Buyer/Seller Resource Guide

What ‘s Right for You? Nine great tips for house huntersNo matter what stage of life you’re in, deciding where you live is an important aspectof your future. Choosing a forever home requires much thought, each option has itsperks and drawbacks. Learn what works for you.1. Speak with a professional. Reach out to a local r eal estate agent and mortgage broker to get familiarized with your home-buying options.2. Don’t do it alone. W h ether it’s your significant other, parent or sibling, bringing along a second opinion is often very helpful in the buying process.3. Consider your commute. B efor e com m itting to a hom e, don ’t forget to do some research on your commute. 15 minutes adds up quicker than you think.4. Ask about utilities. Don’t be afraid to be nosy - ask about water, garbage, electric, etc. After all, who has to live with it? You, of course.5. Factor in additional costs. B efor e you cr oss your t’s and dot your i’s, know what your getting into… If the place needs extra work, you’ll need extra money.6. List out your wants/needs. K now w h at you w ant vs. w hat you need before your start searching, so you know exactly what things you’re looking for.7. Take pictures. Don ’t fear bringing a camera when making a concrete decision, the pics may help you see yourself more in one home vs. another.8. Sleep on your decision. If possible, take tim e to think it out. Th is is a big decision, you’re going to want to make the best one for your future.9. Define your search areas. Unless you w or k fr om h om e, be conscious of which areas work best for your commute and lifestyle - narrow it down to a few areas. Tina Hilden, Keller Williams Realty PS ~ 206-718-2453 ~ [email protected]

STEPS TO PURCHASING A NEW HOME1. Speak with a Real Estate Broker 2. Get Pre-Approved for a LoanA professional and experienced Real Speak with a preferred mortgage specialistEstate Broker will guide you seamlessly to obtain a pre-approved letter which isthrough your home-buying process. required for submitting an offer.3. Go Shopping for Homes 4. Place an OfferLet the fun begin! Your Real Estate Once you’ve found the one, turn to yourbroker will accompany you in finding a broker to guide you through the offerhome that meets your criteria and won’t process. After all, it’s their job to negotiatebreak the bank. the best deal on your behalf.5. Settle on a Price 6. Inspection/Appraisal PeriodThe seller can either accept, counter, Your broker will find you a dependableor deny your offer so be prepared to inspector to inspect the new home or youput your best foot forward during the can choose one of your own. Followingentirety of the negotiation process. the inspection, an appraiser will assess the home’s market value.7. Close the DealClosings typically take anywhere from 8. Celebrate!!30-45 days, during which you will have a Pick up a bottle of your favorite beveragefinal walkthrough of the home following and make a toast to your brand new home!your loan’s approval.Your broker will arrange when and wherekeys will be exchanged. This takes placeafter the County records the transfer of titleand you officially become a homeowner.Tina Hilden, Keller Williams Realty PS ~ 206-718-2453 ~ [email protected]

RENT VS. BUYLower Maintenance Cost, Capital from Home’s Equity, You’re Paying A Mortgage Either Way,Cheaper in the Short Run, Interest Tax Deduction, Why Not Let it Be Yours! Freedom to Personalize, Increased Mobility Cheaper in the Long Run Americans are more excited about home ownership than they were six months agoNo Tax Advantages, Zero Maintenance Costs, Prop- (compared to 19% of Americans who felt Home Equity, Landlord erty Taxes, Risk of Foreclo- negatively towards owning their own home) Restrictions, Rent Price Fluctuation sure, Limited MobilityWHERE RENTERS SEARCHED FOR THEIR FOREVER HOME THE REAL COST OF RENTING90% Internet - % Income to Rent % Income to Buy 9% Signage - A Median Home A Median Home1% Paper Ad - 25.0% 22.0% Historically Historically 30.1% 15.3% Today TodayYou’re Paying a Mortgage Either Way, Why Not Let It Be Yours?

Sarah Riley, Caliber Home Loans 11255 Kirkland Way, Ste 100 Kirkland, WA 98033 425-605-0939 Direct 425-306-0939 Cell [email protected] Debbie McNeil, Movement Mortgage 33434 8th Ave S, #103 Federal Way, WA 98003 206-251-6622 Cell [email protected] Hilden, Keller Williams Realty PS ~ 206-718-2453 ~ [email protected]

4 COMMON LOAN TYPES FHA HOME LOAN VA HOME LOANHIGH 96.5% LOW LOW QUALIFY ZERO LOW ONLY NO LOAN TO PAYMENT CREDIT EASIER DOWN PAYMENT ELIGIBLE MORTGAGE VALUE SCORE PAYMENT VETERANS NSURANCE OPTIONPURCHASE 15 & 30-YEAR PURCHASE 15 & 30-YEARREFINANCE FIXED RATE REFINANCE FIXED RATERENOVATE 5-YEAR ADJUSTABLE ASSUMABLE 5-YEAR ADJUSTABLECONVENTIONAL HOME LOAN USDA HOME LOANHIGH 97.0% MORE HIGH ALL ZERO LOW HIGH RURAL LOAN TO FINANCING CREDIT OCCUPANT DOWN PAYMENT CREDIT AREAS VALUE OPTIONS SCORES PAYMENT SCORES ONLY ONLY TYPES ONLYPURCHASE 15 & 30-YEAR PURCHASE 15 & 30-YEARREFINANCE FIXED RATE REFINANCE FIXED RATERENOVATE 5-YEAR ADJUSTABLE 5-YEAR ADJUSTABLETina Hilden, Keller Williams Realty PS ~ 206-718-2453 ~ [email protected]

