Buyers Guide
Engel & Völkers
A note from Paul Benson
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Paul Benson - Engel & Völkers Gestalt Group - CEO, License Partner
The integrity and character of Engel & Völkers and our advisors, has always been and remains to be, at the forefront of all that we do. Regardless of what is happening in our industry at this time, Engel & Völkers will continue to lead with transparency, always operating in the best interest of our clients, and using our wide array of industry expertise to help deliver the best possible experience while helping to achieve their real estate goals. Our clients and communities are at the heart of what we do. We thank you for your trust and partnership and look forward to serving you for years to come.
Property Buyers PRESENTATION
Paul Benson
Jones | Grover Team A higher standard of service & expertise for Sun Valley home sellers
Engel & Völkers Private Office was established to serve the elite clientele with ultra-high-net-value and multi-market real estate portfolios. Advisors who qualify for the Private Office are trusted resources for even the most high-profile clients, including leaders in heads of banks, CEO’s, Formula One drivers, Princes, and Sheikh. They are known for exemplary service, results, discretion and building long-term relationships that often span several transactions and locations.
Travis Jones & Svea Grover have over 25+ years of area knowledge, a thorough understanding of area markets, creative negotiation skills as well as extensive social media and marketing expertise, and strive to provide all the guidance needed to help you make your best purchase or sales decision. With unique skill sets and strengths to draw from, they are dedicated to guiding you through each step, to going the extra mile with exceptional client services and most importantly, to creating lasting client relationships. The Engel & Völkers real estate tools, global reach and quality reputation, along with their passion and integrity, serve to provide you with the most comprehensive real estate experience available in the Wood River Valley. Travis came to the Valley 15 years ago to coach Olympic Athletes – to help them achieve their goals of succeeding at the very highest level. As a Real Estate Advisor, his approach is no different. He strives to ensure that every client has all the support needed to achieve their real estate goals, whether buying, selling or investing, all in Gold Medal fashion. In addition to his full- time Real Estate career, Travis is a part-time Nordic ski coach, sits on several non-profit boards and is an advocate for affordable housing in the Wood River Valley. Svea is also a part of the Nordic community and enjoyed coaching with SVSEF for several years. She has been an active community member since 1994 and serves on the Boulder Mountain Tour board. Svea couldn't love this area any more than she does and is always excited to share her knowledge with those looking to find their special part of the valley. She understands how stressful real estate transactions can be for clients and works hard to ease that stress through effective communication, guidance and compassion. Travis & Svea are among the most active and dynamic agents in the Wood River Valley, with a broad client base and a diverse range of listings, from stunning World Class Residences and commercial properties to modest resort condos, sought after Hailey homes and vacant land. Engel & Völkers Sun Valley Private Office jonesgroverteam@evrealestate.com +1 208-721-8579 | +1 208-720-0377
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Engel & Völkers Property Buyers Guide
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Engel & Völkers Property SELLERS Guide
“I am very pleased to write this letter of recommendation on behalf of Travis Jones - He sold our home on Knob Hill in Ketchum, ID and 2 Edelweiss condos/ski lockers this past fall – he is highly professional, open minded, creative in his thinking, and a pleasure to work with - He was very strategic in his sensibility and very flexible in doing business with - plus, he was available 24/7 which I always find appealing.” - M.D.
“We were referred to Travis Jones and Svea Grover through friends of friends with regard to pursuing our dream of purchasing a home in Sun Valley, Idaho. We are so glad we chose to work with the Jones-Grover Team in our process, as we had also been communicating with some other agents via their email updates on the market in the area for a few years. The key things that set the Jones-Grover Team apart was their knowledge of the Sun Valley Market, willingness to literally call and knock on doors of homeowners on our behalf, responsiveness to questions and details, all the while being great human beings to know and now call friends. We would also add that our process began at the beginning of the Covid19 Pandemic, which posed an extra layer of challenges for all parties involved. The Jones-Grover Team kept us abreast of what was needed for everyone’s safety and led us to the perfect home for our family. One last thing that we greatly appreciated was Travis and Svea’s ability to anticipate our needs and get to know on a personal level what we were looking for. We had some unique requirements to fill in finding a home, and the team demonstrated exceptional sensitivity and understanding of those needs. Our requirements were met with a property within our price range, in a busy market, with lower than normal inventory. We could not more wholeheartedly recommend The Jones-Grover Team for the next advancement with Engel & Volkers’ Real Estate.” - K.C.
