Your First-Time Home Buying Experts

---

a. Discuss goals and non-negotiables

b. Explain agency relationships

c. Discuss different types of financing options available

d. Discuss funds needed to purchase a home:

     i. Cost of various home inspections: home, radon, sewer, septic, well, etc.

     ii. Typical earnest money amount

     iii. Appraisal

     iv. Down payment

     v. Contract negotiated closing costs

     vi. Lender closing costs

e. Review an example Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate (hereinafter “Contract”)

a. Obtain pre-approval letter from lender

b. Discuss with mortgage lender the details needed to write the Contract

     i. Spelling of names on the Contract

     ii. Down payment amount needed

     iii. Time needed to obtain the “clear-to-close”

     iv. Time needed to close

a. Evaluate all current inventory

b. Monitor and evaluate new inventory

c. Monitor and evaluate price drops and back-on-the market properties

d. Research and approach expired listings

e. Research and approach for sale by owners

a. Schedule appointments and obtain access information

b. Provide a showing schedule

c. Listen and learn during showings

d. Keep notes and records of all showings

e. Explain recording devices during showings

f. Provide feedback to listing agents

a. Contact the listing agent to let them know an offer is coming, ask if any offers have been submitted, and try to find out what the Seller is looking for in an offer

b. Create a comparative market analysis for the home you are interested in to determine the fair market value

c. Write a strong clear and concise Contract

     i. Negotiate price, dates and deadlines, contingencies, and closing costs

     Note: Mistakes and unnecessary language increases the need for a Counterproposal/Amends and causes frustration…which we try to avoid

d. Submit offer with loan pre-approval letter

e. Request lender to call the listing agent 

f. Follow up frequently until offer has been accepted

a. Order a home warranty which will cover the Seller for the under contract period and the Buyer for 1 year after Closing

b. Provide details on how to get the Earnest Money to the title company by the Alternative Earnest Money Deadline

c. Loan process:

     i. Provide the lender with a copy of the executed Contract

     ii. Confirm the terms and conditions of the loan are acceptable to the Buyer by the Loan  Terms Deadline

     iii. Coordinate with the lender the ordering of the Appraisal

          1. Take into account if Buyer and Seller can come to an agreement on potential inspection issues to avoid having to pay ~$750 for an appraisal

     iv. Meet with the appraiser in-person at the property to defend the Purchase Price

     v. Negotiate a shortfall in Appraised Value

     vi. Negotiate and coordinate any Lender Property Requirements (repairs)

     vii. Obtain a clear-to-close from the lender no later than the New Loan Availability Deadline

     viii. Push the lender to wire the funds the day prior to Closing

d. Condition of the home:

     i. Point out potential inspection issues during showings

     ii. Obtain and review the Seller’s Property Disclosure, Lead Based Paint Disclosure, Source of Water, and the Square Footage Disclosure

     iii. Refer home inspectors

     iv. Attend the home inspection

     v. Explain recording devices during home inspections

     vi. Review and explain the home inspection report

     vii. Draft an Inspection Objection

     viii. Negotiate the Inspection Resolution

     ix. Make sure the Inspection Resolution and or Amend are acceptable to the lender

     x. Prior to Closing, verify inspection items have been completed and collect paid invoices

e. Additional Contract items:

     i. Review the title commitment:

          1.  Ensure Seller sells and Buyer buys what was agreed upon in the Contract

          2. Review with the Buyer the exceptions to 100% ownership

     ii. HOA

          1. Ensure HOA documents are ordered on time

          2. Deliver a copy of the HOA documents to the Buyer

          3. Review HOA documents with Buyer

     iii. Homeowners Insurance

          1. Recommend insurance companies

          2. Assist Buyer in obtaining an insurance quote by the Property Insurance Deadline

     iv. ILC or Survey:

          1. Recommend surveyors

          2. Order ILC or Survey

               a. Assist in determining what type of survey is needed

               b. Review survey

               c. Negotiate any survey issues

     v. Contingent Sale Property

          1. Make sure all involved parties remain informed during the transaction

a. Digital copy of all documents will be provided at Closing

b. Agent will maintain records indefinitely

c. Company will maintain records indefinitely

d. Note: Maintaining records for a minimum of 4 years is required by law

Throughout the home buying and selling process there will be times that emotions come into play when having to make a decision, which is completely normal since buying a home is a big deal. It is however our job to put things in perspective and keep the ultimate goal of buying or selling your home in mind. We are here for you to make sure you feel good and comfortable with the decisions you make and take some of the emotions out of the equation.

a. Book an appointment for the Closing with the title company early on in the process to lock in the most convenient time for the Buyer and Seller

b. Review settlement statement prior to Closing

c. Push for lender’s funds to be wire a day early

d. Confirm repairs have been made by sellers

e. Perform final walk-through

f. Reminder to schedule utilities transfer

g. Attend closing

h. Facilitate transfer of keys and accessories

a. Be the resource for trusted vendors in all home-related needs

b. Keep you informed of the value of your home