buying a new home with the rivers team the proven path … · ringtherivers.com | 850-297-2255 the...

RingTheRivers.com | 850-297-2255 The Rivers Team, Keller Williams Town & Country Realty

BUYING A NEW HOME

WITH THE RIVERS TEAM

The Proven Path to Home Ownership


• Rapid Response Time To All Buyer Inquiries—15 Minutes Is Our Goal

• Agent On Call 9AM to 9PM, Prospecting for You 7 Days A Week

• Full Time Closing, & Relocation Departments

• Free Moving Van When You Buy a Home with the Rivers Team

The Rivers Team is your One-Stop Real Estate Shop!

The Rivers Team Advantage

It is our mission to help you achieve your goals and exceed your expectations so you will never hesitate to refer us to your family, friends, and co-workers.


MEET THE TEAM

Rebekah Rivers Broker/Owner Lead Listing Specialist 850-509-7900 [email protected]

Cindy Livengood, Realtor Realtor Partner 850-212-8359 [email protected]

Sean Rady, Realtor Realtor Partner 850-559-5027 [email protected]

Gene Rivers Broker/Owner Lead Listing Specialist 850-509-7800 [email protected]

How we help you as real estate agents:

Educate you about the market Analyze your wants and needs

Help you to focus on homes that fit your criteria Coordinate the work of other needed professionals

Negotiate on your behalf Review paperwork and deadlines

Solve any problems that may arise

Ginger McComas, Realtor Realtor Partner 850-728-8070 [email protected]

Barbara Lane, Realtor Realtor Partner 813-727-5193 [email protected]


MEET THE TEAM

Brandy Butler, Closing Manager

850-701-2665 or [email protected]

What she does for you:

• Oversees all aspects of your transaction from executed purchase agreement to

closing.

• Regularly update & maintain communication between you, the agents, title

officer, lender etc.

• Coordinates closing

• Available to answer questions you may have about your transaction

Kristina Glendenning, Listing & Marketing Director


What they do for you:

• Prepares all necessary listing documents.

• Takes pictures, measurements, & details about your home and turns it

into an official listing.

• Markets your property by utilizing web programs and agent caravans

Bailey Yelding, Courier/Administrative Assistant



• Delivers documents and marketing materials

• Visits vacant properties and reports status to Listing Coordinator

• Assists the team in the field

• Helps market properties with signage and lockbox placement

Debi York, Team Leader

850-701-2667 or Team [email protected]


• Answers any service-related questions or concerns that you may have.

• Supports the Team throughout the transaction to closing


BUY OR SELL WITH THE RIVERS TEAM

Free Moving Truck

BUY OR SELL A HOME WITH THE RIVERS TEAM AND USE OUR MOVING TRUCK FOR FREE!*

Call 850-297-2255 for details or

ask your Rivers Team Buyer’s Specialist.

Certain restrictions apply*


The Home-Buying Process


EIGHT STEPS

to Home Ownership

1.Decide to buy.

2.Secure Financing

3.Hire your agent.

4.Find your home.

5.Make an offer.

6.Perform due diligence.

7.Close.

8.Protect your investment.

Still Can’t Decide to Buy?

Consider this: A home is the largest financial asset most people have due to

equity and appreciation over time.

Buying a home is an emotional decision—“Home is where the heart is”

It’s also a rational decision—“Home is where your wealth is”

Financial net worth comparison,

according to the U.S. Federal Reserve Board of Consumer Finance:

Average net worth of renters = $4,000

Average net worth of home owners = $184,400

In a few years, you can use your equity to trade up to a better home.

Or, you might consider using some of your home equity to invest in a

rental property or a second home.


8 STEPS TO HOME OWNERSHIP

Buy Now or Wait? That is the question.

A brief look at what rising interest rates mean for you:

Even a slight increase in mortgage interest rates can

offset a significant drop in home prices.

There is little to gain in this scenario and much to lose

if home prices rebound or rates jump.



Secure Financing Six steps to financing a home:

1. Choose a loan officer (or mortgage specialist). 2. Make a loan application and get preapproved. 3. Determine what you want to pay and select a loan option. 4. Submit to the lender an accepted purchase offer contract. 5. Get an appraisal and title commitment. 6. Obtain funding at closing.

Prequalification vs. Preapproval

• Prequalification is simply a rough estimate of how much you can borrow.

