Gueco Group Homebuyer Handbook

Page 1

GUECO GROUP


KEVIN GUECO YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT

As a dedicated full-time real estate professional, Kevin Gueco combines an understanding of the real estate market with the latest technology in order to provide world-class service to people who are as serious about meeting their real estate goals as he is to helping his clients achieve them. Kevin was an early pioneer of using professional video production to market his listings, often resulting in sight-unseen, all-cash offers. This forward-thinking strategy integrated with Climb Real Estate’s print marketing, public relations, online marketing, social media, and hyper-local advertising all make Kevin’s marketing campaign for your property the most comprehensive in the industry. Kevin establishes clients for life by putting their interests first and by striving to exceed their expectations. He has the strategic industry partnerships that are necessary to better advise clients in the negotiation and marketing involved with real property sales transactions. A principled negotiator, he keeps issues in perspective and intuitively finds solutions. In today’s competitive marketplace, up to the minute information is vital to every real estate transaction. As your personal real estate consultant, Kevin is committed to doing his “HOMEwork” and yours. While attending the University of California, Los Angeles, Kevin was introduced to real estate through his work at GBInvestments, a property management firm that managed over 3 dozen commercial properties in Santa Monica. With stellar grades, clinical experience, and an MCAT score of 28, Kevin was on track to attend medical school. But after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology, he decided to entertain a passion for food and explore his options in culinary arts. It was by working as a line cook at Bradley Ogden’s Arterra that Kevin learned

about the teamwork, time management, preparation, and standard of perfection that are necessary to run not only a top-rated restaurant, but any successful business. San Francisco not only is the food capital of the west coast, but it also happens to be one of the best real estate markets in the world. So it did not surprise anyone when Kevin found himself going back to his roots in real estate. “It was only by working in a fine dining environment that I was able to understand the true meaning of customer service. There is nothing I won’t do for my clients.” Armed with local market knowledge, years of experience, and an innate desire to help others, Kevin is on his way to becoming one of the most respected real estate professionals in the nation. As a member of the nonprofit Home for a Home, Kevin donates a percentage of his income from each transaction to build a home for a family in critical need. When you choose to work with Kevin Gueco, you are improving the lives of families in one of the poorest areas of highland Guatemala by helping fund the construction of safe, secure homes in their village. Kevin is also a strong supporter of the nonprofit Minds Matter, which rewards high-achieving low-income students from local San Francisco communities with mentorships, enriching summer programs, financial aid, and scholarships, which simultaneously broaden their life dreams and prepare them for college success.



SALES RECORD Almost all investment literature warns you that past performance is no guarantee of future results. However, if you want to get a sense of the sales accomplishments of an experienced agent, check out some highlights of Kevin Gueco’s past transactions and notable sales.

718 Long Bridge #1609 | $2,700,000 355 1st. #2102 | $1,915,000 732 Long Bridge #311 | $1,788,000 435 China Basin #439 | $1,775,000 420 Mission Bay Blvd. #1103 | $1,750,000 480 Mission Bay #1006 | $1,749,000 333 Beale #2E | $1,595,000 1160 Mission #506 | $1,430,000 420 Mission Bay #509 | $1,385,000 1160 Mission #2103 | $1,325,000 330 Mission Bay #605 | $1,298,000 1189 Tennessee #403 | $1,295,000 170 King #927 | $1,295,000 330 Mission Bay #601 | $1,288,000 1160 Mission #1801 | $1,200,000 738 Long Bridge #711 | $1,167,300 1788 Clay St. #211 | $1,143,000 325 China Basin #607 | $1,148,000 60 Prosper St. | $1,110,000 330 Mission Bay #401 | $1,100,000 1160 Mission #1108 | $1,100,000 1555 21st Ave | $1,100,000 425 1st #1307 | $1,050,000 4205 25th St. | $1,000,000 1160 Mission #606 | $1,000,000 400 Beale #1407 | $993,000 1019 Rhode Island | $965,000 1234 Howard #3D | $960,000 480 Mission Bay #918 | $959,225 1160 Mission #2302 | $959,000 16 Jennifer Place | $950,000

330 Mission Bay Blvd #409 | $949,000 1160 Mission #1207 | $945,000 420 Mission Bay #410 | $926,000 435 China Basin #217 | $925,000 420 Mission Bay #411 | $915,750 1160 Mission #1114 | $900,000 50 Lansing #107 | $888,000 1080 Sutter #201 | $885,000 246 2nd St., #1306 | $880,000 555 4th St. #929 | $875,000 177 Townsend #422 | $875,000 1362 Stevenson | $870,000 25 Sierra #204 | $863,000 1273A Rhode Island | $850,000 435 China Basin #214 | $850,000 177 Townsend #435 | $850,000 1160 Mission #1710 | $840,000 177 Townsend #435 | $840,000 16 Jessie #109 | $825,000 829 Folsom #616 | $800,000 11 Avocet | $785,000 7 Hallam #1C | $775,000 435 China Basin #340 | $768,000 420 Mission Bay #705 | $765,000 1160 Mission #602 | $760,000 1160 Mission #1910 | $755,000 645 Haight #6A | $749,000 829 Folson #414 | $730,000 325 China Basin #106 | $720,000 177 Townsend #930 | $710,000


TOP

PRODUCER 2009 - 2015

TOP 0.05% TOP 1% CONDO SALES

ALL SALES CITY-WIDE

18 300+ CAREER DEALS

DEALS IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS

=5 TRANSACTIONS

35+ 30 25 20

#1 IN SALES

20+ 15 10

#1 IN SALES


YOUR COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO BUYING A HOME CLIMB REAL ESTATE’S IN-DEPTH GUIDE OFFERS HOME BUYERS A DETAILED OVERVIEW OF THE PROCESS OF BUYING A HOME. THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROCESS, YOUR CLIMB AGENT WILL SUPPORT YOU EACH STEP OF THE WAY, FROM START TO FINISH, AND WILL BE WITH YOU EVEN AFTER YOU’VE MOVED IN.

