March 2023
Make your business boom —
The basics of government
The benefits of joining a professional organization
mortgage loans
LANCE KING
Buyer beware —
KING REALTY GROUP
Elliot Engel Ellen Jones Adina Keller Sierra Sanders
Common pitfalls to avoid when purchasing a home
contents
buyers&sellers
professionals 4
11
Make your business boom — The benefits of joining a professional organization Play it safe — Security tips for real estate professionals
FeaturedAgentMagazine Phone888.437.5707 Fax888.849.3663 contact@featuredagentmagazine.com www.featuredagentmagazine.com 2
Copyright Featured Agent Magazine
6
Get the look — Avoid (or fix) these common decorating mistakes
15
FHA, Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac — The basics of government mortgage loans
18
Buyer beware — Common pitfalls to avoid when purchasing a home MaterialsandcontentincludedinFeaturedAgentMagazine andonfeaturedagentmagazine.comaresubjecttocopyright andmaynotbecopiedorreproducedinanypartwithoutprior writtenconsent.FeaturedAgentMagazineispublishedbyTimes 3PublishingGroup,LLC.Publishershallnotbeliableforany inaccuracy,error,oromissionandmakesnorepresentations or warrantiesofanykind,expressorimplied,astotheinformation, content,ormaterialsincluded.
Copyright Featured Agent Magazine
q featured cover agent
Lance King
q featured agent
Elliot Engel
13
7
q featured agent
6Adina Keller 17
q featured agent
Ellen Jones
14
q featured agent
Sierra Sanders
19
Visit www.featuredagentmagazine.com to find out how to recommend a professional to be featured, advertise or subscribe. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine
3
Make your business boom — The benefits of joining
a professional organization In the real estate industry, relationships are everything. While building a strong connection to your immediate colleagues and your client base is step one, there’s more you can do to cultivate positive professional relationships in your sphere. Consider the professional organization, a prevalent institution in the world of real estate. Whether you join a local chamber of commerce, a young professionals club, or a well-known entity like the National Association of ReAlTORs,® there are plenty of avenues to explore that can boost your business as you forge new bonds. Take a look at some of the following advantages that detail just how game-changing a professional organization can be for an agent or broker. 4
Networking made easy — This may seem obvious, but joining a professional organization populated by others excelling in your field is a one-stop-shop for endless networking opportunities. However, this goes far beyond the simple act of adding names to your contact sheet. A local or even statewide real estate scene can be surprisingly small. If you’ve made pleasantries with another agent or lender through a professional organization, you’ve already built a baseline of understanding should you cross paths while doing business. On the other hand, if you need to reach out to a fellow agent or lender in the course of a deal who you don’t know, your professional organization could provide a common connection that will make your introduction easier. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine
Working in real estate is a roundthe-clock job, but make time for the things that matter. If you want your business to enjoy longevity in this industry, don’t go it alone. want to update your resume. Aside from the skillbuilding and networking opportunities inherent in joining a professional organization, it’ll also round out your experience and engagement in your field. Besides, you never know who will be the person reviewing your resume. Perhaps he or she also has a connection to your professional organization. either way, you’ll showcase the fact that you’re willing to go above and beyond office hours to grow in and support your industry.
Build your skills — Professional organizations are often built, at least in part, to unite and uplift entrepreneurs on a common path. With that in mind, professional organizations will often offer — free of charge, subsidized, or discounted — access to continuing education opportunities, seminars, speaker series, and more. In the real estate world, staying ahead of the industry’s constant evolutions is a key ingredient to long-term success. This means that taking advantage of skill-building courses and activities can give you the boost you need to grow as a professional and business owner. Boost your resume — Perhaps you’re moving offices or making a shift in your career path — you’ll Copyright Featured Agent Magazine
Lean on a support system — Yes, professional advancement is a great reason to get involved in a local, state, or national real estate or lending organization. But have you have ever considered the emotional benefits of communing with your fellow agents or loan officers, or with others working hard as business owners in your community? Don’t bring your gripes and anxieties home with you. If you’re feeling frustrated, vexed by a problem, or simply want to talk shop with a fellow industry insider, a professional organization can give you a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on.
