Finding yourHome A GUIDE TO
Pam Ratcliffe
REALTOR® | DRE# 01152227 619.981.5606. TeamRatcliffe@cox.net | Team Ratcliffe.com
MEET
Pam Ratcliffe
I ENJOY HELPING PEOPLE.
I am steadfast in embracing the future of real estate. By creating innovative solutions for tomorrow’s challenges, I will set the standard for business values, based on the image established by our founders and meet the needs of the clients I serve through changing times and thus, be the real estate agent of choice in our market, today and tomorrow. I have been a licensed REALTOR® for 26 years and I’ve lived in San Diego County for 35 years. I am in the top 5% out of all real estate agents combined nationwide and am very involved with my community and my church, and have served for many years on the board of directors at Paradise Valley Church as an advocate for victims of cerebral palsy.
MY GOAL. It is my goal as your full service real estate company specializing San Diego and surrounding areas, to provide you with superior service at all times. My local expertise and extensive real estate experience will benefit you whether you are serious about buying or selling a home at this time, or are a returning client checking out the many homeowner resources I offer.
REAL PEOPLE, REAL
results
“Wouldn’t be possible without them”
“Always positive”
They’re my family! Team Ratcliffe does not only take care of your real estate needs but they will go above and beyond to get the job done. Our house got sold even before it went officially on the market. The purchase of our new home was the best move we’ve done towards getting what we want for our family and our future. The whole process wouldn’t be possible without team Ratcliffe. Absolutely 5 stars! - Ramos Family
I recently sold my house, and it turned to a rocky road with my first agent. Then I spoke with Pam Ratcliffe on the phone and it was turning a nightmare to a sweet dream full of hope. In one word Pam Ratcliffe is an EXCELLENT agent. She is knowledgeable, dedicated and honest, organized, caring, and ALWAYS POSITIVE. She constantly reassured me through difficulty and was very caring about my situation. When Pam became my agent, I had multiple buyers every day who were visiting my house and Pam was updated me by minutes about the result and what to expect next. She kept the process very organized which helped me to be able to schedule my day ahead and get through a very busy day at work at the same time. - Aarshadi2014
“Puts her heart & soul into every transaction” Pam and her team are amazing! Pam helped us to purchase our first California home in 2008. Pam puts her heart and soul into every transaction she facilitates! As life will be taking our family to the east coast, of course we enlisted Pam to sell the very same house she helped us buy 12 years ago! Within 24 hours we had two offers, within 36 hours we were in Escrow! Pam is extremely knowledgeable of the market and the process. She has incredible negotiating skills, and if she misses your call, she always calls you back within 5 minutes. She makes purchasing and/or selling a home as stress free as possible. There is a reason that Pam and her team continue to win real estate awards year after year. Not only is Pam one of the best REALTORS® in all of San Diego County, if you hire her, you will gain a family member. We love you Pam, Michael, and Team Ratcliffe forever! - Laportester
“Advocated for our needs”
Pam and her team are amazing! My fiance and I were first time homebuyers and she took the time to carefully walk us through the process. We discussed with her what we were looking for in a home, and at every house Pam would discuss pluses and minuses and be completely honest about what we were buying. Furthermore, Pam was incredible of getting us the perfect house at the perfect price! She advocated for our needs when making offers and was able to settle aspects that my fiance and I didn’t know we could get! She looked out for us throughout the entire process and has became a true friend to the family that we sincerely hope to stay in touch with! - Christina
started
LET’S GET THE KEYS TO SMART HOMEBUYING Buying a home is full of exciting adventures and is one of life’s most important investments. As your REALTOR®, I will guide you every step of the way by:
Helping you get pre-approved and establishing your purchase power. Helping you determine your home preferences. Helping you determine your offer. Negotiating the offer and contract. Facilitating the financing process. Initiating the property evaluation and inspection process. Preparing you for the close of escrow.
I will provide you with outstanding counsel and guidance. My streamlined process and superior customer service eliminate the stress, confusion, and delays often associated with the sale of your home.
process
THE HOME BUYING FIND A REALTOR ® YOU CAN TRUST
ANALYZE YOUR NEEDS IN A CONSULT
OBTAIN FINANCIAL PRE-QUAL & PRE-APPROVAL
SELECT PROPERTIES
VIEW PROPERTIES
WRITE AN OFFER TO PURCHASE
EARNEST DEPOSIT MONEY
NEGOTIATE & COUNTEROFFER
ACCEPT THE CONTRACT
INSPECTIONS
COMPLETE THE LOAN APP
CREDIT REPORT
SECURE UNDERWRITING
REMOVE CONTINGENCIES
APPRAISAL
VERIFICATIONS
CONDITIONS
OBTAIN LOAN APPROVAL
SCHEDULE TERMITE & SURVEY
CONTACT TITLE COMPANY
TITLE EXAM & TITLE INSURANCE
SIGN LOAN DOCS
LOAN FUNDS
ESCROW RECORDS DEED
CLOSE ESCROW
GET KEYS & START MOVING WELCOME HOME
preferences
YOUR HOME
Please write down your preferences to each feature then rate from: 1 - (No Importance) to 5 - (Must Have)
pre-approved GET TING
THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING PRE-APPROVED AND THE POWER IT GRANTS YOU. In today’s real estate market, it’s essential to get pre-approved before starting your home search, as it allows you to:
• Understand today’s loan environment and how it relates to your financial position. • Understand how much you can afford before you begin your home search. • Strengthens your purchasing power when making your offer. • Getting pre-approved helps put you in a stronger negotiation position by letting the seller know you are committed and the financing is not in question. • In cases where there are multiple offers for homes, buyers who are pre-approved have a better chance of an accepted offer on the house they wish to buy – versus those buyers who are not pre-approved.