Founded in 2005 by some of the city’s most innovative agents, we are one of the top tier brokerages in San Francisco, with an emphasis on urban-style properties in the Bay Area. We are the #1 resale brokerage for District 9 (which includes SOMA, South Beach, Rincon Hill, Potrero Hill, Mission Bay, Yerba Buena, and Central Waterfront). From Telegraph Hill to Noe Valley, Presidio Heights to Hayes Valley, West Portal to The Marina, Climb Real Estate specializes in finding you the perfect urban home.

Buying a new home is both a financial and emotional experience that requires you to make life-changing decisions. In today’s competitive and complex real estate market, working with a licensed, experienced real estate agent will ensure that you find a home that best satisfies your hopes and needs and that provides the most advantageous terms and conditions for you. Working with a Climb agent will provide you with the best representation San Francisco has to offer.



CLIMB’S DOMINANT MARKET SHARE WE ARE SAN FRANCISCO’S FASTEST GROWING BROKERAGE.

Since 2010, we’ve grown 238% in total market share, outpacing any national franchise or regional general brokerage.* Align yourself with San Francisco’s most dynamic and growing brokerage. In San Francisco, we are the 7th ranked real estate brokerage for total sales transactions for single-family homes and condominiums.** We are the 8th ranked company in total sales transactions during that same period.

Climb is also the #2 brokerage for lofts city-wide. In SOMA, South Beach, Mission Bay, Yerba Buena, Potrero Hill, the Mission, Bernal Heights, and Inner Mission, Climb Real Estate is #1. ***

* According to SFAR MLS 2010-2012 sold data ** According to SFAR MLS data for single-family homes and condo sales *** According to SFAR MLS data, YTD 2013 sales volume


238%

SINCE 2010

1

OFFICE IN LOFT LISTINGS

IN SAN FRANCISCO

TOTAL GROWTH IN MARKET SHARE

6

TH

RANKED OFFICE IN SF

(TOTAL $ VOLUME FOR SFR/ CONDOS/ LOFTS)

RANKED OFFICE IN SF

5

TH

NUMBER OF LISTINGS SOLD FOR SFR/ CONDOS/ LOFTS

1

DISTRICT 9

IN LISTINGS; BOTH # AND $ VOLUME

SOUTH BEACH

TOTAL $ AND TOTAL VOLUME

MISSION BAY TOTAL # OF LISTINGS

SOMA

# OF LISTINGS AND $ VOLUME OF LISTINGS SOLD

CENTRAL WATERFRONT

$ VOLUME OF SALES

YERBA BUENA

# OF LISTINGS AND $ VOLUME OF LISTINGS SOLD



GLOBAL REACH, LOCAL KNOWLEDGE READY TO SERVE IN ANY LANGUAGE

Our network encompasses thousands of sales associates in over 60 countries, including cities such as New York, London, Paris, Milan, Sydney, Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo,


THE GUECO GROUP 1 Kevin Gueco Top Producer 2 Dallas E. Pardoe II Client Liaison 3 Justin Fichelson Client Liaison 4 Chris Lim Marketing Director 5 Brad Combs Transaction Manager


WORLD-CLASS LEADERSHIP

Climb’s leadership brings to the team a rich and diverse set of skills in marketing, technology, and operations. Their hands-on leadership style fosters a cohesive, collaborative approach to real estate that sets them apart in the industry. Winning strategies in sales and operations begin with identifying and meeting our customer needs. Our teams meet regularly to ensure we are continually evaluating processes to provide consistently superior performance internally and externally.

THE GUECO GROUP 1 Kevin Gueco Top Producer, Founding Associate 2 Dallas E. Pardoe II Client Liaison, Realtor 3 Marcell Neri Client Liaison, Realtor 4 January Brannon Client Liaison, Realtor 5 Tiffany Combs Managing Broker, Top Producer 5 Eugene Pak Sales Manager, SFAR President 6 Justin Fichelson Luxury Ambassador


THE BUYING PROCESS THIS GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATES A TYPICAL EX AMPLE OF THE HOME BUYING PROCESS FROM START TO FINISH.

2

MAKE AN OFFER

• Obtain loan pre-approval letter from lenders. • Determine budget and price range for home based on income, assets, and personal financial plan. • Meet with tax and financial professional to understand benefits and ramifications of prospective purchase.

• Review comparable sales and discuss appropriate offer strategies. • Review and sign all available disclosures and reports. • Prepare detailed offer package including bank statements, introductory letter, and loan preapproval. • Present offer package and purchase contract in person. • Negotiate the best possible price for your new home!

LOAN UNDERWRITING AND APPRAISAL • Underwriting file review. • Appraisal completed and reviewed by lender. • Final financing approval by lender.

SUBMIT HOME INFO TO LENDER

INSPECTION REVIEW

• Submit purchase contract to lender for processing. • Schedule appraisal (by lender). • Confirm contingency removal and loan condition dates.

