BUYER GUIDE
Your essential guide to home buying success without the stress
Having been in real estate since 2003, Julie has vast experience in all facets of the industry range from brokerage leadership to building successful real estate franchises and leading one of the top teams in the state of New Jersey Her extensive knowledge of local markets, combined with my entrepreneurial mindset and drive to succeed, sets her apart as a leader and expert in the field which allows her to provide exceptional service to her clients.
Julie strives to consistently deliver extraordinary results to her clients through new and innovative strategies She is deeply passionate about guiding her clients to achieve their real estate goals, and is committed to providing a personalized, results-driven experience
Designations and Affiliations:
New Jersey & Rhode Island Real Estate Broker
Keller Williams Realty International Certified Trainer
Certified Relocation Specialist
KW Cares 501(C)(3), national non-profit; Board of Directors Member
Fundraising Committee Chairwoman, KW Cares National non-profit
Young Professional Network Founding Member
Women’s Council Realtors Advisory Board Member
Real Estate Pre-License and Continuing Education Instructor
Member of:
National Association of Realtors
New Jersey Association of Realtors
North Central Jersey Association of Realtors
Newport County Association of Realtors
Garden State Multiple Listing Service
Central Jersey Multiple Listing Service
Rhode Island Statewide Multiple Listing Service
Honors and Awards:
Keller Williams Realty International CEO Award of Excellence Recipient
Keller Williams Realty International Team Leader Hall of Fame
New Jersey Board of Realtors Circle of Excellence
Julie has been a Real Estate Professional as an agent, broker, and certified trainer for Keller Williams Realty (KW) for 20+ years providing clients with exceptional service while also coaching thousands of top real estate professionals throughout NJ and New England, empowering and building multiple successful real estate companies and teams
Julie was inducted into the Franchise "Hall of Fame" (1 of only 25 in the KWRI history) for doubling the company ' s profitability and recruiting 500+ agents, fulfilling her passion to help others succeed at a high level by leveraging influential communication skills and extensive industry knowledge
In 2023 I put aside my brokerage leadership hat to get back to focusing 100% on what I am truly passionate about, helping people build wealth through real estate. Whether it is guiding a first time home buyer purchase their first home, helping a family plan for their children's education through investing in real estate or walking seniors through the extremely emotional process of “right” sizing My real estate career has developed me as an award winning leader within the international company
Julie lives in Hunterdon County with her husband, Carl, daughter Lindsey and Golden Retriever, Rhody (named after Julie's home state of Rhode Island), and German Shorthair Pointer, Kona (named after where Julie & Carl were married, Kona Hawaii)
908-801-2159
JULIE@JULIEFOURRECOM
JULIEFOURRE.COM
THE HOMEBUYING PROCESS AT A GLANCE
3
HIRE JULIE
2 1 FINANCES HOME SEARCH
✓ Have a Buyers Consultation with Julie
✓ Review state contracts and Buyer Agency Agreement
✓ Hire Julie to help you find your dream home
✓ Write an offer to purchase on your favorite property
✓ Negotiate the terms of the offer
✓ Gather your documents
✓ Obtain pre-approval
✓ Budget for closing costs costs
✓ Preview potential properties online
✓ Start viewing homes
✓ Refine search criteria as needed
ATTORNEY REVIEW
✓ Once your offer is accepted you have 3 days to begin AR
✓ Attorneys going back and forth revising contract
✓ Either buyer or seller can cancel contract for any reason during AR
INSPECTIONS
✓ Conduct inspections
✓ Resolve/negotiate any issues from inspection
✓ Obtain homeowners insurance
✓ The Mortgage company will hire an appraiser to perform a appraisal
✓ Once AR is complete you are under contract
✓ Complete Loan Application
✓ Schedule Inspections
✓ Submit any necessary docs to lender in a timely manner 8
SCHEDULE MOVE
✓ Schedule your move date and arrange for movers
✓ Schedule utilities to be turned on effective moving day
WHY HIRE JULIE AS YOUR BUYERS AGENT
MY PRIORITY IS YOU!
