Buyer Presentation: An overview of the home buying process.

1. Presented By:
Chris Jones
(513) 800-6831
ChrisJonesSellsHomes@gmail.com
A
Guide To Home
Buying

2. My Service
Commitment To You
 Provide email updates for new listing
activity within your chosen criteria
 Access to experienced lenders for
easy no cost pre-approval
 Detailed school information
 Comprehensive detailed market
analysis of properties under your
consideration
 Negotiation skills for best price
obtainable
 Organization of pre-closing title work

3. How I work differently…
And the benefits to you
• I strive to run my business by Referral
– Most Realtors® spend the majority of each day trying to find their next
clients
– I spend my day working with you and my other clients
– If I’m getting repeat business and referrals, I must be doing something
right
• I’m Full-time, but I’m not on call 24 hours/day…everyday
– Most Realtors® try to sell this as a benefit
– Unless we’re negotiating and there are deadlines involved, I typically will
not answer my phone or return calls late in the evening.
– When I’m showing homes or in an appointment with another client, I give
them the courtesy of not answering my phone. I will give you the same
courtesy.
– I will always get back with you in a timely manner, just leave me a
message and I’ll get it once I’m done with my current client or
appointment.
• I work appointment only on the weekends
– I certainly work on the weekends and usually most weekends, however, if
I don’t have an appointment scheduled for the weekend, I will take that
time off to be with my family.
– During the week, if you know you will want to meet on the weekend or
look at homes on an upcoming weekend…no problem…just let me know
as soon as you know and we will schedule.
– I don’t want you to be disappointed if you call me Saturday morning at
10:00am to see homes at 1:00pm and find that I am unavailable.

4. • Please know that in most transactions, there are glitches that come up
– There are a lot of people involved in getting from the time we write the
offer, all the way to the time you are handed the keys of your new
home.
– Please know that I have experience in dealing with these glitches and I
deal with them every day…We’ll get through it!
– Although sometimes these glitches can be very frustrating and
inconveniencing, I have never seen one that is life and death…We’ll get
through it!
• I will always give you my personal opinion
– I have helped many, many buyers & sellers through this process.
Because you don’t do this on a daily basis, there are certain things that
I’m looking for, that maybe you haven’t thought of…such as things that
may affect resale value.
– Buyers typically buy on emotion. My job is to point out issues that may
not have crossed your mind.
– I don’t care if you buy a home today or one tomorrow, as long as you
are happy. Don’t forget—my business is repeat business and referrals.
I don’t think you will want to work with me or refer your friends if you
don’t think I did a Great Job for you and looked out for your best
interests.
• My clients enjoy service from me before, during and long after the sale or
purchase of their home
– A total real estate resource (I want you to feel comfortable calling me
even 10 years after you bought your home, to ask me about property
taxes or for a referral to a good house painter—I’m always here for
you!)
– Check-ins: I think about and care about my past clients…I may check in
from time-to-time to see how you’re doing

7. Make sure YOU are being represented in all situations
I have a duty as your agent to represent your best interest. The following is a list of
occasions when you want to be sure to take steps to protect that representation:
• OPEN HOUSES – Feel free to go to as many open houses as you would like. This
is a great way to educate yourself about the homes that are available in your
price range. Just make sure you let the agent in the home know that you already
have an agent representing you. Do not give them too much personal
information.
• SIGN CALLS & INTERNET – If you drive by a home for sale, or see one online, and
would like to know more about it, please call me first. Do not call the number on
the sign. Talking with the listing agent might lead to you inadvertently providing
information that would lessen your negotiating power if you make an offer on
that home.
• NEW CONSTRUCTION – If you are considering building a new home, it is in your
best interest to have your own representation. Let the sales rep know that you
have a Realtor and give them my name or card. I can help you with decisions
such as floor plan, lot and amenities that will increase your re-sale value.
• F.S.B.O. – I can and will represent you if you are considering purchasing a home
“For Sale By Owner”. Most homeowners do not know how to file the
appropriate paperwork for the transaction. One box checked incorrectly could
cost you thousands of dollars.

