The Home Buyer Guide
The Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Difference We are proud to lead the way in marketing and technology, however these innovations are not what define us. Our unparalleled value is in each one of our sales associates and their industry knowledge, professional experience and commitment to building a relationship with you that far outlasts the closing table. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is the FOREVER BrandSM. Our team members are local experts, community activists, liaisons, advisors and oftentimes a friendly ear to listen. We earn trust by partnering with you to achieve your goals and look forward to the opportunity to help you thrive in the communities we serve or wherever life takes you.
Initial Consultation
Beyond Closing
Financing
Home Buying Process
Finding the Right Home
The buyer experience begins and ends with you. I will serve as your professional consultant to guide you through this transition, and any future real estate needs. I am dedicated to streamlining your experience so you can focus on the demands of daily life.
Making an Offer
Closing
Contract Period
Negotiations
Initial Consultation
Determine criteria, needs and urgency. Discuss financing options and the process for finding the right property.
Financing
Introduction to our Home Mortgage Consultant and completion of the pre-approval process.
Home Loan Document Checklist Use this helpful checklist to gather documents for your home loan. Income Information
□ 3 0 days most recent pay stubs with year-to-date information for all jobs and for each borrower □ F ederal tax returns for the 2 most recent years (1040s) -2 or 1099 forms for the 2 most recent years □W □ R etirement and/or social security income award letter ritten explanation if employed less than 2 years or gap in employment in the last 2 years □W Credit Information
ost recent 2 months asset statement listed on the application — all pages to each statement even □M if blank (Example: checking account, savings account, CDs, money market accounts, IRA, 401k, etc.)
□ I f applicable: credit explanation letter for any late payments, collections, judgements or other derogatory credit items
□ D ocumentation for any large deposits outside payroll or gift fund deposits shown on asset statements □ I f applicable: previous payments for alternative credit sources Special Information, if applicable
□ L ast 3 years complete Federal tax returns (both personal & business returns) □ Y ear-to-date profit and loss statement □ L ist of all business debts Other Information
□ R eal Estate Agent Information (if applicable) Agent name: ___________________________________ Contact Number:_______________________________
□ H omeowners Insurance Information Agent name: ___________________________________ Contact Number:_______________________________
□ A dditional:___________________________________________ □ A dditional:___________________________________________ This list is only to be used as a guide.
Carolinas.PHMLoans.com
Finding the Right Home
Review various neighborhoods and areas to identify those that match your criteria. Begin home showings to find your perfect home.
Making an Offer Review of disclosures and property information to make an informed decision. Review comparable sales and market conditions to determine offer price. Be prepared with your pre-approval letter, due diligence fee, and earnest money deposit.
Negotiations
Offer is delivered to the listing agent for presentation to the seller. Seller responds with acceptance, rejection or a counter-offer. Offer becomes a binding contract once all parties have signed and communicated.
Contract Period • Monies referenced in offer are delivered • Property appraisal is conducted as part of the loan approval process • Schedule closing attorney • Select title insurance policy and secure homeowners insurance • Schedule inspections as requested on Professional Services Disclosure and Election form
• Arrange for movers and utility transfers • Review Closing Disclosure and arrange for monies to be delivered for settlement • Conduct your final walk-through of property • Attend settlement
Closing
Closing attorney records deed. Receive keys to your new home!
Beyond Closing At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Companies we are committed to building lasting relationships based on trust and care. I will continue to be a resource for you by providing annual real estate reviews and recommendations for service providers. I also look forward to assisting your friends and family.
Estimated Closing Costs Appraisal:
$ _____________________________________________
Attorney Fees:
$ _____________________________________________
Brokerage Fees:
$ _____________________________________________
Cost Associated with Loan:
$_____________________________________________
Mortgage consultant will provide estimate
Escrow Deposit:
$ _____________________________________________
Reserve for HOA dues, taxes, PMI, etc.
Homeowner’s Insurance:
$ _____________________________________________
Home Warranty:
$ _____________________________________________
Property Inspections:
$ _____________________________________________
Home, Radon, Septic, Well, Termite
Recording Fees:
$ _____________________________________________
Survey:
$ _____________________________________________
Title Insurance:
$ _____________________________________________
Other:
$ _____________________________________________
TOTAL CLOSING COSTS:
$ _____________________________________________
This should be used as a checklist for informational purposes only and costs are not to be construed as actual closing figures. A final, detailed breakdown will be made available before closing.
Smooth Transition to a New Home 4 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING • Contact and contract with a reputable moving company. • Have school records transferred. • Arrange to transfer or transport medical, dental, and other important records. • Transfer homeowner’s and auto insurance to be sure of continuous coverage. • Hold a garage sale, donate unneeded items, and place excess items in storage. • Keep track of moving related expenses (some may be deductible).
