Buying Your Home with The Schiff Team

We ...

leverage our brand’s heritage and sophistication. connect with affluent consumers who share our vision. go above and beyond to meet clients’ needs. offer the only true, worldwide luxury real estate network. partner with leading media to obtain the best exposure. provide unparalleled reach to qualified buyers and sellers. showcase every home with the highest quality production. utilize the latest technology for even greater impact. deliver a singular client experience. Doing more is our distinction.

Meet The Schiff Team

Leigh Schiff

An Atlanta native, Leigh Schiff has established herself as one of the area's top-producing agents, achieving close to $500 million in sales during her 20+ years in real estate.

Known for delivering a high level of service for all her clients, whether they are selling a Midtown condo, bungalow in Decatur or a multimilliondollar estate, Leigh takes great pride in getting to know each of her clients on a personal level. Her relationship-based philosophy, deep understanding of the local market and passion for helping people achieve their goals have created a strong and loyal network of clients.

Leigh's successful career began on the other side of the closing table, working with a real estate attorney, the experience she and her clients find invaluable. In addition, Leigh was one of the charter members of her previous brokerage, where she was also involved in establishing the company's luxury homes division.

Leigh formed The Schiff Team in 2006 with her husband Michael to provide a more personalized real estate experience. The team's commitment to exceeding expectations is evident in the successful long-term relationships they've established and in the fact that much of their growing business comes from the referrals of their happy clients.

Passionate about giving back to the Atlanta community, Leigh takes an active role in working with a variety of local charities, including Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Habitat for Humanity and Giveback Homes.

A graduate of Towson University and resident of Sandy Springs, Leigh is an avid hunter/jumper equestrian and enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and supporting her two daughters in their NYO sports activities.

Putting Our Experience To Work For You

Michael Schiff

Michael Schiff ran his family's textile business and did a stint in minor league sports management before deciding he needed to find a career he was truly passionate about. When he discovered real estate, it was a natural fit, both regarding his personality and the foundational skills he had already built in sales, business and negotiation. Working only part time, he immediately stood out as an agent, earning the Southeast Region Rookie of the Year award from his brokerage at the time.

What sets Michael apart as an agent are also the things he enjoys most about this business - teamwork, communication and a high level of service. He enjoys helping people find great homes and make sound financial decisions about such an important investment, and his goal is to create a partnership with each client so that they become a part of the process and truly feel respected and valued. He prefers collaborative relationships, and when you work with him, he gives you his full attention, treating you as if you are his only client.

Real estate is truly a family-centered business for Michael. He and his wife, Leigh, met while working at their previous brokerage and formed The Schiff Real Estate Team in 2006 in order to provide their clients with a greater quality of service than they could furnish separately. Together, they have built a thriving business, establishing successful long-term relationships that result in delighted clients and extensive referrals. Michael focuses on the buyer side of the business and enjoys thinking outside the box to help each buyer find the home that meets their needs.

While he works mostly in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Virginia-Highland and Morningside, extending into East Cobb, Dunwoody and the surrounding metro Atlanta neighborhoods, he is well versed in all aspects of Georgia real estate. As with his business, Michael naturally cares for his community as family and makes it a priority to be involved in organizations that give back. Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors for Most Valuable Kids of Greater Atlanta and supports the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Save A Child's Heart.

A graduate of the University of Michigan, Michael is a keen Wolverine fan, and when he's not working with clients, he enjoys playing golf and ice hockey and traveling with Leigh and their two daughters.

Erica Evangelista

Erica L. Evangelista, our dedicated executive assistant, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our real estate team. Erica is an accomplished customer service professional with a degree in Information Technology. With over eight years of experience in different companies, Erica has honed her skills in various roles, including Operations Troubleshooter, Team Leader, Trainer, Quality Assurance Specialist, and Customer Service Representative. Her extensive background makes her the ideal candidate for the executive assistant role in our real estate company.

Erica's knowledge of the real estate industry allows her to conduct market research and provide reports, manage projects and contracts, offer financial management, and provide exceptional customer service and administrative support. Additionally, Erica's technical expertise enables her to provide technical support to the team as needed. Overall, Erica's skills, experience, and dedication make her an excellent addition to our real estate company.