INSPECTIONS AND PROPERTY CONDITION • Conduct buyer Inspections: property, pest, chimney, roof, etc. • Conduct second review of seller disclosures. • Review homeowner’s association documents (if applicable).

• If new critical issues are discovered during buyer inspections, negotiate repairs or renegotiate price.

HOME INSURANCE • Select home insurance company and coverage. • Submit insurance information to escrow.

LOAN PRE-APPROVAL

• Choose and pay for escrow. • Order preliminary title report (title company). • Deposit funds into escrow account.

• Tour properties that meet your home search criteria. • Monitor market activity with Clean Offer listing alert service. • Leverage climbsf.com network for upcoming listings available for preview. • Identify off-market, for sale by owner, and expired listings matching requirements.

ESCROW SETUP

HOME SHOPPING

• Understand your objectives, priorities, and time frames. • Discuss buying process overview. • Examine local market conditions. • Discuss lending qualification. • Define agency relationship. • Define how we will work together.

INITIAL CONSULTATION

DUE DILIGENCE

FINDING YOUR NEW HOME

1

REMOVE CONTINGENCIES • After property inspections and confirmation of loan document approval, remove contingencies.


4

CLOSING

• Set up utilities: electricity, water, garbage, phone, internet, alarm, etc. • Contact HOA office to schedule move-in (if applicable). • Schedule move.

• Review all closing and transaction costs. • Sign loan documents. • Provide cashier’s check or send wire for down payment and closing costs. • Lender sends balance of funding to title company one business day prior to close.

FIRST THINGS FIRST • Change all locks on all doors and update security system. • Complete any planned repairs or improvements. • Get acquainted with your new neighborhood and community.

GETTING ORGANIZED

MOVING DETAILS

SIGN-OFF AND LOAN FUNDING

RECORD AND CLOSE ESCROW • Deed is recorded in person at County recorder’s office by title company representative. • Obtain keys to your new home!

• Update estate plan and trust. • Review all appliance and warranty materials. • Schedule future required maintenance (re-seal counters, change/clean filters, etc). File home warranty plan. • Note upcoming property tax payments and supplemental property tax bill.

• Confirm property condition and completed repairs, if any. Property condition should be consistent with condition on date of ratification.

FINAL WALKTHROUGH

MOVING IN

3

PG 32–35

SETTLING IN • Attend HOA meetings and meet your neighbors. • Unpack, unwind and enjoy your new home.


BUYER REPRESENTATION CLIMB REAL ESTATE GROUP IS WIDELY RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE BAY AREA’S LEADING REAL ESTATE COMPANIES.

Climb Real Estate offers a proven approach to purchasing some of San Francisco’s most desirable homes. All Climb agents are focused on delivering unmatched results with the advantage of strong industry relationships, dedicated broker support, focused research, and deep experience. When you work with a dedicated buyer’s agent, you are joining forces with a company with a stellar reputation for delivering on buyers’ needs and expectations.

Climb agents undergo training on a regular basis to learn new innovations and strengthen their skills. An experienced team including a full-time broker, sales manager, and legal counsel is available to support all of our agents.



LOAN PRE-APPROVAL FOR BUYERS FINANCING THEIR HOME, PLANNING IS CRUCIAL. SEVERAL FACTORS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED TO ENSURE THE LOAN PROCESS GOES SMOOTHLY.

DETERMINING THE RIGHT PRICE RANGE The first step in buying a house is to determine the price range that is right for you. You will need to consider how much you are prepared to invest in your home and how much you will need to borrow. You should also consider how much property taxes and insurance will add to your monthly mortgage payment. DETERMINING CASH YOU WILL NEED You will need enough cash to cover both your down payment and any closing costs associated with the purchase. Closing costs vary significantly based on the terms of your loan but are generally 1% to 2% of the purchase price. Also, keep in mind any immediate postclosing costs, such as moving, cleaning, repairs, etc. DETERMINING ADDITIONAL COSTS Your Climb agent will help estimate your purchasing power and your carrying costs, but it is highly recommended that you discuss your cash needs and tax ramifications with an accountant and/or financial advisor.

PRE-APPROVAL FOR A LOAN An offer is given greater consideration by a seller if it is accompanied by a pre-approval letter from a reputable lender or local mortgage broker. This assures the seller that you will be able to obtain the proposed financing and will not tie up the property needlessly. Lenders will inquire about the following six critical factors: 1. Income 2. Savings/capital/investments 3. Credit history 4. Debt level/ratio 5. Employment history 6. The value of the property you wish to purchase Climb Real Estate can recommend several reputable lending institutions from which you may obtain pre-approved financing.


QUICK TIP: THE RULE OF TWOS

2

YEARS OF TA X RETURNS PAYSTUBS/W2S MOST RECENT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


THE POWER AND MYTH OF THE INTERNET

Buyers rely on the Internet as their first resource in purchasing a home. The Internet provides access to a wealth of information, but misinformation also exists. While many Internet sites like Zillow and Trulia are a great resource, please contact your real estate professional for understanding true market value.


OVERLOADED WITH DATA?

È

È OUR AGENTS ARE EXPERTS AT FILTERING THROUGH ALL THE INFORMATION OUT THERE

È MAKING SURE YOU’RE LEFT WITH ONLY THE MOST HELPFUL INFORMATION


FINDING THE RIGHT HOME WE STRIVE TO FIND A HOME THAT IS A PERFECT MATCH FOR YOUR GOALS, PRIORITIES, AND NEEDS.

