PHILADELPHIA’S #1 REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE
At KW Empower, our vision is to redefine the real estate experience by empowering individuals and communities to achieve their dreams. We envision a future where every home is a sanctuary, every transaction is a seamless journey, and every client is a lifelong partner. Guided by integrity and a commitment to excellence, we strive to elevate the standards of the real estate industry. Our passion for creating positive and lasting impacts drives us to be a beacon of trust, transparency, and transformative success. Together, we are not just in the business of real estate; we are in the business of empowering our clients and agents to build legacies.
150
Greater Philadelphia deals are done with a KW Empower agent.
$12.8 B in sales in 2023.
6700 + transactions in 2023. 20% market share.
I am a full-service realtor with years of experience in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, invest, explore new construction options, or any other real estate endeavor, I am here to assist you in turning your goals into reality. My aim is to provide a seamless and stress-free experience throughout the process.
At KW Empower, our vision is to redefine the real estate experience by empowering individuals and communities to achieve their dreams. We envision a future where every home is a sanctuary, every transaction is a seamless journey, and every client is a lifelong partner. Guided by integrity and a commitment to excellence, we strive to elevate the standards of the real estate industry.
Our passion for creating positive and lasting impacts drives us to be a beacon of trust, transparency, and transformative success. Together, we are not just in the business of real estate; we are in the business of empowering our clients and agents to build legacies. Let us help you navigate the world of real estate with expertise and care.
Sincerely,
Stacey Mitchell REALTOR®
A Sound Decision
Investing in a home is one of the most important decisions you'll make. So much more than a roof over your head, your home is where life unfolds and memoriesare m ade, all while building a financial foundation for your future
Deciding how you'll navigate your journey to homeownership is equally critical to the agent you work with. As someone who's been in your spot before, I'm familiar with what's cycling through your mind, and as a real estate agent, I've mastered the ins and outs of the buying process. When you work with me, you'll benefit from my experience, and together we'll work toward making sound, smart decisions for your future.
Your Needs Come First
Your needs drive how and when we find your next home. From this day forward, everything I do will be motivated by your goals and how you imagine your life taking place in your new home. Once I get an understanding of where you see yourself, finding your dream home will move quickly, and with minimal interruption to your daily life.
The Home-Buying Process
A step-by-step guide.
1
Determine Your Budget
Assess your financial situation, considering your income, expenses, and credit score.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage to know how much you can afford. This will help determine price points and monthly payment budgets to help with the search criteria. It’s vital to make sure we are looking at properties within the budget.
2
Hire a Real Estate Agent
Choose a licensed real estate agent to help you navigate the process (that’s where I come in)
Your agent can provide valuable insights, help you find suitable homes, and negotiate on your behalf.
3
Begin House Hunting
Work with your agent to identify properties that match your criteria. I can set up automatic searches within the MLS system that will email homes to you that are coming soon, or just came on the market so you never miss an opportunity. Attend open houses and schedule private showings to get a feel for different homes.
Make an Offer 4
When you find a home you like, your agent will help you prepare and submit an offer. This can all be done electronically, but there are anywhere from 8-12 documents that need to be prepared by me, the agent, and initialed and signed by you, the buyer. All documents are standard Pennsylvania forms that are used for real estate transactions in the State.
The offer, also known as the Agreement of Sale, includes the purchase price, contingencies (conditions), and a proposed closing date. It also includes your earnest deposit amount, which is your good faith deposit that would be due within 2-5 days of your offer getting accepted by the seller. This deposit is held in escrow until closing when it is applied to your closing costs.
Submitting an offer costs nothing – if your offer is accepted and you have chosen inspections, the cost of inspections will be your responsibility as a buyer.
Negotation 5
The seller may counter your offer, accept your offer or reject your offer. Negotiate until both parties agree on the terms.
Once the offer is accepted and signed by all parties, you are officially “Under Contract” and have a sales agreement or purchase contract and the clock starts the day after all parties have executed the contract. We call this “Day 1” of the contract.
6
Home Inspection
Schedule a home inspection to assess the property's condition if you have elected inspections. Inspections typically must be completed within the first 10 days of going “under contract.”
Negotiate repairs or credits with the seller based on the inspection report. Again, talk to your agent about strategies and best ways to move forward.
Inspections do not count as a walkthrough. I always encourage buyers to attend inspections to learn how to “operate” the home. As a buyer, you will also get two additional walkthroughs before settlement. One of those walkthroughs is typically reserved for the day of settlement.
8
Finalize your mortgage application with your chosen lender. Provide necessary documentation and information for underwriting in a timely manner. In Real Estate, time is always of the essence.
Appraisal
The lender orders an appraisal to ensure the property's value matches the loan amount. If the appraisal comes in lower, negotiations may be necessary.