Erica’s commitment to both her personal and professional life reflects her character and makes her a valuable team member in our organization. As the youngest of five siblings, Erica has been married for four years and is a proud mother of a lovely son. She enjoys traveling and exploring new places, but she also cherishes spending quality time with her family, whether it's just a simple lunch out at the park, going to the mall, or swimming at the beach.

Lilli Thompson

Lilli graduated from Marist School and Auburn University. Lilli is an Atlanta native and offers a vast knowledge of the city and all it has to offer. Shortly after graduating from Auburn, Lilli began her real estate career. She quickly realized how much she enjoyed guiding clients through the real estate process and making them feel more at ease. She has worked with many top agents and teams throughout her career as well as being an individual agent. She enjoys the day to day interactions with clients and works hard to make the process seamless and less stressful. Lilli currently resides in Sandy Springs with her husband, two children and their rescue dog. Lilli enjoys the outdoors, Auburn football, volunteering at church and her children’s school, and traveling to the beach.

Our Commitment To You

Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty and The Schiff Team are committed to providing a superior home buying experience. Our mission is to be a one-stop solution for our clients - no task is beyond our reach. We provide a high level of personalized service to ensure every detail is covered, from the initial home search to closing day and beyond.

Our team of highly skilled agents offer an unparalleled depth of knowledge in the Atlanta market. We pride ourselves on having the most accurate and timely neighborhood-level information on current listings, upcoming projects and market trends. We know Atlanta!

We're pleased you've chosen to work with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty and The Schiff Team and look forward to helping you find and purchase your home!

– The Schiff Team Leigh and Michael

What Sets Us Apart?

past performance

Over the last 15 years, our business has grown annually by 10 to 15 percent. In 2021, we assisted more than 100 clients, achieving the title of No. 1 Small Team, Volume Sold, Buckhead Office and No. 2 Producer, Volume Sold, company-wide at our previous brokerage.

track record

With more than 38 years of combined experience, we have undergone several real estate cycles, pivoting when needed and adjusting our business practice accordingly. We can handle any obstacle that arises.

more money in your pocket

The average agent's listing sells 86 percent of the asking price in 62 days. In 2022 on average, our listings sold for 102 percent of the list price in 13 days, which illustrates our effective pricing strategy.

communication

We make certain that we take the time to fully understand your goals and expectations during the sales process. We cater our services to each client and proceed in the manner that works best for our clients. You choose the method of contact, time, place and frequency. We will always keep you informed of the sales activity regarding your home – from pre-listing to close and beyond, we are available to you.

referrals

Ninety percent of our business originates from our past clients and referrals from within our sphere of influence. Our professionalism and superior customer service translates into repeat business from our previous clients, as well as their family, friends and co-workers.

prospecting

Each day, we proactively prospect on behalf of listings. We have an extensive database, as well as a precise system for calling to find buyers for our listings. On average, we make around 400 calls a week – nearly 20,000 calls per year – in search of buyers for your home. As evident by our sales record, our proactiveness pays off and works to your advantage.

team

With Leigh and Michael working as full-time agents, and the assistance of our team of in-house professionals, we ensure a seamless transaction from start to finish for both our buyers and sellers. Additionally, our affiliation with the No. 1 real estate brokerage in Atlanta provides us with superior support from seasoned brokers and a support system of a listings team, a brand marketing team, a creative services team and a closing team.

Working With Us

Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby International Realty's agents offer a wealth of local knowledge and expertise to help with the purchase of your first home. Our agents have years of experience helping people locate and purchase their first home by providing the know-how to assist in coordinating every detail of the sale.

Whether you’re considering a townhome in Alpharetta, a Mid-Century ranch in Decatur or a high-rise condominium in Buckhead, we’re here to guide you through the entire process.

How buyers and agents work together

BROKERAGE IN GEORGIA

• Real estate agents in Georgia are licensed and affiliated with a broker, typically as an independent contractor.

• Buyers interact with agents who are supported by their broker.

