The Home Buying Process

Harry Real Estate Group

Alan Harry | REALTOR®

Cathy Harry | Broker

530.448.3027 Alan864.775.1070 Cathy

Alan@BuyCornerstoneHomes.comCathy@BuyCornerstoneHomes.com

About Us

Your home is a reflection of who you are. Alan and Cathy Harry of The Harry Real Estate Group want to make your real estate experience personal.

With more than 40 years of combined real estate experience, this award-winning team will exceed your expectations when it comes to residential properties in the Greater Greenville area — from single and multi-family homes, townhomes and condominiums, to waterfront properties and luxury homes.

“Our real estate service is not about us; it’s about our clients — their family, friends, hopes and dreams. We believe doing what we promise is the key to building trust and relationships with our customers and fellow REALTORS®.”

Selling your special home or finding your next home should involve hiring full time, long term real estate professionals who can guide you smoothly through a detailed and often complex process.

Buyers receive a personalized Resource Guide and Sellers are provided a Personalized Real Estate Property Review, both are complimentary.

Proudly representing properties in the Greater Greenville Area which include lots and land in both infill or country locations, single family and multi-family residential homes, townhomes and condominiums, waterfront and exquisite luxury properties.

The Harry’s are long-time community volunteers and contributors to organizations serving others. They are proud to join with Susan G. Komen — to sponsor Homes 4 A Cure. The Harry Team has pledged to donate 10 percent of their real estate commission on every purchase or sale of a home or property to Susan G. Komen — when the transaction closes.

“Giving back is a core part of our business. We are excited about the Homes 4 A Cure program to support the ongoing fight to end breast cancer.”

The Harry’s have five sons and two grandchildren. They make their home in Travelers Rest, S.C. where they enjoy boating and outdoor activities with their dogs Jake & Arya.

Harry Real Estate GroupCathy Harry● Over 3 decades of experience as a Sales Agent, Manager, Managing Broker observing the

highest standards in customer service and agent communication● Member in good standing with Greater Greenville Association of REALTORS®● South Carolina and the National Association of REALTORS®● Extensive experience with Incoming and Outgoing relocation● Broker/REALTOR® of the Year 2001, REALTOR® of the Year 2011 Nominee● Licensed California South Carolina Broker #107129● Licensed California Real Estate Broker CalBRE#00994523● Former Nevada Real Estate Broker NRED#BS.0143223● Past President, Tahoe Sierra Board of REALTORS® 2008● Past Membership Chair & MLS Committee, Tahoe Sierra Board of REALTORS®● CRB-Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers Designation● Ninja Certified, Ninja Leadership Institute, Ninja Skills Group Leader● Luxury Portfolio, Fine Homes, Resort Home Collection, Distinctive Homes Designations● LeadingRE – Institute’s Sales, Service & Marketing Specialist Certifications● CREN – Certified Real Estate Negotiator● Certified Brian Buffini Certified Mentor ‘Peak Producer’ & ‘100 Days to Greatness’, Member of

‘Ultimate Recruiting’● E-Certified-Computer Technology Designation● SRF – Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource Designation● 203k Certified – Re-BUILD USA● HAMP-HAFA Certified – A “Making Homes Affordable” Initiative● REO & Short Sale Certified – The Five Star Institute● ZIPForms™ Certified Instructor● Past President 2011-2012 Rotary Club of Truckee, Secretary 2006-2007 & 2010-2011, Current

Member of Rotary Club of The Reedy River-Greenville● Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International● Founding Member Queen of Hearts Philanthropic Fund● BHG Real Estate Silver Sales Associate Award

