Buyers Guide
A Complete Guide to the Home-Buying Process
Welcome! You are about to embark on the exciting journey of finding your ideal home. Whether it is your first home or your tenth home, a retirement home, or an investment property, I will make your home-buying experience fun and exciting. I can help you find the ideal home with the least amount of hassle; and I am devoted to using my expertise and the full resources of my office to achieve these results! Purchasing a home is a very important decision and a big undertaking in your life. In fact, most people only choose a few homes in their lifetime. I am going to make sure that you are well equipped and armed with up to date information for your big decision. I am even prepared to guide you through every phase of the home-buying process. This packet gives you helpful information during and after your transaction. Use its reference pages, note pages and agency explanations, as an invaluable guide on your home-buying journey. Please keep this packet with you during your home-buying process. There are pages that contain important phone numbers and dates and areas for notes to help you stay organized. So let's take an exciting journey together! I look forward to meeting your real estate needs every step of the way!
.Mission of Rusty Foley
Through my dedication to excellence, Rusty will provide you with
professional and courteous service enhanced by his extensive knowledge of real estate. With his dedication to each family he will assist you through the real estate process with thoroughness and efficiency. His goal is to make this a memorable real estate experience, one you will want to share with others.
WHY YOU NEED
A REALTOR?
As a licensed real estate professional I provide much more than the service of helping you find your ideal home. Realtors are experienced in arranging fair deals. I can assist in negotiating an offer, acting as a mediator to head off potential conflicts between you and the seller, and draw up a legally binding contract. I am a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Kentucky Association of Realtors and must abide by a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice enforced by the NAR and KAR. A professional Realtor is your best resource when buying your home.
LET ME BE YOUR GUIDE
• As a knowledgeable Realtor I can save you endless amounts of time, money, and frustration. One of the first questions I will ask is, "Why are you moving?" I will also discuss any time constraints you might have, your financial situation, and any future plans.
• As a knowledgeable Realtor I know the housing market inside and out and can help you avoid the "wild goose chase." I have access to two Multiple Listing Service, which is exclusive to Realtors.
• As a knowledgeable Realtor I can help you with any home, even if it is listed elsewhere or if it is being sold directly by the owner.
• As a knowledgeable Realtor I know the best lenders in the area and can help you understand the importance of being pre-approved for a mortgage. I have broad and current knowledge of the financing options to home buyers and there are many of them. At your request, I can assist you in evaluating mortgage options and obtaining financing at the most attractive prevailing rates and terms.
• As a knowledgeable Realtor, I am an excellent source for both general and specific information about the community such as schools, churches, shopping, and transportation plus tips on home inspections and pricing.
• As a knowledgeable Realtor I am experienced at presenting your offer to the listing agent and can help you through the process of negotiating the best terms, including price. We bring
objectivity to the buying transaction, and we can point out the advantages and the disadvantages of a particular property.
WHY USE AN AGENT TO
PURCHASE A NEW HOME?
The advantages of having an agent help you purchase a new home are the same as those for purchasing a resale home…
· Knowledge of the market
· Help in finding the perfect home quickly
· Expertise in contract writing/negotiation
· Closing assistance.
The builder has a professional representative watching out for his/her needs, and you need the same expert representation.
Buying a new home is a little more difficult and time-consuming than buying a resale. I can professionally guide you through this process. It is very important that your interests be professionally represented when you are entering into a contract for a semi-custom or build-to-suit home. These transactions are complex and the contract details must be exact in order to protect you and to ensure you get exactly the home you want! The builder has already factored in a broker co-op fee/commission into the price of the home. Many buyers have the misconception that if you do not have an agent representing you, you will be credited
the commission. The buyer does NOT receive a credit, rather, that amount goes directly to the builder's profit margin.
My PHILOSOPHY
To serve my clients and colleagues in a
professional, courteous and mutually
respectful manner
· I will professionally assess our buyer's needs, wants and plans.
· I will provide all local information and consult with our buyers as to their best options.
· I will assist our buyers in obtaining mortgage pre-approval and funding.
· I will coordinate a smooth and efficient home search process.
· I will provide pricing research and consult with our
buyers on the terms of all offers.
· I will personally present our buyer's offer, negotiate it to final agreement and consistently protect their interests.
· I will coordinate the entire closing process.
· We will review final documents and will advise our buyer about the closing process.
· I will coordinate the occupancy of the home.
· I will provide post-closing information, consulting and related services and will be available to assist with any future real estate needs.
UNDERSTANDING AGENCY…
Who Works for Whom?
