Buyer’s Guide 2024

I’m McKenzie!

ed real estate agent, nothing makes me an working hard to find my buyers a new meets their needs and represents a sound vestment.

to finding you a home and getting you a my job is to provide an enjoyable buying for you! I know the process can feel ing. There are lots of moving parts and lots ns. And there’s a lot at stake. Not only is this ancial milestone, but your home will serve kdrop for years of happy memories. You t the right house, you want to get a good ou want the process to be as pleasant as can help on all three fronts!

ed to get started! But, before we can begin, cover a few basics, including: eeds and wants, vices, ome loan pre-approval, and lusive Buyer Agreement.

This packet will walk you through everything you need to know to get started. And if you have any questions, I’m here to help! I’m just a call, email, text, or DM away.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ME WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ME

AS YOUR BUYER’S AGENT AS YOUR BUYER’S AGENT

As your agent, I’ll be working for you in several different ways:

HELPING YOU FIND A HOME

Advising you on changing market conditions

Keeping you posted on new listings

Watching and listening for any off-market deals with potential

Scheduling showings with the sellers and their agents for you

Offering insights on the condition of properties we tour

HELPING YOU GET AN OFFER ACCEPTED

Running comps to establish the true market value of a listing

Advising you on an offer price and terms, based on everchanging market conditions

Drafting the offer contract

Presenting your offer to the seller’s agent in a favorable light

Counseling you on how to handle counter offers as needed until we have a deal

REPRESENTING YOUR BEST INTERESTS AT EVERY TURN

Negotiate aggressively on your behalf

Reviewing the home inspection and appraisal

Re-opening negotiations, if needed, based on the results of the inspection and appraisal

Connecting you to professionals who can make your life as a homeowner easier

Reviewing additional documents before you sign

NAVIGATING THE ESCROW PROCESS TO A SEAMLESS CLOSE

Coordinating the inspectors, appraisers, title officers, and surveyors as needed

Checking in with your lender to make sure we’re on track

Conducting a final walk-thru with you

Making sure everything is ready on closing day

REMAINING AVAILABLE AFTER THE PURCHASE IS COMPLETE

Answering any questions you have about your new home

Providing periodic updates on the local real estate market

Offering free consultations if you have questions about selling your home or buying a second property (like a vacation home or investment property)

1.Pre-Approval

- Speak with a lender

- Address any credit issues

- Determine the right mortgage

2.Home Shopping

- Discuss your criteria with a buyer’s agent

- Tour listings in your price range

- Adjust criteria if necessary

3.Offer & Negotiation

- Research comps with agent

- Submit offer to seller

- Negotiate and sign a contract

4.Due Diligence

- Home inspection

- Appraisal

- Survey

- Negotiate repairs

- Begin title exam

- Finish loan process

5.Pre-Closing & Title

- Confirm repairs are complete

- Pre-Closing walk-through

- Send funds to title company

6.Closing

- Review closing statement

- Sign closing documents

- Receive keys

Checklist

To give you a sneak peek at what’s to come, here is a complete overview of the buying process.

PARTNER WITH AN AGENT

Get local insight

Get to know neighborhood inventory

See what's about to the hit the market

Gain access to off-market properties

Review market averages

Complete needs assessment

Understand what you can afford

Determine your monthly mortgage payment

Understand your debt ratio

Have a lender review your finances

Obtain a pre-approval letter

FIND YOUR NEW HOME

Compare home and neighborhood averages, narrow down neighborhoods you want

Mark your favorite homes

Eliminate homes that don't meet your needs

Schedule home tours and plan an itinerary with your agent

Select the home you want to make an offer on

Review contract terms and time limit for offer

Negotiate purchase price

Choose a title company

Shop home insurance options

Prepare for down payment, earnest money

Choose a target closing date

Sign the offer

Deliver escrow check

Stay in close contact with your agent

1.

3.

4.

2.

5.

Secure a home loan

Acquire home insurance and send proof to your lender

Request list of what conveys with the property

Schedule home inspection and negotiate repairs

Acquire a property disclosure from the seller

Order an appraisal

Clear contingencies. Input any contingencies that may be specific to your area

Choose your title company

Have title researched

Schedule your closing

Solidify both contract effective and allowable move-in dates

Certify funds for closing

Stay in close contact with your agent, lender, and title company

6.

BEFORE YOU CLOSE

Transfer funds for closing

Set a moving date and schedule movers

Complete change of addresses

Set up your utilities to be activated or transferred

Confirm that all contingencies are resolved

Schedule the final property walkthrough

Designate a safe, dedicated space to save your final paperwork

Stay in close contact with your agent, lender, and title company

7.

Connect with your lender to wire down payment funds. You'll need to cover the cost of closing and the down payment.

Bring a printed confirmation of your of your wire transfer

Government-issued photo ID(s)

Social security numbers

Home addresses from the last 10 years

Proof of homeowner's insurance

Your copy of the contract

Your checkbook

8.