Things buyers should not do during a real estate loan transaction. It’s important for buyers to understand the home-buying process is not complete until close of escrow. Below is a list of top 10 things a buyer should not do during a real estate loan transaction: 1. Do not change jobs, become self-employed, or quit your job. 2. Do not buy a car. 3. Do not use charge cards excessively or let accounts fall behind. 4. Do not spend money you have set aside for closing. 5. Do not omit debts or liabilities from your loan application. 6. Do not buy furniture. 7. Do not originate any inquiries onto your credit. 8. Do not make large deposits without first checking with your loan officer. 9. Do not co-sign for anyone. 10. Do not change bank accounts or move money around. Tina Hilden, Keller Williams Realty PS ~ 206-718-2453 ~ [email protected]

Finally, after so much excitement, stress and anxiety, the house hunt has come to an end. But the story isn’t overyet. Here are some next steps to consider before you actually move in.Plan work well in advanceRarely does a buyer get a place that is truly in “move-in” condition. By the time you’vesigned a contract, you have lots of ideas about how you’ll live in this home, how you’llcustomize it and what work needs to be done.If the place needs work, don’t wait until you’ve closed to engage a painter, a floorrefinisher or a general contractor. Either at your final walk-through or during a privateappointment after you’ve removed your contingencies get the proper contractors in the house. Start getting bids fornecessary work. If possible, have floor sanding, painting or small fix-it work done before you move in. Call me if youneed a referral for a contractor. I have many resources that may be a great fit for you.Set up the utilitiesCheck your contract Form 22K for the contact information for the utility companies. Don’t assume the utilities willwork once they walk in on day one. While many utility companies have grace periods (the days between whenthe seller cancels service and the new owner calls), you can’t always assume this will be the case. Transferringservice is less expensive than having the account closed and needing to open a new one. The best plan is to call theutility companies and get service set up well before closing.Got the keys? Great, now change the locksAssume that every one and his brother has a set of keys to your new home. The seller’s children, neighbors, realestate agent, landscaper could still have keys. The first person you should call after getting the keys is a locksmith.Spend the money to get all the locks changed right away. You’ll sleep better at night.Have a handyman, small contractor or designer on callMoving in can take days, if not weeks, and is made up of the kind of stuff you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy.Things like aligning your framed artwork, centering the couch in the living room or getting the large rug set up in themaster bedroom can drive you crazy. Nailed multiple holes in the wall in an attempt to get your family photos linedup on the staircase? Not all of us are cut out to do this kind of stuff. Imagine doing all this throughout an entire 3,000-square-foot house, and you’ll probably feel overwhelmed.While it may seem like a luxury, investing a few hundred dollars in hiring someone to take orders, help with settingup and take over some of these mindless tasks will save time and potentially relieve you of a giant headache.Thinking ahead is the way to goThe journey to home buying could have been anything from fun to stressful and emotional. When the closing datedraws near, you’re probably exhausted. But taking a little extra time to plan ahead will save you time, money and alot of hassle. And it will make the move into your new home so much more satisfying. Congratulations on your new home! Tina Hilden, Keller Williams Realty PS ~ 206-718-2453 ~ [email protected]

Tina Hilden Broker, ASP, CFS, CNE, SRES Keller Williams Realty PS 33434 8th Ave S, Ste 103, Federal Way, WA 98003 Direct: 206-718-2453 [email protected] www.HildenHomesandLand.comExperienceSpecializing in residential real estate including listings, first-time buyers, relocation, new home sales,foreclosures, and seniors. I am a life-long resident of King County and the Puget Sound area. In the realestate industry since 2008 after being a small business owner for over 17 years, I have become an expert isthis ever-changing real estate market. I use the tools and experience acquired in the business arena into myreal estate career, bringing exceptional value and satisfaction to my clients.Being focused on your needs and being committed to you success, often leads to long-lasting relationships.I know and understand what living in the Pacific Northwest is all about...it's about caring, working hard,putting down roots and enjoying all that this region has to offer.TechnologyKeeping up with tech-savvy buyers is a must. I will communicate with you and access market informationthat compliments your style.ExpertiseBeing a life-long resident of King County, I work within the communities I have lived. Certified NegotiationExpert (CNE), Certified Foreclosure Specialist (CFS), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), AccreditedStaging Professional (ASP). BOLD graduate 2013.CommunicationThis is the key to your and my success! Listening and being available to answer your questions and con-cerns guides me in understanding what is most important to you. I strive to give you my focused attention.Clients for LifeThe majority of my business is referral and repeat business. My success comes from exceeding my clients'expectations so they are happy to refer me to their friends and family.PersonalBeing connected to family and community is important to me. I actively volunteer with local communityoutreach programs such as Operation Blessing, KW Cares, and Seattle Rock-n-Roll Marathon. I enjoygardening, boating, traveling, reading and Seattle Seahawks football.My Commitment to YouTo help you successfully and knowledgeably buy or sell your home with the highest integrity andprofessionalism. CFS™

See What My Clients Have to Say About Me: http://www.zillow.com/profile/Tina-Hilden/#reviews