• Georgia law defines the different working relationships between agents and buyers.

• Buyers have the option to work with an agent as a “client” or “customer.”

CLIENT RELATIONSHIP

In a client relationship, buyers are legally represented by an agent who is contractually bound to represent their best interests in all aspects of the homebuying process.

The legal agreement between a client and agent authorizes the agent to negotiate on behalf of the client.

Clients enjoy the full benefit of an agent’s knowledge, expertise and advice.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP

In a customer relationship, buyers are not legally represented by an agent during the homebuying process.

Agents working with a customer are considered transaction brokers and are not authorized to negotiate on the buyer’s behalf, offer guidance or give advice.

Duties performed by an agent working with a customer are limited to ministerial acts such as locating properties, preparing contracts and providing names of vendors.

How an agent works for you

Buyers who are represented as clients have access to an agent’s complete arsenal of knowledge and experience to help them make smart homebuying decisions.

ADVISES

• Explain agency

• Provide needs analysis

• Explain contracts and disclosures

• Explains closing costs

• Discusses home inspector role

• Discusses attorney’s role

• Discusses market conditions

• Setup property search

• View properties and notes strengths

NEGOTIATES

• Discusses market protocols

• Reviews market analysis

• Reviews seller disclosure

• Sets price limit

• Outlines negotiation strategies

• Prepares offer

FACILITATES

• Follows up on due diligence

• Coordinates home inspection

• Provides purchase agreement to attorney

• Reviews negotiation issues with attorney

• Oversees home inspection

• Follows up with mortgage lender

• Follows up on contract contingencies

• Revisits needs analysis

• Refines list of properties

• Narrows search criteria

• Prepares cma for property pick

• Conducts due diligence

• Explains negotiation strategies

• Reviews closing process

• Outlines counteroffer strategies

• Presents offer

• Presents counteroffer positions

• Negotiates contract terms

• Oversees home inspection negotiation

• Oversees attorney communication

• Reviews closing costs

• Facilitates final walk-through

• Oversees inspection repairs

• Attends closing

• Managed closing details

Your Wishlist

Establishing a defined set of search criteria is a critical first step in the home buying process.

Number of bedrooms

Number of bathrooms

Garage capacity

Type of house

What do you want in a floor plan?

Examples:

Kitchen open to family room

Laundry close to bedrooms

Spacious garage

Deck or patio

Study/den

What special features are important?

Examples:

Hardwood floors

Finished basement

Low maintenance landscaping

Technology package

Energy-efficient construction

Neighborhood details

Ideal commute time

Cities/communities considering

Location should be close to Other things you’re looking for

Examples:

Quality schools

Community pool

Parks/playground nearby

How to look at homes

THINGS TO CONSIDER

• Is the home’s asking price comparable to other homes that have sold in the area?

• How much are the annual property taxes?

• Are there any neighborhood or building fees/dues?

• What is the condition of the exterior?

• What is the condition of other homes in the neighborhood?

• Is the commute time to and from the home acceptable?

• Is the home located near desired shopping areas, recreation venues or schools?

• What is the overall condition of the interior?

• What is the age/condition of the heating, cooling and plumbing systems?

• Are there enough rooms for my lifestyle?

• Are the rooms large enough for my needs?

• Is there enough storage space?

• Is there enough room for expansion if required in the future?

• Is the outdoor space adequate for my needs?

HOW DO WE HELP BUYERS SEARCH?

• Interactive neighborhood map

• Video property search

• Neighborhood overviews

• Instagram listings linked to website

• All property emails linked to website

• Open house page

• Mortgage calculator

• Listings throughout Georgia

• Timely communications

• Detailed property search

Your Homebuying Power

household monthly gross income

Wages, salaries after expenses

Interest, dividends or rental income

Other income

Total Monthly Income

monthly non-housing expense

Food/Clothing

Medical

Life Insurance

Child Care/Elder Care

Automobile Expenses

Education/Student Loans

Savings/Investments

Travel/Recreation

Monthly credit card payments

Monthly bank loan payments

Any court-ordered amount you owe

Total Monthly Non-Housing Expense

available monthly housing expenses

Step 1 Total minus Step 2 Total equals the total amount of funds available for monthly housing expenses