Working in real estate is a round-the-clock job, but make time for the things that matter. If you want your business to enjoy longevity in this industry, don’t go it alone. Reach out to a professional organization that interests you — whether its focus is charitable volunteer work, skill-building, or otherwise. From there, you’ll meet others working hard on the hustle, just like you. Come for the comradery and stay for the endless professional advantages that will be a boon to your business. 5
Get the look — Avoid (or fix)
these common decorating mistakes You don’t have to be (or hire) an interior decorator to create a beautiful home that’s warm and inviting. Your own style, taste and imagination should dictate your decorating choices. But there are some common mistakes that can undermine the best home decorating intentions. Here are some of the most common ones, and how you can avoid them — or fix them if you’ve already gone down that path. Shift Out of Neutral — Neutrals can be a great, basic backdrop. But when you put together an entire room of neutrals without some color to break it up, you run the risk of a room that looks too sterile, plain and frankly, a little boring. Fortunately, adding color is one of the easiest and most fun parts of decorating. You can paint a wall or trim, add solid color or print decorative pillows and throw blankets, create a grouping of colored candles and of course, add colorful framed wall art. If you’re still convinced neutrals are the only choice, there are other ways to add interest to the room. Try varying the tones and strength of the dominant shade, incorporating textures like velvet, corduroy or linen or even adding splashes of a complementary metallic finish like warm copper or cool chrome. Hang ‘Em (not too) High — You want to make your ceilings appear higher, so you hang your pictures up closer to them. Mission accomplished, right? Not exactly. Hanging pictures much higher than eye level won’t fool anyone. It will just look like you didn’t judge eye level correctly. A better solution is to add elements to the room that the eyes will naturally follow in a height-enhancing vertical line. Try a large urn with stalks of bamboo, a tall potted tree, or a sleek standing lamp. Placed in corners of the room, these elements will trick the eye into the illusion of higher ceilings. Where’s the Rug? — Have you ever been served what appears to be a small amount of food on a huge plate? It might be that the portion size is thoroughly adequate, but the scale of the plate can make it appear woefully unsatisfying. The same principle applies to selecting rugs. A too-small rug in a large space just looks off, and can diminish the effect of an otherwise 6
lovely room because all people can focus on is that oddly tiny rug. Generally speaking, a rug should be large enough to reach the legs of all the surrounding furniture (and it’s fine if it’s larger than that). D.I… Why? — There’s nothing wrong with adding personality to your rooms by incorporating decorative elements you’ve made yourself. But keep in mind that when it comes to DIY, a little goes a long way. That coffee table made out of recycled palettes topped by glitter-enhanced Mason jar vases featuring bouquets of tissue-paper flowers might not come off as whimsical as you’d hoped. To avoid giving your rooms the look of an arts-and-crafts studio, stick with a single DIY accent piece per room. Break up that Perfect Match — When shopping for furniture, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking all the pieces have to match to complete the room (and your salesperson will certainly encourage that thought). The truth is, overly matched sets of furniture tend to make a room look dated and unimaginative. Plus, it ends up being a waste of money. Certain pieces will inevitably wear out and need to be replaced or recovered before others do. You will be better off choosing individual pieces of furniture that you like, and selecting one unifying theme to tie them together, think scale, design era or color. This allows you to easily mix and match pieces as needed, both within the room and throughout the house. In the Spotlight — There’s no doubt overhead lighting is practical and convenient. But relying on that as the sole source of light in your rooms can leave them feeling too cold and commercial. Be sure to add some table and stand lamps for a softer, more inviting glow. Also, consider adding dimmer switches so you can control the brightness level of overhead lighting.
Decorating your home doesn’t have to be stressful. Following these simple guidelines will help your good taste shine through and allow you to create attractive, comfortable rooms you and your family can live in and truly enjoy. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine
LANCE KING KING REALTY GROUP
LANCE KING King Realty Group is not just another brokerage. They do many things differently, and they’re proud of those differences. As award-winning Founder lance King explains, “While many others pay lip service to a team approach and client interests first, we live it every day and it’s a huge benefit to everyone we represent.” King Realty Group has been a fixture in the Bay area since 2006. One key to their longevity is a strong reputation for professionalism, transparency, and expertise with both clients and other agents. Those agents have come to know that King Realty Group only brings buyers who are fully informed about potential flaws, and are fully committed to the purchase.