In the initial buyer meeting, your Climb agent will work with you to begin the search for a property that suits your lifestyle and needs. We will discuss price and potential neighborhood(s). We will take the time to analyze how you live and establish your lifestyle priorities.

As an example, if you work at home, a space for an office may be essential. If you entertain often, you may want more spacious rooms for entertaining. If you are a gourmet chef, a well-appointed kitchen is a high priority.



QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER CREATE A WISH LIST, THEN PRIORITIZE. LET YOUR IMAGINATION RUN WILD WHEN CREATING YOUR INITIAL LIST OF PARAMETERS. THEN PRIORITIZE YOUR LIST CAREFULLY. YOU MAY HAVE TO MAKE SOME TRADE-OFFS BETWEEN THE VARIOUS ITEMS ON YOUR WISH LIST.

• When would you like to move? • How long have you been looking? • What do you like most about your present home? • What do you like least about your current home? • What neighborhoods do you like? • What style of property would you like? (e.g., Victorian, Marina, contemporary) • What property condition are you looking for? (e.g. fixer-upper, new construction)

• Is your home currently on the market? How long has it been on the market? What is the asking price? • Do you need to be near public transportation or highways? • Do you prefer to be in a location with close proximity to amenities? • Are you the sole buyers or do you have partners? • What features are you looking for?

FEATURES TO CONSIDER • Single family • Condominium/loft • Multiple units (flats) • Bedrooms (#) • Baths (#) • Square footage • Separate dining room • Eat-in kitchen

• Play area • View • Garden/yard • Parking/garage • Weather • Transportation • Shopping • Other needs/features



THE HOUSE HUNT YOUR CLIMB AGENT WILL HELP YOU BEGIN YOUR SEARCH BY NARROWING DOWN YOUR PREFERENCES. WITHIN THESE PARAMETERS, YOUR AGENT WILL WORK WITH YOU TO FIND YOUR PERFECT HOME AMONG THE MANY SOURCES AVAILABLE TO US: THE MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE (MLS), OFF-MARKET PROPERTIES, NEW CONSTRUCTION, AND IN SOME CASES, HUD AND BANK-OWNED PROPERTIES.


PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET Whenever possible, your agent will preview properties before showing them to you to ensure they meet your criteria. While your agent will arrange a time to view new listings, keep yourself available to act on short notice when desirable or well-priced properties become available. SUNDAY OPEN HOUSES You may wish to attend Sunday open houses on your own. When doing so, please inform the agent holding the open house that you are working with a Climb agent and provide him or her with your agent’s name. BROKER TOURS Each Tuesday in San Francisco, new property listings are open to agents and brokers for viewing. If there is a new listing that is appropriate for you, your agent will provide you with the address and arrange for a showing at your earliest convenience. THE BEST APPROACH TO VIEWING A PROPERTY Each time you view a property, compare that property’s characteristics to your search parameters. If a specific home falls short of your desires, consider whether you can alter the home to make it acceptable. Some features are impossible to change, such as location, but other features can be changed or modified by painting, remodeling, or making structural alterations.

QUESTIONS TO ASK When you see a property that meets most of your criteria and is a likely prospect for further consideration, ask additional questions, such as the following: Are there any recent inspection reports? The seller may have a recent pest control or general contractor’s inspection report available for review. What is the condition of the plumbing, heating, electrical system and the roof? If these systems are old, the cost to repair or replace should be considered and included in the terms and conditions of your offer. Are there any signs of dampness or drainage issues? These conditions can be difficult and expensive to correct. Were there improvements made and were they done with permits? Many properties in San Francisco have had improvements or additions completed without the benefit of permits and may not comply with San Francisco building and zoning codes. Your agent can arrange to obtain a full disclosure package from the listing agent, which should include details on property improvements.


MAKING THE OFFER YOUR CLIMB REAL ESTATE AGENT WILL HELP YOU CONSTRUCT A WINNING OFFER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT CURRENT MARKET CONDITIONS AND FAIR MARKET VALUE.


FINANCIAL AND EMOTIONAL CONSIDERATIONS Once you have identified the property that meets your criteria and are prepared to make an offer, there are financial, psychological, and emotional considerations to structuring your offer. Is this property “hot” (i.e. extremely desirable—one that could invite multiple offers)? If the seller counters your offer and asks for a higher price, what is your top dollar? Does the property need improvement? How motivated is the seller? How motivated are you? What contingencies have you placed on the offer? Do you have to sell a property in order to purchase this one? Are you preapproved for a loan? WRITING AN OFFER Several factors should be considered in your offer: PURCHASE PRICE Having viewed other comparable properties, you will have a good idea of the value of your prospective home. Your agent can provide you with information about similar properties in the neighborhood that have sold recently. This information will help establish fair market value and guide you to the “right price”. LOAN CONTINGENCY If you are obtaining a loan to finance the purchase of your home, your agent will structure a contract to allow reasonable time to obtain a loan from a lender of your choice and at terms which are acceptable to you. It often takes 2 to 3 weeks to obtain a loan commitment.