Total Step 1

Total Step 2

Total Available For Monthly Housing Budget

don't apply for a new credit card

Remember that when you apply for a new credit card, it can reflect poorly on your credit rating.

don't furnish the home before you own it

Even if you’ve picked out furnishings, avoid purchasing them until after you close on your home.

don't buy a new car

Purchases, especially large ones, can prevent your loan from being approved.

don't change jobs

Even if a job offers better pay and career advancement, it can harm the application process.

don't close any credit accounts

Consolidating balances and canceling unused cards can negatively affect your credit score.

don't get behind on payments

Pay all bills on time, no matter how big or small.

don't move money without a paper trail

Your lender will need documentation for all of your transactions.

don't spend your savings

You will need money for your down payment and other homebuying expenses.

Closing Expenses

Preparing for the up-front expenses and various closing costs associated with purchasing a home is an important part of the financial planning process.

potential pre-closing expenses

Earnest money: varies

Home inspection: $350 - $650

Appraisal: $450 - $550

Credit report: $25 - $75

potential closing expenses

Down payment: varies

Loan origination fee: 0.5 - 1% of loan amount

Pre-paid interest: varies

Pre-paid homeowner’s insurance: varies

Pre-paid property taxes: varies

HOA fees: if applicable/varies

Flood certification: if applicable/$10 - $20

Attorney fees: $400 - $600

Title fees: $1,500 +

Recording fees: $50 - $75

Georgia intangible tax: $3.00 per $1,000 of the loan amount

Georgia transfer tax: $1.00 for the first $1,000 + $0.10 per $100 of the purchase price

Georgia residential mortgage act fee: $10

As part of the negotiation process, a buyer can ask the seller to pay a percentage, or specified dollar amount, of the closing costs. In Georgia, this is called the “seller’s contribution to closing” and is something that should be discussed as a negotiating strategy with your agent and mortgage lender prior to making an offer.

Expenses and closing cost estimates are provided for informational purposes only. The dollar amount of these costs varies from buyer to buyer and is affected by lender selection, loan type, loan amount and a variety of other factors.

The Offer

An offer is the method buyers use to formally communicate their interest in purchasing a property from a seller. In Georgia, real estate agents use a standardized purchase and sale agreement to summarize the buyer’s offer. The completed purchase and sale agreement is then presented to the seller’s agent, with negotiations continuing until all parties agree to accept the proposed terms.

how do I know what to include in my offer?

The standard purchase and sale agreement in Georgia outlines several key negotiating points including...

• Purchase price

• Closing date and time of possession

• What amount, if any, the seller will contribute to the buyer’s closing costs

• Length of the due diligence period

• Requests for seller-paid items such as a home warranty, termite bond, etc.

• Requests for any personal property to be left with the home In addition, the offer will include:

• Earnest money amount and form of payment (cash, check, wire, etc)

• Pre-qualification or pre-approval letter from a mortgage lender

• The amount of time the offer is valid before it “expires”

• Any necessary disclosures or contingency exhibits

what happens after the seller receives my offer?

A seller will either accept the offer as presented, present their own counteroffer with suggested changes or reject the offer by not responding or indicating they are not interested in moving forward with negotiations.

how long does it take to negotiate an offer?

There are no set timelines for negotiating. A strong offer with no competition might be accepted within hours of being presented, while other offers might be negotiated back and forth for days.

what if there are multiple offers?

When a seller receives multiple offers, the seller’s agent will typically ask for all interested parties to submit their “highest and best” offer by a specified time. The revised highest and best offer should contain exactly what the name implies – the highest price you are willing to pay along with the very best terms, meaning reduced due diligence time, elimination of seller-paid items, quicker time to close, etc.

how will I know when my offer has been accepted?

A binding legal agreement is created once all parties have agreed to and signed the purchase and sale agreement or any subsequent counteroffers.