Alan Harry● Over 10 years of experience as a Sales Agent offering the highest standards in customer service

and agent communication● Member in good standing with Greater Greenville Association of REALTORS®, South Carolina

and National Association of REALTORS®● Extensive experience with Incoming and Outgoing relocation● Licensed South Carolina Salesperson #108393● Licensed California Real Estate Salesperson CalBRE#01881422● Ninja Selling Certified● Experienced with Luxury Portfolio● LeadingRE – Institute’s Sales, Service & Marketing Specialist Certifications● SRF – Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource Designation● 203k Certified – Re-BUILD USA● HAMP-HAFA Certified – A “Making Homes Affordable” Initiative● REO & Short Sale Certified – The Five Star Institute● Past President 2002-2003 Rotary Club of Truckee, Past Secretary Rotary Club of Truckee,

Member of Rotary Club of Reedy River - Greenville● Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International● BHG Real Estate Silver Sales Associate Award● Lynn Simpson ‘Grass Roots’ Spirit Award – American Cable Association

How We Help You Buy Your Home

Helping you find and purchase a home is only one facet of our job. In addition, we will:

● Explain real estate principles, contracts and documents● Refer you to a reputable lender that can help you assess your financial

situation and pre-approve you for a loan● Refer you to a reputable closing attorney● Help you determine the types of neighborhoods that most fit your needs● Arrange tours of homes that meet your criteria● Provide you with detailed information about homes you’re interested in● Assist you in writing and negotiating a mutually-accepted purchase and

sale agreement● Accompany you to the inspection● Coordinate necessary steps after inspection● Work with the closing attorney to ensure all needed documents are in

order and completed in a timely manner

Step 1: Buyer Consultation

This will take 30-60 minutes and can be a conference call, over a cup of coffee, or an office visit; whatever works for you! This meeting gives us a chance to talk about the process, the current market conditions, and what you are looking for in your perfect home. We will set up an automatic email so that when a new listing hits the market, we both see it right away.

We want to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Step 2: Get Pre-approved

You can use any lender you wish. Our clients have raved about:

Daniel Horton - Annie MacPhone: (864) 887-4230

Cell: (864) 887-4230dhorton@annie-mac.com

The reason we want you to get pre-approved is it will give you a competitive advantage in this market. We don’t want you to fall in love with a home that is not within your price range.

When Borrowing Money

Thou Shalt Not … (until after closing)....

● Change jobs, become self-employed, or quit your job

● Buy a car, truck, motorcycle or van

● Use credit cards excessively (more than normal)

● Stop paying bills

● Spend money you have set aside for closing

● Omit debts or liabilities from your loan application

● Buy furniture

● Originate any inquiries into your credit (apply for new

CCs, etc.)

● Make large or cash deposits without checking with your

loan officer

● Change bank accounts

● Co-sign a loan for anyone

● Change marital status

Each of these will jeopardize you receiving your mortgage. If unsure, please call your loan officer and ask before doing any of the above.

Step 3: Education Day

On this day, we schedule several hours to go and see around 4-6 condos or

homes. We consider this our chance to get educated about the things that you

like and dislike. This is also an opportunity for you to get a better idea of what

you can get in different areas in your price range.

“Buyers typically searched for 10 weeks and looked at a median of 10 homes”

-National Association of REALTORS®

In our experience, it can take anywhere from a day to a year to find the right

home. Your time frame is our time frame.

Step 4: Find Your Dream Home

Once we find a home or condo that meets your criteria, we

will discuss our strategy for making a successful offer. This

will depend on how competitive the market is in that

neighborhood for that home/condo at that specific time.

We will do a market analysis to make sure you don’t overpay.

Step 5: Due Diligence

We will do the following to make sure this is really the best

home for you:

● Get your questions answered regarding the neighborhood

● Explore schools, commute times, public transit options and more

● Do a thorough inspection of the home (sewer lines, etc.)

● Work with your mortgage professional to be sure that you are

comfortable with the price of the home

Walking You Through Inspection

Home inspections are a critical part of the home buying process.

Inspections take the mystery out of buying a home and may make it

easier for you to imagine yourself living there. We can help you:

● Find a reputable inspector and home repair contractors

● Prepare for when unknown problems are discovered

● Review inspection options

● Negotiate fair and appropriate solutions, if necessary

A home inspection benefits all parties involved by providing

insight into the condition of the home, thereby making you

an informed buyer.

