Experience the Executive Advantage

Dara Larsen Sales Associate cell (973)

600-6909

office (570) 390-7380 x1567

GUIDING YOU THROUGH THE HOME BUYING PROCESS

Thank you for choosing me as your real estate professional. I recognize that a home is one of the largest and most personal financial investments you will ever make. I appreciate the confidence you have in me. My goal is to facilitate the purchase of your new home in a friendly, courteous and professional manner. I am committed to guiding you through the entire home buying process in a stress-free manner that will get you into the home of your dreams quickly, efficiently and most importantly, I will always have your best interests at heart. I truly appreciate the opportunity to represent you. Please know that real estate is my career and assisting buyers in the home buying process is my passion. Be assured that my team and I will always provide competent and professional service. I look forward to working with you,

Dara DARA LARSEN [email protected]

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(973) 600-6909

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RealtyExecutivesNJ.com

TESTIMONIALS

“We appreciate all the hard work you have put into helping us locate our dream home and you are without a doubt the most honest and professional real estate agent we have ever met. Your integrity goes far beyond a simple home sale in all of your actions.” – M. Lambert

“This is the eighth home I have purchased and sold and I have worked with a variety of agents. You have been the most honest and professional real estate agent I have met. Your consistent high energy level, patience, and intelligent advice helped me throughout my home purchase process and I will strongly recommend you to others.” – B. Flannigan

“Thank you for all of your help. You are the real estate agent we wish we had met years ago. With your help, we were confident that our home would sell for the terms, conditions and price we were looking for. You kept us current to the market conditions and provided us up-to-date viewing results and helped us negotiate a great price. Honesty is rare in salespeople and real estate agents. However, your honesty is genuine and we appreciated your frankness, even if it was not what we wanted to hear at the time. We feel we found a great home, with the best location in the best neighborhood, for the price we wanted to pay. Your help was invaluable and we were extremely happy with your advice you provided. We look forward to future business with you.” – Marcy & Tom Nolan

DARA LARSEN [email protected]

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(973) 600-6909

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RealtyExecutivesNJ.com

My Commitment To You To Assist You In Meeting Your Home Buying Goals And Objectives,

I Will:

 Assistance from home search to closing  Provide exceptional knowledge of the local market  Keep you updated on the most current listings  Schedule and accompany you on private showings  Preview listings on your behalf if needed  Assist you with the pre-approval process  Offer resources to you through my preferred list of affiliated companies  Maintain timely communication  Educate you and assist in navigating the offer process  Provide strong negotiation skills on your behalf  Assist with the home inspection and appraisal process  Recommend the best service providers as needed  Communicate with the lender, attorney, settlement company and seller’s agent  Be available to answer questions before, during and after the closing DARA LARSEN [email protected]

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(973) 600-6909

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RealtyExecutivesNJ.com

FHA Appraisal Repair Checklist

Look out for these suggested repairs before your FHA, VA and USDA loan appraisal... Repair all defective or peeling paint on interior and exterior surfaces Repair all leaks around the house

(Check the plumbing, HVAC, roof, foundation and more.)

Repair or replace defective and exposed electrical wiring

(Check for uncapped wiring, broken junction box and receptacle covers, wires draped down from ceilings, etc.)

Install required safety devices:

(Check the smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, water heater pressure relief valves, extension pipe/straps, etc.)

Check for the following conditions in the structural settlement: •

Crawl Space: 18" access to all areas where there is any ductwork, plumbing, conduit, electrical, insulation, etc.

•

Foundation: cracks other than normal settling, bowing walls, water intrusion, etc.

Check for exposed hard wiring to appliances Repair or replace broken inoperable windows, doors and locks Repair or replace broken overhead garage door openers

Check for the following conditions in the roof or attic: •

Roof: defective shingles, drip marks down chimney, etc.

•

Attic: adequate insulation, mold removal, duct work and exhaust venting connection, debris removal, etc.

Check for the following conditions with the stairs, walkways, driveways, and flooring:

Repair or replace any loose or missing handrails

•

Exterior. sides with uneven concrete, handrails for steps, broken fences and glass, swimming pools, etc.

•

Interior. soft or sloping floors, cracks in drywall, bowed walls, doors that won't close, windows that won't open, etc.

(Check for cracks in drywall, bowed walls, doors won’t close, windows will not open, etc.)

