IT happenes All the Time - I Love IT!

I had an appointment at the Cleveland Eye Clinic  for a check-up yesterday.
The assistant had my chart and was confirming /updating my personal information.
She paused... and then said "Oh, you work at Gateway Title they  did our closing when we bought our home! I still have my Gateway mug, the picture you took and the pretty pens we used to sign our papers"!
   I know I  had a  big smile on my face and  I told her Gateway Title was my company and
 she really made my day.
She Thanked me for making them feel so welcomed, and how we made it so easy for them to relax and
go through the paper work.
She said we were the "Best part of buying the home".
She was the "Best Part" of my day!
Thank You Shana.

I Deserved A Break . Watch Out ..I'm Back!

Hi There,
It's Hard to back to my reality today.
Four days in Las Vegas is NOT reality.
We had a really fun time but it is not the kind of life style I'd want on a permanent basis.
I was delighted at the real estate activity that took place while I was gone...
A lot can happen in 4 days.
Seller number three dropped off a signed purchase agreement and an earnest money check Monday.
So it's three down and definitely lots more to do  - based on the phone calls I had from
prospective buyers and sellers today!
YAHOO -  let's get this real estate market MOVING!
We all know this economy needs to grow stronger for the good of us all!

Two Done, One To Go

Three Sellers contacted me last Friday because they found buyers for their properties and were ready to go.Two of the three have completed signing and we have started the process of closing for them.
Number three's  buyer called me yesterday, with questions on lender fees and closing costs. I worked up closing costs for her and emailed. We talked a while as I answered her questions.
This is the part I Love doing.
Most  buyers and sellers have very little knowledge of costs and just how it all comes together.
It's not every day you buy or sell a house and things do change also.
Just why in the heck do you need title insurance and what is escrow?
 How much  is all of this going to cost?
Call me - then you'll know!
PS. I Love what I do!

DO IT- DO IT- NOW!

Real Estate Sellers and Buyers Have Been Waiting For Several Years Now.
It's about time that the market is improving!
A healthy real estate market is the perfect medicine for our country's ailing economy.
From soup to nuts, everything is affected by the building and housing market.
I don't need to study statistics to see what is happening,
Everything has its time and the time to heal our sick economy is NOW!
PS. If I were looking to buy real estate,
 I'd do it now, before rates and prices rise -( and they will you know)

How It Really happens...Follow FSBO Chris

Last Friday, Chris called me. He found our www.gatewaytitle.com when he googled for help.in selling his house.
I listened as he explained his situation and offered him the paper work our attorney has prepared for those who are going FSBO (For Sale By Owner).
He printed them from our website - everything he needed - Perfect!
He asked about fees and how we figure them.I explained  many final costs are based
on selling price.
He didn't have that as he was making plans to meet with the potential buyer.
I suggested he SMART START his title work and save $125... nice
He did that so I am all ready checking out the title so he can sell.
This scenario is not new to me - been doing it since 1995 -I  love what we do.
Good Luck Chris with the potential buyer.
I'm here to help walk you through the closing.
P.S. I keep you posted as to how Chris does.

Okay, I VENTED - I'M FEELING BETTER NOW!

It's safe to call or email me if you need to know what it will cost
to buy or sell that piece of real estate in Ohio.
Email them to: rachel@gatewaytitle.com
Call me at Gateway Title: 440-546 9660
I really do enjoy helping you and
 answering your questions.

She said::"SHARPEN YOUR PENCIL" - REALLY?

I get calls from buyers and sellers everyday.
They ask a million questions about all phases of real estate.
Much of the time it is about closing costs.
I always take the time to explain who usually pays for what and how much.
Now, this is not something I just throw out there. Many of the fees
depend on the price or if it is a refinance. the amount of the loan.
That being said, I'll explain to you how I figure costs.
1.  Examination of records to determine the condition of the title.
2. Escrow fee to cover the cost of escrow officer who handles all of the paper work
and funds required, clears the title so that buyer gets marketable title, prepare paper work
from the lender for buyer, get deed for seller, pay all of the bills,
 make sure the buyer gets the property
 and  disburse to seller their money and more...
3.  Title insurance premiums in Ohio are all the same since Ohio is a "rated state".
The cost of  the insurance is based on the price or mortgage amount.

 TOTAL closing costs will be more than the above three items.

 We have to collect up front from buyer and/or seller for transfer tax, filing fees, lenders'   mortgage fees,
real estate commissions and other recording  fees, cost of  survey, wire fees, overnight fees..and it goes on and on.
What ever the contract states - we do!
So -there are TWO fees that I control:
TITLE & ESCROW
So, depending on the information you provide, based on the selling price, I can figure out an estimate of closing costs for both buyers and sellers.
Just give me call.
But.... please remember, there are many costs I collect not many are actually mine!