The Home Buying Process

The Home Buying Process | 2019

NIK REBHUHN

Broker nik@windermere.com Nik.withwre.com 1

ABOUT NIK REBHUHN CLIENT ADVANTAGE

RESULTS ORIENTED 

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Consistent top producer.

“Whatever it takes” attitude to get the job done.

Proven step-by-step process to get the best results.

Higher than average success rate in multiple offer scenarios.

Helping you achieve your real estate goals is my #1 priority. I’m here to give you all the best information to help you make an educated and informed home buying or selling decision. With over 20 years of experience, ranging from first time home-buying to selling out new construction communities, I have the tools and skills to give you an advantage over the competition and put you in the best possible position to succeed. My main goal is to make every client feel like my only client with a focus on giving the best service possible.

WASHINGTON NATIVE I was born in Seattle and raised on a small farm on the Eastside. I have been front and center to the growth and development of the area over the years and can give you intimate knowledge of all the best neighborhoods, schools, and amenities.

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WHY WINDERMERE? IT’S ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS. In 1972, John Jacobi set out to change the real estate industry by putting relationships before sales quotas, with an emphasis on service to our clients and our community. Over 40 years later, this mission has helped grow Windermere into one of the largest independent real estate companies in the nation, with more than 300 offices and 6,000 agents throughout the Western U.S. and Mexico.

What this means for you:       

Exceptional service Unsurpassed integrity A strict code of ethics Neighborhood knowledge Market expertise Premium tools and services Giving back to our communities KEY Windermere Real Estate Keller Williams RE/MAX Coldwell Banker John L Scott Redfin Corp Berkshire Hathaway Sotheby’s International Realty Lake & Company All other competitors with less than 2% market share

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THE HOME BUYING PROCESS

In this booklet you will find my step-by-step process for buying a home or condo.

Helping you find and purchase a home is only one facet of my job. In addition, I will: 

Explain real estate principles, contracts and documents.

STEPS OF THE PROCESS:

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Refer you to a reputable lender that can help you assess your financial situation and preapprove you for a loan.

1. Buyer Consultation

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Help you determine the types of neighborhoods that most fit your needs.

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Arrange tours of homes that meet your criteria.

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Provide you with detailed information about homes you’re interested in.

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Assist you in writing and negotiating a mutuallyaccepted purchase and sale agreement.

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Accompany you to the inspection and coordinate the necessary steps after the inspection.

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Work with the escrow company to ensure all needed documents are in order and completed in a timely manner.

2. Get Preapproved 3. Education Day 4. Find Your Dream Home 5. Due Diligence 6. Closing Calendar 7. Getting to Sold!

8. You Get The Keys!

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STEP 1: BUYER CONSULATION 30-60 minutes This can be a conference call, a cup of coffee, or an office visit—whatever works for you! This meeting gives us a chance to talk about the process, the current market conditions, and what you are looking for in your perfect home. We will set up an automatic email so that when a new listing hits the market we both see it right away.

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STEP 2: GET PREAPPROVED You can use any lender you wish. Many of my clients have raved about:

Bryan Wiley Branch Manager Office: 425-967-7807 | Mobile: 206-799-0326 bwiley@guildmortgage.net

Josh Armstrong Loan Officer Office: 855-855-8805 | Mobile: 425-802-2019 josh.armstrong@firsttechfed.com

The reason I want you to get preapproved is it will give you a competitive advantage in this market and I don’t want you to fall in love with a home that is not within your price range.

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STEP 3: EDUCATION DAY On this day, we schedule several hours to go and see around 4-6 condos or homes. I consider this my chance to get educated about the things that you like and dislike. This is also an opportunity for you to get a better idea of what you can get in different areas in your price range.

“Buyers typically searched for ten weeks and looked at a median of ten homes.�

- National Association of Realtors In my experience, it can take anywhere from a day to a year to find the right home. Your time frame is my time frame.

2-4 hours

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STEP 4: FIND YOUR DREAM HOME

Once we find a home or condo that meets your criteria, we will discuss our strategy for making a successful offer. This will depend on how competitive the market is in that neighborhood for that home/condo at that specific time.

I will do a market analysis to make sure you don’t overpay!

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OFFER STRATEGY I network and build rapport with the listing agents so that we can present you in the best light to succeed while making sure that you are protected in the process.

Our main points of focus are:

1: Price (Down Payment, Earnest Money, etc.) We want to make sure you don’t pay too much.

2: Terms (Closing, move in date, etc.).

3: Contingencies (Inspection, Financing, Appraisal, etc.)

The best offer is one that you feel comfortable with, so that when I call you to say you got the house, you will be ecstatic!

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STEP 5: DUE DILIGENCE

My team will assist you in making sure this really is the best home for you.

To do this, we will: 

Get your questions answered regarding the neighborhood.

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Explore schools, commute times, public transit options and more.

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Do a thorough inspection of the home (sewer lines, etc.).

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Work with your mortgage professional to be sure that you are comfortable with the price of the home.

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Comparative market analysis of recently sold homes in the neighborhood.

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Review Association documents, budgets, and rules (condo only).

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GUIDING YOU THROUGH THE INSPECTION Home inspections are a critical part of the home buying process. Inspections take the mystery of out buying a home and may make it easier to imagine living there. They also provide you with valuable information about how to maintain your home.

Home Inspection During this phase, I can help you: 

Find a reputable inspector and home repair contractors.

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Prepare for when unknown problems are discovered.

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Review inspection options.

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Negotiate fair and appropriate solutions, if necessary.

In our area many sewer lines have been compromised by tree roots, etc. spending $200-$300 to have a camera put down the line could mean avoiding costly repairs later on.

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STEP 6: CLOSING CALENDAR A typical closing in this market is 20-45 days. If you are obtaining a loan, making sure your lender has all necessary documentation in advance can make a huge difference in making closing trouble free!

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STEP 7: GETTING TO SOLD!

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BUYER CLOSING COSTS Below are the typical fees paid by a buyer in a real estate transaction.

BUYER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR… 

Lender’s title insurance policy (around $1,200 on a $500,000 home).

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1/2 escrow fee (around $900 on a $500,000 home).

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Property inspection (around $400-$700).

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Lender fees including: 

Appraisal (around $500-$900).

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Credit report (around $30).

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Loan origination fee (varies, but see below for estimate of total costs).

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Loan interest.

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Private mortgage insurance (put down 20% and avoid this).

The only out of pocket costs (not financed in your loan) are typically home inspections, appraisal, and of course your down payment. A good rule of thumb is to budget around 2.5% of your loan amount as a total. *Fees determined by sale price and/or loan amount. Payment of fees above can be negotiated within contract.

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STEP 8: YOU GET THE KEYS! WHAT HAPPENS AFTER “HOME SWEET HOME”...

You will be signing your closing documents a couple days prior to closing. On the day of closing, the documents are typically recorded at the county in the late afternoon and you will have access to your new home in the early evening. It’s best to schedule your move a couple days after closing in case of unforeseen delays.

I will keep in touch to find out how things are going, and I’m always happy to answer any questions you might have. I can also provide referrals (plumbers, electricians, etc.) and give you updates on the value of your home going forward.

If you are happy with my service I would love to help your friends and family—we always have time for your referrals. 95% of my business is repeat clients and referrals from happy customers. Making sure you have the smoothest possible transition is my #1 priority.

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