If you don’t use an agent you will be working directly with the listing agent. Their fiduciary responsibility is to represent their client, the seller and get you to pay TOP dollar for the home
LOCAL MARKET EXPERT!
I live and breath local real estate I know the difference in real estate markets and study the introcies of the local market It’s my job is to educate you on the current market conditions and give you most accurate information to help you make the best possible decisions
I MAKE YOU LOOK GOOD!
My expertise at writing contracts puts you in the best light in the eyes of the seller and gives you a better chance of getting your offer accepted on the home you love!
MY FRIENDS ARE YOUR FRIENDS!
You will benefit from my network of industry professionals This is imperative as one piece of bad advice can cost you thousands of dollars if not the home A great team of professionals will help ensure you a smooth buying process without any regrets
I AM A SKILLED NEGOTIATORS!
I negotiate on your behalf every step of the way to get you the best possible price, terms and conditions
I AM IN THE KNOW!
I have the most up to date information on every listing Many times we can even get you information on homes that have not hit the market yet
I TAKE CARE OF THE DETAILS!
My experience will help keep you from any unpleasant surprises throughout the buying process You'll be surprised at how much we do for you behind the scenes You don't have to worry about deadlines and "what ifs" because I do it for you
IF THERE WASN'T ANY DRAMA IN REAL ESTATE THEY WOULDN'T MAKE TV SHOWS ABOUT IT!
There are many times throughout the transaction that could cause you stress Our job is to buffer the white noise and deal with issues as they arise so you don't have to
I HAVE YOUR BACK!
It is our legal and ethical responsibility to represent your best interests at all times I want you as raving fan and a client for life
THE COSTS OF BUYING A HOME
DEPOSIT:
Theinitialamountyouputtosecurethehomeforouroffer Thisrangesfrom5%to10%andisreducedfromyourfinal downpayment ItisdueuponcompletionofAttorneyReviewandwillbeheldineitheroneoftheattorneysorthe titlecompany'sescrowaccount
INSPECTIONS:
Homeinspectionsareimportantwhenbuyingahome.Wewanttofindouteverythingwecanthatcouldbewrong withthehome Ageneralhomeinspectioncoversallstructural,electricalandmechanicalsystemsinthehome Additionalinspectionsincludeatermite/pestinspection,radon,septic(ifapplicable),leadpaint,level2chimney inspectionandanoiltanksweep
APPRAISAL:
Allhomesthathaveamortgagewillrequireanappraisaltoensurethatthehomeisvaluedcorrectly Anappraisalis donestrictlyforthelenderandcostsbetween$600-$750 Thiswillbepaidupfrontwhentheapprasialisordered
DOWN PAYMENT:
Thisisnotdueinfulluntilclosingday!Typicallyrangingfrom35%(withanFHAloan)to20%,andeverywherein between!
CLOSING COSTS:
Closingcostsarethefeesthatareneededtocloseonyournewhome suchaslenderfees,titlefeesandinsurance, escrow(includingyourtaxes),reimbursements,andhomeownersinsurance Closingcoststypicallyrangefrom3%-5% ofthepurchasepriceofthehome
THE MORTGAGE PROCESS
Theveryfirststepofthehomebuyingprocessistogetapre-approvalletterfromalenderstating howmuchyouarequalifiedfor
Apre-approvalisonlyvalidfor60-90days,sowhileyoucanstarttalkingtolenders,you’llwanttowait ongettingthatpre-approvalletterwhenyou’rereadytobuy.
QUESTIONS TO ASK POTENTIAL LENDERS:
1.Whattypeofloandoyourecommendforme?Why?Therearemultipletypesofmortgageloans,andyou shouldknowwhichoneisbestforyouandhowitworks.
2.WillmydownpaymentvarybasedontheloanIchoose?Ifyou’retightoncashordon’twanttobecash poor,letyourlenderknow Loansvaryintheirdownpaymentrequirements
3 Whatistheinterestrateandtheannualpercentagerate(APR)?Everyonetalksabouttheinterestrate,but theAPRisjustasimportant Itcombinestheinterestratewiththefeesalenderchargestooriginateyour loan
4 CanIlockintheinterestrate?Ifso,forhowlong?Ifyouthinkrateswillbemovingup,askifyoucanlockit inforasetperiodoftime
5.Whatwillmyclosingcostsbe?Aretheyapartofmyloan,orwillIpaythemincashatclosing?Closingcosts usuallyrun3-5%ofyourloanvaluesoyouneedtoknowhowthey’llbecovered.
