(305)562-3030/(305)283-1837 [email protected] [email protected] NatashaAndBruce.com Your Home Buying Packet A Complete Guide To The Home Buying Process

NATASHA OLIVERA & BRUCE BLOOM With 17 years combined experience in the real estate industry, Natasha and Bruce have made it their mission to provide an amazing experience for their clients, whether they are buying or selling their home. Bruce and Natasha believe that loyalty, strong support and knowledge are the key ingredients to creating a foundation based on trust in order to help their clients make those decisions required to transform their future. Their mission is to instill in them the confidence and comfort required to refer them to their friends and family members who are also looking to make a move. As an educator, with over 20 years of experience, Natasha’s number one priority is ensuring that her clients have all the knowledge and understanding necessary to make informed decisions. Born and raised in New Hampshire, she moved to Miami when she was 17 years old. She is fluently bilingual in Spanish, is a dedicated educator with 12 years serving FIU as an instructor and public speaking coach, and 6 years as a high school AP teacher at MAST@ Homestead. Bruce started in appraising at just 18 years old and in his early 20’s would find himself as a property manager of a 32 story, 208-unit luxury condo on the beach and would later get trained in home inspections.. Born and raised in Miami, Bruce has strong familial ties to Minnesota where he spent his summers working in construction with his father, hunting and fishing. Together, Natasha and Bruce live in Homestead with their daughter and enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, nature trails and beaching. Natasha also has two older sons, one who is a veteran Airman and Guardsman, and the other a music producer. Family is extremely important to them; which is why they understand that the process of buying and selling a home and moving can be one of the biggest transitions we make in our lives; something they don’t take lightly. Natasha and Bruce understand that the prospect of buying or selling property can be daunting and overwhelming. They have also found, in their own personal experience, that there is a gap in educating home buyers and sellers. For this reason, they are committed to not only educating their clients throughout every step of a real estate transaction, but also ensuring that they are always available to their clients, during and after the transaction, thereby setting themselves apart from the rest in the industry. Their number one priority is helping their clients make informed and educated decisions they can feel confident in and providing an experience that is superior to anything else available in the marketplace.

NATASHA OLIVERA MILITARY RELOCATION PROFESSIONAL I PLEDGE TO SERVE THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED As a deserving veteran, you are entitled to achieving the dream of home ownership just like every other American. As a former military wife and mother, I understand the importance of establishing a sense of stability and security for my family, and how a home can create just that. However, having the ability to purchase a home can be difficult for most. From putting up a hefty down payment, to intimidating home prices plus living expenses and credit score requirements, treading onto the path of home ownership can be overwhelming and daunting. Fortunately, the VA loan program was put in place to simplify the journey for those who have fought and defended our country by giving them a fighting chance at owning a home and eliminating many obstacles, such as a down payment. Did you know that with a VA loan there is NO down payment? That means you could set aside your hard saved money for more important things. But the first step in homeownership is finding a good Real Estate agent. You want a Realtor who knows the area, particularly if you are moving to a new state or city on PCS orders, someone who you can trust to do their job morally and ethically and who will educate you along the way, and lastly, someone who understands your needs as a military family. When military staff and their families relocate, the services of a real estate professional who understands their needs and timetables can make the transfer easier, faster, and less stressful. REALTORS® who earn this certification know to work with active-duty military buyers and sellers, as well as veterans. Natasha Olivera is your Miami Military Friendly Realtor. Natasha is the proud mother of a veteran Airman and National Guardsman. Additionally, she was an active leader in the Family Readiness Group at Ft. Benning, GA during Operation Enduring Freedom, worked as a preschool teacher and substitute teacher for the DODEA, was a contributing writer to the Ft. Benning local newspaper the “Bayonett” and the Miami Military Examiner, and co-founded the non-profit Family Ties Foundation for wounded veterans.

FUTURE HOMEOWNER: Hello future homeowner!! You’re about to embark on the exciting journey of finding your ideal home and we are honored that you have chosen us to go on that journey with you. Whether this is your first home, or your tenth home, a retirement home, vacation home, or investment property, we want to make sure that this will be a fun and exciting process. We are committed to making sure that with our expertise and the resources of our office, this process will be as smooth and seamless as possible. Purchasing a home is a very important decision and a big undertaking. For that reason, we want to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to understand the process, so you never feel lost or confused. We are prepared to guide you through every phase of the home-buying process and guide you during and after your transaction.