This philosophy not only leads to an unparalleled history of transactions closing without drama, but a staggering percentage of their offers getting accepted because King Realty Group’s clients consistently go to the front of the line. And the team adds value well beyond the normal agent skill set. With multiple members having construction experience, and lance being a former owner of a nationwide construction supply company and veteran of running multiple remodeling projects, they have the knowledge to help buyers assess potential costs for repairs and upgrades, in addition to avoiding problems. Their company culture is also unique. “Although we’re not related, we operate very much like a family. We’re
“WHILE MANY OTHERS PAY LIP SERVICE TO A TEAM APPROACH AND CLIENT INTERESTS FIRST, WE LIVE IT EVERY DAY AND IT’S A HUGE BENEFIT TO EVERYONE WE REPRESENT.”
8
Copyright Featured Agent Magazine
KING REALTY GROUP very transparent with each other, we’re honest with each other, and everyone checks their ego at the door. We do the same with other agents, which is why they like dealing with us so much.” lance is also passionate about the way to do business, and anyone who wants to join must fit in with the team and do real estate the right way. The fortunate ones who are chosen receive extensive training, coaching, and mentoring, which usually leads to faster success. A big part of that training is an educational approach to the business rather than just trying to make deals. This has led to a client loyalty percentage that is off the charts, with one client who never ended up buying being responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars in commission from referrals. “I really enjoy empowering people to do great
things with their life, both personally and professionally,” says lance. like many companies, King Realty Group has had to adapt over the past few years, and one point of honor has been their ability to change with the times. Just like they shifted their approach during the sub-prime meltdown many years ago, they have kept themselves relevant over the years by adding cutting edge technologies to their arsenal, many of which even the biggest companies have not accomplished. Because of King Realty Group’s tight-knit culture and ability to think out of the box, during the pandemic they were quickly able to pivot and had their best two years ever. For example, where many agents complained about
“ALTHOUGH WE’RE NOT RELATED, WE OPERATE VERY MUCH LIKE A FAMILY. WE’RE VERY TRANSPARENT WITH EACH OTHER, WE’RE HONEST WITH EACH OTHER, AND EVERYONE CHECKS THEIR EGO AT THE DOOR.”
Copyright Featured Agent Magazine
9
“I REALLY ENJOY EMPOWERING PEOPLE TO DO GREAT THINGS WITH THEIR LIFE, BOTH PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY.” the inability to hold open houses, King Realty Group recognized the opportunity that came with buyers not being able to see places on their own, acquiring substantially more clients than ever before. This out of the box thinking is a powerful tool for sellers as well, because they do many things routinely that other agents never consider. This has led to great success regardless of market conditions, because they know how to attract buyers and also how to choose the right buyer when offers come. One of the most impressive things about King Realty Group is the scope of their presence despite their size. lance has made a point of growing KRG’s digital presence
before that was even a thing, through client reviews, online posts, and answering thousands of buyer and seller questions online over the years. The end result is that other agents know them well, and buyers and sellers frequently find them organically. When he’s not busy being a Broker, lance enjoys volunteering at his daughter’s school, exercising, riding, playing tennis, and making music. He and his family also love to travel, with these experiences heightened by the family’s combined fluency in spanish and French. Their next trip is to Portugal, and lance and his daughter are having a lot of fun learning Portuguese together.
LANCE KING | KING REALTY GROUP 415.722.5549 | LANCE@KING-REALTYGROUP.COM KING-REALTYGROUP.COM 10
Copyright Featured Agent Magazine
Play it safe — Security tips
for real estate professionals
It might not be something you think about often, but keeping yourself safe, both in person and online, should be a priority for every real estate professional. It’s important to consider not only your physical safety, but also the security of the sensitive information you work with every day. Here are several safety precautions you can take to protect yourself in the real and virtual worlds.
