YOUR HOME BUYING GUIDE
Blake and Ali Poore Team | Long & Foster Real Estate 5702 Grove Avenue, Richmond, VA 23226 www.BlakeandAliPooreTeam.com
Blake Poore Associate Broker, ABR, GRI, SFR, CLHMS (804) 908-1438 Blake.Poore@LongandFoster.com
Ali Poore REALTOR® (804) 955-8392 Ali.Poore@LongandFoster.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction What It Takes to Buy a Home
About Us Our Team An Experienced REALTOR® on Your Side Thank You!
Financing Pre-Approval Process Types of Mortgages Ten Commandments
Resources Finding Your Right Home Your Home Search
Home Buying Process Flowchart
Home Buying Checklist Definitions & Terms
Education is the Greatest Investment You Can Make When Buying or Selling a Home
WHAT IT TAKES TO BUY A HOME KEY:
Agent Does for You
Up to You to Do
We Do Together
Lender Does Attorney Does for You for You
BUYER QUALIFICATIONS Home Buying Overview
Loan Pre-Approval
Buyer Representation Agreement
PROPERTY SELECTION – FINDING THE RIGHT HOME Housing Requirements
Purchase Strategy
Area Selection
See Homes
Price/CMS Analysis
Discuss Financing
Make Offer
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS Cover Letter
Package Your Offer
Deliver Offer & Present
Obtain Signatures
Acceptance of Offer
COMPLETE TRANSACTION MANAGEMENT FINANCING
ESCROW
TITLE
PROPERTY
MISCELLANEOUS
Loan Application
Sign Instructions
Review
Inspections
Disclosures
Verifications
Calendar
Public Report
Review Report
Notifications
Hazard Insurance
Amendments
CC&R’s
Repair Requests
Legal Compliance
Appraisal Comps
Review Costs
HOA
Repairs Confirmed
Coordination
Draw Loan Docs
Sign Initial Docs
Title Docs
Sign Off
Negotiations
CLOSING & POSSESSION Final Walk-Thru
Coordination
Contingencies
Buyer Funds
Lender Funds
Signing
Recording
AFTER SALE FOLLOW-UP Closing Statement
Title Policy
After Sale Items
Miscellaneous
Referrals
THE PRE-APPROVAL PROCESS The Pre-Approval Process is the FIRST Critical Step in Purchasing Your New Home
Whenever we place an offer on a home, a pre-approval letter conveys that we are serious buyers to a seller - much more so than a buyer without a pre-approval letter. It is a powerful asset when making an offer on a hot property with multiple offers and allows us to move quickly and efficiently in ratifying an offer. If you plan to acquire a loan to purchase your home: It helps define your budget, monthly payment, interest rate, and transaction costs. Financing information is needed for the Purchase Agreement.
If you plan to pay in cash to purchase your home: It is still a good a idea to obtain pre-approval status from a lender just in case you change your mind (consult your CPA for the best advice). In addition, a proof-of-funds letter is necessary from your financial institution.
TYPES OF MORTGAGES Conventional
VA (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
Fixed rates Minimum 5% down payment (10% for condos)
100% financing for veterans No monthly PMI required
FHA (Federal Housing Administration)
VHDA (Virginia Housing Development Authority)
3.5% down payment Seller can pay up to 6% toward closing costs Monthly PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)
Offers first time home buyers (only) loans with minimum down payment. Income restrictions apply
ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgage)
USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)
Provides a lower fixed rate for the initial term of the loan (3, 5, 7 or 10 years) Rate then adjusts annually
100% financing in rural areas (only)
Please note that this is a basic guideline of various mortgages. All terms, costs, and conditions should be confirmed with your lender while determining the best loan program for you.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS When Applying For A Real Estate Loan 1. Thou shalt not change jobs, become self-employed or quit your job. 2. Thou shalt not buy a car, truck or van (or you may be living in it!) 3. Thou shalt not use charge cards excessively or let your accounts fall behind. 4. Thou shalt not spend money you have set aside for closing. 5. Thou shalt not omit debts or liabilities from your loan application. 6. Thou shalt not buy large purchases (e.g., furniture, home electronics, etc.) 7. Thou shalt not originate any inquiries into your credit. 8. Thou shalt not make large deposits without first checking with your loan officer.
9. Thou shalt not change bank accounts. 10. Thou shalt not co-sign a loan for anyone.
THE HOME BUYING PROCESS HOME SEARCH & MAKING AN OFFER
Phase 1:
BUYER CONSULTATION What are you looking for in your new home? Explain the buyer process and answer your questions.