SELLER AGENCY (SINGLE AGENCY)
Agent will represent the best interests of the seller
Agent will owe the seller fiduciary duties
Agent must give the buyer all material facts so that the buyer
can make an educated decision
BUYER AGENCY (SINGLE AGENCY)
Agent will represent the best interests of the buyer
Agent will owe the buyer fiduciary duties
Agent must give the seller all material facts so that the seller
can make an educated decision
DUAL AGENCY
· Agent represents both the buyer and the seller equally
· Agent's objective is to get a mutually satisfactory agreement among all parties
· Agent gives all options to the buyer and the seller
depending on the local market.
· All parties have confidentiality. Agent may do nothing to the detriment of either the buyer or the seller
· Both the buyer and the seller have a right to counsel. Before
making any decisions, both parties have the right to seek
family, religious, legal or financial counsel.
, as your Agent I have a duty to act
honestly with both the buyer and the seller.
THE ADVANTAGES OF A
BUYER AGENCY AGREEMENT
YOUR INTERESTS ARE PROFESSIONALLY REPRESENTED
Enlisting the services of a professional Buyer's Agent is similar to using an accountant to help you with your taxes, a doctor to help you with your health care, or a mechanic to help you with your car.
If you had the time to devote to learning everything about accounting, medicine, and automotive mechanics, you could do these services yourself. But who has the time? This is why you allow other professionals to help you in their specific areas of expertise. We will take care of the hassles of everyday real estate transactions for you. We let you concentrate on your full-time job, while we do our job. We will guide you through the home-buying process and exclusively represent your interests as we help you find a home, present your contract offer, negotiate, and close on your home!
YOU GET A PERSONAL SPECIALIST WHO KNOWS YOUR NEEDS
Buyer's Agent gets to know your real estate needs just as your accountant, doctor, and mechanic understand your specific needs, your and concerns. This type of relationship is built through open
communication at all times. Your Buyer's Agent will save you a lot of time by providing you all the details about any home before you see it. In addition, your Buyer's Agent will listen to your feedback
and concerns about each home.
YOU WILL QUICKLY AND CONVENIENTLY GET A GREAT HOME
The advantage to signing a Buyer's Agency Agreement with me is that you will have a professional agent working to find and secure the ideal home for you. It is nearly impossible to find a home that meets your needs, get a contract negotiated, and close the transaction without an experienced agent. You won't need to spend endless evenings and weekends driving around looking for homes or trying to search computer networks by yourself. When you tour homes with your professional Buyer's Agent, you will already know that the homes meet your criteria and are within your price range.
WHAT IS THE BUYER'S AGENCY AGREEMENT —
Entering into a Buyer's Agency Agreement has countless advantages. When you sign the agreement, you are simply agreeing to "hire" a personal representative who, by law, must represent your best interests to the best of his/her ability. With me, you get a professional agent devoted to protecting your needs and to helping you make one of the most important investment decisions of your life and you don't even have to pay the fee!
BEFORE WE BEGIN…
LOAN PRE-APPROVAL
In this market, an offer for property must be accompanied by an approval letter from a credible lender. Getting approved for a loan in advance will help you in the following ways:
1. Generally, interest rates are locked in for a set period of time. You will know in advance exactly what your payments will be on offers you choose to make.
2. You won't waste time considering homes you cannot afford.
3. A seller may choose to make concessions if they know that your financing is secured. You are like a cash buyer, and this may make your offer more competitive.
4. You can select the best loan package without being under pressure.
HOW MUCH HOME CAN YOU AFFORD?
There are three key factors to consider:
1. The down payment
2. Your ability to qualify for a mortgage
3. The closing costs associated with your transaction.
DOWN PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
First time home buyers are still able to get up to 106% financing, or we can get you 100% financing with down payment assistance(DAP) funds. For those who are purchasing the second or third home you will be required to have from 3% up to 20% down payment.
CLOSING COSTS:
You will be required to pay fees for loan processing and other closing costs. These fees must be paid in full at the final settlement, unless you are able to include them in your offer to purchase. Typically, total closing costs will range between 2-5% of your mortgage loan.
QUALIFYING FOR THE MORTGAGE:
Most lenders require that your monthly payment range between 25-28% of your gross monthly income. Your mortgage payment to the lender includes the following items:
· The principal on the loan (P)
· The interest on the loan (I)
· Property taxes (T),
· The homeowner's insurance (I).
Your total monthly PITI and all debts (from installments to revolving charge accounts) should range between 33-38% of your gross monthly income. These key factors determine your ability to secure a home loan: Credit Report, Assets, Income, and Property Value.
LOAN APPLICATION
CHECKLIST
· General: Picture ID with Social Security Number
Payment to cover application fee.
Name and complete address of all landlords (past 2 years).
· Income: Employment history, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and length of time with that company (past 2 years).
Copies of your most recent pay stubs and W-2 form
(past 2 years).
Verification of other income (social security, child
support, retirement).
