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Amazing Luxury Clermont Home Just Listed

Amazing Luxury Clermont Home Just Listed

Amazing Luxury Clermont Home Just Listed

11146 CRESCENT BAY BOULEVARD, CLERMONT, FL

$1250000

4bed – 4bath – 0.4 acres lot
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Luxury living on the Clermont chain of lakes. Currently a second home, this beautifully maintained pool home in popular Crescent Bay was cleverly designed to maximize the water views whilst providing optimal living space inside the home. Pride of ownership shines through – enter the home into a tiled foyer, an archway leads to a formal dining room on the left and double French doors on the right lead to the living room, currently configured as an office. Straight ahead is a generous sized family room with custom built-in wall units and triple glass sliders offering your first glimpse of Crescent Lake. At the heart of the home is a gourmet kitchen with tower unit oven, flat top glass stove, double door fridge freezer and abundance of cabinets enhanced by beautiful granite counter tops.The breakfast dinette is ideally positioned to maximize the views of the lake whilst enjoying your morning coffee. The master bedroom suite features a tray ceiling and triple sliding patio doors providing a picturesque view of the Lake. The stunning en-suite features a large garden tub, oversized walk-in shower with two wall shower heads and rain head, dual sinks, walk-in closet and linen closet. Bedrooms 3 and 4 towards the front of the home share a house bathroom and bedroom 2, at the rear of the home features an ensuite bathroom that also doubles as a pool bath. At the end of a short corridor a large theatre room (pre-wired) has a full bathroom with walk-in shower, sink and toilet and walk-in closet – easily converted into 2nd master bedroom. Outside the covered lanai provides a place to relax while the extended, screened-in pool deck provides plenty of space to enjoy the Florida sunshine, entertain friends or relax in the inground heated pool and spa. The wooden dock with covered electric boat lift hosts the start of each adventure as you journey through the chain of lakes – waterski/wakeboard or cruise to a waterfront restaurant for dinner. Located minutes from downtown Clermont with a mixture of shops, eateries, lakefront walking, cycling path and more. Short driving distance to the turnpike, theme parks, shopping malls and golf course – ideal for Florida living

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Ready to make a Move?

Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.

 

Details To Not Miss When Buying a New Home

Details To Not Miss When Buying a New Home

Details To Not Miss When Buying a New Home

Details To Not Miss When Buying a New Home

 

There are a variety of reasons many homebuyers prefer purchasing a brand-new home instead of an older home.

Some love the idea of moving into a home that’s never been lived in by anyone else. (Think of that crowd as the “new-car smell” aficionados of homeownership.) Others relish the opportunity to put their personal stamp on a home—tailoring the model, layout, and finishes to their particular tastes.

And then there’s the segment of buyers who are simply turned off by older homes that will likely require work and upkeep. They assume—rightly in most cases—that a newly built home will mean lower maintenance costs.

However, if you have your eye on a new home because you expect absolute perfection from Day One, think again. New-home buyers must be prepared for issues that might arise, according to John Heidenry, managing partner in Hoboken, NJ. He has been building luxury homes for nearly two decades.

New doesn’t equal perfection

Heidenry explains even new-construction homes present unforeseen issues a home inspection sometimes won’t catch. Remember: Every single thing in a brand-new home hasn’t yet been put to the test by daily usage.

Heidenry shared scary tales of high-end appliances (often convection ovens) that malfunctioned on the first use; water leaks that became apparent only after a first heavy storm; and scratched finishes that homeowners could not be certain they, their movers, or the builders may have caused.

Sarah Medina, seconds those sentiments. As a real estate professional who has sold new-construction homes—and as a homebuyer of a new build herself—she shared her own set of cautionary tales. Many of her horror stories involve clients who thought a home inspection wasn’t necessary for new-construction homes.

“It is!” Medina states emphatically.

