Buyers Presentation
Paul Benson - Engel & Völkers Gestalt Group - CEO, License Partner
A note from Paul Benson
Property Buyers PRESENTATION
Paul Benson
Engel & Völkers
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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.
I embarked on my real estate journey 28 years ago with Dilbeck Real Estate, a brand synonymous with exceptional customer service and consistently surpassing expectations. Transitioning to Engel & Völkers, a renowned global real estate brand, I've maintained my commitment to excellence. Throughout my career, I've achieved a prominent position in the La Cañada office, consistently ranking among the top three agents out of around 100 sales professionals since 2012 and ranking within the top 2% of our nearly 400 agents. Having spent my entire life in the San Gabriel Valley, I consider it my home. Growing up in La Crescenta and residing in La Cañada Flintridge since 1989 with my husband and three children, I'm deeply connected to and passionate about this region. However, whether your plans involve a domestic or a global relocation, I can connect you with top-rated agents specialized in your target area. With Engel & Völkers, we're both local and global, ensuring your real estate journey is supported with the highest level of expertise.
Working with a marketplace leader
RealTrends Verified Top 1.5% of REALTORS® Nationwide for 2024 & 2025 | #1 Global Real Estate Advisor at E&V La Cañada (2025 Top Volume) E&V Diamond Elite Club Advisor 2025 | E&V Gestalt Group Leading 100 - 2024: Q3, Q4; 2025: Q1-Q4
A higher standard of service & expertise for home buyers
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Meet Carrie Boreham Grochow
Carrie BOREHAM GroChow • Engel & Völkers La Cañada 818-731-4749 | DRE# 01208965 carrie.grochow@evrealestate.com | www.carriegrochow.com
E&V Diamond Elite Club Advisor 2023 • #1 Advisor at E&V La Cañada (For Highest Individual Units & GCI) • E&V Gestalt Group Q3 2024 Leading 100
Carrie Grochow embarked on her real estate journey 28 years ago with Dilbeck Real Estate, a brand synonymous with exceptional customer service and consistently surpassing expectations. Upon transitioning to Engel & Völkers, a renowned global real estate brand, she has steadfastly maintained her commitment to excellence. Throughout her illustrious career, Carrie has achieved a prominent position in the La Cañada office, consistently ranking among the top three agents out of around 100 sales professionals since 2012 and securing a place within the top 2% of the nearly 400 agents within the organization. Having spent her entire life in the San Gabriel Valley, Carrie considers it her home. Growing up in La Crescenta and residing in La Cañada Flintridge since 1989 with her husband and three children, she is deeply connected to and passionate about this region. However, whether clients' plans involve a domestic or global relocation, Carrie can connect them with top-rated agents specialized in their target areas. With Engel & Völkers, she assures clients that they are both local and global, ensuring their real estate journey is supported with the highest level of expertise.
Working with Carrie Grochow was an absolute pleasure. From our initial visit to the open house to the moment we received our keys, Carrie exhibited exceptional professionalism and a delightful demeanor. Recognizing that this was our first experience purchasing a home, Carrie supported us every step of the way. She expertly guided us through the offer and acceptance phases, patiently navigated us through inspections, and managed all the intricate details involved in the home-buying process. Upon the completion of the transaction, I was pleasantly surprised by how seamless everything was. Carrie's extensive knowledge and willingness to educate us on various aspects of real estate proved invaluable. We gained a wealth of insights that will undoubtedly benefit us in the future. Carrie's dedication and expertise have left a lasting impression on us, and we are incredibly grateful for her assistance throughout this significant milestone. Vartan & Natasha | La Cañada Flintridge buyers
Testimonials
With Carrie's help, we managed to buy a house while we were still residing overseas. Carrie was knowledgeable, patient, sensitive to our needs, and she did a good job serving as our eyes and ears when searching for the new home for us. T. J .& Terisa | Glendale buyers
Carrie is the consummate professional realtor in La Canada! If you want the best realtor for a listing or purchase, we would recommend Carrie! She was extremely meticulous in all aspects of the transaction and kept us informed every day until the transaction closed! Steve & Helen | La Cañada Flintridge sellers
What Carrie's Clients Say
Carrie was absolutely wonderful to work with. She was knowledgeable, generous, and kind and went above and beyond to help us buy our dream home. We are so grateful for her support and guidance during this process. We don’t plan on ever moving but we would definitely recommend Carrie to friends and family looking to buy or sell. Madison & Justin | Glendale buyers
Carrie and her buyers, James Mitchell and Isabel Yao, in front of their new home at 5121 Mount Helena Avenue, Eagle Rock.
