GUIDE TO HOMEOWNERSHIP
THE IMPORTANCE OF A BUYER'S AGENT
Buying a home is a major decision, both financially and emotionally. First-time buyers may be excited but overwhelmed, while move-up buyers might need a refresher. The process is complex, and the market is competitive, so having a trusted advisor is crucial. Here’s why hiring me as your agent is essential:
Expert Knowledge: I am trained in real estate laws and contracts, navigating complex paperwork and legalities.
Cost Insight: I provide a comprehensive view of homeownership costs beyond just the purchase price, including taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
Home Search: I use MLS to find homes that meet your needs and budget, offering professional opinions and insights. I also use Zenlist which is exclusive to eXp agents showing off market properties.
Market Expertise: I understand local markets, compare homes, and suggest neighborhoods you might not have considered.
Identify Issues: I spot potential problems that photos might hide, like water damage or foundation issues.
Competitive Offers: I help craft strong offers, negotiate terms, and secure the best deal, including price, inspections, and warranties.
Negotiation: I handle negotiations on your behalf, covering offer terms, repairs, and other factors.
Rights Protection: I ensure you’re protected against fair housing issues and know how to address them.
Trusted Network: I connect you with reliable professionals for repairs and services after purchase.
THE LISTING AGENT SOLELY REPRESENTS THE SELLER, SO IT'S CRUCIAL TO HAVE YOUR OWN REPRESENTATION TO SAFEGUARD YOUR INTEREST.
BUYER REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT
What is a buyer representation agreement?
The buyer representation agreement outlines the agent's scope of work, including contract duration, services, and compensation, ensuring you know the services and costs upfront. This new law mandates greater transparency, requiring buyers to sign a representation agreement before viewing properties. It ensures you have a clear understanding of the relationship and expectations with your agent.
Written Agreements:
Buyer representation agreements must be in writing. Oral agreements are no longer sufficient for formal representation, ensuring clear and enforceable terms between the buyer and their agent.
Duration and Termination:
The law stipulates that the duration of buyer representation agreements must be clearly stated. Additionally, it must include terms under which the agreement can be terminated by either party, including any notice requirements and potential penalties.
Buyer Representation Agreement:
Before we start exploring properties together, we'll need to sign a buyer representation agreement. This is a new rule designed to ensure you're fully protected. There are a few different versions available, tailored to fit your unique situation. Don’t worry—I’ll be right by your side to help you choose the option that best suits your home-buying journey.
Agent’s Duties and Responsibilities:
The agreement must specify the agent’s responsibilities, including fiduciary duties like loyalty, confidentiality, and full disclosure. It should also outline the agent's obligations to act in the best interest of the buyer throughout the home-buying process.
Your Home-Buying Journey: Steps I'll Take as Your Buyer's Agent
PREAPPROVAL
- Facilitate client partnerships with a local lender
- Assist in securing pre-approval, to accompany an offer.
- Collaborate with the lender to ensure home searches align with the appropriate price range.
- Discuss financial comfort regarding payment obligations.
- Provide guidance on timing the purchase in accordance with market conditions
PROPERTY SEARCH
- Set up an automated email alert system through local MLS that immediately notifies the buyer of properties that fit their home criteria.
- Check Coming Soon and Off Market properties for likely matches.
- Educate buyers on the local real estate market and neighborhood amenities.
- Call listing agents and schedule property viewings.
- Accompany buyer on property viewings and provide insights on potential problems with the home.
- Provide comparative market analysis to assess property value and advise buyer on potential resale value and investment opportunities.
- Obtain Insurance quote to confirm affordability.
OFFER SUBMISSION
- I will evaluate the home's market value, your budget, and comparable sales in the area.
- I will offer guidance on determining an offer price.
- I will prepare a comprehensive written offer, detailing the purchase price, contingencies (such as financing, inspection, or appraisal), and the closing timeline.
- I will submit the offer to the seller’s agent.
- The seller may accept your offer, reject it, or provide a counteroffer. You can then respond by accepting, rejecting, or countering again.
- Once both parties reach an agreement, we will sign the purchase agreement, outlining all agreed-upon terms and conditions.
- We can then proceed to open escrow.
STEPS DURING ESCROW
- Within three days of the accepted offer, buyers must wire earnest funds to escrow. Buyers should contact escrow directly for instructions to prevent any fraudulent activity.
- Discuss the necessary inspections, such as pest, roof, home, HVAC, septic, and well.
- Review seller disclosures with the buyers.
- Ensure adherence to all contract timelines.
