Buyer's Guide

THE COMPLETE HOME BUYING EXPERIENCE

HOME Is Where Your Story Begins

Meet Janell Schmittling

Janell started her career in real estate in 2006 and opened her own brokerage in 2019. She loves working with friends and family of previous clients and helped more than 130 families buy or sell a home in 2022. Her business is her passion, and she loves helping her team grow to their full potential. When Janell isn’t working, she recharges by spending time with her husband and two kids.

Janell’s vision was to open a boutique brokerage that offers a team approach. In this market, getting to the closing table requires a team approach, and unlike typical brokerages, Homes by Janell offers a full range of services to provide you with the best experience possible. From our concierge services to our business directory to our referral network, we have all the resources needed to be your one stop real estate resource. Our team is service-focused and is highly skilled and trained in every area of the real estate transaction.

Broker/Owner Homes by Janell

Meet our Team

ADMINADMIN

WHY WE WORK BY REFERRAL

Trust is key when working by referral. When most people start to look for a service, they hope to find someone that is trustworthy. What could be better than knowing that you are going into a new situation with someone who is highly recommended, proven, and on top of it all, she’s on your side?

You are in control.

Without your referrals, our business fails. So, in order to ensure that you are thrilled to recommend us, I have no choice other than to exceed your expectations. I’m invested in you. When we are done working together, I don’t expect to give you the keys and never speak to you again. I want to leave every transaction with a new friend, a new relationship and a client that is ready to let others know exactly who I am when it comes to business.

Trust before transaction.

WE want to get to know you.

We work by referral only and gain new business through people who’ve trusted us with theirs, and they expect us to provide the same exemplary service that they received to the people that they refer to us. It benefits us and our clients to work in this manner because it allows us to spend more time on our clients instead of promoting ourselves.

LET ME HELP YOU BEFORE, DURING & AFTER THE SALE

Many people have questions about real estate outside of an active real estate transaction. I am happy to answer those questions at any time and strive to be a well of helpful, reliable information that you can return to again and again

REAL ESTATE NEWS YOU CAN USE

MAXIMIZE RESALE POTENTIAL

COMMUNITY INSIGHT

LET’S TALK MARKET VALUE

THE VALUE OF REFERRALS

90%

HELP WHENEVER YOU NEED IT

Of consumers worldwide said they are most likely to trust the recommendations of the people they know, according to recent market research conducted by The Nielson Company

purchasing pathway

A step-by-step game plan for what to expect from initial consultation all the way through to the closing of your home.

 Initial appointment

 Determine the purchasing parameters

 Acquire a pre-approval

 View homes

 Write the contract

 Deposit earnest money

 Perform the home inspections

 Appraisal

 Final walk through

 Execute the closing documents

WHAT DO YOU WANT & NEED IN A HOME

Here are many of the considerations you’ll want to discuss with your buyer’s rep:

Basic Home Features: single-family, townhome, private land.

Desired # of bedrooms, bathrooms

Preferences regarding kitchen, family room, layout

Storage spaces (closets, basement, outdoor storage)

Other Home Preferences: Ranch, 2-story, split level

Age and style of the home

Neighborhood/Location: Commuting considerations

Local schools

Ideal views and landscape

Trade-offs:

What are you willing to compromise on

Resale:

How long do you plan to live there

Housing market trends

WHAT NOT TO DO DURING THE LOAN PROCESS

Don’t apply for new credit of any kind. Including those “You have been preapproved” credit card invites that you receive in the mail.

Don’t max out or over charge on your credit card accounts. This is the fastest way to bring your score down 50-100 points immediately.

Don’t consolidate your debt into 1 or 2 credit cards. It seems like it would be a smart thing to do but the credit system will penalize you.

Don’t do anything that will cause a red flag to be raised by the scoring system. This would include adding new accounts, cosigning on a loan, changing your name or address with the bureaus.

Do stay current on existing accounts like your mortgage and car payments. One 30 day late can cost you between 30-75 points.

Do continue to use your credit as normal. Changing your pattern could raise a red flag and affect your credit score.

Do call your lender. If you have any questions about what to do, or not do, you should contact your mortgage lender.

How to find the right lender

Shop around!

Consider different options like your bank, credit union or a local mortgage consultant. Ask about rates, loan terms, down payments, mortgage insurance, closing costs and fees.