If you are self-employed: Copies of signed tax returns
including all schedules (past 2 years), and a signed
profit and loss statement of the current year.
If you are retired: Tax returns (past 2 years).
If you have rental property income: Copies of all lease
agreements.
· Assets: Copies of all bank statements from checking/savings accounts (past 3months).
Copies of all stock/bond certificates and/or past
statements/retirement accounts.
Prepare a list of household items and their values.
Copies of title documents for all automobiles, boats,
or motorcycles.
Face amount, monthly premiums, and cash values of
all life insurance policies (Cash value may be used for
closing costs or down payments. You need
documentation from the carrier indicating cash value).
· Creditors: Credit cards (account numbers, current
balances, and monthly payments).
Installment loans (car, student, etc.) Same details as for
credit cards.
Mortgage loans (property address,lender with address,
account numbers, monthly payment and balance owed
on all properties presently owned or sold within the last 2
years Bring proof of sale of properties sold.
Childcare expense/support (name, address, phone number).
· Other:
Bankruptcy – bring discharge and schedule of creditors.
Adverse credit – bring letters of explanation.
Divorce – bring your Divorce Decrees, property
settlements, quitclaim deeds, modifications, etc.
VA only – bring Form DD214 and Certificate of Eligibility.
Retirees – bring retirement and/or Social Security Award Letter.
THE HOME-BUYING PROCESS
I have designed this packet to assist you with the purchase of your new home. I assure you that it is our goal to provide you with the most professional and informative service available. I am always
just a phone call away!
Analyze Your Needs in a Consultation
Find a Realtor You Can Trust
Obtain Financial Pre-Approval
Select Properties to View
View Properties
Write an offer to Purchase
Ratify Contract
Termite Inspection & Survey
Coordinate w/ Title Company
Close on the Property
Take possession of your New Home
Earnest money deposit
Inspections
HOA Document
Review
Remove Contingencies
Credit Report
Appraisal
Verifications
Title Exam & Title Insurance
Money Up Front:
• Earnest Money
• Option Money
• Inspection Fee
• Appraisal
• Credit Report
Negotiate and Counteroffer
VIEWING PROPERTIES
One of the most exciting aspects of buying a home is looking at different properties in your price range and seeing houses in all sizes, conditions and styles. It's the best real estate education of all.
HOW MANY TO SEE?
How many homes should you plan to view before you make a decision? That's up to you, and will depend on the neighborhood, the market, and your specific requirements.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Your realtor is happy to show you any house that's on the market. Once you're ready to view a property, here's what you can expect:
BEFORE
Schedule all visits in advance with your
realtor. It is customary to give the seller
24 hour notice. Plan to spend up to 30 minutes seeing
each property. Allow for travel time. Wear shoes that slip off easily as many sellers ask potential buyers to remove shoes before viewing.
DURING
Pay attention to home's curb appeal, floor plan and overall amenities.
Take notes, ask questions and make comments that help your realtor
understand your needs and what you like and don't like about the home. Be considerate of the owners, who may or may not be present during the tour.
MAKING AN OFFER
Once you have found the home you wish to purchase, you will need to determine what offer you are willing to make for the
home. It is important to remember that the more competition there is for the home, the higher the offer should be –sometimes even
exceeding the asking price. Remember, Be Realistic. Make offers
you want the other party to sign! To communicate your interest in purchasing a home, we will present the listing agent with a written offer. When the seller accepts an offer it becomes a legal contract.
When you write an offer you should be prepared to pay an earnest money deposit. This is to guarantee that your intention is to purchase the property. After we present your offer to the listing agent it will either be accepted, rejected, or the seller will make a counter offer. This is when we will negotiate terms of the contract if necessary. The step-by-step contract procedure for most single-family home purchases is standard. The purchase agreement used is a standard document approved by our local Board of Realtors.
The purchase agreement or contract constitutes your offer to buy and, once accepted by the seller, becomes a valid, legal contract. For this reason, it is important to understand what is written on
the contract offer.
HOME INSPECTION
If you are purchasing a resale property, we highly recommend that you have a professional home inspector conduct a thorough inspection. The inspection will include the following:
Appliances
Plumbing
Electrical
Air Conditioning and Heating
Ventilation
Roof and Attic
Foundation
General Structure
The inspection is not designed to criticize every minor problem or defect in the home. It is intended to report on major damage or serious problems that require repair. Should serious problems be indicated, the inspector will recommend that a structural engineer or some other professional inspect it as well. You home cannot "pass or fail" an inspection, and your inspector will not tell you whether he/she thinks the home is worth the money you are offering. The inspector's job is to make you aware of repairs that are recommended or necessary. The seller may be willing to negotiate completion of repairs or a credit for completion of repairs, or you may decide that the home will take too much work and money. A professional inspection will help you make a clear-headed decision. In addition to the overall inspection, you may wish to have separate tests conducted for termites or the presence of radon gas. In choosing a home inspector, consider one that has been certified as a qualified and experienced member by a trade association. I recommend being present at the inspection. This is to your advantage. You will be able to clearly understand the inspection report, and know exactly which areas need attention. Plus, you can get answers to many questions, tips for maintenance, and a lot of general information that will help you once you move into your new home. Most important, you will see the home through the eyes of an objective third party.