“For starters, make sure everything is connected,” she urges. “I’ve received multiple phone calls from clients who bought in the dead of winter—and in the summer find the AC isn’t working. You don’t need an expert to see if a unit isn’t connected, but one definitely could have told you before you signed the closing paperwork.”

The same goes for appliances, plumbing, and heating—all the systems that make up the underpinnings of a sound home.

What does your warranty cover?

And as a new-construction buyer, Medina can’t emphasize enough the importance of thoroughly reading and understanding the builders’ warranty and knowing exactly what it covers.

“Many times it will cover nail pops and other very common cosmetic issues—but many times not,” she says.

Cosmetic details such as tile, paint, and trim deserve particular attention, adds Heidenry.

“Have any problems fixed before you close, as there can often be a disagreement down the line on whether the damage was caused by the client moving in or if it was preexisting,” he says. “It’s best to have everything 100% signed off on before the close, so there’s no question who is responsible for any damage.”

If you’re moving into a brand-new home, here’s a checklist of items our experts suggest you keep in mind.

1. Test all appliances

Your contractor and the professional installers who have been hired should be expected to install appliances to code. But they don’t put them to a real-use test.

Prepare yourself for potential issues.

“You wouldn’t believe how often we find that brand-new appliances do not work,” says Heidenry.

This is especially true in the kitchen, laundry room, and boiler room.

“Make sure the builder has turned the water on to the fridge/freezer for ice and water—and that the gas has been turned on for all of the gas-fired appliances, such as the stove, furnace, and dryer,” he says. “If there is a gas fireplace—check that, too.”

2. Don’t be alarmed

It is very likely that the furnace and oven will set off the fire alarms on their first use, warns Heidenry.

“They are coated in an oil that will burn off and trigger the smoke detectors,” he explains, adding that there’s no need to worry. “It’s really not a big deal. Just open the windows, and all will be well in several minutes.”

3. Watch the windows

Check to make sure all windows open and close properly.

“If they were installed off-plumb or off-level, they may not open or close correctly,” says Heidenry.

Also, check for any small cracks in the glass.

4. Peruse the paint

Examine the paint everywhere in the house. Last-minute repair jobs and touch-ups might have been completed, and you might not notice them until you’ve already moved in.

“Look from several angles and with the lights on and off,” Heidenry suggests.

5. Test the water temperature

Check that the water temperature is comfortable in all showers and tubs. Have the plumber adjust if necessary.

“The plumbing diverters may not let the water get hot enough,” Heidenry explains.

6. Eyeball the electrical

Are all the light switches straight? Off-kilter switch plates are common, Heidenry says. If they’re crooked, have the builder fix them before you close.

Also: “Make sure that your circuit breaker panel is labeled, so you’ll know which breaker is for what,” he adds.

7. Read up on the roof

Get a copy of the roof warranty. If the roof is going to leak, it will be after a first major storm, Heidenry says. But you should know what your warranty covers before a storm blows in.

Medina advises reading through all your warranties.

“The appliances and much of the subcontract work aren’t covered,” she says. “But your roof, foundation, framing, and finishings should be.”

8. Examine the elevator

If you’ve bought in a multifloor building, expect that the elevator may not line up with the floor the first time you use it. It’s nothing to be worried about.

“It’s actually not the weight of people that throws off the elevator,” Heidenry explains. “Because elevators are so computerized now, any little thing can put them out of service.”

Yours will need to be tweaked for everyday use, so anticipate a couple of months of adjustments before your elevator lines up smoothly, he says.

9. Focus on the finishes

Look for chipped tiles and scratched floors before you move in. Builders will rarely come back to fix those items, as they can be attributed to damage caused when moving in or homeowner use after final inspection, Heidenry says.

If you inspect ahead of time and damage appears after the fact, you’ll know to take it up with your mover’s insurance.

10. Hotfoot it across the floors

If a room has heated flooring, turn it on and make sure it works. This is another seasonal system that people forget about until the weather warrants its first use. Check it ahead of time to make sure it’s in working order.