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“Throughout the whole process of searching for and buying a home, Svea has been notably present, attentive, knowledgeable, compassionate and trusted. Her high level of both personal and professional integrity shine. She received my many questions and concerns with patience and researched answers. She honored my wishes of what I was looking for in a home with a deep level of understanding and acceptance. Her verbal and written communication skills are a remarkable blend of timely direct correspondences rooted in compassion and high morales. Even post closing wherein a couple matters have arisen, Svea has continued to walk a path of high integrity via investing time, energies and efforts to figure out how to appropriately mitigate such matters. Svea is the representative whom you know will have your best interest in mind and heart throughout - and beyond - the transaction and paperwork. Her level of support is invaluable.” - C.L.
“Over the past 40 years my wife and I have sold and purchased many primary and second residences of real estate. We can say that we have never interacted with any realtor that have impressed us as much as Travis Jones. He was very well informed about the market in Sun Valley Idaho, where he represented us as the seller. Travis was prompt and very factual, which was exactly what we were looking for in attempting to to sell our home. His marketing skills were right on. He went way above the call of duty in closing this large transaction. He made the whole process seamless in arranging for inspections, getting contractors to do the minor work that the home needed before closing. We could not recommend a more highly talented real estate agent than Travis Jones and the professional team at Engel & Volkers.” - M.S.
Opinions
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“We have been involved in real estate our entire adult lives and currently own multiple residences and have sold many others so we have had experience with many realtors. We can say that we have never interacted with any realtor that has impressed us as much as Travis. He was prompt in his responses and very factual, which was exactly what we were looking for in attempting to close a large and complicated transaction. He went way above the call of duty in trying and succeeding in getting both buyer and seller to come to an agreement and bridged the gap on a number of issues. He made the whole process seamless in arranging for inspections, getting estimates from contractors, getting information from the City about building on vacant lots and all sorts of things. He even completed some of the inspections on his own dime. We could not recommend an advisor more highly and would be happy to answer any more specific questions if need be.” - C.L.
“Working with Svea was an absolute pleasure while searching for our first home. She was everything a first-time home buyer can dream about - knowledgeable, always available, super kind, compassionate, and understanding, and she made the entire process of buying a house easy and super-stress-free. I feel blessed and truly grateful for having the honor of working with Svea, and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to buy a new home and wants a stress-free and easy-going closing process.” - A.M.
What Our Clients Say
“Svea went above and beyond to make our home buying process as smooth as possible. She made us feel like good neighbors and friends. She is a great listener, thoughtful, and thorough, and did an amazing job doing behind-the-scenes work to find extra information on our house. Would 100% recommend Svea to anyone looking for a real estate agent!” - S.P.
“Svea is a great listener, conscientious, personable and found us exactly what we wanted in our home BEFORE it hit the market. Now that’s an amazing combination. And after we’ve closed on our home, she continues to support us and visit us. Svea is the best!” - T.G.
“Svea Grover was the best real estate agent I've ever worked with. She was extremely responsive, and knows the market well. On the rare instances that she didn't know an answer, she found it out and got back to us that day. She was very patient with our questions, and listened carefully to our needs so that we never felt that our, or her, time was wasted on looking at properties that wouldn't suit our needs. As we were going through the closing process, she always let us know what was happening next, and made sure everyone was getting their job done. She also was very helpful in giving us contact names and numbers to set up utilities, etc. She anticipated our needs before we even realized we needed something. Svea is truly the best agent out there... I wish there were more stars to give! ” - J.G.
