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Buying A Houseyour step-by-step guideto homeownershipDelicia SampleNew Jersey Real Estate Agent Top Rated Agent Message

CAMERA1 0 o u t o f 1 0 - h i g h l yr e c o m m e n d . D e l i c i a h a s b e e nn o t h i n g s h o r t o f p h e n o m e n a lw i t h o u r r e a l e s t a t et r a n s a c t i o n . N o t o n l y d i d s h ee x c e e d o u r e x p e c t a t i o n s w i t hs e l l i n g o u r c o n d o ( e . g . ,p r e p a r a t i o n f o r s t a g i n g ,o r g a n i z a t i o n , s c h e d u l i n g ,e f f e c t i v e c o m m u n i c a t i o n ) ,s h e a l s o f o u n d m y h u s b a n d ,s o n , & I o u r “ d r e a m ” h o m e !I t ’ s p e r f e c t .

Thank you for choosing to put yourtrust in me for the process of buyingand/or selling your home. Everymember of my team is committed toensuring that ALL of your real estateneeds are not just met, but exceeded!I’ve created this book for yourconvenience and we hope that it willbe a valuable resource. While theentire process is outlined for you here,please know that I will be staying inconstant contact with you throughoutthe process. Your experience will beunique and I will adjust our serviceaccording to your wants and needs.My focus is on your completesatisfaction.WelcomeI am excited to guide you through this journey!Delicia Sample856-203-5166deliciasamplere@gmail.comDeliciaSampleRE.com

Our commitment to youFrom the day you place your trust in us as your selected Realtor®, we pledge to you toprovide the quality of service that you deserve. You will receive the highest standards ofprofessional and personal service from our team.D E D I C A T E D S E R V I C EWhen repairs or changes in price need to be made (whether a buyer or a seller), we willbe your guide through that process. We handle negotiating repairs, scheduling neededinspections and/or repairs, and any hard conversations so you don't have to.H A N D L I N G H A R D C O N V E R S A T I O N SA Realtor® will represent your best interests, you are my #1 priority. With a pulse on thelocal market and a sound understanding of how various amenities affect the value of ahome, we will make sure we calculate all benefits, and decide the price accordingly. O N Y O U R S I D EWe will discuss with you exactly how our team works and what you can expect. We willcommunicate regularly and you’ll know everything that’s going on as soon as we know it. S U S T A I N E D C O M M U N I C A T I O NWe will work hard to protect all of your interests and take on any issues that may arisethroughout the process. Hopefully making the process as fun and stress-free aspossible.P R O B L E M S O L V E R

Branch Manager of NFM Lending1524 Kings Hwy, Swedesboro, NJ 08085O : 215-837-0387jecook@nfmlending.comJERRY COOKManaging Broker of Weichert Premier10 W Main St, Moorestown, NJ 08057(609) 216-4900AILEEN KONZELMANNCOO/Partner CoreTitle South Jersey 1300 NJ-73, Mt Laurel 08054856-316-4005ANN BRENNANDelicia Sample | Realtor | Weichert Premier- Haddonfield | 132 E Kings Hwy Haddonfield NJ 08033O: 856-394-5700 | C: 856-203-5166 | DeliciaSampleRE@gmail.com | www.DeliciaSampleRE.comAlso work with our partners::Highly Skilled Professional Photographer, Weichert Insurance,Stagers, Moving Services, General Contractors, Organizers,Estate Planning, Appraisers, Home WarrantyDELICIA SAMPLEBUY & SELL“At Weichert Premier, it's not just aboutthe experience—it's about elevatingyour experience. We go above andbeyond to truly understand yourneeds, offering personalized serviceand leveraging our expertise to makeyour Sell and Buy is journey seamless.Get Ready to embark on a ”Real”Estate Experience you deserve.SPECIALIST Meet The Team

30 AND MORE!FAMILES HELPEDRESULTS DRIVENSALES VOLUMEAVERAGE DAYS OUR LISTINGS STAY ON THE MARKETAVERAGE DAYS OUR BUYERS GO UNDER CONTRACTLIST TO S A L E P R I C E %+$8.5 MILLION6 DAYS2.5 WEEKS107% OVER LIST

Decide whether you’reready to buy a homeCalculate how much youcan afford on a houseSave for a down paymentand closing costsDecide what type ofmortgage is right for youGet preapproved fora mortgage0102030405Create a wish listDocumenting your visitStart touring homes060708Make an offerFinalize mortgageGet homeownersinsurance091011Attend the homeinspection12Have the home appraised13Negotiate any repairsor credits14Close on your new home!15STAGE 1: PREP WORKSTAGE 2: THE SEARCHSTAGE 3 - UNDERCONTRACT & CLOSINGa new homes t e p s t o b u y i n g

