Our Commitment to Our Buyers
Susan Kennedy, ABR, CRS, GRI, SFR, ERN and the Kennedy Team Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty 12644-1 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223 904.880.6700 kennedyteam@vanguardcb.com Visit my Website www.SusanKennedyTeam.com
Award Winning Team
AWARD-WINNING TEAM Over the years Susan Kennedy and the Kennedy Team have achieved outstanding results. We have consistently been the #1 Real Estate Team in Northeast Florida. Susan has been in the business for over 27 years. Her Team members are handpicked realtors who are professional and dedicated. Susan and her Team members hold many certifications including, Graduate Realtor Institute, Accredited Buyers Agent, Certified Residential Specialist, Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource Specialist and Elite Realtor Network. The Team’s efforts and dedication have produced consistent results for our customers, including: • #1 REAL ESTATE TEAM - Northeast Florida Association of Realtors since 1999. • NATIONAL TOP 50 TEAMS - Wall Street Journal’s Top 200 Real Estate Teams Nationwide since 2006. • TOP 5 REAL ESTATE TEAMS - In Our Company for homes sold in the United States since 2003. • 100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION - Pinnacle Service Platinum Customer Satisfaction Award since 2007. • REALTOR OF THE YEAR - Northeast Florida Builders Association Laurel Awards. • RANKED #1 TEAM - Jacksonville Business Journal “Book of Lists” since 2000. • # 1 TEAM MILLION DOLLAR CIRCLE - New construction sales for the Northeast Florida Builders Association Laurel Awards since 1999. • NATIONAL REGISTER’S WHO’S WHO - Susan Kennedy and the Kennedy Team have received this honor since 2004.
Pinnacle Service Commitment
My Experience = Proven Results Let me take this opportunity to introduce myself and my team. I have been in the real estate business for over 29 years helping my clients buy and sell homes. I also have a team of licensed Realtors as well as a complete office staff to make sure your needs are met. We would welcome the opportunity to assist you as you search for your home. Our use of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) helps us, as your buyer’s agent, keep you updated on homes that fit your specific criteria. We will keep you current on active listings, show them to you at your convenience, assist you with your contract negotiation and take you through the closing process on your new home. All these services are provided for you at no cost as the Seller pays the commission. The same is true if you are considering purchasing a home that is “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO). If you drive by a home that is a FSBO, call us, we can contact the seller for you and get you in to see their home. We can do a market analysis on the potential home to make sure that you are getting the best deal. In addition, we can hold any good faith monies (binder deposit) for you so that if a dispute should arise, you are in control of your funds. We can ensure all the critical steps in the inspections and closing process are performed by properly trained and qualified people. If you are considering New Construction, take us along as your buyer’s agent. When you go on your own, you have NO personal representation. We can do all the legwork, gather the different floor plans from the different builders that interest you, help you with the contract process all the way through construction and even after you are in your new home. Remember, the site agent at the model works for the builder and you pay the same price for your home even if you have an agent. The builder pays for us to represent you. Our commitment to our clients is what guides us each day. We give our top priority to bringing you the service, the attention and the time you need. Why? Because it is you who make the difference—it is you who helps build our foundation and strengthen our business walls. Our willingness to go the extra mile is clear in meeting all of our clients needs. It is going that extra mile that we believe makes our clients our partners in success. We appreciate you, this year and every year.
Award Winning Team
The Benefits of Using a Realtor Some “for sale by owners” are well priced but many of them are overpriced and have decided to sell on their own because competent agents won’t represent them. Unless you are familiar with the intricacies of pricing, it is as easy to buy a mistake as it is to buy a bargain. When you use a Realtor®, we hold the escrow money; which means the seller can’t literally “take the money and run”, and yes this does sometimes happen.