INSPECTIONS In the majority of transactions, offers are made contingent upon obtaining and approving inspection reports on the property by licensed professionals. This is to inform and protect the buyer about known and unknown conditions. We generally recommend that two major inspections be conducted: pest control and general contractor/home. PERSONAL PROPERTY TO BE INCLUDED It is important to clearly identify all personal property that will be included in the sale. PRESENTING AND NEGOTIATING YOUR OFFER Your Climb agent will represent you to the seller and seller’s agent in the best light possible to obtain an accepted offer. When presenting your offer, documents such as preapprovals and financial statements are often appropriate. SUBMITTING YOUR DEPOSIT A good faith deposit must accompany your offer. It is customary for your initial deposit to be 3% of the purchase price. This is usually a personal check made payable to a title company of your choice. Climb agents do not directly handle client’s checks. They will help make arrangements for the client to deposit any check directly with the escrow company and into the designated escrow account.


THE POWER OF NEGOTIATION YOUR INTERESTS COME FIRST. OUR GOAL IS SIMPLY TO OBTAIN THE BEST PRICE FOR YOU.

Buying a home is one the most important purchases you will make in your lifetime. Working with the right agent for you is crucial. You want a partner on your side who is persistent, loyal, straightforward, and most importantly, has your best interest at all times. That is why it is our policy never to have the same agent represent both buyer and seller. The best negotiation approach can vary depending on the property and your situation. Consult with your agent to help you get the home you want—at the best possible price!



LIFE OF AN ESCROW ONCE YOUR CONTRACT IS ACCEPTED, THE ESCROW PROCESS BEGINS. WORKING CLOSELY WITH YOUR AGENT AND LENDER WILL ENSURE A SMOOTH AND SUCCESSFUL TRANSACTION.


Broker/Client Opens Escrow

Order Preliminary Report from Title Company

Receive and Review Preliminary Report

Order Statements of Identity on Buyers and Sellers and Clear General Index Matters

Order Beneficiary Statements at Client's Request

Order Demands at Client's Request

Receive Demands and Review then Notify Client

Receive Beneficiary Statement, Review Terms of Transfer, Notify Client

Forward Bills from Termite, Roofers, Appliance Inspection, and Home Warranty to an Escrow at Direction of Client

Receive Loan Documents from Lender

Prepare Buyer's and Seller's Instructions and Pertinent Documents

Call Brokers or Clients for Terms

Execute and Return Buyer's and Seller's Instructions and Documents with Funds

Review File to Determine That All Conditions Have Been Met, All Documents are Properly Executed and Notarized, and Good Funds are Received

Forward Documents to Recording Desk "On Hold"

Request Loan Funds from Lender

Do Policy Write-Up

Receive Loan Funds

Order Recording Audit Escrow

Prepare Closing Statements, Disburse Funds, Closing File


THE IMPORTANCE OF INSPECTIONS ONCE AN OFFER IS ACCEPTED AND THE TRANSACTION IS OFFICIALLY IN CONTRACT, THE CONTINGENCY PERIOD BEGINS. THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS PERIOD OF DUE DILIGENCE IS FOR THE BUYER TO GAIN A THOROUGH UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONDITION OF THE PROPERTY, AND, MOST CRUCIALLY, CONDUCT DETAILED INSPECTIONS FOR NECESSARY REPAIRS OR ALTERATIONS.

WHILE MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF INSPECTIONS CAN BE PERFORMED ON A RESIDENTIAL HOME, THE MOST COMMON INSPECTIONS ARE: • Home or Property/Contractor • Pest or Termite • Roof • Chimney • Sewer Lateral • Structural/Engineering • Noise • Condo Document Review Your Climb agent will work with you to determine which inspections should be conducted. We also highly recommend that you attend the inspections in person. This is a great opportunity for you to learn firsthand about the condition of the home.



CONTINGENCY REMOVAL PROCESS ONCE AN OFFER IS ACCEPTED, PLACING CONTINGENCIES IN THE CONTRACT GIVES THE BUYER AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DUE DILIGENCE OR TO TAKE SPECIFIC STEPS WITHIN A GIVEN TIME FRAME. IT IS ESSENTIAL TO MEET THE SPECIFIED DEADLINES FOR EACH CONTINGENCY AND REMOVE THEM IN WRITING.

TYPICAL PURCHASE AGREEMENTS CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING CONTINGENCIES FOR THE BUYER: • Seller Disclosure Statements • Inspection Contingency • Pest Inspection Contingency • Condo Document Review (if applicable) • Geological and Environmental • California Tax Reports • Appraisal Contingency • Loan Contingency • Preliminary Title Report • HOA Documents (if applicable) Once all contingencies are removed, you are effectively obligated to purchase the property. The understanding is that you are purchasing the property in its current condition (subject to any agreed repairs by the seller) and are planning to move forward with the purchase. At that point, your good faith deposit is at risk. Any failure to perform could result in a loss of all or part of your deposit.



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 NEGOTIABLE BETWEEN THE BUYER AND SELLER. THE FOLLOWING SETS FORTH THE CUSTOMARY DIVISION IN SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY.


