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Buyer's Guide - Victoria Adkins and Janae Ohrt

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home!LET’S FIND

ABOUT ME

Born and raised in the Cedar Valley, Janae Ohrt brings a deep-rooted local insight to every transaction. Since starting her real estate career in 2017, she hasn’t looked back, building a reputation grounded in strong work ethic, clear communication, and genuine trust.

With a keen eye for detail and a warm, approachable style, Janae makes the real estate journey not just successful, but genuinely enjoyable. She’s a creative thinker who merges her professional expertise with the personal touch of a neighbor who truly cares—someone who listens closely and shows up fully.

When she’s not helping clients, you’ll find Janae enjoying time with her grandbabies and three kids, cheering on a football game, or unwinding with a bit of crochet. In every way, Janae is here to guide you like a trusted friend who’s dedicated to making you feel right at home.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

JAZZY S.

“Janae made selling our first home quick and easy! She took care of everything so smoothly and anytime we had a question or needed something she was on it fast! She knew we wanted something in a specific area and she went door knocking in that area just to ensure we had every opportunity available! I would recommend her to everyone needing a realtor!!”

TERRI Y.

“Janae has found homes for several people we know and they highly recommended her so when my husband and I decided to look for a home we talked to Janae. She is always there to help and answer ALL the questions with a smile on her face! We had to take a pause in the middle of looking and still Janae keeps in contact with us until the time is right. I know that she will find the perfect home for us!! Janae is the best!!”

THE BUYER ROADMAP

Interview

Find the right Real Estate Agent for you

Pre-Approval

Meet with a lender and get a Pre-Approval letter

Search

Escrow

Deposit escrow and complete loan application within time frame of the contract

Offer

After finding the right home, we will put in a strong offer and negotiate the terms of the contract

This is a brief summary of the timeline for purchasing your home. Remember, as your Real Estate Agent, I will be there to be sure you feel confident during each step of this process. 1 2 3 6 5 4 7 8 9

Begin your online home search

Showings

We will set up showings and view the homes you are interested in

Inspections

Schedule inspections and negotiate any repair requests and issues from inspection

Financing

Order appraisal and obtain homeowners insurance

10

Closing

Hooray! Time to sign all required paperwork at the title company. Once funded, you’ll get the keys and it’s time to celebrate.

Last Steps

Receive clear to close from lender and perform final walk-through before closing

FINANCES

Before you officially begin your home search, I always recommend to begin with talking to a lender and getting pre-approved. A lender will be able to answer all of your questions regarding finances and give you a clear understanding of the exact price range you will be pre-approved for and an estimate of the expenses to expect.

Questions to ask your lender...

• What is the best type of loan for me?

• Do I qualify for any special discounts or loan programs?

• What interest rate can you offer?

• When can you lock in my rate?

• What fees can I expect from you?

• What are my estimated closing costs?

FINANCES PART 2

There a many different factors that the lender will use to calculate your Pre-Approval. It’s always best to be prepared, so here are a few of the documents you can begin to gather together and can expect to be requested:

STANDARD LOAN PROGRAMS

CONVENTIONAL

• Down Payment as Low as 3%

• Fixed or Adjustable Rates

• Down Payment Assistance Programs Available

• Non-Occupying Co-Borrowers Allowed

FHA

• Down Payment as Low as 3.5%

• Lower Credit Score Flexibility

• Higher Allowable Debt to Income Ratios

• 100% Financing with DPA

VA

• 100% Financing

• No Monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums

• Flexible Underwriting Guidelines

USDA

• 100% Financing

• Lower Credit Score Flexibility

• Gifts for Closing Costs Allowed

JUMBO

• Borrow up to $3 Million

• Credit Score as Low as 700

• Eligible for Primary Residence, Second Home or Investment Property

• Warrantable and Non-Warrantable Condos Permitted

RENOVATION

• FHA and Conventional Programs

• Purchase or Refinance

• Principal Residence, Second Home or Investment Property

• Ability to Finance Repairs and Home Improvements

SPECIALTY LOAN PROGRAMS

NAF CASH®

• Allows Buyer to Become a Cash Buyer

• Buyer Can Purchase New Home Without Selling Current Home

• Conventional and VA Loans Allowable

LOCK IN & FLOAT

• Lock In Your Rate - Rate Can’t Increase

• If Rates Improve during Locked Period, You Can Float Down to a Better Rate

NAF BRIDGE LOAN

• Use Equity From Your Existing Home Towards the Purchase of a New Home

• Ability to Present a Strong Non-Contingent Offer, Giving You a Competitive Edge in the Market

