Patti Gifford Buyer Guide

Patti Gifford Broker

A MESSAGE FROM PATTI Buying a home is often the biggest purchase people make in their lives.

It’s important to have a Real Estate Broker on your side who will make sure you get the best home at the best price. I have spent over twenty years working full-time in real estate and have helped hundreds of people buy or sell their homes.

Call/Text: 206.227.4848 PattiGifford2@gmail.com PattiGifford.com Facebook.com/PattiGifford KW.com

One thing all my clients have in common is that they want to find the right home for the right price, but determining what that means for your situation is often complicated. Today’s home buying process can be overwhelming with the amount of rapidly available information. As a veteran broker, I have the resources and experience to help you navigate the ever-changing housing market.

Since I know that my clients have jobs and lives of their own, I make my best effort to take all the legwork of this process off your plate. We begin with a personalized discussion, and once I have a thorough understanding of your wants and needs, I can use the resources and tools at my disposal to ensure that we only look at houses that might be a good fit for you.

Together, we will find the right house for you to call home.

~Patti~ 455 SW 152nd St BURIEN, WA 98166

CHOOSE VALUE: DISCOVER THE SMART SOLUTION 4

MY PHILOSOPHY & QUALIFICATIONS

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YOUR TEAM

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THE FOCUS IS ON YOU

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HOME BUYING PROCESS OVERVIEW

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ABOUT MAKING AN OFFER

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ABOUT THE MORTGAGE & LOAN PROCESS

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THE DOs & DON’Ts OF BUYING A HOME

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GIVING BACK

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TESTIMONIALS

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MY PHILOSOPHY & QUALIFICATIONS

MY MISSION I Make It My Business To Know You! And I Make Your Home, My Business!

MY VALUES

HONESTY, INTEGRITY & ACCOUNTABILITY MY QUALIFICATIONS 20+ YEARS REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE in the Greater Seattle Area - I go the extra mile NEGOTIATING SKILLS - My experience and expertise gives me the ability to advocate for my clients ACTIVE MEMBER of WA STATE REALTOR ASSOCIATION TOP SALES AGENT for Keller Williams Realty Puget Sound TOP PRODUCER LEADER / TRAINER / MENTOR Excellent customer service, listening to your needs and concerns, interpersonal skills Over 3000 credit hours of continuing education to maximize knowledge of the ever changing real estate market I have a network of professionals working together for one goal...Getting your house SOLD!

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YOUR TEAM

WHO’S ON YOUR TEAM? When you hire me, you get the power of my entire team supporting you during your purchase.

MORTGAGE LENDER

TITLE AGENT

ESCROW AGENT

Unless you are able to pay for your new home with cash you will need to get pre-approved with a good mortgage lender before you start to look at homes. This is imperative so you know what price point you can shop for.

Every property has a history of owners, liens, judgements, etc. This history is detailed on the title report. My title agent will deliver a copy of the title report and note if there is anything you should be aware of. They also provide title insurance.

Once your property is under contract, the escrow agent will contact you. Their job is to coordinate the closing.

INSPECTOR

APPRAISER

Unless you waive the inspection contingency in your offer you will have a professional inspect the property to evaluate if there are any problems you’d want to know about.

If you are financing, the bank requires a professional appraisal. They will schedule one of their qualified appraisers to assess the value of the home.

TRANSACTION COORDINATOR Getting your offer accepted is only half of my job. Once in contract, my transaction coordinator assists me to ensure that every detail–major or minor–is handled at the proper time.

Her expertise equals no stress for you.

KELLER WILLIAMS The Keller Williams culture is one of sharing and supporting one another. While I am your real estate agent I have other agents and a support team whenever needed.

6 � THE FOCUS IS ON YOU

MY BUSINESS HAS BEEN BUILT AROUND ONE GUIDING PRINCIPLE:

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU FINDING THE RIGHT HOME YOUR WANTS YOUR NEEDS YOUR TIME YOUR QUESTIONS YOUR CONCERNS

My focus is on your complete satisfaction. I will work to get the job done, so you will want to tell your friends and associates about it. More than 50% of my business comes from repeat clients and referrals. I look forward to the opportunity to earn your referrals too.

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HOME BUYING PROCESS OVERVIEW

ROADMAP TO BUYING There is a lot to get educated on when buying a home and lots of steps between today and getting the keys to your dream home. I’m here to explain and guide you through it all.