LOAN PRE-APPROVAL If you have already been pre-approved, we will get to work building a relationship with your lender. If you are looking for a lender to complete your pre-approval, I have great lending partners to recommend. Obtaining pre-approval will help you determine your purchase price and timeline of purchase. We will need this letter from your lender when we make an offer on your new home!
HOME SEARCH We will search the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) for homes that meet your criteria, and set up notifications when those homes are available. Together, we will decide which homes to see and see as many homes as you need until we find YOUR home!
MAKE AN OFFER COUNTEROFFER
Negotiate counteroffer until an accepted agreement is reached or not.
ACCEPTED
BINDING CONTRACT!
REJECTED
Start over with a new offer or move on to another home.
THE HOME BUYING PROCESS Phase 2:
UNDER CONTRACT
BINDING CONTRACT Congratulations! You are under contract to purchase YOUR new home! The price, terms, and conditions have all been negotiated and agreed upon.
EARNEST MONEY This is money that you provide at the time we go under contract to demonstrate your commitment to the purchase. Usually it is between 1-2% of the sales price and usually paid by check. These funds will be counted towards your down payment at closing.
START LOAN PROCESS Right after we go under contract, your lender will help you officially apply for your mortgage loan. You may spend a few days gathering the necessary documents to complete this process. The lender will be working on your loan approval for an average of 25 days, though much of it will be behind the scenes.
THE HOME BUYING PROCESS Phase 3:
HOME INSPECTION PERIOD
BEGINNING OF INSPECTION PERIOD We will have negotiated a period of days between 10 – 15 for your due diligence period. During this time, you will have the opportunity to order a home inspection and any additional inspections for issues such as radon, and mold. You may choose to have a survey completed of the property to determine exactly how much land you are purchasing.
END OF INSPECTION PERIOD Before the end of this period you may choose to negotiate repairs specific to safety, home structure, and function of major appliances.
THE HOME BUYING PROCESS Phase 4:
CONTINGENCIES
APPRAISAL CONTINGENCY If you are purchasing with a loan, your lender will most often require an appraisal. Even if you are a cash buyer, you can request an appraisal to protect your investment. If the home doesn’t appraise, we will discuss your options. If the seller does not want to work with any of those options, you have the right to terminate the contract and receive your earnest money back.
THE HOME BUYING PROCESS Phase 5:
CLOSING
CLEAR TO CLOSE This is the green light from the lender that your loan has been approved, all final conditions have been met and they are ready to disperse the loan amount to the attorney for closing. We will have a chance to review the HUD-1 statement a day or two before closing to confirm everything is correct.
CLOSING COSTS Your lender will discuss these costs at length with you but generally include your down payment (minus earnest money), loan origination costs, closing fees, and any portion of the taxes or utilities owed. These funds will need to be wired to the closing attorney the day before closing. The lender will give you a close estimate of the amount owed and you will be able to pay the difference or receive a check for any overages at closing.
CLOSING DAY The attorney will walk you through the closing paperwork and we will all be there to answer any questions you may have.
CONGRATULATIONS ON THE PURCHASE OF YOUR NEW HOME!
ABOUT US BLAKE POORE Associate Broker, ABR, GRI, SFR, CLHMS Blake specializes in representing Sellers and Purchasers in the residential resale market. In addition, he works with new construction sales and commercial sales including multi-family properties. Blake received his Associate Broker license in 2006. This extensive training has provided him with the necessary tools to offer excellent service and professional insight to his clients. Blake and his associates have been consistently recognized by the Richmond Association of REALTORS® with awards for outstanding excellence in sales since 2005. Background Blake attended Virginia Commonwealth University, as well as the famous Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute of London, England. He became a partner in his first business venture in 1990 at the age of 22, The Tavern Restaurant. He then went on to start three more business ventures from 1993-2000, Shackleford’s Restaurants. Blake started full-time in the Real Estate industry in 2004. The background he’s had in his business ventures allows him to have a different perspective while representing residential clients, commercial real estate transactions and business owners. Cell: (804) 908-1438 | Email: Blake.Poore@LongandFoster.com
Ali Poore REALTOR® Ali has been representing Buyers and Sellers with their real estate needs throughout the Richmond Metro area since 2015. 2016 Award recipient from Richmond Association of REALTORS® for the A. Kenton Muhleman, Jr Scholarship – ‘Rookie of the year’. Ali was accepted into the 2017 Leadership Development Academy by Richmond Association of REALTORS®. Background:
Ali comes to us with over 20 years of experience in the Property Management and Real Estate field. Ali worked for two of the largest Property Management companies in the United States during the past 12 years. Ali served as a Property Manager in Virginia and Maryland; and as Regional Portfolio Manager in Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland. Ali used her expertise to train and assist her teams, as well as her customer relations skills with her residents to ensure prompt, professional and friendly service. She also assisted owners and investors of large multi-family properties with numerous acquisitions and dispositions. Ali attended Virginia Commonwealth University. While in college Ali began her career in Property Management and was quickly promoted to a Property Manager overseeing rentals, customer service and financial reporting for each multifamily community. Ali epitomizes hard work, attention to detail and creativity. Cell: (804) 955-8392 | Email: Ali.Poore@LongandFoster.com Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia
ABOUT US Jennifer Harned REALTOR® A Richmond Native, Jennifer grew up in the West End Neighborhoods and the Northern Neck. Finding her niche in the Residential Mortgage Lending sector, she enjoyed being involved in Real Estate from the financial side for over a decade. Pursuing her other passion for travel, Jennifer spent the next 16 years living overseas in New Zealand working in hospitality, owning and managing a motel and restaurant. Her love for Virginia and her family called her home to continue her exciting career in Real Estate as an agent with the Blake and Ali Poore Team. Jennifer is currently representing buyers and sellers in the greater Richmond market. Cell: (804) 614-8410 | Email: Jennifer.Harned@LongandFoster.com
Brenda Gehl REALTOR® Raised in a "real estate family" in the Midwest, Brenda not only inherited exposure to real estate, but also developed a keen aptitude stemming from her sincere interest, knowledge and experience in the industry. She went on to graduate from the University of St. Thomas with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in business communications. After more than 20 years in marketing, Brenda decided to transition back to her roots in real estate. With a passion for both architecture and the city of Richmond, it was a natural fit. She is an engaged member of the community, involved with several volunteer organizations. Relocating several times – buying and selling houses of her own – has afforded Brenda a deep understanding of her clients’ journey, which can be attributed to the first-hand perspective she gained through her personal experiences. She enjoys being able to help clients, buying or selling, experience confidence in their decision-making throughout the process. Brenda carries forward her family’s brand promise of "Excellence, not extravagance" in her own business. Cell: (804) 335-6150 | Email: Brenda.Gehl@LongandFoster.com
Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia
TRANSACTION MANAGEMENT APRIL LANE Owner, Trinity Transactions LLC April closes anywhere from 120+ deals a year. Over the course of the past 10+ years, that’s a lot of transaction scenarios she's seen! This experience has provided a lot of insight along the way and the ability to think outside the box. She has a system in place for each type of transaction fine-tuned over many years of handling deals from start to finish that is virtually bullet proof. It keeps you as clients feeling like you are kept in the loop each and every step of the way, incorporating friendly reminders along the way! Here are some ways that she helps assist us: •
Ensuring that throughout the process all documents are sent to the Closing Attorney and/or Title Company on your behalf.
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Coordinating with you to arrange scheduling home inspections
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Ordering of HOA Documents.
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Ordering of termite Inspection, well & septic Inspection., and home warranty
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Obtain required public information from governmental entities, if requested by Agent.
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Coordinating any pro-rations for propane, oil, etc. that may be required.
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Regular check-ins with the Buyer’s Lender (either side) to ensure we’re on schedule for closing.
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Help with coordinating scheduled work needed to satisfy inspection contingency, collecting of invoices to ensure vendors are paid and/or POC.
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Reminder to call for moving quotes and to call utilities prior to closing.
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Sending change of address checklist prior to closing.
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Coordinating closing time between all parties and/or deed signing for Sellers.
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When and what to expect for the final walk through as well as coordinating with all parties for walk through date and time.
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Coordinating with the closing attorney and/or title company to ensure Seller’s proceeds are disbursed.
April@TrinityTransactionsLLC.com | TrinityTransactionsLLC.com
AN EXPERIENCED REALTOR® ON YOUR SIDE As a licensed real estate professional, we provide for you much more than the service of helping you find your ideal home – we are professional, knowledgeable REALTORS® you can trust to guide you through the entire transaction process.
DID YOU KNOW… According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), there are at least 184 distinct steps performed in order to close a single real estate transaction!
A REALTOR® spends numerous hours to complete each of these steps and can save you endless amounts of time, money and frustration. The quality control a licensed real estate professional administers during a transaction also helps buyers and sellers avoid many potential setbacks.
Remember, the listing agent represents the seller first and foremost. You want to have a professional in your corner to make sure that your purchase is to your benefit.
