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Congratulations on your new home and thank you for choosing
EASYstreet Realty! We are committed to providing you with the individualized
care and the personal attention you deserve. It is our mission at EASYstreet to
create a positive experience for you throughout the home buying process. You
have already made some important decisions about your new home with your
EASYstreet Realtor. This booklet will provide some helpful tips and information
to guide you through the rest of your home buying experience.
Throughout this process you will be receiving additional information, discounts,
and feedback requests from the Client Care Department. We will even keep in
touch with you after your closing with other helpful reminders and tips to en-
sure you enjoy your home for years to come!
TABLE OF CONTENTS _____________________________
Client Care Resources 2
Client Discount Package 2
Pre-Approval & Final Approval 3
Mortgage Application Checklist 4
Financing Terminology 5 Your Homeowner’s Insurance 6
Builder Meetings & Walk-Thrus 7
Home Inspection Companies 8
Closing on Your Home 9
Utility Companies & Contacts 10 Post Close Tasks 13
Auditor Location by County 14
Questions? Comments? Concerns? Call Client Care (317) 205-4320 x12
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CLIENT CARE RESOURCES
Your EASYstreet Realty Client Care Department will be providing you with helpful information and reminders about the home buying process. You can
expect to receive information on the following topics:
Mortgage Financing & Pre-Approval
Getting Your Final Approval
Homeowner Savings Book
Homeowner’s Insurance
Closing on your New Home
County Contact & Utility Information
Client Satisfaction Survey
Filing Your Exemptions
Home Maintenance Tips
Post Close Reminders
CLIENT DISCOUNT PACKAGE
In keeping with our mission “to create an atmosphere and experience which turns our team, clients, and associates into Raving Fans,” we are continuously partnering with local businesses to give you more ways to save once you close
on your new home. Our discount package currently includes offers from the following companies:
A1 Concrete & Leveling Monson Concrete Construction All 4 Seasons Landscaping King of Green Lawn Care Bob Block Fitness Koorsen Fire & Security Dixon’s Professional Home Services Kurt Geiger Decorating Fairway Mortgage Legacy Poker Tables Fast Track Flight Pet Stop Pet Fence Systems Good Nature Inc Outdoor Services Petry’s Place Hardwood Floors & More Ratcliff Repair & Remodel HH Gregg Shelter Insurance Companies Indy Movers The Pampered Chef Ink Inventions Custom Shirts & More West Point Financial Group
Homebuyer Handbook Courtesy of EASYstreet Realty, Inc (317) 205-4320
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PRE-APPROVAL
After completing your purchase agreement, the next step towards home owner-ship is securing the best possible financing. As you prepare for your loan appli-cation there are some important documents you will need to take with you. There is a mortgage checklist on the next page. This lists most items that the mortgage company may require of you. It is a good idea to check with your loan officer prior to your appointment to see if you should add any additional documents to the checklist. It is critical that you attend your mortgage appoint-ment even if you are not able to provide every item listed. Remember, regard-less of the documents you do and do not have, you must attend your mortgage appointment.
FINAL APPROVAL
After you have received your pre-approval letter, you want to be sure you keep in touch
with your mortgage company regarding your financial and employment status. If you
have any changes in your employment, have any negative financial activity, or plan on
opening any new accounts, call your mortgage broker immediately to discuss the impact
it may have on your final approval.
It is extremely important to keep your credit in good standing throughout the process.
To avoid lowering your credit score and risking your final approval, don’t apply for any
new credit, pay all of your bills on time, and maintain your good accounts to show
lengthy positive credit history.
Questions? Comments? Concerns? Call Client Care (317) 205-4320 x12
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MORTGAGE APPLICATION CHECKLIST
The following items may be required to complete your loan application. Please contact your lender to see if there are any additional documents they will need you to bring.
__ Residence addresses for past 2 years __ Landlord name & phone numbers for past 2 years __ Pay stubs for past 30 days __ W-2 forms and tax returns for past 2 years __ Employer names, addresses, and dates of employment for past 2 yrs. __ All open bank accounts – bank name, acct numbers, balances, and last 2
months statements __ All open credit accounts – name, acct numbers, balances, minimum monthly
payment. (Unless mortgage co. has a copy of your credit report) __ Addresses of all real estate owned. Acct numbers, balances, and monthly
payments. __ Copy of purchase agreement with addendums __ If eligible for VA loan, bring Certificate of Eligibility __ Bankruptcy, Divorce, or Child Support documents (if applicable) __ Drivers License Remember! The sooner you get your documents to your lender, the sooner they can issue your pre-approval letter. Check with your Realtor to see if there is a deadline for turning your pre approval letter in to the sellers.
