Bay Area California Real Estate Blog and News

First Time Home Buyer Questions #2: Will I Lose My Deposit Money?

First Time Home Buyer Questions: Part 2

Will I lose my deposit money?

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One good thing that came out of the real estate market crash is the safeguards that were put into place to protect buyers and sellers and their money.

In a typical residential real estate transaction a buyer will put down 1-3% of the purchase price as a deposit called a "good faith deposit". The 3% represents the amount of money a buyer can lose if they default on the contract. The 3% deposit monies sit in an escrow account until the close of escrow or the transaction is complete.

In what instances would I be in default? Built into the contract are contingencies. The contingencies allow for the buyer to inspect the property, seller disclosures,...

Marin Ace Hardware: Terra Linda gets a much needed store!

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Who knew a hardware store could make me so happy. Well it can and did. All of us up in the northern part of San Rafael  94903  (Terra Linda, Santa Venetia, Marinwood, Lucas Valley etc.) have been without an easy to get to hardware store ever since Pacific Lumber & Hardware closed a few years ago.   Recently I was getting some repairs done in my house and the handyman needed a special light switch. I had about 15 minutes to get it otherwise he was going to have to...

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