11. Clock the cleaning

The builder should have your home professionally cleaned before the closing, but don’t leave that to chance. Make sure every room is clean, and open every cupboard and closet.

Come moving day, you’ll be fairly exhausted from organizing things; you won’t want to add one more thing to your to-do list.

12. Inspect the insurance

Finally, be sure to get a certificate of insurance from your moving company before moving day. Understand what it covers. Having already inspected everything yourself before closing, you’ll know that any damage prior to your first night in your new home will have happened during the move—and is hopefully covered by the mover’s insurance.

Ready to make a Move?

Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.

 

Questions To Ask Before Hiring an Agent

Questions To Ask Before Hiring an Agent

Questions To Ask Before Hiring an Agent

Questions To Ask Before Hiring an Agent

 

Ready to buy a house? Then you’ll want to learn a few questions to ask a real estate agent—the go-to pro whose sole goal (at least as far as you’re concerned) is to help make your home-buying dream come true.

But not all real estate agents are created equal, which is why Peggy Yee, recommends interviewing at least three agents before deciding who you want by your side for this most important of all purchases. To help you figure that out, here are 10 questions to ask a real estate agent to suss out which one is right for you.

1. How long have you been a real estate agent?

You want a professional who knows the ins and outs of the business, and that level of knowledge comes only with experience. Look for someone with at least a few years in the business. If the agent is a rookie, ask him if he will receive hands-on guidance from a real estate broker in his office (a broker is someone who has taken real estate education courses beyond the agent level and often manages a team of agents).

2. What neighborhoods do you specialize in?

Your agent should be well-acquainted with the areas you’re interested in, so search for someone who can rattle off key info about your desired neighborhood, including home prices, schools, safety, public transportation, and cultural amenities.

3. What’s your schedule and availability?

Many real estate agents work only part time, which could present problems: What if a bidding war has just begun on the home you just have to have, or you encounter last-minute closing snafus? Ideally you want an agent who works full time or, if not, the agent should make it abundantly clear that urgent matters will be addressed if necessary (which leads to our next point).

4. Do you work independently or with a team?

Some people think real estate is a solo sport, but many agents work on a real estate team with other agents, an administrative assistant, and a team leader—and there are benefits to working with an agent who’s part of a pack. For example, if your agent is tied up and you need to see a property ASAP, someone else on the team can step in and show you the home, or handle last-minute problems in lieu of your agent.

5. What percentage of your business is working with home buyers?

While most agents help both home buyers and sellers, the very best tend to specialize in one or the other, since the specialities are quite different. To buy a home, you should team up with a buyer’s agent—someone who specializes in working with home buyers. A listing agent, by comparison, focuses on working with home sellers. Look for an agent with a buyer-to-seller client ratio of at least 7 to 3, or ideally higher.

6. How many homes did you help buyers close in the past year?

This question is specific, because you want someone who successfully helps people buy homes.

“There’s a big difference between ‘working’ with home buyers and actually selling people homes,” Yee points out.

7. How long does it typically take buyers you’ve worked with to find and purchase a home?

Buying a house takes time. In general it takes an average of 30 to 60 days to shop for a house, and 14 to 60 days to go from contract to closing. However, this number varies widely from area to area, and it’s crucial that you have a handle on how long it’ll take you. Yet you also don’t want an agent who drags his feet unnecessarily. Translation: If an agent says it typically takes six months to a year to buy a house, that’s a red flag you could end up frustrated.

8. How will you determine what homes may match my wants and needs?

A good buyer’s agent provides clients with a comprehensive questionnaire to help them pinpoint their home-buying criteria, so ask for this survey in advance. Also, your agent should be able to tell you whether your list of “needs” is realistically affordable in your area.

9. How many clients are you currently working with?

You want an agent who’s busy but not too busy: Anyone juggling much more than 10 clients might be too busy to provide you with high-quality, one-on-one service.