THANK YOU! Thank You for your time meeting with us today as you consider us to be your real estate professionals! You are about to embark on the exciting journey of finding your ideal home. Whether it is your first home or your tenth home, a retirement home, or an investment property, We can help you find the ideal home with the least amount of hassle. We are devoted to using our expertise and the full resources of our team to achieve these results. Our goal is to provide you and your family with professional service, utmost trust, loyalty, and complete confidentiality during our real estate transaction. Purchasing a home is a very important decision and a big undertaking in your life. In fact, most people only choose a few homes in their lifetime. We are going to make sure that you are well equipped and armed with up-to-date information for your big decision and will guide you through every phase of the home-buying process. Please keep this packet to use during your home-buying process as an invaluable guide on your home-buying journey. This packet gives you helpful information for both during and after your transaction. Use its reference pages, explanations, and areas for notes and important dates to help you stay organized. So let’s take an exciting journey together! We look forward to meeting your real estate needs every step of the way!
FINDING YOUR RIGHT HOME After completing the pre-approval process, it’s time to have some FUN! Here’s how we will search and locate your new home Based on your criteria, we will utilize a very powerful search tool via the Central Virginia Regional Multiple Listing Services (CVRMLS) which is much more powerful than internet search engines. You will receive an initial email of ALL current properties on the market that match your criteria and will also receive an email whenever a NEW listing is posted by an agent that also matches – or the price is reduced. After we’ve narrowed down the search and have a list of homes you would like to see, I recommend taking an evening drive by each home (which can help eliminate quite a few). Once we have a final list of homes, we will begin to schedule showings. I recommend view about 2 homes per hour (4 or so a day) to avoid over exposure.
YOUR HOME SEARCH Where do you want to buy property? ________________________________ Is there any specific part of the area or neighborhood that you prefer? ________________________________
Is there a specific school or school district you’d prefer to live in/near? ________________________________ How soon do you want/need to be in a new home? ________________________________ How long have you been looking for a home? ________________________________
Have you been to see any homes? □ YES □ NO Did you see any you like? _____________________________ Why have you decided to move? ________________________________ Do you need to sell a property before you can purchase another? □ YES □ NO □ CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET Are you currently in a lease? □ YES □ NO If yes, when does it expire? ________________________________ Are you interested in a newly built home, a resale home, or both? □ NEW □ RESALE □ BOTH Are you open to doing renovations? □ YES □ NO
HOUSE HUNTING CHECKLIST BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Minimum Bedrooms: _______
Minimum Bathrooms: _______
Minimum Size : _______ sq. ft.
FEATURES (Circle and check “must haves”, check “nice-to-haves”, and cross off things you don’t want.) Structural
Interior Features
Location
Garage (Min. Cars_____)
Hardwood Floors
Waterfront
Single Story
Open Floor Plan
City Views
Multiple Stories
1st Floor Master
Quiet Street
Basement
Granite Countertops
Cul-de-Sac Lot
Gas Cooking
Strong Schools
Eat-in Kitchen
Association Amenities
Laundry Room
Walking Neighborhood
Exterior Features Deck
Porch/Sunroom Patio Pool Fenced-in Yard Shed/Workshop Garden/Landscaping Paved Driveway
Walk-in Closet(s) Fireplace Formal Dining/Living Rec/Bonus Room
Finished Basement Handicap Accessible
Other ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________
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TESTIMONIALS "Wonderful to work with Ali! I am a first time home buyer and Ali was amazing! She listened and was very attentive to detail. I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to aid me in the purchase of my very first home!" ~ Chaney & Jodi R. (Buyer) "Absolutely the best realtor ever and not only is [Ali Poore] the best realtor she is also a friend and family now she was the most helpful and professional person we’ve ever dealt with and she was knowledgeable about everything and had the answers we needed we greatly appreciate everything she’s done for us ... the best realtor ever!!!!!!“ ~ Shawn B. (Buyer) "Blake and [Ali] were not only knowledgeable about local Real Estate, they stayed on top of the process as if it were their own home. They contacted us on all issues about the sale, large and small, made useful recommendations and stayed focused through the closing. We couldn't have done it without them. We told all of our neighbors about them and will continue to recommend them to all who ask.