• Preapproval involves a formal application process and provides

you with a formal commitment from a lender stating how much you can borrow and at what rate.



Hire Your Agent Loyalty from your Agent

Advantages of a Loyalty Agreement:

• I will always respect your time, and will make every effort to accommodate your schedule

• I will respond to your phone calls and emails as quickly as possible • I will always be honest with you, even when I have information that you may not want

to hear • I will keep your information confidential • I will search the MLS continually and inform you of all properties that meet your needs • I will provide you with a Market Analysis of any homes you wish to purchase • I will help you compare homes and make the best decision • I will guide you through the contract and closing process, including monitoring dead-

lines, home inspections, and negotiations on your behalf • I will refer you to experienced professionals as we move through the home buying pro-

cess

In return, I ask that you make the following commitment to me:

• Be as loyal to me as I am to you • Always communicate openly with me • Let me know your wants, needs, and any changes in your financial situation • Call me first! Notify me of any properties you wish to view and inform all other

agents, For Sale By Owners, or new homebuilders that I am representing you. This in-cludes Open Houses, home you see online, homes you drive by, new construction, homes advertised in magazines or newspapers, and individual owners.

• Seek Pre-Approval from a lender prior to viewing homes • Formulate any offer, on any property, through me. I do not get paid if I do not write

the contract.



Find Your Home 1) Define your home criteria—

analyze your values, needs, and wants.

2) Consult with your agent to understand the rules of your

market.

When viewing a home, what you consider and what your agent considers are different.

You’ll want to look for…

Layout, space, a sense of value, convenience of location to work and schools, and features and amenities.

Your agent will look for… How the home compares in terms of size, layout, and value to other homes in the area, as well as maintenance and structural concerns.

Understanding the Current Market



Make an Offer Components of an offer:

• Price—offer must reflect true market value of the home. • Contingencies—often referred to as “conditions” that allow you to opt out

of a deal if the home has a problem (financing, insurance and inspections)

Buyers Market or Sellers Market?

• Determine the Market

• Find Out How Much the Seller Paid

• Examine Comparable Sales

• Analyze List-Price-to-Sales-Price-Ratios

• Check Square-Foot Cost Averages

• Ask for the Home’s History and DOM

What’s a fair price? (How Your Agent will help)

Multiple Offers?

When inventory is lower, expect to pay a few thousand over

price.

Ask yourself: “If tomorrow I don’t get this house,

will I be satisfied with the offer I made?



Perform Due Diligence • Property inspection—exposes any structural or hidden issues. • Home owner’s insurance policy—protects against loss or damage.

The Big Stuff In your inspection, it’s the BIG stuff

that really matters.

• Warranted Systems • Unwarranted Systems • As-Is • WDO • Home Warranty



Close Pre-closing responsibilities include:

• Appraisal, survey, title search, and title insurance. • Keeping yourself mortgage worthy!!!! • Doing a final walk-through of home and re-inspect.

Countdown to closing includes:

Getting your settlement statement, certified funds, evidence of insurance, and transfer of clear title.

Potential Out-of-Pocket Closing Costs

• Home Inspection: $250-$400

• WDO: $125-$200

• Survey: $300-$400

• Appraisal: $500-600


THE HOME BUYING PROCESS

Let us help you! Buying a house can be confusing at times. There can be many different directions and options. But no matter where you find a home you may be interested in seeing, you need only to call The Rivers Team for help. The Rivers Team Buyer’s Agents share a cooperating relationship with all real estate offices within our community. Meaning we can show you properties that are listed with us or any other broker in our area. We can also assist you in “For Sale By Owner” transactions. Just call The Rivers Team at 850-297-2255 for all the information you need!

Hear about a property for

sale? Give us a call and

We’ll search out the details for you!

See a Sign? We can show you

properties that are listed with us or any broker in our area. We can also assist you in “For Sale By Owner” transactions!

Read an Ad? We can help you with any house you read about in the paper, no matter what company or individual is marketing the home. In fact, just circle the ads, drop off your paper and we’ll find out all of the details!

Want to visit an Open House? If we cannot accompany you, please either do not sign in or sign in with The Rivers Team name after yours!

Want to tour a New Construction project? The Rivers Team will need to accompany you to the property on the initial visit. By letting us help you with builders, you get all the services offered in this presentation, as well as those offered by the builder ... without paying more for it!