prepare foryour purchaseSTAGE ONE

Your lender won’t just want to see how muchmoney you make. They’ll also want to see a workhistory (usually about 2 years) to make sure yourincome source is stable and reliable.Preparing your income is all about pulling the rightdocumentation together to show steadyemployment. If you’re on the payroll, you’ll likelyjust need to provide recent pay stubs and W-2s.On the other hand, you’ll need to submit your taxreturns and other documents the lender requestsif you’re self-employed.INCOME AND EMPLOYMENT STATUSDecide whether you’re ready tobuy a homeSure, there's being financially ready to buy a house,but are you emotionally ready? Even if it's just goingto be your starter home, you're making a bigfinancial commitment and putting down someroots.You'll want to think about your other goals for thenext few years. Are you buying with a partner, and ifyes, are you on the same page when it comes tomoney? Is there any chance you'd need to relocatefor work? Are you thinking of starting a family?These big-picture questions can add to the pros (orcons) of whether this is the right time to buy ahouse.STEP ONEW O N D E R I N G I F Y O U S H O U L D B U Y AH O U S E ? L E T ’ S L O O K A T S O M E O F T H EF A C T O R S T H A T L E N D E R S A N DH O M E O W N E R S A L I K E S H O U L D C O N S I D E R .Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is anotherfinancial instrument mortgage lenders useto evaluate your loan application. Your DTIhelps your lender see how much of yourmonthly income goes to debt so they canevaluate the amount of mortgage debt youcan take on.DTI is calculated by dividing your monthlydebt by your gross monthly income. Forexample, if your monthly debts (credit cardminimum payments, loan payments, etc.)total $2,000 per month and your grossmonthly income is $6,000, your DTI is$2,000/$6,000, or 33%. Your lender willuse the debts shown on your credit reportto calculate your DTI.Depending on the type of loan you’reapplying for, your lender may also calculateyour housing expense ratio, also sometimesreferred to as front-end DTI. This is a ratiothat looks at your total monthly housepayment (principal, interest, taxes andinsurance) compared to your monthlyincome. For example, if you have a $1,200house payment and the same $6,000monthly income, your housing expense ratiois $1,200/$6,000, or 20%.It’s smart to review your DTI before youapply for a loan. In most cases, you’ll need aback-end DTI of 43% or less to qualify forthe most mortgage options, although thisnumber varies based on your lender, loantype and other factors.

Your credit score plays a huge role in whatloans and interest rates you qualify for. Yourcredit score tells lenders how much of a riskyou are to grant a loan.Taking steps to improve your credit scoreand reduce your debt can pay off big as youprepare to get a mortgage. Better numbersmean better loan options with lower interestrates.Your credit score is based on the followinginformation:Your payment historyThe amount of money you oweThe length of your credit historyTypes of credit you’ve usedYour pursuit of new creditWhat score will you need to qualify for ahome loan? Most lenders require a creditscore of at least 620 to qualify for themajority of loans. A score above 720 willgenerally get you the very best loan terms.CREDIT HEALTHDeciding whether it’s a good time to buy ahouse or not depends on a variety ofpersonal factors (such as financial readinessand lifestyle preferences) and marketconditions (such as economic health andcurrent mortgage rates).Ultimately, the right time to buy a homecomes down to your own unique situation.Be sure to consult a financial expert beforemaking any big financial decisions such asbuying a house.TIMING

Calculate how much you can affordOnce you decide you’re ready to buy a home,it’s time to set a budget. A good place to beginis by calculating your DTI ratio. Look at yourcurrent debts and income and consider howmuch money you can reasonably afford tospend each month on a mortgage.Homeownership comes with several costs youdon’t need to worry about while renting. You’llneed to pay property taxes and maintain someform of homeowners insurance. Factor theseexpenses into your household budget whenyou decide how much you can afford on ahouse.Mortgage lenders consider DTI an importantqualifying factor. The amount of debt you haveis considered a very reliable predictor of therisk associated with the approval of anymortgage loan. Therefore, it’s important toknow your numbers.STEP TWOStep 1: Add Up All Of Your Monthly DebtsYour debt payments could include:Monthly rent or house paymentsMonthly child support payments or alimonyStudent loan paymentsCar paymentsMonthly credit card minimum paymentsAny other debts you might haveYou don’t need to add in:Grocery billsUtility billsTaxesAny other bills that may vary month tomonthStep 2: Divide Your Monthly Debts By YourMonthly Gross IncomeNext, do a simple calculation. For example, let’ssay your debts add up to $2,000 per month. Ifyour monthly gross income (your before-taxincome) is $6,000 per month, then your DTIratio is 0.33, or 33%.L E T ’ S L O O K A T H O W D T II S C A L C U L A T E D .

U n d e r s t a n d i n g t h eLet’s dive into a key update that could have abig impact on how people sell their homes!The recent NAR settlement brings asignificant change: sellers are no longerrequired to offer compensation to buyer'sagents when listing their home on the MLS.NAR SETTLEMENTBuyer Agreement Needed – You mustsign a written agreement with your agentbefore touring a home.Clear Compensation Terms – Theagreement must specify compensation,prohibit excess payments, and confirmcommissions are negotiable.Seller Contributions Allowed – Sellers canoffer agent compensation (not on MLS)and concessions like closing costcoverage.WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOUAS A BUYER?Buyers may need to cover their agent’scommission out of pocket if the sellerdoesn’t offer compensation.Buyer’s agents will now have signedagreements with their clients, clearlyoutlining their services and how they’ll bepaid.This shift may lead to buyers being moreselective about working with agents ornegotiating agent fees upfront.HOW DOES THIS IMPACT BUYERS?Buyer’s agents can still receivecompensation from the seller if the sellerchooses to offer it.If no seller compensation is offered,buyers will need to pay their agentsdirectly.In some cases, buyers may negotiate forthe seller to cover their agent’s fee as partof the purchase offer.SO, HOW WILL BUYER’S AGENTSGET PAID NOW?It’s an important shift that puts morecontrol in thw hands of the seller, but it alsochanges the dynamics for buyers andagents alike. Being aware of these changeswill help you navigate the market morestrategically!