- Meet inspectors at the property; buyers are welcome to attend the inspections. Review inspection reports with the buyers.
- Discuss potential requests for repairs or credits from the seller.
- Ensure homeowner insurance is in place.
- Discuss road maintenance agreements, HOA rules, or CCRs.
- Verify any leased items on the property, such as propane tanks or solar systems.
- Act as a liaison between the buyer, seller, escrow officer, and other involved parties, clarifying any issues or questions.
- Arrange a final walk-through with the buyer to verify the property's condition and the completion of any agreed-upon repairs.
- Escrow will schedule an appointment for the buyer to sign their documents. Accompany the buyer to the closing, ensuring all documents are signed and understood.
- Confirm if the seller has left extra keys or remotes for the buyer.
- Once the documents are signed at the title office, they will be recorded with the county. Upon recording, you will receive your keys.
CLOSING
- Coordinate with the closing title company to prepare for closing.Â
- Explain wire fraud risks and remind clients to verify all wiring instructions before transferring funds.
- Review closing documents to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Attend closing with the buyer to address any last-minute issues, and ensure a smooth transaction.
- Get keys, remotes, and any other access items from the seller and deliver to buyer when home closes.
- A place to call home!
Our Team
With a collective experience spanning over 25 years in the dynamic realm of real estate, the Lori Holzer Real Estate Group stands as an epitome of professionalism and dedication in facilitating the dreams of buying and selling homes. Led by the visionary guidance of Lori Holzer, alongside the expertise of Christiane and Carly, the group is fueled by an unwavering passion for transforming the real estate landscape.
Lori Holzer, with her extensive knowledge and seasoned insight, leads the group with an unmatched zeal for delivering exceptional service to clients. Her commitment to excellence and profound understanding of the market dynamics ensures that every transaction is executed with precision and utmost integrity.
Complementing Lori's leadership are Christiane and Carly, whose combined expertise and relentless work ethic enhance the group's ability to navigate through the intricacies of the real estate industry. With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of client needs, Christiane and Carly are dedicated to providing personalized solutions and achieving unparalleled results.
Together, the Lori Holzer Real Estate Group represents more than just a team of real estate professionals; they embody a legacy of trust, integrity, and passion for helping clients achieve their homeownership aspirations. With their unwavering commitment to excellence, Lori, Christiane, and Carly stand as pillars of reliability and proficiency in the realm of real estate.
MEET THE TEAM
I've dedicated myself to assisting both buyers and sellers in their real estate endeavors. There's nothing more rewarding to me than guiding my clients through the monumental process of purchasing or selling their homes. I cover a wide geographic area to meet your real estate needs.
LORI HOLZER
Principle Realtor
(916)947-8888
[email protected]
www.loriholzer.com
By choosing me as your Real Estate Agent, you can expect passion, responsiveness, expertise, and tenacity. I will guide you with robust negotiation skills during the buying/selling process, ensuring your needs are met and your interests are protected in the competitive real estate market.
CHRISTIANE BERRY
Being a native of Northern California, I utilize my extensive knowledge of the local market to support clients with their real estate requirements. My method emphasizes
honesty, integrity, and professionalism, customized to meet each client's objectives when purchasing or selling property.
CARLY WEBSTER
CHRISTIANE BERRY
MEET CHRISTIANE BERRY -
YOUR DEDICATED LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERTÂ WITH ROOTS IN GERMANY AND A RICH BACKGROUND OF 35 YEARS IN CUSTOMER
SERVICE, I BRING A UNIQUE BLEND OF EXPERIENCE AND PASSION TO THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY.
AS A SEASONED PROFESSIONAL, I AM COMMITTED TO HELPING YOU FIND YOUR DREAM HOME OR ACHIEVE YOUR REAL ESTATE GOALS. MY EXCEPTIONAL NEGOTIATION SKILLS, COUPLED WITH A DEEP DEDICATION TO EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS, ENSURE THAT YOUR OBJECTIVES ARE ALWAYS MY TOP PRIORITY.
WHETHER YOU’RE BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME, INVESTING IN PROPERTY, OR SELLING, I’M HERE TO GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS WITH EXPERTISE AND CARE.
MY GOAL IS TO MAKE YOUR REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE NOT ONLY SUCCESSFUL BUT ALSO MEMORABLE AND ENJOYABLE.
LET’S TURN YOUR REAL ESTATE DREAMS INTO REALITY—TOGETHER!
TESTIMONIAL
MOVING CHECKLIST