Homebuyer Handbook Courtesy of EASYstreet Realty, Inc (317) 205-4320
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FINANCING TERMS
Adjustible Rate Mortgage – A mortgage in which the interest rate is adjusted periodically based on a pre-selected index. Amortization – Loan payment divided into equal periodic payments calculated to pay off the debt at the end of a fixed period, including accrued interest on the outstanding balance. Annual Percentage Rate – The measurement of the full cost of a loan including inter-est and loan fees expressed as a yearly percentage rate. Closing Costs and Prepaids – Expenses over and above the price of the property that are incurred by buyers and sellers when transferring ownership of a property. Closing costs normally include an origination fee, property taxes, charges for title insurance and escrow costs, appraisal fees, etc. Closing costs will vary according to the type of loan and lender used. Escrow – An account held by the lender into which the home buyer pays money for property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, or mortgage insurance payments. FHA Loan – The Federal Housing Administration insures mortgages, allowing buyers to obtain financing with as little as 3% down & level payments at slightly below conventional rates for the 25-30 year loan term. HUD-1 Statement – A document that provides an itemized listing of the funds that are payable at closing. Items that appear on the statement include real estate commis-sions, loan fees, points and initial escrow amounts. Mortgage – An instrument that sets up the conditions of payment for a piece of property already transferred to the buyer. Note – A written promise to repay the money borrowed plus interest in a specified pe-riod of time. The note is secured by the mortgage. Origination Fee – A fee charged by a lender to prepare loan documents, make credit checks, inspect and sometimes appraise a property. Usually computed as a percent-age of the face value of the loan. Prepayment Penalties – Fees charged to a borrower who pays off his or her loan bal-ance before it is due. Private Mortgage Insurance – On conventional financing, including adjustable rate financing, lenders require that the borrower purchase private mortgage insurance against default on loans with down payments less than 20%. The private mortgage premium is added onto the monthly payment, and a portion is collected at closing. Rate Lock – A commitment issued by a lender to a borrower or another mortgage origi-nator guaranteeing a specified interest rate and lender costs for a specified period of time. Underwriting – The decision whether to make a loan to a potential home buyer based on credit, employment, assets, and other factors and the matching of this risk to an ap-
Questions? Comments? Concerns? Call Client Care (317) 205-4320 x12
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HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE BASICS
Your home is where you live and where your possessions are. Chances are, it’s your greatest asset, and you need to protect it. When you buy a home, you need to provide your lender with proof of insurance for the prop-erty. Insurance provides a safety net for you and your family when certain unfor-tunate events such as theft, fire, burglary, and vandalism occur. You will need to have liability and guest medical protection too, in case someone incurs an injury on your property. You can also add special coverage options to protect items such as jewelry, silverware, business property, electronics, etc. With most insurance companies, you have the option to insure your home at replacement cost or loan payoff. Replacement cost coverage will be slightly higher than loan payoff, as the pay-out in case of loss will be enough to cover re-construction of the home at a higher cost (since the cost of homes is always go-ing up). Loan payoff coverage will do just that – it will pay off the remaining in-debtedness on the property and essentially allow you to move on. Our advice: Compare the rates of a few different companies. When shop-ping for your homeowner’s insurance, be sure to get a total package quote includ-ing your auto coverage. One homeowner’s rate may be higher than another, but when the cost of insuring your vehicle and multiple policy discounts are consid-ered, you may wind up saving money. Also ask the agents about deductible op-tions, home security discounts, and good credit discounts.
Need a quote? Contact these agents to get a quote today!
Shelter Insurance: Mike Harvey (317) 837-0430 *Ask about Shelter’s new home discount. They offer up to 40% discount on
annual premiums for recently constructed homes!