THE CURRENT REALESTATE LANDSCAPEThe real estate market is evolving,and as you explore your home-buying options, it’s essential tostay informed about the changesshaping today’s landscape.The Current CommissionStructure: In today’s market,sellers aren’t always covering thecost of your agent’s commission.This means, as a buyer, you maybe responsible for paying yourown agent’s fee.What This Means for You: Thisshift gives you more control. Younow have the flexibility to decidewhether or not to hire an agentand can negotiate terms that workfor you. It’s all about finding whatmakes sense for your situation andstructuring the arrangement thatfits your needs.W H A T Y O U N E E D T O K N O W

THE UNREPRESENTED OPTIONWith the recent changes in the real estate landscape, some buyers are consideringgoing unrepresented in an effort to save on costs. It might seem like an attractiveoption at first glance, but let’s talk about what that really means for you.W H A T Y O U N E E D T O K N O WWhile skipping an agent may save you money upfront, there are some importantfactors to consider when weighing the true value of professional representation:Exclusive market insights: Agents can give you access to off-marketproperties and the latest local data.Skilled negotiation: A seasoned agent can negotiate the best possible deal onyour behalf.Navigating paperwork: Real estate contracts and processes can beoverwhelming—having an expert can save you from costly mistakes.Time savings: Agents streamline the entire process, from property searching toclosing, saving you precious time and effort.UNDERSTANDING THE TRADE-OFFS

I get it—cost is a huge factor, and you're likely wondering:" I s h i r i n g a n a g e n t w o r t h t h e i n v e s t m e n t ? "" C a n I r e a l l y n a v i g a t e t h i s o n m y o w n ? "" W h a t r i s k s a m I t a k i n g b y g o i n g u n r e p r e s e n t e d ? "YOUR CONCERNS MATTERThese are all valid questions, and we’ll break them down together. As we continue, I’llhelp you explore the realities of going unrepresented and the value that professionalguidance can bring to the table. Let’s make sure you’re set up for success!

ARE YOU READY FORTHESE CHALLENGES?Common Challenges for Unrepresented BuyersHow will you ensure you'reseeing all available properties,including off-market listings?Market Access:Can you accurately determine ifa property is priced fairly for itscondition and location?Property Valuation:Are you prepared to negotiatenot just price, but terms,contingencies, and repairs?Negotiation:Do you fully understand thecontracts and disclosures you'llbe signing?Legal Complexities:Can you effectively coordinateinspections, appraisals, andother crucial steps?Transaction Management:What's your plan for handlingsurprises that often arise duringtransactions?Problem-Solving:Have you considered the timeneeded to manage all aspectsof your purchase?Time Investment:Can you remain objectiveabout potentially the largestinvestment of your life?Emotional Distance:Do you have connections withinspectors, lenders, and otherprofessionals you'll need?Industry Relationships:What will you do if issues ariseafter closing?Post-Purchase Support:

That perfect house slips through your fingers because youhesitated too long.What Could TheseChallenges Mean for You?P O T E N T I A L I M P A C T S O N Y O U R H O M E B U Y I N G J O U R N E Y1 . L O S S O F Y O U R D R E A M H O M ESome buyers successfully navigate unrepresented purchases.However, it's crucial to honestly assess your skills, knowledge,and available time before deciding to go this route.Unexpected costs blindside you, straining your savings andpeace of mind.2 . F I N A N C I A L S T R E S SYou end up compromising on important features because youfeel pressured or uninformed.3 . S E T T L I N G F O R L E S SYou rush into a decision and later regret it, stuck with a home thatdoesn't truly fit your needs.4 . B U Y E R ' S R E M O R S EThe stress of the home search starts affecting your relationshipsand work life.5 . F A M I L Y T E N S I O NYou overpay for your home, leaving less for furnishings orrenovations.6 . N E G O T I A T I O N N I G H T M A R E S

H O W A N A G E N T P L A Y S A R O L E I N B U Y I N G A H O M EOpinions vs. RealityOPINIONSAnyone can handle thepaperwork.REALITYA single missed deadline orincorrectly filled form could cost youyour earnest money deposit.When multiple offers come in onyour dream home, your agent'sstrategy could make yours stand outwithout overpaying.You could save thousands onclosing costs or repairs with anagent who knows how to negotiate.When an inspection reveals moldissues, your agent's contacts couldquickly bring in specialists to assessand resolve the problem.Agents just show houses.Agents are just expensivemiddlemen.The home-buying process isstraightforward

You snag a property thatperfectly fits your needs,even in a competitivemarket, thanks to youragent's market insightsand quick action.S E C U R I N G Y O U RI D E A L H O M EYou make a soundinvestment, stayingwithin budget whilemaximizing value, guidedby expert marketanalysis.F I N A N C I A LC O N F I D E N C EYou navigate complexnegotiations with ease,securing favorable termsand price, while youragent handles the toughconversations.S T R E S S - F R E EN E G O T I A T I O N SYou make choices withclarity, armed with youragent's insights onneighborhood trends,property conditions, andfuture value.I N F O R M E DD E C I S I O N - M A K I N GYou maintain your work-life balance, as youragent efficientlymanages the time-consuming aspects ofhome buying.T I M E A N DE N E R G Y S A V I N G SYou move forward withconfidence, knowing everydetail has been scrutinizedby your experiencedagent, minimizing futuresurprises.P E A C E O F M I N DYou experience aseamless journey fromoffer to closing, with youragent anticipating andresolving potentialroadblocks.S M O O T H T R A N S A C T I O NP R O C E S SYou gain access to topprofessionals in relatedfields (inspectors,lenders, etc.), leveragingyour agent's trustedconnections.N E T W O R KA D V A N T A G E SYou set yourself up forfuture financial gains,guided by your agent'sunderstanding of markettrends and propertypotential.L O N G - T E R MI N V E S T M E N T S U C C E S S Potential Impacts on Your Home Buying JourneyWhat Could TheseAdvantages Mean for You?

