RE A L E S TAT E IS AN ART
3366 Kim Road, Lafayette
THE CHURCHILL TEAM SERETA CHURCHILL
DRE# 00524249 Cell: 925.998.4441 Sereta@TheChurchillTeam.net
RANDY CHURCHILL
DRE# 01138237 Cell: 925.787.4622 Randy@TheChurchillTeam.net
THECHURCHILLTEAM.NET
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES DRYSDALE PROPERTIES Trust. Integrity. Stability. Longevity.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties is dedicated to providing the highest level of quality real estate services throughout Northern California and Nevada. These services include residential real estate sales of existing homes, new construction, and condos. We have specialists available for transferring buyers, corporate relocation, third party relocation, acreage, commercial real estate and other niche markets. With more than 1,200 licensed agents, serving 25 counties in 40+ offices throughout California and Nevada, we have an agent to meet your needs regardless of the style, price, or age of the property you are looking for. We at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties conduct our business with the highest regard for good business ethics, fair housing practices and a fundamental belief in the right to own real property. We look forward to helping you sell your home or find that dream home you are looking for. We believe in each other and ourselves. We understand that trust is earned and that good professional service is an essential part of that.
THE CHURCHILL TEAM OUR MISSION The Churchill Team has developed a large network of satisfied “clients for life”through the years. Stellar communication and outstanding service are hallmarks of our approach that we take great pride in as we work with every home buyer and seller to achieve their personal and financial goals. We strive to keep worry and stress out of every transaction while ensuring that the desired results are achieved in the least amount of time and, in the case of home sellers, for the most possible dollars. We anticipate the challenges, and turn those challenges into opportunities. We are confident that you will be more than satisfied with our work for you, and we look forward to extending our exceptional brand of concierge-style services to your friends and family that may be buying or selling a home as well.
PRESIDENT’S CLUB
MEET THE CHURCHILLS
SERETA CHURCHILL
Sereta Churchill has had a long time successful career in real estate from Broker and owner of her own company for many years, top producing sales person, to Training Director of J. Rockcliff Realtors. She has loved all aspects of her career, but the very best is working with families to achieve the American dream. She is thrilled to be with J. Rockcliff Realtors, the number one company in the East Bay. Her clients benefit from her expertise and the strength of her company. Sereta was recently given the California Distinguished Realtor Award by the California Association of Realtors. This represents a lifetime of achievement in California real estate. She has also had many positions of leadership in the local, state, and national level that has benefited private property rights. Additionally, Sereta is very involved in her local community. She has served as President of the Lafayette Community Foundation, Chamber of Commerce President and Business Person of the year.
RANDY CHURCHILL
A 20 year veteran of the real estate industry, Randy Churchill is an award-winning top producer who has been at the vanguard of leveraging emerging technologies to enhance the marketing of his clients’ homes. He is a graduate of the University of California Riverside with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing which further informs the success of his career. In 2006, he sold his highly successful mortgage brokerage which he built during his time as a sales manager for one of the top residential brokerages in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is a frequent speaker in industry forums regarding the implementation of new marketing technology, and has appeared on television, radio and in print for his innovative use of new marketing tools.
