Understanding Out-of-Pocket Costs When Buying a Home

By Mark Tooley

Purchasing a home is an exciting milestone, but it’s important to be financially prepared for all

associated costs and not just the down payment. This month I will be highlighting which homebuying expenses can be included in your mortgage, and which costs are typically paid out of pocket.

Many of the following costs may be included in your loan and paid at closing:

● Loan Origination Fee - This fee covers the lender’s cost to process your mortgage.

● Title Insurance & Recording Fees - Protects your ownership rights and ensures the deed is legally recorded.

● Prepaid Interest & Escrow Reserves - Lenders often collect a portion of taxes and insurance up front to fund your escrow account.

● First Year of Homeowners Insurance (sometimes) - Some lenders allow this to be paid from loan proceeds at closing.

These costs are generally paid in advance or are not covered by your loan:

● Earnest Money Deposit - A good faith deposit submitted with your offer, later applied to the purchase price.

● Appraisal Fee - Often paid at the time of ordering.

● Home Inspection Fee - A critical step in due diligence, inspections are usually paid directly to the inspector.

Keep in mind that many of these fees can be negotiated to be paid by the Seller, but it is

extremely important to plan ahead. Give me a call today if you have any questions about these

fees or about the typical rates charged in our area. I would love to help!

Market Shifts Are Normal and Here’s What It Means for YOU

By Jill Friend

The real estate market is shifting and that’s not only normal, it’s a sign of a healthy, functioning

system. While change can feel uncertain, there's no need to panic. In fact, for many, this moment presents fresh opportunities.

For Buyers: Opportunity Is Knocking

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy, this could be it. Inventory is rising, homes are

staying on the market a bit longer, and sellers are becoming more open to negotiations. That

means buyers today have more room to breathe. You can compare options, negotiate on price, repairs, and closing costs without the intense pressure we saw in years prior. Take your time, do your research, and make an offer that works in your favor.

For Sellers: Strategy Is Everything

Yes, homes are still selling, but success now depends on having the right approach. Pricing

competitively, presenting your home well through staging, decluttering, curb appeal and being flexible with terms can make all the difference. The days of sky high bidding wars may be easing up, but homes that are priced right and show well still attract serious buyers. The key? Adjust expectations and stay proactive and positive.

For Everyone: Stay Grounded

Market shifts are part of the natural cycle. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply watching real estate listing sites from the sidelines, the most important thing is to make informed decisions based on current conditions. Uncertainty doesn’t mean instability, it means opportunity for those who are prepared.

If you're thinking about making a move or simply curious about your home's value in today’s market, let's talk. I’m here to help you navigate changes with confidence.

Residential Market Update: Navigating a Shifting Landscape

By Paul Faddis



In last month’s newsletter, we discussed how today’s real estate market has been defined by

increased hesitation, with many buyers adopting a more cautious “wait and see” approach.

That trend continues—and we’re now seeing another development: appraisals are increasingly coming in slightly below contract price.

This shift signals that lenders are tightening their guidelines. Where sellers may have once benefited from more favorable appraisals, that cushion appears to be disappearing. As always, the real estate market is cyclical—this is simply the next phase in that ongoing cycle.

That’s why having a well-supported and realistic valuation range is more important than

ever when listing your home. Pricing based on current market conditions can help avoid

financing complications and prevent deals from falling apart late in the process.

If you’d like a better understanding of your home’s value in today’s market, we’d be glad to

provide a professional, no-pressure consultation. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions that align with your personal objectives and timeline.

Looking ahead, we anticipate this softening trend to continue through the rest of the year.

Even if mortgage rates begin to ease, today’s buyers are more patient and strategic than

we’ve seen in recent years. While we don’t foresee a sharp downturn—barring major

geopolitical disruptions—we do expect a more tempered pace.

The market remains fundamentally sound. Lenders are still offering financing, just with

more discipline and scrutiny than during past frenzies. We’ll continue to watch the market

closely and share updates with you.

As always, if you have questions or want to discuss your specific situation, don’t hesitate to

reach out. Whether you're buying, selling, or planning ahead, our team is here to support

you.

Business Brokerage Market Update: A Time of Transition

By Paul Faddis

We continue to see momentum build around what many are calling the “Great Wealth

Transfer.” More and more business owners are beginning the process of succession

planning, while a new generation of entrepreneurial individuals and couples are actively seeking opportunities to step into ownership.

It’s inspiring to see these two groups—seasoned owners planning their next chapter and

ambitious new leaders ready to take the reins—come together with shared goals. We’re

proud to serve as a trusted guide in this process.

If you or someone you know is considering selling a business, beginning succession

planning, or exploring ownership, we’re here to help. Our Business Intermediary and valuation services are designed to support you at every step—from understanding your business’s worth to identifying the right buyer or successor.

We currently represent several business owners who are looking for the right steward(s) to

carry their legacy forward. If you’re thinking about a transition—whether now or in the

future—we’d welcome the opportunity to start the conversation.

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