Making An Offer
With over 30 years of service and experience, and an award winning RE/MAX® and Zillow Premiere Agent, I’m dedicated to helping you get the best value for your estate assets. I have been known to build teams of experts for each individual sale or purchase in order to meet my customers needs. I am extremely effective in distressed sales and purchases. My clients have called me “the gladiator of real estate” – because I know what every penny means to them!
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So let's get you ready!
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First, we need to show sellers that you are serious.
In many markets across the country, the number of buyers searching for their dream homes greatly outnumbers the number of homes for sale. This has led to a competitive marketplace where buyers often need to stand out. One way to show you are serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage before starting your search.
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Getting pre-approved is one of the key steps that will show home sellers that you are serious about buying, and it often helps speed up the process once your offer has been accepted.
Next, we need to put together a packet telling your story, and why sellers should choose to sell their home to you.
I Will Help You Through
Financing
A Few Crucial Steps in the The Loan Process
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Choosing a lender
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Bank vs. Broker
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Application
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Pre-approval
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Types of loans
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Credit
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Closing costs
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Down payment
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When you meet with your lender to become pre-approved, also ask them if there are any down payment assistance programs that you may qualify for. There are hundreds of different programs throughout the country.
Eligibility requirements vary depending on your location, and are generally limited to first-time and/ or low- and moderate-income home buyers. Several programs specifically benefit veterans, Native Americans, and workers employed in education, health care, law enforcement, and firefighting. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) gives grants to state and local organizations nationwide. These organizations, in turn, use these funds to help homeowners bridge the down payment gap.
Every little bit helps when accumulating the funds needed to get you into your dream home.
Buyer vs Seller Expenses
Typical Expenses Paid By Seller
Real Estate Agent Commission
Pre-Sale preparation: Painting, Gardening, Staging, Cleaning
- Mandatory and Customary Inspections and Reports:
- Natural Hazard Zone Disclosure
- City and Town Resale Inspection
- Pre-sale Inspections: Contractor’s and Pest reports
Marin County Transfer Tax
- $.55 per $500, or portion thereof
- San Rafael City Transfer Tax: $2.00 per $1,000, or portion thereof
Special Area Taxes based upon any Unpaid Property Tax
Any and All Delinquent Property Taxes
Any Bonds and Assessments
Pre-payment penalties (if any) on existing mortgage loan
Document Preparation Fee for deed
Notary Fees
Homeowner’s Association Mon-In/Move-Out fees, if part of Home Owner’s Association
Home Warranty (often requested by the Buyer)
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Typical Expenses Paid By Buyer
Mortgage Insurance and Homeowner's Insurance
Appraisal Fees
New Property Taxes
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NOTE: A large portion of the above for seller will be deducted from closing, so DO NOT worry.