THE BUYER CUSTOMARILY PAYS:

THE SELLER CUSTOMARILY PAYS:

• Title insurance premium for lender and buyer • Escrow fee • Notary fee • Contractor’s and pest inspection fees and other inspection fees • All new loan charges (points, appraisal, document processing fees, etc.) • Interest on new loan from date of funding to 30 days prior to the first payment date • Home warranty, if specified in contract • Homeowner’s insurance for first year • Property tax proration • Earthquake insurance (optional) • Private mortgage insurance (typically 2 months) if required by lender • Private mortgage insurance impound account (1 year) if required by lender • Property tax impound account, if required by lender • Move-in fee (for condominiums) • HOA account transfer fee • Condo/HOA Pro-Rata • Miscellaneous charges

• Real estate commission • Document preparation for deed • Documentary transfer tax (amount is dependent upon sales price)* • Payoff of all loans against property • Interest accrued on loans being paid off, reconveyance fees, and repayment penalties • Home warranty (if specified in contract) • Any judgment or tax liens against seller • Property tax proration • Unpaid homeowner’s dues (for condominiums) • Bonds or assessments • Delinquent taxes • Move-out fees (for condominiums) • Notary fees and recordation fees • Third party Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement and California Tax Disclosure Report • Pre-sale inspection fees • Underground storage tank report • Energy/water conservation inspection/repairs • Miscellaneous charges * For new construction, buyer often pays

CALIFORNIA CLOSING COSTS COUNTY

ESCROW CHARGES

TITLE FEES

OWNER’S POLICY

DOCUMENTARY TRANSFER TAX

CITY TRANSFER TAX

ALAMEDA

Buyer Pay

Buyer Pay

Seller Pay

Buyer/Seller-50% Berkeley $15.00 Piedmont $13.00 Albany $11.50

CONTRA COSTA

Buyer Pay

Buyer Pay

Seller Pay

Buyer/Seller-50%, In Richmond-$7.00

MARIN

Buyer

Buyer

Seller $1.10

Seller Pays, In Rafael $2.00/$1,000

SAN FRANCISCO

Buyer

Buyer

Seller

$5.00 for less than $250,000; $6.80 from $250,001 to $999,999; $7.50 from $1,000,000 to $4,999,999; $20.00 from $5,000,000 to $9,999,999 $25.00 from $10,000,000+

SAN MATEO

Buyer

Buyer

Seller $1.10

San Mateo $5.00/$1,000 Buyer/Seller-50%; Hillsborough $.030/$1,000-Negotiable

SONOMA

Buyer

Buyer

Seller $1.10

Seller: Vallejo-$3.30/$1,000; Petaluma-$2.00/$1,000; Cloverdale-$1.10/$1,000; Cotati-$1.90/$1,000; Sebastopol-$2.00/$1,000; Santa Rosa-$2.00/$1,000

$1.10/$1,000

(see City Transfer Tax)

AMOUNT PER $1,000

Alameda $12.00 Hayward $4.50 San Leandro $6.00 Oakland $15.00


MOVE-IN CHECKLIST MOVING CAN BE A STRESSFUL TIME. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR MOVE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. BELOW IS A CHECKLIST OF RECOMMENDED STEPS TO ENSURE THAT YOUR MOVE-IN GOES AS SMOOTHLY AS POSSIBLE.


BEFORE YOU LEAVE ADDRESS CHANGE NOTIFICATION • Post office forwarding address • Subscriptions • Friends and relatives • Bank and other financial institutions INSURANCE • Notify insurance companies of new address for coverage: life, health, fire, and auto CHANGE OVER SERVICES • Gas, electric, water, phone, cable TV, garbage, Internet, newspaper GATHER RECORDS (FOR MOVE TO A NEW CITY) • Ask doctor and dentist for referrals; transfer needed prescriptions, eyeglasses, x-rays • Obtain birth records, medical records, etc. • Obtain pet records, tags MOVING COMPANY • Make arrangements with moving company • Clean rugs or clothing before moving; have them moving-wrapped • Check insurance coverage, labor cost for packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, various shipping papers, method and time of expected payment • Plan for special care needs of infants or pets ON MOVING DAY (TO A NEW CITY) • Carry enough cash to cover cost of moving services and expenses until you establish bank accounts in your new city

• Carry jewelry and documents on your person—or use registered mail to deliver safely • Plan for transporting pets • Let a close friend or relative know the route and schedule you will travel, including overnight stops; use him/her as message headquarters • Double check closets, drawers, and shelves for items left behind • Leave old keys for new tenant or owner with realtor or neighbor AT YOUR NEW ADDRESS • Check if service is switched on for telephone, Internet, cable, gas, electricity, water, and garbage • Check pilot light on stove, hot water heater, and furnace • Check if appliances are working • Notify DMV of new address update for your driver’s license • Visit city offices and re-register to vote • Register car within five days after arrival in state or a penalty may have to be paid when obtaining new license plates • Apply for a driver’s license in your new state • Register children in school • Arrange for medical services: doctor, dentist, veterinarian, etc.


CLIMB’S BLACK BOOK WE HAVE WORKED WITH MANY INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS AND THE FOLLOWING ARE OUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HELPING YOU DURING AND AFTER ESCROW.