The Home Inspection

The purchase and sale agreement establishes a specific period for buyers to complete their due diligence on a property. During this due diligence period, conducting a home inspection is strongly encouraged. The inspection provides invaluable, in-depth information about the condition of the home and highlights potential areas of concern that might need to be addressed before moving forward in the process.

why do I need an inspection?

Inspections are an integral part of the homebuying process and can save time and money in the long run. Whether you’re purchasing a 25-year-old home or one built last year, it’s important to know the home’s true condition before finalizing the sale. The more you know, the fewer surprises you’ll have down the road.

who schedules the inspection?

The buyer usually selects an inspector, and schedules and pays for the inspection. Your agent will be happy to provide you with a list of recommended inspectors.

what is included in the inspection?

A typical inspection starts at the roof and ends at the foundation, with stops in between at every major system, including plumbing, electrical, heating, etc. Most inspectors are generalists, so for an inspection of anything beyond the basic interior and exterior features of a home, it may be necessary to hire additional inspectors with specific areas of expertise.

do I need to attend the inspection?

Yes! A home inspection is essentially a fact-finding mission. You and your inspector should be jointly engaged in the discovery process to learn as much about the condition of the home as possible. Being with the inspector to see the condition of the home in person, asking questions and getting advice is important.

what is included in the inspection report?

After the inspection is completed, you will receive a written report with the inspectors’ detailed findings and recommendations. Most inspectors categorize the report to include:

• If a problem is a safety issue, major or minor defect.

• Which items should be replaced, and which should be repaired or serviced.

• Items that are in acceptable condition now but that should be monitored closely.

what if the home doesn't pass inspection?

A home does not pass or fail an inspection. The inspection serves as an informational tool to assist buyers in their evaluation of a property. After you receive and review the inspection report, you have the option to continue with the sale and negotiate repairs with the seller or terminate the agreement prior to the end of the due diligence period.

The Closing

A closing is the final step in the homebuying process – it’s when the buyer legally commits to fulfilling the terms of their loan, and ownership of the property is transferred from the seller to the buyer. In Georgia, an attorney is required to close all real estate transactions. The closing attorney, who represents the lender, ensures all paperwork is executed properly and the property transfers smoothly to the buyer.

when does the closing take place?

The closing date is mutually agreed upon in the purchase and sale agreement. Individual circumstances often determine the date, but the average time frame needed to close a transaction is between 30 and 45 days.

where does the closing take place?

In Georgia, closings usually take place at the closing attorney’s office with all parties involved in the transaction present.

what happens at the closing?

The closing attorney coordinates the signing of all paperwork needed to complete the transfer of property from the seller to the buyer. If you are obtaining financing, the paperwork associated with your loan will also be signed during closing.

what should I bring to the closing?

• A government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport

• A checkbook

• Proof of homeowner’s insurance

• Any paperwork pertaining to your personal or financial situation – citizenship papers, divorce decree, etc.

what funds are required for the closing?

If you are financing your purchase, a closing disclosure will be provided by your lender at least three business days prior to closing. The disclosure contains the total “cash to close” amount, including your down payment, along with any closing costs, fees, taxes, etc. that you are responsible for paying. The closing attorney prepares a similar document for cash buyers. Georgia law requires all funds for closing over $5,000 to be received in the form of a bank wire transferred directly to the closing attorney –no exceptions. Amounts under $5,000 may be received as a personal, cashier’s or certified check.

what if I am unable to attend the closing?

We recommend you make every effort to attend the closing. However, if you are unable to attend, the closing attorney can arrange for you to execute a Power of Attorney, which allows for someone you designate to be present and sign on your behalf.

