Return to flip book view

Message T H E B U Y E R G U I D EP R E S E N T E D B Y

C O N T E N T SWELCOMEGUIDE TO AGENCY TERMSADVANTAGES OF A REALTORWHY ME?MY STORYBENEFITS OF OWNERSHIPPATHWAY TO HOME OWNERSHIPMORTGAGE QUALIFICATIONMORTGAGE PAYMENTCOSTS TO CONSIDERHOME SEARCH FACTORSTHE BUYING PROCESSBUYER MISTAKES TO AVOIDSTAYING CONNECTED0204050809111416171823263135E V E R Y T H I N GY O U N E E D T OK N O W A S W EB E G I N T H EH O M E B U Y I N GJ O U R N E Y . .

TO ME, A HOME IS MORE THAN JUST A HOUSE.IT’S THE HEART OF YOUR FAMILY. YOURCHERISHED GATHERING PLACE. YOUR OWNPERSONAL HAVEN.Buying your home with me means you’ll receiveexpert guidance, access to cutting-edge technology,and the kind of personalized service that has earnedme a trusted reputation and a loyal client base.Your home purchase is both your priority and mine,and I want to encourage and equip you along theway, every step of the way.W E L C O M E , F R I E N DW E L C O M E P G 0 2T H E PLATINUM GROUP, R E A L T O R SUse the reference pages and explanations withinthis guide as a go-to resource for your home-buyingjourney. As you move forward, know that I am hereto offer my full expertise and all the resources at mydisposal to achieve the results you are expecting. Exceeding your goals through excellent service andeffective solutions is my mission. Earning yourbusiness is my privilege. I am delighted to be a partof this major milestone in your life.

W E L C O M E P G 0 3Use the reference pages and explanations withinthis guide as a go-to resource for your home-buying journey. As you move forward, know that Iam here to offer my full expertise and all theresources at my disposal to achieve the results youare expecting. Exceeding your goals through excellent serviceand effective solutions is my mission. Earning yourbusiness is my privilege. I am delighted to be apart of this major milestone in your life.Raquel RobisonR A Q U E L R O B I S O N | T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R ST H E PLATINUM GROUP, R E A L T O R S

GUIDE TO TERMS PG 04YOUR QUICK GUIDETO AGENCY TERMSL I S T I N G A G E N TA listing agent’s role is to work on the behalf of the seller to promote theinterests of the seller with the highest good faith, statutory duty, and loyalty.The listing, or sellers, agent must disclose all adverse material facts about aproperty. A separate written listing agreement is required, which sets forththe duties and of the brokerage, agents and sellers.B U Y E R ' S A G E N TA buyer’s agent works solely on behalf of the buyer to promote the interestsof the buyer with the highest good faith, statutory duty, and loyalty. Theagent negotiates on behalf of, and acts as an advocate for, the buyer. Aseparate written buyer agency agreement is required which sets forth theduties and obligations of the sales representative and the buyer.TH E P L A T I N U M G R O UP, R E A L T O R ST R A N S A C T I O N B R O K E RAssists the buyer or seller or both throughout a Real Estate transaction byperforming terms of any written or oral agreement, fully informing theparties, presenting offers and assisting the parties with any contract,including the closing of the transaction without being an agent or advocatefor any of the parties.

A D V A N T A G E S O FW O R K I N G W I T HA R E A L T O R ®It is difficult to argue with all of the quality traits experienced real estate sales representatives bring to the table:seasoned negotiating skills, a rich understanding of the local housing landscape, expert knowledge, and in-depthadvice for home sellers on how to approach the process.As a licensed Realtor®, I hold myself to a higher level of ideals and follow a meticulous Code of Ethics andStandards of Practice. I am a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and our regional association.A D V A N T A G E S O F A R E A L T O R P G 0 5T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R S