Located on a sunny corner-lot in highly desirable Hulen Meadows. This home offers bright, open, window-lined living and dining rooms, 4 bedrooms, plus a bunk area. 259 Yarrow Lane, Blaine County 4 Bed | 4 bath | 2,245 sqft Listed at $2,300,000
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Beautifully crafted estate situated on a large parcel with Big Wood River frontage. Located in the quiet, idyllic Broadford area, this gracious home opens to a meadow. 221 Broadford Rd, BLAINE COUNTY 4 bed | 4.5 bath | 4,754 sqft listed at $3,250,000
expertise
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Fully gutted & Beautifully Remodeled Townhome - This is the one you've been waiting for! New cabinets, appliances, counters, bathrooms, floors, custom finishes - and more! 111 Four Seasons Way #12, Ketchum 2 bed | 2 bath | 896 sqft Listed at $729,000
Immaculate single level cottage, with large and inviting, covered front patio to welcome all. Vaulted ceilings & a split floor plan. 133 N 6TH Ave, HAILEY 3 bed | 2 bath | 1,712 sqft Listed at $798,800
Sophisticated European Mountain Home in Hulen Meadows. Big views, privacy & five ensuite bedrooms. Perfect for family gatherings & entertaining. 581 Paintbrush Lane, Blaine County 5 bed | 6.5 bath | 5,646 sqft listed at $4,900,000
Welcome to this remarkably spacious residence in the sought-after Foxmoor neighborhood. Quality construction & beautiful hardwood, vaulted ceiling & large windows. 919 Eastridge Dr, HAILEY 5 Bed | 3.5 bath | 3,244sqft Listed at $1,195,000
Sun filled private home perfect for entertaining, surrounded by manicured outdoor spaces & only minutes from Ketchum's center. Spacious living areas with guest wing. 113 Aspen Hollow Rd, blaine county 4 bed | 4 bath | 4,852 sqft listed at $3,750,000
Don't miss out on this light filled & charming home in a convenient location! Main level welcomes you with a grand entry, dedicated office, powder, and dining room. 101 Alturas Dr, blaine county 3 bed | 2.5 bath | 2,451 sqft Listed at $1,050,000
Listings and Sales
The Engel & Völkers Buying Experience
rom starter homes to dream homes, at Engel & Völkers we provide unparalleled and personalized buying experiences for every client. We believe that buying a home is one of the most important decisions you will make, and it’s an honor and our passion to be part of this journey with you. As trusted advisors, we make it our responsibility to understand your home buying goals – from your overall vision and budget, to neighborhood amenities and architectural details – and help you discover the right space to call your own. To us, luxury is about the richness of life that begins and ends in the most important space we know — home.
There are both financial and emotional benefits to owning a home. After all, a home is the center of your world. HOME EQUITY When you own a home, you are investing your money into your future. Home equity has the ability to increase each time you make your monthly mortgage payments, as well as when you make smart home improvements. In a strong economy, home values can increase each year. The greater your equity, the more you can capitalize on your home’s value over time.
The Power of Investing in Ownership
FIXED COSTS Seek professional advice from your tax consultants about your financing options (if you are financing) to tailor your investment commitment to your specific needs. CREATIVE FREEDOM Owning a property allows you to surround yourself with an aesthetic that reflects your personality and brings you joy. The possibilities can be endless when it comes to turning your home into your dream space. STABILITY A home should be a place of comfort and happiness. With homeownership comes a sense of security in an investment and a space where memories are made.
Partner with an Engel & Völkers advisor
Engel & Völkers is known throughout the world for the unmistakable service experience our advisors provide their clients. Our advisors offer more than a typical real estate agent, representing an elevated level of service, expertise, and performance. Engel & Völkers attracts real estate professionals who are well respected within their communities, as well as those who have a deep understanding of client service. We know the people, the places and the nuances of each cul-de- sac, community and country we represent. As trusted advisors, we guide you through your home journey with in depth neighborhood expertise, distinguished care — and a bit of fun.
Market Knowledge Buyer's agents are familiar with local real estate markets and can provide valuable insights into current trends, property values, and neighborhood dynamics. Negotiation Skills Experienced buyer's agents are skilled negotiators who can help you secure the best possible deal. They can negotiate on your behalf to get a fair price and favorable terms. Access to Listings Buyer's agents have access to multiple listing services (MLS) and can help you find properties that match your criteria more efficiently than if you were searching on your own. Save Time and Effort By outsourcing the property search to a buyer's agent, you can save significant time and effort. They can narrow down options based on your preferences, schedule showings, and handle paperwork. Objective Advice Buyer's agents work for you and have your best interests in mind. They can provide objective advice, helping you make informed decisions without being influenced by the seller or their agent.
Hiring a buyer's agent can offer several advantages to individuals looking to purchase a property. Here is a list of reasons why hiring a buyer's agent can be beneficial to you.