Step 6: Closing Calendar

( Sample Calendar) 2019 (Sample Calendar)

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

May 28

-Offer submitted-Mutual

Acceptance-Title Report

May 29

-Appraisal will be ordered this week

-Sewer Scope12 noon

May 30

-4 P.M. : Inspection-EM needs to be deposited today

May 31 1

2 3

Must make loan application by

tomorrow

4

-Title Contingency Ends

-Inspection Contingency Ends

5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16Attorney will

contact you this week to schedule

signing appointment

17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27Closing and Possession

28 29

30

Step 7: Getting To Sold

1Purchase & Sale

AgreementBuyer’s AgentBuyer

Loan Application

Home Inspection

Loan Approval

4Lender

3Title

Insurance

Review & Clear Title

Title Search

Issue Commitment

Record Documents

Examination

Check Taxes & Legal

Issue Policy

Mortgage Insurance

Underwriter

Verification

Credit Report

Buyer’s Bank

Appraisal

Employment

Work Orders

Payments

Seller’s Agent Seller

Taxes Mortgages Fees/Commission

Homeowners DuesLiensUtilities

Insurance Binder

2Attorney

5Determine Status

6Closing

Statement & Instructions

7Prepare Legal Documents

8Oversee Closing/

Papers Signed

9Record &

Disburse Funds

10New Owner

The Path To Closing

Step 8: You Get The Keys!

You will be signing your closing documents on the day of closing. After the day

of closing, the documents are recorded at the county where the property is

located and you will have access to your new home after closing as per your

purchase agreement.

We will keep in touch to find out how things are going, and we’re always happy

to answer any questions you might have. We can also provide referrals

(plumbers, electricians, etc.) and give you updates on the value of your home

going forward.

If you are happy with our service, we would love to help your friends and family

“Oh by the way… we’re never too busy for your referrals!”

But it doesn’t end there...

Buyer Closing Costs

Buyer is responsible for:

● Lender’s title insurance policy (around $1,200 on a $300,000 home)

● Attorney fee for closing (around $650)

● Property inspection (around $500)

● Lender Fees including:

○ Appraisal (around $500)

○ Credit report (around $30)

○ Loan origination fee (per lender)

○ Loan interest (market rates)

○ Private mortgage insurance (20% down will eliminate this as well as

some lender programs - Check with the Lender)

The only out of pocket costs (not financed in your loan) are typically home

inspections, appraisal, and of course your down payment. A good rule of thumb

is to budget around 2.5% of your loan amount as a total.

*NOTE: Fees determined by sale price and/or loan amount. Payment of fees above can be

negotiated within contract.

Below are the typical fees paid by a buyer in a real estate transaction

Moving TipsThe process of moving is long and complex. Being organized, knowing what needs to be done, and tackling tasks efficiently can make your move significantly less stressful. Here’s a checklist to keep you on task and help your move successful.Six To Eight Weeks Prior: Two To Four Weeks Prior: Two To Three Days Prior:

Use up things that may be difficult to move, such as frozen food.

If you’re moving to a new community, contact the Chamber of Commerce and school district and request information about services.

Defrost your refrigerator and freezer.

Get estimates from professional movers or truck rental companies if you are moving yourself.

Make reservations with airlines, hotels and car rental agencies, if needed.

Have movers pack your belongings.

Once you’ve selected a mover, discuss insurance, packing, loading and delivery, and the claims procedure.

If you are moving yourself, use your inventory list to determine how many boxes you will need.

Label each box with the contents and the room where you want it to be delivered.

Sort through your possessions. Decide what you want to keep, what you want to sell and what you wish to donate to charity.

Begin packing non-essential items. Arrange to have payment ready for the moving company.

Record serial numbers on electronic equipment, take photos (or video) of all your belongings and create an inventory list.