A D V A N T A G E S O F A R E A L T O R P G 0 60101 0202M A R K E T E X P E R T I S E T R A N S A C T I O N M A N A G E M E N TR E F E R R A L N E T W O R K ST R U S T E D R E P R E S E N T A T I O N0303 0404Whether it’s detailed sales data,new neighborhoods, or quirksyou don’t see in listing photos, Iam your market expert.I know the best lenders,inspectors, and otherprofessionals in our areawho have a hand in thetransaction.From mutual acceptance toclosing day, you can restassured I am managing eachmilestone and ensuringdeadlines are met.I advocate for your bestinterests, from the home searchto closing, with relentless loyaltyand confidentiality.T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R S

“ I R E A L L Y E N J O Y E DW O R K I N G W I T H R A Q U E L .S H E W E N T O U T O F H E RW A Y T O H E L P U S F I N DE X A C T L Y W H A T W EW A N T E D I N A H O M E . S H ES E E M E D T O H O N E S T L YC A R E A B O U T O U RH A P P I N E S S . I W O U L DD E F I N I T E L Y W A N T T OW O R K W I T H H E R A G A I N I FI H A D T O L O O K F O R AN E W H O M E . S H E I SW O N D E R F U L ! ”C L I N T & L I Z | B U Y E R SKindWords

W H Y M E ?I S E R V E W I T H P A S S I O N + E F F I C I E N C YI give generously of my time, resources and energy to each client, and want my passionfor real estate and client service to be contagious. My service is based on old-fashionedideals, but fueled by new technology and fresh market perspective. When roadblocksarise, I think outside of the box, utilizing all resources, tools and information necessaryto create the right solutions.W H Y M E ? P G 0 8T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R SI T H I N K W I T H S T R A T E G Y + E X P E R T I S EI take a consultative approach to the purchase of your home that is about far morethan checking boxes or merely closing the deal. The application of expert knowledgeand guidance is key for transaction success, and I am proud to combine marketingsavvy with real estate know-how to achieve results in the time frames that matter.

M Y S T O R YM Y S T O R Y P G 0 9Raquel RobisonT H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R SLike so many who fall in love with Colorado Springs, I’minspired daily by its breathtaking natural beauty, abundantoutdoor recreation, and rich history. It’s a privilege to callthis incredible place home, and that passion shinesthrough in everything I do as a REALTOR®.I specialize in helping clients navigate their real estatejourneys, whether they’re relocating to Colorado Springs,upsizing, downsizing, investing, or searching for theirdream home. For those new to the area, I love sharinglocal gems—places to explore, dine, and experience themagic of this city—while helping them find the perfecthome to start their next chapter.What sets me apart is my unwavering devotion to myclients, many of whom have become lifelong friends. I’mcommitted to working hard, truly listening to your needs,maintaining open communication, and delivering on everypromise. Your goals are my top priority, and I’m here tomake your real estate experience smooth, successful, andeven enjoyable..

M Y S T O R Y P G 1 0T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R SI take pride in being exceptionally responsive because I knowcommunication is the cornerstone of a successful real estatetransaction. This doesn’t just apply to my clients but extends to theentire team involved—whether it’s the broker on the other side, thelender, title company, or vendors. My job is to ensure your purchase,sale, or investment is as seamless and stress-free as possible, allwhile securing the price, terms, and timeline you’re aiming for.When you choose me as your REALTOR, you’re also gaining thesupport and resources of my brokerage, The Platinum Group,Realtors—one of the most trusted and respected real estatecompanies in the Colorado Springs area.When I’m not hustling houses, I love traveling, working on homeprojects, gardening, or exploring Colorado’s great outdoors with myhusband and our pups, Finn & Fletcher. Photography is anotherpassion of mine, so don’t be surprised if my social media is filledwith plenty (okay, a lot) of pictures of our adorable pups!Creating clients for life is my ultimate goal.

O W N E R S H I P B E N E F I T S P G 1 1T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R SB E N E F I T S O F H O M EO W N E R S H I PA HOME IS LIKELY THE MOST SIGNIFICANTPURCHASE YOU WILL EVER MAKE.While no scientific formula can tell you when you’re ready tobuy, you should take stock of your financial situation as well asyour personal lifestyle. There are a number of advantages to home ownership ingeneral, both tangible and intangible, for your consideration asthe buyer.