INSPECTORS AND CONTRACTORS

CABLE/INTERNET

GCIS (General Contractor) 415.822.9090 Lingruen Associates (Pest Control) 415.882.2324 Markoff Pest Control (Pest Control) 650.992.8900 Milazzo Inspection Services 415.821.7927 Presidio Property Inspection 415.647.1945 SJ Gogol (General Contractor & Pest Control) 415.333.9733 Wellington Termite Control (General Contractor and Pest Control) 415.239.1700 WW2 Inspections 415.845.1611

Comcast | Xfinity Cable 1.800.266.2278 (1800-Comcast) DirecTV | Satellite Provider 800.280.4388 AT&T 800.310.2355

MOVING COMPANIES White Glove Moving 415.577.4690 Delancey Street Movers 415.512.5110 Shamrock Moving & Storage 415.731.2777 ALARM SYSTEMS ADT 800.238.2727 Bay Alarm 800.610.1000

ELECTRICITY Pacific Gas & Electric 800.743.5000 GARBAGE COLLECTION Golden Gate Disposal 415.626.4000 COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION DATASOURCE Jacquie Berry 866.462.3627 WATER SERVICE San Francisco Water Department 415.923.2400 DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES 415.557.1170 OFFICIAL CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO WEBSITE Includes contact information for city agencies and services. www.ci.sf.ca.us


OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU AT CLIMB REAL ESTATE GROUP, WE ARE COMMITTED TO MAKING THE HOME BUYING EXPERIENCE A POSITIVE ONE FOR YOU.


WE VOW TO DO THE FOLLOWING FOR YOU:

IN RETURN, WE ASK THE FOLLOWING OF YOU:

• We make a commitment to act in your best interest while working diligently to find you the best fit for your needs.

• Your commitment to work with us exclusively for the duration of your search.

• We bring years of experience over many successful real estate transactions.

• Return a signed copy of the Buyer Broker Agreement and Disclosure of Agency Relationship.

• We provide you with access to professionals with a wide range of expertise in construction, community affairs, legal, social, and business issues. • The seller or developer of your new home will be responsible for payment. You will not be charged for our services. • Miscellaneous charges


KEVIN GUECO CLIENT REVIEWS BUYER’S TESTIMONIALS “I can say with 100% certainly that I would not have a house today if it weren’t for Kevin. We had a complicated list of requirements, wanted a place near 24th in Noe Valley, and had a maximum price that was beneath the standard of the area. Kevin, who came recommended from a friend, told us right off the bat we were going to need to be the first bid or get a place that was off market. Most important, as much as San Francisco expects a lot of overbidding and houses tend to go for 20% above asking, Kevin made sure the sellers knew the asking was our max. He arranged for us to compromise on move in dates and some other details, but we bought the house for the asking price, which is unheard of around here!” – WILLIAM C. “Kevin helped us purchase a dream condo in Financial District. We looked for 3 months prior to meeting him and could not find anything that we loved. Within a couple weeks of meeting him, he showed us several properties that matched our lifestyle and finally led to the perfect place that we now call a home. He had a lot of resources and connections under his belt to give us excellent options, and we really appreciated the rare opportunities he brought us. The purchasing process went seamlessly, and we felt like he was vouching for us until the end. In short, if you are looking for someone who is smart, savvy, resourceful and dependable, go with Kevin!.” - JANE “Kevin impressed us from the beginning with his fast paced, professional and results orientated demeanor which made him stand out early as someone I wanted to lock in as my dedicated buyers agent. Kevin helped ensure our finances were in place and then helped us look around the SOMA area and explore other areas to see how we liked them. His knowledge of San Francisco and his extensive network for upcoming pre-market listings helped us se-

cure a great house in Nob Hill before it was on Redfin. Kevin was really helpful in guiding our negotiations to secure a great price on our condo and even to exit our lease early, all with great success. He is highly responsive on email too. We are now enjoying a new neighborhood and a new condo that far exceeded our initial expectations! I would recommend Kevin to any of my friends and family looking to buy or sell in San Francisco.” - BEN “I’m adding to the noise here and throwing in 5 stars (as if he needed them!!) since Kevin earned those suckers. He helped me purchase a condo in Cow Hollow. But, just as important, he was incredibly responsive, proactive and informative during the house hunting process. When first introduced to me, Kevin learned what were the material factors of my target property so he could set up customized searches, with daily e-mail alerts to let me know what properties were on the market. As my home search progressed, my tastes evolved and, without my explicitly telling him, Kevin was able to sense them and adjust the search accordingly. Along the way, when I had questions-even if they were at 8:30pm on a weeknight or 9:00am on a weekend--Kevin responded to them quickly. This stellar delivery of service was particularly key for me since I work in a job with unpredictable (and at times, long) hours so when I have free time, I need to squeeze in as many personal errands (including househunting) as I can. Last, Kevin has a great, easy going manner that made the home searching-and purchasing--process enjoyable. I tried (and struck out) on several properties, but Kevin made sure to help me keep the search process in perspective. And when it came time to commit to signing on the dotted line, Kevin provided great market know-how on the pros and cons of properties I was considering. Go with Kevin. His service is as good as his hair in those promo photos.” - ANSON


“Kevin recently helped us find the perfect condominium in the South Beach/Mission Bay area. We are new to the neighborhood, having just sold our long-time single family home of 18 years on Twin Peaks Blvd., and we weren’t even sure what to look for in a condo purchase. Not to worry, Kevin knew all the ins and outs of this market, and knew about potential pitfalls that never even occurred to us. Yet, we never once felt pressure to buy anything. We just kept looking with Kevin’s directions until one condo “spoke to us,” and Kevin is handling the details in record time with efficiency and thoroughness. He even showed us the condo we are purchasing and took care of all the attendant paperwork etc for us during his longplanned personal weekend off. Now that’s commitment! We recommend him highly, and guarantee he will do incredible work for you.” – KANDACE “Kevin, recently helped us buy a little cottage in Noe Valley, which is an amazing location. Kevin made the process easy, his use of technology made the search and execution of the property straight forward despite the fact that my husband was in Europe at the time. He subsequently helped iron out a few wrinkles in the first few weeks of occupancy which we also greatly appreciated! - KATHERINE Kevin was a pleasure to work with. He had a nearinstantaneous response time which is awesome for anyone out there who is like me and wants immediate answers to everything :) and was very flexible with scheduling. He’s friendly and approachable and just “gets it”- he’s smart and knows what I’m trying to ask (given my limited knowledge of the house-buying process) and takes the time to explain things to my satisfaction. He made the entire process incredibly painless and efficient. If you want a great guy who knows his stuff and won’t waste your time, definitely give Kevin a ring! - CHRISTINE

