Buyers Guide
My Mission: To meet and exceed your expectations during your real estate transaction.
My Promise:
  • I will live by the Golden Rule: "Treat others as you would like to be treated."
  • I will interact with clients, co-agents, and associates in a way that is professional, organized, and of the highest ethical standards.
  • I will work to gain the most knowledge possible in my field by staying informed on market activity, best practices, and new technologies.
My Guarantee: If for any reason I do not provide 100% satisfactory service, just let me know, and I will remedy the situation with 24 hours. If you are still not satisfied, I will release you unconditionally from the listing agreement with no further obligation.
I am so sure that you will be satisfied, I guarantee it!
Let me help you!!
Hear about a property for sale?
Give me a call and I will search out the details for you.
See a home on the internet?
I can provide information for every home that you find anywhere on the internet... No matter what page your on, or what company or agent is listing it.
Read an ad?
I can help you with any house you read about in the paper, no matter what company is marketing the home.
Want to visit an Open House?
If I can't accompany you, please sign in and indicate that you are currently working with a realtor.
See a sign?
I can show you properties that are listed with any other company in the area. I can also assist you in "For Sale By Owner" transactions! Let me tell you how!
Want to consider New Construction?
I will need to accompany you to the community or area on the initial visit by letting me help you with builders, you get all of the services that I offer, as well as those offered by the builder.... With no additional cost to you!!! Click here for more information.
As your Realtor, I can sell you any home you are interested in!!
 
Step-By-Step Buying Process
1. Exploring the process:
I will discuss in detail what you should expect when becoming a home buyer. It is important for you to know the ins and outs of the financial and time commitments.
2. Finding a lender you can trust:
In the home buying process you need to find an experienced, local lender. You begin the mortgage process at the same time as you begin looking, so you know the value of the home you can qualify to purchase. I can recommend a trusted, qualified list of lenders.
3. Determine necessary features of your new home:
The buying process is one of compromise on the features that are absolutely necessary for you to consider living in it, and those features that "would be nice".
4. Look for a home:
As a licensed REALTOR, I will be available to help you find your dream home. We will print listings for you from the Brokers Listing Cooperative that meet your price range, square footage and location requirements.
5. Choosing the right home for you:
During this process, I will be available to present you with the necessary information you will need to make a fully educated decision. This information will include comparable sales information for specific neighborhoods and homes. I will also obtain useful information as it pertains to a particular property such as utility information, the age of the mechanicals, the sellers level of motivation to see, etc.
6. Making an offer:
Now be careful, making an offer is a big step!! When you find your dream home you should present a competitive offer immediately. I will be on hand to guide you through the entire process to ensure a transaction that is in your best interest.
7. Earnest money deposit:
You will need to provide a personal check for 1% of the purchase price in order to make an offer on a home. This check will be cashed upon final acceptance of the offer, and will be held in an escrow account. This amount will be credited back to you on your final closing statement (HUD form).
8. The contract:
Once the seller accepts your offer, you are "under contract". I will make sure that every detail is handled accurately and immediately.
9. Loan Application:
As soon as your offer changes from an offer to a "contract", you will need to make a formal loan application with your lender.
10. Schedule home inspection:
Inspections are preformed to ensure the property is in good structural condition. The buyer is responsible for the cost of each inspection, termite, radon and struc-tural. Details of the inspection are further negotiated and we head to closing upon acceptance.
 
Upfront Costs of Buying A Home
Application Fee: Approximately $300.00
This is paid to the lender for the appraisal and credit report. The cost will vary from lender to lender.
Earnest Money: This is typically 1% of the sales price.
This check will be written when the purchase agreement is written. It will be delivered to the listing agent at the time of acceptance of the offer. At this time it will be cashed. This money will be credited to you at closing.
Home Inspection: Ranges between $350-$450.
This is paid at the time of the home inspection.
Homeowners Insurance: Ranges from $550-$1500.
The lender will require 1 year of homeowners insurance paid up-front. You will need to bring a copy of the policy and paid receipt to closing.
 