Basic Real Estate Terms

amortization: The process of spreading payments equally over the term of a loan. An amortization schedule shows how much of each payment is applied toward the principal and how much is applied toward the interest.

appraisal: An estimate of value given by a licensed, professional appraiser. An appraiser uses a variety of factors to determine the value of a home, including condition, initial purchase price, sales of comparable homes in the area and financial conditions surrounding the sale. Mortgage lenders require an appraisal when financing is needed to purchase a home.

apr: A broader measure of the annual cost of a loan to a borrower. The APR is expressed as a percentage and reflects not only the loan interest rate but also includes other costs such as lender fees, discount points and some closing costs. For that reason, the APR is usually higher than the loan interest rate.

binding agreement: The purchase and sale agreement becomes binding when a buyer and seller have agreed to all the terms and the complete signed agreement has been delivered to both parties. The date of delivery is called the binding agreement date, and the timeframe for all contingencies contained in the agreement begins the day after this date.

closing: The completion of a real estate transaction where the seller delivers title to the buyer in exchange for payment of the contract sales price. In Georgia, the buyer and seller usually attend the closing at the same time and sign the paperwork together.

closing costs: Expenses that must be paid in addition to the purchase price of the home (for the buyer) or are deducted from the proceeds of the sale (for the seller). Typical buyer-paid closing costs include loan fees, prorated property taxes, title insurance, attorney fees and municipal recording fees.

closing disclosure: A document given to buyers who are financing the purchase of their home. The CD provides a detailed description of loan terms and discloses all fees and costs associated with closing. Mortgage lenders are required by law to provide the CD to the buyer at least three business days prior to closing.

CMA: A comparable market analysis or competitive market analysis is a tool some agents use to illustrate a home’s potential value in relation to similar active, pending, sold, expired or withdrawn listings in a specific geographic area.

contingency: A provision in the purchase and sale agreement requiring completion of certain acts or events before the agreement becomes legally binding. For example, a financing contingency is often used when a buyer must obtain a loan to purchase the home.

debt-to-income ratio: Calculated by adding all monthly debt payments and dividing by gross monthly income, the debt-to-income ratio is one of the most commonly used tools used to determine a potential borrower’s ability to manage monthly loan payments. A ratio below 35 percent is considered ideal by most lenders.

down payment: The difference between the sales price of a home and the loan amount. The amount varies based on individual circumstances and loan requirements but is always collected at closing.

due diligence period: A period mutually agreed upon in the purchase and sale agreement in which the buyer is given the opportunity to conduct a home inspection and investigate any other information about the property or neighborhood they feel is important. A buyer may terminate the purchase and sale agreement without penalty at any time before the expiration of the due diligence period.

earnest money: Money paid by the buyer as a sign of good faith or intention to complete the sale of a property. Earnest money is collected after an offer is accepted, and the purchase and sale agreement becomes binding. The money is held in a special account by the buyer’s broker until closing, when it is then then transferred to the closing attorney and applied toward the buyer’s closing costs and/or down payment. The amount of earnest money is negotiable between the buyer and seller and is returned to the buyer if they choose to terminate the agreement during the due diligence period.

escrow: The portion of a mortgage payment above and beyond the principal and interest designated for funds needed to pay obligations such as property taxes and homeowner’s insurance.

fee simple: The complete and absolute ownership of land and any dwellings on a piece of property. A fee simple owner is entitled to full use of the property, limited only by zoning, deed or subdivision restrictions. Single-family homes are almost always fee simple ownership.

HOA: The HOA, or homeowner’s association, is an organization of single-family home, condominium or townhome property owners living in the same subdivision, building or neighborhood. The HOA establishes and enforces protective rules and regulations for its residents to follow. Most HOAs require mandatory membership and levy monthly, quarterly or annual dues.

homeowner's insurance: A homeowner’s or hazard insurance policy covers fire, theft, certain natural disasters and personal liability if someone is injured on the property. A homeowner’s policy is required when financing is needed to purchase a home in the state of Georgia.

homestead exemption: An annual reduction in property taxes based on the assessed value of a home. Georgia law states all homeowners are eligible to claim a homestead exemption provided the home is their primary residence and the homeowner is a legal resident of the county where the home is located on the 1st of January in the year the exemption is filed. Requirements and deadlines for filing an exemption vary by county.

interest rate: The annual cost of a loan to a borrower. The interest rate can be variable or fixed but is always expressed as a percentage.

mortage: A legal agreement where a bank or other creditor lends money with interest in exchange for taking title to the borrower’s property. When the payment obligation has been completed, ownership of the property is transferred to the borrower.

origination fee: A fee charged by mortgage lenders to cover the costs associated with initiating and processing a loan. Fees are typically 0.5-1 percent of the loan amount and are typically collected as part of the closing costs.