Legal and Contractual Expertise Real estate transactions involve complex legal documents. A buyer's agent can guide you through the paperwork, ensuring that all the necessary documents are properly completed and submitted. Professional Network Buyer's agents often have a network of professionals, including inspectors, mortgage brokers, and real estate attorneys. This can be valuable in streamlining the buying process and connecting you with trusted service providers. Understanding of the Buying Process If you're a first-time homebuyer or unfamiliar with the buying process, a buyer's agent can educate you on the steps involved and provide guidance at every stage. Property Evaluation Buyer's agents can assess properties based on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. They can point out potential issues and help you make an informed decision about the property's value. Streamlined Communication Acting as a buffer between you and the seller's agent, a buyer's agent can facilitate communication, ensuring that your interests are protected and that negotiations remain professional. Risk Management A buyer's agent can help you identify potential risks associated with a property and advise you on how to mitigate them. This includes issues related to the property condition, legal aspects, and potential resale challenges.
The Value of the Buyer's Agent
Breaking it Down: The Buying Process
The reasons for buying a home are personal, so the first thing to consider is what you want to achieve in purchasing a home. Buying a home is filled with both strategic thinking and emotions. With ever-changing market conditions and other variables, various factors may affect the path you take in finding the property that’s right for you. As your consultant, an Engel & Völkers advisor helps you understand the market landscape and determine, based on your goals, if now is in fact the right time to buy and then identifying the correct approach. As far as the property itself, it’s wise to invest the time to outline the key factors and features relating to your search, including:
So, you're ready to buy a home. Here's your next 111 to-dos: According to Realtor.com® Get Informed - Do Your Research 1. Research the real estate industry and legal services to understand what's available to you, including the entire process and necessity for legal representation. 2. Achieve proficiency in federal and state fair housing laws that protect your rights. You want to be sure that you're not being denied the opportunity to make an offer on a home or secure financing based on your race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and/or family status. 3. Research local and national down payment assistance resources. These programs con help make your home purchase more affordable. 4. Check your eligibility for down payment assistance programs. 5. lf you're a Veteran, research home services and loan programs available to you. 6. If you're a Veteran, determine whether you qualify for a zero-down VA home loan. Making a down payment is a significant hurdle for money home buyers. Programs like these can open the door to homeownership, for these who know about them and qualify. 7. Learn about local home prices, inventory levels, and market demand in your desired area. If you are in a hotter market, high demand for homes may affect your buying process and offer strategy. 8. Ensure that all personal and financial information remains confidential to mitigate risk of identity theft. Research the steps that you can take to protect your identity when buying a home. 9. Throughout the process, know the risks of posting home search details on sociaI media to avoid being targeted for fraud. 10. Do some research on what home features are currently popular to help identify your preferences and how this may affect the value of the home. Set Homeownership Goals and Budget 11. Obtain a copy of your credit report, including your credit score, to assess where you stand, and ensure you have time to dispute errors and improve your score. The better your credit score, the more likely you are to be approved for a mortgage and receive a better rate. 12. Consider all your homeownership wants and nonnegotiable needs. You may need a certain number of bedrooms based on the size of your family, or a first-floor bedroom and bathroom if you plan to age in place. 13. Set your budget and be mindful of the complete cost of homeownership. Consider the purchase cost of the home and any ongoing living and maintenance expenses. Those ongoing expenses may include but are not limited to real estate taxes, heating, AC, water, yard and appliance maintenance, repairs, homeowners association fees, and commuting costs. 14. Assess your financial ability to purchase a home. The typical rule of thumb is that your total monthly housing payment (mortgage, taxes, insurance, etc.) shouldn't be more than 30% of your gross monthly household income, but individual situations may vary. 15. Assess your desired market's compatibility with your budget based on current income and other considerations. 16. Professionally advocate for yourself throughout the entire process. To do that, you should promote and defend your interests while keeping emotions in check to ensure you get your desired outcome. Start Your Home Search 17. Establish and adhere to a schedule for house hunting, mortgage approval, and closing to meet your desired timeline. If you miss any milestone deadlines, you could be at risk of losing your down payment or losing the home for purchase. 18. Learn how local markets could affect your buying and owning process. Fewer homes for sale, future development plans, school ratings, access to transportation, and community amenities are all elements that may affect demand in a given market. 