Understanding Your Closing Costs
Application Fee:
Fee charged by lender to offset fixed costs related to mortgage loan processing such as appraisal, credit report, and underwriting. This fee is usually charged up front, at time of making application.
Closing Fee:
The fee charged by the Title Company who prepares the closing documents and closes the loan on behalf of the lender.
Commitment Fee:
This is often called the origination fee and is generally computed at 1% of the mortgage.
Discount Fees:
Each point is equal to 1% of the mortgage amount. Points are used by the lender to adjust the yield on the mortgage when it is sold to an investor. By paying more points, the borrower can obtain a lower mortgage interest rate.
Homeowner's Insurance:
Insurance to cover your home for fire, theft, etc. The first year's premium must be paid prior to closing and you must have a copy of the policy and the paid receipt.
Mortgage Insurance:
Insurance required by the lender when the down payment is lower than 20%. In case of loan default, this insurance reduces the lender's loss.
Pre-payables:
Adjustments to escrow accounts paid at the time of closing. Interest is paid from the day of closing to the first of the next month; taxes are paid in arrears and are paid twice a year. (Tax escrows can be anywhere from 2-5 months. 2-4 months PMI and 2-3 months home insurance is usually collected)
Recording Fees:
Fees charged by state or municipal entities for entering the closing documents into the public record.
Survey Fee:
Is usually required and is used by the lender to check for encroachments from within or from outside the subject property. A mortgage survey is usually $125.00 and a staked survey, which states your exact property line, costs $400-$500.
Title Insurance:
Provides protection from the lender and homeowner's against financial loss resulting from legal defects in title.
Underwriting Fee:
Lender fee charged at closing.
Seller's Closing Costs:
Realtor's commission for both companies; buyer's title insurance policy; deed and affidavit; property tax prorating; and a few miscellaneous recording fees.
 
After Finding Your Home: The Home Inspection…
It's easy to make sure the home you've chosen is a smart buy. No deal is done until the home is inspected by a qualified inspector, and approved by you. By having a home inspection, the home's vital systems are checked. This allows you to purchase your home with confidence. I will recommend qualified companies, and schedule on immediately after your offer has been accepted. You will be provided a written report within a day or two of the inspection.
Items on your inspection report will include:
Foundations, Basement, and structures: Basement floor and walls, proper drainage and ventilation, evidence of water seepage.
Exterior siding, windows, doors: Exterior walls, windows, and doors; porches, decks and balconies; garage.
Roof: Roof type and material, condition of gutters and downspouts.
Interior plumbing system: Hot and cold water system; the waste system and sewage disposal; water pressure and flow; and hot water equipment.
Electrical system: Type of service, the number of circuits, type of protection, outlet grounding, and the load balance.
Central heating system: Energy source, type of cooling equipment, capacity , and distribution.
Interior walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors: Walls, floors, ceilings, stairways, cabinets, and countertops.
Attic: Structural, insulation, and ventilation information.
Garage: Doors, walls, floor, opener.
Appliances: Includes built-in appliances and smoke detectors.
Lot and landscaping: Ground slope away from foundation, condition of walks, steps, and driveway.
REMEMBER: the purpose of a home inspection is to help you learn things about the home that are not easily discoverable during your home-buying tour.
IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A "LAUNDRY LIST" OF MINOR REPAIRS FOR SELLERS TO COMPLETE.
Home Warranty Insurance...
If the seller does not provide a home warranty policy, the buyer may purchase one at the time the contract is accepted.
  • Heating System
  • Air Conditioning
  • Ductwork
  • Plumbing System
  • Sump Pump
  • Disposal
  • Whirlpool Tub
  • Washer/Dryer
  • Garage Door Opener
  • Minor Roof leak re-pairs
  • Exhaust Fan
  • Built-in Dishwasher
  • Trash Compactor
  • Electrical System
  • Built-in Microwave
  • Range/Oven/Cook top
  • Water Heater
  • Refrigerator
  • Faucets
Why a home warranty is so important to your peace of mind: If you're buying a home, your expenses only begin at closing. Most people have lots of renovations to make, furniture to buy, etc. So the last thing you want is to have to spend additional money for repairs due to unexpected mechanical failures of certain working components in the home. With so much that could go wrong, the odds are against you.
Benefits when you're the buyer: Your home is one of the biggest investments of your life. Why take chances? Be covered against the expense of an unexpected repair or replacement for a full year after closing, less standard deductible. Think about it, no matter how closely you inspect a home before you buy, you just can't predict certain things, such as break downs from normal wear and tear or the possibility of mechanical failure during the first year of ownership. Only a good home warranty program can give you the protection you need.
I can recommend and help facilitate the purchase of your Home Warranty!!
Click here to contact me today!