National Association Of Realtors Archives

Have questions on the upcoming changes to the closing process? Learn about the new rules and forms that are slated to take effect October 3 in a live webcast on Thursday, July 16, at 2 p.m., Eastern Time.

Nationally recognized closing process expert Phil Schulman of K&L Gates and NAR Senior Counsel Finley Maxson will walk you through the new Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure forms and the new time frames that you must meet to comply with the requirements set by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

The speakers will discuss and answer questions on the 1) the new Loan Estimate, 2) fees, 3) referrals, 4) the new Closing Disclosure, and 5) timing issues.

The one-hour presentation will be hosted by Stephen Gasque, NAR’s director of broadcasting and host of NAR’s twice-monthly video news program, The Voice for Real Estate.

Date: Thursday, July 16, 2015
Time: 2 p.m., Eastern Time
Duration: 1 hour
Presenters: Phil Schulman, K&L Gates, Washington, and Finley Maxson, NAR senior counsel, Chicago
Host: Stephen Gasque, NAR Director of Broadcasting
Link to event on July 16 at 2 p.m., ET:
http://livestream.com/accounts/11815096/closingprocess

From The Mar Report

Home’s can take a bad hit during the winter, particularly after this year’s harsh winter. Seasonal damage to a home isn’t always easily visible, but if it’s not repaired, spring and summer storms can add to the problems, says Paul Sullivan, National Association of Home Builder’s Remodelers chair. Follow these 10 home checks:

1. Inspect the roof. Roofs should be checked for any loose, warped, or missing shingles. Also, home owners should check the chimney flashing and skylight seals are intact.

2. Clean and repair gutters. Home owners should clear winter storm debris from gutters and downspouts. Also, they should doublecheck that they are still securely attached to the house. Blocked or loose gutters can allow water to seep into your home and damage the trim, according to NAHB.

3. Check for any leaks. The most common culprits for “hidden” leaks: Attics, crawl spaces, and washing machine hoses. Also, look under sinks for damage from frozen pipes, and check your water heater for signs of corrosion.

4. Clear exterior drains. Remove any leaves from underground or exterior drains to prevent any backups from rain and storms.

5. Inspect siding. Inspect siding for pieces that may have come loose during winter storms.

6. Check window and door seals. Examine the exterior caulking on door and window seals to ensure it remains watertight.

7. Patch cracks. Patch cracks in concrete driveways, sidewalks, and steps to keep water out and prevent further expansion.

8. Paint the exterior. This is a good time to paint or touch up the paint on the exterior to help protect it from the weather.

9. Inspect the HVAC. Hire a qualified technician to service the home’s HVAC system to make sure it is running properly. Also, this is a good time for home owners to replace their HVAC filters.

10. Check the home’s grading. Ensure the grading of the yard slopes away from the home’s foundation to keep excess moisture at bay.

To view this entire article, click here.

Learn More About The New Closing Process

10 Home Checks to Prepare for the Warmer Months