Buying a home
Buying a house in Tulsa, with a lawyer reading along
The contract, the title and the closing papers are where the expensive surprises hide. I read all three before you sign the last one.
What I read
Four papers, read in order
Each one comes with a short note from me in plain English: what it says, what's normal and what isn't.
- 01
The purchase contract
Deadlines for inspection, financing and appraisal, who pays for what, and what happens to your earnest money if a deadline slips.
- 02
The title commitment
Who owns the house now, the liens and easements on it, and the exceptions the title policy won't cover.
- 03
The survey
Where the lot lines run, whether the fence or driveway crosses one, and any easement that runs through the yard.
- 04
The closing statement
Every dollar in and out, checked against the contract and the loan estimate, before you're at the table.
The package
One price for the purchase
The fee covers one house and one closing. If you're buying with a co-buyer or a spouse, it's still one fee.
Buying a home
From the signed contract to the keys, for one house and one closing.
- Purchase contract read before your inspection deadline
- Title commitment and survey read for problems
- Closing statement checked line by line
- Loretta at the table when you sign
- Title insurance premium
- Recording fees and lender charges
- Term:
- Flat fee, per closing
The premium and fees go to the title company, county and lender.
Buyers ask
Questions about buying
Can you help if I'm buying from a family member?
Yes. Family sales often skip the agent, which means nobody else is drafting the contract. I can write it, and the fee is the same.
What if the inspection turns something up?
I'll read the contract's repair terms with you and help you word a repair request or a price change. If you decide to walk away, I'll tell you what that means for your earnest money.
Do you come to the closing?
Yes, in person at the title company or wherever it's held. If you're signing out of town, we go over the papers by video the day before.
Under contract, or about to be?
Send the address and the contract date. I'll tell you what's left to read and when.