SELECT A REAL ESTATE AGENT

OBTAIN FINANCIAL PRE-APPROVAL

ANALYZE YOUR NEEDS IN A BUYER CONSULTATION

SELECT PROPERTIES

VIEW PROPERTIES

WRITE AN OFFER TO PURCHASE

NEGOTIATE TERMS

ACCEPT THE CONTRACT

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SATISFY CONTINGENCIES

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ROAD TO CLOSING

FINANCING

SIGNING DOCUMENTS

TITLE

RECORD TITLE

INSPECTION

TAKE POSSESSION!

8 � HOME BUYING PROCESS: OFFER

MAKING AN OFFER Once you have found the property you want, we will write a purchase agreement — your offer. While much of the agreement is standard, there are a few area that we can negotiate.: THE PRICE

What you offer on a property depends on a number of factors including its condition, length of time on the market, buyer activity, and the urgency of the seller. While some buyers want to make a low offer just to see if the seller accepts, this often isn’t a smart choice, because the seller may be insulted and decide not to negotiate at all.

CONTINGENCIES

The more contingencies you waive, the smoother a transaction your deal will be for the seller. This also helps your offer stand out. Contingencies are in place to protect you as the buyer, but there are ways you can protect yourself and waive a contingency.

PRESENTING OFFERS I will deliver your offer to the seller’s agent (the listing agent).

The seller will then do one of the following: Accept the offer, Reject the offer, or Counter the offer with changes. By far the most common is the counteroffer. In these cases, my experience and negotiating skills become powerful in representing your best interests. When a counteroffer is presented, I will work with you to review it, making sure that I move forward with your goals in mind and ensuring that I negotiate the best possible price and terms on your behalf.

THE CLOSING & MOVE-IN DATE

If you can be flexible on the possession date, the seller may be more apt to choose your offer over others to accommodate their preferred move-out schedule. Sellers appreciate a fast close. If you come to the negotiating table with a quick close combined with the flexible move-in date you can really help your offer stand out.

EARNEST MONEY

The more you give in earnest money, the more serious your offer looks to the seller.

ITEMS THAT STAY

You can also negotiate with the seller to leave certain items in the home: fixtures, appliances, furniture, etc.

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HOME BUYING PROCESS: LOAN

THE MORTGAGE & LOAN PROCESS FUNDING YOUR HOME PURCHASE

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1. FINANCIAL PRE-QUALIFICATION or PRE-APPROVAL •

Application and interview • Lender will request documentation including proof of income, list of current liabilities and a credit report

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2. UNDERWRITING •

Loan package is submitted to underwriter for approval

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WHY PRE-QUALIFY? I recommend buyers get pre-qualified before beginning their home search. Knowing exactly how much you can comfortably spend on a home reduces the potential frustration of looking at homes beyond your means.

3. LOAN APPROVAL •

You are notified of approval • Loan documents are completed and sent to escrow •Home Insurance

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4. TITLE & ESCROW •

Title exam, Title insurance • You, the borrower(s) come in for final signatures

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5. FUNDING •

Funds are transferred by cashier’s check or wire transfer

10 10 �� HOME BUYING PROCESS: TIPS

DOs & DON’Ts OF BUYING A HOME MAKE ANY OTHER BIG PURCHASES Big purchases can affect your credit and your loan-to-value ratio which can change you ability to be financed. So, don’t buy furniture, appliances, cars, etc.

Paying in cash or putting a big purchase on credit both will change your financibility.

REMAIN ACCESSIBLE You need to able to appear in person to sign. And in general, even when in the country, you should be easily accessible. You may be needed for a number of unexpected issues that may arise requiring your attention. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to sign all of your paperwork. Schedule your signing at a time when you can be available at least a few days before the closing date.

ACQUIRE ANY NEW DEBT OR OPEN A NEW CREDIT CARD Opening a credit card or acquiring new debt will also change your credit rating, which will require the lender to run your financials all over again and could prevent you from being financible.

LET ME & YOUR LENDER KNOW OF ANY ANTICIPATED CHANGES IN MARITAL STATUS, EMPLOYMENT OR FINANCES Do not get married, legally separated or divorced while you are in the middle of a real estate transaction. You have qualified for a loan in part based on your marital status. Making this change can jepordize the transaction.

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GIVING BACK

MORE THAN REAL ESTATE It’s my privilege to serve others. Here are a few organizations that I’m grateful to contribute to.

NORMANDY PARK ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Current Member FRIENDS OF NORMANDY PARK President HIGHLINE SCHOOL FOUNDATION Member of the Board of Trustees SOROPTIMIST At Large NUMEROUS CHARITY EVENTS Sponsor and Volunteer

KW CARES

RED DAY

KW Cares is a 501(c)(3) public charity created to support Keller Williams associates and their families with hardship as a result of a sudden emergency. I contribute a percentage of every commission I earn to KW Cares.