• No Monthly Payments During the Loan Term Reducing the Financial Stress of managing Two Mortgage Payments

BUYDOWN OPTIONS

• Lower Interest Rate for the First Few Years of Mortgage

• Available on Conventional, FHA VA and USDA Loan Products

• 1/0, 1/1/1, 2/1, and 3/2/1 Buydown Options Available

DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE

• Additional Funds for Down Payment and Closing Costs

• Chenoa

• NAF Pathway Product Suite

RECAST OPTION

• Borrower can Reduce the Principal Balance

• New American Funding will Re-Amortize the Loan based on the Remaining Term and Payments will be Reduced

• Multiple Recasts can be Completed during the Life of the Loan

• PMI can be Eliminated in Some Scenarios

MY LENDER OF CHOICE

ABOUT VICTORIA

As a licensed mortgage lender in Iowa, I’m passionate about helping homebuyers achieve their goals with clarity, confidence, and financial peace of mind. I believe getting a mortgage shouldn’t be confusing or overwhelming - and I’m here to make the process simple, efficient, and tailored to you.

I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and later attended Iowa State University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. After graduating, I began my career in investment banking, where I developed a strong foundation in financial analysis and strategic planning. While I enjoyed the numbers, it wasn’t until I flipped my first property that I discovered my true passion - real estate.

That experience opened my eyes to what homeownership really means: opportunity, stability, and long-term financial growth. In 2020, I transitioned into the mortgage industry to combine my finance background with my love for real estate and helping people.

Today, I specialize in helping buyers navigate home financing in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, upgrading, downsizing, or refinancing, I’ll work alongside you to make sure you understand your options and feel confident in every decision.

Victoria Adkins
SR.

HOME SEARCH

As your Real Estate Agent, my number one goal is to help you achieve yours. I make it my priority to understand your situation when it comes to buying your home so we can accomplish your goals.

STEP ONE

After you speak with a lender and get Pre-Approved, we will begin your online home search. I will set you up on an automated search on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

STEP TWO

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STEP THREE

We will discuss your ideal price range, your must-haves list, deal breakers, location preferences, school districts, and all of the other factors that will help me to best help you during the home search period.

When you decide you are interested in a home, we will schedule a showing to view the home in person. If you decide it meets your criteria, we will write an offer for the home. When we get an accepted offer, you will now be Under Contract.

1 3

IMPORTANT INFO

What other factors will influence your decision? (School zones, distance to work, specific neighborhoods, etc.)

What features are important to you in your new home?

What are the must-haves in your new home?

What are the deal breakers in a new home?

Any specifics not mentioned above:

MUST HAVE HOME CHECKLIST

Place a check mark next to any amenity that you consider a must have on your next home.

KITCHEN

Island

Updated countertops

Walk in Pantry

Updated cabinets

Breakfast nook

Updated appliances

BATHROOMS

Double Vanities

Bathtub

Updated bathroom

Walk in shower

Guest bathroom

MAIN LIVING AREA

Walk-in closet

Split floor plan

Storage space

Master on main floor

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Hardwood floors

Fireplace

Office

Formal dining room

Open floor plan

Front porch

Separate laundry area

Parking space

OFFERS & NEGOTIATIONS

INFORMATION NEEDED

Before we begin writing an offer, we will need to gather some documents and discuss some important details...

• Pre-approval letter

• Offer price

• Financing amount

• Escrow deposit

• Closing date

• Inspection period

• Closing costs

OFFERS & NEGOTIATIONS PART 2

ESCROW

MULTIPLE OFFER SITUATIONS

It’s more common than ever to see homes go into multiple offer situations. This means that your offer is not the only offer on the table for the sellers. Here are some of my best tips to win a multiple offer situation...