“ ~ Pat & Bill (Seller) "Blake and his team were very professional and executed the sale of our home with expertise and grace under pressure. I would recommend them to anyone who wants to expedite a quick sale. They kept us informed at all steps of the process, I don't think they could have made it any better." ~ Terry P. (Seller) "With Blake [Poore]'s knowledge and expertise of the RVA real estate market, we had a full price offer on our home THE SAME NIGHT as our open house - he's that good! Blake helped us buy our house five years ago (and we had a great experience with him then), so we knew just who to call when the time came for us to list it this spring. This guy really knows his stuff in every aspect of selling a house. He came to our meetings prepared with spreadsheets of area comps and prices. He even walked the house & yard with us giving advice on improvements (big & small) we could make that would help sell the house - and they did help since we got such a strong offer almost immediately! He's easy to talk to, gets back to you quickly, and is straight forward & honest. He tells you outright that if you're not happy with his services that you can fire him at any time - not every agent does that. He and his team are truly talented and our only regret is that we moved out of state and won't get to work with him again!“ ~ Shadi & Betsy J. (Buyer & Seller)
TESTIMONIALS “It has been great working with you! We really appreciate you going the extra mile for us in every way. Jeremy and I are really happy with the way things have worked out! Thanks for the champagne, nice touch!“ ~ Joyce L. (Buyer) “I just wanted to thank you for all the hard work. You guys did a great job managing the sale process and I couldn't be more pleased with the result. The sale price and time to close both exceeded my expectation and I am sincerely appreciative. Should you ever need a referral from a former client, please don't hesitate to reach out - you'll receive a glowing review. Thanks again!“ ~ Bruce S. (Seller) "We listed our house this spring with Blake Poore, and April worked with us as a part of his team coordinating paperwork between the buyers and us. She also would have scheduled and coordinated showings - if we wouldn't have gotten a full price offer the night of our open house! This entire team is honestly so great, but especially April. She's wonderful at explaining things in a way that the average person (who knows nothing about real estate!) will understand. She always got back to me really quickly, which I appreciated above all. If we wouldn't have moved out of state, I would have liked to use them for life - they are that good!“ ~ Shadi & Betsy J. (Seller) "As the months have passed since the closing, we are now able to reflect upon the quality and assurance that Blake and his team provided. He more than adequately assessed with expertise the house, the neighborhood and the market to put us on a winning path. But the most important trait was his continual contact to keep us informed of the status. We would recommend Blake to anyone as a guide through the maze of selling a house. In fact, we already have recommended him.“ ~ Edna & Carol (Seller) "Poore, Reichstetter & Associates are a top notch group of professionals in my opinion. Their combined experiences, established relationships with other essential professionals, enabled a smooth and quick sale of our families home. Each member was available for us during the sales process, and never hesitated to answer any question or concern we may have had. You, and your property interest are in very capable hands with April [Lane], Blake [Poore], and Curt [Reichstetter]. It was a pleasure to meet and work with all of you.“ ~ John (Seller)
TESTIMONIALS "Dear Blake [Poore] and April [Lane], I can't thank you both enough for all the hard and speedy work you both did in helping me and my ex-husband sell our former house in Kingsley. As you may know, we both spoke with several realtors over the past six months, and even last year. When I met Blake in 2013, I was impressed with his acute knowledge of the actual selling prices, days on market, asking vs. selling ratios, etc. for homes in my neighborhood, and my zip code. Of course, I came to find out that Blake is a Godwin graduate, so he really knows the Kingsley neighborhood. But his knowledge of "numbers" and "the market", especially as it was changing pretty quickly from Fall 2013 to Winter 2014, was what really convinced me to hire him. We knew we would sell the house "as is". The several other realtors suggested selling prices of easily $20k - $30k below what Blake did. And, it is definitely worth mentioning that another house, 3 doors away on my cul du sac, had come to market in 2/13 in the $390s, and had sold finally, in 11/13 in the $330s (I believe). That served as a scary warning sign to me, NOT to set too high a price or the house would sit. And my ex-husband and I simply could not afford to have that happen. Blake was confident, direct and positive - and had the data to back up his proposal. As you know, the house listed on a deary, wet Friday in February 2014 and was under contract on the following Monday. For slightly over asking price. Wow!
