Buying a home and seller is paying closing and other, be careful

Contributions exceeding six percent of the sales price or exceeding the actual cost of prepaid expenses, discounts points, and other financing concessions as well as other inducements to purchase, result in a dollar-for-dollar reduction to the sales price before applying the appropriate LTV ratio. LTV Homes loan to its value

These inducements include decorating allowances, repair allowances, moving costs, and other costs as determined by the appropriate HOC. (HOC =Home owner concessions) We also require dollar-for-dollar reductions to the sales price for excess rent credit, as well as for gift funds not meeting the requirements.

Personal property items such as cars, boats, riding lawn mowers, furniture, televisions, etc., given by the seller to consummate the sale result in a reduction to the mortgage. The value of the item(s) must be deducted from the sales price and the appraised value of the property (if not already done so by the appraiser) before applying the LTV ratio.

However, certain items, depending upon local custom or law, may be considered as part of the real estate transaction with no adjustment to the sales price or appraised value necessary. These items include ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, carpeting, window treatments, and other items as determined by the jurisdictional HOC. That office determines if these items affect value and are considered customary.

Replacement of existing equipment or other realty items by the seller before closing, such as carpeting or air conditioners, does not require a value adjustment provided no cash allowance is given to the borrower.



In addition, if the seller or builder of the property agrees to pay any portion of the borrower's sales commission on the sale of the borrower's present residence, the amount paid by the seller or builder is an inducement to purchase and must be subtracted dollar for dollar from the sales price before the LTV ratio is applied.

Similarly, a borrower not paying real estate commission on the sale of a present home constitutes a sales concession, if the real estate broker or agent is involved in both transactions and the seller of the property purchased by the borrower pays a real estate commission exceeding that typical for the area. In these situations, the amount paid by the seller above the normal real estate commission is considered an inducement to purchase and must be subtracted from the sales price of the property being purchased before applying the LTV ratio.