ABOUT ME
Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you?ll ever make, and having the right real estate professional by your side makes all the difference. As an experienced and dedicated Real Estate Agent, I am committed to helping you navigate the home-buying process with confidence and ease.
I understand that every buyer has unique needs, whether you?re a first-time homebuyer, upgrading to your dream home, or looking for an investment property My goal is to simplify the process, provide expert guidance, and negotiate the best deal for you With my in-depth knowledge of the local market, a keen eye for value, and a passion for helping people, I ensure that you not only find a house? but a place to truly call home.
My approach is built on trust, transparency, and a commitment to your success I take the time to listen to your goals, answer your questions, and walk you through every step, from house hunting to closing day. Whether you need advice on financing, market trends, or the best neighborhoods, I am here to provide expert insights and make your experience smooth and stress-free.
Let?s make your dreams a reality! Contact me today, and let?s find the perfect home for you
About Keller Williams
A company culture that nurtures excellence
It?snot thebrokeragethat helpsyou to find your ideal home,it?stheagent.
Keller Williamshasconsciously created acompany culturethat attracts,trains,and nurturesthebest real estateagentsin theworld so they will beableto better serve you
Our company culturehasbeen studied in depth by Stanford University and they found that:?KellerWilliamsis?acompanywithauniqueeconomicandculturalmodel, embracing organizationalconceptssuchasprofit sharing,shareddecisionmaking,openbooks,and extensiveemployeetraining.?
TrainingMagazinerecognized Keller Williamsastheworld leader in trainingfor third consecutiveyear.
Keller Williamsisproud to beaclient focused organization that fostersintegrity and teamwork,rewardsinnovation and worksto createwin-win outcomes
Wearethrilled that you areconsideringKeller Williamsasyour choiceto help you buy what may beyour biggest,and most important asset,your new home.
Why Buy With Keller Williams?
We help you reach your goals
Technology:
Leading-edgetech toolsand traininggiveusthe advantagein effectively findingthe perfect homefor you
Teamwork:
Keller WilliamsRealty model wasdesigned to reward agentsfor workingtogether with the ideathat weareall moresuccessful if we strivetoward acommon goal,rather than individual interests.I?mconfident that every Keller Williamsprofessional will serveyou in thebest way possible.
Knowledge:
Keller WilliamsRealty supportsevery agent in stayingahead of real estateindustry trends through itscomprehensive,cutting-edgetrainingcurriculumand research resources
Reliability:
Founded on the principlesof trust and honesty,Keller WilliamsRealty emphasizesthe importanceof integrity and puttingtheclient?sneedsfirst My successisultimately determined by the legacy I leavewith each client I havethe opportunity to serve
Tr ack Recor d:
I?m proud to work with thelargest real estatecompany in theworld by agent count.When serviceisconsistently superior,word spreadsfast
BUYING
Our winning strategy
Lifestyle Analysis
Finding your ideal home is a process of matching your lifestyle and financial objectives with the right neighborhood As a RealtorĀ® with experience selling in this market, I have the expertise to match you with the home that fits your lifestyle. Whether you want a piece of the city, or a quiet neighborhood with the best schools for your children, I have the area insight and knowledge you need
Search Analysis
Beyond the MLS and previewing homes online, finding your ideal home is also about leveraging relationships As your RealtorĀ®, I utilize my extensive network and access to off-MLS (pocket) listings on your behalf To streamline the process, I preview homes on your behalf, in addition to touring homes and neighborhoods with you. I will always keep you well informed of new homes that comeon themarket.
Negotiate
Negotiatingtermsfor thepurchaseof what maybeyour largest personal asset requiresaprofessional who hasyour best interestsinmind After listeningtoyour needs,I will vigorouslynegotiatetheprice, contingenciessuchasinspections,appraisalsandfinancing,aswell asthebest timetocloseescrow.
Make a Winner
The Bay Area housing market is ultracompetitive which is why you need a seasoned professional to give you a competitive advantage and help you to win the bid on your ideal home. We will carefully consider if the home is accurately priced for the size, location, and neighborhood comparative sales As your consultant, I will advise you on how to best position your offer for quick acceptance, the amount of your downpayment and whether you beshould befullypre-approved prior tobidding
Coordinate
Congratulations! Your offer was accepted and now the race begins. The closing of your home is urgent andtime-sensitivewith many stepsto completion.
A unique feature of Keller Williams is that our culture promotes teamwork. Everyone at the KW office has a vested interest in helping you close the purchase of your home as smoothly and efficiently as possible. As your agent and project manager, my team and I will be there with you through the end of the closing process We will coordinate the inspections, escrow, and title searches,helpingyoupreparefor theclosingof your new home.
