Navigating through a Closing & Homeownership

By
Real Estate Agent with DFW FINE PROPERTIES 0506509

Oh captain! Oh captain! In a real estate transaction, how do you navigate to get to your goal? The same or similar as a captain on a ship.


Agents need to be like the captain of their ship. Stay calm. Be prepared for any storm. Know how to navigate safely and avoid rough waters that pose liability, hazards, and risk. Stress leads to mess - Avoid both.

Come rain or high water, read the contract. Know your deadlines. Understand people. When under contract, encourage backups. Clearly, timely, and effectively communicate, communicate, communicate. 


One of the most widely misunderstood words appears in the contract. In Texas, Real estate forms were written and approved by the Texas Real Estate Commission Broker and Lawyer Committee. Follow the process. Read the contract. 

 

The Listing Agreement is part of the Contract. So are Amendments, Addendum, and other Documentation. Keep accurate records. 


Understand what FEMA is and what is expected. Homeowners who have a government backed mortgage and are in a designated flood zone must purchase flood insurance. From a standard homeowners' insurance, "flood" is excluded." Reference FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Dwelling Form F-122 for definitions. Mortgage holders may require flood insurance as a condition for making a loan even if the mortgage is not government backed. Get a reputable Mortgage Lender. 

 

How often does FEMA change? FEMA is required to review community flood maps every five years. 


What is one of the most important tips for obtaining a mortgage? Know your limits. Pay on time or you do not stay in your home for long. Don't go credit happy applying for new lines of credit. Pay your credit cards in full each month, or at the very least on time. Review your mortgage and insurance policies regularly.


Be the Captain of your home. Pay on time. Maintain your property. Avoid damage and risk caused by people (including yourself), pests, and predators. Home maintenance includes the following and more:

  • Structure
  • Roof
  • Chimney
  • Gutters
  • Pipes
  • Electricity
  • Gas
  • Water
  • Leaks
  • Holes
  • Heating
  • Air Conditioning
  • Ceilings
  • Showers
  • Sinks
  • Tubs
  • Faucets
  • Drainage
  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Floors
  • Paint
  • Interior
  • Exterior
  • Landscaping
  • Attic Insulation
  • Porches
  • Entry
  • Irrigation
  • Sidewalks
  • Garage
  • Appliances
  • Surge Protectors
  • Fences
  • Gates
  • Locks & Keys
  • Screens,
  • Wood Trim
  • Cabinets
  • Countertops
  • Hinges
  • Built ins
  • Attachments
  • Security Systems
  • Lighting
  • Wiring
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Stairs
  • Broken Glass & other repairs



This is entry #1 for the September 2023 Challenge hosted by AR Dr. Paula McDonald and Kathy Streib

*I wish to express my appreciation for reading and leaving comments on my blog post. The feautre photograph is mine. Content is original by Patricia Feager, REALTOR,® Blog author. All rights reserved. All information is deemed reliable; however, it should be independently verified by the reader. Any reproduction of this blog or use of AI is strictly prohibited.

Posted by

Texas Law requires all license holders to provide the Information about Brokerage Services form to prospective clients.

https://www.trec.texas.gov/sites/default/files/pdf-forms/CN%201-4-1.pdf

dfw fine properties

PATRICIA FEAGER, REALTOR®
DFW FINE PROPERTIES
3575 LONE STAR CIRCLE SUITE 315
FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76177

Email Me
                                  

                                     

MBA (University of Dallas)
BA
(Bachelors of Arts & Science)
Paralegal (Southeastern Career Institute)
Associates (3) (College of Lake County)
KU (University of Kansas)

CERTIFICATIONS

CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)
SRES (Certified Senior Residential Specialist)
PSA (Certified Pricing Strategies; Mastering the CMA)
CRS (Certified Military Relocation Specialist)
RENE (Real Estte Negotitions Expert)

"With self-discipline most anything is possible." --- Theodore Roosevelt 

 

 

 

  

Comments (12)

Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

Great post!  Thanks for sharing and enjoy your day!

Sep 23, 2023 07:45 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Indeed you have to be calm, I find it that Real Estate transactions are so emotional for most buyers and sellers.... I try to keep every one calm as much as I can.... while I am burning up inside:)Endre

Sep 23, 2023 07:53 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

You are definitely the right person to help buyers navigate through a closing and achieve homeownership!

Sep 24, 2023 05:11 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Good morning, Patricia... this is exactly why I always say "experience matters" and why my tag line is "experience the difference you can count on." Experience is priceless.

Sep 24, 2023 05:39 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Patricia all good information, especially knowing the timelines and staying on top of them.

Sep 24, 2023 11:19 AM
Kat Palmiotti
406-270-3667, kat@thehousekat.com, Broker/REALTOR® - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Paying on time is indeed very important - it surprises me that people don't. I was selling a house once, the seller moved out of town without telling me and he also stopped paying his mortgage. I had no idea! I found out he moved when his oil tank ran out of oil in the winter, the pipes froze, then burst, and the fire department was called. I found out he wasn't paying his bill when I stopped by to check on things before the closing and found big locks on the doors and some equipment missing. We did close, but it wasn't a given.

So, yes, pay the mortgage on time every month while you own the home!

Sep 25, 2023 05:00 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Kristin Johnston - REALTOR® - thank you! Have a nice day. 

Sep 26, 2023 05:51 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Endre Barath, Jr. - Keeping ones emotions in check througout the transaction teaches us that self-discipline rules the day and leads to success or the ability to scoot away gracefully. 

Sep 26, 2023 05:53 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Brian England - Navigating through any transaction is always a challenge. It can be smooth sailng, or an opportunity to resolve problems without losing your cool. Preparation and how we handle things decides whether or not someone will provide a testimonial, referral, or repeat business.

Sep 26, 2023 05:57 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Nina Hollander, Broker - you chose an excellent tag line! Now I know why you succeed!

Sep 26, 2023 05:59 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

George Souto - Putting things off until the deadline usually always causes problems, mistakes, and stress for all parties. Deadlines are so important in real estate transactions. 

Sep 26, 2023 06:01 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Kat Palmiotti - You don't pay, you don't stay. Even if you move out before closing as long as your name is attached to the mortgage, there are consequences. Your experience was such a nightmare! If he wasn't paying the mortgage, he probably wasn't paying for utilites, or home insurance either. I can't even imagine how difficult it was for you and everyone else too. Those were very serious problems and consequences he caused by thinking he could just walk away and everything else would be okay.

Sep 26, 2023 06:06 AM