THINKING ABOUT GOINGUNREPRESENTED?B e f o r e d e c i d i n g t o g o i t a l o n e , t h e r e a r e a f e wi m p o r t a n t t h i n g s t o t h i n k t h r o u g h . I f y o u ' r eu n s u r e a b o u t a n y o f t h e s e , i t m a y b e w o r t hr e c o n s i d e r i n g w h e t h e r g o i n g u n r e p r e s e n t e d i st h e b e s t p a t h f o r y o u .LE T’ S MAKE SU RE YOU’ RE READY.

Do you know how market trends influence home prices inyour area?YES NOCan you attend showings and handle all the schedulingduring business hours?Are you prepared to jump on new listings and act quicklywhen needed?How comfortable are you negotiating directly with sellers ortheir agents?Do you know how to put together a winning offer, especiallyin competitive markets?Can you effectively handle repair negotiations and otherkey contract terms?Are you familiar with the legal language and implications ofreal estate contracts?Do you have a solid grasp on all the costs involved in buyinga home?How ready are you to manage any unexpected hurdlesduring the process?Are you prepared to deal with potential setbacks or delaysalong the way?Can you make objective, smart decisions without lettingemotions cloud your judgment?Do you have the stamina to handle the stress anduncertainty that often comes with a real estate transaction?

Will you have access to the full range of property listings,including those off the market?YES NOCan you dig into property histories and gather keyneighborhood insights?Do you know how to research zoning laws and futuredevelopments that could impact property values?Are you familiar with all the steps involved in a real estatetransaction—from start to finish?Do you know what to expect during inspections, appraisals,and at closing?Can you juggle all the moving parts, like coordinating withlenders, title companies, and other professionals?Have you thought about the potential financial risks ofmissteps in the buying process?Do you understand the long-term impact of your home-buying choices?Are you ready to manage any disputes or issues that mayarise even after the deal is done?These are just some of the challenges that come with buying a home, and having theright knowledge and tools in place is crucial to ensuring a smooth and successfultransaction. These questions aren’t meant to scare you—they’re here to help you makesure you’re set up for success. Buying a home is a huge investment, and being fullyprepared is key to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible!

Even When You're CapableYou might be thinking, "I’ve got this! I’m great at negotiating, detail-oriented, and I understand contracts." And you know what? You’reprobably right. But here’s something to consider:T H E V A L U E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I O NDoctors still become patients when they need medical care.Hairstylists let their colleagues handle their highlights.Wedding planners hire other planners for their big day.Why? Because there’s real value in having someone fully dedicated toyour success.Let’s put it this way: Would you represent yourself in court? Maybe—butwouldn’t you rather have a skilled attorney, making sure everything ishandled perfectly, saving you time, stress, and avoiding costly mistakes?Buying a home is one of the biggest financial moves of your life. Justlike you wouldn’t head to court without a lawyer, navigating the home-buying process without an agent could leave you at a disadvantage.Having someone in your corner can make all the difference!E V E N T H E P R O S L E A N O N O T H E R E X P E R T S

When it comes to buying a home, you need more than just an agent—you need astrategic partner who’s 100% committed to your success. As your buyer's agent, Icombine deep local market knowledge, expert negotiation skills, and a personalizedapproach to ensure you find the right home at the best price.H E R E ’ S H O W I ’ L L G U I D E Y O U :A personalized needs assessment and budget planning.Custom property search, including those hard-to-find off-market listings.In-depth property and neighborhood analysis.Strategic offer creation and expert negotiation.Full management of every step in the transaction process.And ongoing support even after you’ve closed on your home.YOUR ADVANTAGEIN TODAY’S MARKETW H A T M A K E S M E D I F F E R E N T :Secured a $15,000 reduction for Lisa by identifying hidden repairs.Discovered an off-market gem for the Johnsons, helping them beatout the competition.Saved Will and Katie $7,000 by negotiating closing costs.With me, you’re not just getting a home—you’re getting a partner committedto making the process as seamless and successful as possible. Let’s findyour perfect home!H O W I ' V E H E L P E D C L I E N T S L I K E Y O U

Your down payment is a large, one-time payment toward the purchase of a home. Many lendersrequire a down payment because it mitigates the loss they might suffer in the event that a borrowerdefaults on their mortgage.Many home buyers believe that they need a 20% down payment to buy a home. This isn’t true. Plus, adown payment of that size isn’t realistic for many first-time home buyers.Fortunately, there are many options for buyers who can’t afford a 20% down payment. For example,you can get a conventional loan for as little as 3% down. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loanshave a minimum down payment of 3.5%. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans and UnitedStates Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans even allow eligible and qualified borrowers to put0% down.There are advantages, however, to making a larger down payment. For one, it typically means you’llhave more mortgage options. It also usually means you’ll have a smaller monthly payment and alower interest rate. Plus, if you put at least 20% down on a conventional loan, you won’t need to payfor private mortgage insurance (PMI).DOWN PAYMENTSave for a down payment andclosing costsThere are many ways to save for your home purchase, including through investments and savingsaccounts. If you have relatives who are willing to contribute money, you may be able to use giftmoney toward your down payment (in which case, be sure to provide your lender with a gift letter).But how much do you need to save before buying a home? Let’s look at some of the major expensesrelated to the purchase, and how much you might want to save for them.STEP THREE

