Buy a Home with Hardy Realtors

Whether you're a rst time home buyer or someone who already owns multiple properties, buying a home is a major life decision and a substantial investment. With an ever-changing range of listings to sort through and an intricate process to navigate, buying a home may seem intimidating.

Each agent at Hardy Realtors is trained and fully-equipped with the knowledge needed to provide a world-class experience for our clients and to be a trusted advisor you can count on for guidance throughout the transaction and beyond. Each agent has worked as a real estate assistant for one year before they are sent into the eld. We lead with integrity and quality service to advise, strategize and negotiate each home as if it were our own. Whether it's our proven sales approach, e ective marketing campaigns, or utilization of our extensive network, at Hardy, no detail is ever overlooked.

You can always be sure that a Hardy Realtors agent will be in your corner and protect you every step of the way.

We strongly believe in developing relationships over transactions. That’s why we make it our mission to connect buyers to a place they can call home or invest into their future appropriately. Many agents skip this initial interaction with their clients, but here at Hardy, we hope to use this meeting to better understand your needs. We know that buying or selling a home is an extremely important part of our client’s life and a huge investment, and you need to be pointed in the right direction. Thankfully, Hardy Realtors is here to serve you.

Who are we?

Jill: Our leader, Jill Hardy, has been in real estate for nearly 20 years. Prior to becoming a Realtor, she worked in real estate and corporate law as a paralegal for 22 years. Jill is an expert with any complicated transaction: short-sales, probate, auctions, REO’s (foreclosures); you name it! Jill is a kind-hearted person who is passionate about her work. Anyone who meets Jill nds her to be sweet and welcoming until she has to step up for her clients and ercely protect them from the many issues we face in real estate.

Paige: The Broker and eldest daughter of the Hardy Realtors family does not mess around. She is a erce negotiator and protects her clients like a mama bear! During COVID, buyers were practically negotiating their rst born to purchase Paige’s listings. She is a no-nonsense leader with immense knowledge of the Temecula Valley and surrounding area after growing up here. She holds her Executive MBA from Pepperdine University and as such, has an

Palmer: Our youngest member of the team is anything but a novice. Since Paige won’t let her forget their 3 (almost 4 if you ask Paige)year age gap, Palmer works hard to make everyone forget. She is disciplined and will work early mornings and late nights if that is what her clients’ schedules demand. Palmer holds her Masters in Education from Johns Hopkins University, bringing skills that have allowed her to educate clients. She may be just as kind as Jill, but she is also a shark with negotiation skills in par with Paige. Palmer has brought modern ideas and exciting changes to Hardy Realtors.

10 ways a Hardy Realtors Agent can help HOME BUYING TIMELINE

1. We are your personal real estate guide throughout the buying process. There are 10 steps to buying a home and we are here to provide a white-glove experience to walk you through each one. We will help you identify and clarify your real estate goals in relation to the local market.

2. We provide local and speci c insights essential to getting you the best property for the best price without the headache. We are aware of trending areas, o er strategies, new development properties, neighborhood amenities and tax rates. We also keep you updated on o -market properties that have not been listed.

3. We provide you with access to a network of highly skilled and experienced professionals that you will need along the way: mortgage brokers, inspectors, new home builders, insurance brokers, technicians, handymen, and more!

4. We schedule showings that align with your schedule by setting you up with a customized home search portal that keeps you up to date immediately on a new listing/open house that t your criteria.

5. We attend showings with you and can advise on the property as needed. We also run a comparative market analysis to help you form a winning o er strategy.

6. We accommodate your schedule and today's fast-paced real estate environment by having showing partners available for your convenience.

7. We submit o er s on your behalf and negotiate with the seller/seller’s agent to secure an ideal home for you and to get you the best possible deal in today's market.

8. We manage the contractual process and the back-and-forth negotiation between you and the sellers all the way to completion.

9. We coordinate your closing , nal walkthrough and all the odds and ends needed until you get your new home KEYS in your hand!

10. We will always be a future resource for you as you move into your home or need future real estate advice!

Step 1

Pre-Approval with Lender - Determine your buying power (24-48 hours)

Step 2

Establish Criteria - What are you looking for in your new home? (24 hours)

Step 3

Property Showings - Let’s see your options! (timeline varies)

Step 4

O er and Negotiation Strategy - What you need to know about securing your dream home (1-3 days)

Step 5 Under Contract - Next steps after getting your o er accepted (30-45 days)

Step 6

Closing - The last step on your journey. You’re almost home! (1 day)

Step 7

Celebrate - All your hard work has paid o !

Step 1

Pre-Approval with Lender

If you are buying the property with cash-congratulations you can move to the nextstep!