WHAT OUT CLIENTS SAY “ The Churchills have worked with us since we founded our custom homebuilding company. They make themselves available to us whenever needed, and offer thoughtful and knowledgeable advise concerning properties we evaluate for purchase. Their many years of experience and business expertise in the real estate community has greatly added to the success of our company.” -David & Cathie, Miramar Homebuilders “From the moment I made the decision to sell, Sereta and Randy had a team of experts lined up to take care of me and the project. My older home in Lafayette was made ready for sale and marketed within two and a half weeks. I had interest in the house even before it was listed due to their vast professional and social network. It sold in less than a week, with multiple offers above asking. Knowing how important a speedy close of escrow was for me, they helped me work through the offers to find the perfect one for me. Their work did not stop there. Sereta also helped me navigate the purchase of the new condominium under considerable time pressures. She went above and beyond, working on details and resolving issues that were the responsibility of others. Because of her, I am the happy owner of a new condo! To say that Sereta and Randy are professional and knowledgeable is an understatement. Because they know and understand the process from all sides, they tackle issues that inevitably arise with creativity, professionalism and grace. They find workable solutions for all that keep the deal moving forward. They are simply the best!” -Cheryl Noll, Lafayette “ I would like to commend and recommend Sereta and Randy Churchill for their skill and professionalism in handling the recent sale of my Walnut Creek town-home. They handled a very difficult situation with professionalism and great tact. With their counsel we price positioned substantial interest immediately after listing and with their activity and talents led to a sale in only 72 hours! From the initial meeting to the closing details both were involved and responsive. The stager gave great input and assisted in getting the house ready for sale. One of the more helpful items was the team creating and sending out a calendar so that everyone was aware of deadlines and upcoming events. I will most definitely recommend and refer them to any family and associates for any Real estate needs.” -Vinny Heumann, Lafayette “We are excited about the new building and the new business. Leslie and I are going there later to toast the new venture. We have been delighted with the service and advice your team and DREG have provided to Leslie and me. Since we are novices in the commercial real estate arena, you patiently answered all of our questions and you helped us become very confident that this was the right step for us. Your attention to details, and you patience in explaining all the details to us was very much appreciated. Thank you again for your support in this new business.” -Matt Pease, Owner Back to the Table, Lafayette “Sereta and Randy have worked with me for 19 years, on residential and commercial properties. They were very helpful on a long difficult transaction on multiple properties dealing with a developer and a 1031 exchange. They sorted through all the challenges and brought everything to a successful conclusion.” -John Visbal- East bay Logistics
THE CHURCHILL’S ACTION PLAN This action plan works because of the Churchill’s ability to orchestrate a successful conclusion in today’s market. They have the experience and background to make results happen in any market. MARKETING:
This plan incorporates many different marketing mediums to make sure the exposure for your property is at the highest level possible. Our goal is to reach all of the buyers that are within the potential pool of buyers for your property.
TARGET MARKET:
We do comprehensive target marketing. We do this with the latest demographic and geographic information, targeting what we know are potential buyer sources. We will also do e-mail marketing using data bases for both consumers and agents. We target agents and companies in the Bay Area that are know to work in the high-end market.
INTERNET:
We have the most extensive internet marketing program in the real estate industry. We know the 87% of today’s buyers start their search on the internet. We want to reach them first. Our company works with all the top search engines to provide the maximum exposure for our listings. Additionally, we will position your property to maximize every viewing opportunity.
TECHNOLOGY:
Our company has the latest technology to help our agents and clients have the tools necessary to provide a dynamic transaction.
VIRTUAL/DRONE TOUR:
We prepare a virtual tour/slide show that offers the best views of your property o the internet. Some properties benefit from an aerial view of the grounds and neighborhood. People want to see pictures and lots of them. We have sold properties sight unseen from these tours.
BROKER’S TOUR: We do a professional catered Broker’s tour to have the maximum number of agents view the property. We will carefully plan to make the tour an event rather than just a standard Broker’s tour. This is an opportunity to have the Brokers who may sell the property view it. No detail will be missed.
BROCHURE:
We will prepare a multi-page high gloss brochure. The content will be professionally managed including a professional photographer. This brochure will be used to promote introductory visits to the property, but also to serve as a reminder after someone has seen the property of all the wonderful amenities that the property has to offer. We will do this in concert with you the seller to ensure that we have said exactly what you would like to have said about the property. REPRESENTATION: Our experience and knowledge level allows us to give you the best representation in the real estate industry. We prevent issues from arising that would take dollars out of your pocket. CONTRACTS: Setera has worked with the California Association of Realtors in helping standardize contracts that our industry us. She has consulted on many of the clauses within the contracts that are used today. It is a benefit to have that expertise on your side. LEGAL: Sereta served for man years on the Legal Defense Strategy committee for the California Association of Realtors. She helps to make sure everything has been done to prevent any after-sale issues. Working to have the best written contract possible is the only way to have the best defense against future negative issues. NEGOTIATE: Negotiation is an art and we love it. Protecting your dollars is something that we do very well. Our years of experience and knowledge of the market place us in the position of strength and we use it to your advantage.
