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“Personal touches went beyond the basic process”
“Mick’s very informed and friendly approach to buying and selling real estate moved us closer to an anticipated retirement and to building our dream home on Lake Travis. Because we were from out of town, we were disadvantaged at knowing the area, having time to look at properties, comparing prices, and negotiating all of the paperwork involved in a transaction. Our first contact with Mick was through his company’s website. We were very impressed with its design and efficiency and Mick’s personal follow up of our initial inquiries. He took the time to get to know us and for our first visit fashioned a selection of lots and homes that were designed specifically to meet our criteria and from which we ultimately selected a lot. The process did not end there, however, as Mick and his capable office team stayed in close contact with us throughout the negotiation of a competitive price and skillfully maneuvered us through the mountain of paperwork required for purchase. It was the personal touches, however, that went beyond the basic process that made the difference to us in our decision to purchase the property. For example, Mick spent double the amount of time showing us properties (because my wife and I could not be in the area at the same time), immediately supplied any information we requested, counseled us through some moments of buyer’s remorse as the US economy hit bottom, and, best of all, even arranged for a path to be mowed on the lot so that we could more easily show it to our family and celebrate our wedding anniversary on the grounds of our future home.”
Lana and Dennie Smith
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First Time Buyers >Good Faith Estimates
Several years ago the U.S. Congress tried to protect consumers from a few unscrupulous lenders by requiring all lenders to calculate and disclose the annual percentage rate (APR) you pay on your mortgage loan. But most homebuyers will learn more by directing their attention to the Good Faith Estimate of Settlement Costs (GFE). Although Congress meant well, in practice the APR is not helpful and may be confusing.
If you are looking for a good way to understand your costs of borrowing and/or to compare one lender's costs to another, the GFE is your best bet. Get your lender(s) to provide a written GFE before you commit your mortgage business. When reviewing a GFE, keep in mind that the lender actually controls only a certain portion of the disclosed costs. Other parties typically control costs of appraisal, settlement, title insurance, recording fees and taxes, survey, and the "prepaid" expenses of homeowner's insurance, mortgage insurance, real estate taxes, etc. Review these origination fees, discount points, etc. and you will have the ability to understand the full costs of your proposed mortgage loan.
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| Q |
Which famous skilled mason laid the cornerstone of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. in 1793?
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| A |
George Washington, the first President of the United States. |
 See More Real Estate Trivia > |
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- NUMBER1EXPERT™ 