I N V E S T M E N TP R O T E C T I O N F R O M I N F L A T I O NE Q U I T Y & S A T I S F A C T I O NO W N E R S H I P B E N E F I T S P G 1 2T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R SEvery payment you make on your mortgage puts you one step closerto acquiring a major possession. Every improvement you make to yourproperty not only enhances your way of life, but also adds value toyour home. Once you purchase a home, the bulk of your housing costs are notexposed to inflation. That means your only housing expenses that willrise over time with inflation are property taxes, homeowners insuranceand maintenance costs.Because a home increases in value even as you are paying down yourloan, most buyers effortlessly build equity. Equity creates wealth andhelps you accomplish many financial goals, such as paying forretirement and funding a child’s education. For many people, homeownership simply makes life more enjoyable, whether it’s the pridethat comes from maintaining your home or the knowledge that yourchildren will grow up in the neighborhood of your choice.

“ Raquel is the best realtor wehave ever worked with in our20 years of investing in realestate. Her knowledge and truecare for her clients make thewhole experience stress-free. Ihave never had a realtor go theextra mile time and time againlike Raquel. She is exceptional“M E L I S A & J A M E S S M I T H | B U Y E R SKind Words

SIGN BUYER AGENCY AGREEMENTWhen you are ready to getstarted, we will go through thepaperwork of hiring me asyour Realtor.FIND A REALTOR YOU TRUSTFinding a Realtor that youlike and trust is the start ofyour home journey - sohappy you are here!ANALYZE YOUR NEEDS IN ACONSULTATIONWe sit down to discuss everything I needto know to help you find ‘the one’. Plus,learn how I work and what you canexpect.OBTAIN CREDIT APPROVALHaving full credit approvalshould you purchase with aloan, is the best strategy ingetting your new home.Keeping in mind everythingyou’ve told me in our consultation,I will set up a search and we willchoose properties to go and tour.We will walk through the homes thatseem like a good fit. I will always pointout anything that looks concerning orbe something to keep in mind.WRITE AN OFFER TOPURCHASEWe will go over all the contractsto purchase your new home andcraft a strategic offer on the homeyou wish to purchase.NEGOTIATATE &COUNTEROFFERThere will most likely besome negotiation to bedone on your behalf to getthe deal done.ACCEPTANCE!Once all parties have signedoff on either the contract orfinal counter offer, you areofficially under contract.*EARNEST MONEY DEPOSITThe first thing that will be due is yourEarnest Money, which will be held by theTitle Company until closing when thatmoney is put toward your closing costs.P A T H W A Y T O H O M EO W N E R S H I PP A T H W A Y T O H O M E O W N E R S H I P P G 1 4T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R SSELECT PROPERTIES TO VIEW TOUR PROPERTIES

You will continually hear from your lenderfor any docs you may need to provide.Credit report/Tax Returns, Bank Statements,etc...Be sure to respond quickly to keep theloan on track.DISCLOSURESNext, the listing broker will deliver allthe disclosures they have: SellersDisclosures, Lead Based Paint, SquareFootage, Wire Fraud, etc...*INSPECTIONSThe inspection process is to find out the health of the houseand its systems. Once we have all the relevant reports, we willwrite what is called an Inspection Objection and deliver to theseller. The seller will then write an Inspection Resolution.*APPRAISALFinal Settlement Statements will be sentfor us to go over and make sureeverything looks as expected.Title work ensures the Title Company canissue Title Insurance for the property you’repurchasing. This process identifies andresolves any issues so that you receive aclean and clear title at closing.FINAL WALK THROUGH/CHANGEUTILITIES OVERWe will do a final walk through onthe house the day before or day ofclosing to ensure everything is as itshould be. CLOSE ON THE PROPERTY!Closing day is the best day - I’llfinally be able to hand you yourkeys to your beautiful new home!MOVING DAY!CHANGE UTILITIES/CHANGE OF ADDRESS*Out of pocket expenses:Earnest MoneyHome InspectionsAppraisal (included in closing costs)Time to Celebrate!Don’t forget to call the utilitycompanies and change youraddress at the Post Office.P A T H W A Y T O H O M EO W N E R S H I PIf you’re getting a mortgage, your lender willlikely require an appraisal. This ensures thehome’s value aligns with the loan amount,protecting both you and the lender.P A T H W A Y T O H O M E O W N E R S H I P P G 1 5T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R STITLE WORKCOMPLETE THE MORTGAGE PROCESSFINAL LOAN APPROVAL/ CLEAR TO CLOSE!