DARA LARSEN [email protected]

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(973) 600-6909

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RealtyExecutivesNJ.com

Things To Consider When Purchasing a home Finding a new home can be exciting. But deciding what you truly want and need — and can afford — can be challenging. Making these decisions begins with setting priorities among many different preferences. Here are many factors you'll want to take into consideration: Basic Home Features

Life at Home

•

•

• • • • • • • •

Do you prefer a single-family detached home, townhome, condominium, or other type of property Desired number of bedrooms and baths Preferences regarding kitchen, dining, family rooms, etc. and preferred home layout High-priority home features, such as kitchen appliances, fireplace, etc. Other types of rooms needed (e.g., a home office or a hobby space) Storage spaces (closets, basement, an outdoor shed, etc.) Need for a garage or parking space, and if so, for how many cars Two story, split level, multi-family etc. Style of home (Ranch, Colonial, Contemporary etc.)

•

If you'll be sharing your home with children, pets, live-in parents or others, how does this impact your housing preferences? Both now, and in the future? (For example, pets may require a fenced-in yard; older parents may dictate one-floor living.) Proximity to neighbors

Related Costs • •

Homeowner association fees Property taxes

Neighborhoods/Location • • •

Commuting considerations (to work, shopping, etc.) Proximity to desirable features (such as a community center, exercise facility, school, hospital, etc.) Views—how important is to find your ideal view (overlooking a park, for example) or avoiding a bad one (a busy highway)

Lot Characteristics • • •

Size and shape, including back, front and side yards Landscaping considerations—the need for open play areas, privacy, patio space, decking, etc. Home orientation—is it important for your home to face a particular direction

Trade-offs •

•

How much do you want to invest in a home beyond the purchase price, either financially or in terms of sweat equity, if you can't find exactly what you want Are you willing to consider other neighborhoods that provide better affordability

Resale •

How long do you plan to live in this home? How does this impact the type of home you will buy, how much you'll spend, and your choice of location

DARA LARSEN [email protected]

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(973) 600-6909

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RealtyExecutivesNJ.com

The Roadmap To Home Ownership I Will Be With You Every Step Of The Way 

Buyer Consultation



Mortgage Pre-Approval



Set Realistic Expectations



Find Your Dream Home

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Submit Offer And Negotiate The Contract

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Hire A Real Estate Attorney To Review Contract (in some regions)



Apply For Your Mortgage

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Conduct A Structural Home Inspection

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Request Seller Repairs If Necessary

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Purchase A Home Warranty

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Lender Orders Home Appraisal

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Seller Obtains Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Certification

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Seller Obtains Well Water Certification (if private well)

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Lender Issues Mortgage Commitment

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Hire Your Mover

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Title and Homeowners Insurance Issued

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Review CD And Obtain Bank Check For Closing

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Perform Final Walk-through

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Attend Closing / Settlement

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Transfer All Utilities

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ENJOY Your New Home

DARA LARSEN [email protected]

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(973) 600-6909

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RealtyExecutivesNJ.com

Interest Rates

16%

1981: 16.61%

14%

2022: 6.75%

12% 10% 8%

1972: 7.44%

6% 4% 2% 0%

1972 1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022

50 Years of Interest Rates

Even with the interest rates rising since hitting a record low point at the height of Covid, rates remain attractive based upon historic values.

DARA LARSEN [email protected]

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(973) 600-6909

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RealtyExecutivesNJ.com

Consider Locking In Your Rate Historically, real estate has been a great investment Regardless of the interest rates, in our region of the country, real estate has appreciated approximately 5.0% per year, on average, over the last 50 years. Real estate has proven to be one of the best investments you can make.

$325,000 Mortgage

6.50% Interest Rate

$2,054 Monthly Payment

$325,000 Mortgage

6.75% Interest Rate

$2,108 Monthly Payment

$325,000 Mortgage

7.00% Interest Rate

$2,162 Monthly Payment

As you can see above, a 1/4 of a percentage point change in the interest rate on a $325,000 mortgage will result in a $54 per month change in your 30 year conventional mortgage payment.

Makes sense in certain situations Increasing interest rates translate to declining buying power. Most lenders will allow you to lock your rate when rates are increasing. And some lenders will allow you to take advantage of lower rates if rates are declining, even if you locked a higher rate.