8. YOUR REALTOR & HOW THEY ARE PAID
1. My Responsibilities as Your Realtor
As a buyer, you have the right to a Realtor who represents YOUR best
interest, while the seller has an agent representing their best interest. As a
start, your Realtor will:
• Research and show you homes listed by ANY real estate company
• Inform you about taxes, appreciation in home values, schools & other
• Ensure that you don’t overpay by researching area comps & negotiating a
fair price for you
• Negotiate closing costs you’d like the seller to pay on your Behalf
• Help order your home inspection and negotiate major repairs for you
2. How Realtors are Paid
In Ohio, buyers do not pay their Realtors. Both sides of the real-estate
commission are paid by the seller’s proceeds at closing. Your agent then
receives a percentage of the commission that their broker receives. For
example:
* The agent is also responsible for all of their own taxes, insurance, and expenses*

9. Seven Reasons To Own Your Own Home
1. Tax Breaks: The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct
the interest you pay on your mortgage, property
taxes you pay and some of the cost buying your
home.
2. Gains: As home prices increase you gain equity.
3. Equity: Money you pay for rent is money you’ll
never see again, but mortgage payments let you
build equity ownership interest in your home.
4. Savings: Building equity in your home is a ready-
made savings plan.
5. Predictability: Unlike rent, fixed mortgage
payments don’t go up over the years.
6. Freedom: The home is yours.
7. Stability: A place to establish friendships and
engage with others in your community.

10. 10 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers
1. Be picky, but don’t be unrealistic. There is no perfect home!
2. Do your homework before you start looking. Decide specifically
what features you want in a home.
3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and make
sure you have enough money for inspections, earnest money
and down payment.
4. Don’t wait to get a loan. Talk to a lender and get prequalified
before you start looking. This will benefit you when you are ready
to write a contract.
5. Don’t ask too many people for opinions.
6. Decide when you could move. Arrange a back up plan.
7. Think long-term. Are you looking for a starter house and planning
on moving in a few years or do you hope to stay in a home long
term.
8. Don’t let yourself be “house poor.” If you max yourself out then
you could run into issues when maintenance issues arise.
9. Don’t be naïve. Insist on a home inspection and if possible get a
Home Warranty.
10. Get help. Having an experienced REALTOR® means that you
have someone working on your behalf throughout your buying
process.

11. 10 Steps to Prepare for Home Ownership
1. Decide how much home you can afford. Generally, you can afford
a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross
income.
2. Develop a wish list of what you’d like your home to have. Then
prioritize the features on your list.
3. Select 3-4 neighborhoods you’d like to live in. You can use
VoicePad to help you narrow your choices.
4. Determine if you have enough saved to cover your down
payment, closing cost and earnest money.
5. Get your credit in order. Do not make any large purchases during
this time!
6. Determine from your loan officer what you qualify for and explore
different loan options.
7. Organize all the documentation a lender will need to get you pre-
approved! They may come back a few times to ask for
documents, just get them what they need in a timely fashion.
8. Do your research to see if you qualify for any special down
payment assistance programs.
9. Calculate the cost of home ownership, including property taxes,
insurance, maintenance, and association fee’s if applicable.
10. Find an experienced REALTOR®. Realtors® provide objectivity
and abide by a stringent Code of Ethics.

13. SERVICES FOR BUYERS
Before your home search I will…
• Meet with you to discuss your needs, timing and motivation
• Discuss architectural style, location, neighborhoods, school
systems, as well as any special features you may desire
• Prepare you for the home search and buying process
• Explain the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
• Explain the Purchase Agreement and provide you copy for your
review
• Review and discuss down payment and potential buyer expenses
• Provide some recommendations for lenders that can assist you in
determining what loan is best for you as well as begin the pre-
approval process
During your home search I will…
• Research the MLS to find every available home that meets your
needs
• Coordinate showings for the homes you would like to see
• Research property values, school systems, HOA dues, restrictions,
taxes, etc.
• Assist you in making an offer (Purchase Agreement) and making
sure that you are comfortable with…
• The sales price
• Earnest money
• Closing date
• Date of possession
• Your home inspection
• Seller concessions (what the seller may contribute on your
behalf)
• Various closing fees and costs
• I negotiate with the seller on your behalf, keeping all terms in your
best interest
• Handle all the paperwork