I was and still am amazed at Blake's keen understanding and perception of the market. He felt very strongly we could set the price to sell fast - and we did. From the first meeting to the last, Blake was supportive, helpful and positive. And then there's April Lane. Blake calls her "The Power Behind the Throne". I can see why. If Blake moves fast, April is lightening. Every single email from April was fast, correct, and took ownership of the task at hand. She very deftly worked with four attorneys, the buyers' agent, and the banks to make sure every detail was covered. She didn't miss a beat. Not one. I am amazed and impressed. But most of all, I am incredibly thankful for all the hard work that April and Blake provided to me and Mr. Albiston. Joyner Fine Properties has an incredible, unbeatable team with these two people, and they are worth their weight in gold. I will recommend Blake Poore, April Lane, and Joyner Fine Properties every chance I get. True professionalism and big hearts made what could have been a much more difficult process, streamlined and orderly. And that's what you want when you sell your house. Get it done fast, well, and neatly. Blake and April are truly two in a million. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.“ ~ Sarah L. (Seller)
TESTIMONIALS "Blake & April were with me every step of the way & made the process simple. Their knowledge of the market is great & were a pleasure to work with. I would have spent much more without their ideas & input!“ ~ Terry W.(Buyer) "Where do I start with this marvelous and professional lady April Lane? First and foremost, April is a true professional at what she does. She takes control of the of the real estate process from start to finish. April is knowledgeable, friendly, smart, and most of all relentless at doing what is best for her clients. It didn't matter what time of day or night it was, April was always accessible and ready to go. It could be late on a Saturday night or early on a Sunday morning it didn't matter, April was always working for the best interest of her client! April was our most valuable player during this process. She truly CARES about her clients! Joyner Fine Properties has an all star team of collective talent from Curt [Reichstetter], Blake [Poore], and their rest of their team! I have sold many houses, and this is the best collection of real estate professionals I have ever been associated with. The greater Richmond area and surrounding entities are truly bless to have access to such a top notched real estate team.“
~ John & Angela K. (Seller) "SERVICE AT IT’S BEST! As we all know, moving can be very stressful… and personally it was for me, however; the TEAM at Joyner Fine Properties made my stress bearable. From the initial home visit meeting with Curt [Reichstetter] and Blake [Poore] to end with “the get it done” April [Lane], made my life MUCH easier. Working in another state and having to do business in the old location was a bit much, however; the team of Joyner did not miss a beat. They told me that they had me, and I can say without a doubt that they meant what they said… They ensured every “I” was dotted and every “T” was crossed throughout the entire process. Looking back, I don’t know what I would have done without this GREAT team. When and if I have to sell again (hoping no time soon…LOL), without hesitation, my realtor company of choice will be Joyner Fine Properties.“ ~ John S. (Seller) "I cannot thank Blake [Poore] and April [Lane] enough for their help selling my home. Thanks to their hard work, extensive knowledge, and great support system the entire process was quick and painless. Not only was my house sold in a week, but for over the asking price. I could not have asked for a better experience! I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone and look forward to working with them again in the future.“ ~ Courtney A. (Seller)
TESTIMONIALS "Working with Poore, Reichstetter & Associates [Explore Realty Group], Joyner Fine Properties was really a great experience for my husband and I when looking to relocate to Richmond from Ohio. We were a little unsure about being able to find the right fit in an agent to work with as we were long distance, but after meeting with Blake Poore for the first time, our minds were at ease. He took us on a marathon house hunt the first day (per our request) since we had limited time in town, and we were able to learn a lot about the market. We were pretty impressed with Blake's knowledge about, well, everything house, property, and area related. His experience and knowledge was more than we could have expected. His willingness to help us find the right fit for us, provide us with any information we needed in our search and after we made our decision, and just his overall experience and professionalism, would make it a no brainer that we would absolutely work with him again and recommend him to any family member or friend. His help, along with the help of Realtor, April Lane on his team, really made the home buying process, relocating, and closing a smooth one for us! Thanks again!“ ~ Judy & Jon P. (Buyer) "April [Lane], Curt and Blake [Poore] with Joyner Fine Properties has had a paragon of patience through our search for finding land to build new houses on. Considering, we did not always know exactly what we wanted. If there was a better rating than "A", this group would get it. They are instrumental in helping find what it is that we are looking for. They are always so quick to respond and always present fantastic options to us. It is a pleasure having Joyner and their agents represent us and can always say our experience has been positive.
