Buying with Urban Marco : simplebooklet.com

3Guiding your purchaseWhen you work with Urban Marco, your story becomes ours. We work together to ensure that you’re informed, confident and having some fun on your home-buying journey. We want you to walk into your new home feeling successful, hopeful, and happy. That’s why we listen attentively to your wants and needs so we can find a home that not only matches your lifestyle and investment goals, but also feels right.Before your purchase, we’ll make sure you understand all the terms, processes, and documents involved. We provide useful advice at every step and provide helpful, real-time market information so you can make informed decisions. With Urban Marco, you gain the confidence of knowing that you have a skilled negotiator working on your behalf and that all action items and communications are being handled thoughtfully and professionally.Three E’s of Buying SuccessEDUCATE• Discover what you’re looking for• Articulate the buying process• Interpret current market conditions• Discuss financing options together with lender• Communicate about new properties • Discover new properties through tours - the fun part!EVALUATE• Confidently select your ideal home• Analyze property using market insights• Secure the right price using comparable properties & analysis EXECUTE• Write up your proposed offer• Explain offer, addendums, and contingencies• Negotiate offer, counteroffers, and inspections• Up-to-date communication• Manage transaction dates and details through to closing

Page 4

BUYING WITH URBAN MARCO4Buyer’s TimelineOur goal for you during this journey, other than finding your perfect home, is for you to know what to expect as we move along. That’s why we created the Simple Buyers Timeline to help our clients feel comfortable at the helm. Just another example of how with Urban Marco, we empower you with education.The Search• 1st Consultation• Determine Funding Source• Apply Search Criteria• Home Search & Touring• Consistent Check-InsThe Oer• Find Your Ideal Home• Property Research• Prepare and Present Offer The Transaction• Offer Negotiation• Mutual Acceptance• Contingencies & Deadlines• Loan Approval Process• Documentation Signing• Closing Time

Page 5

5Getting to know youYOUR HOME, YOUR GOALSAt Urban Marco, we believe that it’s a privilege to help our buyers add to their story of home. No matter if it’s your first home purchase or your fifth; if you’re buying the home you will live in or if you’re looking for a second home to invest in; we’re honored to help you write your next chapter. Our motivation comes from the impact we make in the lives of our buyers and that drives our personal approach to real estate.But we can’t help you until we get to know you. When we ask questions, we listen to your answers and use them to best understand what matters to you most, what your goals are, and what your version of home looks like. We search for the mandatories like your budget, desired neighborhood, commute time, and layout, but what really empowers our search is you. We discover what makes you love a home and then work hard to find it. Whether it’s an area for your pets to perch, a separate playroom for your kids, a media room for watching the big game, or a swanky bar set up, we ensure that your wants drive our work. Learning about you as a buyer and as a person helps us guide your story, and the best way to get to know you is for you to get to know us. That’s why during our first consultation, you’ll learn about Urban Marco and our approach to home-buying to help you trust in who we are. We’re confident that you’ll see why we’re the right fit to help you navigate this amazing chapter in your story.CONFERENCE CALLHOME VISITCOFFEE OR COCKTAILOFFICE VISIT EDUCATIONReach out anytime – we’re exible!

Page 6

Page 7

7Figuring out nancingNECESSARY STEPS BEFORE YOUR HOME SEARCHTo make your home search process as smooth as possible, it’s crucial that you have your finances and budget in order before you start seriously looking at homes. In a competitive region and real estate market such as ours, having financing pre-approval is key to your success (unless you plan to pay cash). To get pre-approved for a loan, you’ll need to connect with a mortgage lender. Who you work with on the financial side is entirely your choice, but we’re always happy to recommend some trusted and knowledgeable lenders who have been integral to our clients’ success. Some lenders even offer a certified buyer program, which serves as a type of performance guarantee to a seller who is considering multiple competing offers.About 30% of successful buyers in our region are cash buyers. If you intend to purchase with all cash, it’s important to know that there is likely to be competition from other cash buyers. As a result, it’s crucial that your funds be available in liquid form—this could propel you ahead of a buyer who hasn’t yet converted other holdings to cash. Financial benchmarks for youPRE-QUALIFICATION:Determination of your probability of obtaining a loan.PRE-APPROVAL:Lender verification of your income and credit approval. Obtaining pre-approval early in the process can give you and the seller greater confidence in your ability to close on the purchase.UNDERWRITTEN PRE-APPROVALA Lender issued pre-approval reviewed by the loan underwriter and approved by the underwriter.CASH BUYER:Ability to purchase the home based on verified cash holdings rather than lender financing.