THE RIVERS TEAM

What Our Clients Say “We were city shopping as well as house shopping (from 1200 miles away) and what tipped the scales and brought us to Tallahassee instead of another city was that Rivers Team listened to our needs and responded quickly with just the type of listings we were looking for.” Charles and Kay Ewold

“My family and I have had the experience of both purchasing and selling a home through the Rivers Team. With all the relocating I have done over the years, no one compares to the Rivers Team. I wish every state had a Gene & Rebekah Rivers/ Rivers Team. Their professionalism is second to none! Great job, Rivers Team!” Tony Downs & family

“I got my asking price and Rebekah handled all the details (and there were lots of details!). I’m glad I choose Gene & Rebekah and the Rivers Team.” Mitch Kehn

“Our Buyer’s Specialist on the Rivers Team was always there to help, assist or get answers whenever we needed them. She was a delight to work with in buying our new home.” Bill & Melinda Blevins

“The Rivers Team did a Great Job! with difficult circumstances.” Joe Winterle

“Thanks for your extra effort during the negotiation process. Rebekah made sure we got what we wanted, without letting the deal fall through.” Mike & Sherry Dollhopf

“We experienced more a feeling of personal friendship rather than cold business dealings. We can’t emphasize enough the warm & efficient methods and easy/cheerful advice of the Rivers Team members. Many Thanks!” Walt Slater

“I was extremely happy with The Rivers Team and would never have

considered going to anyone else to buy or sell a home. My kids and I

appreciate everything. Thanks Gene & Rebekah!” Bobby Bernal

“My daughter who was helping me in my search for a home, was hesitant to commit ourselves to using one specific realtor. But after spending time with the Rivers Team buyers specialist and myself looking at homes, she agreed with me and wanted to use the Rivers Team exclusively in our search for a home. We received excellent service.” Zelda Rogers

“Gene Rivers is Super Realtor extraordinaire! What impressed us most is the Rivers Team always had our interests at heart. Despite a very busy schedule, they always called us back quickly and made us feel as though we were the most important clients they had. They are great!” Bryan & Victoria Morse


KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY

Philosophy

Our Belief System - Our beliefs are an essential part of who we are and how we conduct business. The Keller Williams® Belief System is the

foundation for providing the ultimate in service for our clients.

Win-Win . . . Or no deal

Integrity . . . Do the right thing

Commitment . . . In all things

Communication . . . Seek first to understand

Creativity . . . Ideas before results

Customers . . . Always come first

Teamwork . . . Together Everyone Achieves More

Trust . . . Starts with honesty

Success . . . Results through people

WI4C2TS

Our Belief System In Action...


MEET THE RIVERS TEAM

Founding Members In 1989, Gene and Rebekah Rivers had a dream: to grow a real estate team focused on client service and

satisfaction. In 1992, we moved our business to Gene’s hometown (Tallahassee) after we lost our house

in Hurricane Andrew. Nineteen years later, we are proud to say that service and satisfaction are still the

primary focus and foundation of our business. Throughout this journey, the team has grown from 2 to 10.

Early on, we realized that specialists were needed to uphold our standards and to exceed our customers’

expectations – therefore, our team members have honed their skills to excel in the different real estate

arenas. We have become a team composed of Listing Specialists, Buyer’s Specialists, Investment

Specialists, New Construction Specialists, and fully staffed Listing, Closing, and Marketing departments;

allowing each agent specialist to have an administrative counterpart.

During the past 2 decades, we have mentored, trained, and coached our team members to give them the

absolute best and most up-to-date knowledge of negotiation, client service, market awareness, and

innovative technology. And, over the years, we have expanded from a team of two to four Keller Williams

offices serving customers in Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orange Park, and Panama City. However, our #1

love is, and will always be, The Rivers Team.

We look forward to working with you and your comments are important to us. Please don’t hesitate to

contact us at any time at 850-297-2255 – it is your feedback and business that has gotten us this far.

Thank you in advance for the trust you have placed in our team.

Gene and Rebekah Rivers

Designations

ABR-Accredited Buyers

Representative


THE RIVERS TEAM

Moving Checklist

For Long Distance Moves! PLAN AHEAD BY: Deciding what to move and what not to move. Possibly plan a garage sale!

Getting estimates from several moving companies or truck rental companies, depending on how you

plan to make the move.