Physical Safety Chances are, you will go your whole career without encountering someone who wishes to do you harm. But working in a business where you’re consistently meeting new people, it just makes good sense to watch out for your personal safety. These tips will help: Stay Alert & Aware — We all have a tendency to stay glued to our screens, but doing so in public can compromise your safety. When you enter any new surroundings, take a break from scrolling to do a quick mental inventory of who you see, what they’re doing, the general layout of the room and where the exits are. Taking a few moments to familiarize yourself with your surroundings can help you make decisions more quickly if needed. Share Your Whereabouts — When you leave the office, make sure at least one colleague knows where you’re going, who you’re meeting and what time you expect to be back. send a quick text to let them know when you arrive safely, and again when your meeting is over. Also keep your electronic calendar up-to-date and easy to view so colleagues know where and when to expect you. Ask for I.D. — Ideally, meet with new clients for the first time in the office. While they’re there, make a copy of their driver’s license or another photo I.D. to have on file. If they’re hesitant to share it with you, that could be a red flag. Avoid Oversharing — All good relationships evolve over time. The first meeting with a new prospect isn’t the time to divulge highly personal details or Copyright Featured Agent Magazine
logistical specifics, such as your home address. There will be plenty of time to learn more about each other as the rapport develops. Lead from Behind — When showing homes, let your clients go ahead of you while you guide and direct them from behind. It helps you keep track of where they are in the home at all times and minimizes the possibility of being caught off guard by someone coming up behind you. Be Prepared — Take a self-defense or martial arts class. Carry a personal alarm and pepper spray. Do whatever you have to do to make sure you feel safe and confident when going about your job. And if you ever feel like your personal safety is threatened, get out of the situation immediately. If it’s a false alarm, a little embarrassment is the smallest price to pay.
Cyber Security If it seems you hear about a new cyber scam, hack or security breach every day, it’s because there’s no end to the ways criminals have learned to exploit our reliance on technology. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to ensure the absolute safety and security of online information. These tips, however, will help you be more aware and spot potential issues before they become a problem. Be Picky with Passwords — The days of using ‘password 123’ for all accounts on every platform is long gone. experts agree that the more complex the password is, the better. Many platforms now require more intricate passwords, but even if it’s not required, choose passwords that include a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols, preferably in random, meaningless order. Get Wise to Phishing Scams — Phishing scams go all the way back to the days of the Nigerian prince promising to fork over his inheritance in exchange for a small fee. And now that they’ve gotten much more clever, even the savviest online users have fallen for them. Just remember to never respond to an 11
unsolicited email asking for personal details such as ssN, bank account information or credit card numbers. even if an email appears legitimate, it’s worth the extra time it takes to pick up the phone and verify who is requesting the information and why they need it. Don’t Fall for Adware — Adware and malware scams trick you into doing the dirty work for the bad guys. An ominous-looking pop-up ad claiming your computer’s security has been compromised will appear, instructing you to download software that will fix the problem. If you proceed with the download, you will be installing malware on your computer that could do anything from tracking your keystrokes to wiping out your hard drive. In some cases, these ads will lock up your computer and literally hold it for ransom until you call a number and provide bank account information for thieves to drain your account. If one of these ads appears, close out of it immediately (without clicking on anything) and restart your computer. If you have reason to believe your computer has been compromised in any way, seek the assistance of an IT professional.
12
Safety Quick Tips • Keep your phone charged at all times • Travel light; carry only what you need • Never text or take notes while driving • Avoid showing houses after dark when possible • Establish a panic phrase to use with colleagues on the phone or via text
Rather than thinking about personal and online safety as separate and distinct issues, incorporate these practical tips into your daily routine and they will soon become second nature. Your clients, colleagues and everyone who cares about will be happy you did.
Copyright Featured Agent Magazine
featuredagent ELLIOT ENGEL magazine
elliot engel may still be relatively fresh on the real estate scene, but he’s no stranger to dealing with people and knows the city well. After graduating from the University of Madison, elliot moved to san Francisco and began working in hospitality and fine dining. Due to his natural way with people and dedication to making dining an experience, within short order he was working at one of the finest Michelin starred restaurants in the city. Despite that success, he found himself wanting more. “I loved working at high-end restaurants, but I reached the top of what I could do there aside from opening my own restaurant. That was never my dream — getting into real estate was,” elliot says. Just as he was considering whether to pursue that dream, a serendipitous meeting with Broker lance King brought his life in a new direction. “He explained to me the values of King Realty Group, which sounded a lot different from what I had heard about real estate.” King liked what he saw in elliot and invited him to attend weekly meetings. seeing his potential, it wasn’t long before elliot was asked to join the team. One of the things King Realty Group does differently is go all in on their team members, so by the time elliot received his license, he had already been training for months. “That’s one of the really special things about King Realty Group. The training starts right away, whether you already have your license or not,” elliot explains. Their approach to training isn’t all that sets King Realty Group apart. “We work on everything together. There’s a lead agent, but we almost always work in pairs so clients always have someone in the know to call.”