Sign closing disclosure, promissory note, and all other documentation

Title transfer

Deed delivery

Save your paperwork in your pre-designated spot

Get your keys. Congrats, it's all yours!

Only two things need to happen for us to officially start your home search:

We need an Exclusive Buyer’s Agreement on file.

2.

1. We need to get you a Pre-Approval Letter for your home loan.

WH NT? WH NT?

An Exclusive Buyer’s Agreement is a form that names the agent you have chosen to represent you. It is “exclusive” because you can only work with one real estate agent as your representative.

The reason you must choose one agent is because of the way buyer’s agents are paid. As you may know, the seller typically pays the fees for their agent and for your agent. And this only happens once the deal is complete. So in a standard transaction, all the work I do for you is free to you!

This is a wonderful service for buyers who have enough expenses already. But it also leaves buyers’ agents vulnerable if there is no Exclusive Buyer’s Agreement on file. What if I spend dozens or even hundreds of hours working for you, and then you have another agent draft the purchase contract, and then they get to collect the fee?

But when there is a signed Exclusive Buyer’s Agreement on file, I can confidently throw my resources into finding you a home, knowing that I will be compensated once you officially own the new home.

This is why almost all real estate professionals will require this Agreement before working with a buyer. In fact, if an agent offers to work without this document, I would run the other way! That agent is either desperate for business, horribly inexperienced, or a poor negotiator. True professionals will only invest their time in finding your new home when they are your exclusive agent.

Steps for Home Buyers

Do Your Research

Pull your credit report so you can see your credit score.

Look into credit repair programs if needed Research homebuying assistance programs in your local area

Get Pre-Approved

Provide your financial documentation to a lender. Receive your pre-approval letter confirming the amount you can borrow

Find Your New Home

Work with a real estate agent to make your search more efficient

When you ’ re ready to make an offer, make sure the seller knows you ’ re pre-approved This will make your offer more appealing because the seller will know you can get the financing to close.

Notify Your Lender to Begin the Underwriting Process

Respond promptly to all requests for additional information and documentation from your lender. Don’t change jobs, apply for a new loan (not even a credit card), or make any major financial moves until after you close on your new home.

Clear to Close!

Once the underwriting is complete, your lender will give you the “clear to close.”

Ask for a copy of your loan docs before your signing appointment so you can take your time reviewing them

Sign your docs in front of a licensed notary

Wire your closing costs as instructed

Sign the closing docs for your new home and collect your keys on closing day!

WHAT IS A PRE-APPROVAL LETTER? WHAT IS A PRE-APPROVAL LETTER?

A pre-approval letter is a statement from a lender confirming how much money you qualify to borrow for your home loan.

You will just need to complete an online application and have a lender review your financial documents. In many cases, you can app;y today and have your approval within 48 hours!

The Pre-Approval Letter serves three purposes:

It confirms that you qualify for a home loan.

1. It tells you how much you qualify to borrow, so you’ll know what price range to look in.

2. And it shows sellers that you are a serious buyer, which will make sellers more likely to consider your offer.

3. The next page will outline everything you need to do to get your Pre-Approval Letter

Checklist

1.IDENTIFICATION

Have a government-issued photo identification ready

2.INCOME & ASSETS

Last two years of federal tax returns ready to present to the mortgage lenders

Last two years of corporate tax returns if applicable

Last two years of W-2 or 1099 statements

Paystubs from the previous 30 days

Name and address of all employers for the last two years

If you're a business owner, you will need to provide profit and loss statements

Alimony or child support income documentation

3.LIABILITIES

List of all current loans: name, address, account numbers, balances, and monthly payments

The lender will want to look at your credit score. Be prepared to explain any late payments, recent credit inquiries, collections, or judgments

If you currently own a property, have your property tax statements available

Prepare an asset statement, providing the lender with information about your current assets including bank accounts, retirement accounts, and investment portfolios

Information for any existing mortgages

Home insurance policy information

Divorce or separation agreement, including alimony or child support payment terms in which you receive income

Bankruptcy papers, if filed within the past seven years

AndreaBohnert (210)391-2797

Guild Mortgage abohnert@guildmortgage.net

1149 East Commerce ST, Ste #210 San Antonio, TX

https://branches.guildmortgage.com/tx/sanantonio/andreabohnert-872-apabo.html

PiaHarriman (210)542-9092

Benchmark Mortgage pia.harriman@benchmark.us

3619 Paesanos PKWY, #210 San Antonio, TX 78231

https://piaharriman.benchmark.us/

JoeyHummel (714)296-4220

Guardian Mortgage Company joeyhummel@gmc-inc.com

9601 McAllister Fwy, Ste # 1105, San Antonio, TX 78216

https://applynow.guardianmortgageonline. com/partner/joeyhummel@gmc-inc.com

AdamHughes (210)324-3813

The Hughes Team of Legacy Mutual Mortgage adam hughes@legacymutual com

18402 U S Highway 281 N, Ste # 258 San Antonio, TX 78259

https://legacymutual com/officers/adam-hughes/

FINANCING

Are you a first-time home buyer?