started
GET TING BEGINNING THE PRE-APPROVAL PROCESS Here are some of the current documents you’ll need to provide your lender to get your pre-approval started:
INCOME
DEBTS
• Current pay stubs, usually for the last two months • W-2s or 1099s, usually for the last two years • Tax returns, usually for the last two years
Banks statements
•
Investment/brokerage firm statements
•
Net worth of business owned (if applicable)
•
ASSETS
• Credit card statements • Loan statements • Alimony/child support payments (if applicable)
THE
offer
NEGOTIATING THE OFFER AND CONTRACT Many factors influence the asking price of a home. To help you decide how much you feel comfortable offering for a property, I will gather critical information for you regarding the factors that impact how much you should consider paying for the home, including
• How long the home has been on the market. • The history of the listing, including changes to the price and terms. • The prices for other comparable homes in the area. • If it is known whether there are multiple offers. • Other items that might be included in the sale — furniture, hot tub, etc. • The “list to sale price ratio,” an indication of how competitive the market is for homes in this area.
You may make your offer subject to certain terms or contingencies, including the securing of financing or perhaps the sale of your current home. The purchase contract will also be subject to various inspections by both you and professional inspectors, such as property taxes that will be prorated between buyer and seller. Others will outline what happens if the property is damaged before closing, or if either party fails to go through with the sale.
process
THE FINANCIAL
NAVIGATING THROUGH THE FINANCIAL PROCESS
1. You submit the completed application and any required supporting documentation to the lender and the lender runs a credit report (when you are pre-approved this is done already). 2. The lender orders an appraisal of the property and begins verifying your employment and assets. 3. The lender provides a good faith estimate of closing and related costs, plus initial Truth in Lending disclosures. 4. The lender evaluates the loan package with all of your supporting documents, issues a loan approval and a list of conditions, if any. 5. You sign the closing loan documents and the loan is funded. The lender sends its funds to escrow. 6. All appropriate documents are recorded at the County Recorder’s Office, the seller is paid, and the title to the home is transferred to you.
inspection
PROPERT Y Real estate contracts contain contingency clauses that allow buyers to inspect the property. It is very important that you hire a professional Home Inspector and conduct a home inspection to determine if the home has any defects that would affect the value or desirability of the home.
It is also important to order a Wood Destroying Pest and Organisms (termite) Inspection. This inspection identifies existing or potential pest, dry rot, fungus and other structure-threatening infestation or conditions. The initial inspection fee covers only those areas which are accessible to the inspector. These inspectors must be licensed and can give estimates to correct noted problems, can make the suggested repairs, and/or can certify that the work has been completed. Once you have completed all of your desired inspections, you have the right to negotiate for
the seller to make repairs based upon your determination of important issues found during your inspections. The seller will then have the right to agree, renegotiate, or refuse to make any repairs. In most cases, if the seller does not agree to make your requested repairs you can accept the seller’s response, withdraw from the sale, or attempt to renegotiate. A title spells out who has the right of ownership for a property. It is considered “clear” if there are no claims or liens against it. In order to make sure nothing will prevent the transfer of the property to you, a title company will conduct a title search and prepare a preliminary report that indicates what recorded matters affect the title to the property, and if the title insurance company is willing to insure the title. At the close of escrow, the title company will issue an Owner’s Policy of Title Insurance to protect you against losses that might arise from covered claims on the title.
THE
closing
HELPING YOU PREPARE FOR THE CLOSING PROCESS. A home purchase is a complete transaction involving many parties and associated fees. In addition to your deposit and down payment, there are a variety of other costs incurred that are paid at the close of escrow. Some of these costs may include:
• Loan origination fees, appraisals and reports.
• Tax assessments.
• Surveys and inspections.
• Title insurance, notary and escrow fees.
• Mortgage insurance.
• Recording fees and stamps.
• Hazard insurance.
The escrow holder will provide an estimated closing statement that provides estimates of these costs prior to the close of escrow so you are aware of the amount of funds you will need to wire to escrow for your closing. You may contact escrow, your lender, or myself to answer any questions regarding your estimated closing costs.
experts
YOUR LOCAL
Coldwell Banker was built on the principles of honesty, integrity and always putting clients first. We changed the industry then and continue to do so today. We started 10 years ago in one small office in Bonita. We now have over 1,000 agents with offices across San Diego County and are the fastest-growing franchise within the brand nationwide. We are continually growing and expanding, and our reach is limitless.
1,000+ AGENTS
Our full range of real estate services includes residential, commercial, mortgage, escrow, and property management. We are here to help you with all of your real estate needs.
4,400
CLOSED TRANSACTIONS IN 2020
$2.8 billion
CLOSED SALES VOLUME IN 2020
Thank You! Pam Ratcliffe
REALTOR® | DRE# 01152227 619.981.5606. TeamRatcliffe@cox.net | Team Ratcliffe.com