You’ll also need to save money tocover closing costs – the fees you payto get the loan. There are manyvariables that go into determining howmuch you’ll pay for closing costs, butit’s usually smart to prepare for 3 – 6%of the home value. This means that ifyou’re buying a home worth $200,000,you might pay $6,000 – $12,000 inclosing costs.The specific closing costs will dependon your loan type, your lender, andwhere you live. Almost all homeownerswill pay for things like appraisal feesand title insurance. If you take out agovernment-backed loan, you’lltypically need to pay an insurancepremium or funding fee upfront.CLOSING COSTSB E F O R E Y O U C L O S E O N Y O U RL O A N , Y O U R L E N D E R W I L L G I V EY O U A D O C U M E N T C A L L E D AC L O S I N G D I S C L O S U R E , W H I C HL I S T S E A C H O F T H E C L O S I N GC O S T S Y O U N E E D T O C O V E R A N DH O W M U C H Y O U ’ L L N E E D T O P A YA T C L O S I N G . L O O K O V E R Y O U RC L O S I N G D I S C L O S U R E C A R E F U L L YB E F O R E Y O U C L O S E T O K N O WW H A T T O E X P E C T A N D T O C A T C HA N Y E R R O R S .

Decide what type of mortgage isright for youBefore you can apply for a mortgage, you’ll need to decide what the best type of loan is for youand which one you’ll qualify for.STEP FOURCONVENTIONAL LOANSConventional loans are mortgages made by a private lender and not backed by the government.The most common type of conventional loans are loans that are backed by Fannie Mae orFreddie Mac, sometimes called conforming loans. The majority of mortgages in the U.S. areconventional loans. Conventional loans are always a popular option for home buyers, and youcan get one with as little as 3% down.FHA LOANSBacked by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans are less of a risk for lenders becausethe government insures them if you stop making payments. As a result, FHA loans have creditscore requirements that aren’t as strict. You can get an FHA loan with a down payment as smallas 3.5%.VA LOANSBacked by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans are less of a risk for lenders becausethe government insures them if you stop making payments. As a result, FHA loans have creditscore requirements that aren’t as strict. You can get an FHA loan with a down payment as smallas 3.5%.

Get preapproved for a mortgageWhen you’re ready to start house hunting, it’stime to get preapproved for a mortgage. Whenyou apply, your lender will give you apreapproval letter that states how much you’reapproved for based on your credit, assets, andincome. You can show your preapproval letterto your real estate agent so they can help youfind homes within your budget.To get preapproved, you need to apply withyour lender. The preapproval process typicallyinvolves answering some questions about yourincome, your assets, and the home you want tobuy. Pre-approvals are a dress rehearsal for yourmortgage and are necessary to make a seriousoffer on a home. They typically expire after 90days and can be refreshed if you don’t find thehome you’re looking for in that time. Know that pre-approvals don’t guarantee yourmortgage approval or interest rate. After you’repre-approved, avoid opening new credit linesor making large debt payments that can impactyour FICO score. Working with a lender to get preapproved for amortgage is an important step in accuratelydetermining your budget. A mortgagepreapproval will give you real numbers sincethe lender will have detailed info about yourfinances. That includes a hard inquiry, which willshow up on your credit report. The good news:If you apply with multiple lenders around thesame time, it'll only count as one hard pull.STEP FIVE

GARYW o w ! W h a t a d i f f e r e n c e a R E A LP R O F E S S I O N A L m a k e s ! W e s t a r t e d o u tw i t h a “ u s e d c a r s a l e s m a n ” a s a r e a l t o r .H e w a s g a w d a w f u l ! H e d i d n o t l i s t e n ,j u m p e d t o c o n c l u s i o n s a n d w e w e r eg l a d t o d u m p h i m ! W h e n w e s t a r t e d w i t hD e l i c i a i t w a s o b v i o u s w e h a d a G E M !S h e w a s a b l e t o b a c k h e r d e c i s i o n sb a s e d o n f a c t s . W e s o l d f o r W A Y Y Y Ym o r e t h a n t h e p r e v i o u s r e a l t o r t o l d u sw e c o u l d g e t . W h e n R E S U L T S m a t t e r ,y o u n e e d a P R O F E S S I O N A L !D e l i c i a i s H E A D A N D S H O U L D E R S a b o v ea n y o n e I h a v e e v e r u s e d . I f y o u a r eL U C K Y e n o u g h t o u s e h e r s e r v i c e s y o uw i l l b e s m i l i n g a t t h e s e t t l e m e n t t a b l el i k e w e w e r e .

the searchSTAGE TWO

Create a wish listMake a list of the things you'll need to have in the house. Ask yourself how manybedrooms and bathrooms you'll need and get an idea of how much space you desire.How big do you want the kitchen to be? Do you need lots of closets and cabinet space?Do you need a big yard for your kids and/or pets to play in?Once you've made a list of your must-haves, don't forget to think about the kind ofneighborhood you want, the types of schools in the area, the length of your commute toand from work, and the convenience of local shopping. Take into account your safetyconcerns as well as how good the rate of home appreciation is in the area.W e w i l l m a k e s u r e t o c h e c k o u t t h e l i t t l e d e t a i l s o f e a c h h o u s e• T e s t t h e p l u m b i n g• T r y t h e e l e c t r i c a l s y s t e m• O p e n a n d c l o s e t h e w i n d o w s & d o o r s t o m a k e s u r e t h e y w o r kp r o p e r l yE v a l u a t e t h e n e i g h b o r h o o d a n d s u r r o u n d i n g a r e a s . • A r e t h e s u r r o u n d i n g h o m e s w e l l m a i n t a i n e d ? • H o w m u c h t r a f f i c i s o n t h e s t r e e t ? • I s i t c o n v e n i e n t l y l o c a t e d t o s c h o o l s , s h o p p i n g , r e s t a u r a n t s , & p a r k s ?TIPSSTEP SIX