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance: Justin Zipperian (317) 654-2126
Liberty Mutual Insurance: Aaron Hill (317) 587-1481 x55284
State Farm Insurance: Wanda Bell Brown (317) 273-9300
Homebuyer Handbook Courtesy of EASYstreet Realty, Inc (317) 205-4320
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WHAT TO EXPECT Builder Meetings and WalkBuilder Meetings and WalkBuilder Meetings and WalkBuilder Meetings and Walk----ThrusThrusThrusThrus
---------------------------------------------------------------
PrePrePrePre----ConstructionConstructionConstructionConstruction
At this meeting, you will meet with your construction liaison to review the blueprints
and discuss the stages of construction. They should review your design options to en-
sure the building plans account for all of your personal selections. You should get the
chance to view the plot map and see where your home will sit on the lot. Ask your
builder about their rules for visiting the property during construction, and how they
would like to receive notice of any incorrect items you may catch throughout the con-
struction process.
PrePrePrePre----DrywallDrywallDrywallDrywall Once the exterior house is framed, and the “guts” of the home including the electrical
wiring, plumbing, HVAC ducts, and interior framing have all been installed, you will
have the opportunity to walk thru the home. At this meeting, you should be sure any
structural changes to the property were made, and all wiring appears to be in the cor-
rect spot. It is much easier to change wiring and plumbing now than it is after the dry-
wall has been installed. Check to make sure any additional phone and cable outlets
are where you have specified them to be.
Pre ClosingPre ClosingPre ClosingPre Closing
When the construction of your home is complete and you are just about ready to
close, you will have a final walk thru with your builder. At this meeting, a representa-
tive of your builder will discuss all of the major components of the home, show you
how to operate all appliances, and discuss any safety features (GFCI outlets, water
shut off, electric panel, etc.) Be sure the builder has provided all warranty informa-
tion and user guides for the appliances in the home. Now is not the time to be shy!
Be sure you point out any mistakes including defective fixtures, wall smudges, dry-
wall repairs, and missing parts so they can be fixed prior to your closing.
Questions? Comments? Concerns? Call Client Care (317) 205-4320 x12
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Do you need an independent inspection?Do you need an independent inspection?Do you need an independent inspection?Do you need an independent inspection?
You certainly have the right to obtain an independent home inspection prior to
closing on your new home. Any independent inspections will be at your cost and
will be your responsibility to schedule, if you so choose. If you do decide to have
an independent home inspector take a look at your new home prior to closing,
check with your builder well in advance to make the arrangements.
The cost of a new home inspection will vary according to the company and scope
of inspection desired. There are many inspection companies in the Central Indiana
area. We encourage you to seek referrals or recommendations from friends and
family and to investigate the company prior to contracting them. We have compiled
a small list of the companies our buyers have used in the past.
A-Association Home Inspection (317) 547-4865
Brick Kicker Home Inspections (317) 356-5555
Clearview Home Inspecions (317) 578-0890
Cornerstone Inspection Services (317) 845-9497
Hoosier Home Inspections (317) 826-1000
Larry O’Brien (317) 538-8953
Q Spec (317) 842-0376
Security Home Inspections (317) 848-1744
Surette Inspect (317) 844-5334
US Inspect (888) 874-6773
EASYstreet Realty makes no representation, recommendation, or endorsement as to the quality, reputa-
tion, or integrity of any of the above listed inspection companies.
Homebuyer Handbook Courtesy of EASYstreet Realty, Inc (317) 205-4320
Title Insurance
Recording Fee
Survey
Appraisal
Credit Report
Homeowner’s Insurance
Mortgage Insurance
Pre-Paid Real Estate Taxes
Pre-Paid Interest
Title Insurance Enforcement Fund Fee (TIEFF)
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CLOSING ON YOUR NEW HOME
What To Bring: __ Valid government issued photo ID (Driver’s License) __ 2
nd piece of ID (passport, social security card, military ID)
__ Copy of paid receipt for 1 year’s homeowner’s insurance and policy coverage or declarations. __ Funds required to close in certified check or money order (Check with your lender prior to closing to get your final figures) Closing Costs: When you buy a home, all funds payable at closing will be listed on the HUD-1 or settlement statement. You should check with your loan officer to find out what the actual closing costs will be for your new home and how much money you will need to bring to closing. Some of the fees listed on the settlement statement will include:
Some of the items listed above, such as the appraisal, homeowner’s insurance, and credit report, may be paid to the lender prior to closing.