19. Scout listings and online marketplaces for suitable properties. 20. Set up real-time alerts on home search marketplaces to get notifications when matching homes hit the market, and for open houses and price reductions. 21. Compare properties to your wants and needs list to ensure they align with what you're looking for. 22. Tap your personal network to uncover additional properties of interest that are not yet publicly listed and may become available for sale soon. 23. Contact homeowners in desired areas to see if they are considering selling. 24. Gather information about any homes that might be for sale but are not actively being marketed. 25. Virtually preview properties that you're interested in. 26. Select homes for viewing that align with your specific needs. 27. Schedule multiple in-person home viewings by contacting each home's listing agent. Schedule separate appointments at times that suit the listing agent but may not always suit you. 28. Periodically reevaluate your needs and refocus your property search, as necessary. 29. Explore all available resources to learn more about prospective neighborhoods. Be sure to speak to local experts who understand the neighborhood and will give you honest feedback. 30. Tour the amenities, schools, and points of interest, and test commute times in your chosen search area. 31. Cross-reference local crime registries for the neighborhoods you are searching. 32. Educate yourself on what to look for in property disclosures of home listings while you search to make informed decisions. Required property disclosures vary by state and may include, but are not limited to rights of way, upcoming special assessments, whether tho home is in a flood zone, post termite damage, and the presence of lead point. 33. Stay current with the listing months of market inventory. As with days on the market, this indicates how competitive a given market is and should inform your offer. 34. Consider measures of home value beyond price per square foot. These include neighborhood, proximity to work and community amenities, and community development plans. Be sure to consult with a local expert to get the most comprehensive information. 35. Research municipal services and other relevant neighborhood information. 36. Be informed about potential neighborhood negatives such as noise levels, venues, or operations that could impact your property value. 37. Check applicable zoning and building restrictions if you plan to rent out your home or add a unit to generate short-term or monthly rental income. 38. Understand public property and tax information for potential homes. It's important to be informed about the possibility of future tax increases and property assessments, which will affect the property taxes you owe from year to year. 39. Gather and consider important data on utility availability and costs. For example, you'll want to confirm if the home has good high-speed internet access. 40. Research any environmental factors and risks that could affect your home, such as flooding, wildfire, heat, air quality, and noise. Some of these factors will effect the cost of ownership. For example, if the home you purchase is in a flood zone, you will need to obtain flood insurance. 41. Narrow down your top home choices for a closer look before considering making any offer. Prepare Financing 42. Analyze your finances to determine the total down payment and closing costs you can afford. 43. Gather and assess quality lender resources. Ask friends and family for recommendations. 44. Consider at least three mortgage lenders during the pre- approval process. Mortgage rates, terms, and eligibility may vary from lender to lender. 45. Familiarize yourself with the mortgage pre-approval process. Pre-approval means that a lender has verified your income, credit background, and other factors and has provided a conditional commitment for an approved mortgage amount. With pre-approval, your offer will be considered for more seriously. 46. Prepare and collect personal financial information like pay stubs, credit card statements, and other existing loans/debt, and share that information with the lenders you're considering. 47. Collect and compare multiple financing options. Beyond traditional mortgages, look into lesser-known alternative options like seller financing or rent-to-own programs. 48. Explore various financing options to find the best fit for your needs. Many people use a conventional, fixed-rate 30-year mortgage, but mortgages with other terms (e.g., 15- and 10-year fixed rate, adjustable rate, and assumable) might also be options. 49. Coordinate with your lender to discuss discount points, which you can pay to lower the interest rate on your loan. 50. Analyze loan estimates. Loan duration, size of your down payment, fees, and other loan terms can affect your overall mortgage costs. 51. Obtain a pre-approval letter from your lender, which is more comprehensive than pre-qualification. Pre-approval is a written commitment from a lender that stipulates the amount they will lend you for a home purchase. 52. Carefully review the pre-approval letter from your lender to understand its contents and ask necessary questions. Making Your Offer 53. Review statistics to see what percentage of the list price sellers in your area are currently receiving. This will help you decide whether to offer the asking price, or adjust your offer below or above the asking price, to make your bid more competitive. 54. Consider the current, local average days on the market to gauge property pricing and market competitiveness. Fewer days on market indicates greater demand, which means you may need to raise your offer or offer additional incentives to make your offer more competitive. 