2023 Skybox Realty Home Buying Guide

Table of Contents

The Buying Process

Loan Pre-Approval

Finding The Right Home The House Hunt New Construction Making An Offer Life Of An Escrow

Closing Costs Move-In Checklist

Paul Hwang

4 - 7 10 - 11 12 - 13 14 - 15 16 - 17 20 - 21 22 - 23 24 - 25 28 - 29 30 - 31

The Buying Process

This graphic illustrates a typical example of the home-buying process from start to finish.

Initial Consultation & Loan Pre-Approval

FINDING YOUR HOME

Home Shopping

Understand objectives, priorities, & time frames

Discuss buying process overview

Examine local market conditions

Define agency relationship

Obtain loan pre-approval letter from lenders

Determine budget based on income, assets, and personal financial plan

• Tour properties that meet your home search criteria

Monitor market activity with listing alert service

Leverage Skybox network for upcoming listings

Identify off-market, for sale by owner, and expired listings matching requirements

Review comparables and discuss appropriate offer strategies

Make An Offer

Review & sign all available disclosures and reports

Prepare offer package including bank statements, introductory letter, and loan preapproval

Negotiate the best possible price for your new home

• Choose & pay for escrow

Order preliminary title report from title company

Deposit funds into escrow account

Submit purchase contract to lender for processing

Schedule appraisal (by lender)

Confirm contingency removal & condition dates

Conduct buyer inspections (property, pest, chimney, roof, etc)

Second review of disclosures & HOA docs

If new critical issues are discovered during buyer inspections, negotiate repairs or renegotiate price

Underwriting file review

Appraisal completed and reviewed by lender

Final financing approval by lender

Select home insurance company & coverage

insurance information to escrow

Final Walkthrough

Moving Details

• Confirm property condition and completed repairs, if any • Property condition should be consistent with condition on date of ratification • Set up utilities: electricity, water, garbage, phone, internet, alarm, etc • Contact HOA office to schedule move-in (if applicable) • Schedule move • Review all closing and transaction costs • Sign loan documemts • Provide cashier’s check or send wire for down payment and closing costs • Lender sends balance of funding to title company one business day prior to close • Deed is recorded in person at county recorder’s office by title company representative • Obtain keys to your new home!

Basics

Getting Organized

• Change all locks on all doors and update security system (if available) • Complete any planned repairs or improvements • Get acquainted with your new neighborhood and community • Update estate plan and trust • Review all appliance and warranty materials • Schedule future required maintenance (reseal counters, change/clean filters, etc) • File home warranty plan • Note upcoming property tax payments and supplemental property tax bill • Attend HOA meetings and meet your neighbors • Unpack, unwind, and enjoy your new home!

Loan Pre-Approval

For buyers financing their home, planning is crucial. Several factors should be considered to ensure the loan process goes smoothly.

DETERMINING THE RIGHT PRICE RANGE

The first step in buying a house is to determine the price range that is right for you. You will need to consider how much you are prepared to invest in your home and how much you will need to borrow. You should also consider how much property taxes and insurance will add to your monthly mortgage payment.

DETERMINING CASH YOU WILL NEED

You will need enough cash to cover both your down payment and closing costs associated with the purchase. Closing costs vary significantly based on the terms of your loan but are generally 1% to 2% of the purchase price. Also, keep in mind any immediate postclosing costs, such as moving, cleaning, repairs, etc.

DETERMINING ADDITIONAL COSTS

Your Skybox agent will help estimate your purchasing power and your carrying costs, but it is highly recommended that you discuss your cash needs and tax ramifications with an accountant and/or financial advisor.

PRE-APPROVAL FOR A LOAN

An offer is given greater consideration by a seller if it is accompanied by a preapproval letter from a reputable lender or local mortgage broker. This assures the seller that you will be able to obtain the proposed financing and will not tie up the property needlessly.

Lenders will inquire about the following six critical actors:

RECOMMENDED LENDERS

Skybox Realty can recommend several reputable lending institutions from which you may obtain pre-approved financing. In some cases due to litigation or other factors, only some banks will lend on certain buildings.

Contact an agent for their specific recommendations.