$325,000 Mortgage

6.50% Interest Rate

$2,054 Monthly Payment

$317,000 Mortgage

6.75% Interest Rate

$2,054 Monthly Payment

$309,000 Mortgage

7.00% Interest Rate

$2,054 Monthly Payment

In this scenario, a 1/4 of a percentage point change in the interest rate will change your buying power by approximately $8,000. This means if rates rise, you will have to purchase a less expensive home to keep your monthly payment the same.

DARA LARSEN [email protected]

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(973) 600-6909

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RealtyExecutivesNJ.com

Your Mortgage Application Checklist Cross your T’s and dot your I’s when applying for a mortgage Purchasing a home can be a complex process. Here is what you will need to have available when you apply for a home loan: Government issued photo ID: driver's license or passport For home purchase loans: provide a legible purchase contract with all addendums Complete address for each residence you’ve resided at during the past two years - If renting: provide Landlord’s name and contact information Names, addresses and phone numbers of all employers for the past two years and dates worked Last two years W-2 or 1099 forms Last 30 days paycheck stubs including bonus and commission pay Last two years personal federal income tax returns (all schedules) Business returns for borrowers that own 25% or more of a business If self-employed: provide last two years business returns (all schedules) Original checking and savings account statements for the past two months (all pages - even if blank) Original asset account statements for the past two months or most recent quarterly statements including; retirement, money market, mutual funds and brokerage accounts (all pages - even if blank) Homeowners Association Information with contact information if property is a condo or part of a homeowner’s association If you own rental properties, provide copies of fully executed leases If VA loan, copy of DD214’s to obtain certificate of eligibility If refinance: provide recent mortgage statement and proof of homeowner's insurance

DARA LARSEN [email protected]

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(973) 600-6909

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RealtyExecutivesNJ.com

10 Mortgage Tips Following these suggestions will assure a successful loan process

When preparing to apply for, and during the loan process, it is critical that you take certain steps and avoid others. Here is how to make sure your loan process goes smoothly: DON’T: 1. Don’t leave your current job. 2. Don’t make unnecessary checking or savings account transactions, such as withdrawals or deposits. 3. Don’t transfer money between accounts, unless receiving complete documentation from your bank itemizing all transfers. 4. Don’t take out cash advances on credit cards or apply for credit in any form, including credit for major purchases (like a car or furniture) or apply for credit to consolidate or change existing credit. 5. Don’t co-sign on any debt with a family member or anyone else. 6. Don’t have friends or family members pay for anything related to the purchase of a home (appraisal, earnest money, down payment, etc.). Gifts are only allowed under certain guidelines. 7. If you are a landlord, don’t ask your tenant to move. If you are a renter, don’t give your landlord notice that you are moving out. DO: 1. Keep your bank accounts in a positive balance. 2. Pay all debts on time. 3. Speak to your Mortgage Loan Originator before paying disputed bills that have gone to collection agencies.

DARA LARSEN [email protected]

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(973) 600-6909

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RealtyExecutivesNJ.com

Team Approach Not only will I be working for you, you will have the experience of my entire team. These professionals will help assure a smooth transaction. attorney for sale

building

management

bid

buy

agent

land value

appraiser

suburb

estate

purchase

market value contract investment insurance broker

loan

new

security

homeowners insurance

real estate

family

contractors

growth

agreement

agency policy architecture income interior

key

construction residential individual variable reduced buying contract new construction

real estate homes

surveyor

interest funds

policy

finance

lender

loan

payments

exterior

mortgage

agent

percentage qualified money construction increase expense background check neighborhood new gross profit payment contract policy rate fixed-rate rates agreement loan investment credit insurance funds qualified agreement capital key adjustment

for sale

home inspector

management

property icy

borrowers

market value

title insurance insurance

adjustment

cost real estate

income

interest

security

gross taxes

environmental remediation

sold

ratio

debt percentage reduced lending insurance

legal money

offers

for sale

loan funds

policy

key settlement agent newqualified

savings

funds

profit

home warranty Experienced

l

purchase

taxes real estate

price

market value

estate

interest

debt

security

professional photographer

Knowledgeable

l

Ethical Experts

DARA LARSEN [email protected]

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(973) 600-6909

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RealtyExecutivesNJ.com

Our Mortgage Affiliates It Is Critical That You Obtain A Pre-Approval From A Respected Lender A mortgage pre-approval allows you to make an offer with confidence and shows that you're a serious buyer with the means to purchase a seller's home. Many sellers will not negotiate with a purchaser that does not have a pre-approval letter from a reputable mortgage lender.