Page 8

BUYING WITH URBAN MARCO8EDUCATIONDo you own and need to sell to buy? We’ve got you covered.There is no real estate situation that we can’t help you navigate. We’ll walk you through all the options available so you can buy first and sell later. We are the buying partners for you if you need to: • Qualify for your new home loan while keeping your current home• Sell your current home first• Obtain a bridge loan• Buy a new home contingent on the sale of your current homeLet’s take it on together!

Page 9

Page 10

BUYING WITH URBAN MARCO10Determining your budgetWhen buying a home, it’s imperative to understand exactly how much you can afford, and while your lender will help, here are some key factors that you should consider.SETTING YOUR DOWN PAYMENTHow much you put down is entirely up to you but keep in mind that a down payment of less than 20% will require you to purchase Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). The amount of your down payment may also impact your financing terms with your lender.THE AFFECT OF HOMEOWNER DUESMonthly or annual homeowner dues are common for condominiums, townhomes, & some single-family homes. These dues affect how much you can afford and need to be factored into your monthly costs and your monthly payment debt, along with your mortgage payment, homeowner insurance, and taxes. THE IMPACT OF OWNING PROPERTY If you already own a property, you can always sell that home to buy something in a higher price range, but the monthly payments you owe on those properties will be added to your monthly debt when your lender calculates how much you can afford. That means it will reduce your maximum budget and affect what you will be approved for.SHOPPING PRICE VS MAX PRICE In a competitive market, you must make a distinction about the difference between what your maximum budget is and your ideal shopping price range. We make recommendations based on current market conditions and determine max pricing targets that ensure you can compete for a property based on how homes are currently selling.• Change jobs, become self-employed, or quit your job• Buy a car, truck, motorcycle or van• Use credit cards more than normal• Stop paying bills• Spend money you have saved for closing• Omit debts or liabilities from your loan application• Buy big-ticket items (such as furniture)• Originate any inquiries into your credit or apply for new credit cards• Make large cash deposits without checking with your loan officer• Change bank accounts• Co-sign a loan for anyone• Change marital statusWHAT NOT TO DO WHEN BORROWING MONEYEDUCATION

Page 11

Page 12

BUYING WITH URBAN MARCO12How we search for homes togetherTo keep you updated on home options, we provide access to a personalized ‘property portal’ that allows you to control the homes you see. You can categorize your favorites, evaluate all the details, and even share feedback on selected properties, helping us always stay on the same page. We use that information to provide you with a more customized home buying experience and more focused property tours.EDUCATION

Page 13

13Start touringIt’s time to have some fun and look at homes! We will hit the town to check out several homes and learn about what is available and what you’re looking for. Tours help buyers get a better sense of how they feel in a home and what your honest reactions are to the different properties and neighborhoods you see. Tours also provide a first-person view of the market and what you can expect for your price range. We use your feedback to refine our searches and improve our tours until we find the perfect home for you.They are so good at explaining the how’s and why’s. I don’t know what I would have done without their advice, guidance, expertise and professionalismAnya, condo buyer

Page 14

BUYING WITH URBAN MARCO14Real estate compensation for both the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent are typically paid by the seller. The amount that we receive as your buyer’s agents is determined by the seller of each property and is part of their Listing Agreement with their agent. It is then published on the Multiple Listing Service.As the buyer, you are not responsible for paying us anything additional as our commission is included in the purchase price.How are we compensated?Note: For non-listed properties, the compensation will be added into the sales price. Some clients will pay a retainer fee for this service and all clients will sign a buyer representation agreementEDUCATION*Expenses vary widely$1,000,000$60,000 (6%)TOTAL COMPENSATION$15,000 $15,000$1,000$3,000$500$10,500$15,000$2,000-3,000$3,000$500$9,500$15,000

Page 15

15Due diligenceWALKING YOU THROUGH INSPECTIONHome inspections are a critical part of the home-buying process. They can take the mystery out of buying a home and make it easier for you to imagine yourself living there. Whether commissioned by you or the seller, the inspection will look beyond the home’s cosmetics to make sure its general systems operate properly. The inspector will look for large repairs that are needed and present a detailed report on the condition of the home. As your buyer’s agents, we’ll help you:• Find a well-regarded inspector • Review a seller-procured inspection report • Review your buyer-procured inspection report• Help you determine your risk tolerance for required repairs• Negotiate fair and appropriate solutions if necessaryA home inspection benefits all parties involved by providing insight into the condition of the home, thereby making you an informed buyer.Work with your mortgage professional to be sure that you are comfortable with the price or monthly payment of the home.Get your questions answered about the neighborhood (it can help to talk to neighbors).Do a thorough inspection of the home (structure, sewer lines, etc.).Help you decipher the Condominium/Homeowner Association Documents, known as the Resale Certificate (if applicable).Research schools, commute times, public transit options, permits for recent property remodels, oil tank records, nearby developments, etc.Review comparable home values.LET’S TAKE THE TIME TO MAKE SURE THIS REALLY IS THE BEST HOME FOR YOU.EVALUATE