I’ll take you through the process
When you use a Realtor® we know the licensed WDO inspectors and encourage the use of licensed home inspectors to help insure that you receive what you are paying for. If you don’t use a Realtor®, no one is on your side. You can only buy a Home Warranty when you purchase a home through a Realtor®. You wouldn’t buy a new product without a warranty. Why would you buy a used home without one? A Realtor® takes care of all of the details and schedules inspections, needed repairs, surveys, appraisals and your closings so you can take care of the myriad of other chores that come with moving. If you don’t have a Realtor® to help you through this maze it can be time consuming, intimidating, and expensive. Only a Realtor® has access to quantities of market data to help you assess what your best options are and ensures you make the best housing buy. It’s easy to make a costly mistake when you do not have access to all the data and information. Understand that the friendly salesperson who works in the model home is employed by the builder to represent the builder’s best interests. That builder’s representative only gets paid if you buy their product. They sometimes receive a bonus for encouraging you to buy a specific product, and are generally less concerned with your best interest than making another sale. Realtors® know how to protect you and what is fair when you deal with builders. If there are problems, you can talk to your Realtor® about your best course of action and we can ensure you are treated fairly. Lastly, there is no cost for our services. They are paid for by the builder or the home seller. When it comes to safety, security and avoiding problems; your best choice is to use a professional.
As a Real Estate Professional, I will • Conduct counseling and information sessions to identify your needs and goals in order to plan an accurate property search. • Offer to arrange pre-qualifying or pre-approval meeting with a lender to determine affordability range. • Commit to priority availability for meeting your needs and schedule for property research and showings. • Offer access to community and property information. • Complete a market search to identify properties consistent with your needs and price range. • If requested, to provide data on recent sold properties within the area of your home selection. • Offer to provide property description and seller’s statement of property condition as available. • Prepare a written Offer to Purchase on the property of your choice, reflecting your price and terms. • Present all offers to purchase in a timely fashion using standardized forms. • Provide assistance in accessing information on licensed building inspectors prior to the Offer to Purchase. • Assist you in monitoring the status of satisfaction of contract contingencies. • Accompany you on walk through property inspections before closing, if provided for in the contract. • Contact you after the closing to assure the satisfactory completion of all service details.
The Road To Home Ownership Planning To Buy Your New Home
Knowledge and experience are the keys to successful real estate transactions. One of the keys to making the home-buying process easier and more understandable is planning. In doing so, you’ll be able to anticipate requests from lenders, lawyers and a host of other professionals. Furthermore, planning will help you discover valuable shortcuts in the home-buying process.
Do You Know What You Want?
Whether you are a first-time home buyer or entering the marketplace as a repeat buyer, you need to ask why you want to buy. Are you planning to move to a new community due to a lifestyle change or is buying an option and not a requirement? What would you like in terms of real estate that you do not now have? Do you have a purchasing time frame? Whatever your answers, the more you know about the real estate marketplace, the more likely you are to effectively define your goals. As an interesting exercise, it can be worthwhile to look at the questions above and to then discuss them in detail when meeting with local REALTORS®.
Can You Get Financing?
Homes and financing are closely intertwined. (Financing is the difference between the purchase price and the down payment, commonly referred to as debt or the mortgage.) The good news is that over the years new and innovative loan programs have evolved which require a 5 percent down payment or less. In fact, a number of programs now allow purchasers to buy real estate with nothing down. In addition to a down payment, purchasers also need cash for closing costs (the final costs associated with closing the loan). Several newly emerging loan programs not only allow the purchase of a home with no money down, but also underwrite closing costs. Not everyone, however, elects to purchase with little or no money down. Less money down means higher monthly mortgage payments, so most home buyers choose to buy with some cash up front. As to closing costs, in markets where buyers have leverage, it may be possible to negotiate an offer for a home that requires the owner to pay some or all of your settlement expenses. Speak with local REALTORS® for details.
You’ve known Forever how your dream home would be... What kind of home do you want? You'll want to define your needs, tastes and preferences for your new home. This is easier than it sounds when you use our Home Buyer's Analysis, an integral part of the Home Buying System. It helps you quickly prioritize your requirements. By discussing this now, you'll save plenty of time during the house-hunting process. We will show you only the houses that fit these requirements.