The best way to start the home buying process is by determining your buying power. You can do this by getting pre-approved from a mortgage lender. This will help you determine a comfortable monthly mortgage payment and down payment option.

Connect with a good loan o cer. See our recommended vendor list in this booklet for a few great ones. Have your recent tax returns, bank statements and paycheck records ready to go.

Calculate with the lender how much you would like to spend on a home and discuss all your down payment/closing cost options.

Obtain a copy of your pre-approval letter and send it to your Realtor (us!).

Buyer Name:

Section One: The Property

Step 2

Establish Criteria

Let’s start with the fun part, deciding what you want in a home!

How many bedrooms? Bathrooms?

How far are you willing to commute?

Do you want a move-in ready home or are you willing to do a few renovation projects?

Do you have any must haves or deal breakers? Create a list of the top two or three neighborhoods that you want to live in.

Home Buyer Criteria Sheet

This chart will help us better identify your must-haves and deal breakers.

Let’s start with the fun part, deciding what you want in a home!

How many bedrooms? Bathrooms?

How far are you willing to commute?

Do you want a move-in ready home or are you willing to do a few renovation projects?

Do you have any must haves or deal breakers?

Create a list of the top two or three neighborhoods that you want to live in.

Type of Home: Single Family/Townhome/Condominium/Other Bedrooms: Bathrooms: Square Foot Range: # of Garage Space: # of Stories: Year Built: Desired Neighborhood/School District: Section Two: Home Amenities

Features Desired Highly Desired Must Have Cul-de-sac Large yard Pool/spa Deck and/or patio Hardwood oors Open oor plan Fireplace O ce Dining Room Outdoor kitchen Water view Move in ready

Deal Breakers: Price Range: Other:

New Build

Many buyers consider new construction for reasons including low-cost maintenance, high-rated energy e ciency, the convenience of being move-in ready, the protection of a builder warranty, and modern oor plans. Find out if new construction or building is a right t for you by looking at the options on the chart.

NEW BUILD INFORMATION SHEET

NEW BUILD Inventory/Spec Home

Can you select the lot?

Can you select the oor plan

Can you select the design options? How long before you can move in?

Can the price be negotiated?

Which is more budget friendly?

Should I use a Realtor?

Yes Yes Yes

9-12 Months on average Yes Less budget friendly Yes

No No

Depends on the building stage Depends oftentimes, right away!

Yes

More budget friendly Yes

HOW HARDY REALTORS HELPS WITH NEW BUILD HOMES

1. Our services are paid for by the builder

2. We help you nd the right builder.

3. We advocate for you.

4. We assist with negotiations.

5. We can advise on resale value.

Our expert set of eyes are always on your build throughout the construction process!

Step 3

Property Showings

As a home buyer, you can search for homes online all day long, but you will need a real estate professional to help schedule showings and for advice. Discuss with your Hardy Realtors Agent what times or days are best for you to view homes so they coordinate and be exible to your schedule. Remember your agent can schedule a virtual showing for you as well!

1. During showings, you'll get to tour the home and neighborhood so you can get a feel for the space and visualize yourself living there.

2. This is also the time to inquire about the home's speci c details including HOA amenities if applicable.

3. If you tour a home in your desired location and price range and like what you see, talk to us so we can make an o er fast.

Once you nd the right home, it's now time to discuss your o er strategy!

▪

Step 4

O

er and Negotiation Strategy

You've found the home you have been dreaming of….now what? At this point, we will want to move quickly, to prepare and present an o er.

RESEARCH AND PLANNING

1. Your agent prepares comparative market analysis to determine the estimated property value.

2. We will help you coordinate with your lender to run monthly payment estimates to make sure the home is within budget.

3. Contact the listing agent to determine if they have any other written o ers or an o er deadline.

DETERMINE OFFER TERMS

• Sales price

• Down payment

• Earnest money amount

• Contingency periods

• Closing date

• Type of Loan

• Owner’s Title Policy paid by seller

• HOA transfer, if applicable

• Additional options/considerations:

▪ Home warranty amount (if any)

▪ Seller credits amount (if any)

▪ Exclusions & Inclusions (if any)

▪ Seller leaseback (if any)

SUBMIT WRITTEN OFFER

Agent and transaction team prepare an o cial o er.

▪ You sign the o er electronically or in person if needed.

▪ Agent and transaction team send to list ing agent along with approval letter.

▪ Agent will stay in close contact with the listing agent to con rm receipt and get feedback as to our o er strength (if in multiple o er situations).

SELLER’S RESPONSE

When your o er is presented, the sellers options are to:

ACCEPT: If, after reviewing your written o er, the sellers sign, then you will have an executed contract!