Planning your travel itinerary and making transportation and lodging reservations in advance. (Leave a

copy with a friend or relative.)

Transferring your bank accounts. They will be happy to open your accounts by mail.

Contacting your local credit bureau to find out if they are on the same system your new home town

subscribes to; if not, they will be able to transfer your credit file.

Requesting records from doctors and dentists, including eye glass prescriptions, dental x-rays and

vaccinations.

Obtaining your childrens’ school records to make for an easier transfer.

Drawing up a floor plan of where your furniture should be placed. This will help avoid confusion for you

and your movers.

Paying existing bills and closing out local charge accounts.

Recording expenses incurred during your house-hunting trips. You will also want to save your moving

expense receipts (if the move is employment-related) for tax deductions.

For Local Moves!

PLAN AHEAD BY: Deciding what to move and what not to move. Possibly plan a garage sale (extra cash & less to move).

Getting estimates from several moving companies, or truck rental companies if you’re moving yourself.

Be sure to obtain a hand truck (appliance dolly) if you’re moving yourself.

Arranging transfer of children’s school records if applicable.

Drawing up a floor plan of where your furniture should be placed to avoid confusion for you and/or your

movers.

Arranging any special movers, such as for an expensive piano, or such as is necessary to break down

and move a pool table or above-ground swimming pool.


WHEN YOU’RE MOVING

Don’t Forget!

Don’t Forget To: Cancel or transfer deliveries, newspaper, garbage collection, etc. Coordinate the transfer of gas,

electric, (water & sewer when not handled by title company.) with the next occupant of your old home, as

well as with the previous owner of your new home, so as to avoid lapses in sevice and extra re-start

expenses.

Check on personal items that might be at the photo shop, bank safe deposit box, a neighbor’s house,

on lay-away or in the repair shop (i.e., shoe repair, jewelry store, small appliance repair or dressmaker).

Make arrangements for transporting your plants and pets.

Save the phone book from your former city residence for tying up loose ends or for future

correspondence.

Transfer insurance policies or arrange for new policies.

Gather all valuables, jewelry, important papers (birth certificates, deeds, documents) to take with you

personally.

Have the car serviced for the trip.

Pack an arrival kit of necessities just in case you arrive before the mover.

Get refunds from your present utility and phone companies and arrange for service at your new home.

Purchase moving insurance. Your mover’s liability for lost or damaged goods will not equal their

replacement cost.

Appraise valuable items, such as antiques, art pieces, etc.

Check with your attorney about your will if crossing state lines.

Ask for professional referrals if available (i.e. doctor, accountant, etc.)

Change these addresses: Post Office, charge accounts, subscriptions (at least four weeks in advance),

relatives and friends, national and alumni organizations, church, mail order clubs (books, tapes,

catalogues), firms with which you have time payments, past employer in order to receive your W-2 form.

Save your old address labels to speed up your change of address forms.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Tallahassee Area Links Utilities

City of Tallahassee Utilities

www.Talgov.com

850-891-4968

Talquin Electric

Gadsden Co, Leon Co, Wakulla Co,

www.Talquinelectric.com

850-627-7651

Tri-County Electric Cooperative

Monticello, Jefferson Co

www.tcec.com

850-997-3533

Waste Pro

www.wasteprousa.com

850-561-0800

Cable/Internet

Century Link

www.Centurylink.com

Comcast

850-296-0401

1-888-266-2278

www.xfinity.com

Schools

Leon County

www.leon.k12.fl.us or www.leonschools.net/

Wakulla County

www.wakullaschooldistrict.org/FindSchool

Gadsden County

www.gcps.k12.fl.us

VENDOR RESOURCES - Call us for vendor recommendations!

Golf Courses:

www.golfnow.com/course-directory/us/fl/15936-

tallahassee

Parks & Recreation:

www.talgov.com/parks/ParksHome.aspx

Restaurant Directory:

tallahassee.diningchannel.com

Arts Guide

www.tallahasseearts.org

Attractions & Events

www.visittallahassee.com/events

Colleges & Universities

www.collegesimply.com/colleges-near/florida/

tallahassee/

Hospitals

Tallahassee Memorial Hospital

www.tmh.org

Capital Regional Medical Center

capitalregionalmedicalcenter.com

Home Search

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buying a new home with the rivers team the proven path … · ringtherivers.com | 850-297-2255 the...

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