The team also believes in total transparency. “We do not hesitate to tell you something that might change your mind. It’s really important to us that you see what’s potentially wrong with something before you can say you love it, or let you know it might not be the best time to sell.” elliot’s background in hospitality makes him a better and more compassionate agent. He knows the importance of seeing every interaction from the client’s perspective and prioritizing their satisfaction. “It’s been a really seamless transition because I’m used to dealing with people who have high expectations,” he says. “Things go wrong with a meal and you likely have an angry person staring you right in the face. That experience has been really important.” elliot comes from a family of educators, and has long volunteered in after-school tutoring programs himself. This teaching background has also made him stand out as an agent. “A big part of real estate is educating your clients so they make good decisions. And the process of guiding them, holding their hand, and showing them that it’s not as confusing as it seems up front has been really rewarding,” he says. “And I love seeing the excitement and joy that my clients have when they close their sale or move into their new home.” lance and the team have helped elliot learn the importance of patience and consistency. “In this industry you can’t be driven by immediate results. I’ve been taught to take the long-term approach, which is taking care of your clients and knowing if you do that well, the money will come,” elliot shares. “That’s not only the right thing to do, but it’s paid off in spades. I really feel like I’m on the right path, and I love what I do.” Outside of work, elliot loves spending time in nature, traveling, and appreciating the diverse food and music scene of the area.
ELLIOT ENGEL
608.712.6933 | elliot@king-realtygroup.com king-realtygroup.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine
13
featuredagent Ellen Jones magazine
ellen Jones has always felt passionately about houses and local architecture. “I’ve owned a dozen homes, and been through many remodels,” she shares. And reflecting on the many times she had to relocate throughout her long career as a retail executive, she exclaims, “I was usually more excited about the new house than the new job.” After her daughter graduated from college, ellen decided it was time to make a dramatic career switch to pursue her interest in real estate and acquired her license. she immediately began to rise in the ranks in the typical big box Brokerage but found the culture of “deals first clients later” off-putting. she met Broker lance King as the Buyer Agent on one of KRG’s listings. she walked away from that transaction thinking, “This is how Real estate should be done.” ellen was seeking a mentor relationship and found it in spades through lance’s compassionate and intelligent leadership. she knew immediately that the King Realty Group’s way of doing things was not only special, but also perfectly suited to her. “lance is like no other broker,” she says. “Absolutely no one does business the way he does.” Valuing honesty and fairness very highly, ellen found both of these virtues chimed with King Realty Group’s business philosophy. she takes a facts first approach, always communicating directly and never sugarcoating anything. This kind of staunch integrity has landed ellen her own unique place in the King Realty Group family, and she has grown remarkably fast as an agent there. “I’m having my best year ever — probably by double — and I attribute that 100% to lance’s mentorship, and the fact that when other agents see an offer from us we usually go right to the front of the line.” Though ellen has lived all across the country, she is a san Franciscan at heart, and is dedicated to the city in
both her work and her personal life. Her favorite part of the city is the Northern neighborhoods, but she serves all around the metro area, and has an intimate knowledge of the city at large. ellen loves history and spends a great deal of time reading about local history and architecture, both for her own enrichment as well as to supplement her acumen as a ReAlTOR.® Knowing the social and historical context of san Francisco’s development has provided her a deep familiarity with the city, something she cherishes and puts into practice by experiencing it firsthand as often as she can. she is a member of the Russian Hill Neighborhood Association and the land Use Committee, organizations that focus on the vitality of the local community. A Democrat to the core, she also works with an organization by the name of Field Team 6 which aims to register Democrats to vote. They are currently developing a platform called the Blue Voter Guide, devoted to educating voters on their local candidates for office, an effort greatly aided by ellen’s knowledge of the city and its dynamics. ellen recently joined Next Village sF as a volunteer and fundraiser. Next Village is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empower members to live independently in their own homes as they age. education is the name of the game for her, and she now feels it essential to continue her own learning in the nitty gritty details of the industry to improve her own practice and continue to grow her business. Great change is on the horizon for ellen, but as she says, “I think fearlessness in the face of change is probably my best asset.” she truly is a fearless agent, and will go as far as necessary in order to find the perfect home for a client, no matter how arduous the search. This is how ellen makes great strides as an agent and builds long lasting, trusting relationships with clients and colleagues alike. By next year, she plans to have acquired her broker’s license, and from there the sky is the limit. “I wake up everyday really excited to get up and get to work!”