Every year I join with other Keller Williams agents in our annual Red Day to serve the community by volunteering our hands and hearts to various needs throughout the city.

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TESTIMONIALS

There are only two words to describe it; EXCELLENT SERVICE….

-Tom Ramos

“REMARKABLY INTUITIVE...

INCREDIBLY KNOWLEDGEABLE...

AND SKILLED IN THE ART OF BUYING AND SELLING HOMES”

Patti Gifford is a gem! Remarkably intuitive about people, incredibly knowledgeable regarding the current housing market, and skilled in the art of buying and selling homes, Patti's drive and determination coupled with her pleasant, easy-going demeanor, has made our experience of selling and buying homes over the years a true delight!

-David and SuAnn Hohimer

Patti is a knowledgeable and helpful pro. She knows the market and how to help both sellers and buyers. We have used her for both! We felt totally confident in her advice and we couldn't be happier with our home sale and home purchase!

-Lisa E

“NOT ONLY IS SHE KNOWLEDGEABLE...SHE ALWAYS HAS YOUR BEST INTEREST IN MIND. I CANNOT RECOMMEND HER ENOUGH”

“WE FELT TOTALLY CONFIDENT IN HER ADVICE...WE COULDN’T BE HAPPIER...!”

Working with Patti to buy our first home was a great experience! Not only is she knowledgeable about all things related to real estate, she is fun to work with and always has your best interest in mind. She partners with the best folks in the industry (inspectors, brokers, etc). Thanks to Patti and her keen insight, she was able to help us with an exceptional offer that landed us our dream house. I cannot recommend her enough. Oh, and she will always point out the best place for your Christmas tree when touring a new home!

-Giancarlo and Annie Lucia

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TESTIMONIALS Patti Gifford was the listing agent when I purchased my home 7 years ago.

She stayed in contact with newsletters. I told myself that if I were to sell my home, Patti would be my realtor because she took pride in being a realtor and continuing communication. When I first contacted Patti, she did not hesitate to stop by, provide tips on next steps to list my property. Patti respected the fact that there was a buyer agent and made sure I understood that she was there as a professional and there was no pressure if I did not choose her as the listing agent. Patti provided a step by step process for decluttering in preparation to list the property. She always followed up on my progress and no matter what, I could call with questions and she was responsive.

“I WOULD RECOMMEND PATTI TO ANYONE WHO IS LOOKING FOR A RELATOR WHO CARES ABOUT YOU AND DELIVERS RESULTS!”

Patti provided names of handymen for home improvements/repairs, windows and carpet cleaners. She is an amazing realtor and human being. When I was stressed, she was calm. Patti was effective with no pressure as she provided providing step by step process for listing preparation, moving out, and closing. Patti helped me to determine a listing price in this competitive market. I received an offer in 6 days!!!! She helped me to understand the contingencies, an acceptable price and negotiate the inspection report to make it fair and easy for me. I would recommend Patti to anyone who is looking for a realtor who cares about you and delivers results.

-Ruby Prescott

“YOU WERE VERY HELPFUL TO US BEING OUT OF STATERS...

HELP MAKE THE WHOLE BUYING EXPERIENCE VERY SMOOTH!”

Even though you didn't know us & I called you up out of the blue(!), we really felt like you had our best interest. You were very helpful to us being out of staters with steering us toward highly qualified individuals that helped make the whole buying experience very smooth! Very happy with your introduction to Rick as well! He whipped up a fence in a couple days in December for us! Going to be calling him back soon for additional work! Thanks again Patti!

-Lori & Scott Halverson

Dear Patti, I wanted to thank you again for the great job you did selling my condo. We went on the market in September and closed in October! You certainly went the extra mile, taking care of so many things in my absence - like finding a contractor who did an excellent job with repairs and painting, color consulting, and keeping me advised every step of the way (which is important to me). I was so grateful to sell my property without ever having to go up to Seattle at all. After we closed, you staged my sister's house for sale, you were my obvious choice when it was time to sell! Thanks again.

-Carol Haselmire

“YOU CERTAINLY WENT THE EXTRA MILE, TAKING CARE OF SO MANY THINGS IN MY ABSENCE. ”

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TESTIMONIALS

“WE WOULD RECOMMEND PATTI TO ANYONE LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A HOUSE OR CONDO.”