* Describe the style of house you like, whether it be two-story, contemporary, ranch or some other style. * List your priorities in home features, such as a two-or three-car garage, gourmet kitchen, a family room or a formal dining room. * Think about your lifestyle. If you don't like yard work, ask your sales professional to show you condominiums, townhouses or garden homes with smaller yards. A neighborhood and area that caters to your needs is also a very important factor when choosing a home. * Consider the identity of the neighborhood. The overall impression given by an area is key to its value. * Drive through and around the neighborhood. Value is enhanced by other well-maintained properties. Conversely, be cautious of areas with unkempt yards and homes, and businesses mixed in with residences -- unless a home/office combination is a priority. * Ask your sales professional about the property tax assessment in the area, including any special assessments or any pending bond issues. * Pay attention to neighborhood zoning. Many residential communities are zoned to keep out commercial and industrial users. Ask about other regulations in the neighborhood, such as on-street parking. Find out if the area is governed by any covenants. * List which community services are important to you. Do you need to be close to shopping, a school or a mass transit stop? * Get an idea of who lives in the neighborhood by talking with people who live there.Your new house has to feel right -- but emotions aside, it has to work right, too. * Consider the schools. We can provide an educational guide to help you. * Bring in a professional building inspector or appraiser to make sure the house is in sound condition. Use his or her report to make informed decisions. * We will supply you with information on Home Protection Plans offered in this area. This warranty protects you in case of major mechanical system failure and problems with some appliances. * Decide which imperfections you can live with and repairs you may be able to make yourself. You may also be able to finance some repairs in your mortgage.
Real Estate Closing Costs Explained Closing costs can add thousands of dollars to the cost of a home, so it’s essential to know what to expect. RESPA stands for Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, which requires lenders to disclose information to potential customers throughout the mortgage process. Lending institutions must fully inform borrowers about all closing costs, lender servicing and escrow account practices, and business relationships between closing service providers and other parties to the transaction. For more information on RESPA, visit the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development’s Web site and search on the term “RESPA.” Under RESPA, a lender must give you a good faith estimate that lists all fees to be paid before closing, such as loan origination fees, prepaid items such as mortgage interest, escrow items to be deposited, title charges, recording fees, and any miscellaneous settlement charges such as express mail charges, and any escrow costs you will encounter when purchasing a home. Another aspect of real estate closings is the creation of a public record of the sale. Any time a piece of real estate is sold, certain records derived as a result of the real estate closing are entered into the public record. Transfer of title and deed get recorded at the county clerk’s. Usually a “recording fee” is included in closing costs. This is the fee charged by the closing company to record the real estate transfer with the county clerk or registrar. This fee is charged to the closing company by the registrar. You will receive a copy of the public record at closing. Should you need additional copies of these records, you will usually need to pay the county clerk or registrar for them. Timing on closing can vary widely. Depending on the specific circumstances of the sellers and buyers, as well as the general load on the mortgage and closing companies, it usually takes anywhere from three to eight weeks before closing on a home. In that time, you’ll have a home inspection conducted, the mortgage lender will process your application, and the closing company will prepare all the closing documents, including a list of the real estate closing costs, which generally cannot be calculated until just before the actual closing. Review all documents for mistakes before signing any closing paperwork.