What part of town (or country) do you want to live in? What price range would you consider? No less than $______ but no more than $______Are schools a factor and, if so, what do you need to take intoconsideration (e.g., want specific school system, want kids to be ableto walk to school, etc.)? Do you want an older home or a newer home (less than 5 years old)? ___yes ___no How much renovation would you be willing to do? ___A lot ___A little ___None! What kind of houses would you be willing to see? ___One story ___2 story ___split level ___bi-level ___townhouse ___condo ___New construction ___RanchWhat style house appeals to you most? ___contemporary ___traditional ____tudor ____colonial ____modern ____no preference Do you have any physical needs that must be met, such as wheelchairaccess? ___yes ___no The Basics

How many bedrooms must you have? ____ would you like to have? ____How many bathrooms do you want? ____How big would you like your house to be (square feet)? No less than ____ But no more than ____What features do you want to have in your house?CarpetCeramic tileHardwood floorsEat-in kitchenSeparate dining roomFormal living roomFamily roomBasementSeparate laundry roomFireplaceMaster on the main____________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ____________ The InteriorN E E D W A N T

Large yard (1 acre or more) Small yard (less than 1 acre) Fenced yard 1 Car Garage 2 Car Garage3 Car Garage4+ Car GarageExtra parkingPatio/deckPool Outdoor spa Outdoor KitchenOther buildings Special view Of what?____________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ N E E D W A N TThe Lot

Documenting your visitSTEP SEVENWhen it’s time to take your home tour, check the features against the checklistyou made. Do you need to re-evaluate any of your must-haves?Get a feel for the home and consider anything you may have left off of your list.Remember, paint can be replaced and staged furniture will change, but there areaspects that can’t change so easily:T h e m o s t c o m m o n l y m i s s e d s t e p . . .I s t h e r e e n o u g h s p a c e o r t o o m u c hs p a c e ?W h e r e c o u l d y o u u s e m o r e s p a c e ?H o w w o u l d y o u d e s c r i b e t h e l a y o u t ?D o y o u l i k e t h e f i x t u r e s a n d f i n i s h e s ?A r e y o u h a p p y w i t h t h e w i n d o w s( e n o u g h n a t u r a l l i g h t , w e l l - p l a c e d ,t o o s u n n y ) ?D o e s t h e h o m e h a v e c u r b a p p e a l ?D o e s t h e h o m e h a v e a d e q u a t ep a r k i n g ?STEP EIGHTStart touring homes

A D D R E S S : H O M E S C O R E : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0The home is in our desiredneighborhood and/or area.We like the parks andrecreational options close by. The home is in our desiredschool district.The home is within ourdetermined work radius. L O C A T I O NThe home has the number ofbedrooms we want/need.The home is as updated aswe want.The home has the number ofbathrooms we want/need.The home has the squarefeet we want/need.I N T E R I O R D E T A I L SThe exterior is in good condition& is as updated as we want/need.We like the landscape and itis what we want/need.We like the look and design of theexterior of the home.The backyard will work for usand is what we want/need.E X T E R I O R D E T A I L SD A T E V I E W E D : T I M E O F D A Y :

under contract& closingSTAGE THREE

YOU'VE FOUND STEP NINEN o w i t i s t i m e t o m a k e a n o f f e r"THE ONE"

Before you make an offer on a houseThere are three key elements that you'll want to have in placebefore you make an offer on a house.The first is a mortgage preapproval from at least one lender.Ideally, you should get preapproved before you start looking athouses. It can be time-consuming to pull together all therequired documents, but most importantly, a preapproval letsyou know how much house you can afford. Having apreapproval in hand also lets the seller know that you're seriousand provides reassurance that the deal will close. That can beextra helpful in a scenario where the seller is in a hurry to move.Second, know your market to ensure you're making acompetitive offer. This can be based on comparable sales,other market information from your own research, or acomparative market analysis provided by your real estateagent. You'll probably want to make an offer that's for slightlyless than your preapproval amount, which leaves room tonegotiate.Last, verify that the down payment required by your lender is inthe bank and ready to go. Simply having earmarked certainassets as the funds to buy a home (including the moneyrequired for the earnest deposit, down payment, closing costs,etc.) is not enough to ensure a smooth transaction. Havingdirect and immediate access to the cash is essential.WRITING AN OFFER