YOUR FULL SERVICE REALTORS As a Full Service REALTORS®, we will handle the complexities of the transaction documents, inspections, escrow, marketing and the important art of negotiation...so you can enjoy the peace of mind that the sale of your home will be smooth, efficient and satisfying. Here is a lock at the professional duties we will perform on your behalf. PRE-SALE ACTIVITIES • • • • • • • • •
Research and determine market value, seller needs & priorities Prepare all documentation for signatures Review agency relationships Sign listing agreement Order pre-sale home warranty with seller’s coverage Home preparation consultation with stager Coordinate inspections (representing seller’s interests) Develop disclosure packages Should the sale of your home require legal or tax advice, agent will suggest attorneys and CPAs who can be of service.
MARKETING PLAN • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Coordinate completion of any home improvements, if needed Discuss and devise marketing plan Stage property (if applicable) Have property professionally photographed Order sign (Coming Soon rider optional) Create virtual tour Create property website Create property brochure Create and distribute an open house invitation and advertisement Send out eBlast to all local agents/brokerages Implement on all social media avenues Promote to agent network; announce at office meeting Utilize our Relocation Network to promote your home to relocating buyers from around the country Call past client referrals for added exposure Canvas th neighborhood to invite people to open house and alert buyers Submit ads to appropriate publications Put lock box on your home Enter property on MLS Enter property on various websites and Rockcliff.com
• • • • • • •
Host broker’s open house Host public open house & offer twilight tour Schedule showings and show property to potential buyers Communicate updates to sellers on a regular basis, and share activity feedback and comments Continuous tracking of market conditions and showing results Respond quickly to all buyer inquiries Revise market plan and pricing strategy, as necessary & if needed
NEGOTIATE OFFERS/ACCEPTANCE • • • • • • • • •
Schedule offer presentation with seller Present offer(s) Explain ramifications and/or benefits relating to terms and conditions of contract(s) Negotiate terms on behalf of the seller(s) Negotiate actual occupancy Coordinate actual close date Complete necessary paperwork in order to execute chosen agreement Organize and facilitate copies of offer, counter offer and addendums to appropriate parties for ratification Coordinate opening of escrow
FACILITATE AN ESCROW •
• •
• •
Deliver completed contract to both parties involved in the contract, as well as, to the title company and lender/or appraiser, when necessary Confirm title company is in receipt of buyers earnest money deposit within 3 days of offer acceptance Identify and disclose any new or additional information or details concerning property to the buyers, through any additional disclosure paperwork beyond that in original disclosure package Coordinate and confirm all inspection appointments with sellers Receive and review title report
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Negotiate any post inspection findings Strive to resolve problems and challenges relating to property conditions or buyer’s concerns Coordinate appraisal appointment Meet appraiser with applicable comparables Negotiate any negative impact relating to appraisal, should discrepancy arise Arrange home warranty policy for buyer’s coverage Complete ongoing necessary transaction paperwork Facilitate contingency removal Coordinate and attend final signing in preparation for the closing Work with seller on organizing utility shut-off Work with sell to finalize moving plans, warranty transfer, or any other move out needs Arrange and attend buyer’s final walk through Work to resolve any problems or challenges that may come up Confirm loan funds and remaining buyer money has been deposited into escrow, if applicable Call sellers with CONGRATULATIONS! Deed has been transferred and recorded and escrow is closed Deliver keys to new owners
AFTER CLOSING •
•
• •
Provide final HUD & final closing package with all supporting home sale documents, for sellers file and for tax purposes Possibly help you find your next home, or direct you to out of the area agents, or assist you with possible Relocation services, if needed Provide a list of trade professionals and resources who can help with repairs or upgrades needed on your new home Serve as a community resource & great REALTOR® to your friends and family for all of their Real Estate needs
MARKETING TIME LINE It is essential to understand that selling a home is a step-by step process that should begin with the selection of an agent who will skillfully guide you through the entire process. Below is a sample of a typical buyer/seller transaction, and what to expect.