MY RECOMMENDED LENDERS
YOUAREFREETOUSEWHOMEVERYOU'DLIKE-THESEAREAFEWOFTHELENDERSIKNOWANDTRUST DEPENDINGONYOURSITUATIONIWILLREFERYOUTOTHELENDERTHATSERVESYOURSITUATION
MORTGAGE LOAN GUIDE
WHICH TYPE OF LOAN IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
CONVENTIONAL
WHO IS IT BEST FOR?
Those with: credit score below 620; Less than 5% down payment; Lower income
Those buying a house in need of repair. Have a
WHO QUALIFIES?
Anyone purchasing a house needing renovating, who meets credit and income requirements MINIMUM CREDIT SCORE
Those with excellent credit and a low down payment
Anyone purchasing a house needing renovating, who meets credit and income requirements
Veterans Reservists National Guard Surviving Spouses
USDA Department of Agriculture
Those in a USDA approved area and at least a 620 credit score
Those buying in a USDA designated rural area
620
None
2% of loan amount. Can be added to loan amount
lockinginyourrate
Interest rates are subject to change for a variety of reasons. To prevent being surprised by changes before you finalize a purchase, if possible, lock in the interest rate with your lender in advance of your closing date. This will give you some security that the payments you have budgeted for will not suddenly change.
THE DO'S & DONT'S OF THE LOAN PROCESS
Therearecertain“Do’sandDon’ts”whichmayaffecttheoutcomeofyourloanrequest These remainineffectbefore,during,andafterloanapprovalupuntilThetimeofsettlementwhen yourloanisfundedandrecorded Manytimescredit,income,andassetsareverifiedthehour beforeyouhavesignedyourfinalloandocuments.
MAKESURETHATYOUDONOT:
Don’tbuyacar
Don’tgetmarriedordivorced
Don’tchangeprofessionsorstartyourownbusiness
Don’tchangebankaccounts
Don’tbuyANYTHING!(appliances,furniture,etc.)
Don’tthrowawaydocuments
Don’tgetlazywithmonthlybillsandincuranylatepayments
Don’tletanyonerunyourcreditorapplyforanycreditcards
MAKESURETHATYOUDO:
Dokeepallaccountscurrent,includingmortgage,carloans,creditcards,etc.
Docontactbothyourlenderanytimeaquestionmayarise
Domakeallpaymentsonorbeforeduedatesonallaccounts,evenifthe accountisbeing paidoffwithyournewloan
Dohaveanylender-requiredmoney/fundstoyourloanofficerwithin72hoursafterthe homeinspectioniscomplete
Doreturnphonecallsfromyouragent,loanofficer,SettlementCompany,oranyoneelse involvedinyourtransactionASAP!
YOUR HOME SEARCH
Onceyou'vegotyourfinancesinorder,thefunoflookingfortheperfecthomebegins!
IwillsetyouuponanautomaticsearchthroughtheMultipleListingService(MLS),whichisthe databasethatRealtorsusetolistandsearchforhomes.Themomentahomethatfitsyoursearch criteriaislistedforsale,itwillbesentdirectlytoyouremailinbox Ifweeverneedtoadjustthesearch criteria,justletmeknowandIcanmakeanychangesyouneed
Usethesearchfiltersbutnottoomuch.
Youdon’twanttonarrowyoursearchsomuchthatyouonlyhaveahandfulofhomestoviewKeeping yourwantsvs.needslistinmind,expandyourgeographicsearch.
Ifyoufindsomethingthatcatchesyoureye,checkouttheGooglestreetview(ordoadrive-by) Onlinepicturescanbedeceivingsoavirtual‘walkdownthestreetwillgiveyouabettersenseofthe houseandsurroundingarea
Remember,youcan’tchangethelotorthelocationsomakesureyouloveboth. Youalsodon’twanttobethepriciesthomeontheblockIwillhelpyouassesswhetherornotthat’sthe case.