MORTGAGE QUALIFICATIONI N V E S T M E N THistory of employment, stability of income,potential for future earning, education,vocational training and background, andany secondary income, such as bonuses,commissions, child support, etc.C R E D I T R E P O R THistory of debt repayment, total outstanding debt, and available credit.A S S E T SCash on hand, other liquid assets such assavings, checking, CDs, stocks, and soforth.MORTGAGE QUALIFICATION PG 16TH E P L A T I N U M G R O UP, R E A L T O R SYou may be paying all cash for your new home. But if not, then you will be taking out amortgage and should be advised of the qualification requirements and process.Here are some aspects to consider.

M O R T G A G EP A Y M E N TP R I N C I P A LThe amount of money borrowed. Each montha portion of the principal is paid back. Overtime, interest becomes a smaller portion ofthe monthly mortgage payment, and more ofthe payment goes toward reducing theprincipal owed.I N T E R E S TThe cost of borrowing money, usuallyexpressed as an annual percentage of theloan amount. Principal and interest areamortized over a period of years, typically for15 or 30 years.P R O P E R T Y T A X E STaxes paid to a local government,usually a percentage of your propertyvalue. Your lender generally collectsthe taxes through your monthlypayments and pays them directly to thelocal government. The amount of taxwill vary depending on where you liveand the type of property you own.P R I V A T E M O R T G A G EI N S U R A N C EAn insurance policy of down payments ofless than 20% of the home price, whichhelps mortgage lenders recover somelosses if a borrower fails to fully repay.M O R T G A G E P A Y M E N T P G 1 7T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R S

C O S T S T O C O N S I D E R01I N I T I A L O U T - O F - P O C K E T E X P E N S E SE A R N E S T M O N E Y H O M E I N S P E C T I O N A P P R A I S A LThis is your upfront cash toshow good faith that you intendto proceed with the contractand meet all deadlines. In ourmarket, earnest money istypically around 1% of thepurchase price.You should always exerciseyour option to have thephysical condition of theproperty inspected. A generalhome inspection will costbetween $400 and $600.The exact amount isdependent on your loantype. Generally, this fee ispaid at closing within yourclosing costs.C O S T S T O C O N S I D E R P G 1 8T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R SAs a buyer, you are required to pay a few cash/out ofpocket expenses up front. I can readily provide you withdetails on the amounts of each expense, which will varydepending on the transaction. When you are ready tomake an offer on a home, these are the initial expensesto by prepared for.

D O W N P A Y M E N TDepending on the type and terms of yourloan, your down payment may be anywherebetween 3% and 20% of the home’s saleprice. Many buyers believe that “bigger isbetter” when it comes to down payments. Inmany cases, this may be true. 02C O S T S T O C O N S I D E R P G 1 9T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R SHowever, the arithmatic will diiffer from case to case. A bigger down payment means smallermonthly payments and lowers interest expense for as long as you remain with a mortgage. Asmall down payment, on the other hand, may allow you to keep extra cash liquid and availabefor an emergency.02

C L O S I N G C O S T SC O S T S T O C O N S I D E R P G 2 0T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R SIn addition to your down payment, you’ll needto cover loan processing fees and otherclosing costs. These must be paid in full at thetime of settlement.Typically, home buyers pay between 1.5% to 3%of the purchase price in closing fees. In somecases, you can negotiate with the seller tocover all or part of these costs during the offerand negotiation phase. Here are some of thefees that make up your closing costs:Loan origination fees, Appraisal fee, Escrowfees (amount to begin your escrow forproperty taxes, and property insurance).03