10. How will you keep in contact with me during the buying process, and how often?

Does your agent prefer to stay in touch mainly by phone, email, or text—and how about you? Generally it’s best if your agent’s preferred method of communication aligns with your own. If your agent’s a texter while you prefer an actual conversation on the phone (or vice versa), that could drive you both bananas.

You should also ask how often you two will be touching base. Navigating the home-buying process requires good communication between you and your agent, so you want an agent who will stay in touch and check in with you on at least a weekly basis. In a fast-moving market, your agent should be touching base with you daily, lest you miss out.

 

Experts in Residential Real Estate in Orlando

If you are buying or selling real estate it’s quiet often the single most important financial decision you make. For the last 30 years we have helped clients buying and selling property in Orlando and the surrounding areas. Put simply, this means the knowledge and expertise accumulated over this time ensures our clients get the best representation possible.

Our experienced agents will help and guide you through the entire process providing valuable support every step of the way.

Ready to make a Move?

Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.

 

How Long Does a Home Seller Have To Respond To An Offer?

How Long Does a Home Seller Have To Respond To An Offer?

How Long Does a Home Seller Have To Respond To An Offer?

How Long Does a Home Seller Have To Respond To An Offer?

 

When you make an offer on a house, you might be wondering how long you can wait until you have to respond.

There’s nothing worse than sitting around waiting—especially when you’re waiting for someone to respond to your offer on the biggest financial decision of your life. Yeesh, it’s excruciating.

Unfortunately, waiting comes with the territory when you’re buying a house. But how long you have to wait is the bigger question. While there’s no official rule on how long a seller can take to get back to you, there is an industry standard that most real estate agents and sellers tend to follow.

Whether you just made an offer on a property or plan to in the near future, here’s everything you need to know.

Watch out! How long can a seller take to respond to an offer

In theory, sellers can take as long as they want before responding. But in practice? Most sellers (or their agents) will usually get back to you within a few days.

“As a courtesy, the Realtor® will notify the buyer’s agent when the seller responds regarding an offer,” says Benjamin Ross. As the seller’s agent, “we like to respond within 48 hours, but that also depends on when we get the seller’s response.”

Some agents have even stricter expectations when it comes to response time.

“Common courtesy dictates that a seller should respond within 24 hours or less,” says Karen Parnes. “This gives them the time to think about your offer, sleep on it, and respond.”

While 24 to 48 hours is the standard observed by many professionals in the industry, exceptions happen. Here are some of them.

When might it take longer for a home seller to respond

There are quite a few reasons why a seller might take longer than usual to respond to your offer. The first is if they received multiple offers.

“Typically, response time increases if there is more than one offer on the table,” says Ross. “Sellers may take their time to choose which offer is best for them.”

Another reason your offer might go unanswered is if it’s too low.

“If an offer is far from what a seller expected to receive, many times they won’t respond at all,” says Parnes.

Other times you might not hear back for a completely unrelated reason—such as the seller is out of town or on vacation.

Consider setting a time limit on your offer

If you’re concerned about how long a seller might take to respond to your offer, work with your agent to find out if you can set a contractual time limit on it. In some states these “offer time limits” are used by buyers and sellers to dictate how long the other party can take to respond.

“Offer time limits are defined in the contract in the state of Georgia,” says Katina Asbell, associate broker at Real Living Capital City Realty. “The ‘time limit of offer’ is the period of time the offer is active and open for response, and once it’s expired, the contract is void and a new offer must be presented.”

Whether or not your local legislature allows buyers to set time limits, Asbell cautions buyers to be strategic when using them.

“The time limit can be a critical part of defining a buyer’s success in negotiation,” she says. “If it’s too short, the seller may feel rushed or annoyed and give a harsh response. If it’s too long, then the buyer risks a multiple-offer scenario.”

Tips for a successful negotiation with home sellers

Ultimately, the process of getting an offer accepted is all about being a good negotiator—and for this you’ll want to work with an experienced real estate agent.