55. Pay for a professional comparative market analysis (CMA) before making an offer to ensure it's competitive. A CMA is a report that details recent home sales, local market activity, and sales prices to help you craft a successful offer. 56. Research independent home valuation information from online resources like Realtor.com to assess an offer price that considers the sale of similar homes in the area. It's important to make an offer that's in line with local market conditions. You don't want to overpay for a home, or make an offer that's so low it won't even be considered, so it's good to talk to an independent adviser who has local market knowledge. 57. Consider hiring a real estate lawyer for legal representation as you build your offer and for legal due diligence as you review contractual documentation. 58. Review a sample sales contract to prepare to make an offer. This document outlines every facet of the transaction, but it may not include everything you want in the transaction or from the seller, so don't assume everything is there. 59. Understand common contract contingencies and the importance of including protective clauses in your offer. These may include but are not limited to your ability to secure financing that covers the appraised home value, inspections (home, radon, lead, etc.), closing date, date of possession, and owner lease-back terms. 60. Learn about any purchasing incentives that you might be eligible for. Home sellers may offer concessions like a pre-paid homeowner warranty, closing costs, or allowance for home improvements/repairs as indicated by a home inspection. You will need to negotiate these as your own representative. 61. Ensure your offer will stand out as the most attractive in the current market. Be ready to compete - many homes today are receiving multiple offers and bidding wars are common. 62. Craft an offer that is well positioned to be accepted, and submit it to the seller's agent. An offer typically includes how much you are willing to pay for the home, how much earnest money you can provide, when you want to close on the home, and the deadline for the seller to respond. Negotiations and Offer Acceptance 63. Identify and prioritize your main goals for contract negotiations. 64. Familiarize yourself with negotiation best practices. Be mindful of how your body language and facial expressions can influence a successful negotiation. 65. Develop a negotiating strategy to secure the best terms. In addition to price, consider terms such as repairs, closing costs, or the timeline for closing. 66. Negotiate the best price with the seller's agent. The seller's agent will be negotiating on the homeowner's behalf. You will be negotiating with a professional who likely has extensive experience in this area, and you may be at a disadvantage. 67. Be prepared for multiple-offer situations. Don't get discouraged, and have your negotiation strategies ready. 68. Consider using offer strategies like on escalation clause, which raises the price you're offering by a certain amount over the price that another buyer is offering; offering flexibility on move-in/possession date; or waiving various contingencies. 69. Explore optional contingencies, and understand their advantages and disadvantages. If you agree to waive the inspection contingency, for example, you are accepting the risk of purchasing a home that may have myriad defects or require additional funds to repair or bring up to code 70. Be aware that all known material defects should always be disclosed to you. Know what questions to ask, and ensure you receive and comprehend all required disclosure forms by state and federal laws. Those forms vary by state. 71. Agree to final terms with the seller, and sign the contract. In some states on attorney may be required, 72. Verify the final offer is signed by all parties. 73. Prepare your lender for listing agent calls. The agent representing the home seller will contact your lender to confirm pre-approval and arrange other settlement details. These details will likely favor the home seller, since that agent is representing their interests, so you may want to participate in those calls to negotiate on your behalf. Facilitate Closing 74. Coordinate communications effectively among all parties, including your lender, the seller's agent, the closing attorney, and any additional third parties. 75. Seek additional guidance for transactions involving short sales, foreclosures, or bank-owned properties. These transactions often involve additional title, ownership, and financing considerations, and they may be as-is - meaning, the properties may be damaged or require costs for repairs that the buyer is accepting as a condition of purchase. 76. Estimate the gross out-of-pocket cost of completing the transaction. This may include, but is not limited to, closing costs, a title search, financing points (to "'pay down" the mortgage interest rate), and transfer taxes. 77. Acquaint yourself with flood insurance. If the home you purchase is in a FEMA-identified flood zone, you must obtain flood insurance as a condition of ownership. You may also consider adding flood insurance to your regular home insurance policy, because most regular policies do not cover damage from flooding. 78. Learn about title insurance, and consult a qualified insurance broker. Title insurance covers any pre-existing title problems that you may discover after you've purchased the home (e.g. tax liens, unpaid/outstanding mortgages, previous ownership claims). 