make sure the home is in the same condition as when you first viewed it, that there hasn’t been any catastrophic damage, and all the owner’s personal property has been removed. The bank will also hire an appraiser to determine an independent opinion of the value of the home before closing. If the value of the appraisal were to come in lower than the purchase price you may choose to move forward and pay the difference between the appraisal and the agreed purchase price, renegotiate the price, appeal the appraisal, or decide that you no longer want to purchase the home.


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The End of the Journey

Closing the Deal The final step in your home buying journey comes at closing. Your Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty agent will help facilitate and manage this process by organizing critical paperwork, documentation, and approvals to help you reach your desired outcome. ON CLOSING DAY On the closing day itself, legal property ownership is transferred to your name. A title company makes sure that the title to a piece of real estate is legitimate and then issues title insurance for that property. Title insurance protects the lender and/or owner against lawsuits or claims against the property that result from disputes over the title. You will receive documentation with costs payable, including balance owing, legal fees, property transfer taxes, and other completion costs. The title company will pay the seller, complete any necessary documents, and register your home in your name. On your closing day, your lender provides the mortgage money to the title company and you provide the down payment (minus your deposit) to your title company or attorney, as well as any remaining closing costs. Title companies also often maintain escrow accounts―these contain the funds needed to close on the home―to ensure that this money is used only for settlement and closing costs, and may conduct the formal closing on the home. At the closing, an escrow officer from the title company will bring all the necessary documentation, explain it to the parties, collect closing costs, and distribute monies. Finally, the title company will ensure that the new titles, deeds, and other documents are filed with the appropriate entities. Your agent can schedule the type of closing appointment that best fits your needs. Most closings will take place at the title company, an attorney’s office, or one of our office locations, where all paperwork is signed and keys are exchanged. Remote closings or fully contactless closings can also be arranged by your agent, with the assistance of online documentation, e-signature programs, and remote notaries.


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03 T E R M S & C O STS



Understanding Buyer’s Costs EARNEST MONEY You will pay earnest money or a good-faith deposit toward the purchase of property at the time of acceptance of the contract. The earnest money deposit is a negotiable amount between the buyer and seller, but usually about 1% to 3% of the purchase price or a fixed amount. INSPECTION The inspector will check major systems in the home as well as the structure and let you know what problems the house has if any. You can also get additional inspections including pests, etc. The cost starts at about $300 and goes up depending on home size. OPTION FEE This is a nominal fee paid from the buyer directly to the seller for a specified period of time during which the buyer can terminate the contract for ANY reason and receive their earnest money back in full. APPRAISAL Your lender will require an appraisal and the home must appraise for at least the amount you are offering to pay for it. Otherwise, you will have to come up with more money down or renegotiate the contract. The appraisal cost averages around $400. LOAN FEES These are lender fees and might include an application fee, origination fee, points, etc. PROPERTY INSURANCE This covers possible damages to your home. Your first year’s insurance is often paid at closing. Homeowner’s insurance can be rolled into your loan and paid from an escrow account. PROPERTY TAXES If the seller has already paid this year’s property taxes then you must reimburse them for the part of the year you will be the owner of the property. Typically, lenders will want any taxes due within 60 days of purchase by the loan servicer to be paid at closing. SURVEY FEE This fee goes to a survey company to verify all property lines and things like shared fences on the property. ESCROW FEE This is paid to the title company, escrow company, or attorney for conducting the closing. It is usually split between buyer and seller. DOWN PAYMENT The down payment is the amount you need to pay up front as part of your mortgage. Usually 3% to 20% of the sales price.