PITI: An acronym for principal, interest, taxes and insurance - the different components of the average monthly mortgage payment.

PMI: Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is used to protect the mortgage lender in the event of a default by the borrower and is required when a loan is obtained with less than a 20% down payment.

points: Fees paid directly to the lender at closing in exchange for a reduced interest rate. One point typically equals 1 percent of the loan amount.

pre-approval: A step beyond the pre-qualification process where a buyer completes a full mortgage application, and a lender provides a conditional commitment for an exact loan amount provided certain conditions are met once the buyer has a binding agreement to purchase a home.

pre-qualification: The process where a mortgage lender completes an initial review of a potential buyer’s income, debts, assets, credit history and liquidity. From this review, the lender will provide a nonbinding estimate of the amount and type of loans available to the buyer. A seller will typically ask to see a pre-qualification letter from the buyer’s lender before considering an offer.

principal: The outstanding loan balance, minus interest and other fees.

purchase and sale agreement: A standardized form used to negotiate the terms and conditions under which a property will be purchased.

REALTOR®: Only agents who are active members of the National Association of REALTORS®, and adhere to the Association's strict code of ethics, can call themselves a REALTORS®. All Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby International Realty agents are REALTORS®.

settlement statement: A detailed accounting of a real estate transaction prepared by the closing attorney. The settlement statement provides an itemized list of how the costs and fees associated with the transaction are allocated between the buyer and the seller.

special stipulations: Specific instructions added to the purchase and sale agreement outlining actions or requirements not previously addressed in the agreement. Examples include language asking the seller to pay for or transfer an existing termite bond, the inclusion of a home warranty or language ensuring the property is thoroughly cleaned before the buyer takes possession.

survey: The process by which property boundaries are measured, and land areas are determined. A survey will show lot lines and dimensions, highlight existing encroachments or easements and confirm compliance with setback requirements. While a survey is not required to purchase a home in Georgia, buyers are strongly encouraged to have a survey drawn for their property.

title insurance: The owner’s title insurance provides protection against financial loss if a defect in the chain of title is discovered at some point in the future. Possible defects include flawed information in deeds or mortgages, claims of prior ownership from a former property owner or invalid deeds from a past sale or transfer of property.

warranty deed: A document used to legally transfer property and pass ownership from one party to another. A warranty deed usually includes a legal description of the property, the name of the person transferring the property and the name of the person taking ownership of the property.

happy clients

See what our clients have to say about their experience working with The Schiff Team.

When we were moving to Atlanta from DC, Anjali and I were in love with a beautiful listing. We sent Michael Schiff to check it out, and he insisted we shouldn’t even bother looking at it. He was concerned the contractor seemed shady and that the wiring and plumbing seemed off. Anjali and I almost overruled him because we were so enamored with it, but we listened to his advice. I met the new owner of the house this week. Great guy, and loves our neighborhood ... but says the house has a contractor’s lien, and they’ve paid a fortune redoing the wiring and plumbing. Listen to what Michael says! - Kurt

& Anjali K.

Michael was a great source of information and help in the purchase of a home in Atlanta. He knows the area, gave his opinions which I needed coming from out of state, guided me through each step and was recommended personally by a local real estate attorney. I heartily recommend this team and guarantee you will be happy and impressed. - Jay T.

Superior, superb, standing ovation! There is no way to improve perfection and authenticity. Leigh is the real deal. Leigh (and her husband Michael) served me in a way that transformed the entire experience from a REAL estate sale to REAL friends for life. I couldn’t ask for a more attentive, brilliant, intuitive, smart, helpful, efficient and correct real estate agent power couple. They will be at the top of my highly recommended list for life. I would recommend Leigh Schiff to represent the President if he was selling the White House! All promises and measurable goals from the second Leigh and Michael stepped in the door were delivered with full attention to every detail. They were totally available and on call whenever I needed them. Leigh listened to me better than anyone on earth. She is a total jewel and shines brighter than the sun, is smart, efficient, attentive, honest, sincere, did I say brilliant? She is priceless and built to last in the real estate industry as a prime-time, first-class, devoted, results-driven agent!! - Robyn S.

