The costs of buying a home may be daunting. For example, you may have finally saved enough for a down payment on your first home, with a little left over to buy the furniture you will need. Then you hear about having to pay closing costs you weren't anticipating, and this may seem like a real setback.

One way to cover such a shortage is to make the sellers an offer that calls for them to credit you for some of the closing costs. As a rule, the sellers may pay a maximum of 3 percent of the sales price if the buyer is putting five percent down. If the buyer is making a down payment of 10 percent or more, the seller can contribute up to 6 percent of the sales price to cover the buyer's closing costs. Some items, such as prepaid taxes and the first month's mortgage payment, must be paid by the buyers. Sellers may also contribute to paying the appraisal, points, title insurance, settlement attorney fees, state or local transfer taxes and similar items.

Keep in mind that if the credit is included in the price of the house, the appraiser will have to justify the amount, based on sales prices of similar homes in the neighborhood.

	See All Tips In The "First Time Buyers" Category >
	See Complete Library Of Hundreds Of Tips In 30+ Categories >

Kristin Gwaltney
Kristin Gwaltney Team / Keller Williams Realty
2271 Wilma Rudolph Blvd
Clarksville, TN 37040
Direct: 931-233-9770
Office: 931-648-8500
Fax: 931-645-6171
KristinGwaltney@NUMBER1EXPERT.com

Kristin Gwaltney was born and raised in Ashland City, Tennessee. Kristin became a Clarksvillian in 1991 when she began college at Austin Peay State University. Upon graduating from Austin Peay State University with a degree in Marketing & Sales, she went into the Nashville Film Industry Producing nationwide commercials as well as working on several public relation pieces and music videos. In 2001 Kristin permanently moved to Clarksville, Tennessee and decided to start her own business in Real Estate and put her marketing & sales skills to work in the local community. In 2004 Kristin & her husband Grayson merged with Crabbe Construction, LLC where their main goal was to build quality homes for the people in their community. “It is my goal to make a difference in every one of my clients home buying and selling experience and give back to the community my family is so proud to be a part of.” Kristin is committed to values of excellence in all areas of her professional and personal life. You and your home will ALWAYS be a priority. Whether buying or selling an existing home, new construction or investment property, her service, professionalism and enthusiasm are second to none!