Don'tletyourselfgetdistractedbydecororstaging. Thesethingswillbegonebythetimeyoumovein,sotrytostayfocusedonthethingsthatcannotbe changedaseasily
Takeyourtime.
Ifahomemakesagoodfirstimpression,letmeknowyou’reinterestedandthatyou’dliketospenda bitmoretimelookingaroundThisisoneofthelargestpurchasesyou’llevermakesoit’sworthitto learnasmuchasyoucanwhileyou’rethere.
QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE SEARCHING FOR A HOME
house hunting
Now begins the exciting stage of looking at properties, both online and in person. I'll present you with the best properties available that match your search criteria and that fall within your budget.
wheredobuyers findtheirhomes?
A Internet: 51%
B Real estate agent: 28%
C Yard sign / open house sign: 7%
D Friend, relative, or neighbor: 6%
E Homebuilder or their agent: 5%
F Directly from seller / Knew the seller: 3%
doyourhomework
You can save valuable time by doing as much research online as possible before attending an open house. Rule out any possible deal-breakers. Is it asking price realistically within your budget? Is the area unfavorable? Do you have any concerns about transport? Is the garage space adequate? Check on local schools if you have children. Be time smart. Don't waste time visiting unsuitable houses.
OFFER & NEGOTIATIONS
Soyouthinkyou’vefound“theone”andyou’rereadytoputinanoffer onethatwillbe simplyirresistibletosellers Let'stalkaboutmakinganofferthatstandsout
INORDERTOWRITEANOFFER,WEWILLNEEDTHEFOLLOWINGINFORMATION:
PRE-APPROVALLETTERORPROOFOFFUNDS.
Listingagentswillnotpresentanoffertoasellerunlessacurrentpre-approvalaccompaniestheoffer
OFFERPRICE
Iwillhelpyoudeterminetheproperty'sfairmarketvalue.Putyourbestfoot andprice forward.You mayonlygetoneshot,somakeitcountUsecompsandtrendsasaguide,butgoinwithastrong numberyouknowasellerwouldfindfavorable
ESCROWDEPOSIT
ThisIstypically5%ofthepurchaseprice.
APPRASIAL
Thecontractincludesanapprasialcontingencyhoweverinmultipleoffersituationssomebuyerschoose toofferanapprasialgap.Thismeansthatyouwouldcoveragapbetweenwhatthehomeappraisesfor andwhatyoupurchasethehomefor.
CLOSINGDATE
Ifgettingamortgage,thisistypically30-45daysfromacceptanceoftheoffer.Thiswillbethedaythe keysarehandedoverunlessauseandoccupancyisneeded.
INSPECTIONS
Theinspectioncontingencyisusuallyanywherefrom10-14days,toperformInspections&renegotiateor terminatethecontractIftheInspectioncomesbackunacceptable.Tostrengthentheoffersomebuyers choosetolimittheinspectioncontingencytomajorstructural,mechanical,environmentaldefectsonly.
BUYING POWER CHECKLIST
HOW TO GUARANTEE YOURSELF A BETTER CHANCE AT YOUR DREAM HOME!
When looking at the below list you need to think about how strong of a buyer you really are When inventory levels are low, buyers go to extreme measures to make sure their offer gets accepted and we wouldn't be doing our job if we didn't give you the same strategies that many are taking
There is more to an offer than just price Most sellers are interested in buyers that will meet their "terms" and someone that is most likely going to make it to a closing table. The more of the items you can check off, the stronger the buying power you have and the higher chance that a seller will accept your offer.