L O A N O R I G I N A T I O N F E E SThe lender charges this fee to process the loan. It maybe paid prior to or at closing by the buyer.A P P R A I S A L F E E SCharged by the appraiser to determine the value of thehome, these fees are paid by the buyer, usually atclosing. T I T L E , E S C R O W & R E C O R D I N GF E E SThese are paid by the buyer and seller and at theclosing table.P R O P E R T Y I N S U R A N C EPaid by the buyer to insure the property, this may bepaid to the insurance company prior to closing orincluded in the closing transaction.P R O P E R T Y T A X E SWe pay our taxes in arrears in Colorado; meaningwe pay last years taxes this year. At closing theseller will provide a credit to the buyer for thedates they lived in the home and the new buyerbecomes responsible for taxes after they takepossession (typically paid by mortgage companythrough escrow account.).P O I N T SThis amount is charged to reduce the interestrate through the life of the loan (if applicable).T I T L E I N S U R A N C EThe lenders title insurance policy istypically paid for by the seller at closing, butcan be a point of negotiation.C O S T S T O C O N S I D E R PG 2 1T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R S

C O S T S T O C O N S I D E R P G 2 2T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R SB U Y E R A G E N C Y F E EMy fee to represent buyers is 3%. There are three waysto cover this:You can pay the fee directly if it works within yourbudget.1.We can try to negotiate with the seller to cover yourclosing costs, including my fee.2.If a home doesn’t fit your financial range, you can letme know, and I won’t show it to you.3.No matter what, I’ll ensure you fully understand yourobligation before we view any property.04

H O M E S E A R C H F A C T O R SWHERE ARE THE NEAREST PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION HUBS? WHATKIND OF BUSINESSES ARE NEARBY? WHAT IS THE QUALITY OFSCHOOL SYSTEMS IN THE AREA? QUESTIONS LIKE THESE, ANDOTHERS, ARE NECESSARY AS YOU BEGIN YOUR HOME SEARCH WITHTHE “BIG PICTURE” OF YOUR PREFERRED ENVIRONMENT. IT’SIMPORTANT TO ENSURE YOU ARE NEAR USEFUL AMENITIES, UTILITIES,ETC.W O R K C O M M U T EConsider whether it is easy for you to get to andfrom work on a regular basis. What are trafficpatterns like? Is public transport nearby?S C H O O L SYou may not have children now, but regardless,the quality of a school system has an enormousimpact on the value of a home and thedevelopment of its community.P U B L I C S E R V I C E SLearn all you can about general municipalservices and nearby hospitals, local police, andfire departments. S E A R C H F A C T O R S P G 2 3T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R S

P R O P E R T Y T Y P EThe kind of residence you desire may not exist inevery community. Whatever style you prefer, realizethat each property type comes with its own set ofadvantages. A condo in the city will likely have easieraccess to stores, gyms, and other amenities. On theother hand, if you plan to purchase a detached, single-family home outside of town, you may find that thearrangement affords more privacy and space. Also consider the age of the property. P R O P E R T Y P R I C EBefore touring homes, break down your budget andassess what the ceiling is for your maximum monthlypayment. Meet with a reputable lender to determinewhich loan programs are available to you, how muchyou’ll need to budget for closing costs, etc.YOU MAY BE A COUPLE LOOKING FOR A SMALLRETIREMENT HOME, OR A GROWING FAMILY INNEED OF AN UPGRADE. WHATEVER YOUR SITUATION, KNOW THAT EVERYLISTING YOU PREVIEW WILL REFLECT ITS OWNUNIQUE STYLE, SIZE, AND SHAPE, SO IT’S IMPORTANTTO DECIDE WHAT YOUR EXPECTATIONS ANDREQUIREMENTS ACTUALLY ARE. MEANWHILE, DON’TFORGET THE OVERARCHING FINANCIALCONSIDERATIONS TO CONSIDER AS YOU MOVEFORWARD.S E A R C H F A C T O R S PG 2 4T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R S

“ R A Q U E L W A S A B S O L U T E L YA M A Z I N G T H R O U G H O U T T H EE N T I R E H O M E B U Y I N GP R O C E S S . S H E I S S O K N O W L E D G E A B L E ,K I N D , F U N , A N D T H EP E R F E C T P E R S O N T O H E L PN A V I G A T E S U C H A S C A R YA N D S T R E S S F U L P R O C E S S . ”A L E X I S S C H W A L D | B U Y E RKindWords