Questions? Comments? Concerns? Call Client Care (317) 205-4320 x12
BOONE COUNTY
ELECTRIC Duke Energy (800) 343-3525
Boone REMC (800) 897-REMC
Lebanon Utilities (765) 482-5100
GAS Vectren Energy (800) 227-1376
CABLE Brighthouse Networks (317) 972-9700
Comcast Cablevision (800) COMCAST
Insight Cable (866) 668-6059
PHONE AT&T (800) 288-2020
WATER/SEWER Lebanon Utilities (765) 482-5100
Zionsville Wastewater Dept. (317) 873-2469
HAMILTON COUNTY
ELECTRIC American Electric Power (800) 311-4634
Duke Energy (800) 343-3525
GAS Vectren Energy (800) 227-1376
CABLE Brighthouse Networks (317) 972-9700
Comcast Cablevision (800) COMCAST
Insight Cable (866) 668-6059
PHONE AT&T (800) 288-2020
WATER/SEWER Carmel Water Department (317) 571-2442
Fishers Public Works (317) 595-3160
Fishers Sewer (317) 595-3142
Hamilton Western Water (317) 848-6882
Indiana American Water (317) 773-2681
Noblesville Wastewater (317) 776-6353
HANCOCK COUNTY
ELECTRIC Duke Energy (800) 343-3525
Greenfield Power & Light (317) 462-8522
Indianapolis Power & Light (317) 261-8222
GAS Citizens Gas (317) 924-3311
Vectren Energy (800) 227-1376
PHONE AT&T (800) 288-2020
Team Hancock (866) 326-9848
Embarq Communications (800) 877-7746
Verizon (800) 483-4600
WATER/SEWER Indianapolis Water Company (317) 631-1431
Greenfield Water Dept. (317) 462-8545
Greenfield Wastewater (317) 462-8530
Fortville Water Department (317) 484-4044
Fortville Wastewater (317) 485-5432
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UTILITY COMPANY GUIDE
Homebuyer Handbook Courtesy of EASYstreet Realty, Inc (317) 205-4320
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HENDRICKS COUNTY
ELECTRIC Duke Energy (800) 343-3525 Hendricks Power Coop (317) 745-3236 Indianapolis Power & Light (317) 261-8222 GAS Vectren Energy (800) 227-1376 CABLE Brighthouse Networks (317) 972-9700 Comcast Cablevision (800) COMCAST PHONE AT&T (800) 288-2020 WATER/SEWER Indianapolis Water Co. (317) 631-1431 Brownsburg Water (317) 852-1102 Plainfield Water & Sewer (317) 839-2561 West Central Cons. District. (317) 272-2980
JOHNSON COUNTY
ELECTRIC Duke Energy (800) 343-3525 Johnson Co. REMC (317) 736-6174 So. Central Indiana REMC (800) 264-7362 GAS Vectren Energy (800) 227-1376 CABLE Comcast Cablevision (800) COMCAST Insight Cable (866) 668-6059 PHONE AT&T (800) 288-2020 Embarq Communications (800) 877-7746 WATER/SEWER Indianapolis Water Co. (317) 631-1431
Indiana American Water (800) 492-8373 Greenwood Sanitation (317) 887-5232
MADISON COUNTY
ELECTRIC Anderson City Utilities (765) 648-6187 American Elec. Power (800) 311-4634 Henry Co. REMC (800) 248-8413 GAS Vectren Energy (800) 227-1376 CABLE Insight Cable (866) 668-6059 PHONE AT&T (800) 288-2020 Embarq Comm. (800) 877-7746 WATER/SEWER Anderson City Utilities (765) 648-6187
MARION COUNTY
ELECTRIC Indianapolis Power & Light (317) 261-8222 GAS Citizens Gas (317) 924-3311 CABLE Comcast Cablevision (317) 872-2225 Insight Cable (866) 668-6059 PHONE AT&T (800) 288-2020 WATER/SEWER Indianapolis Water Co. (317) 631-1431
Lawrence Utilities (317) 542-0511
Beech Grove Sanitation (317) 788-4980
Questions? Comments? Concerns? Call Client Care (317) 205-4320 x12
Page 13
MORGAN COUNTY
ELECTRIC Duke Energy (800) 343-3525
Johnson Co. REMC (317) 736-6174
So. Central Indiana REMC (800) 264-7362
Indianapolis Power & Light (317) 261-8222
GAS Vectren Energy (800) 227-1376
CABLE Comcast Cablevision (317) 872-2225
PHONE AT&T (800) 288-2020
WATER/SEWER Rural Water Corp. (765) 342-7372
Martinsville Utilities (765) 342-2449
SHELBY COUNTY
ELECTRIC Duke Energy (800) 343-3525
Johnson Co. REMC (317) 736-6174
Rush/Shelby Energy (317) 398-6621
GAS Vectren Energy (800) 227-1376
Fountaintown Gas Co. (800) 379-1800
CABLE Comcast Cablevision (800) COMCAST
PHONE AT&T (800) 288-2020 Embarq Communications (800) 877-7746
TDS Telcom (888) CALL TDS
Verizon (800) 483-4600
WATER/SEWER Morristown Water Co. (765) 763-7112
Indiana American Water (317) 773-2681
St. Paul Water Co. (765) 525-6343