Page 16

BUYING WITH URBAN MARCO16Putting together your oerBefore writing your first offer on a home, we’ll guide you through its various components, including the Purchase and Sale Agreement, state-required forms, all contingencies, and what you’ll need to prepare to back up an offer financially. PREPARING THE OFFERWhen you’re ready to make an offer on a specific property, we will: • Perform a market analysis to show how the home compares in value to recent listings and sales• Work with you to devise a comprehensive strategy for your offer• Go over needed conditions and contingencies• Tailor your offer to your comfort level and to the unique circumstances of the listingPRESENTING YOUR OFFER TO THE SELLEROnce we’ve written up the Purchase and Sale Agreement and all associated forms, we will: • Call the seller’s agent to inform them that your offer is coming via email• Tell them a little about you and briefly preview the offer details with them• Highlight the strengths and benefits of your offer• Follow up to confirm they received your offerNEGOTIATING THE OFFEROnce we decide on our strategy and your offer terms, we become your advocates in every negotiation. • We work with selling agents to negotiate the best price and terms for you, while not losing the property to another buyer• You can count on us to represent your goals during the counteroffers and the inspection negotiations as wellEXECUTE

Page 17

17Oer StrategiesFROM THE WINDERMERE ATTORNEY: In a typical real estate market a buyer will usually include several contingencies with their offer such as financing, inspection, title, etc. A buyer will also typically have a statutory right of termination arising from receipt of a seller disclosure or resale certificate. These are just a few of the more commonly used contingencies that permit a buyer to terminate a contract and receive a refund of earnest money. While removal of contingencies may be attractive to a seller and aid in the buyer’s offer being accepted in a multiple offer situation, buyers are advised to consider the risks they are taking by not including contingencies in their offer and waiving statutory termination rights. Buyers are advised to consult an attorney prior to making an offer without typical contingencies. PRICE FINANCINGOTHERAPPRAISALEARNEST MONEYINSPECTIONCLOSING DATE & POSSESSIONEscalation upper limit $Bump amount** $Above list price $At list price $Below list price (Ha! Just kidding!)** Over highest verifiable offerCashFinancing WITHOUT a contingencyFinancing with a contingencySeller concessions: $Paragraph “W” info verification periodSeller disclosure formResale certificate or HOA reviewTitleUtilitiesWaivedAdditional $ toward down payment if appraisal is low $Must appraise at purchase priceAmount $Convert EM and release to seller upon acceptance $Convert EM to non refundableEarnest money credited at closingNoneYes but take “as is” (aka waived)Above list price $Pre-inspectionContingent on inspection Quick close of less than 2 weeksFree rent back to SellerRent back lengthClose per Seller timelineClose 30 days or lessClose 45 daysClose contingent on sale of your homeTHE OPTIONS– THE HIGHER UP THE LIST, THE STRONGER YOUR OFFER IS TO A SELLER

Page 18

BUYING WITH URBAN MARCO18After you reach mutual acceptance on your offer, the closing process begins and Loren leaps into action. As an expert in transaction coordination, she helps handle the details and ensures that everything behind the scenes is moving along. We shield you from the mundane and try to make the home buying process as fun and easy as possible. We add clarity to the complicated and manage all the moving pieces to keep you ahead of every task and prepared for every milestone.The path to closingBUYER’S AGENTLENDER ESCROWPREPARE LEGAL DOCUMENTSDETERMINE STATUSOVERSEE CLOSING/PAPERS SIGNEDCLOSING DATECLOSING STATEMENT & ESCROW INSTRUCTIONSNEW OWNERSELLER’S AGENT (ME)REVIEW DISCLOSURESHOME INSPECTIONSREPAIR NEGOTIATIONMORTGAGESTITLE SEARCHLOAN APPROVALCREDIT REPORTEMPLOYMENT VERIFICATIONAPPRAISALWORK ORDERSMORTGAGE INSURANCEUNDERWRITERISSUE COMMITMENTEXAMINATIONCHECK TAXES + LEGALISSUE POLICYHOMEOWNER DUESTAXESUTILITIESREAL ESTATE FEESSELLER (YOU)BUYERPURCHASE + SALE AGREEMENTLOAN APPLICATIONINSURANCE BINDERRECORD & DISBURSE FUNDSEXECUTE