Arrange for storage, if needed. Set aside legal documents and valuables that you do not want packed.

Change your utilities, including phone, power and water, from your old address to your new address.

If you have items you don’t want to pack and move, hold a yard sale.

Pack clothing and toiletries, along with extra clothes in case the moving company is delayed.

Obtain a change of address packet from the post office and send to creditors, magazine subscription offices and catalog vendors.

Get car license, registration and insurance in order.

Give your travel itinerary to a close friend or relative so they can reach you as needed.

Discuss tax-deductible moving expenses with your accountant and begin keeping accurate records.

Transfer your bank accounts to new branch locations. Cancel any direct deposit or automatic payments from your accounts if changing banks.

Make special arrangements to move pets, and consult your veterinarian about ways to make travel comfortable for them.

Have your car checked and serviced for the trip.

Collect items from safe-deposit box if changing banks.

Moving DayPack a “first day” box with items you will need right away.

Moving Day: Old Home Moving Essentials: First Day Box:

Pick up the truck as early as possible if you are moving yourself.

Furniture pads Scissors

Make a list of every item and box loaded on the truck. Hand truck or dolly Utility knife

Let the mover know how to reach you. Packing tape Local phone book

Double-check closets, cupboards, attic, basement and garage for any left-behind items.

Bubble wrap Coffee cups

Moving Day: New Home Newspapers or packing paper

Tea kettle

Be on hand at the new home to answer questions and give instructions to the mover.

Scissors Instant coffee or tea, softdrinks

Check off boxes and items as they come off the truck. Utility knife Pencil and paper

Install new locks. Labels Soap

Confirm that the utilities have been turned on and are ready for use.

Felt-tip markers Bath towels

Unpack your “first day” box (see list for suggested contents). Cornstarch packing “peanuts”

Trash bags

Unpack children’s toys and find a safe place for them to play.

Plenty of boxes Shelf liner

Examine your goods for damage. Paper plates

Snacks

Toilet paper

Children’s toys and books

What Our Clients Are Saying...“I couldn’t update such an exciting life event

without giving a huge shout out to my Realtors,

Alan and Cathy Harry! We decided to uproot from

our Russian River living to relocate. Through their

consistent communication, their team lender and

the title company, we made it happen! Thank you

for taking the time over the holidays to show us

many homes, jump through hoops and navigate us

to our perfect family home. We are so thrilled for

this next chapter and know that it is only because

of your desire to go above and beyond to connect

all the dots for us, thank you! Looking forward to

some barbeques and hosting all our friends, new

and old! Please consider using them for all real

estate needs.” ~ Megan and Anthony Radford

“Never knew anything about even buying a home when we started. Gave them a phone call and they set up a meeting for us to learn more. They were there every time we had a question, concern, or worry. I would highly recommend them to anybody looking for a home, especially first-time homeowners. We didn’t feel just like people they were working for they made us feel as if we were family to them and they made sure we got into the best home we could get into!! Thank you guys so much!” ~ Brianna Stansberry

“Alan & Cathy were very knowledgeable and friendly throughout the entire process. Anytime I had a questions on the process, they were right there with all the answers and explained everything in a manner I could understand I recommend them for all first time homebuyers.”-Michael Mont Eton

“As a retired real estate agent, our overall experience was excellent and we would recommend Alan & Cathy to anyone who wants a knowledgeable, experienced and respectful agent. The best we ever had!” ~ Kenneth and Genia Davies

“We’ve bought and sold several properties over the years and have experienced what we thought was good, professional, knowledgeable service. Then we met Alan and Cathy. Their service and dedication to helping us find our forever home has been top notch and unmatched. From the moment we met with them we knew we could count on them.Their responsiveness to our questions and attentiveness to our needs are unparalleled. I feel like they care about helping us find the perfect home and not just selling us a house. We recommend them wholeheartedly. 5 stars!” ~ Anna and Bob Schneider