A written offer may contain these elements, among others:Address: The home's legal address, and sometimes the legal property description.Price: Details regarding the purchase price and terms.Earnest money: The amount and terms regarding the earnest money, including its dispositionupon the acceptance of the offer.Title: A stipulation that the seller will provide clear title to the property.Closing costs: Details regarding which party will pay closing costs or other fees, as well as howcertain taxes and expenses will be prorated between the buyer and the seller at closing. (Somelenders may cap the amount of seller participation in these expenses.)The date and time of the offer’s expiration: In hot markets, this can be mere hours, but in mostcases, it’s one or two days.A projected loan closing date: This is typically 30 to 60 days, though how long your lender'sunderwriting process takes can be the deciding factor here.Contingencies: Any contingencies that the deal is subject to (more on these in the next section).Disclosures: Other state-required provisions or disclosures.W H A T I S I N C L U D E D I N A N O F F E R :Your written offer will likely include a least a couple of standard contingencies. These are things thatneed to happen before the sale can move forward. Common contingencies include:Final loan approval: In other words, you get the mortgage, often within a specified amount of time.Home inspection: In addition to requiring that the property undergo a home inspection, thiscontingency may also specify how issues revealed during the inspection will be addressed (forexample, if the seller will repair or provide a credit at closing), or if the inspection is for informationalpurposes only.Appraisal: Lenders generally insist on verification of the home's value via an appraisal, as they don'twant to lend you more than the property is worth.Home sale: This is a less common contingency that means the purchase relies on the completion ofanother, separate transaction. This is usually either the sale of your current home or the sellerfinding a new home.Although you have to protect your interests and gather enough information to make a wise purchase,contingencies may act as roadblocks to getting a deal done — especially in hot markets. It’s best forboth the buyer and the seller to put only enough stipulations in the contract to cover the necessarybases; no more.C O M M O N C O N T I N G E N C I E S :

BUYER'S AGENTWrite Initial Offer andsubmit to Seller's AgentInitial Offer is reviewed,seller can either:Congrats you're undercontractACCEPT THE OFFERCounter Offer is reviewed,buyer can either:ACCEPT THE OFFERCONGRATS YOU'REUNDER CONTRACTDECLINE THE OFFER &Counter with new termsACCEPT THE OFFERorYou can negotiate back and forth as many timesas needed until you reach an agreement orsomeone chooses to walk away.SELLER'S AGENTTHE OFFERprocessR E P E A T

finalize yourmortgageYou know the property you want to buy and howmuch you'll have to pay for it. Now you'll choose alender to get a mortgage from (you can go with alender that preapproved you or start fresh with adifferent one). Even with an online-first lender, you'll often workclosely with a loan officer to complete the actualapplication.This is a paperwork-heavy process, so get ready todo a lot of uploading. Here's what you're likely toneed:W-2 forms from the past two years (possiblymore, if you've changed employers).Pay stubs from the past 30 to 60 days.Proof of other sources of income (includingdocumentation of any gift money).Federal income tax returns from the past twoyears.Recent bank statements (usually for the lastcouple of months).Details on long-term debts like car or studentloans.ID and Social Security number.Once your mortgage application is complete, you'llgo into underwriting. During this process, thelender makes a final decision on whether to giveyou the loan — it's basically making sure there's notanything about the deal that's just too risky.Underwriting includes digging deep into yourfinances, so you may need to come up with evenmore documents. The lender will also look at thehome you've chosen via an appraisal and request atitle search.STEP TEN

Finalize home insuranceIt might feel a little strange to take out an insurance policy on a home you don'tactually own yet, but most lenders make securing homeowners insurance acondition of giving you a mortgage. You'll want enough coverage to fully replacethe home (which might not be the same as your purchase price or the appraisedvalue), and typically the policy should become effective on your closing date.STEP ELEVENOrder and attend inspectionA basic home inspection can raise issues you might face down the road and point outany necessary repairs. This visual assessment covers all aspects of the house and itssystems, from the foundation to the roof. If you have a particular concern, like mold orradon, you may want to get one of the more specialized types of home inspections inaddition to a standard inspection.You choose the home inspector and pay for the home inspection. If it uncoversproblems that weren't included in the seller's disclosures, you may be able to negotiatewith the sellerSTEP TWELVE

order an appraisalSTEP THIRTEENWhen your home is under contract, you can’t moveforward with the sale until an appraisal is done on yourhome. The outcome can affect whether or not you make it toclosing and whether the price in the offer is the priceyou’ll end up with on settlement day. We go the extra mile during this phase of being undercontract, meeting the appraiser at your home, andcreating an information packet that helps theappraiser have all the information he or she needs fora favorable outcome. You don’t want the appraised value of your home tocome in below the price you’ve negotiated with thebuyer, so we have a very specific process for makingsure that doesn’t happen!

Negotiate any repairs or creditswith the sellerThough some items, like prorating property taxes or HOA fees, will already havebeen addressed in your offer letter, you may still have some items to negotiatebefore closing.Your ability to negotiate can hinge on what kind of market you're facing. In astrong seller's market, it can be difficult to get concessions, since the seller cansimply go to their next offer. But if it's an issue that will come up with any buyer —for example, a necessary repair that will get flagged by any home inspector —you may still have leverage.A S K I N G F O R A C R E D I T A T C L O S I N G R A T H E R T H A N F O R T H E S E L L E R T OC O M P L E T E N E E D E D R E P A I R S C A N H E L P K E E P T H E T R A N S A C T I O N M O V I N G .T H E S E L L E R S I M P L Y R E B A T E S Y O U A N A G R E E D - U P O N A M O U N T F O RS P E C I F I C I M P R O V E M E N T S . T H A T C A N S A V E Y O U A B I T O F C A S H A TC L O S I N G , P L U S H A N D L I N G T H E R E P A I R S Y O U R S E L F ( W H E T H E R D I Y O RW I T H A P R O ) E N S U R E S T H E W O R K W I L L B E D O N E T O Y O U RS A T I S F A C T I O N .