Page 19

19Your closing costsBefore mutual acceptance, a closing date is agreed upon by you and the seller. Closing happens once you and the seller have signed and you have paid your share of the settlement fees, and the documents are recorded. Settlement obligations vary widely due to specific contract language, local laws and customs. Prior to the closing date, the escrow officer will complete a settlement statement detailing all the expenses associated with the purchase of your new home. Home inspection and sewer scopeDown payment on the homeBuyer’s escrow feeLender’s title insurance premium Document preparationProrated property taxesProrated Homeowners Association duesRecording fees for all documents in buyer’s nameNotary feesHomeowner’s insurance premium for first yearLoan fees as agreed with lenderInterim interest on new loanThe Buyer Pays for:

Page 20

BUYING WITH URBAN MARCO20What happens on closing day?BUT IT DOESN’T END HEREYou will be signing your closing documents a couple of days prior to closing. On the day of closing, typically the documents are recorded at the county in the late afternoon and you will have access to your new home in the early evening.AFTER CLOSING WE ARE STILL HERE FOR YOUWe will keep in touch to find out how things are going in your new home. We are always happy to answer any questions you might have. We can also provide referrals (plumbers, electricians, etc.) and give you updates on the value of your home going forward.If you are happy with our service we would love to help your friends and family, we always have time for your referrals.EXECUTEYou get the keys, yay!

Page 21

21WE ARE A TEAM, SO YOU GET TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONEThis means you will have two sets of eyes looking at your home search, two brains making sure all bases are covered, two people available to answer your questions, twice as much attention to detail, and two separate sets of skills being put to use to help you find your home. Two is better than one.EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATION OF BUYERS WITHIN EACH MARKET SEGMENTIf a buyer is looking to purchase a home in a neighborhood at a specific price point, we will not take another buyer looking for a similar product in that market. We’re not in the business of mass production or working with as many buyers as we can – we want to make your home buying experience a success.QUALITY VS QUANTITYWe limit the number of clients we take at one time so we can give you the very best and personalized service possible. We don’t want you feeling like you are just one of many in a sea of clients. For us, it is all about the quality of our service to you and the quality of your experience with us.We represent great properties and great people. We’re infatuated with helping our clients realize their goals for home, and through our open and honest approach to real estate, we show our love for what we do. KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE.Our knowledge and experience will help you make your buying experience a success. With 20 years of specialized service in the PNW market and over $250 million in sold homes for our clients, we share this knowledge with you to help ensure you make the best decisions and don’t miss any opportunities. And our blogs, Seattle Condo Review, UrbanMarco.com, and our social media receive 2,000 - 3,000 visitors each month which allows us the unique opportunity to network, communicate, and collaborate with a large pool of buyers, sellers, realtors, and industry experts.They are so good at explaining the hows and whys. I don’t know what I would have done without their advice, guidance, expertise and professionalism.Anya, condo buyerMeet the TeamWhy Urban Marco

Page 22

Page 23

Page 24

BUYING WITH URBAN MARCO24Buyers choosing Windermere increase their odds of succeeding in a competitive market because:• Windermere brokers receive extensive training on how to (a) craft the most competitive offer for their buyer, and (b) position it to have the greatest appeal to the seller.• Windermere brokers adjust their negotiating techniques based on real-time market conditions.• A market-wide survey of Northwest MLS agents indicated that they are more confident about completing transactions with Windermere brokers than with brokers from any other firm.WINDERMERECOMPASSKELLER WILLIAMSREDFINJOHN L. SCOTTSKYLINE PROPERTIESCOLDWELL BANKERRE/MAX10%22%7%7%6%5%6%4%IN A COMPETITIVE MARKET, WINDERMERE GIVES BUYERS THE EDGE SHARE OF WINNING BUYERS WHEN COMPETING AGAINST MULTIPLE OFFERS**Why WindermereWindermere’s extensive network allows us to collaborate with the region’s largest cohort of listing brokers so you never miss out on new inventory. • Windermere typically has the most listings in the market at any given time. This is meaningful because with inventory so tight in our region, our network access to the most resale and new construction listings is a big advantage.• Our relationships with Windermere listing brokers serve to ease the communication, flow and vibe of transactions that otherwise could be taxing.*Source: Trendgraphix. Data reflects dollar volume of King County homes and condos sold over a recent 12-month period. **Multiple offers are factored based on home sales that close above list price. Market share data reflects sales of Seattle and Eastside single family homes over a recent 12-month period. Information gathered from but not verified by NWMLS. WINDERMERE SELLS MORE KING COUNTY HOMES AND CONDOS*WINDERMEREJOHN L. SCOTTKELLER WILLIAMSCOMPASSREDFINCOLDWELL BANKER9%20%8%7%6%5%3XHIGHER $ VOLUME OF LISTINGS SOLD BY WINDERMERE THAN BY THE #2 FIRM$17BWINDERMERE’S ANNUAL PROPERTY SALES IN KING COUNTY BY $ VOLUMETo us, the choice to affiliate our business with Windermere is a no-brainer. We have the largest regional network with the best real estate minds. We also have local owners focused on our local communities and not on growing a giant national footprint or pleasing distant shareholders.