Carrie communicated with us through each step of the whole process. She really understood our needs and desires. Carrie was very knowledgeable and worked hard for us. Our overall experience with Carrie was fantastic, and we would recommend her to anyone. James & Isabel | Eagle Rock buyers
This is the second house that Carrie Grochow sold for us. She is very knowledgeable and very professional. She always works hard to get us the highest price. We would recommend Carrie to anyone buying or selling a house. Doug & Melinda | La Cañada Flintridge sellers
Carrie is the ultimate real estate professional. She sold our house this summer in less than a week after providing staging and timing guidance that resulted in receiving top dollar. And she did this all while being calm and reassuring during the stressful process. I'd recommend her wholeheartedly. Kelly | La Cañada Flintridge seller
Bill & Francey Welker (sellers) and Madison & Justin Eick (buyers) in front of 228 Spencer Street, Glendale.
Carrie was great! She made the home-buying process easy. She was knowledgeable, helpful, and a great negotiator on our behalf. Elia | Glendale buyer
Property list
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Engel & Völkers Property Buyers Guide
Carrie's recent successes
Address
List Price
Sold Price
Closing Date
3148 Kingridge Way Glendale
Listed at $1,995,000
Sold for $2,010,000
08/20/2026
1644 Morada Place Altadena
Listed at $1,495,000
Sold for $1,717,000
07/02/2026
1955 N. Los Robles Avenue Pasadena
Listed at $1,795,000
Sold for $1,910,000
06/16/2026
3550 Santa Carlotta Street La Crescenta
Listed at $1,850,000
Sold for $1,900,000
05/01/2026
3469 Glenalbyn Drive Los Angeles
Listed at $1,750,000
Sold for $1,840,000
04/10/2026
3033 Fairesta La Crescenta
Listed at $1,325,000
Sold for $1,340,000
04/02/2026
4827 Pennsylvania Avenue Glendale 91214
Listed at $1,485,000
Sold for $1,510,000
11/24/2025
2080 Queensberry Road Pasadena 91104
Listed at $1,585,000
Sold for $1,545,000
10/23/2025
5290 La Canada Boulevard La Cañada Flintridge 91011
Listed at $2,750,000
Sold for $2,667,146
08/20/2025
1340 Lomay Place Pasadena 91103
Listed at $2,050,000
Sold for $2,585,000
07/10/2025
1828 Woodrow Avenue Eagle Rock 90041
Sold for $1,562,500
07/07/2025
3189 Beaudry Terrace Glendale 91208
Listed at $2,080,000
Sold for $2,200,000
06/18/2025
Represented
Seller
Buyer
5711 Catherwood Drive La Cañada Flintridge 91011
Listed at $2,495,000
Sold for $2,710,000
05/14/2025
1265 South Grand Avenue Pasadena 91105
Listed at $3,500,000
Sold for $3,525,000
03/27/2025
1912 Tondolea Lane La Cañada Flintridge 91011
Sold for $2,020,000
03/05/2025
3500 Roselawn Avenue Glendale 91208
Listed at $1,299,000
Sold For $1,225,000
12/26/2024
3024 Highview Avenue Altadena 91001
Sold For $1,430,000
12/09/2024
4518 Ocean View Boulevard La Cañada Flintridge 91011
Listed at $1,025,000
Sold For $1,050,000
09/18/2024
1436 Norton Avenue Glendale 91202
Listed at $1,425,000
Sold for $1,670,000
08/30/2024
64 N Mar Vista Avenue #123 Pasadena 91106
Offered at $615,000
Sold for $613,500
08/16/2024
3824 Forestglen Drive Glendale 91214
Listed at $1,530,000
Sold for $1,530,000
07/26/2024
4742 Castle Road La Cañada Flintridge 91011
Listed at $1,725,000
07/12/2024
4626 Ocean View Boulevard La Cañada Flintridge 91011
Listed at $1,420,000
Sold for $1,400,000
02/29/2024
2972 Hawkridge Drive La Crescenta 91214