79. Fully investigate your options for a home inspector, title company, appraiser, and other services. Forgoing a home inspection is not advised as these professional inspectors will provide a comprehensive assessment of a home's current condition and risks. 80. Create a list of required and optional home inspections, including environmental, roofing, and mold. This will help you determine what inspection contingencies to include in your purchase offer. 81. Ensure that necessary property surveys are ordered. A property survey will help you understand where your property begins and ends, and determine any potential issues - such as easements or encroachments - before you take ownership of the property. 82. Discuss any concerns arising from the home inspection. Use any negative findings from your home inspection report as leverage for repairs or credits. 83. Track and meet all contract deadlines. Depending on the terms of your offer, these may include deadlines for inspections, final financing/loan, down payment and earnest money deposits into escrow, title searches, and settlement date. 84. Order the appraisal. Confirm whether your lender will accept an independent appraiser or require on appraisal management company to conduct the appraisal. 85. Question the appraisal report if it affects your financing. Check for errors like square footage, inadequate home comparisons, or incorrect descriptions of the home or neighborhood. 86. Order the title search. A clean property title means the buyer and lender agree there are no claims on the property that could become an issue after ownership is transferred. 87. Regularly contact your lender to ensure the loan process is on track to meet the closing requirements. 88. Ensure any necessary funds, like earnest money or down payments, are received by the stated deadlines to avoid any risk of the seller terminating your contract. 89. Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale. Missing or late paperwork can cause delays. 90. Check addendums and alterations for agreed-upon terms. 91. Take note of the location and details of your closing meeting. 92. Confirm and communicate the closing date and time to the seller's agent, noting any changes. 93. Schedule and conduct a final property walk-through. Create a comprehensive checklist of your concerns regarding the home and then confirm that any agreedupon repairs were addressed or fixed by the seller. 94. Confirm the clear-to-close status, indicating all documents and conditions to approve your loan have been met with your lender. 95. Review your closing statement. It explains the terms of the mortgage, the projected monthly payments, and how much your fees and closing costs will be. 96. Double-check all taxes, dues, and prorations related to your purchase. 97. Request the final closing figures from the closing agent. This is the total amount of money that you will have to bring to the closing table. 98. Review your title insurance commitment carefully to ensure all information is accurate. 99. Be aware of wire fraud risks, and verbally verify all wiring instructions with the seller's agent before transferring funds. Get the detailed instructions from your closing company, and be leery of any messages you receive that request changes to the original instructions. 100. Provide receipt of escrow deposit to the seller's agent/broker to verify this financial step has been completed. 101. Gather all required forms and documents for closing. Typically, you'll need a photo ID and a cashier's or certified check (or receipt of a wire transfer). 102. Perform any remaining closing activities to complete the transaction. 103. Review all closing documents with the closing agent or attorney. Be prepared to sign a ton of paperwork. 104. Distribute final documents to all involved parties for their records. You'll want to keep this important paperwork safe. 105. Verify receipt of all keys, access codes, garage door openers, and manuals for all equipment and appliances. Post-Closing Activities 106. Prior to moving, consider rekeying your locks and changing access codes as an extra precaution to safeguard your home from anyone who may have had access prior to your ownership. 107. Remember to transfer all utilities and services to your new residence so you do not incur costs on your former residence. This ensures everything is up and running in preparation for your move-in date. 108. Turn your home inspection report into a maintenance to-do list. 109. File claims with your homeowner's warranty company as needed. A home warranty is a policy that covers the cost of major repairs or appliances. 110. Stay engaged and proactively follow up on any pending items or concerns post-closing. Keep a running checklist handy to ensure you stay on top of any potential warranties, including their expiration dates. 111. Arrange for the move-in day in your new home by contacting movers. Buy yourself a bottle of champagne. Congratulations, you're a new homeowner now. Or do 1 thing... Find a buyer's agent. *Actual services or to-dos will depend on the needs of the buyer and the transaction - not all 111 things will need to be done in every transaction. Source: Realtor.com®
Source: Realtor.com®
WHAT TYPE OF HOME DO YOU WANT? Are you looking for a single-family home, townhouse, condominium, co-op or a multi-family building? There are many options and considerations for each that will impact your search.
YOUR BUYING POWER It’s important to identify what you are able to afford when it comes to a home and how much a lender is willing to loan based on key factors such as income, debt, expenses etc. Your advisor can help you work within that budget and take into account other considerations as it relates to the property you seek.