Ellen Jones
415.517.1402 | ellen@king-realtygroup.com king-realtygroup.com 14
Copyright Featured Agent Magazine
FHA, Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac —
The basics of government mortgage loans When it comes time to buy a home, determining which loan is best for you can feel overwhelming. There are many loan options available, some of which are known as government loans, or government-backed loans. Many buyers take comfort in opting for these types of loans — known as FHA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac loans — as they offer terrific benefits for both first-time homebuyers and seasoned homebuyers. Here is an overview of what these types of government mortgage loans offer borrowers: FHA — FHA stands for Federal Housing Authority, and as its name implies, these loans are insured by the U.s. Federal Housing Authority, and are issued by federally qualified lenders. FHA loans appeal to many buyers, particularly first-time homebuyers Copyright Featured Agent Magazine
because they typically offer less stringent qualification requirements, and often allow borrowers to make a smaller down payment. For example, FHA loans may be available to homebuyers with less than perfect credit. In fact, many people can secure FHA loans as long as their credit score is above 500. However, the down payments required for an FHA loan are contingent upon credit scores. Borrowers with a credit score of 500-579 will need at least 10% down in order to obtain the loan. Buyers with a credit score of 580 or more may be eligible for down payments as low as 3.5%. Other benefits afforded by FHA loans include allowing borrowers to use down payment assistant programs, or 15
When selecting a mortgage loan, it is smart to engage the services of a trusted, reputable mortgage professional. That way, you’ll be able to discuss all options available to you for a home purchase or a refinance loan, so you can make the best decision for you and your family.
to use money received as a gift from a family member as a down payment. Grants may also be used to cover a down payment. FHA is also open to allowing the builder, seller, or lender to pay for part of your closing costs, which include things like appraisals, credit reports, or title expenses.
a credit score of at least 620 to qualify for a fixed rate mortgage, while adjustable rate mortgages will require a credit score of 640. As a huge benefit though, first-time homebuyers with good credit who meet all other Fannie Mae requirements may be able to obtain a loan with a down payment requirement of just 3%.
It’s important to note that FHA loans are not obtained directly through the Housing Authority. They are the insurer, not the lender, so an FHA loan will need to be obtained through a qualified lender. In addition, it’s important to note that the costs and services charged by brokers, banks, or credit unions will vary, so it may be in your best interest to shop around before signing any paperwork.
Freddie Mac — Freddie Mac is the familiar name for the Federal Home loan Mortgage Corporation (FHlMC). like Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac is a government-owned corporation which buys mortgages, so banks and other lending companies don’t have to bear the burden of keeping 30-year loans on their books. Overall, Freddie Mac exists to help keep mortgage interest rates low, which serves as an incentive for first-time or experienced homebuyers to buy homes.
Fannie Mae — Fannie Mae is the familiar name for the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA). Fannie Mae is a government-owned business, which was created to enhance the country’s housing market, by purchasing mortgages from retail banks. This helps banks to loan more money, giving greater numbers of people the opportunity to purchase a home. The goal of Fannie Mae is to make housing more affordable for everyone. As such, Fannie Mae offers several assistance programs for first-time homebuyers, and for those needing down payment assistance.