“The best success I have found in gauging appropriate and amiable timelines is a very open and honest conversation with the seller’s agent,” says Asbell. “Buyers haveone chance at a first impression and to set the stage for the remaining negotiation process, and timeline matters greatly in conveying this tone.”

 

Experts in Residential Real Estate in Orlando

If you are buying or selling real estate it’s quiet often the single most important financial decision you make. For the last 30 years we have helped clients buying and selling property in Orlando and the surrounding areas. Put simply, this means the knowledge and expertise accumulated over this time ensures our clients get the best representation possible.

Our experienced agents will help and guide you through the entire process providing valuable support every step of the way.

Ready to make a Move?

Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.

 

Details to NOT Miss When Buying a New Home

Details to NOT Miss When Buying a New Home

Details to NOT Miss When Buying a New Home

Details to NOT Miss When Buying a New Home

 

There are a variety of reasons many homebuyers prefer purchasing a brand-new home instead of an older home.

Some love the idea of moving into a home that’s never been lived in by anyone else. (Think of that crowd as the “new-car smell” aficionados of homeownership.) Others relish the opportunity to put their personal stamp on a home—tailoring the model, layout, and finishes to their particular tastes.

And then there’s the segment of buyers who are simply turned off by older homes that will likely require work and upkeep. They assume—rightly in most cases—that a newly built home will mean lower maintenance costs.

However, if you have your eye on a new home because you expect absolute perfection from Day One, think again. New-home buyers must be prepared for issues that might arise, according to John Heidenry. He has been building luxury homes for nearly two decades.

New doesn’t equal perfection

Heidenry explains even new-construction homes present unforeseen issues a home inspection sometimes won’t catch. Remember: Every single thing in a brand-new home hasn’t yet been put to the test by daily usage.

Heidenry shared scary tales of high-end appliances (often convection ovens) that malfunctioned on the first use; water leaks that became apparent only after a first heavy storm; and scratched finishes that homeowners could not be certain they, their movers, or the builders may have caused.

Sarah Medina seconds those sentiments. As a real estate professional who has sold new-construction homes—and as a homebuyer of a new build herself—she shared her own set of cautionary tales. Many of her horror stories involve clients who thought a home inspection wasn’t necessary for new-construction homes.

“It is!” Medina states emphatically.

“For starters, make sure everything is connected,” she urges. “I’ve received multiple phone calls from clients who bought in the dead of winter—and in the summer find the AC isn’t working. You don’t need an expert to see if a unit isn’t connected, but one definitely could have told you before you signed the closing paperwork.”

The same goes for appliances, plumbing, and heating—all the systems that make up the underpinnings of a sound home.

What does your warranty cover?

And as a new-construction buyer, Medina can’t emphasize enough the importance of thoroughly reading and understanding the builders’ warranty and knowing exactly what it covers.

“Many times it will cover nail pops and other very common cosmetic issues—but many times not,” she says.

Cosmetic details such as tile, paint, and trim deserve particular attention, adds Heidenry.

“Have any problems fixed before you close, as there can often be a disagreement down the line on whether the damage was caused by the client moving in or if it was preexisting,” he says. “It’s best to have everything 100% signed off on before the close, so there’s no question who is responsible for any damage.”

If you’re moving into a brand-new home, here’s a checklist of items our experts suggest you keep in mind.

1. Test all appliances

Your contractor and the professional installers who have been hired should be expected to install appliances to code. But they don’t put them to a real-use test.

Prepare yourself for potential issues.

“You wouldn’t believe how often we find that brand-new appliances do not work,” says Heidenry.

This is especially true in the kitchen, laundry room, and boiler room.

“Make sure the builder has turned the water on to the fridge/freezer for ice and water—and that the gas has been turned on for all of the gas-fired appliances, such as the stove, furnace, and dryer,” he says. “If there is a gas fireplace—check that, too.”

2. Don’t be alarmed

It is very likely that the furnace and oven will set off the fire alarms on their first use, warns Heidenry.

