LBA Buyer Book

findingyourwayhome

PREPARED FOR YOU

BY LEAH BUSH-ADVANI

a

little about LEAH BUSH-ADVANI

HI, I’m Leah Bush-Advani!

It’s nice to meet you and I’m so glad we are taking the time either right now, or in the near future to get to know one another. I’ve lived in the Portland Metro area since 2006, and in Oregon for most of my life -- the Pacific Northwest truly is home to me. A little about me, my first job in the real estate industry was repairing and turning over apartments for a property management company right out of High School. It's been a series of great adventures between then and now, and I became a Realtor almost a decade ago.

I’ve traveled to approximately 20 countries, my favorite being Indonesia. I like to collect perfume, textiles and funny coffee mugs Also, I just started to take up kite surfing and singing lessons this last year.

YING AND SELLING ACCOMPANY LIFE CHANGES

or selling a home is usually nied by a major life milestone -- it anything from relocating for a job, ns, moving to a dream city, , children, elder care, downsizing, e passing of a loved one. Very ndably, the process can be for some people.

I meet my clients at these crossroads in their lives; listen, problem solve, get excited with/for them and share in the triumph as we accomplish their goals together. I’ve been invited into many homes since becoming a Realtor; this has given me a deep respect and appreciation for how every household, every family, is singular and unique. Properties also have their own personality and story to tell!

I am Reliable, Responsive and Relaxed to work with. I've built my business on results and being solution oriented. I'm confident I can deliver for you. If you ' re thinking about buying, great news: I'm fantastic at finding the perfect home!

When you are looking to buy, you need someone with savvy, drive and instincts to help you navigate through the market – and a good sense of humor doesn’t hurt! I've found so many great places for my clients, many have become friends for life We stay in touch on Facebook, and every week I see updates from happy people enjoying life in their lovely homes It's one of the most fulfilling parts of the work I do, and I can't wait to help you get there too. This is about more than real estate. It is about your life and your dreams

what to expect WORKING TOGETHER

I am happy and honored to help you move into this next phase and stage of your life! I want your experience to be a good one, and for us all to be on the same page in terms of professional expectations

My Availability:

I am generally available between the hours of 9am - 7:30pm If we are in the midst of something time sensitive (negotiations/tight deadlines) I will work past 7:30, but for the sake of work/life balance, I try to keep this as the exception rather than the norm. If you send me a text message, email or call me after this time, I'll generally respond to your correspondence asap the following day. My clients are a priority, and I believe in timely communication.

Easiest, fastest way to reach me:

Call or text me

541-510-0643

I check these far more regularly than email, particularly if I'm out in the field. If you need to cancel a showing, especially last minute, call or text me.

Home Tours / Scheduling:

To be fair to all, I book out my time on a first come/first serve basis with all of my clients I can usually show you a house within 24-48 hours Occasionally, I am able to show a property on the same day as a request, but it will depend on what is already on my calendar

Commitment:

What I ask from my clients is that they acknowledge that I will be committed to helping them find their home, and oftentimes, I'm giving them parts of the workday of course, but very frequently I am also giving my evenings and weekends. I would ask that my clients are also committed to the process of working with me in return. This means not working with multiple agents.

What you may not realize, is that a Realtor has a fiduciary’s duty towards their client. In other words, care, integrity, honesty, and loyalty are due to the client. In the states of Oregon and Washington (states where I am licensed to practice Real Estate), it is legal for a Realtor to represent principles on both sides of a transaction. As part of my personal practice and business model, I generally do not represent both principles in a single transaction. This is another demonstration of commitment to my clients.

Upcoming Vacations or Unavailability:

Vacations and life obligations do come up, even for Realtors! I’ll always make a point to let you know ASAP when I will be going out of town. If you are a buyer who is actively looking, I will make arrangements with a trusted colleague to show you properties in my absence.

THE HOME BUYING PROCESS

1) Loan Pre-Approval

The first step to buying a home is getting your mortgage pre-approval. How do you determine what you want to pay for a home? It’s not uncommon for buyers to be pre-approved for a purchase amount that translate into a monthly payment that feels too high A good way to understand purchase price is to work backwards.

Based on your finances, what are you comfortable with as a payment each month? Working with your lender, they will be able to help you calculated that figure. Remember that this figure will change depending on variables such as down payment, interest rate and property taxes of the home you are interested in.

2) Find Your Home

Once you have a price range in min to get started. The more specific y your needs, the more directed and my search for you will be.