Finding The Right Home

We strive to find a home that is a perfect match for your goals, priorities, and needs. In the initial buyer meeting your agent will work with you to begin the search for a property that suits your particular lifestyle and needs.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

Create a wish list then prioritize. Start big then whittle down to the most important elements. You may have to make some trade-offs between the various items on your wish list.

When would you like to move?

How long have you been looking?

What do you like most about your current home?

What do you like least about your current home?

What neighborhoods do you like?

What style of property would you like? (Modern condo, Victorian, Marina style, contemporary, etc)

Are you looking for turnkey or can you take on some renovations?

Is your home currently on the market? For how long? What is the asking price?

Do you need to be near public transportation or highways?

Do you prefer to be near amenities?

Would you like to live in an amenity rich building with an HOA?

Are you the sole buyer or do you have partners?

What features are you looking for?

What is the minimum number of bedrooms?

Of bathrooms?

The House Hunt

Your agent will help you begin your search by narrowing down your preferences. Within these parameters, your agent will work with you to find your perfect home among the many sources available to us: the mls, off-market properties, new construction and more.

PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET

Whenever possible, your agent will preview properties before showing you to ensure they meet your criteria. Keep yourself available to act on short notice when desirable or well-priced properties become available, as the San Francisco Real Estate market moves quickly.

OPEN HOUSES / BROKER TOURS

Open Houses are a good way to see properties in a designated time frame. Notably, Mission Bay doesn’t allow open houses, so working with an agent in this neighborhood is essential. Each week, new property listings are open to agents and brokers for viewing. If there is a new listing that is appropriate, your agent will arrange for a showing at your earliest convenience.

HOW TO VIEW A PROPERTY

During each viewing, compare the property to your requirements. Your agent will help by giving grades to the different features. For shortcomings, consider if they can be altered to make it acceptable. Some features are of course impossible to change like location and view.

QUESTIONS TO ASK

When you see a property that meets most of your criteria and is a likely prospect for further consideration, ask additional questions.

1. Are There Any Recent Inspection Reports? The Seller may have a recent pest control or General Contractor’s Inspection report available for review.

2. What Is The Condition Of The Plumbing, Heating, Electrical System, & Roof? If these systems are old, the cost to repair or replace should be considered and included in the terms and conditions of your offer.

3. Are There Any Signs of Dampness or Drainage Issues? Have There Been Past Water Intrusions (in a condo)? These conditions can be difficult and expensive to correct.

4. Were There Improvements Made And Were They Done With Permits? Many properties have had improvements or additions completed without permits and may not comply with building and zoning codes. Your agent can arrange to obtain a full disclosure package from the listing agent, which should include details on property improvements.

5. Is There An HOA? What Do the Dues Cover? All condos, whether they have 500 units or 3 will have some kind of Home Owners Association. Find out what is included in the monthly dues (utilities, insurance, maintenance etc) and what the reserves are.

New Construction

When shopping for a home, particularly in the Bay Area, new construction is always an option for those more interested in a modern look, high-end appliances, or in house amenities like gyms, pools, etc (amenities only in condos).

QUESTIONS TO ASK

Buying new construction comes with different parameters. Consider the following questions when buying new construction to see if the restrictions, fees, etc are right for you.

Who is the developer? What other buildings or homes have they built?

When is the delivery date? Has the developer been late before?

How much is the deposit to hold the unit?

What is the policy to back out of purchasing before delivery?

Are there resale or rental restrictions during a specified initial time period?

Is parking included or extra? Is it self parking or valet?

Is storage included or extra?

What do the monthly HOA fees cover (if applicable)?

Is water included in your condo fees (if applicable)?

What does your insurance need to cover and what does the HOA cover?

Does the home come with appliances included?

Does the listed price include all taxes?

Are there additional special assessments or fees?

What available upgrades are there? How much do they cost?

What will the amenities be? Will there be a doorman?

What will the view be like? What will the view be like in 10 years?

BENEFITS OF NEW CONSTRUCTION

• Freedom to choose floor plan, square footage, finishes, etc.

• Small deposit amount / no HOA fees during construction period

• Can be a less competitive market

• Home won’t start aging for 8-10 years

• Limited downside risk

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN PURCHASHING NEW CONSTRUCTION

• Unless you are entering late in the selling period for the project, expect to visit a sales office with a model unit, renderings, floor plans, etc. to help you visualize what the home will look like at completion

• There will often be various “releases,” with the developer only releasing certain units at certain times

• There will basic finishes and design choices made by the developer, but you will most often have the opportunity to select certain upgrades like hardwood flooring, custom closets, shower enclosures, etc.