“They are coated in an oil that will burn off and trigger the smoke detectors,” he explains, adding that there’s no need to worry. “It’s really not a big deal. Just open the windows, and all will be well in several minutes.”

3. Watch the windows

Check to make sure all windows open and close properly.

“If they were installed off-plumb or off-level, they may not open or close correctly,” says Heidenry.

Also, check for any small cracks in the glass.

4. Peruse the paint

Examine the paint everywhere in the house. Last-minute repair jobs and touch-ups might have been completed, and you might not notice them until you’ve already moved in.

“Look from several angles and with the lights on and off,” Heidenry suggests.

5. Test the water temperature

Check that the water temperature is comfortable in all showers and tubs. Have the plumber adjust if necessary.

“The plumbing diverters may not let the water get hot enough,” Heidenry explains.

6. Eyeball the electrical

Are all the light switches straight? Off-kilter switch plates are common, Heidenry says. If they’re crooked, have the builder fix them before you close.

Also: “Make sure that your circuit breaker panel is labeled, so you’ll know which breaker is for what,” he adds.

7. Read up on the roof

Get a copy of the roof warranty. If the roof is going to leak, it will be after a first major storm, Heidenry says. But you should know what your warranty covers before a storm blows in.

Medina advises reading through all your warranties.

“The appliances and much of the subcontract work aren’t covered,” she says. “But your roof, foundation, framing, and finishings should be.”

8. Examine the elevator

If you’ve bought in a multifloor building, expect that the elevator may not line up with the floor the first time you use it. It’s nothing to be worried about.

“It’s actually not the weight of people that throws off the elevator,” Heidenry explains. “Because elevators are so computerized now, any little thing can put them out of service.”

Yours will need to be tweaked for everyday use, so anticipate a couple of months of adjustments before your elevator lines up smoothly, he says.

9. Focus on the finishes

Look for chipped tiles and scratched floors before you move in. Builders will rarely come back to fix those items, as they can be attributed to damage caused when moving in or homeowner use after final inspection, Heidenry says.

If you inspect ahead of time and damage appears after the fact, you’ll know to take it up with your mover’s insurance.

10. Hotfoot it across the floors

If a room has heated flooring, turn it on and make sure it works. This is another seasonal system that people forget about until the weather warrants its first use. Check it ahead of time to make sure it’s in working order.

11. Clock the cleaning

The builder should have your home professionally cleaned before the closing, but don’t leave that to chance. Make sure every room is clean, and open every cupboard and closet.

Come moving day, you’ll be fairly exhausted from organizing things; you won’t want to add one more thing to your to-do list.

12. Inspect the insurance

Finally, be sure to get a certificate of insurance from your moving company before moving day. Understand what it covers. Having already inspected everything yourself before closing, you’ll know that any damage prior to your first night in your new home will have happened during the move—and is hopefully covered by the mover’s insurance.

 

Experts in Residential Real Estate in Orlando

If you are buying or selling real estate it’s quiet often the single most important financial decision you make. For the last 30 years we have helped clients buying and selling property in Orlando and the surrounding areas. Put simply, this means the knowledge and expertise accumulated over this time ensures our clients get the best representation possible.

Our experienced agents will help and guide you through the entire process providing valuable support every step of the way.

Ready to make a Move?

Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.

 

8 Real Estate Documents to Keep

8 Real Estate Documents to Keep

8 Real Estate Documents to Keep

8 Real Estate Documents to Keep

 

After a real estate sale, there are a lot of documents to organize. But do you have to keep them all? After all, you don’t want to have to file all of it if you don’t have to; but you also don’t want to chuck something crucial.

Your closing company is required by law to keep a record of your closing documents, so that’s a good fallback in case you misplace yours. Still, it’s smart for you to keep important documents on hand—particularly if, later on, you need to file a claim against the seller or your professional representation team (i.e., your real estate agent, home inspector, or mortgage lender). Hopefully, that doesn’t happen, but it’s wise to be prepared.