You’ve probably already considered these necessities; such as a minimu of bedrooms and bathrooms, garag favorite neighborhood, or proximity transportation Do you need a single-level home? Do you want a basement? Garage? Do you have any style preferences f home? i e bungalow, 4-square, Rum new construction, or mid-century ranch?

TradeoffTriangle CHOOSING YOUR HOME INVOLVES BALANCE PRICE

For most homebuyers, one or two points of this triangle will matter more than the other(s). What matters the most to you? If 1-2 of the points are non-negotiable, then adjustments will need to be made to the 2nd or 3rd point to bring your objective into balance.

LOCATION

CONDITION

THE HOMEBUYING PROCESS

3) Writing the sales agreement

Once you identify a property you want to purchase, our next step will be to make a formal written offer (aka sales agreement) to the seller. The offer will outline, among other things: a price, type of loan you will be obtaining, inspections and a closing date. When making an offer it is appropriate for you to submit what is known as “earnest money ” to escrow. This is a predetermined amount of money that will be applied to your down payment, and shows the seller you are serious in your attempt to buy the home. Earnest money is typically 1-3% of the sales price.

4) Title/Escrow

The title company (“Escrow”) is a neutral third party in your transaction and will only take mutually agreed upon written instructions The title company will research the title of the home you are buying, make sure there are no liens or judgments against the home or seller. Your name/social security number will be researched as well, to make sure there are no outstanding liens or judgments against you that would prevent the purchase from going through. Once the property’s title is cleared, the title company will issue a title insurance policy, insuring the discovery.

THE HOME BUYING PROCESS

4) Title/Escrow (Cont)

The seller buys this policy for you and you in turn buy one for your mortgage lender (this is a part of your closing cost). Once all parties perform according to the contract, only then will funds be released to the seller, and title transferred to buyer.

5) Disclosures

In most cases, the seller will provide the buyer with Disclosures. There are several types of disclosures including Seller Property Disclosures, Lead-Based Paint Disclosure, amongst others The intention of this information is to inform the buyer of any deficiencies that the seller knows about. These can be helpful to understand the history of the home But in no circumstance should this replace home inspections The buyer has a right to terminate up to 5 business days of receipt of the Property Disclosures if unsatisfactory information is revealed.

THE HOME BUYING PROCESS

6) Inspections

I strongly encourage all buyers to have a home inspection performed by a professional. The cost of a home inspection is solely the buyer’s and is usually not refundable. The purpose of an inspection is for a buyer to have a strong understanding of the condition of the property. This can help a buyer to know what has been cared for, and what might need future maintenance. Inspectors will look at everything from the roof to the basement/crawlspace, test the appliances, run the furnace, evaluate the plumbing, electrical, and other aspects of the property.

If your home was built prior to 1978, you have the option to have a professional lead-based paint inspection executed. This inspection is not included in a property inspection but may be purchased separately from a lead-based analysis company

E BUYING PROCESS

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THE HOME BUYING PROCESS

9) Insurance & Utilities

Once you are confident you are going to go through with your home purchase, you may need to choose homeowner’s insurance. Some find that they can get a multipolicy discount (home, auto, umbrella, etc.) with their current insurer. But you also have the right to shop around for the best rates. Upon closing your lender will make this a homeowner’s insurance policy a requirement. Utilities are handled outside of escrow. If you need it, I will give you a list of the utility companies that service your area so you may make arrangements to transfer accounts in your name as of the closing date

10) Closing

‘Closing’ is the term used when the deed has transferred from the seller’s name and into yours There are 3 steps to closing: signing, funding, & recording About 2-3 days prior to your closing date you will go the title company to sign all your loan documents You will bring proof of your identity (i.e. driver’s license or passport) and the balance of your down payment in the form of a certified cashier’s check made payable to the title company. You may also arrange a wire with the escrow officer in place of a physical check. The packet of loan documents will be sent back to your lender for final review, which may take a day or two. After your lender receives the signed loan documents, they will release the funds to escrow in order to proceed to close.

Once the County records your closing and provides recording numbers as a receipt, you officially own the property

FINAL STEP OF HOME BUYING!

11) Possession

Possession is the time we have agreed upon in the sales agreement contract for you to receive your keys, from me truly

The time you take possession of your new purchase may be different time you actually close on the transaction For example, the buyer may agree to allow the seller “rentback” the property for a daily cost.

ASKED QUESTIONSfrequently

WHAT IS PITI AND HOW IS IT CALCULATED?