1
GETTING STARTED • Present offer package and purchase contract • Negotiate the best possible price in person for your client
• Offer accepted
DUE DILIGENCE INSPECTION AND PROPERTY CONDITION
•
Buyer choose and pay escrow
•
•
•
Order preliminary Title Report (Title Company)
Submit purchase contract to lender for processing
•
•
Deposit buyer funds into escrow account
Schedule Appraisal (by lender)
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•
Confirm contingency removal and loan condition dates
Conduct second review of Seller Disclosures.
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Review Homeowner’s Association documents, if applicable
u •
Upon complete client satisfaction with inspections, disclosures, loan documentation & all other contractual obligations, contingencies will be removed.
HOME INSURANCE •
Select home insurance company and coverage
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Submit insurance information to escrow
LOAN UNDERWRITING AND APPRAISAL •
Underwriting file review.
•
Appraisal completed and reviewed by lender
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Final financing approval by lender
u
u
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INSPECTION REVIEW •
If new critical issues are discovered during buyer inspections, negotiate repairs or renegotiate price.
u
CONTINGENCY REMOVAL
Conduct Buyer Inspections: Property, Pest, Chimney, Roof, Pool, etc.
u
2
SUBMIT HOME INFO TO LENDER
ESCROW SETUP
MOVING DETAILS
SIGN OFF AND LOAN FUNDING
CLOSING
3
FINAL WALK-THROUGH •
Confirm property condition and complete repairs, if any. Property condition should be consistent with condition on date of ratification.
•
Review walk-through checklist.
• •
Provide Buyer with all utility & vendor information.
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Setup utilities, electricity, water, garbage, phone, internet, alarm, etc.
Review all closing and transaction costs.
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Buyer to sign loan documents.
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Contact HOA office to schedule move-out, if applicable.
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Buyer to provide cashier’s check or send wire for down payment and closing costs.
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Schedule move
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Lender sends balance of funding to title company one business day prior to close
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RECORD AND CLOSE ESCROW •
Deed is recorded in person at County Recorders office by Title Company representative.
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Provide keys to Buyer for their new home!
u
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AFTER SALE SERVICE
4
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Possibly help you find your next home.
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Provide resources for after-sale home owner needs.
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Assist you with relocation needs.
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Be a referral resource for friends and family seeking this same great first class service.
EFFECTS OF OVER PRICING First Impressions Matter
Overpricing your home will attract fewer potential buyers and may cause it to sit on the market for longer than desired. To the buyer, too much time on the market indicates an overpriced property and often is perceived as an opportunity to negotiate a price lower than the market might typically bear. Pricing your property outside of the reasonable range can have the following adverse results: •
Low level of brokerage activity-showings decrease when a property is perceived as being priced “out-of-themarket”
•
Reduction in exposure-fewer buyers will view your property because it is out of their price range
•
Difficulty in obtaining financing-The property may not appraise, and lenders must obtain an appraisal to demonstrate fair market value. This will determine the amount the lender will finance and if the property does not appraise, they can require the buyer to make up the difference in cash, which they may not have.
•
Increased market time-your property is viewed as overpriced and becomes “stale”, even if price reductions are implemented.
Pricing your home competitively at the start will create more activity among brokers and buyers, decrease the time it takes to sell, and ultimately yield you the highest possible price.