Thank-you Joyner and Agents“ ~ Mark & Doris C. (Buyer) "The Blake Poore Team worked hard to assure my former condo appraised at a realistic market value in a neighborhood plagued with low comparable sales. They also negotiated a good price for another condo directly from the owners prior to it going on the market. I am very happy with my new home...much thanks to Blake and his team“ ~ Deborah (Seller) "We previously had our home on the market for sale by owner. Had lots of showings but no offers. We listed with Poore, Reichstetter & Associates, and they immediately presented a plan to help us achieve our goals. Along with April Lane, who is the "go to" agent working with them, they actively followed up on every showing and kept us informed. We found their ideas and suggestions to be helpful. These three work together as a team to best serve their clients, and we were pleased with the results.“ ~ Margie & Buck H. (Seller)
TESTIMONIALS "We are fortunate to know and partner with Blake Poore of Joyner Fine Properties. His team gives 100% in professional courtesy and trust. They are extremely talented, skilled, and knowledgeable in all aspects of buying and selling a home. Our first experience was entrusting Blake to find us a home after numerous failures with other agencies. From the start Blake was helpful, smart and available to communicate information we needed to know about the Richmond real estate market. This along with his expertise in construction was extremely valuable while viewing many homes before the right one came along. Throughout the entire process he remained calm, patient and relaxed; smiling as he gently guided us through some of the most difficult decisions in our lives. There was never any sense of pressure or sales tactics. He reiterated with confidence that the right house would come along and when it did we would know it. He was impeccably responsive, and answered all our questions with facts. His communication and people skills are amazing. Blake truly is a professional expert to admire and re-hire! Our current experience with Blake in selling a house is another favorable memory. Although impressed with Blake on his own merit, we have learned much about Joyner Fine properties and appreciate the culture and heritage it represents in the Richmond area. We are confident we are partnered with the very best company and team to oversee our interests during the sale of our home.“ ~ Cheri & Rick (Buyer & Seller) "I had the pleasure of using Joyner Fine Properties to assist in the sale of a unique Midlothian based condominium with substantially above market HOA fees. Curt [Reichstetter] and Blake [Poore] set expectations during and following our initial consultation regarding the effort and patience needed to sell the property. The firm did a good job of putting the property out on the internet and other listing sites. I received automated reports weekly regarding views, contacts, etc. I received very timely feedback from visitors to the property concerning their likes and dislikes about the property. As an out of town seller with a vacant property I was dependent upon the firm and staff to be my "eyes, arms and legs" when an issue requiring attention was required. I considered myself to be a "low maintenance" seller. I did not often call or request interaction. When I did call or reach out for interaction, however, the response was always prompt, friendly, courteous, and conducted in a professional manner. April [Lane] was always timely and courteous with e-mails, phone calls and other interactions. A good and valued member of the team. My interaction with Joyner Fine Properties was positive and I would use them again if the need arose.“ ~ Lee V. (Seller)
TESTIMONIALS “Thank you so much for all of your time, effort, and hard work in selling our home and helping us buy our new one. We appreciate all you did – especially tasks outside of business hours. We are truly happy in our new house!“ ~ Chad & Katie (Buyer) "The team at Joyner Fine Properties (POORE, REICHSTETTER & ASSOCIATES) was reliable, accessible, and communicated frequently to support and guide me through the selling process by interpreting and advising me on situations that are unclear or unfamiliar. In the end I believe it was their the marketing plan, the networking, knowing how to respond to questions, the human element/ touch, understanding the psychology of the potential buyers and their negotiating power that sold the home. While we were busy relocating, my agent was busy selling in a strong buyer's market... the result: 71 days on the market, 1 open houses, 32 showings, a sold price that I wanted and my very happy family!“ ~ Omer (Seller) “Moving is never easy. Relocating with a young child and pets while also being pregnant is definitely not easy! I must thank all of you for recognizing that our move was about more than just you selling our house. Throughout the entire selling process, I felt that all of you understood and empathized with the difficult transition we were making, and that you were willing to help ease that transition in any way that you could. From the start, we were impressed that Curt and Blake showed genuine enthusiasm for our house. This gave us confidence that they would promote our home well because they recognized its uniqueness. They also weren't afraid to aim for the upper limit when it came to setting the listing price for our home, while being realistic with us about the parameters of our home's market value. Very importantly, you were all so courteous with giving plenty of notice for showings, allowing me time to clean and make arrangements. April was always prompt and pleasant about responding to all of our inquiries throughout the process. When we encountered a hitch with the appraisal, Blake and Curt really went to bat for us and did their best to actively resolve the situation. You all remained involved and supportive from start to finish, a finish that resulted in getting a very good price for our home. I will not hesitate to recommend Poore, Reichstetter & Associates to others in the Richmond area. Thank you all so much for all you did for us. If we had hired another team, I truly don't know if I would have survived this busy and stressful time in our lives. I really appreciate your support, laid back nature, humor, and good work!!“ ~ Emily & Eric (Buyer) "Selling my home through Poore, Reichstetter & Associates with Blake [Poore], Curt [Reichstetter] and April [Lane] was the best and most lucrative decision. From my initial meeting with them through the close date, they kept me apprised every step of the way. Their market analysis of my property and the subsequent purchase price of my home, was spot on. I could not have been more satisfied.“ ~ Deanna (Seller)