Fannie Mae loans are only available for conforming loans, and there are certain requirements that must be met to obtain approval. In general, Fannie Mae loans will require that your debt-to-income ratio be below 36%, unless you have a high credit score and proof of financial reserves. Credit requirements for Fannie Mae loans are stricter than FHA loans. Buyers need 16
The requirements borrowers must meet to be approved for a Freddie Mac loan are very similar to the requirements of a Fannie Mae loan. That is, there is great emphasis on a borrower’s debt-to-income ratio, and a minimum score of 620 is typically required. The main difference between these two governmentowned corporations lies in which banks each agency buys loans from. Fannie Mae buys mortgages from retail banks, whereas Freddie Mac buys mortgages from smaller banks. When selecting a mortgage loan, it is smart to engage the services of a trusted, reputable mortgage professional. That way, you’ll be able to discuss all options available to you for a home purchase or a refinance loan, so you can make the best decision for you and your family. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine
featuredagent Adina Keller magazine
Working in real estate wasn’t part of Adina Keller’s plan. In fact, she had always wanted to be a nurse. When a family emergency changed that, Adina decided to stay the course as a healthcare manager. In 2015, fate stepped in again when her department was closed. “As it turned out, it was one of the best things that ever happened to me,” Adina recalls. “I was no longer feeling fulfilled with what I was doing and needed a change.” Around that time, while attending a party for parents of her child’s kindergarten class, Adina escaped the crowd by heading to the kitchen. lance King had the same idea. As they talked, Adina mentioned that she’d recently been laid off. lance asked whether she’d considered real estate. Adina was intrigued. “We set up a meeting for the following week, and I loved what I heard.” King Realty Group aligned well with Adina’s family-first values, and she appreciated lance’s one-on-one mentorship. By March 2017, Adina was on her way to a standout career in real estate. “For me it’s about transparency and honesty,” Adina says of her career. “I think to myself, if I were looking to buy or sell, beyond being good at real estate, I would want my agent to be honest.” Adina always puts her clients’ needs first and is willing to talk them out of a purchase if she doesn’t think it’s a good fit. she also makes a point to review all available documents before writing offers. “You’d be surprised the number of times I’ve found something in the disclosures that they didn’t know about,” she explains. “My job is to protect my clients’ interests. It’s not just about the aesthetics of the place, but the underlying issues as well.” she asks clients to show her the courtesy of being just
as honest. “I always tell buyers or sellers, ‘Please let me know if you’d like me to do anything differently.’ In the end our primary objective is that people are thrilled with our efforts.” That humility and willingness to adapt makes Adina’s relationship with each client even stronger — and these relationships are very important to Adina. she particularly enjoys working with seniors, as she was raised by her grandparents and spent a lot of time with them and their friends. “I really enjoy working with the older crowd,” she says. “They always have something to teach you.” Her advice to anyone considering a career in real estate is to know whether or not you can be comfortable with a career that puts you in front of others. “Making that initial contact with folks can be daunting,” she explains. even after years in the industry, as an introvert, Adina still struggles with approaching others. It’s a career that takes constant work and sacrifice, but still, she can see the beauty in it. Helping others is not just her job but her passion. Adina is certified as a coach for A Matter of Balance, a Meals on Wheels program that helps seniors improve mobility and balance. she is considering becoming a substitute teacher with her local school district as well as volunteering as an adult reading tutor. she is also pursuing her real estate broker’s license and hopes to someday lead her own brokerage. In her rare free moments, Adina enjoys traveling and reading hard copy novels. “I like my Kindle, but there’s nothing like the smell and weight of an actual book.” she also loves exploring nature with her family, taking long walks on the beautiful trails of Contra Costa County, and exploring pick-your-own orchards, among many other unique east Bay experiences. “I was born and raised in san Francisco and swore I’d never leave. But now that I’m on the other side of the bridge I’m loving every minute of it.”
Adina Keller
415.713.4833 | adina@king-realtygroup.com king-realtygroup.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine
17
Buyer beware — Common pitfalls
to avoid when purchasing a home Buying a home is not only a large financial investment, it’s also a significant emotional investment. With so much at stake, the process deserves your undivided attention. To ensure that buying a home goes as smoothly as possible, it’s wise to learn from the mistakes of others, and avoid common home buying errors. Here is a list of six common pitfalls to avoid when purchasing a home. Falling for a Home Before Your Finances Are in Order — Nearly all ReAlTORs® will give you the same advice when it comes to beginning your search for a new home or your first home. That advice will be: make sure you have your mortgage preapproval in place. This will prevent you from falling for a home outside of your budget, thereby safeguarding you from disappointment. It will also save you time, as your ReAlTOR® will be able to find the greatest selection of homes that meet your needs, within your price range. Attempting to Buy a Home Without a REALTOR® Representing You — Many people do buy homes without the advocacy of a buyer’s agent. However, it’s not recommended for first-time or relatively inexperienced buyers. This is because there are so many moving parts in a real estate transaction, that even small missteps can lead to missing out on the perfect home. Because ReAlTORs® spend every day immersed in the process of buying and selling homes, they are a veritable treasure trove of information. From knowledge of various neighborhoods, to premium negotiating skills, to advocating for various improvements or concessions, having a reputable buyer’s agent working on your behalf is in your best interest. Buying the Most Expensive Home You Can Afford — There’s something to be said for exercising a little financial restraint when it comes to buying a home. In other words, it’s not necessarily in your best interest to buy a home that totally maxes out your spending power. Instead, consider keeping a bit of money on hand, for things like upgrades, or unplanned expenses such as having to replace a furnace or hot water heater. 18