OfferoverAskingPrice
PayCashorPutMoreMoneyDownonYourLoan
PurchaseviaConventionalFinancing
FHA/VARepairsatZeroCosttoSeller(IfApplicable)
ProvideaLargerEarnestMoneyDeposit(3%Minimum)
ProvideProofofFundswithOffer
ProvideAttorneyReviewLetterwithOffer
ProvideaFullLenderApprovalVersusPreApprovalwithOffer
HaveLenderCallSeller'sAgenttoSpeaktoYourFinancialStrength
OfferFreeorExtendedOccupancyPostClosing
Offer30DayClose
WaivetheAppraisalorOfferAppraisalGapWaiver
AppraisalordereduponcompletionofAttorneyReview
LimitorWaivetheHomeInspection
ShortenYourTimelines(Inspections/Appraisal/MortgageCommitment)
PaySellerTransferFees,ClosingCostsorAssumeCityInspection
INSPECTIONS
Duringtheinspectionperiod,thebuyerhastherighttohireaprofessionaltoinspecttheconditionof thehome.Theinspectionwilluncoveranyissuesinthehomethatwouldhaveotherwisebeen unknown
Thestandardhomeinspector’sreportwillcovertheconditionofthehome’sheatingsystem;centralair conditioningsystem; interiorplumbingandelectricalsystems;theroof,attic,andvisibleinsulation; walls,ceilings,floors,windows,anddoors;thefoundation,basementandstructural components.Youwillreceiveawrittenreportoftheinspection,butIrecommendyouattendthe inspection
ADDITIONALINSPECTIONSYOUMAYNEED:
RADONINSPECTION-Radongasisthe2ndleadingcauseoflungcancerintheUS-itisanaturally occurringgasthatiscolorlessandodorless
TERMITEINSPECTION-AskyourlenderifyourloanrequiresanycertaininspectionssuchasaWood DestroyingInsect(WDI)inspection.
LEAD-BASEDPAINTINSPECTION-Ifthehomewasbuiltpriorto1978,alead-basedpaintinspectionis recommended
SEPTICINSPECTION-Thesepticinspectionensuresthesepticsystemisworkingproperly ctsthechimneyandisrecommendediftheinspector gneticdetectortodetermineifthereisanylargemetal
PREPARING TO CLOSE
TITLE:
Thetitlecompanywillconductatitlesearchtoensurethepropertyislegitimateandfindifthereareany outstandingmortgages,liens,judgments,restrictions,easements,leases,unpaidtaxes,oranyother restrictionsthatwouldimpactyourownershipassociatedwiththeProperty Oncethetitleisfoundtobe "clear",thetitlecompanywillissueatitleInsurancepolicythatprotectslendersandownersagainstclaims orlegalfeesthatmayriseoverownershipoftheproperty Thisisrequiredwhenobtainingamortgageand ishighlyrecommendedevenifyouarepayingcash Thiswillalsobeapartofyourclosingcosts,andthe feesarestate-regulated,whichmeanseverytitlecompanywillchargethesameamountfortitleinsurance, makingIteasierforyoubecauseyoudon'tneedto"shoparound"!
"CLEAR TO CLOSE" IS EXCELLENT NEWS!
Itmeansthemortgageunderwriterhasofficiallyapprovedalldocumentationrequiredtofundtheloan.All thatremainsistheactualclosingprocess
FINAL WALKTHROUGH
Wewillperformafinalwalkthroughthedayofclosingtoconfirmthatthesellermadetherepairsthatwere agreeduponandtomakesurenoissueshavecomeupwhileundercontract.
GENERAL THINGS TO KNOW
REASONSWHYNOTTOCALLTHEAGENTONTHESIGN
Thelistingagenthasafiduciarydutytothesellerbysigningacontractwiththemfirst,youasabuyerarea secondinterest.Ifyouwenttocourt,wouldyouusetheotherperson’sattorney?Ofcoursenot,youwantan experiencedagentworkingforyoutogetthebestpriceandtermsthatisbestsuitedforYOU,notallone-sided fortheseller!
OPENHOUSES
Feelfreetoattendanyopenhousesyouwish. Makesurewhenyougettotheopenhouseyoulettheagent knowthatyouareworkingwithanagent Iftheyaskyoutosigninyoucanputmynameandphonenumber
FORSALEBYOWNER
DidyouknowIcanshowyouanyhomethatisforsale? Includinganythatyouseethatarelistedforsaleby owner JustsendmeaphotoofthesignorthewebsiteyoufounditonandIwillcallandsetupthe appointmentforustoviewthehome.