TESTIMONIALS “Buying A House: I met Blake Poore at an open house. We had met other realtors in the process of working towards buying a new home, but after talking to Blake for a while, I could tell he was the right choice for us. We were a new family and first time home buyers. Needless to say, we had no idea what we were doing. Blake was able to help us through the process. He talked to us and found out exactly what we were looking for. Never once did he try to push us towards or show us a house that would be out of our budget. We could tell he was genuinely looking out for our best interest and took his time. He showed us multiple homes, sometimes more than once on our request, until we found just what we were looking for. I can’t say how many times we emailed and called him, but it was a lot, and he always answered us quickly. Buying a house can be extremely stressful, but I found it to be a very enjoyable and exciting process. He took a lot of stress out of it. Our family grew VERY fast, and our perfect three bedroom house quickly became too small for us. Unfortunately, we had bought our house right before the unseen crash of the market, and bought it when the prices were high. We now had a house that no longer fit our needs that was worth much less than we paid for it. We wanted desperately to be able to move to a larger home in another state to be closer to family. We talked to Blake multiple times over a period of two years, and again, he answered us quickly. He even would come over to talk to us and discuss our options. He went out of his way to help us towards our goal of moving again. He went through the home and offered valuable tips for what to do and what to fix or change to help sell the home quickly. After thinking it over and discussing it multiple times with my husband, the opportunity finally arouse for us to move. We went the path of attempting to rent the house first, but unfortunately, that didn’t pan out. We were desperate now with four children and very little room. With no other options and now owning two homes in two different states, we began the path of a short sale. Short Sale Process: I can easily say this may have been the most stressful process I have been through. I had never pictured myself having to short sale a house, but I can say I have no regrets from doing so. Actually, I didn’t know what “short sale” actually meant until Blake described one to us. My husband and I discussed it and thought it through and decided that that was the only choice we had. Blake worked hard to market our house and was able to quickly find a buyer! Blake put us in contact with April Lane, who we became very close with. I was very impressed with the work that April did. My husband and I, again, had no clue what we were doing. April was able to guide us through the entire process. The bank we were dealing with made this process anything but easy, but April never wavered in the process. It was easy to see that she was working very hard to make this happen for us! She quickly responded to all of our questions, and there were A LOT!! April updated us regularly on the status and what information she needed or the bank was asking for. She forwarded us the emails she received so we never felt out of the loop. We had to file quite a few extensions, send and resend paperwork to keep our information up to date since the bank wasn’t responding quickly. Although I became frustrated at some points, April kept us encouraged. I never once felt like we were put on the back burner, or that our needs were not important. The kind of service we received from this team is beyond words. It is easy to see that Blake has a talent for buying and selling homes, and April is amazing and very knowledgeable in the short sale process!! I am extremely thankful for their hard work and impressed with how they handled all aspects of this process! I would recommend them to anyone without a second thought!” ~ Nikki & Robbie (Buyer & Seller)
TESTIMONIALS "Working with Blake [Poore] and Curt [Reichstetter] during our real estate transaction was extremely smooth. They were able to establish an accurate price and implement a successful sales strategy that garnered that price at the end of the day. I would love to work with them again on a future deal. The icing on the cake was that the professional appraisal came back within $1000.00 of their initial price analysis. I am relatively new to Richmond, and one of my biggest pet peeves is that people down here don't answer their phones when you call them. Blake and Curt were always available and were diligent in finding answers to any questions or concerns that I had at the time. I highly recommend working with Poore, Reichstetter and Associates.“ ~ Jeff (Seller) "As a first time home buyer, I was initially pretty intimidated and nervous about the whole process. Thankfully Blake [Poore], Curt [Reichstetter], and April [Lane] were incredibly accommodating and helpful from start to finish. I never felt as though I was being rushed to make a decision and was grateful that my vision for what I wanted of my first home was respected and taken into account. They were always available to answer any question I had, even after closing when I didn't know who else to ask. I cannot say enough awesome things about this team!“ ~ Kristin (Buyer)
“Well – we’ve done it again! I cannot thank you enough for the assistance with my daughter’s first home. I apologize for the sheer number of properties she wanted to see but thank you very much for being patient with her as she accomplished something so huge! She was very stressed and you all made her feel safe making such a life changing decision. Also wanted to thank you for exhibiting the same patience and helpfulness with my parents. They are very happy with their new place and it would not have happened had you not been so great about exploring our options every day. They too felt quite well cared for by your team. So I believe that makes a total of 5 or 6 transactions between my family and I. The only one left is my son….and I’m working on him. You guys are awesome! I wouldn’t think of using anyone else. Thank you for taking such good care of all of us!“ ~ Theresa (Buyer) "Your team did a great job selling our condominium. They put together a professional website, interfaced with prospective buyers and their agents, and negotiated effectively on my behalf“ ~ Tom & Mary (Seller)