• Typically there is a 30 day finance contingency after signing a contract and about 5 days to review disclosures and HOA documents

• Expect a long time between signing the contract and seeing your new home unless you are buying in an almost complete building

Making The Offer

Your Skybox agent will help you draft a viable offer, taking into account market conditions, fair market value, and anything pertinent to the particular property.

WRITING AN OFFER

Several factors should be considered in your offer:

1. Purchase Price: Having viewed other comparable properties, you will have a good idea of the value of your prospective home. Your agent can provide recent comps to guide to the the “right price.”

2. Loan Contingency: If you are obtaining a loan to finance the purchase of your home, your agent will structure the contract to allow reasonable time to obtain a loan from a lender of your choice. It often takes a few weeks to obtain a loan commitment so a typical escrow of 30-35 days is normal.

3. Inspections: Most offers are made contingent upon obtaining and approving inspection reports on the property by licensed professionals. This is to inform and protect the buyer about known and unknown conditions. We generally recommend pest and general contractor/home inspections, although these are less relevant in new condo constructions.

4. Personal Property To Be Included: It is important to clearly identify all personal property that will be included in the sale.

FINANCIAL & EMOTIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Once you have identified the property that meets yor criteria and want to make an offer, there are financial, psychological, and emotional considerations to structuring your offer. If there are multiple offers and the seller counters at a higher price, what is your top dollar? Does the property need improvements? How motivated is the seller? How motivated are you? Etc.

PRESENTING & NEGOTIATING YOUR OFFER

Your Skybox agent will represent you to the seller and the seller’s agent in the best possible light to obtain an accepted offer. When presenting your offer, documents such as preapprovals, financial statements, and personal notes are often appropriate.

SUBMITTING YOUR DEPOSIT

A good faith deposit must accompany your offer. It is customary for your initial deposit to be 3% of the purchase price. This can either be a personal check made payable to the title company of your choice or a wire.

Move-In Checklist

Moving can be a stressful time, we recommend that you prepare for your move as soon as possible. Below is a checklist of recommended steps to ensure that your move-in goes as smoothly as possible.

ADDRESS CHANGE NOTIFICATION

INSURANCE, SERVICES & RECORDS

MOVING COMPANY

On Moving Day ☑

THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Carry jewelry & documents on your person • Double check closets, drawers, and shelves for items left behind • Plan for transporting pets • Coordinate leaving old keys with new owner / realtor • Carry cash for unexpected costs during the day

After The Move ☑

AT YOUR NEW ADDRESS

• Check if service is switched on for telephone, Internet, cable, gas, electricity, water, garbage, etc. • Check pilot light on stove, hot water heater, and furnace • Check if appliances are working • Notify DMV of new address update for your driver’s license • Visit city offices and re-register to vote • Register car within five days after arrival in state to avoid penalty (only for those moving from another state or country) • Apply for a driver’s license in your new state (if applicable) • Register children in school • Arrange for medical services: doctor, dentist, vet, etc.

Paul Hwang

Paul is the #1 Ranked Agent in the South Beach area for 14 years running. Other brokers and potential buyers call Paul daily with new inventory, giving him a unique advantage in a competitive market.

TESTIMONIALS

“I have sold many homes in my life and Paul Hwang is the best I’ve ever dealt with . His advice and responsiveness are unsurpassed. He went above and beyond in every way and his staff did the same creating great marketing brochures to help with my sale - even the sale of my furnishings. I would recommend Paul and his team without reservation.”Becky

“ Paul doesn’t just know the market for high end condos in SF, he is the market. ” - Isaac

“Paul is indisputably the most experienced broker (sell or buy-side) at The Infinity in San Francisco. And a very good, ballsy price-setter and negotiator. At the end of the day, a broker/salesperson is easy to ratedo they get the deal done on good terms - and so it’s easy to give Paul top marks everywhere. ” - Steve

“ Paul is hands-down the best broker in SoMA / South Beach. ” - Peter

Paul Hwang