Title Search and Insurance 9
A title company performs a title search to ensure there are no outstanding liens or issues. As a home buyer, you are entitled to a title or deed that is free of any judgments or liens. Sellers must clear anything that appears on the title report before settlement. Purchase title insurance to protect against potential title defects. All lenders require title insurance and it is part of your closing costs.
Finalize Mortgage
Complete the mortgage process, including signing the loan documents. Be prepared to pay closing costs, which include fees for various services. You will be provided Estimated Costs Sheets periodically throughout the process.
Closing Day 11
Do the final walkthrough of the property to make sure it is in the same condition before signing all your loan documents. Attend settlement to sign the final paperwork. The title closer will go through all the settlement documents with you and answer any questions you may have about them. Pay the down payment and closing costs (a certified check or wire transfer). Receive the keys to your new home.
Transfer of Ownership 12
The title is transferred, and you officially become the homeowner. The deed is recorded with the appropriate county office.
Move In 13
Coordinate the move, transfer utilities, and settle into your new home. Utilities should be transferred into your name a few days before the settlement date. Call each company and have the services scheduled to start on settlement day to avoid any interruption in these services.
It's crucial to work closely with your real estate agent and other professionals involved in the process, such as lenders and inspectors. Each home purchase is unique, and unforeseen challenges may arise, so having a knowledgeable team can make the process smoother. Additionally, state-specific regulations and practices may vary, so it's essential to stay informed about the local real estate laws in Pennsylvania.
Your Home Wish List
Things to Consider
What are the non-negotiables for your home?
If you had to name your top five non-negotiables, what would they be?
Beyond your top five needs, what is something you really want?
Do you have a preference for the year the house was built?
Do you want a house in move-in condition or are you willing to do some work on it?
When people visit your home, what do you want it to say about you?
Are there any specific features that would make your next house feel instantly like home?
Exterior
What type of home are you looking for (e.g., single-family, condo, town house, etc.)?
Approximately what square footage would adequately cover your living space?
How many stories would you prefer?
What lot size are you looking for?
Bedrooms
How many bedrooms do you need?
How will each of those rooms be used?
What are your preferences for the owner's suite?
Interior
What style do you envision for the interior of your home (e.g., formal, casual, cozy, traditional, minimalist, modern, etc.)?
What kind of floor plan do you prefer (e.g., open vs. walls or divided living spaces)?
Bathrooms
How many bathrooms do you need?
What are your needs for each of the bathrooms?
Will any bathroom need to serve a specific purpose (powder room, swimming pool access, fit for small children, accessibility specifications)?
Kitchen
What are your general preferences for the kitchen?
What features must your kitchen have (e.g., breakfast nook, types of appliances, etc.)?
What finishes do you like (e.g., countertops, flooring, cupboards, sink, appliances, etc.)?
Living Room
What are your general preferences for your living and family room(s)?
What size room(s) do you have in mind?
Do you prefer your living and family room(s) to be separate and intended for different purposes? Do you want a fireplace?
Dining Room
Would you like the dining room to be part of the kitchen configuration?
What about the living room - how should it be situated with regard to the dining room?
What size dining room table do you have? Is there other dining room furniture I should take into account?
CLIENT TESITMONIALS
“Stacey is fabulous. She is thorough, attentive, personable, kind and makes the home-buying process enjoyable! Her persistence, attention to detail and drive are unmatched. She goes above and beyond for her clients and my fiance and I can't thank her enough for the support she provided to us!”
-Meredith B.
“I wouldn’t be able to find a better agent than Stacey Mitchell , I love her, she is so sweet and very professional. She helped us find our dream house and also helped to make the process go smoothly. I would recommend Stacey to all my friends and family. She is the best!”
-Oljada Z.
“Stacey is the best realtor I have worked with.She is a hustler, always there to answer my calls, and never stopsuntil she sells your home. I had no stress in a stressful market.Stacey took care of everything.Loved working with her, and you will too!Her work ethic is second to none and Stacey is just an all around awesome person to work with.”
-Mary A.
“Was a pleasure to work with Stacey Mitchell. She was very knowledgeable helpful, and quick to respond. She helped us find our dream home.”
-Mikela P.
“We had a great experience working with Stacey! She made the whole house buying experience easy and seamless. If we ever decide to move we will definitely use Stacey again.”
-Lindsay Z.
“Stacey Mitchell was unbelievable to work with and I will never trust anyone else with my future home buying needs!I was a first time home buyer, and very clueless on the entire process. We bought in a very competitive market, so I was doubtful we would find something in a reasonable time. Stacey guided us through every single aspect of purchasing our home. She was so transparent, assertive, and patient....”
-Riana M.