Listed at $2,395,000
Sold For $2,430,000
12/14/2023
Buyer/Seller
La Crescenta and Glendale
2916 Adams Street 647 Burchett Street 949 Calle La Primavera 5922 Canyonside Road 1125 N. Cedar Street 1940 Chilton Dirve 1624 Country Club Drive 2418 Cross Street 5102 Daver Avenue 2248 Del Monte Road #7 2248 Del Monte Road #7 1614 El Rito Avenue 3422 Encinal Avenue 3033 Fairesta Street 2653 Fairway Drive 2435 Florencita Avenue #304 3824 Forestglen Drive 2921 Graceland Way 2426 Harmony Place 2715 Hermosita Drive 5052 Humphrey Way 2325 Los Amigos Street 2743 Los Olivos Lane 3130 Montrose Avenue #101 2143 Montrose Avenue #311 1528 Moreno Drive 2702 Mountain Pine Drive 1428 Norton Avenue 1278 Oak Circle Drive 2458 Orange Avenue 5519 Pine Cone Road 5430 Pineridge Drive 3415 Rosemary Avenue 3500 Roselawn Avenue 1659 Santa Rosa Avenue 228 Spencer Street 2843 Sycamore Avenue 460 W. Salem Street #6
4809 Alminar Avenue 4848 Alminar Avenue 5141 Alta Canyada Road 4547 Alveo Road 1126 Atlee Drive 1127 Atlee Drive 4318 Bel Aire Drive 4318 Belair Drive 4608 Castle Road 4733 Castle Road 4742 Castle Road 5026 Castle Road 5711 Catherwood Drive 5723 Catherwood Drive 816 Chehalem Road 3733 Chevy Chase Drive 4075 Chevy Chase Drive 4352 Cobblestone Lane 4357 Cobblestone Lane 4365 Cobblestone Lane 4921 Commonwealth Avenue 4935 Commonwealth Avenue 933 Coral Way 4832 Del Monte Road 2000 Derwood Drive 1144 Descanso Drive 5200 Diamond Point Road 5211 Donna Maria Lane 1243 Flanders Road 2350 Foothill Boulevard #11 650 Georgian Road 5393 Godbey Drive 4443 Gould Avenue 4721 Gould Avenue 4815 Gould Avenue 4810 Grand Avenue 830 Greenridge Drive 4085 Hampstead Road 4190 Hampstead Road 3710 Hampstead Road 4848 Hampton Road 4644 Hillard Avenue 4835 Hillard Avenue 4603 Indiana Avenue 5147 Jarvis Avenue 1741 La Barranca Road 4765 La Canada Boulevard 4818 La Canada Boulevard 5290 La Canada Boulevard 5227 La Forest Drive 726 La Porte Drive 4542 Littleton Place 2223 Los Amigos Street 736 Lynnhaven Road 4280 Mesa Vista Drive 305 Noren Street 28 Normandy Court 4229 Oakwood Avenue 4518 Ocean View Boulevard 4522 Ocean View Boulevard 1005 Olive Lane 4721 Orange Knoll 4936 Palm Drive 519 Paulette Place 1204 Pequena Lane 4455 Rockland Place #9 4403 Rockmere Way 271 Saint Katherine Drive 827 Saisbury Road 1021 Salisbury Court 1016 Salsibury Court 311 San Juan Way 261 Starlane Drive 650 Starlight Crest Drive 510 Starlight Crest Drive 809 Valley Crest Street 931 Vista Del Valle Road 817 Wiladonda Drive 417 Woodfield Road 4410 Wyncrest Way
Represented Buyers
Carrie's sales
4848 Alminar Avenue 3924 Alta Vista Drive 4637 Alveo Road 4733 Angeles Crest Highway 5061 Angeles Crest Highway 1127 Atlee Drive 4318 Bel Aire Drive 3795 Berwick Drive 4742 Castle Road 5026 Castle Road 4342 Chevy Chase Drive 4935 Commonwealth Avenue 4832 Del Monte Road 4833 Del Monte Road 5211 Donna Maria Lane 4344 Fairlawn Drive 1243 Flanders Road 2350 Foothill Boulevard #11 5383 Godbey Drive 4820 Gould Avenue 4810 Grand Avenue 4831 Grand Avenue 4190 Hampstead Road 4848 Hampton Road 5361 Harter Lane 804 Houseman Street 1211 Journey's End Drive 3852 Keswick Road 1741 La Barranca Road 1721 La Barranca Road 164 Lamour Drive 28 Normandy Court 4626 Ocean View Boulevard 1005 Olive Lane 4741 Orange Knoll 4652 Palm Drive 4936 Palm Drive 519 Paulette Place 1951 Ravista Lane 433 Richmond Road 334 Starlight Crest Drive 1912 Tondolea Lane 4578 Viro Road 4932 Viro Road 5260 Vista Miguel Drive 1000 White Deer Drive