B U Y I N G P R O C E S SS U B M I T Y O U R O F F E RWhen you find the right home, you shouldpresent a competitive offer right away.G O U N D E R C O N T R A C TWhen the seller accepts your offer, you “gounder contract.” I will get to work on all theparticulars to keep you on track in theprocess.B U Y I N G P R O C E S S P G 2 6T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R Sa quick overviewI N T E R V I E WFind the right REALTOR®; someone whohas the knowledge, experience andpersonality to fit your communication styleand walk you through the complicatedprocess.S I G N T H E B U Y E R A G E N C YA G R E E M E N TYou found the right fit, now it’s time to startworking with your chosen agent to find ‘theone’!E N G A G EI am available to help you find your idealhome, utilizing powerful and efficient tools.Let’s start house hunting!

A P P R A I S A LWithin 10 days of Mutual Acceptance,inspections are performed to ensure thehome is healthy & you understand anyissues it may have.S I G N & C L O S EBring your driver’s license to the ClosingAppointment. Your next steps will be intoyour new home!M O V E I N & E N J O YThe home is yours to love. Make sure tonotify important contacts, utilities, etc., ofyour move.B U Y I N G P R O C E S S PG 2 7T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R SC O N D U C T I N S P E C T I O N SL O A N D O C U M E N T A T I O NContinue to get all loan documentationrequired to your lender in a timely manner.T I T L E W O R K / D I S C L O S U R E SYou will be receiving a lot of emails withvarious disclosures, and documents to readover. I will keep you on task to be on thelookout for each.The appraisal will come in toward the end ofyour journey. Once it is back, we will belooking for your clear to close from thelender!

T H E O F F E ROnce you have found the home you wish to purchase, you will determine the specifics of your offer. Remember, berealistic. I am here to advise you regarding exactly how to proceed in this stage of the transaction process, based onyour specific needs, data, market analysis, etc.There are five primary areas of negotiation: price, closing cost assistance fees, terms, inclusions, possession, andcontingencies. I will walk through these as the offer moves forward. Once an offer has been successfully negotiatedand executed by both parties, it is “mutually accepted,” becoming a legal contract, and we move into the propertyinspection period.B U Y I N G P R O C E S S PG 2 8T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R STo communicate your interest in purchasing a home, I will present the listing agent with a written offer. The offerwill either by accepted, rejected or the seller will make a counter offer. This is when we will negotiate the terms ofthe contract, if necessary.

B U Y I N G P R O C E S S P G 2 9T H E H O M E I N S P E C T I O NAfter your offer is accepted, inspections will bescheduled ASAP. The full home inspection willinclude but may not be limited to the following:Appliances, plumbing, electrical, air conditioning andheating, ventilation, roof and attic, foundation, andgeneral structure. The inspection is not designed to criticize everyminor problem or defect in the home. It is intendedto report on major damage or serious problems thatrequire repair. A property cannot “pass or fail” aninspection, and your inspector should not tell youwhether he/she thinks the home is worth themoney you are offering. The inspector’s job is tomake you aware of the current condition of thehome and recommended maintenance or repairs.There are also additional inspections that you mayor may not want to have performed in addition tothe full home inspection - we will discuss when it’stime to decide.T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R S

T H E C L O S I N GIn Colorado Springs, closing consists of the following: Abuyer’s lender sends final loan documents to the closingofficer and the final closing date is confirmed. The closingofficer prepares all closing documents and the seller willtypically sign first (or, we close together). The buyer thensigns all closing documents, including their loandocuments. They will also deliver the remaining funds fortheir down payment and closing costs.On the day of closing, the title company will release thefile to record with the El Paso County Assessor, the deedis transferred from the seller to the buyer, and thetransaction is complete. I always accompany my clients toclosing (unless I’m out of town - then I will have someonecovering for me) and will give you your keys when youtake possession of your new home!B U Y I N G P R O C E S S PG 3 0T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R S