3 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING •C omplete change of address with the post office, subscriptions, credit card companies, and important contacts.
2 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING •A rrange for final utility readings at the former residence the day after moving out, and have utilities and phone turned on at the new home the day before moving in. • Close, update or transfer bank accounts. • Arrange for transfer of vehicle registration and drivers’ licenses. • Have an extra supply of prescription medications for the next four weeks. • Schedule a final walkthrough of the property; make sure everything is in order.
MOVING WEEK •K eep valuable financial records and personal papers with you; do not pack them with the rest of the household goods. •O n closing day, the home purchase documents are recorded and the home is now yours. • Move in.
AFTER MOVING IN • Consider plans for landscaping design, installation, and maintenance. • Review home security requirements and systems. •N ew home furnishings, appliances, and interior decorating will make the house a home.
Our Complete Suite of Home Services
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY wants to be in businesses that are enduring. Real estate brokerages will be around 100 years from now and HomeServices of America will be around 100 years from now. We love that HomeServices is part of Berkshire Hathaway and we would love to see it grow a lot. — Warren Buffett Chairman and CEO Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.
Relocation Services
Homeowners Insurance WHO WE ARE
OUR INSURANCE COMPANIES
We are one of the largest personal lines
• AIG
insurance agencies in the country offering
• Chubb
a simplified insurance experience. By working with the most financially secure
• Progressive
insurance carriers we are able to provide
• Travelers
our clients with the most competitively
• Universal Property
priced products specifically tailored to
• And More!
their individual needs.
WHY WE ARE HERE We are here to make the insurance process
AVAILABLE COVERAGE • Homeowners
as easy as possible for our clients. We shop
• Automobile
their insurance for them to find coverage
• Umbrella
tailored to their specific needs all while
• Jewelry, Fine Arts, Collectibles
providing them the highest level of customer service.
336-355-1602 email@homeservices-ins.com
HomeServices Insurance is a subsidiary of HomeServices of America.
• Recreational Vehicles • And More!
Title Insurance At real estate closings, the lender, if any,
provided title insurance to North Carolina
requires a title insurance policy (Loan
homebuyers for over 35 years. As an agent
Policy) to ensure that the lender’s interest
of First American Title, Commonwealth Land
in the property is protected. To protect your
Title and Chicago Title insurance companies,
investment and ownership in the property,
our experienced staff and legal team are
you also need a title insurance policy (Owner’s
prepared to handle all of your title insurance
Policy). There are no annual payments to keep
needs. We have access to over 2 million prior
the policy in force. A one-time fee at the real
policies and provide a reissue rate when
estate closing protects you against a wide
applicable, to help ensure you are getting
variety of risks to the title of your property.
the best price for your title insurance. To take advantage of our streamlined process, simply
As part of the seamless transaction for our
indicate to the attorney of your choice that
clients, we are pleased to offer title insurance
you designate Attorneys Title as your title
through our wholly-owned title insurance
insurance provider.
company, Attorneys Title. Attorneys Title has
Attorneys Title has access to over 2 million prior policies and provides a reissue rate when applicable, to help ensure you are getting the best price for your title insurance.
(800) 222-4502 AttorneysTitle.com Orders@AttorneysTitle.com
Strength, Trust & Integrity Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is a worldwide holding company based in Omaha, NE. Its Chairman and CEO, Warren Buffett is ranked one of the world’s most influential people according to Time magazine. “When people are making the decision of the magnitude of buying a house, it’s the biggest decision a great many families will ever make. They want to know who they’re working with and we think that the Berkshire Hathaway name will be reassuring
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to many of those people,” says Buffett. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas
Forbes Global 2000 List
World’s Most Admired Companies
Companies benefits from a globally respected reputation and a sound financial foundation. Our roots are local, and our reach is global.
Real Estate Company and Home Services Provider based on Transactions
As proud members of this remarkable network, we thrive on helping buyers and sellers find their perfect home whether around the corner, across the country, or anywhere in the world.
Real Estate Company in America
Our Promise BEYOND OUR NAME THERE ARE CERTAIN QUALITIES THAT DEFINE US – TRAITS, PRACTICES, VALUES. EXCEED
PARTNER
expectations for exemplary service
with our associates to create an environment
and professionalism in everything we do.
that fosters success and meaningful careers.
BUILD
REDEFINE
lasting relationships based on trust
the home buying, selling, and owning
and care with our clients and the
experience by integrating all the elements
communities we serve.
of the transaction into a seamless real estate experience.
Greater Charlotte Ballantyne | Lake Norman SouthPark Pinehurst Pinehurst | Southern Pines Triad Greensboro – Elm Street
UNSURPASSED SERVICE in every major market in North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina
Greensboro – Friendly Center Winston-Salem | Kernersville Triangle Cary | Chapel Hill | Durham | Raleigh
© 2022 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.