WHATIAMHERETODOFORYOU
Aggressiveofferstrategiestoensureyougeteitherthebestdealortohaveyouroffer acceptedinamultiple-offersituation
Showingyouthemostrecentandmostsimilarcomparablehomesthathavesettledin theareatohelpyoumakethemosteducateddecision
Performamarketevaluationanddeterminethebestandmostsuitablehomesforyou
Icanconnectyouwithlenderswhohavefinancingoptionsforbuyers,includingdown paymentassistanceandlowdownpaymentprograms
Iconduct“reverseprospecting”toproactivelygoaftersellerslookingtosellthespecific typeofpropertyyouarelookingfor
UpdatesonsearchesdailyInthemultiplelistingservicesothatyougetthemostup-todatehomesanddonotmissany
Iusee-signingforallcontractsandoffersinordertogetanoffersubmittedinunder15 minutes
Acompletereferralnetworktohelpgiveyouthebestdealandanydiscountswhenit comestothemaintenanceandlongtermcareofyournewhome
GLOSSARY
Agent Commission
This agreed-upon commission is usually a percentage of the final sale price and is documented when the seller arranges to list their home with an agent
Appraisal
A buyer's mortgage lender sends an appraiser to assess a property and give a professional opinion on its current market value The location and condition of the house is considered along with recent sale prices of comparable homes in the same area Their appraisal is used to assess whether the home is worth the amount of money the buyer is seeking to borrow against the property.
Attorney’s Fee
The fee for legal services provided by an attorney is paid at closing from the proceeds of the sale
Attorney Review
Attorney review is usually a three-business day period when buyers and sellers have their real estate attorney review and modify a purchase-sale agreement At the end of three business days, the real estate contract becomes fully binding unless an attorney disapproves. In New Jersey, The attorney review clause is required. Although either the buyer or the seller can choose not to consult an attorney, they cannot waive the provision clause Buyers and sellers can cancel the contract for any reason during attorney review
Closing Costs
These are costs over and above the final sale price of a home Typically they can be between two to five percent of the purchase price, not including the down payment Closing costs may include loan processing fees, title insurance, real estate agent fees, legal fees, and excise tax.
Closing Costs Credits
The seller's contribution to the buyer's closing costs
The negotiated credit appears as a line in the closing costs Also called a Seller Assist or Seller Concession
Closing Disclosure (CD)
The Closing Disclosure (previously called a HUD), is a comprehensive list of every expense that either the buyer and seller must pay to complete the purchase of a home
Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
CMA is a report that compares similar homes in the same area Active listings, recent sales, and other data are used to determine an accurate current market value and potential sale price for a particular property.
Contingencies
This refers to conditions that must be met for the purchase of a home to be finalized Examples of contingencies are: a stipulation that a required loan must be approved by the lender; the appraised value must be near the final sale price; obtaining a building inspection concerning a particular issue; setting a specific time stipulation
Earnest Payment
A deposit made by the buyer and paid to the seller's escrow account as a sign of good faith and ability to complete the property transaction. Typically 1-2 % of the total sale price
Escrow
Escrow is a legal arrangement where a third party temporarily holds a sum of money, or an asset, until a particular condition has been met, such as the fulfillment of a purchase agreement. Escrow helps to reduce risk for both parties in a property transaction
Escrow and Closing Fees
These are the costs for managing the closing of the transaction including signing, recording of documents, deed, and holding of purchase funds. Escrow fees are usually split 50/50 between seller and buyer
Home Inspection
Once an offer is made, a buyer will order a home inspection. The inspection report details the condition of foundations, roof, structure, plumbing, insulation, electrical, fixtures, appliances, finishes, and grounds Inspections also assess whether features are up to code Issues identified in the inspection may affect the final sale price A seller may order an inspection of their own house prior to listing to help avoid issues that could delay closing.