PRE-QUALIFICATION VS. PRE-APPROVAL
There is a difference
Pre- Qualification or Pre-Approval:
Knowing how much you qualify for is an important first step before starting your home search. Understanding the price range you and your agent should focus on, your down payment options, as well as monthly mortgage payments ahead of time, will help you to find and close on your ideal homequickly
Pre- Qualification
Provides you with a general estimate of how much you can expect to borrow It?s easy and can be done over the phone or online You provide the mortgage company or bank with information such asyour income,debt,and employment information Inreturn youwill begiven aloan estimate
Pre-Approval
It will give you the exact amount you qualify for and other advantages for making offers in a competitive market.
With a pre-approval, the lender takes an extensive look at your financial picture, including two years of our W-2s and tax returns, a credit check, debt/income ratio and how much you have for a down payment
Beingapre-approved buyer letstheseller know that youarein apositiontobuy now,which can giveyou adistinct advantagewhentherearemultipleoffersonahome.
Not all loan packages are the same. Going through the pre-approval process is a win-win situation that helpsthelender createaloanpackagethat fitsyour needs
THE LOAN PROCESS
A series of steps to reach the finish line
Pre-Approval:
You will be asked to provide personal information such as your Social Security number, income, assets, debts, credit information and the specifics on the type of property you wish topurchase
Full Application:
During the application process, the lender will update any information and documentation that hasalreadybeen submitted.
Processing:
Your mortgage package will be reviewed and completed by the processor
Loan Submission:
Once the processor has completed the loan package, it is submitted to the underwriter for approval.
Loan Approval:
All parties are notified of the approval and loan documents are completed and sent to both thetitleandescrow companies
Title:
The title company ensures that the property title is clear and legitimate Once this process is complete,titleinsuranceisissued for theproperty
Funding:
Once you have signed the loan documentation, your lender reviews the loan package, and upon approval,fundsarewire-transferred to thetitlecompany.
Recordation:
When the title company receives the funds, they are released to the seller, less taxes and feesand you are recorded asthe owner of your new home.
WRITING AN OFFER
Writing an Offer
Her e ar e some gener al guidelines for wr iting a str ong offer :
1.Review therelevant salesandmarket conditions prior to making an offer Factors to consider include the condition of the home, length of time on the market, competition and urgency of the seller.
2.Give yourself room to compete.Ideally,you will want to find homesthat are below your maximum so you have room to negotiate on price, the need shouldarise
3. While it is important to offer a price that is attractive to the seller, they will often consider other elements before acceptance. How much money you put down on the property, and any contingencies or financing terms are just a few factorsthat maymakethedifference.
4. After your offer has been written, your agent will meet with the seller?s agent to negotiate on your behalf. The seller may accept, reject or counter theoffer withchanges
5 You will benotified immediately of theoutcome Should the seller counter, your agent will work with you to review eachspecificrequest and move thecontract forwardtoclosure
KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING
Your opportunity to find out exactly what you?re buying
Inspectionsarean important part of thebuyingprocessand allow you to fully understand any issues or challengeswith the property beforeclosingthetransaction
If theseller hasnot provided an inspection ahead of time,you may decideto writeyour offer with an inspection contingency Thisisoneof themorecommon contingenciesthat buyersuse
A contingency meansthat you will only go through with the purchaseif certain conditionsaremet. Homeinspectionsshould beonly doneby acertified homeinspector,and they areusually paid for by thebuyer
Often,aseller will haveinspectionscompleted prior to placingtheir homeon themarket to remove the?contingency?from thebuyersbid.Ultimately,it isthe buyer?sresponsibility to assessthe condition of theproperty.
PEST INSPECTIONS
Pest inspections are also done by a licensed inspector who will look for wood-destroying organisms, including termites and fungi (?dry rot?). Pest reports classify conditions as Section 1 or Section 2 items
As with the home inspection, the buyer pays for the pest inspection, however the inspector is responsible to deliver an unbiased report, regardless of whether they favor the buyer or the seller
Section 1:
Conditions demonstrating active infections or conditions damaging the property Active termites, beetles, or wood rot are examples of Section 1 items.
Secti on 2:
Conditions not currently causing damage but likely too, if left unattended A typical Section 2 item is a plumbing leak where moisture has not yet caused fungus decay. If damage is found in the property, such as a crack in the foundation or a roof that needs to be replaced, you may be able to negotiate with the seller on remediation options.
THE ESCROW PROCESS
Prepare and present your property
In areal estatetransaction,escrow isan independent third party that holdsimportant documents and funds.When openingescrow,thebuyer and seller determinethetermsand conditionsfor thetransfer of ownership of the property viathe purchasecontract.Escrow ensuresthat all mutually agreed-upon termsand conditionsaremet prior to thetransfer of ownership and distribution of funds
Escrow protects both you and the seller by managing the following tasks:
- Holdingbuyer?sgood-faith deposit (typically 3%of thepurchaseprice).