YOUR MUST-HAVES Identify your must-haves and list them out in priority, for both you and whomever you may be purchasing your home with. Make a list of your non-negotiables when it comes to a home and take that with you when you are visiting properties.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION This is one of the most important factors to consider when you’re looking for your new home, because unlike structures, paint colors, and flooring, the location of your home cannot be changed. Beyond the physical location of the home within the city or town, you should also think about its location in the neighborhood, community, and/or the building, as this too will have an impact on your home’s value.
Review of all disclosures and mandatory reports
Open Escrow
Choose an Engel & Völkers Advisor
Make an offer
Removal of contingencies
Offer is accepted
Good faith deposit is due
Once approved you will be ready to make an offer
Close of Escrow
Loan/Cash funding
Letter of pre-approval provided by lender
Create your new home wish list
Verification of property condition
Find a home
Complete formal mortgage Pre-approval
Physical inspection is performed
The Buying Process
Financing Structure
©2024 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. If your property is currently represented by a real estate broker, this is not an attempt to solicit your listing. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.
Appraisal
DECLUTTER AND DONATE Before you begin packing up boxes, take inventory of your furniture and other belongings to decide what to keep and what to purge. If items are not worth the effort of packing, moving and unpacking, consider donating, selling or discarding them.
Packing Tips
FINAL PREPARATIONS This is the day when your moving strategy pays off and your focus can be on saying goodbyes and enjoying the exciting elements of your new home. Once you get into your new home one of the first things you should do is to have new locks installed and extra sets of keys made.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT CLOSING As long as you have everything in order, the closing process should be simple and straightforward. Closing day typically happens four to six weeks after the sales and purchase contract is executed and includes the buyer and seller, along with their respective agents, a representative from the title company, closing agent, or attorney, and lender. The closing process is where the buyer and seller execute and sign all remaining legal documents and pay closing costs and escrow items. Be sure to bring two forms of identification, certified funds for any remaining costs, and any additional documents requested by the lender. Once all paperwork is executed you will receive the keys to your new home and then all that’s left to do is celebrate!
CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS Make sure to not only update your address with friends, family and service providers, but also any mailing clubs, subscriptions and utility companies for both ending services and activating them at your new address.
STRATEGIZE A smooth and successful move is only possible with a plan. Select a moving day to work toward. Identify and engage a moving company as soon as possible – Engel & Völkers is happy to make a local recommendation.
Moving Checklist
Separate your valuables and important documents, and keep them with you during the move. Prepare a ‘Start-up Kit’ of items and box those up to take with you as well. This way if your belongings arrive late, or you are delayed in unpacking, you will have what you need immediately on hand. Label boxes by items and room to make unpacking an easier process.
PACK Purchase your moving supplies including boxes, moving labels, bubble wrap etc. Begin packing items that won’t be needed between now and your move date including things like decorations, photos and off season clothing. Then, schedule time to pack remaining items based on room or category to make it easy to unpack.
Svea and Travis were phenomenal from the start and there are just not words to express how absolutely 100% pleased I was .....from start to finish the entire process was seamless ... with their combined Real Estate experience , their attention to every detail , their impeccable communication skills , their excellent over the edge negotiating skills ( which I felt were always in my BEST interest ) absolutely set the standard of excellence..!!!! I need to mention also how creative and at the same time how realistic they were in helping get my home sold! My home sold in no time and it totally was because of these two exceptional agents..I guarantee anyone using Svea and Travis will find the entire experience nothing but pleasurable and profitable. These are who you need to get your house sold..Both lovely individuals plus. Both a joy to work with!” - L.S.
Live Your Luxury
SOLD 113 Aspen Hollow Rd, Blaine County 4 Bed | 4 Bath | 4,852 Sqft Listed at $3,750,000
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At the heart of every transaction is a relationship built on honesty and integrity, and we look forward to serving as your trusted real estate advisors.
©2024 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principals of the Fair Housing Act. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. If your property is currently represented by a real estate broker, this is not an attempt to solicit your listing.
Jones | Grover Team Travis Jones & Svea Grover Global Real Estate Advisor
Engel & Völkers Sun Valley jonesgroverteam@evrealestate.com +1 208-721-8579 | +1 208-720-0377