COUNTER: If the sellers like some aspects of your o er, they may present a written (or verbal) countero er that includes the changes the sellers want to make. You are then free to accept their countero er, reject it, or make your own countero er. Once everything is agreed upon and executed CONGRATULATIONS! It's time to move onto the “under contract” steps and o cially IN ESCROW!

Step 5 Under Contract & In Escrow

At Hardy Realtors, not only will your agent walk you through the process, but our full transaction team is available to help with paperwork and deadline reminders to

IMPORTANT DATES TO NOTE:

Contingency period dates & deadlines-Inspection, appraisal and nancing

Leaseback end Date (if applicable)

STEPS ONCE UNDER CONTRACT:

Wire or send in the earnest money deposit to

Schedule inspections & negotiate repairs during inspection contingency period.

(If Pool) Pool Structure/Pumps

Lender orders appraisal (if nancing)

Escrow sends buyer packages

You work with lender to assure mortgage

Order home warranty if applicable (we handle

Order home insurance

A notary will reach out and coordinate a closing time with you and the escrow company that is convenient for you to attend in person.

Escrow will provide your nal closing cost amount, which you will need to bring in the form of a cashier's check or wire (NOTE: you will need to call your trusted contact at the escrow company to con rm wiring instructions before

What to do now?

Take a family photo

Throw a housewarming party

Buy new furniture and decorate

Leave your Realtor a 5-Star review

Let’s Get To Work!

It’s important that you have someone you can trust guiding you throughout the home buying process. Having the right team alongside you during your purchase

IMPORTANT TERMINOLOGY

APPRAISAL - A written estimate of a property’s current value.

CLOSING COSTS - Fees associated with buying a house that your lender charges and/or you rack up from various third parties such as escrow, title and taxes.

CONTINGENT - A status in which a house has accepted an o er but relies on meeting certain criteria, such as passing a home inspection or appraisal.

CONVENTIONAL MORTGAGE - A mortgage loan not insured by the government or guaranteed by the Veterans’ Administration. It is subject to conditions established by the lending institution and state statutes.

COMMISSION - A percentage of the sale that is paid to the real estate professional. In most situations, commissions are paid by the seller of the property.

DOWN PAYMENT - The percentage amount of your home’s purchase price you pay before closing. Typical down payments are 3%, 3.5%, 5%, 10%, 20% or more. VA loans do not require a down payment.

EARNEST MONEY - A deposit made by the potential homebuyer to show that he/she is serious about buying the house. Typically 1% to 3% of purchase price. This deposit goes toward your down payment and/or closing costs.

ESCROW - A legal holding account. Items “in escrow” (money or property) can’t be released until all conditions are met between both of the parties. A third party company that handles funds and coordinates the les of opening to closing.

FHA MORTGAGE - A mortgage that is issued by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). FHA loans are designed to make housing more a ordable.

FORECLOSURE - A property seized by the mortgage lender due to the homeowner failing to make full payments on their mortgage. In hopes to recover the balance of the home loan, the lender will sell the house.

FSBO aka For Sale by Owner - A property that is being sold by the current homeowner without the aid of a real estate agent.

INSPECTION - An inspection of the home in which a professional inspector determines the current condition of the home and its systems.

LENDER - A mortgage lender is a nancial institution or mortgage bank that o ers and underwrites home loans. They set the terms, interest rate, repayment schedule and other key aspects of your mortgage.

LISTING - A home that is currently on the market for sale.

MLS aka Multiple Listing Service- The MLS is a database that includes all available homes for sale in a particular area.

CONTINGENCY PERIOD - An agreed upon period of time, after the buyer and seller have signed the real estate contracts, during which the buyer can terminate the contract for any reason without risking their earnest money. This is the period of time where inspections are conducted, appraisal is completed and disclosures are reviewed.

PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) - The monthly insurance payment a lender must pay if the down payment is less than 20% of the sale price.

PRE-APPROVAL - An evaluation by a lender that determines if the potential buyer quali es for a loan and, if so, the maximum amount the lender would be willing to lend.

REO An acronym for “Real Estate Owned” - A REO property is owned by the bank due to a foreclosure. REO properties can be purchased from the bank: however, they are often sold “as is”.

SELLERS CLOSING COSTS/CREDIT - Money given from the seller to the buyer at settlement to pay for part of the closing costs. The amount varies depending on what the mortgage company allows.

TITLE COMPANY - A title company helps protect you from past ownership con icts with a home or real estate property. The title company veri es that the seller has the legal right to sell the property to a buyer. A title company can also issue a policy, called title insurance, that protects homeowners and lenders from con icts (like title claims) that may arise from the property’s previous owners.

TITLE - A document that represents your legal right to own, use and control real property. Title must be clear to transfer to a new owner. So, to legally transfer ownership of a home, you must determine that the home title is free of defects, which means no one else has claims to owning property.