I have been in my house now for over 30 days, and I am reflecting back about my housebuying experience. The one thing that stood out that made this experience an absolute dream was The Schiff Team. Michael and Leigh were there every step of the way. Their ability to listen to what I wanted and then take that knowledge and show me houses that were not only in my price range but also exactly the style I was looking for. Their patience and understanding made me feel special. I never felt rushed, or that they were pushing me to close on a house I didn’t really love. I highly recommend The Schiff Team as they are second to none. - Mare C.

Being new to Georgia, Michael was the perfect person to work with for finding our gorgeous new house in Cumming for a quick and easy transaction. With Michael, we were able to submit an attractive and competitive offer just hours after seeing the house on a Friday afternoon, and it was accepted the next night before the open house had even finished for the weekend. As a bonus, we ended up saving $2,000 because the house appraised for that much more than the listing price! Michael was professional, personable, flexible, responsive and eager to help us get the home we wanted. Additionally, his expertise in negotiating also got us the terms and contract amendments we wanted. Perhaps most importantly, Michael’s ties to the mortgage broker he recommended allowed us to find a lender willing to take on the unique situation behind our loan. If you need an experienced buyer’s agent who knows his stuff, look no further than Michael. - Ken & Erin D.

Utility Companies

power

Cobb EMC | 770.429.2100 | cobbemc.com

Georgia Power | 888.660.5890 | georgiapower.com

Sawnee EMC | 770.887.2363 | sawnee.com

natural gas

Georgia Natural Gas | 877.850.6200 | gng.com

Gas South | 877.472.4932 | gas-south.com

Infinite Energy | 877.342.5434 | infiniteenergy.com/georgia

Scana Energy | 877.467.2262 | scanaenergy.com

True Natural Gas | 770.502.0226 | truenaturalgas.com

Walton Gas | 877.427.4321 | waltongas.com

internet

AT&T | 844.850.2481 | att.com

Google Fiber | 833.942.0058 | fiber.google.com

Spectrum | 855.913.4477 | spectrum.com

Xfinity | 800.XFINITY | xfinity.com

water & sewer

City of Atlanta | 404.546.0311 | atlantawatershed.org

City of Decatur | 404.377.5571 | decaturga.com

City of Marietta | 770.794-5230 | marietta.gov/502/water

Cobb County | 770.419.6200 | cobbcounty.org

Dekalb County | 770.621.7200 | dekalbcountyga.gov

Fulton County | 404.612.4000 | fultoncountyga.gov

Gwinnett County | 678.376.6800 | gwinnettcounty.com

Forsyth County | 770.781.2160| fosythco.com

Paulding County | 770.222.6868 | paulding.gov

A copy of your closing settlement statement and payment of a deposit is required by most county watershed departments before service can be established.

Utility information is provided as a convenienceand does not imply an endorsement of any company. Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's encourages our clients to comparison shop and find a service provider that meets their individual needs.

Service Providers

The following is a list of recommended service providers. These are vendors we have worked with in the past and that have been recommended to us by satisfied customers. These are only recommendations. These recommendations are made on an informational basis only and are offered as a convenience to you. We accept no responsibility.

mortgage companies

Holly Covett | Movement Mortgage | 404.357.4483

Stewart Sadler | Cornerstone Mortgage | 404.441.4765

Seth Toporek | Southeast Mrtg Solution | 770.452.1424 x.201

Richard Staley | Angel Oak | 770.351.7553

Marc Garfinkel | Prospenty | 904.210.7654

Jeff Kaiser | Atlantic Bay Mortgage | 678.910.9540

home inspection

Joe Kelley | Avalon | 404.578.7016

The Cornerstone Inspection Group | 770.436.2667

insurance companies

Todd Klie | Granite Risk Advisors | 678.905.0220 x 4 Jason Cowen | Goosehead Insurance | 678.786.7499