THE POWER OF THE PYRAMID IF THE ASKING PRICE IS
15%
Over Market Value
10%
Over Market Value
5%
Over Market Value
Fair Market Value
THE PROPERTY APPEALS TO
20%
Of Buyers
30%
Of Buyers
50%
Of Buyers
95%
Of Buyers
INTEGRATED MARKETING
Online, Print Production, Public Relations, and Collateral Services
The more exposure your home receives the more opportunity you will have to achieve your financial goals. Our in-house, full-service Marketing team goes into action when we list a property and we ensure that all online and offline essentials are handled. With our finger on the pulse of the market, we utilize an integrated marketing approach which couples with traditional advertising and visibility campaigns with extensive social media outreach leading to an immediate impact on the visibility of your home.
WE OFFER: • BHHS.com
• Public Relations
• Property Syndication
• Property Flyers
• Multiple Listing Service
• Direct Mail & Event Marketing
• Realtor.com
• Professional Photography
• Enhanced property Listings
• Broker Network Caravan
• Exclusive Property Website
• Open Houses
• Social
• Relocation Connections
Media/E-blasts
• Traditional Media Advertising • Leverage Global Partners • Referral Network
• Market Data Reports
3366 Kim Road, Lafayette
PROPERTY FLYERS & BROCHURES Professionally designed and meticulously crafted, our property marketing collateral is available in a variety of sizes to accommodate the needs of any home. These property flyers are created with the highest graphic standards and designed by our Marketing Department, who have decades of real estate marketing experience. Our company standard is to always use professional photography and printing. The quality of these photographs, print, and layout enhance a buyer’s perception of value and help create strong impression for your
DIRECT MAIL & EVENT MARKETING We employ an aggressive direct mail campaign strategy to advertise your home. Resident letters are also sent to advertise your property to neighbors who may know someone looking to relocate to your area. In addition to Saturday and Sunday open houses, we also hold brokers tours, twilight tours, and occasionally special receptions, showings, and invitation only events.
PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties features listings in our quarterly Luxury eMagazine. Our listings and agents are also featured in the national Prestige magazine, published by Berkshire Hathaway, which features properties from all across the nation, as well as articles and content curated by our franchise.
STAGING PUTTING YOUR HOME’S BEST FACE FORWARD
According to the National Association of REALTORS®, staged homes sell 80% quicker and for up to 11% more money than non-staged properties. Staging also shortens the length of time a property is on the market. We believe buyers tend to gravitate towards a home based on curb appeal and the first impression. That’s why we’ll work closely with you to ensure that your hoe is prepped and ready for sale before potential buyers see it. From creating an appealing walkway, to the removal of furniture to make a room appear larger, our agents will help transform your home into a viable product giving you the best advantage for a quick sale at your asking price.
STAGING’S IMPACT ON SALES PRICE
On average, staging a home increases the final sale price by $54,382 in the East Bay.
RETURN OF INVESTMENT
While the average cost of staging a property was $3,305, the return on investment yielded $16.45 for every dollar spent on staging.
OFFERS RECEIVED BY HOMEOWNERS
Professionally staged homes receive an average of 4.7 offers, while unstaged properties received an average of only 3.7 offers.
DAYS ON THE MARKET
Staging also shortens the length of time a property remains on the market. On average, in the Bay Area a professionally staged properties in our sample were on the market 19 days, while their unstaged counterparts remained on the market an average of 23 days. In otherwords, unstaged homes stay on the market 4 days, or 26%, longer than professionally staged homes.
PRESENTATION
We believe you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Before buyers enter a home they may potentially make an offer on, the agent will work with you to ensure that all has been done to present your home in the best possible way to appeal to potential buyers.
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY Photography is an important element of real estate marketing and is fast becoming the most essential one. More than 90% of today’s home buyers use the Internet to search for properties making professional photographers an important barometer in searching for a home online. At The Churchill Team, we know that great photography can draw in a buyer. A great photographer has the skill to always show a property at its very best. Working with distinguished photographers throughout the East Bay, we create a look that showcases your home at its highest potential to ensure that these spaces look as beautiful online and in print as they do in real life.