N O T G E T T I N G P R E - A P P R O V E DConvinced a home purchase is in the near future? Your initial step should be to speak with aqualified lender about how much you can afford to spend. This one step will save you considerabletime by allowing you to preview homes you can confidently afford, rather than pursuing propertiesoutside of your determined price range. Also, pre-approval status puts you in a better position overanother bidder who is not pre-approved. If you don’t already have a lender you trust, don’t worry — Ican help you out with top notch referrals.C O M M O NB U Y E RM I S T A K E ST O A V O I DM I S T A K E S T O A V O I D P G 3 1T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R S

Before you begin a home search, youshould consider creating a practicalworking budget. A good rule of thumb is toallocate no more than a third of yourmonthly household income to housingcosts, including mortgage principal,interest, insurance, and taxes. Work sheets are available online to assistyou in determining how your income,debts, and expenses influence what youcan and cannot afford each month for thenext 15 or 30 years. Plan wisely!N O T C R E A T I N G AL O N G - T E R M B U D G E TM I S T A K E S T O A V O I D PG 3 2T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R S

B E L I E V I N G Y O U W I L L G E TA L L I T E M S O N Y O U R" W I S H L I S T "Many home buyers make the mistake of being too specific when searching for the ideal property. Priorto previewing homes, you might create a needs/wants list to guide you. Possible “must haves:” the areayou want to live in, amount of square footage, or accessibility to transportation. Possible “wants:” new kitchen appliances, big trees in the backyard, or an extra room for a study.Understand that a certain amount of flexibility along the way is essential as you aim to satisfy yourneeds and stay within your pre-determined budget.Even now, as you are just beginning the home buying process, it is wise to consider the prospect ofselling the home you hope to purchase. Life is full of surprises, whether you are having another child,transferring jobs, or taking care of a relative. Remember, as a buyer yourself, to account for thepreferences of future buyers of your new home. The plans you make now will have a significant impacton your ability to move forward with ease and confidence.I G N O R I N G R E S A L E V A L U E C O N C E R N SM I S T A K E S T O A V O I D P G 3 3T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R S

“ R A Q U E L , T H A N K Y O U F O R Y O U RU N W A V E R I N G P A T I E N C E W I T H O U RS E A R C H F O R O U R N E W H O M E . Y O U RC O M M I T M E N T T O E X C E L L E N C E &A T T E N T I O N T O O U R N E E D S I N A N E WH O M E W A S A W E L C O M E S I T E F O R U S .W E ' R E L O V I N G T H E N E W P L A C E . L O O KF O R W A R D T O P U T T I N G O U R I M P R I N T &B U I L D I N G M A N Y M E M O R I E S H E R E . W I L LA L W A Y S R E C O M M E N D Y O U . W I S H Y O UW E L L , T H A N K S A G A I N . ”M A T T & S U S I E P H A L P | B U Y E R SKind Words

S T A Y I N GC O N N E C T E DP H O N E7 1 9 . 4 2 5 . 7 5 4 7 C A L L / T E X TW E B S I T Er a q u e l r o b i s o n . c o mE M A I Lr a q u e l @ r a q u e l r o b i s o n . c o mS O C I A L C H A N N E L S@ r a q u e l r o b i s o n r e a l t o rMY REAL ESTATE BUSINESS IS BUILTON THE CONCEPT OF PUTTINGYOUR NEEDS FIRST. THAT MEANSWHENEVER YOU HAVE A QUESTIONOR NEED SUPPORT, I AM HERE.S T A Y I N G C O N N E C T E D P G 3 5T H E P L A T I N U M G R O U P , R E A L T O R SI’m available

I am so thrilled by the opportunity to work together. My hope is that this guide has provided you with a deeperunderstanding of my vision, values, and process, and how our collaboration together will unfold.If you have any further questions as we move forward, please feel free to give me a call or shoot me an emailanytime.As you begin the process of buying a home, know that I understand the importance of the journey ahead. I amhere to alleviate stress from the experience and provide results that truly exceed your expectations.~Raquel RobisonA H E A R T F E L T T H A N K Y O U