Full disclosure: I’m a real estate agent, but I’m not a naturally organized person. In fact, until a few months ago, I kept the documents from my home purchase in a folder in my closet labeled “Keep Docs.” (I’m not joking!) But the important thing is, I know what forms I have to hold onto.

1. Buyer’s agent agreement

When you choose a real estate agent, you sign a buyer’s agent agreement—a contract between you and the brokerage, stating that the agent represents you in the purchase of your home.

This agreement outlines the terms of the relationship with your agent—including who pays the agent’s commission (in most cases, the seller), the length of the agreement (90 to 120 days is standard in most markets), and the terms for terminating the agreement.

Why you should keep it: This contract spells out what services your agent agreed to provide you with—and it can come into play if you have an issue with your agent after the transaction closes.

2. Purchase agreement

Every home sale starts with a real estate purchase agreement—a legally binding contract signed by home buyers and sellers that confirms that they agree upon a certain purchase price, closing date, and other terms.

Why you should keep it: The provisions stated in this contract must be followed to the letter. If you or the seller fails to fulfill these duties, there could be legal ramifications.

3. Addenda, amendments, or riders

These types of documents alter or amend the terms of your purchase contract. For example, if a survey reveals that there’s an encroaching fence built by a neighbor, and you’d like the fence removed, the sales contract has to be formally amended.

Why you should keep them: Addenda, amendments, and riders are often related to home inspections or appraisals, and because they change the original terms of the signed contract, they’re worth holding onto.

For instance, if both parties signed a repair addendum, where the seller agreed to make certain repairs based on the home inspection, you’ll need this addendum if you find issues with the repairs down the road.

4. Seller disclosures

Sellers are required by law to disclose certain problems with the home, both present and past, that they’re aware of that could affect its value. While laws vary by state, these disclosures might include lead-based paint, pest infestations, and renovations done without a permit.

Why you should keep them: If major problems crop up with your home after you move in, these disclosures can be the basis for a future lawsuit against the seller. If you lose them, you might have trouble holding the seller accountable in a court of law.

5. Home inspection report

After your home inspection, your inspector should produce a report with detailed notes on the condition of the home and any potential problems.

Why you should keep it: This document is an extremely detailed list of everything that the home inspector finds, and it typically includes photos of problem areas. By keeping this report, you’ll have a record of any repairs that you may need to make to the property in the future.

6. Closing disclosure

Mortgage lenders must provide borrowers with a closing disclosure (also called a CD) at least three business days before settlement. This document spells out things such as your loan term (typically 15 or 30 years), loan type (a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage), the interest rate, and closing costs, among other financials.

Why you should keep it: Your CD is an itemized list of all the costs associated with closing and your mortgage, and it’s important to have for future reference. It’s also the document you’ll need when you go to file your taxes, since you can take deductions for things such as mortgage points.

7. Title insurance policy

Title insurance offers protection against any competing claims to a home. As part of the process, the insurer will run a title search of public records, seeking loose ends such as liens against the property or fraudulent signatures on ownership documents.

Why you should keep it: You’ll need this document in the event another party, such as a previous owner, tries to claim the property. Note that there is separate title insurance to cover lenders versus buyers, and you would do well to get a policy for yourself.

8. Property deed

When you take title and become the sole owner of the property, you’ll receive a deed—a legal document that confirms or conveys the ownership rights to the home, says Anne Rizzo, associate vice president of Detroit-based title insurance company Amrock.

“It must be a physical document signed by both the buyer and the seller,” Rizzo says.

Typically, the property deed is mailed to you after the title transfer documents are recorded in your county’s public records office.

Experts in Residential Real Estate in Orlando

If you are buying or selling real estate it’s quiet often the single most important financial decision you make. For the last 30 years we have helped clients buying and selling property in Orlando and the surrounding areas. Put simply, this means the knowledge and expertise accumulated over this time ensures our clients get the best representation possible.

Our experienced agents will help and guide you through the entire process providing valuable support every step of the way.

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Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.