We can offer some options for you to get started!

Concierge program

If your new home is in need of updates, repairs, remodel or renovation… we have someone for that! Our Concierge Manager can get you moving in the right direction with by helping to connect you with service providers in our area.

Tiffany Miller Concierge Manager

Our Concierge Manager, Tiffany, is also a Certified Color Expert and can help you select the perfect color for any room in your house. Contact our office for pricing details and to set up an appointment 618-726-2242 or email

tiffany@homesbyjanell.com

DISABLE VETERAN’S HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

The Governor has signed SB107 into law. For taxable years 2015 and thereafter: if a veteran has a service-connected disability certified by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, they are entitled to an exemption as follows:

You will need copies of the following to apply:

• DD214

• Deed to your house

• Award Letter from the Veteran’s Administration

• PTAX 342

• Driver’s License or State ID

Veteran’s that have already filed for their exemption under the previous statue will see the adjustment automatically through St. Clair County. Veterans that are 30%-49% service-related disabled will need to apply with the PTAX 342 form.

Any questions, please call 800-825-2704

Buyer beware: Understanding property disclosures

Buying a home can present hidden risks. While sellers must provide prospective buyers with complete and accurate descriptions of properties for sale, each state varies regarding the details sellers must legally disclose to buyers.

Issues to consider

Home condition-Structural

 Roof  Foundation

 Interior/exterior walls  Fireplace/chimney  Windows/doors

 Ceilings

 Garage

 Patio/deck

Home condition-Mechanical

 Plumbing system

 Electrical system

 Heating and/or A/C

 Sewer and/or septic system

 Built-in appliances

 Other systems and fixtures

Environmental Hazards

 Asbestos

 Lead-based paint*

 Meth lab

 Mold

 Radon

Legal/Financial

 Possible short sale or foreclosure

 Violation of building codes, zoning ordinances, covenants

 Zoning

 HOA obligations

 Tenancies, judgements or tax liens

 Proposed assessments or zoning changes

 Mechanics’ or materialmen's’ liens

Off-Site Conditions

 Highways

 Railroads

 Commercial industries

 Military installations

 Superfund sites

 Toxic waste dumps

Other Conditions

 Neighborhood noise

 Safety

 Traffic

 Flood zones

 Shared driveways, walls, or encroachments

For your protection: Get a home inspection

Why a Buyer Needs a Home Inspection

In a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth, unbiased look at our potential new home.

You Must Ask for a Home Inspection

A home inspection will only occur if you arrange for one. FHA does not perform one. You may be able to make your contract contingent on the results of the inspection.

Appraisals are Different from Home Inspections

Appraisals estimate the value of the property for lenders. An appraisal is required to ensure the property is marketable.

FHA Does Not Guarantee the Value or Condition of your Potential New Home

If you find problems with your new home after closing, FHA cannot give or lend you money for repairs, and FHA cannot buy the home back from you.

Radon Gas Testing and Other Safety Issues

The US EPA and the SG of the US have recommended that all houses should be tested for radon.

Be an Informed Buyer

It is your responsibility to be an informed buyer. You have the right to carefully examine your potential new home with a qualified home inspector.

buyers

Closing costs

Ideally, each party will pay their own closing costs associated with the purchase and the sale of a home, but they can be negotiable based on lender requirements and market conditions. The fees are usually paid at the settlement and will be itemized on the closing statement.

Buyers closing costs can range between 2-10% of the sales price.

Buyers are required to be provided a standard Closing Disclosure form at least 3 business days before the loan closing date.

Fees connected to a mortgage

o LOAN ORIGINATION FEE

o VA FUNDING FEE

o APPRAISAL

o ATTORNEY FEE

o DISCOUNT POINTS

o LENDER’S TITLE INSURANCE

o MORTGAGE INSURANCE

o RECORDING FEES

o SURVEY FEES

o UNDERWRITING FEE

Fees required by mortgage for escrow account

o PROPERTY TAXES

o PROPERTY INSURANCE

o FLOOD INSURANCE

Fees connected to purchase of home

o SETTLEMENT FEE

o HOA FEE

o OWNER’S TITLE INSURANCE

o PEST INSPECTION

o PROPERTY INSPECTION

o TITLE SEARCH

o TRANSFER TAXES

Final walk-through checklist

After weeks of house hunting, negotiating, and packing, the time has finally arrived to close on your new home!