JASON GANLY Mortgage Advisor NMLS #1608647 (570) 223-4671 [email protected]

JESSICA IMPARATO VP of Mortgage Lending NMLS #1535873 (917) 793-9684 [email protected]

DARA LARSEN [email protected]

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(973) 600-6909

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RealtyExecutivesNJ.com

As Your Agent, I Can Represent You In More Than One Way It is critical that you understand my role in this process BUYER’S AGENT A buyer’s agent WORKS ONLY FOR THE BUY buyer’s agent has fiduciary duties to the buyer, w include reasonable care, undivided loyalty, confid and full disclosure. However, in dealing with selle buyer’s agent must act honestly. In dealing with b parties, a buyer’s agent may not make any misrep on matters material to the transaction, such as the financial ability to pay, and must disclose defects material nature affecting the physical condition o property which a reasonable inspection by the lic would disclose.

Consumer Information Statement

A buyer wishing to be represented by a buyer’s ag advised to enter into a separate written buyer agen contract with the brokerage firm, which is to work their agent.

Real Estate Relationships Real estate licensees are required to disclose how they intend to work with buyers and sellers in a real estate transaction. (In rental transactions, the terms “buyers” and “sellers” should be read as “tenants” and “landlords”, respectively.)

DISCLOSED DUAL AGENT A disclosed dual agent WORKS FOR BOTH THE BUYER AND SELLER. To work as a dual agent, must first obtain the informed written consent of t buyer and the seller. Therefore, before acting as a disclosed dual agent, brokerage firms must make disclosure to both parties. Disclosed dual agency is likely to occur when a licensee with a real estate fi working as a buyer’s agent shows the buyer proper owned by sellers for whom that firm is also workin a seller’s agent or sub-agent.

DARA LARSEN [email protected]

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(973) 600-6909

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RealtyExecutivesNJ.com

Moving Checklist Being prepared for the move will take much of the stress away. 8 WEEKS BEFORE  Call moving companies for estimates.  Remove and dispose of unnecessary possessions.  Start compiling an inventory of your possessions.  Get a floor plan (with room dimensions) of your new home to help you decide which furnishings you want to keep and which room they will go in.  Start a file of moving-related papers and receipts.  Locate schools, healthcare professionals and hospitals in your new location.  Arrange to transfer your children’s school records and family medical records. 6 WEEKS BEFORE  Secure off-site storage.  Choose a mover and sign contract.  Contact your homeowner’s insurance agent about coverage for moving and secure more.  Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowner’s, medical, and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home. 4 WEEKS BEFORE Create a file of important papers, such as auto license, registration documents and title; any medical, dental and school records; birth certificates; wills, deeds, stock certificates, and other financial documents.  Notify the following of your change of address:  Post office  Banks  Credit card companies  Relatives and friends  Insurance agent, lawyer, tax/financial advisor  Magazine subscriptions

 Notify utility companies of date to discontinue/ transfer service and/or establish service at your new home. Also arrange for final readings and bills, including refunds on prepaid services.  Electric  Heating oil  Internet service  Natural gas  Telephone  Television  Trash collection  Water  Notify your state’s department of motor vehicle of your new address.  If moving from an apartment, arrange for refund of your security deposit.  Discontinue additional home services (housekeeper, gardener/lawn service, snow removal, and pool cleaner).  Start using up things you can’t move, such as perishables. 3 WEEKS BEFORE  Make travel plans.  Make arrangements with condo or homeowner’s association to reserve elevator usage time if moving into or out of a high rise building.  Arrange to close existing bank accounts and open new accounts in new area.  Arrange for child care on moving day. 2 WEEKS BEFORE  Arrange special transport for your pets and plants.  Contact your moving company and review arrangements for your move. 1 WEEK BEFORE  Pack moving-essential boxes—important documents, travel clothes, personal items and prescription medications. 2–3 DAYS BEFORE  Confirm all final arrangements with your mover and other service providers.

DARA LARSEN [email protected]

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(973) 600-6909

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RealtyExecutivesNJ.com

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