OUR COMMITMENTS TO YOU 1. We will always provide you with expert advice and consulting so that you’re able to make the best decision for yourself and your family. 2. We will always be 100% forthcoming about the price of a home, its condition and what it will take to get it purchased. 3. We will always do what is right for your best interest. 4. We will always communicate with you pro-actively and we will always return your phone calls, e-mails, and text messages with urgency. 5. We will help you clarify what you want most and find you options that meet your specifications as much as possible. 6. We will analyze the value of the home you are looking to purchase and negotiate the best price for your home purchase. 7. We will be present at the home inspection and will negotiate any home repairs. 8. We will communicate effectively with all parties involved in the transaction including lawyers, title agents and lenders. 9. We will remain in constant contact with your lender and monitor the status of your loan. 10. We will finalize all loose ends to ensure that closing goes through without a hitch and we will be there alongside you at the closing so you have support and advice should you need it.

MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to help families gain financial security and wealth through home ownership. Our no pressure, education first approach, is meant to help guide buyers and sellers through the process, while instilling the confidence and comfort required to create a strong foundation based on trust and loyalty. By doing so, our clients can feel confident that they have secured a real estate agent for life. We provide some of the most professional, loyal, and dedicated service in the industry. The best interest of our clients will always come first as we are dedicated to the development of long-term relationships and earning the referrals of the people our clients care most about.

WHY YOU SHOULD USE A REALTOR Realtors are licensed professionals who are members of the National Association of Realtors and their local board or association of Realtors. As members they must abide by a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice enforced by the NAR. They will ensure that they represent your best interests and that you get what you need throughout the entire home buying process. Education & Expertise: As realtors we can save you time, money and frustration with neighborhood and market knowledge. Networking: As realtors we work with a network of professionals who will help ensure a smooth path to homeownership. Access to Listings: As realtors we have access to thousands of listings that match your needs, including off market properties. Negotiating: As realtors we can bring objectivity to any buying transaction pointing out advantage and will negotiate with your best interests in mind. Process Familiarity: As realtors we ensure costly mistakes are avoided and closings proceed smoothly and timely.

ADVANTAGES OF HOME OWNERSHIP Equity Building • Initial mortgage payments go towards paying off interest • Each payment increases your share in the home’s value • Equity increases your personal wealth When renting, all rental payments go towards your landlord’s wealth Tax Benefits • Mortgage interest and property taxes are tax deductible Rental payments are not tax deductible, but landlords can still claim deductions Stable Payments • Fixed interest rate mortgages mean that you pay the same amount every month for the length of your loan, regardless of inflation Rental can be raised every month or year depending on lease terms Security • Home ownership lets you provide your family with security & stability When renting, you run the risk of not being able to renew your agreement or your landlord forfeiting on his loan & being foreclosed on Freedom • Owning a home means you make the rules • Decorate, paint, build, repair as you like • No restrictions on pets, noise, or remodeling When renting you can only do what landlords allow Community • Owning a home makes you invested in your home & neighborhood • Homeowners tend to ensure neighborhood safety & preservation • Homeownership provides you a sense of place and belonging

THE ROAD TO HOME OWNERSHIP Pre-Home Search; Before Viewing Listings 1. Get Your Credit Report 2. Research Different Loan Programs 3. Get PreQualified 4. Pick A Real Estate Agent During the Home Search; What To Do When Looking At Listings 1. Begin Looking At Listings Online And In Person 2. Gather All Necessary Financial Records For Loan Approval 3. Visit Neighborhoods & Talk To Neighbors 4.Choose A Home After Home Selection Once You Have Chosen The Home You Want 1. Make An Offer To Purchase 2. Prepare Earnest Money Deposit 3. Negotiate & Counteroffer (If Necessary) 4. Accept Contract After Contract Is Executed 7. Conduct Necessary Inspections 6. Complete Mortgage Application 5. Get Home Appraised 3. Conduct final walk through 2. Make Purchase Funds Available 1. Obtain Necessary Insurance 4. Closing: Sign closing & Mortgage Docs FINISH! You Are Now A Home Owner!!

BEFORE WE BEGIN Before looking at listings you must be pre-qualified. If you do not already have a preferred lender, we will be more than happy to recommend some to you. Why pre-qualify? 1. It lets us know that you’re serious and motivated about looking for a property. 2. Interest rates are locked in for a set period of time. With a pre-qualification you’ll know exactly what your payments will be on the offers you choose to make. 3. You won’t waste your time looking at listings you can’t afford. Documentation needed to pre-qualify • Identification • Most recent 2 paystubs • Last two years W2’s and/or 1099’s • Last two years tax returns • Most recent 2 bank statements How much home can you afford? The rule of thumb is that your mortgage should not exceed 25-28% of your gross monthly income (before taxes & deductions). * For example, if your annual income is $50,000 and your gross monthly income is $4167 then your mortgage payment should not exceed $1250. If your annual income is $120,000 and your gross monthly income is $10,000 then your monthly mortgage payment should not exceed $3,000. Your mortgage payment includes the following: • Principal on the loan (P) • Interest on the loan (I) • Property taxes (T) • Homeowner’s Insurance (I) Several factors play into how much your monthly mortgage will look like: 1. Interest rate 2. Credit score 3. Property taxes 4. Down payment Down Payment Requirements: Most loans require 3.5-5% depending on the type of loan. If you are able to come up with 20-25% down payment, you avoid paying PMI (private mortgage insurance).