THE NINE BIGGEST MISTAKES IN HOME BUYING 1. NOT DOING YOUR HOMEWORK “Knowledge is power”- With all the information available today on the Internet, from Realtors®, and in housing guides, there’s really no excuse for entering the market ill-prepared. 2. TRYING TO MAKE A SHREWD INVESTMENT If you choose a neighborhood where you and others like you want to live and a home that is attractive and structurally sound, then you probably will not go wrong. 3. CHOOSING A POOR LOCATION Nothing spoils life and resale value like a poor location. If it bothers you now, do not think you will learn to live with it. The hood lights from that office building across the way will only get brighter with time. 4. OVERLOOKING AN INFERIOR FLOOR PLAN FOR AN ATTRACTIVE EXTERIOR It has to have a layout that makes people feel comfortable, one that responds to the way we live today. Open. Friendly. Functional. 5. NOT CONSIDERING HOW YOUR FAMILY WANTS TO LIVE This home only needs to fit one family– YOURS! 6. IF BUYING A RESALE, NOT HAVING THE HOME PROPERLY INSPECTED As much as it may hurt to hear something negative about the one you love, this is when you want all the ugly truth. 7. NOT GETTING WHAT YOU WANT BECAUSE YOU’RE IMPATIENT “Show me someone in a hurry to buy and I’ll show you someone who pays too much.” 8. WAITING FOR A BETTER TIME TO BUY BASED ON THE MARKET AND INTEREST RATES Buy low. Sell high. It is a great plan if you are a fortune teller, but for the rest of us mere mortals, here is the best advice for when to buy a home: There is no place like the present. 9. THE BIGGEST HOME BUYING MISTAKE (DRUM ROLL PLEASE) NOT BUYING AT ALL!! No control. No tax break. No appreciation. No equity. No kidding!
Susan Kennedy and The Kennedy Team can help you avoid these mistakes and many more! The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) designation is the benchmark ofexcellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (“REBAC”) of the National Association of REALTORS® who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria.
Important information you should know! ADVANTAGES OF HAVING A REALTOR REPRESENT YOU ON NEW CONSTRUCTION! If new construction is what you want, you will want Susan and her team to represent you. A site agent gives the buyer no representation! They work for the builder only! You will pay the exact same price whether you have representation or not! We will be with you, as your representative, during the whole process of new construction. Even after the closing, if you are having any problems, we will be there to help you. This service costs you nothing! Let a good Buyer’s Agent be on your side when it comes time to build your dream home! If you don’t use a buyer’s agent, you are paying the builder 3% more for the home and no one will represent you. You are on your own. Call Susan for details! WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TAX ADVANTAGES OF OWNING A HOME? Tax breaks enter the home ownership picture from all angles: buying, owning and selling. Remember, tax laws are complex and constantly changing, and you should consult with your professional tax advisor before filing any claims on your tax returns. Here are the basics as of this writing: Home Buying: Tax-savings begin with deductibles allowed for: • Settlement charges for the use of money, such as “points.” • Prepaid interest on prorated loan payments made between closing and your first mortgage payment. • City, town and/or county real estate taxes on the purchased property each year • Total interest paid each year
Susan Kennedy, ABR, CRS, GRI, SFR and The Kennedy Team Certified Pinnacle Service Agents 12644-1 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223 Office Phone: (904) 880-6700 Toll Free: 1-888-226-8300 Cell Phone: (904) 349-7988 www.SusanKennedyTeam.com KennedyTeam@vanguardcb.com
You’ve found your perfect home. Now you’re ready to move out of your current home or apartment. It’s moving day. Are you ready? Use the handy checklist below to help guide you through this hectic time. Six Weeks Before Moving
__Make an inventory of everything to be moved. Collect everything not to be moved for a garage sale or charitable donation. __Contact the charity for date/time of pickup. Save receipts for tax records. __Select mover, arrange for exact form of payment at destination (cash, check). __Get cartons and packing materials to start packing NOW, unless you have packing services. __Contact insurance agent to transfer/cancel insurance coverage. __If relocating as part of employment, check with employer to find out what moving expenses they will pay.
Four Weeks Before Moving
__Notify all magazines of change of address. __Check with veterinarian for pet records and immunizations. __Contact utility companies for refunds of deposit, set turn-off date, establish record of new residence for transfer __If relocating as part of employment, contact real estate broker in new community to set up utility turn-on date. __Service power mowers, boats, snowmobiles, etc. that are to be moved, drain all gas/oil to prevent fire in moving van. __If relocating as part of employment, check with doctors and dentist for all family records and prescriptions and get children’s school records. __Check freezer and plan use of food over next 2-3 weeks. __Remove all jewelry and other valuables to a safe deposit box or other safe place to prevent loss during move. __If relocating as part of employment, give away or arrange for transportation of house plants (most moving companies will not move plants, especially in winter). Plants also can be sold at a garage sale or given as thank you gifts.