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Understanding Seller’s Costs AGENT COMMISSION This is the fee paid to the listing agent for their services. This amount is usually taken out of the sales price and is split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. ESCROW FEE This is paid to the title company, escrow company, or attorney for conducting the closing. It is usually split between buyer and seller. PROPERTY TAXES The seller will be responsible for prorated property taxes due up to the date of the sale, at which point the buyer will take over. TITLE INSURANCE This one-time payment protects the future owner from the financial burden of sorting out title issues in court, whether they arise at closing or years down the road. It’s typical that buyers have sellers cover this cost. ATTORNEY FEES Some people choose to have an attorney help them with the transaction. If you do hire a lawyer, he or she will be paid on closing out of the proceeds from the sale. HOME WARRANTY It’s normal for a seller to pay for the coverage because it’s a seller benefit because the buyer won’t be calling the seller after closing if something breaks. HOA TRANSFER The seller will pay for this transfer which will show that the dues are paid current, what the dues are, a copy of the association financial statements, minutes, and notices. BUYER’S COSTS The buyer may ask the seller to help pay for some of their closing costs.


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Get to Know the Lingo

Buying Terms Made Easy ADJUSTABLE-RATE MORTGAGE Interest rates on this type of mortgage are periodically adjusted up or down depending on a specified financial index. AMORTIZATION A method of equalizing the monthly mortgage payments over the life of the loan, even though the proportion of principal to interest changes over time. In the early part of the loan, the principal repayment is very low, while the interest payment is very high. At the end of the loan, the relationship is reversed. ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE The actual finance charge for a loan, including points and fees, in addition to the stated interest rate. APPRAISAL An expert opinion of the value or worth of a property. ASSESSED VALUE The value placed on a property by a municipality for purposes of levying taxes. It may differ widely from appraised or market value. BALLOON PAYMENT A large principal payment due all at once at the end of some loan terms. CAP A limit on how much the interest rate can change in an adjustable-rate mortgage. CERTIFICATION OF TITLE A document, signed by a title examiner, stating that a seller has an insurable title to the property. CLOSING The deed to a property is legally transferred from seller to buyer. COMMISSION A fee (usually a percentage of the total transaction) paid to an agent or broker for services performed. CONTINGENCY A condition in a contract that must be met for the contract to be binding. CONTRACT A binding legal agreement between two or more parties that outlines the conditions for the exchange of value (for example: money exchanged for title to property). DEED A legal document that formally conveys ownership of a property from seller to buyer. DOWN PAYMENT A percentage of the purchase price that the buyer must pay in cash and may not borrow from the lender. EQUITY The value of the property actually owned by the homeowner: purchase price, plus appreciation, plus improvements, less mortgages and liens. ESCROW A fund or account held by a third-party custodian until conditions of a contract are met.


FIXTURE A recognizable entity (such as a kitchen cabinet, drape or light fixture) that is permanently attached to a property and belongs to the property when it is sold.

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FIXED-RATE MORTGAGE Interest rates on this type of mortgage remain the same over the life of the loan.

HAZARD INSURANCE Compensates for property damage from specified hazards such as fire and wind. INTEREST The cost of borrowing money, usually expressed as a percentage rate. LIEN A security claim on a property until a debt is satisfied. MARKET PRICE The actual price at which a property sold. MARKET VALUE The price that is established by present economic conditions, location, and general trends. MORTGAGE Security claim by a lender against a property until the debt is paid. MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE The MLS is a system that provides to its members detailed information about properties for sale. ORIGINATION FEE An application fee(s) for processing a proposed mortgage loan. PITI Principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, forming the basis for monthly mortgage payments. POINT One percent of the loan principal. It’s charged in addition to interest and fees. PRE-PAYMENT PENALTY A fee paid by a borrower who pays off the loan before it is due. PRINCIPAL One of the parties to a contract; or the amount of money borrowed, for which interest is charged. PROBATE Divide or assess proportionately. PURCHASE AGREEMENT A contract between buyer and seller that outlines the details of the property transfer; or refer to “Purchase and Sale Agreement” in this guide. SETTLEMENT All financial transactions required to make the contract final. See “Settlement and Closing” in this guide. TITLE A document that indicates ownership of a specific property.

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TITLE SEARCH Detailed examination of the entire document history of a property title to make sure there are no legal encumbrances.


Expertise that’s wherever you are and wherever you want to be. Nothing compares to what’s next.




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