My husband and I have enough money for the down payment on an FHA loan, but when it comes to the closing cost

Maggie
Home Buyer
San Pablo, CA

we dont have it. We have been told that on REO's the bank/lender will pay for the closing cost. But we have also been told that they pay up to 3%. So, is it 3% of the total sales price or something else? We get different stories and its frustrating. Do we even have the power to tell the bank "Hey - you pay for the closing cost!"

Answers (5)
Steve Ornellas:...
Broker
Fremont, CA

Hi Maggie, I formally went through the FHA Loan Agent Certification process. The maximum Seller Credit using a FHA loan is 6% of sales price. Non-FHA is 3%. I have yet to be unsuccessful in getting 6% concessions from non-distressed, short sale, or REO listings. Persistence and the willingness to walk away from the deal is the key.

Best, Steve

Mon Mar 30 2009, 13:07
Jerry Flynn
Broker
94506

Maggie,

When you make an offer on a property, you can ask for the seller to pay the closing costs. They can say no, and counter you back with what they will pay. It's a meeting of the minds, and once you have that, you have an accepted contract.

I have helped a lot of buyers get into homes. There are always ways to get the job done. Like they say, if there is a will, there's a way. That's my Motto. Get the job done, so everyone is happy.

I have been helping buyers, like yourself get into homes for the last 33 years. I have the experience to help you out in your situation.

Just contact me at:

Jerry Flynn
Old West Realty Inc.
925-820-6550
oldwestinc@yahoo.com
http://housebiz.ca

Thu Mar 26 2009, 16:16
Bernard Gibbons
Agent
Danville, CA

Are you only looking at REOs, Maggie? If you are, they will oftem agree to pay up to 3% of sales price towards closing costs and this is in line with FHA rules. "Regular" sellers will often agree to the same thing.

Bernard Gibbons

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Bernard Gibbons, Realtor, e-PRO Certified Internet Specialist
J. Rockcliff Realtors, 15 Railroad Avenue, Danville, CA 94526
Phone (925) 997-1585
bernard@bernardgibbons.com

Thu Mar 26 2009, 16:11
Tim Ambrose
Agent
Pleasanton, CA

Hi Maggie,

Be it a regular seller or a bank owned property, asking for closing cost can be negociated. I've had bank owned properties offer as much as 6% closing cost for my clients and as little as $3000. So when selecting a Realtor and preparing an offer, request closing cost as part of the purchase contract and wait to hear back from the bank . I hope this helps. Feel free to contact me for any additional information.

Thu Mar 26 2009, 16:08
Catherine Myers
Agent
Walnut Creek, CA
FIRST ANSWER

3% of the purchase price will often be paid by a seller and/or bank as in the case of an REO property. Its becoming "customary" these days for 3% closing costs :)

Thu Mar 26 2009, 16:02

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