One Week Before
__If relocating as part of employment, transfer or close checking and savings accounts. Arrange for cashier’s check or money order to pay moving company on arrival to new community. __If relocating as part of employment, have automobile serviced for trip. __Fill out Post Office change of address forms, give to postmaster. __Check and make inventory of all furniture for dents and scratches, notify moving company of your inventory and compare on final day. __Dispose of all combustibles and spray cans (spray cans can explode or burn). __Pack a separate carton for cleaning materials and tools. __Separate cartons and luggage you need for personal travel. __Organize at least one room in the house for packers and movers to work freely. __Cancel all newspapers, garden service, snow removal, etc., or transfer to new residence. __Review the entire list to make certain that you haven’t overlooked anything. Check and double-check everything you have done before it’s too late.
Moving Day
__Plan to spend the entire day at the house. Last minute decisions must be made by you. Don’t leave until after the movers have gone. __Hire a sitter or send the kids to a friend’s house for the day. __Stay with the moving van driver to oversee inventory. __Tell packers and/or driver about fragile or precious items. __Make a final check of the entire house- basement, closets, shelves, attic, garage, every room. __Approve and sign Bill of Lading; if possible accompany driver to the weigh station. __Double check with driver to make certain moving company records show the proper delivery address for your new house. __Verify the scheduled delivery date, too. __Give driver phone numbers both here and in new community to contact you in case of a problem. __Get complete routing information form the driver and phone numbers so you can call the driver or company while en route. __Disconnect all utilities and advise the real estate agent who sold or is selling your house. __Lock all doors and windows. Advise your real estate agent and neighbors that the house is empty.
Let me help make your move even more smooth! I have access to numerous vendors in the area and would love to share that information with you!
Notes from Our Friends... “Dear Susan, We thank you for all your help in finding us this great house. When we are settled in you must come visit us - I will call you.” ~ Thelma Rabold “I really appreciate everything you did to help me sell my home as well as help me find the perfect home, we just love it! Your extreme patience in working with us made it possible, and we thank you for that. I’m also grateful for all the time and effort you put into selling my house. It seemed like an impossible task, but you did it!” ~ Lance & Susan Crawford “Hardly a day passes that we don’t think about you? You came to our rescue when our original Realtor let us down. And with such short notice, you gave us every consideration to find us a great first home.” ~ Donald & Ruthellen Frey “We have never worked with a Realtor who is more diligent than Susan Kennedy. She is a very conscientious and hard worker. We were house-hunting long distance, cross-country to be exact. Naturally, this could have slowed down the process. Susan did everything she could to expedite the work of finding a house for us. She promptly returned our phone calls; she sent documents in priority mail. We were so impressed with Susan as our Realtor!” ~ William & Lisa Wigner “If you want to sell your home FAST, get Susan Kennedy! If you want someone to really, really WORK HARD FOR YOU, get Susan! If you want buying and/or selling to be a pleasant and fun experience, Susan’s the person! There is no doubt that we will contact Susan for any future real estate ventures and we will continue to refer her to our friends, relatives and neighbors.” ~ Cheryl and Dean Skinner “Dear Susan, Art and I would like to thank you for your time and effort in finding us a home we are really happy with, It took somebody really special to work on this for a year and a half without giving up on us. You made us feel very comfortable with such a big decision in our lives. Your honesty and sincerity were beyond approach. Thanks again for tolerating all of our calls, both day and night, reassuring us that everything was going smoothly. You are a great Realtor that is concerned about getting the right home for the right people. Thanks again! ~ Art & Rebecca Thaler “We finally got all moved! Now that we can relax... we wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your help and hard work. It means so much when you have someone interested and caring enough to help us meet our goals and dreams. This is the perfect place for us! If ever close by, come and see us! It’s so exciting and I can’t wait to have everything in its place here. The kids love it... even the cats and dogs are thrilled. Many thanks again and take care! ~ Cathy & Elmar
If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully. ©2015 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo and “We Never Stop Moving” are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.