• Submit your Pre-Approval letter with your offer

• Have your lender call the listing agent to share your Pre-Approval details

• Make a cash offer if possible

• Offer more than the asking price

• Be flexible with your closing date

• Offer a higher amount for the Escrow deposit so the seller knows that you are serious

• Keep your offer clean when it comes to contingencies and don’t ask for any that are not a deal-breaker for you

Congrats! We are almost there. You will turn in your Escrow Deposit, we will get inspections scheduled, negotiate repairs, and move forward with your loan application. The entire process from contract to close typically takes between 30-45 days.

INSPECTION PERIOD

TYPES OF POTENTIAL INSPECTIONS

• Home Inspection

• Radon Testing

• Wood-Destroying Organism (WDO) Inspection

• Mold Inspection

• Gas Inspection

• Sewer Inspection

RECOMMENDED HOME INSPECTORS

I have several Home Inspectors I would be happy to give you. Please feel free to reach out and interview some of the Home Inspectors that I shared, or you can use your own.

INSPECTION TIME PERIOD

The typical inspection period is between 10-15 days.

It is critical that we begin scheduling the inspections you choose to have done as soon as we are under contract on your potential new home. This will ensure that you do not run out of time or have any delays in the process.

DOS AND DON’TS

During the Home Loan Process

DO

• Do educate yourself about the homebuying and home financing process, making sure that you meet your short and long-term financial goals.

• Do stay in your job so your mortgage lender can verify your current employment status. Lenders will check your credit score & employment again just before closing.

• Do stay current on all your payments, including payments for your mortgage, automobile, credit cards, student loans, and any other debt.

• Do make sure to organize key documents, including check stubs, W-2s, tax returns, bank and investment statements, Note or Deed to other properties, etc.

• Do document any part of your down payment that’s a gift. Ask for gifted funds as soon as possible with your Loan Officer’s guidance.

DON’T

• Don’t make any new large purchases with your existing credit cards, don’t buy a car. If you must make a major purchase, please call us so we can go over the impact on your ratios.

• Don’t keep cash in a safe or an overseas account if it’s for a down payment. Inquire about the best time to put funds into your U.S. bank account.

• Don’t close credit card accounts after you’ve paid them off.

• Don’t apply for new credit or give your personal information to anyone else who might run your credit, which can hurt your credit score.

• Don’t allow your bank accounts to go in the negative, even if you have overdraft protection.

• Don’t make large deposits, withdrawals, transfers or financed purchases. If you must, then save the documentation itemizing these transactions.

PREPARING FOR CLOSING DAY

1

LOAN APPLICATION & APPRAISAL

You will typically have 3-5 days after the contract has been executed to make application for you loan with your lender. The appraisal will be ordered by your lender after we have made our way through the inspection period. If your contract is contingent on the appraisal, this means that if the appraisal comes back lower than the offer you made, we will have an opportunity to negotiate the price once again.

2

HOME INSURANCE

You will need to obtain a Homeowner’s Insurance Policy that will be begin on the day of closing on your home. If you don’t already have an insurance company you plan to work with, please feel free to reach out to me and I will be more than happy to provide you with a list.

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IMPORTANT REMINDER

As excited as you may be to begin shopping around for furniture and all of the things that help make a house a home, don’t! Be very careful during this period not to make any major purchases, open new lines of credit, or change jobs. If in doubt, be sure to call your Real Estate Agent or Lender.

4

CLEAR TO CLOSE

These words are music to your ears, and mine, too! This means that that mortgage underwriter has approved you loan documents and we can confirm your closing date with the title company or attorney.

“Real Estate is not simply a job for me, it is my passion. I am dedicated to helping each and every one of my clients achieve their real estate goals and have an exceptional home buying experience.”
-JANAE OHRT

Thank you for choosing me to help you in the task of buying your home. I look forward to working with you to help you achieve all of your real estate goals.

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