- Disclosingescrow and titlefeesto the buyer?slender
- Calculatingprorated taxesand HOA fees
- Providingatitlereport and titleinsurance
- Ensuringthat stateand local transaction lawsand rulesarefollowed
- Obtainingall necessary and notarized signaturesfrom all parties.
- Ensuringthepaperwork islegal and binding Recordingthetransfer documentsand insuringtheir accuracy
- Receivingthedown payment from the buyer.
- Receivingfundsfrom thebuyer?slender Payingliens,overduetax,and HOA dues
- Distributingproceedsto theseller.
ESCROW FAQS
When do we need to open escrow?
We will open escrow on your behalf after the contract has been signed by both you and the seller. After escrow is opened, you have three days to wire your 3%deposit money into escrow
What does an escrow officer do?
Your escrow officer will oversee all aspects of your real estate transaction, such as signing paper-work, completing a title search and obtaining hazard and title insurance.
Why do proper ties fall out of escrow?
Often,there is a problem with the loan where the appraisal comes back lower than the offer price or a structural problem is discovered during an inspection
How long does escrow take?
The length of escrow is determined by the purchase agreement Depending on the terms,it can last a few or even 90 days. A typical escrow in Bay Area is 21-30 days.
WHO PAYS WHAT?
Buyer and seller fees
Many feesarenegotiable;however,there aresomefeesthat you and theseller are required to pay.
Buyer typically pays:
- Inspections
- Their shareof escrow feesfrom thetitle company
- Loan feesrequired by your lender
- Titleinsurancepremium
- Fireand hazard insurance premium
Seller typically pays:
- Real Estatecommissions
- Any judgmentsor taxliens
- Any unpaid homeowner?sdues
- Transfer taxes
- Delinquent property taxes
- Their shareof escrow feesfrom thetitle company
CLOSING COSTS
What you need to know
Closingcostsarefeespaid by thebuyer and theseller at thecloseof your home.During theescrow processyou will havereceived a Good Faith Estimatewhich includesyour closingcostsand settlement charges
Typically,closingcostsare1-2%of the purchasepriceof your home A few days prior to closing,your lender will giveyou a detailed breakdown in theClosing DisclosureStatement
What?s Included?
Closingcostsincludeloan origination fees,discount points,appraisal fees,titlesearches,titleinsurance,surveys,taxes,deed-recordingfees, initial deposit for your escrow account,homeownersinsuranceand credit report charges.
In addition,thereare nonrecurringcostsand pre-paid costs Nonrecurringcostsareone-timefeesassociated with buyingaproperty or gettingaloan Prepaid costsarethosethat recur over time,such as property taxesand homeowner?sinsurance.
ABOUT PROPERTY TAXES
An Overview
How is real proper ty assessed?
Real property is assessed upon change of ownership and,in certain circumstances,the construction of improvements.The new assessed value isequivalent to the purchase price and issubject to being increased by asmuch as2%each year.
How are proper ty taxes billed?
Property taxes are billed annually and paid in two equal installments You can also have your taxes impounded monthly An impound account is managed by your mortgage company As the homeowner, you pay for property taxes and insurance along with your mortgage payment When your property taxes are due, the mortgage company sends the money to the tax collector or insurancecompany.
When are proper ty taxes due?
Thefiscal year runsfromJuly 1 thru June30
The first installment is due November 1 and it is late December 10 The second installment is due February 1 and it?s late April 10 You can remember these dates with this mnemonic device: No Darn FoolingAround = November it?sdue,December it?slate.February it?sdue,April it?slate.
When do I star t paying my proper ty taxes?
After change of ownership, a supplemental tax bill may be issued to collect taxes owing for the current tax year based on the difference between the previous and the new assessed values of the real property The seller is responsible for the payment of taxes due prior to close of escrow, and the buyer is responsible for the payment of taxes due after close of escrow, including any supplemental taxbill
How is the base proper ty tax r ate set?
Under Proposition 13, passed by California voters in 1976, the base property tax rate is set at 1% of thefull cash(or assessed)valueof real property.
What are Mello- Roos?
Real property can be subject to continuing tax levies under the Mello-Roos Act Such levies are used to finance certain designated public services and capital facilities Among the services and facilities typically financed through ?Mello-Roos districts?are police and fire protection services, ambulance and paramedic services, parks, elementary and secondary schools, libraries, museums, and cultural facilities.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Califor nia Proper ty Taxes: Due Dates:
Febr uar y 1st - 2nd Installment Due March 1st - Assessment Date Apr il 10th - 2nd Installment Delinquent at 5pm
July 1st - Beginning of Fiscal Year November 1st - 1st Installment Due December 10th - 1st Installment Delinquent at 5pm
COMMON FORMS OF OWNERSHIP
Titles matter
How you hold title hasimportant tax and inheritanceimplications If you are unsure which isthe best for you,please consult your Attorney, CPA or Financial Planner.The comparison chart below isprovided for information only It should not be used to determine how you hold title We strongly recommend that you seek professional counsel to determine the legal and tax consequencesof how title isvested.
