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4 Common Myths about Real Estate Agents in the Triangle: A Must Read

FFR Pic- Stockimages- freedigitalphotos.netThere are a few professions that have historically served as inspiration for an array of humor.  Automotive salespeople, attorneys, and yes, real estate agents. All have all had their turn in the humor department. Seriously, many people have heard both good and bad stories about working with real estate agents; just what is true and what is not? The professional real agents at Flat Fee Realty want home buyers and sellers in Cary and the Triangle to remember the following about real estate agents.

Flat Fee Realty shares four common myths about real estate, along with the straight truth:

  • Realtors and real estate agents are the same thing: Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, not all real estate agents are realtors. Earning a license in North Carolina makes someone an agent. A Realtor is an agent who is also a member of the National Association of Realtors. Realtors must adhere to an additional set of high standards and ethics beyond the legal requirements of North Carolina.
  • The higher a home’s selling price, the more money an agent makes: This is technically true, but it’s a misunderstanding. The home would have to sell for tens of thousands of dollars more to make any material difference in an agent’s commission. Consider that an increase of $10,000 would only net most agents an extra $150. Honest realtors and agents simply are not going to risk reputations over a few hundred bucks (or any amount, for that matter).
  • Agents recommend certain professionals because they get a kickback: If agents recommend a home inspector, a closing attorney, or other professional to a client, it’s almost always because they have worked with these individuals (often for years) and can vouch for their service excellence. It is important to note that it is unethical for agents to get any kind of incentive or favor from a vendor; it’s also illegal according to the Real Estate Settlement Procedures ACT (RESPA).
  • Agents must show homes to anyone who calls: A buyer’s agent isn’t obligated to show homes to clients unless there is a signed representation agreement in place. Typically, the agent would also require a pre-approval or pre-qualification letter. These documents show that buyers are serious and have the funds to complete a home purchase, ensuring the agent isn’t wasting his or her time.

It’s understandable why prospective home buyers and sellers would believe these common misconceptions. After all, buying or selling a home here in the Triangle is a complex financial and often emotional transaction fraught with worry and anxiety. However, that is exactly the reason it is essential for buyers and sellers to work with the right real estate agent.

Need help separating fact from fiction regarding the home buying or selling process? Give Flat Fee Realty a call today and let our realtors and agents earn your trust!

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This post on selling and buying a home in the Triangle is brought to you by the team at Flat Fee Realty and is intended for informational purposes only. 

The Future of Real Estate!

Flat Fee Realty

919 342 5230

Contact Us

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com

Photo: Stockimages, freedigitalphotos.net

3 Questions that Need Answers Involving Mortgage Insurance

stockimages, freedigitalphotos.net (3)Most types of insurance work like this: Clients pay a monthly or annual premium, and in return, insurance companies agree to assume financial responsibility and the risk in certain situations. While the traditional coverage is something that the insurance companies (and their clients) hope they’ll never need to use, it’s just one of life’s necessities.

Mortgage insurance works a little differently. And it can be confusing to homebuyers in the Triangle who aren’t sure what it is, let alone whether they’ll need to pay for it.

The professional agents at Flat Fee Realty want their clients to be as informed as possible. Below, we help to answer three common questions about mortgage insurance*:

What is Mortgage Insurance?

With mortgage insurance, the borrower still pays a premium, but they’re not exactly paying to for their own protection (and they don’t even get to choose the insurance company). The policy actually protects the lender in case the borrower defaults on the loan. So the question is not whether a borrower “needs” mortgage insurance, but rather if the lender will require it.

When is Mortgage Insurance Necessary?

Borrows usually will be required to purchase mortgage insurance if they make a down payment of less than 20%. The amount of the mortgage premium depends on the size and type of loan, but usually costs between 0.5 and 1% of the loan amount. Mortgage insurance can be private or public, depending on the type of loan.

How Can Borrowers Get Rid of It?

Most homeowners are responsible borrowers, and think that making on-time payments is the best way of getting the mortgage insurance requirement removed as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the case:

  • Private mortgage insurance automatically terminates when the loan balance reaches 78% of the original value of the home according to the amortization schedule. Extra payments won’t help homeowners cross that threshold any sooner. However, if the 78% mark is reached more quickly, a borrower can request that the insurance be removed.
  • Public mortgage insurance terminates when the loan balance reaches the same 78% threshold, but not sooner than 5 years into the loan. The borrower is going to pay mortgage insurance for at least 5 years.

Mortgage insurance is often an unwelcome (and unplanned) expense for many borrowers. When determining what type of mortgage payment is affordable, be sure to include mortgage insurance as part of those costs (along with the principal, interest, property taxes, and homeowner’s insurance).

Concerned about potential pitfalls in the home buying or selling process? Let the experienced agents at Flat Fee Realty explain how they can make the process easier than ever. Give Flat Fee Realty a call today!

*This post is for informational purposes and should be considered for reference only. We suggest consulting a financial specialist with experience in mortgage insurance if needed.

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This post on selling and buying a home in the Triangle is brought to you by the team at Flat Fee Realty and is intended for informational purposes only. 

The Future of Real Estate! 

Flat Fee Realty 

919 342 5230

Contact Us

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com

Photo: Stuart Miles, freedigitalphotos.net

Independent Triangle Real Estate Broker | Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Apex, Chapel Hill NC