I was a former South Beach renter looking to move back to the neighborhood. With the rising rents in SF, my move back to the city was contingent on buying a place. I knew right away that Kevin would go the distance to help me in the process. Being a first time home buyer, I was a novice to the buying process. Kevin was a great help in educating me on the process and making my offer competitive in the dynamics of the current market environment. Kevin was able to fast-track the process, from scheduling inspections to lining up financing, to ensure the condensed escrow timeline stayed on schedule. This was a huge help given my busy travel schedule for work during escrow. If you’re in the market to buy a home in SF, I would highly recommend you consult with Kevin.” - KRISH “Kevin helped us purchase a condo in SF (South Beach Area). He did an excellent job by not only taking the time to show different places but also did a terrific job negotiating with the seller to close the deal on time after we found the place that we wanted. During the search phase Kevin clearly understood us and was EXTREMELY proactive in keeping us updated of the upcoming properties. In several cases he used his network to keep us informed of pre-mls opportunities. It was tricky for us as we were initially based out of Australia, and then out of Mexico. Kevin was extremely flexible to ensure that during our fly back to SF he was available (even with last minute notices) to arrange for the property showings. During negotiations, he was very strategic to close the deal and ensure that the offer was accepted the first time, and saved us from a bidding war. Great negotiation and planning skills! He connected us with necessary supporting parties such as financiers, inspectors, and insurance companies. Again it was tricky as we were on vacation during the closing period, but he provided all his support to ensure that we closed within the agreed 21 day! Overall, we are exteremly satisfied with him and would definitely recommend him and love to work with him again.” - JOHN


“Kevin’s knowledge of both the neighborhood & intricacies of real estate made my life incredibly easy as a buyer. When I had a question, he got back to me ASAP with an answer. Kevin is a great communicator, and it never took him longer than a few hours to get back to me. Other agents took days. This was especially helpful as a first-time buyer. When it finally came time to negotiate with the seller, Kevin ended up getting me -THE BEST DEAL—in the entire building! THE lowest $/SF, you can check MLS for proof :) He went to bat for me and hit a grand slam. I can’t recommend him enough to my friends. You will NOT be disappointed with Kevin!.” - AARON “Not only did Kevin always help us with things directly and indirectly related to our hunt, he kept up with us and was very responsive, making sure nothing slipped — which is important since my wife and I both work full-time and needed that help. He was courteous, beyond-helpful, and got us the deal we wanted but never thought we’d get, without compromises! I highly recommend Kevin if you’re looking to get into the real estate market, especially if this is your first time. Having worked for months before with Redfin, I can say confidently we would never have gotten the place we really wanted without an agent like Kevin and his access to off-market deals. We already recommended him to another couple friend of ours and he got them an investor-owned property and they’re closing escrow soon too!” – STEVE & GERALDINE “As first time homebuyers, my husband and I needed help, and lots of it. We found that and more with Kevin. This guy is fantastic at what he does. He cares about his clients, he KNOWS the market, he knows about things that are not on the market and he goes to bat for each and every person he works with. Throughout the process of finding a home, we met many of Kevin’s other clients who ALL felt the same. Each person we met gave us more and more confidence that we had chosen the right agent to find us our first home. Not only is he a superb agent, he is also an all around great guy, who I would recommend to my closest friends and family when the opportunity arises. There is no question in my mind that he is the best at what he does, and from the looks of the other reviews, he is only getting better….” - LINDSEY & DAN

“Kevin was recommended to me by a colleague and I was thoroughly impressed. As a first time home buyer, I had a lot of questions and Kevin was very patient in answering all of them. In fact, he scheduled a first meeting to go through the entire home buying process with me and figure out exactly what I wanted. This was very helpful since I wasn’t sure myself! I travel a lot for work and Kevin was extremely accommodating with my schedule. He was available when I needed him and would always return my calls very promptly. The condo I purchased came on the market while I was out of town. Kevin sent me the listing and agreed to give me an evening showing the next night once I landed in SFO. There was a lot of interest in the unit but due to his quick action I was able to get my offer in first. I’ve been in my new place for several months now and am extremely happy with my purchase and the service that Kevin provided. I have no hesitation in recommending him to others!” - STACY



CLIMB REAL ESTATE GROUP BAY AREA LOCATIONS

POTRERO HILL 251 Rhode Island Street, Suite #105 San Francisco, CA 94103 NOE VALLEY 3961 24th Street San Francisco, CA 94114 MISSION BAY 325 Berry Street, Suite #119 San Francisco, CA 94158 MID-MARKET 25 Taylor Street San Francisco, CA 94102 JACK LONDON SQUARE 201 4th Street, Suite #102 Oakland, CA 94607 AIRSTREAM On Location Bay Area, CA

GUECO GROUP t 415.418.8850 e kevin@climbsf.com w guecogroup.com # CalBRE 1461677


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