Conveyance Requires written consent of other spouse or actual conveyance by deed Separate interest is devisable by will
Purchaser's Status Purchaser can only acquire whole title of community; cannot acquire a part of it
Death On co-owner s death 1/2 belongs to survivor in severalty 1/2 goes by will to descendant's devisee or by succession to survivor
Successor's Status If passing by will, tenancy in common between devisee and surviving results
Creditor's Right Property of community is liable for debts of either spouse which are made before or after marriage Whole property may be sold on execution sale to satisfy creditor
Conveyance by one co-owner without the others breaks the joint tenancy
Purchaser will become a tenant in common with other co-owners in the property as to the purchaser's interest Other owners may remain joint tenants
On co-owner s death his/her interest ends and cannot be disposed of by will Survivor owns the property by survivorship
Each co-owner's interest may be conveyed separately by its owner
Purchaser acquires interest that partnership owned
Purchaser will become a tenant in common with other co-owners in the property
On co-owner s death his/her interest passes by will to devisee or heirs No survivorship right
Last survivor owns property Devisee or heirs become tenants in common
Co-owner's interest may be sold on execution sale to satisfy creditor Joint tenancy is broken, creditor becomes a tenant in common
Co-owner's interest may be sold on execution sale to satisfy his/her creditor
Creditor becomes a tenant in common
Purchaser acquires interest that partnership owned
On partner s death his/ her partnership interest passes to the surviving partner pending liquidation of the partnership Share of deceased partner then goes to his/her estate
Heirs or devisee have rights in partnership interest but not specific property
Partner's interest cannot be seized or sold separately by his/her personal creditor but his/her share of profits may be obtained by a personal creditor Whole property may be sold on execution sale to satisfy partnership creditor
Designated parties with the trust agreement authorize the trustee to convey property Also a beneficiary's interest in the trust may be transferred
Apurchaser may obtain a beneficial interest by assignment or may obtain legal and equitable title from the trust
Successor beneficiaries may be named in the trust agreement, eliminating the need for probate
Defined by the trust agreement, generally the successor becomes the beneficiary and the trust continues
Creditor may seek an order for execution sale of the beneficial interest or ma seek an order that the trust estate be liquidated and the proceeds distributed
Atrust is expressly created by an executed trust agreement
have equal management and control
Right of survivorship may be terminated pursuant to the same procedures by which a joint tenancy may be severed
Purchaser can only acquire whole title of community; cannot acquire a part of it
Upon the death of a spouse, his/her interest passes to the surviving spouse, without administration subject to the same procedures as property held in joint tenancy
Survivingspouse owns property
Property of community is liable for debts of either which are made before or after marriage; whole property may be sold on execution sale to satisfy creditor
Must be expressly stated
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answered
How will you tell me about the newest homes available?
The Multiple Listing Service Website provides up-to-date information for nearly every home on the market I constantly check the New on Market list and will send you the latest listings via email at a frequency that?s most helpful for you,dailyor inreal-time.
Will you infor m me of homes from all Bay Area real estate companies or only Keller Williams Realty?
I will keep you informed of all homes that come available, including off-market deals, to help you find your ideal home
Can you help me find new constr uction homes?
Yes, I have access to all the new construction opportunities in the city and can get you the information you need to make a decision I will accompany you on your first visit with the builder By using my services with a new construction home purchase, you will receive the services I offer, as well as those provided by the builder,at noadditional cost
How does For Sale By Owner (FSBO) work?
Homeowners trying to sell their home without agent representation are usually doing so in the hopes of saving the commission. If you see a FSBO and want the advantages of my services, let me contact the owner for you and make an appointment Often, the homeowner will work with an agent, even though their home is not listed since the agent is introducing a potential buyer to their property While you may get a deal buying directlyfromtheseller,if theyarenot alicensedagent,it maybeachallengingexperience
Can we go back through our proper ty again once an offer is made but before possession?
Youshouldcompleteall of your inspectionsandwalk-throughsbeforeremovinganycontingencies If you need to see the property again for any reason, we can make a special request to the seller for access They often allow it, but they are not required to do so Just prior to closing, we will schedule a final walkthroughandinspectionof your new home.
What happens after the close of escrow?
You can celebrate and shift your focus to moving into your new home You will want to schedule your move, pack items, and notify businesses of your address change. I can provide you with a moving checklist to help youremember all thedetails
Let?sget started
Again, thank you for the opportunity to present my proven winning buying strategy to help you find and purchase your property. I am excited and honored to be helping you on your journey to home ownership.