SCHEDULING YOUR MOVE- D e c l u t t e r ! S o r t t h r o u g h e v e r yd r a w e r , c l o s e t , c u p b o a r d & s h e l f ,r e m o v i n g i t e m s y o u n o l o n g e r n e e do r l i k e . - D o n a t e o r s e l l i t e m s t h a t a r e i ng o o d c o n d i t i o n .- G e t c o p i e s o f m e d i c a l r e c o r d sa n d s t o r e t h e m w i t h y o u r o t h e ri m p o r t a n t d o c u m e n t s- C r e a t e a n i n v e n t o r y o f a n y t h i n gv a l u a b l e t h a t y o u p l a n t o m o v e- G e t e s t i m a t e s f r o m m o v i n gc o m p a n i e sAFTER SIGNING- G i v e 3 0 d a y s ' n o t i c e i f y o u a r ec u r r e n t l y r e n t i n g- S c h e d u l e m o v e r s / m o v i n g t r u c k - B u y / f i n d p a c k i n g m a t e r i a l s- S t a r t p a c k i n g4 WEEKS TO MOVE- C o n t a c t u t i l i t y c o m p a n i e s( w a t e r , e l e c t r i c , c a b l e )- C h a n g e a d d r e s s : m a i l i n g ,s u b s c r i p t i o n s , e t c .- M i n i m i z e g r o c e r y s h o p p i n g- K e e p o n p a c k i n g 2 WEEKS TO MOVE- O b t a i n a c e r t i f i e d c h e c k f o rc l o s i n g- C o m p l e t e f i n a l w a l k t h r o u g h - F i n i s h p a c k i n g- C l e a n- P a c k e s s e n t i a l s f o r a f e w n i g h t si n n e w h o m e- C o n f i r m d e l i v e r y d a t e w i t h t h em o v i n g c o m p a n y . W r i t e d i r e c t i o n st o t h e n e w h o m e , a l o n g w i t h y o u rc e l l p h o n e n u m b e r 1 WEEK TO MOVE

We will do a final walk of the home within 24 hours of closing to check theproperty’s condition. This final inspection takes about an hour. We will make sureany repair work that the seller agreed to make has been done.We will be sure to: • Make sure all appliances are working properly • Run the water in all the faucets and check for any possible leaks • Open and close garage doors with opener • Flush toilets • Run the garbage disposal and exhaust fansCLOSING DAYClosing is when you sign ownership and insurance paperwork and you receiveyour new home’s keys! Typically, closing takes four to six weeks. During thistime, purchase funds are held in escrow, where your money is held safe until thetransaction is complete.FINAL WALK-THROUGH CLOSING TABLEWho will be there: • Your agent • The seller • The seller’s agent • Your loan officer BRING TO CLOSING • Government-issued photo ID • Copy of the sales contractday of closingRECEIVE YOUR KEYSCongratulations! It was a lot of hard work but you are now officiallyhomeowners!! Time to throw a party and get to know your new neighbors!

“ R e a l e s t a t e i s n ’ t j u s t a b o u t t r a n s a c t i o n s -i t ’ s a b o u t p e o p l e , d r e a m s , a n d b i g l i f em o v e s . I d o n ’ t j u s t l i s t h o m e s o r h e l pb u y e r s , I c r e a t e w i n n i n g s t r a t e g i e s t h a tg e t m y c l i e n t s t h e b e s t p o s s i b l e o u t c o m e .W h e n y o u w i n , I w i n a n d I l o v e t o s e e y o uw i n . ”“ R e a l e s t a t e i s n ’ t j u s t a b o u t t r a n s a c t i o n s -i t ’ s a b o u t p e o p l e . ”

The best realtor I have ever dealt with! Delicia is a trueprofessional, she is passionate a bout her job and has a greatwork ethic. She goes above and beyond for her clients. I lookforward to working with her again in the near future. I trulyappreciate you, thanks for all your help!C L I E N TT E S T I M O N I A L SDelicia was an excellent co-op and very easy going yetdiligent. I ’d love to work together again.-Val | Real Estate Agent Passionate,Professional, Personable! Delicia Sample offersenergetic, qualified sales experi ence. Delicia's decision tostratigize the selling of our home to 26 offers. There was a lineout the door for our open house. Our buyers said they waited ahalf hour to get in to view.We received full attention while Delicia managed the sale ofother property's. We highly encourage and recommend Deliciato be your selling agent!-Adam and Melissa | SOLD | Westville, NJ-Shanan | SOLD | Cherry Hill, NJ-Jennie| CLOSED | Brown Mills, NJI cannot say enough about my experience with Delicia thoughthe home buying process. To say that she was patient andinformative would be an understatement . She consistentlyguided me through the process with my best interests andneeds in mind. Delicia found resources for me that I wasn’taware of and continues to hold a special place in my heart. Shehas not only played a pivotal role for me but also for my family.I can never thank her enough.S E E M O R E R E V I E W S !

THANK YOUAs a dedicated real estate professional, I fully understand the significance of thisdecision and the trust you have placed in me. I am committed to providing youwith exceptional service, market expertise, and unwavering support as wenavigate the intricacies of the real estate process together. Your confidence inmy abilities is truly appreciated, and I am excited to embark on this partnershipwith you. I assure you that I will go above and beyond to exceed yourexpectations and ensure a smooth and successful experience. Thank you onceagain for considering my services, and I look forward to the opportunity ofworking with you.D E L I C I A S A M P L E