Do you need financing?

Have you been pre-approved?

Are you currently selling your home?

Could you make an offer now?

What price range are you considering?

What down payment amount is comfortable?

Your ideal move in date

LENDER INFO

Name

Phone Email

Approved for $

Home type

Desired city

Desired area

Other

Selling as Home style

Must have features

SHOWINGS

Which days are you available for showings?

Are you open to virtual tours?

Hector Ramos (314) 580-6113

BPG Inspections

hector toledoramos@sem2 bpginspections com

https://www.bpginspections.com/inspector/yMJgZVd0

ScottMahan (210)608-2058

Texas Built Home Inspection

TexasbuiltInspection@gmail.com

https://www.texasbuilthomeinspection.com/

KevinCearley

(737)414-2364

True South Inspection

tshi@truesouthinspect com

https://www truesouthhomeinspection com/

DanielFlores

(210)649-5632

Black Bexar Services

BlackBexarServices@gmail com

https://app spectora com/home-inspectors/black-bexar-services-pllc

DeMarcusBerry (210)3220655

Berry Group Inspections

Berry@berrygroupinspection com

https://www berrygroupinspection com/

HOME INSPECTION HOME INSPECTION CHECKLIST CHECKLIST

1.PROPERTY EXTERIOR

Exterior walls appear straight with no sagging

Windows and door frames appear square

The siding appears in good condition

Bricks appear in good condition

The paint is not flaking or stained

Roof shingles are not missing or damaged

Gutters are in good repair and drain properly

The chimney appears straight and undamaged

The ground slopes away from the house with no standing water

All outdoor structures (garage, shed, fence, deck, etc.) appear in good condition with no rotted wood or evidence of termites

The septic tank doesn’t show any leaks

2.ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

There are no exposed electrical splices

The wiring is in good condition

The service panel has normal capacity

Cables are secured and protected

3.BATHROOMS

The visible plumbing under the sink is in good condition and shows no signs of water damage

There is adequate water pressure for hot and cold water at all fixtures

The tub, shower, and sinks drain smoothly

The toilet flushes and fills properly

The toilet is stable, with no rocking or stains at the base

4.KITCHEN

The visible plumbing under the sink is in good condition and shows no signs of water damage

The exhaust fan works properly

The garbage disposal is operational

The sink taps have adequate water pressure

The sink drains properly

Appliances that will stay with the house operate properly

5.INTERIOR ROOMS

Floors, walls, and ceilings appear straight and level without visible stains, cracking, or damage

Doors open easily and latch properly when closed

Lights and switches operate properly

There are an adequate number of electrical outlets in each room

Heating and air conditioning vents are present in all rooms

The fireplace appears in good condition

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working and located properly

Stairways appear solid

6.HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

Heating And Cooling Systems

Air conditioning and heating operate well

Air filters are clean

Flues have no open seams

The cooling unit has no visible rust

7.PLUMBING

Visible pipes have no damage or evidence of leaks

The water heater shows no signs of rust

Water pressure falls within an acceptable range

8.BASEMENT

There is no evidence of moisture

There is no evidence of water damage to the floor above

The sump pump operates properly

9.ATTIC

There is no evidence of staining from the roof

The structure shows no damage or decay

There is adequate ventilation throughout Insulation is sufficient and installed properly

Electrical splices are contained

FINAL WALKTHROUGH guide

ELECTRICITY

Test outlets and light switches Check the breaker box.

PLUMBING

Test faucets and drains. Check for leaks and low water pressure.

HVAC

Test both the heating and air. Make sure the thermostat is working.

REPAIRS

Confirm that all agreedupon repairs have been made to satisfaction.

FIXTURES

Check for missing fixtures, such as ceiling fans and window treatments

APPLIANCES

Make sure all of the appliances are present and working properly

WALLS + FLOORS

Check for any moving damage. Make sure there are no new stains.

DOORS + WINDOWS

Test all of the doors and windows Check window screens and test locks

EXTERIOR

Check the yard for ruts. Make sure the mailbox is in good condition.

512.787.0407

m.peek@kw.com

Buying a home should be fun, exciting, and satisfying! I’m here to handle the complicated parts of the purchase transaction so you can focus on enjoying the process.

When you choose me as your buyer’s agent, you can rest assured that I’m doing everything in my power to find you a home that will serve as a lovely backdrop for years of happy memories, as well as a solid financial investment. And I’m going to negotiate aggressively on your behalf to get you the lowest price and most favorable terms.

YOU ARE IN THE BEST POSSIBLE HANDS, AND YOU ARE IN THE BEST POSSIBLE HANDS, AND I AM TRULY HONORED TO SERVE YOU! I AM TRULY HONORED TO SERVE YOU!