TIPPECANOE COUNTY
ELECTRIC Duke Energy (800) 343-3525
GAS Vectren Energy (800) 227-1376
CABLE Insight Cable (866) 668-6059
PHONE AT&T (800) 288-2020
Verizon (800) 483-4600
WATER/SEWER Lafayette Water Co. (765) 476-4488
Lafayette Utility Billing (765) 807-1100
American Water Co. (800) 492-8373
W. Lafayette Wastewater (765) 775-5140
Homebuyer Handbook Courtesy of EASYstreet Realty, Inc (317) 205-4320
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POST CLOSE TASKS
File Your Exemptions! As a homeowner, you are generally entitled to have a Homestead Credit and Mortgage Exemption applied to your property tax bill. You will be responsible for filing these exemptions yourself. You must wait until the deed has been recorded and you are listed as the property owner to file. Generally this will be complete by the time you make your first payment. At that time, you will need to take your closing package or settlement statement to the auditor’s office in your county to file these exemptions. The addresses and phone numbers are listed on the next page. **A reminder letter will be mailed to your new property address around the time of your first payment. Change Your Address! Of course you will notify your friends and family of your address change, but don’t forget about your employer, financial institutions, and account providers. Go to http://moversguide.usps.com to change your address with the post office. Mail will stop going to your old address on the effective date specified, and will begin arriving at your new address 7-10 delivery days later. You are required by law to change your address with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Indiana Depart-ment of Revenue within 90 days of moving. You must visit your local BMV branch to change your address on your driver’s license or state ID. Visit http://www.in.gov/bmv/branches/ to find the nearest branch. Go to http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc157.html for information on how to change your address with the IRS. You can change your address with the Indiana Department of Revenue online at http://www.in.gov/dor/individual/address-change.html Register To Vote! You may be moving to a new voting district, so it is important to register to vote with your new address. You can register to vote at the BMV or at http://www.declareyourself.com
Questions? Comments? Concerns? Call Client Care (317) 205-4320 x12
Page 15
AUDITOR LOCATIONS
Homebuyer Handbook Courtesy of EASYstreet Realty, Inc (317) 205-4320
Boone County Auditor
116 W. Washington Street Suite 101
Lebanon, IN 46052
(765) 482-2940
Hamilton County Auditor
Historic Courthouse in Noblesville
1st Floor
(317) 776-9602
Hancock County Auditor
9 E. Main Street
Greenfield, IN 46140
(317) 477-1105
Hendricks County Auditor
Government Center
355 South Washington Street
Danville, Indiana 46122
(317) 745-9207
.
Johnson County Auditor
Courthouse Annex Building - 1st floor
86 W. Court Street, Franklin IN 46131
(317) 736-3745
Madison County Auditor
Madison County Government Center
16 East 9th Street
Anderson, IN 46016
(765) 641-9419
Marion County Auditor
City-County Building – Suite 1360
200 E. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 327-4698
Morgan County Auditor Morgan Co. Administration Building
180 South Main Street – Suite 104
Martinsville, IN 46151
(765) 342-1001
Shelby County Auditor Courthouse Annex
25 West Polk Street – Room 104
Shelbyville, IN 46176
(317) 392-6310
.
Tippecanoe County Auditor Tippecanoe County Office – 2nd Floor
20 North 3rd Street Lafayette, IN 47901
(765) 423-9207
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Contact the Client Care Department
(317) 205-4320
Do you know of someone that may be interested in buying
or selling a home?
We would love the opportunity to help make home-ownership a reality for your friends and family.
Just give your EASYstreet agent a call.
A referral is the best compliment your agent could ever receive!