1031 Alcade Way 3189 Beaudry Terrace 3200 Beaudry Terrace 2315 Bonita Drive 647 Burchett Street 650 Burchett Street 501 Burchett Street 949 Calle Del Pacifico 5922 Canyonside Road 1741 Chevy Knoll Drive 1319 Dartmouth Drive 2248 Del Mar Road #7 3409 Downing Avenue 3933 El Lado Drive 1611 El Rito Avenue 2653 Fairway Avenue 2435 Florencita Avenue #304 3824 Forestglen Drive 2609 E. Glenoaks Boulevard 2426 Harmony Place 2602 Harmony Place 2972 Hawkridge Drive 2715 Hermosita Drive 2841 Highridge Road 5052 Humphrey Way 2311 Janet Lee Drive 2450 Janet Lee Drive 2810 Los Olivos Lane 2274 Luana Lane 2812 Manhattan Avenue 3210 Menlo Drive 2640 Montrose Avenue 3010 Montrose Avenue #1 103 W. Mountain Street #A 1255 Oak Circle Drive 1521 Opechee Way 4827 Pennsylvania Avenue 2512 Piedmont Avenue 3734 Pontiac Street 3119 Prospect Avenue 5311 Quail Canyon Road 1506 N. Raymond Avenue 422 Road's End Street 2516 Saint Andrews Drive 460 W. Salem Street #6 1130 San Luis Rey Drive 3550 Santa Carlotta Street 1661 Santa Maria Avenue 5188 Sky Ridge Drive 3070 Sparr Boulevard 228 Spencer Street 2843 Sycamore Avenue 1850 Verdugo Knolls Drive 3611 Virginia Street 5328 Vista Del Arroyo Drive 3235 Washington Place 151 Wonderview Drive
Represented Sellers
La Cañada Flintridge
The Engel & Völkers Buying Experience
rom starter homes to dream homes, as 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.
The Power of Investing in Ownership
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.
FIXED COSTS Seek professional advise 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.
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.
Partner with an Engel & Völkers advisor
The Value of the Buyer's Agent
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.
As an experienced and dedicated Real Estate Advisor, I am committed to guiding my clients and being their strongest advocate through every step of the home search and buying process. By entering into an Exclusive Buyer’s Agreement, I am formalizing my dedicated support, ensuring that all expectations are clearly communicated beforehand, ensuring a seamless, successful, and enjoyable home-buying process from start to finish.
The Buyer Broker Agreement
This formal agreement allows me the opportunity to: • Communicate, define, and set clear expectations for what my client is looking for, how I will best support them, and what they can expect from me • Thoroughly search, collect, and present my client with all of the available inventory within my network and beyond • Streamline and expedite the offer procedure • Leverage your interest and buying power in negotiations • Commit my time, expertise, resources, support staff, and experience to find you the perfect property that best matches your needs
What to know about Sellers Compensation vs. Buyers Compensation: Sellers complete a Listing Agreement that covers, among other things, the negotiated compensation to be paid to the Listing Agent. This may also include the seller's consent to offer compensation to the Buyer's Broker. Sellers should be made aware that even if they do not offer compensation to the Buyer's Broker, the buyer may incorporate in their offer to purchase a request that the Seller pay compensation to their broker.