A friend of ours bought a condo in the Insignia downtown Seattle. Patti mentioned that maybe Carol and myself should consider buying one as well. Buying a condo downtown was not in our immediate future. We have a house in Gig Harbor. Patti suggested we consider buying for an investment and renting it out. I thought that sounded like a good idea. We looked and put in an offer. Patti was extremely helpful throughout the entire process. She always answered her phone when we called with questions. We would recommend Patti to anyone looking to buy or sell a house or condo.

-Carol and Lee Snyder

Yes, even with no furniture we are enjoying condo living in Ballard!

Our condo purchase went very smoothly. We loved your enthusiasm for the work. And we appreciated your responsiveness to all our queries.

-Paul and MJ Patterson

“WE SELECTED HER BECAUSE OF HER DEPTH OF KNOWLEDGE AND HISTORY WITHIN THE NORMANDY PARK COMMUNITY. ”

“WE APPRECIATED YOUR RESPONSIVENESS TO ALL OUR QUERIES.”

Patti has been great to work with. A seasoned veteran in the housing industry.

We selected her because of her depth of knowledge and history within the Normandy Park community. We are very pleased that we selected someone that we knew we could trust and would represent us well.

-Teresa J. Savage

Being first-time home shoppers, David and I were unsure of what to expect from the process. We felt very comfortable with Patti and greatly appreciated her efforts to get to know us and our respective tastes. She was honest, quick with information, and worked hard to track that perfect place (which she found after only three months of searching!). We wouldn't have this amazing house if it weren't for Patti.

- Eve and David

“SHE WAS HONEST, QUICK WITH INFORMATION, AND WORKED HARD TO TRACK THAT PERFECT PLACE”

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TESTIMONIALS

“YOUR FRIENDLINESS AND HONESTY HELPED ME THROUGH THE STRESSFUL TIMES ”

Hi Patti, Just a thank you cannot express my thoughts and emotions to you for all your time, patience, work and professionalism you have put into selling this house for me.

Your continued persistence to follow each step through our sale was greatly appreciated. You always kept in the loop via email/phone calls on where we were in the sale/closing process. Your friendliness and honesty helped me through the stressful times we encountered during the sale. Having it sold is a huge stress out of my life and I am so grateful to you. I will pass your name to others who may need real estate services.

-Robin

Patti Gifford is one of the hardest working people we know. Once she makes a commitment as your agent, you can be assured that one of the most a respected and energetic professionals in real estate is on your team.

-Pat and Julia Patterson

“HER PROFESSIONALISM...AND HER ATTENTION TO THE SPECIAL DETAILS...IS OUTSTANDING.”

“YOU CAN BE ASSURED THAT ONE OF THE MOST A RESPECTED AND ENERGETIC PROFESSIONALS IN REAL ESTATE IS ON YOUR TEAM.”

We have worked with Patti both as a buyer and a seller. Her professionalism is above reproach and her attention to the special details necessary to best represent your property is outstanding.

-Brian and Cory Volkert

Patti is easy to talk to and no sugar coating! Very professional and takes her time from vacation to assist with our questions which was awesome! Thank you!

-Suzette and Rin

“PATTI IS EASY TO TALK TO AND NO SUGAR COATING! ”

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TESTIMONIALS

“HER KNOWLEDGE OF THE MARKET IS EXCELLENT AND WE ARE SO GLAD WE HAVE HAD THE CHANCE TO WORK WITH HER...

HER ENTHUSIASM FOR HER WORK AND HER PASSION FOR HER CLIENTS WAS MADE APPARENT DURING OUR EVERY INTERACTION.”

"Working with Patti Gifford has been an incredible experience! From selling our home, she handled everything with professionalism as only an agent with her experience can - she made sure that we felt comfortable throughout the process, answered all our many questions with confidence and patience. Being that it was our first time selling a home, it was critical we work with someone who was willing to guide us every step of the way.

We started the process of buying our new home several months ago and Patti has been terrific at always helping us explore all our options and at no point during our search did we ever feel 'pressure' to make an offer ... Patti always reassured us that we needed to take as much time as possible to find our perfect home. Her knowledge of the market is excellent and we are so glad we have had the chance to work with her throughout the past year. Her enthusiasm for her work and her passion for her clients was made apparent during our every interaction. Patti is able to express her sense of humor with her clients, making the home buying/selling process enjoyable!"

-Jon and Kristin Wood

YOUR NOTES

YOUR NOTES

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I look forward to making

YOUR HOME

MY Business!!

PattiGifford.com