IF I DON'T RECEIVE THE SELLER DISCLOSURES, OR HOA DOCUMENTS, WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

IF I DECIDE TO CANCEL THE TRANSACTION, CAN I GET MY EARNEST MONEY BACK?

HOW CAN I BACK OUT OF A TRANSACTION?

(THERE ARE MULTIPLE VALID REASONS YOU CAN BACK OUT!)

WHAT IS TITLE INSURANCE?

WHAT IS MORTGAGE INSURANCE?

DO I NEED 20% DOWNPAYMENT?

(NO)

ALTHOUGH THE ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS ARE STRAIGHTFORWARD, THEY NEED MORE EXPLANATION THAN WHAT I CAN WRITE IN THESE LITTLE BOXES, SO WE'LL DISCUSS

WhatelseshouldIknow? BUYER COST ESTIMATE

As a home buyer, these are some of the fees that you could possibly see during your purchase These fees differ case by case More information can be provided once a specific property is identified. Your lender can provide you with a worksheet of their outlined fees Lender and title/escrow fees are often referred to as closing costs, and often times are approximately 2-5% of the sales price.

INSPECTION FEES

Paid out of pocket at time of service

LENDER FEES TITLE/ESCROW FEES

Paid at closing

Paid at closing

WE'LL TALK ABOUT THIS IN DETAIL, BUT YOU CAN GET AN IDEA OF WHAT THESE FEES ARE ON THE NEXT PAGE

NOTE: DON'T GET OVERWHELMED, ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK

WhatelseshouldIknow?

WHAT ARE BUYER

COSTS?

INSPECTION FEES

Whole house Inspection

Sewer Scope

Radon Testing

TITLE/ESCROW FEES

Earnest money deposit (generally 1-

3% of purchase price, credits towards your down payment)

Owner title policy

Lender Policy fees

*Credit for portion of Owner title policy from Seller

Escrow/Closing fees

Reconveyance fees

Recording fees Warranty Deed & Deed of Trust

Courier fee

HOA dues or fees (as applicable)

Prorated property taxes

Prorated hazard insurance

COMMISSION FEES*

Buyer Agent Commission

LENDER FEES

These fees will differ from lender to lender, so please check with yours to find more precise estimated amounts:

Down payment

Origination charge

Points (if applicable)

Appraisal fee (possibly paid at time of ordering during escrow)

Credit report fees

Tax service

Flood certification (if applicable)

Prorated interest

Prepaids – up to 12 months of prepayments of your property taxes and insurance

*If a seller is providing an appropriate amount of Buyer Agent Commission, the less you will need to take this into consideration.

FinalDetails

WHAT ARE BUYER COSTS?

Commissions

Historically, real estate commissions were determined by a contract between the seller and the listing agent and are negotiated before the home is placed on the market. In most situations under this arrangement, the buyer would not be expected to contribute towards the buyer agent’s commission.

As of 2023/2024 NAR commission lawsuit settlements, all buyers will now be expected to enter into a signed buyer-broker agreement with their agent prior to having property tours and/or going under contract. This rule went into effect January 1, 2024 in Washington, and will go into effect Summer 2024 in Oregon; although I began instituting this practice for representation in both states as of January 1, 2024.

At this moment, many sellers are still offering a buyer agent commission. In the instance that the seller has not provided an adequate commission allowance for the buyer’s agent, then the buyer may be asked to contribute towards their agent’s commission. If this case arises, your agent will address the situation with you directly

touseornottouse

LOVE LETTERS

Buyer love letters are a tactic used by some buyers in an attempt to stand out to a seller, especially in hot markets with low inventory and bidding wars. Seemingly harmless, these letters actually raise fair housing concerns, and could open real estate professionals and their clients to fair housing violations.

While this may seem harmless, these letters can actually pose fair housing risks because they often contain personal information and reveal characteristics of the buyer, such as race, religion, or familial status, (all protected under the Fair Housing Act) which could then be used, knowingly or through unconscious bias, as an unlawful basis for a seller’s decision to accept or reject an offer.

In 2021/2022, buyer love letters were banned in Oregon, and in 2022 the ban was overruled as unconstitutional. We'll discuss whether or not you want to write a love letter to a seller.

GIVING BACK Donationmadeinyourname

I’m aware of just how lucky I am in life.