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.
Breaking it Down: The Buying Process
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®
Packing Tips
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Moving Checklist
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!
Listen to your goals, needs, wants, and budget Explain the home-buying process from start to finish Explain the compensation arrangement Educate you on the Buyer-Broker Agreement and request signature before seeing properties Review sample purchase agreement to familiarize you with contents Advise you on specific ways to meet your goals in today’s market If needed, provide suggested lenders If you are a veteran, research programs available to you Provide a list of questions to ask when shopping for lenders to secure a pre-approval Provide RealScout link to set up real-time alerts to inform you of new listings matching your parameters Suggest homes to tour to familiarize you with particular areas Make appointments to see homes that interest you and obtain important information on subject home from listing agent Reach out to area agents that may have homes coming on the market Check MLS listings daily and communicate potential properties to see Preview homes on caravan Provide property profiles on homes of interest Provide expert analysis of each home you tour, using my keen eye for detail Once you are serious about a property, discuss your interest with listing agent and request any disclosures or inspection reports Review inspection reports with you Provide you with specific market data for properties of interest, such as comparable sales, to help arrive at offer price Verify with listing agent what is included/excluded in sale Determine home warranty requirements if available When necessary, obtain HOA information and other condo documentation Verify legal names of seller(s), including trust and trustee names Create purchase agreement and supporting documents Send purchase agreement to you for discussion and review; make any changes Obtain your proof of funds and pre-approval to accompany offer Obtain your letter to sellers if approved by listing agent Optimize your offer by carefully reviewing all timelines for loan, inspections, appraisal, and close of escrow Send offer through Digisign for signature or, if preferred, meet in person to obtain wet signatures Submit offer to listing agent by deadline, with background information and interest in home Confirm receipt of offer and follow up for response if needed 9. In a multiple bid situation, counsel how to respond to counter offers 10. Once offer is accepted, confirm escrow is opened by listing agent with a fully-executed purchase agreement 11. Supply fully-executed offer to lender 12. Provide contact information to escrow 13. Inform transaction coordinator of new escrow 14. Review title report and NHD with you 15. Request all disclosures from listing agent 16. Thoroughly review all disclosures with you, especially the Transfer Disclosure Statement and Seller Property Questionnaire Make appointments for home inspection and any other specific inspections such as roof, termite, foundation, sewer, and chimney Attend home inspection and any other inspections necessary Confirm you have obtained homeowners insurance Review inspection reports with you and determine desired repairs Provide names and numbers of reputable contractors for bids or information Provide access to contractors for bids Create Request for Repair and submit to listing agent, along with detailed explanation As needed, negotiate with listing agent to arrive at mutually satisfying agreement Call lender on a regular basis to make sure the loan process is going smoothly Attend appraisal Provide information to appraiser as needed Confirm you have obtained homeowner’s insurance Ensure all contingencies are removed in a timely manner Send disclosures to you by Digisign for signature or, if preferred, meet in =person to obtain wet signatures Keep in touch with escrow company for updates Request and/or prepare any addendum or extensions as necessary Perform a final walk-through with you to ascertain that conditions of sale are met and no changes to property Confirm that escrow has coordinated appointments to sign escrow documents Provide utility information as needed Coordinate delivery of keys at a mutually agreed-upon place Follow up on any questions that might arise after the sale is closed Provide referrals for repairs and improvements as needed Confirm receipt of Real Estate Risk management legal protection plan Confirm home warranty plan and field any questions about it Be your real estate resource for life!
What Carrie will do as your buyer’s agent
A tailored approach
The Buying Process
Make an offer
Close of Escrow
Offer is accepted
Letter of pre-approval provided by lender
Verification of property condition
Physical inspection is performed
Create your new home wish list
Once approved you will be ready to make an offer
Good faith deposit is due
Removal of contingencies
©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.
Loan/Cash funding
Appraisal
Complete formal mortgage Pre-approval
Choose an Engel & Völkers Advisor
Review of all disclosures and mandatory reports
Financing Structure
Find a home
Open Escrow
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