HOME LOAN MISTAKES TO AVOID 1. Do not change jobs, become self-employed or quit your job. 2. Do not buy a vehicle of any kind. 3. Do not fall behind on any credit card payments or use excessively. 4. Do not spend any of the money you have saved for closing. 5. Do not apply for any credit cards. 6. Do not buy any furniture. 7. Do not make any large deposits or transfers of funds without consulting with your lender. 8. Do not change bank accounts or add anyone to your bank account. 9. Do not co-sign on any loans for anyone. 10. Do not omit anything from your loan application.

HOME SHOPPING Let the fun begin! Home shopping should be a fun and enjoyable experience, but before you begin, you want to make sure you have that shopping list ready. Determine your New Home Shopping Criteria list. Be sure to distinguish between NEED TO HAVE and NICE TO HAVE features. Think about architectural style, number of bedrooms & bathrooms, location, lot size, living area space, and other special requirements. Now we can narrow your home search in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) System so you can choose from homes that meet your needs and wants. During the new home shopping search we will: • Schedule showings of properties during days/times convenient for you • Discuss the benefits & drawbacks of each home we look at • Keep you informed of any property changes or updates • Check for new listings & coming soon properties that meet your criteria • Be available to answer your questions via phone, email or text • Inform you of neighborhood market trends

MAKING AN OFFER Once you’ve found the home you would like to purchase, you need to determine how much you’re willing to offer for it. Be prepared to make a competitive offer depending on the current market conditions. We will present our offer to the listing agent in writing. The seller will either accept, reject or counter the offer. This is when we will negotiate the terms of the contract. If, and when, the seller accepts the offer, then it becomes a legal contract at which time you must be prepared to pay an earnest money deposit. This is to guarantee that your intention is to purchase the property. After each purchase and sale contract is entered into, it is sent to the title company for its review to begin title and closing process.

TITLE PROCESS TITLE SEARCH SURVEY PROPERTY TAXES TITLE INSURANCE & COMMITMENT POLICY LOAN DOCUMENTS CLOSING & POST CLOSING Title company will examine title to the property. Title company will review the survey and will notify if there are any issues with boundary lines or encroachments affecting the property. Title company will verify that property taxes have been paid. Title will prepare title insurance commitment and issue title insurance. The title company will coordinate with the mortgage lender to receive all loan documents in time for closing. It’s closing time!! Settlement typically takes 1 hour to complete. After closing, title disburses all monies collected & pays off any existing mortgages on prop. Title then delivers signed Warranty Deed & any Mortgages to County Recorder’s Office for recording in public records.

HOME INSPECTION/ INSURANCE/HOA When buying real estate, we highly recommend that you have a professional home inspector conduct an inspection. Typically, you will have 10 days to get this done once the contract has been executed. A home inspection is not meant to criticize every minor problem or defect in the home, it’s meant to report any major damages or serious problems that require repair. Their job is to make sure that you’re aware of the condition of the property. The issues that really matter will fall into three categories: 1. Major defects. An example of this would be a structural failure. 2. Things that lead to major defects. A roof leak, for example. 3. Safety hazards, such as an exposed wire at the electric panel. Most sellers are honest & often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during an inspection. Sellers are not obligated to make repairs but, depending on market conditions, sometimes are willing to negotiate because of repairs that need to be done.. At this time, you will also want to get insurance quotes and if purchasing a home in an HOA, you will need to apply with the association.

REAL ESTATE CLOSING Closing Day has arrived!! It’s an exciting day! Prior to closing, we will meet up and conduct one final Walk-Through Inspection of the property to make sure everything is still in the same condition as you agreed to. At closing, we will sit down with the Title Company and sign all lending documents. You will also be required to pay all fees and closing costs (usually in the form of a cashier’s check). Lastly, you will receive the keys to your new home!!

Questions? We’re here to serve. Do you need an estimated value of your home? Call us to discuss the sale of your home! (305) 562-3030/(305) 283-1837 [email protected]/[email protected] Website: NatashaAndBruce.com