Lucky to do the job that I do, helping clients - just like you - locate and land their perfect home, or sell a much-loved home to move on to the next great adventure. Lucky to have my friends and family in my life. Lucky to live in beautiful Oregon, a state abundant with wilderness that will never run out of adventure. Lucky to be in a position to share this sense of abundance.

To help balance out my good fortune, I invest in community and causes, both locally and nationally. And one small part of that involves you.

Once your transaction has closed, $50 from my commission will go towards one of the following causes (your choice) in your name These are organizations that I’ve worked alongside, or whose mission resonates with me. And because your personal ethics may be a little different than mine, I’ve selected a variety to choose from - so that your contribution can go towards something that’s meaningful to you, as well

I’m always amazed by what organizations can accomplish with a little extra support

Thanks so much for working alongside me to make lasting changes in the world!

MEANINGFUL CAUSES $50donatedinyourname

01

02

Oregon’s first recovery-based High School; a tuition-free public charter school , which provides a safe, sober and supportive secondary education for youth in recovery.

The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education

Parkinson’s research and treatment are very near to my heart, having witnessed their impact on loved ones

Giving Connection PDX partners with Multnomah County Sex Trafficking Collaborative, to rescue, protect, and support child victims.

About the organizations:

Harmony Academy Recovery High School Oregon’s first recovery-based High School. Harmony Academy is a tuition-free public charter school, which provides a safe, sober and supportive secondary education for youth in recovery. The school’s primary purpose is to educate students in recovery from substance use or cooccurring disorders; and is available to any student in recovery who meets state or district eligibility requirements.

The Marine Mammal Center Marine ecosystems are vital to the health of our ocean and all life on earth. The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. Marine mammals are ecosystem indicators, and these animals provide insights into human and ocean health threats.

Parkinson’s Foundation Parkinson’s research and treatment are very near to my heart, having witnessed their impact on loved ones. Ideally, we’ll one day be able to conquer Parkinson’s disease, as well as other neuro-degenerative disorders It starts with research and continuously developing therapies to support those already living with the disease

Giving Connection PDX For over 5 years, I helped fundraise for CSEC at Christmas time. (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children), but now I make a point of showing support year-round These are predominantly pre-teen and teenage girls who manage to escape sex trafficking. It's not a cute or fuzzy topic and many times, these girls fall between the cracks in terms of societal compassion, due to the nature of their experiences. Giving Connection PDX partners with Multnomah County Sex Trafficking Collaborative, to rescue, protect, and support child victims

WhodoIcall? INSPECTIONS

The inspection companies listed below are some that past clients have had good experiences with. You are in no way limited to these options for your inspections.

Home Inspection Companies

Amerispec Home Inspections

OR Only

503-680-8799

Non-Profit Home Inspections

OR and WA

(503)-505-7879 or (360)-558-7600

Nickelsen Home Inspections

OR and WA

(360)-600-4354

Caliper Home Inspections

OR only

(971)-220-5503

** Also performs Well and Septic

Inspections

Underground Tank Locate

Rush Locates OR and WA (503)-939-9585

Soil Sample/Oil Tank

Decommissioning Companies

Xavier Environmental OR and WA (503)-236-3796

Alpha Environmental OR only (503)-676-6327

** Also performs asbestos testing

Soil Solutions OR and WA (503)-234-2118

WhodoIcall? INSPECTIONS

The inspection companies listed below are some that past clients have had good experiences with. You are in no way limited to these options for your inspections.

Sewer Inspection Companies

Sanitech (503)-213-4775

McBee Boring & Excavating

(503)-251-0505

Sierra Excavation & Construction (503)-522-2449

City Sewer (503)-422-0913

ProDrain (503) 533-0430

Root Excavation (503)-638-3447

Radon Inspection Companies

Xavier Environmental OR and WA (503)-236-3796

Cascade Environmental OR and WA (503)-805-4846

Septic

PR Septic Service WA Only (360)-887-4061

River City Environmental OR Only (503)-479-4676

I LOOK FORWARD TO HELPING YOU FIND YOUR PLACE TO CALL HOME, WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT FOR YOU

Keller Williams Realty Portland Central

919 NE 19th Ave, Ste 100

Portland OR 97232

Office: 503-548-4848

Cell: 541-510-0643

Email: leahbush@kw.com

Licensed in both: Oregon #200109153 Washington #137040

LET'S STAY IN TOUCH - WHETHER YOU ARE READY TO BUY TODAY OR A YEAR FROM NOW, IT'S SMART TO BEGIN WORKING WITH A PROFESSIONAL