Tell me about the home you're looking for.

Ray Brigandi

Realtor, GRI, E-Pro
(602) 430-7121, E-Mail

WHY DO I NEED A REALTOR  

"Finding a home without a REALTOR ®

is like finding a needle in a haystack."

As members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ®, REALTORS ® are bound by its strict Code of Ethics. Here's why working with a REALTOR ® works for you in terms of your interests convenience, your budget and your peace of mind throughout the entire buying process.

 •REALTORS ® have the most information in one place about what is "on the market", including homes listed by other REALTORS ®. You won't waste time looking at homes that don't fit your needs.

•REALTORS ® help you determine what you can afford and what financing options may be open to you.

•REALTORS ® help you find the home best suited to your needs - size, style, feature, location and accessibility to amenities that are important to you.

•REALTORS ® can supply information on real estate values, taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities.

•REALTORS ® have no emotional ties to a home, can be objective about it and can point out its advantages and disadvantages.

•REALTORS ® will handle all the negotiations, offers and counter offers with the seller until an agreement is reached and will help you through the escrow process.

Buying or selling real estate is a complicated process. The wise owner or buyer does not consider attempting it without a professional real estate advisor.

*Reproduced with permission of the Arizona Association of REALTORS ®

WHY SHOULD I GET PRE-QUALIFIED?

GETTING PRE-QUALIFIED:

There are many sources for home loans including banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, and mortgage brokers. Most Real Estate agents and lenders recommend that home buyers get pre-qualified before selecting a home to purchase, ask your REALTOR® for a reliable referral on loan approval. Buyer’s who do this will know what price home they can afford and have more bargaining power when negotiating with the seller.

REASONS TO GET PRE-QUALIFIED:

With pre-qualification, buyers can determine which loan program best fits their needs and for which programs they qualify. The pre-qualification process lets the buyers know approximately how much their payment will be. It shows what the down payment and closing costs will be, and facilitates the budget process. If buyers successfully obtain a lender’s conditional loan approval, it makes their offer more attractive to a seller.

If you are a first–time buyer you may be able to qualify for a special first–time buyer program. This could make your home more affordable. Also, the pre-qualification process may show the need for a co-mortgagor. This should be identified early in the buying process. A need for a last minute co-mortgagor could delay the loan process and possibly cause a cancellation of a sale.

MAXIMIZE YOUR CHANCES:

  Submit a strong competitive offer

Submit the offer as if there will be multiple offers in an escalating market.

Include substantial earnest money deposit

Acceptance of an offer is sometimes determined by the amount of the deposit. A larger amount may signify a bigger commitment to the seller.

Minimize or eliminate contingencies

The fewer contingencies, the stronger the offer.

Make a buyer profile available

Time on the job, flexibility, reason for purchasing seller’s home, etc.

Be prepared to preview a new property quickly

Homes sell sometimes in hours. Be prepared to make decisions quickly and be accessible to change the terms instantly.

INFORMATION NEEDED AT LOAN APPLICATION

In order to expedite your loan process, please bring the following items which pertain to you.

□ Picture ID and proof of social security number

□ Residence addresses for the last two years

□ Names and addresses of each employer for the past two years

□ Gross monthly base salary with overtime and bonuses listed separately

□ W2's (2 years) and current check stub

□ Names, addresses, account numbers & balances of all checking and savings accounts

□ Last two months of bank statements

□ Names, addresses, account numbers, balances and monthly payments of all open loans

□ Names, account numbers, balances and monthly payments of all credit cards

□ Addresses of other real estate owned

□ Loan information on other real estate owned

□ Estimated value of furniture and personal property

□ Certificate of eligibility and DD214's (V.A. only)

□ Money for credit report and appraisal

□ Full divorce decree, if applicable

Closing Cost Guide

Important Inspections

  A Home Warranty

A home warranty is an insurance policy that covers a variety of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing items, as well as some appliances, inside the home. Coverage is also available for more expensive systems such as air conditioners, refrigerators, pools and spas.

You may purchase a home warranty plan prior to selling to protect against repairs needed during the listing period, and the buyer may be able to assume the policy at the close of escrow. You may purchase a home warranty policy. Offering a home warranty plan may provide these benefits:

Increase the marketability of your home by reassuring potential buyers.

Help sell your home faster and at a higher price.

Ward off potential disputes after the sale for repair and/or replacement of covered items.

Most home warranty plans can be paid for at the close of escrow. A copy of the invoice is presented to the title company and it becomes part of the seller’s closing costs.

FOR A LESS STRESSFUL CLOSING

▶ Maintain current financial status, make no major purchases, or job changes

▶ As soon as you decide upon your homeowner’s insurance agent, call your escrow officer with the name of the company, contact person and phone number

▶ Should a buyer or seller be unable to be present to sign escrow or loan documents, a power of attorney may be used. Before attempting to use a power of attorney, have it approved by both your lender and title company.

▶ If your funds will come from out of state, please let your escrow officer know at least one week before closing.

▶ If you are unsure about closing procedures, ask questions. A proper explanation is just a phone call away.

▶ Your closing appointment usually takes about an hour. Be sure to make arrangements accordingly.

▶ Bring a cashier’s check made payable to Westland Title Agency to your closing.

(Amount provided by escrow officer).

▶ Bring a photo ID with you to signing.

▶ Be prepared for last minute lender requirements.

VALLEY-WIDE

WATER SERVICES

COMMUNITY RESOURCES POLICE – NON EMERGENCY  

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CHANGE OF ADDRESS

LIST

UTILITIES:

INSURANCE AGENCIES:

□ Electric

□ Gas

□ Water

□ Telephone

□ Life

□ Fire

□ Auto

□ Home

□ Health

□ Accident

□ Hospital

PUBLICATIONS:

□ Dry Cleaner

□ Bakery

□ Drug Store

□ Diaper Service

□ Department Store

□ Water Softener Service

□ Service Stations

□ Banks

□ Finance Companies

□ Automobile Agency

MISCELLANEOUS:

□ Relatives, Friends □ Business Associates □ Organizations & Clubs; Schools

□ Book & Record Clubs □ Landlord, if you are a Tenant □ Tenants, if you are a Landlord

Points of Interest