Housing Owners Association Fees
The proportion of fees owing to a Homeowner's Association, if applicable, up to the closing date Some HOAs charge an additional transfer fee to transfer property to a new owner
Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
A Multiple Listing Service is a database of properties for sale established by cooperating Real Estate Brokers An MLS allows Brokers to share information on available properties with the aim of connecting homebuyers with sellers
Pre-approval & Pre-approval Letter
Pre-approval refers to a buyer who already has loan finance approved by their lender A potential buyer will apply for a home loan and the lender will conduct a thorough assessment of the borrower's income, assets, and other data to determine the amount that they are approved to borrow A real estate agent may request a pre-approval letter to ensure a buyer is able to finance a purchase before showing them a property This reduces the chance of wasted time and effort if a buyer actually cannot afford to purchase a property
Prorated Property Tax
The proportion of property tax due up to the closing date, before ownership of the home is transferred to the buyer If Prorated Property Tax is owed, the seller pays it at closing It can be paid out of an escrow account associated with the seller's mortgage
Purchase and sale agreement (PSA)
A purchase and sale agreement is commonly referred to as a written contract between the buyer and seller It outlines all the terms agreed to by the buyer and the seller and is signed by both parties
REALTOR®
A REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. As such a REALTOR® is bound by the Ethics of the Association While the terms REALTOR® and real estate agent are often used interchangeably, not every real estate agent is a REALTOR® An active real estate agent is a licensed professional who represents home buyers or sellers seeking or listing a home and in property transactions.
Seller Disclosure
Sellers are required by law to disclose any information about their property that could affect a buyer's decision to purchase This includes defects with the house, but also issues that may affect the property such as pest problems, property line disputes, unusual odors or significant noise issues in the area, or knowledge of major construction projects nearby
Selling Agent (Buyer's) / Listing Agent (Seller's)
A buyer's agent is also known as the Selling Agent They work on behalf of a buyer to find their next property and to negotiate the best deal for the buyer
A seller's agent is also known as the Listing Agent They work for a home seller, marketing their property and negotiating the best sale on the seller's behalf.
Title Insurance
Title Insurance protects the new owner from issues related to the title of the property, such as ownership claims or liens from contractors or creditors
Title Search
A title search will access public records to verify the record owner of a property This may include the history of a home, sales, purchases, tax records, and any other types of liens (claims) or encumbrances A clean title is required before a property transaction can proceed. A title search is carried out by a Title Company or an attorney who presents a Preliminary Report to the buyer and seller prior to closing escrow
Transfer Tax
A government transfer tax, or title fee, is paid by the seller at closing when the property title is transferred.
Under Contract / Contingency Period
A home is 'under contract' when the buyer and seller have formalized their commitment to sell and purchase the property Also called a contingency period, this is the stage where all specified conditions must be completed prior to closing.
Zoning
Local government regulates the use of land by designating areas (zones) for particular purposes Zone classifications include residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural. Factors that affect zoning include traffic flow, housing, schools, health & safety, economic development, and resource protection
CLIENT LOVE
"We would highly recommend Julie Fourre if you are in the market to buy or sell.
The home-buying process is extremely difficult in general, but when you ’ re trying to find your dream home and sell your current home, and accomplish both in the middle of a pandemic with two kids and a dog, it feels near impossible. All that said, we could not have asked for a better agent than Julie. She was knowledgeable, professional, incredibly responsive and just a really nice person to work with. She went above and beyond to make herself available whenever we needed her (which was multiple times a day) Timeliness was invaluable given how quickly things moved in this process. She is an excellent communicator and is a master at quarterbacking the various parties involved. At the end of the day, it felt like Julie was truly “in it” with us and we cannot thank her enough If you decide to work with her, rest assured you will be in good hands " -The Reids
"Julie Fourre is the absolute BEST for first-time home buyers!!
Not only did she win the bidding war for us, but we got the first house we put an offer on! We went into the process expecting it to be long and stressful, but with Julie, we had all our worries put to rest. She put us in the best position to find the perfect home!
Thank you a million times over!"
-Courtney M
"Her knowledge, experience, and pleasant personality made the whole journey smooth and easy!
We worked with Julie from Keller Williams Realty and was highly impressed by her expertise in not only the buying process but home ownership itself. She looked for and noticed things about the house we did not see, helped us make a competitive offer, thoroughly went through our inspection report together, and even provided us with recommended contractors in the area once we were getting ready to move and start working on the house." - JB