CLOSING COSTS: WHO PAYS WHAT? Closing costs are the various fees charged by the lender, the title company, real estate agents, and other service providers in order to complete a real estate transaction and are paid through escrow. Which party pays for specific closing costs can be negotiated between the buyer and seller.
THE BUYER CUSTOMARILY PAYS:
THE SELLER CUSTOMARILY PAYS:
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Title insurance premiums
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Real estate commission
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Escrow fee
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Document preparation for deed
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Document preparation (if applicable)
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Documentary transfer tax
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Notary fees
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Payoff of all loans against property
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Recording changes for all documents in buyers ‘ name
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Interest accrued on loans being paid off, reconveyance fees, and repayment penalties
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Tax proration (from date of acquisition)
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Home warranty (if specified in contract)
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All new loan charges (except those required by lender for seller to pay)
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Any judgment or tax liens against seller
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Property tax proration
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Prorated HOA dues, if applicable
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HOA fee for providing all updated homeowner’s documents, if applicable
•
Bonds or assessments
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Appraisal fee
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Interest on new loan from date of finding to 30 days prior to first payment date
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Assumption/change of record fees for takeover of existing loan
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Beneficiary statement fees for assumption of existing loan
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Delinquent taxes
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Notary and recording fees
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Prorated HOA dues, if applicable
•
•
Inspection fees (roof, pool, property inspection, pest, geological, etc)
Third party Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement and California Tax Disclosure Report
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Pre-sale inspection fees
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City transfer tax (according to contract)
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Negotiated credits to buyer, if any
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Fire insurance premium for first year
•
Negotiated repairs, if any
4146 Los Arabis Drive, Lafayette
LEGAL SUPPORT We provide the highest level of risk management to ensure that once the transition is complete, there is minimized exposure to any liability. You can rest assured that the sale of your home will be done within full compliance while adhering to high ethical standards, integrity, and with as much limited risk as possible. Research shows that 1 out of every 100 transactions in California result in litigation. At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties we work hard to be sure all files are complete and accurate. The Churchill Team is proud to be affiliated with our in-house transaction coordinators. They are in charge of broker file review and assures a complete and detailed file that is in compliance with strict state and brokerage regulations. This expertise, combined with hiring a prepared, efficient, and knowl-edgeable agent from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties will certainly help mitigate your risk.
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Committed to the Communities in Which We Live
The Churchill are deeply rooted in the core values of the communities in which we serve. We are committed to giving back and lending a helping hand wherever possible. Whether property of philanthropy, we strive to improve upon these relationships and give back to the community that has given us so much. Here are just a few of the organizations we are honored to support. • • • • • • • • •
Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Lafayette Schools LLLC Habitat for Humanity Operation One Warm Coat Shelter Inc. Tour de Cure (for Diabetes) California Aids ride Susan G. Komen
• • • • • • • • •
Affordable Housing Fund CCAR Scholarship Foundation Christmas for Everyone Helping Hands Taylor Family Foundation Leukemia Lymphoma Society Lafayette Community Foundation Las Trampas Meals on Wheels
INDUSTRY RECOGNITION
California Association of REALTORS® 2015 Distinguished Realtor Award This prestigious honor, the highest C.A.R. bestows, has been awarded to our own Sereta Churchill, one of the most accomplished REALTORS® in the state of California. Berkshire Hathway HomeServices Drysdale Properties applauds Sereta’s amazing efforts, and we are proud and delighted she is a member of the Drysdale family.
4146 Los Arabis Drive, Lafayette
Welcome home!
SERETA CHURCHILL
DRE# 00524249 Cell:925.998.4441 Sereta@TheChurchillTeam.net
TOP 1%
OF REALTOR TEAMS IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
RANDY CHURCHILL
DRE# 01138237 Cell:925.787.4622 Randy@TheChurchillTeam.net
THE THECHURCHILLTEAM.NET PRESIDENT’S CLUB
Copyright ©2020 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed. If your home is currently listed with a Broker, this is not intended as a solicitation.