Page 25

25LOWELL ELEMENTARYAs the primary elementary school that services downtown Seattle, over 30% of the student population at Lowell Elementary live in low-income households, shelters or are unhoused. Lowell’s role in our community is crucial and we’re proud to help them provide the children in our community access to quality education.In addition to the Foundation, we donate additional time and money to two local organizations near and dear to our hearts.Giving back,togetherYOUR HOME SALE FURTHERS THE IMPORTANT WORK OF THE WINDERMERE FOUNDATION When your property sale closes, we’ll donate a portion of our commission to the Windermere Foundation, which is committed to making our communities a better place to live for our most disadvantaged neighbors. Housing is our business, so helping homeless and low-income families – with an emphasis on helping children – has been our way of giving back. Over the years the foundation has donated tens of millions of dollars to cover families’ housing costs, help stave off evictions, and fund backpacks full of food so school kids don’t go hungry on weekends. For almost 50 years, Windermere has been our region’s most recognized real estate brand and a respected philanthropic leader. We remain deeply rooted in our local neighborhoods and committed to keeping the region a place where everyone can have a home. $44M+GIVEN TO NON-PROFITS550ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTED1000SOF LIVES CHANGEDHOMESIGHTHome Sight exists to promote social and economic equity by preserving and enhancing economically and culturally diverse communities in Seattle. They help find funding to provide homeownership classes, counseling, affordable homes, and loans to qualifying clients throughout Seattle and South King County.

Page 26

Page 27

27What our clients are saying“Marco and Loren helped us find and buy two great places: a house in Wedgwood and a condo in Greenwood. They did so with improbable levels of insight, patience, responsiveness, and friendliness. They came recommended by our friends, and we’ve sent friends their way. Everyone in this chain of recommendations found a home they love, and I suspect Marco and Loren will always have their hands full because their services as real estate agents simply have no downsides.”Sergey and Tamar, house and condo buyers“Marco and Loren are the best in the business. Marco is patient and all about his clients. From pick up to drop off, from the ins and outs of contracts to the negotiation, and now even good advice on how to use our heater (apparently turn the fuses on) – Marco gives the most amazing service. His expertise, integrity and love for the job really shines through. It also doesn’t hurt that he tells wickedly funny stories.”Michael and Rebecca, condo buyers“By the end of your house buying experience, you are going to want to have Marco and Loren over for Happy Hour. They are awesome people! They made buying a house a terrific experience. We were first time home buyers and had no idea up from down when it came to how to navigate the process. Marco held our hand and patiently explained and re-explained processes and options”Brit and Nina, house buyersMarco and his team made my dreams come true! They helped me during an incredibly stressful time to buy a house, personally and market-wise. Marco is kind, warm, driven, informed, and a professional. I was in such good hands. The reason I got my house was 100 percent because of his help. If I ever sell, I will absolutely work with Marco and Loren again.Jill, house buyer

Page 28

Page 29

29Windermere and Urban Marco share some deeply held values. First, we prize people over transactions – client relationships are our number one priority. Listening for ways we can be helpful, regardless of whether someone is in the market to list or buy a home, is how we’re able to provide memorable service and meaningful value.Second, we freely give away our knowledge and share our expertise in order to help people move confidently into their next chapter. We’re passionate dispensers of market insights, creative strategies and winning angles in order to boost our clients’ readiness and success. And third, we work hard to keep our region strong and communities vibrant. Through our actions and contributions, we strive to create economic and lifestyle opportunities for both the households and neighborhoods we serve.100% OF OUR BROKERS DONATE TIME AND/OR MONEY TO THE WINDERMERE FOUNDATION#1WINDERMERE’S LOCAL RANKING IN CLOSED UNITS, TOTAL DOLLAR VOLUME AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, CLIENT SUCCESS50+YEARS THAT WINDERMERE HAS BEEN A RESPECTED CIVIC AND CORPORATE LEADER IN WESTERN WASHINGTON Our value lies in our values

Buying with Urban Marco

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3