Your buyer’s representative can assist you in this process. Some of the most important points to cover include:

 Have all agreed upon repairs completed

 Has the associated paperwork been submitted?

 Have the sellers removed any contents that are supposed to stay?

 Are there any signs of new damage?

 Test the faucets.

 Check under the sinks for leaks.

 Flush all the toilets, are they working properly?

 Are there any clogged drains?

 Do all the windows open, close and lock properly?

 Do all exterior and interior doors open and close properly?

 Do the locks work?

 Do all the appliances in the home operate correctly?

 Refrigerator

 Dishwasher

 Stove, cook-top, oven, microwave

 Garbage disposal

 Exhaust fans

 Ceiling fans

 Do all the light fixtures turn on?

 Does every outlet have power?

 Has there been any damage to:

 Exterior walls or roof

 Driveway

 Landscaping

 Other

8weeks

Moving checklist

Moving into your new home is a big job. The further ahead you plan, the smoother it will go!

 Call moving companies for estimates.

 Remove and dispose of unnecessary possessions.

 Start compiling an inventory of your possessions

 Get a floor plan of your new home to help you decide which furnishings you want to keep and which room they will go in.

 Start a file of moving-related papers and receipts

 Locate schools, healthcare professionals and hospitals in your new location.

 Arrange to transfer your children’s school records and family medical records.

6weeks

 Choose a mover and sign contract.

 Contact your HOA’s insurance agent about coverage for moving and secure more, if necessary.

 Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowners, medical, and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home,

4weeks

Moving checklist

Moving into your new home is a big job. The further ahead you plan, the smoother it will go!

 Create a file of important documents.

 If moving from an apartment, arrange for a refund of your security deposit.

 Start using up things you can’t move like perishables and liquid cleaning supplies.

 Notify the businesses of your address change

 USPS

 Banks

 Credit card companies

 Relatives and friends

 Insurance agents

 Utilities

 Make travel plans, if necessary.

3weeks

 Arrange to close existing bank accounts and open new accounts in new area.

 Arrange for child care on moving day

2weeks

 Arrange special transport for your pets and plants

 Contact your moving company and review arrangements for your move

 Pack moving-essential boxes (important documents, travel clothes, personal items, Rx’s)

1week

 Confirm all final arrangements with your mover and other service providers

OPTIMIZE YOUR OPTIONS

WHEN MOVING OUT OF THE AREA

Don’t rely on strangers for your real estate needs!

I’m part of the Buffini Referral Network, an exclusive network for real estate professionals who are committed to providing value to their clients before, during and after the transaction. Because moving can be a stressful process, let me help ease the transition by putting you in touch with a local expert.

Why work with a Buffini Referral Network agent?

We have an exceptionally high standards and are committed to providing world class service, expert negotiations, and effective communication.

TESTIMONIAL

What people are saying about my business:

My experience with Janell and team selling our homes was nothing short of 100% customer satisfaction. They treated us like family with courtesy and understanding. If any questions arose, Janell and crew was patient and thorough in a timely manner. All these ladies went above and beyond with hospitality, knowing this was our first time using a realtor. The first interested party bought from us, and every little detail was handled and explained by this company of caring staff. I would highly recommend

Words can’t not begin to express how grateful I am to have found Rachel Grimm at Homes by Janell. She helped us to buy our home sight unseen and went above and beyond to make it happen in this tough market. I feel like I not only found an amazing realtor but also a friend. I will recommend this agency and her to everyone I know! The entire office staff was super ❤️ friendly and knowledgeable.

My family and I had a chance to use Homes by Janell for both selling and buying. We had an amazing experience, and I would recommend them to everyone. They were very in depth with requests, reviewing documents and quick to respond. They listened to any concerns we had and made sure to ease our anxiety. Highly recommend!

We recommend Homes by Janell to anyone looking to buy or sell. The communication with the team was excellent, the resources available were very helpful. The team made it so much easier to sell our home from afar! Please reach out to them for your real estate needs!

We were referred to Tracey Brown & right from the start we knew we were at the right place! She was amazing, explained everything in detail as we were first time buyers. By the end of closing, we felt like we were all family. Would use this company again and again!

Moving to another state?

We can help!