BEHIND THE SCENES
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Now that you have decided to buy your home, what happens between now and the time you legally own the home? A Title Company may handle the following items. NOTE: in different parts of the country attorneys, lenders and other persons who are independent of, title companies perform some or all of these functions.
Earnest Money – An agreement to convey starts the process once it is received at the Title Company. Once you submit the loan application, it is usually subject to a credit check, an appraisal, and
sometimes, a survey of the property.
Tax Check – What taxes are owed on the property? The Title Company contacts the various assess or collector's.
Title Search – Copies of documents are gathered from various public records: deeds, deeds of trust, various assessments and matters of probate, divorce, and bankruptcy are addressed.
Examination – Verification of the legal owner and debts owed.
Document Preparation – Appropriate forms are prepared for conveyance and settlement.
Settlement – An Escrow Officer oversees the closing of the transaction: seller signs the deed, you sign a new mortgage, the old loan is paid off and the new loan is established. Seller, Realtors, attorneys, surveyors, Title Company, and other service providers for the parties are paid. Title insurance policies will then be issued to you and your lender.
Title Insurance - There are two types of title insurance:
Lender's - Coverage that protects the lender for the amount of the mortgage,
Owner's - Coverage that protects your equity in the property.
Both you and your lender will want the security offered by title insurance. Why? Title agents search public records to determine who has owned any piece of property, but these records may not reflect irregularities that are almost impossible to find. Here are some examples: an unauthorized seller forges the deed to the property; an unknown, but rightful heir to the property shows up after the sale to claim ownership; conflicts arise over a will from a deceased owner; or a land survey showing the boundaries of your property is incorrect. For a one-time charge at closing, title insurance will safeguard you against problems including those even an exhaustive search will not reveal.
REAL ESTATE CLOSING
WHAT IS A REAL ESTATE "CLOSING"?
A "closing" is where you and I meet with some or all of the following individuals: the Seller, the Seller's agent, a representative from the lending institution and a representative from the title company, in order to transfer the property title to you. The purchase agreement or contract you signed describes the property, states the purchase price and terms, sets forth the method of payment, and usually names the date and place where the closing or actual transfer of the property title and keys will occur. If financing the property, your lender will require you to sign a document, usually a promissory note, as evidence that you are personally responsible for repaying the loan. You will also sign a mortgage or on the property as security to the lender for the loan. The mortgage gives the lender the right to sell the property if you fail to make the payments. Before you exchange these papers, the property may be surveyed, appraised, or inspected, and the ownership of title will be checked in county and court records.
At closing, you will be required to pay all fees and closing costs in the form of "guaranteed funds" such as a Cashier's Check. Your agent or escrow officer will notify you of the exact amount at closing.
WHAT IS AN ESCROW ACCOUNT?
An escrow account is a neutral depository held by your lender for funds that will be used to pay expenses incurred by the property, such as taxes, assessments, property insurance, or mortgage insurance premiums which fall due in the future. You will pay one-twelfth of the annual amount of these bills each month with your regular mortgage payment. When the bills fall due the lender pays them from the special account. At closing, it may be necessary to pay enough into the account to cover these amounts for several months so that funds will be available to pay the bills as they fall due.
HOME WARRANTY
PROTECTION
NEW HOME WARRANTIES
When you purchase a newly built home, the builder usually offers some sort of full or limited warranty on things such as the quality of design, materials, and workmanship. These warranties are usually for a period of one-year from the purchase of the home. At closing, the builder will assign to you the manufacturer's warranties that were provided to the builder for materials, appliances, fixtures, etc. For example, if your dishwasher were to become faulty within one year from the purchase of your newly built home, you would call the manufacturer of the dishwasher – not the builder. If the homebuilder does not offer a warranty, BE SURE TO ASK WHY!
RESALE HOME WARRANTIES
When you purchase a resale home, you can purchase warranties that will protect you against most ordinary flaws and breakdowns for at least the first year of occupancy. The warranty may be offered by either the Seller, as part of the overall package, or by the Realtor. Even with a warranty, you should have the home carefully inspected before you purchase it. A home warranty program will give you peace of mind, knowing that the major covered components in your home will be repaired if necessary. Ask me for more details about home warranty packages.
Understanding the
Sales Contract