Buying a Home You Don’t Like — In effort to secure a foothold in the real estate market, many firsttime home buyers purchase homes that they just really don’t like. This should be avoided at all costs. That’s not to say that your first home must be your dream home, but you should find more things you love about it, than things you dislike about it. Buying a home, just because you can, or feel like you need to, can lead to buyer’s remorse and/or resentment. Make sure that you can truly see yourself living in a home, and enjoying it before you make an offer. Purchasing a Home When You Plan to Move Again Soon — life happens, and there is no way to fully anticipate every possible scenario, such as having to move because your job suddenly transfers you. However, if you know for certain that you’re planning to move within a relatively short period of time, it’s not in your best interest to buy a home, only to live in for a very short time. Doing so can lead to losing money, particularly if the market declines in the short time you’re in the home, or if you’ve purchased with a no money down loan. Buying Without a Home Inspection — Different states have different laws on housing inspections. However, no matter where you live, you should never miss the opportunity to have a full inspection conducted to confirm the home you’re planning to purchase is foundationally, electrically, and structurally sound. Buying a home without having a full understanding of potential problems is unwise in all cases. Insist upon a home inspection before you buy.
Buying a home should be an exciting experience, not an emotionally or financially exhaustive endeavor. In effort to enjoy the process, it is smart to engage the services and expertise of a licensed real estate agent, who can answer any and all questions you have, negotiate on your behalf, safeguard you from potential delays and missed opportunities, and educate you along the way. With an ally working on your behalf, the process of finding and buying a home can be a lot of fun, and there’s a good chance you’ll make a friend along the way. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine
featuredagent Sierra Sanders magazine
As she managed the buildings, she watched as tenants worked toward becoming homebuyers and became interested in being a part of that process. In 2014, sierra earned her real estate license and moved into sales, specializing in condos, which are a common choice for first-time buyers. sierra works hard to make the home-buying journey a happy one for every client. she knows that her buyers are often experiencing big life changes like marriage or a growing family, and she prides herself on keeping the homebuying process as easy and simple as it can be. she also appreciates that sellers have a lot on the line, because they often can’t make the move forward without being able to sell.
You might say that sierra sanders was meant for success in real estate. “My grandmother had her license, my mom and dad both had their licenses, and my uncle has his license, so growing up I always felt like it was a family thing,” she shares. “When I was a kid, if there was an open house in our neighborhood, my mom and I would always go check it out.” After sierra moved to san Francisco, she began helping her dad manage apartment buildings and realized her affinity for the business was more than just family ties. she found that she liked the management side of real estate — and she was good at it, too.
As the sales manager for King Realty Group, sierra still gets plenty of opportunities to flex her managerial skills as well. she helps the team create goals and development plans, arranges meetings, and tracks sales to make sure individual and group goals are being met. While team members are all very independent, sierra helps them to identify potential areas for growth. eventually, sierra would like to get more involved with clients who are getting ready to make the transition from tenant to homeowner. “Whether it’s next year or in a couple of years, whatever the timeline looks like for someone, I’d like to be their coach.” With so much experience and knowledge to share, sierra certainly has a lot to offer these clients. Outside of work, sierra loves being in nature. she and her husband often bike or ski in Tahoe and take long bike rides around san Francisco. They also love exploring the many wonderful local restaurants.
Sierra Sanders
415.741.9941 | sierra@king-realtygroup.com king-realtygroup.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine
19
featuredagent
magazine
Featured Agent Magazine is a valuable resource for both real estate clients and professionals alike.
f
tu Home buyers and sellers
Let us introduce you to real estate professionals ready to assist with your next transaction. Moving can be stressful! We hope to educate and inform you about the process and share tips and insight on how to make the experience smooth and enjoyable. tu Agents and real estate professionals
Take advantage of the opportunity to share, network and be seen. Along the way, pick up tips and ideas to help grow your business, increase motivation and achieve your goals.
Visit our website for more information and to find out how to recommend a professional to be featured, advertise or subscribe.
www.featuredagentmagazine.com contact@featuredagentmagazine.com 888.437.5707