14. Once you make an offer, and prior to closing, I will…
• Assist in obtaining a homeowner’s insurance policy
• Help you arrange for your home inspections to make sure there are no
major defects
• Review the inspection report and negotiate any major or costly repairs
• Follow through to ensure that all agreed upon inspection repairs are
made to your satisfaction
• Work with your lender to insure on on-time closing
• When appropriate, meet with appraiser to present any needed data
• Ensure that the survey, title work, and mortgage documents are all
ordered and ready by closing
• Help you order a home warranty, if desired
• Inform you the amount needed for the cashier’s check or wire transfer
to ensure funds arrive for an on-time closing
• Arrange and prepare you for closing
• Schedule a final walk-through of the home to ensure all repairs have
been made and that the home is in the agreed upon condition
At closing I will…
• Discuss the closing statement and ensure accuracy
• Attend the closing, represent you, and answer your questions
• Coordinate possession of the property
• Maintain a file of closing papers
• Coordinate the transfer of utilities and keys

15. POTENTIAL COSTS AT THE TIME OF THE OFFER
Most home-buying costs are paid at your closing, though some are paid
beforehand, depending on your situation. These costs are presented in the
order you’ll most likely have to pay them:
1. Earnest Money
When you make on offer on a home, sellers will request earnest money to
bind your offer. This is usually 1%-2% of the sales price and is held in an
account for you and credited to the amount you’ll need to bring to closing.
2. The Home Inspection
If you opt to have an inspection, they usually run $300-$500 depending on
the size of the home and the type of inspections in which you are
interested. This fee charged by your inspector the day the inspection is
completed. Most accept credit cards and checks.
3. Loan Application Fee
Many lenders ask for this $200-$300 fee to offset their cost to process your
loan. This could be due at the start of the application process, some
lenders roll this fee you’re your closing costs.
4. Homeowners’ Insurance
Most lenders require you to pay your first year of homeowner’s insurance
prior to closing. The cost is based on your home’s value and can run $450
or more for a year’s coverage.
5. Appraisal
Your lender will order an appraisal of the property, which is a professional
estimation of the value. The purchase price cannot exceed the appraised
value. The cost of an appraisal is typically $300-$400 and is usually due at
the time it is ordered.

16. HOME INSPECTION
1. Why get an inspection?
You have the right to hire an inspector to identify major defects in your
potential new home such as roof leaks, broken appliances, or any safety
concerns. After the inspection, we negotiate to make sure the seller repairs
MAJOR defects that could affect the value or safety of the home. Remember,
there is no such thing as a perfect home, every home will have defects. A
major defect is something that could affect the safety or inhabitability of the
home.
2. What does it cost?
Typically $300-$400, depending on the size of the home and the inspections
you request. You should plan to attend your inspection which usually takes 2-3
hours.
3. What kinds of inspections are available?
• General Inspection - an inspection of the home and grounds (the most
common type)
• Wood-Destroying Insect Report - to look for termites and carpenter ants
• Radon - to detect unacceptable levels of this natural gas
• Well and septic - to inspect any wells or the septic system
• Mold – to test the home and inside air for mold or mold-like substances

17. YOUR MONTHLY HOUSE PAYMENT
1. What makes up my monthly house payment?
• Principal on your home loan
• Interest on your loan
• Taxes (property taxes)
• Insurance (homeowner’s)
• PMI (Mortgage Insurance-to insure the loan)
2. How will I know what a home costs each month before I buy?
• If you’ve met with your lender, I can communicate with him/her about your loan and
can calculate what your approximate monthly payment will be on any home
3. How does a down payment affect my monthly payment?
• The bigger your down payment, the smaller your monthly payment
When your down payment is less than 20% of the sales price of the home, lenders
charge PMI or MI (Mortgage Insurance), to protect themselves in case you default on
the loan
Required Down Payments: Your lender can better advise you of your options
• FHA Loan
• Minimum of 3.5% of the purchase price
• Conventional Loan
• Minimum of 5% of the purchase price (though you can put as much down as
you choose)
• VA loan
• 100% financing($0 down)

18. Closing
CLOSING
At closing, you meet with the seller, the Realtors, and the closing (title)
company to sign your loan and all legal documents required to transfer
ownership. It is also when you make your down payment and pay any
closing costs.
Closing DATE and TIME
The closing date is specified on the purchase agreement. I will make sure
to schedule a closing time that works best for your schedule as well as the
seller’s. I will make sure to inform you of the location and address of closing.
What to BRING to Closing
• Driver’s License (NOT expired) for all individuals involved in the purchase
• A copy of your homeowner’s insurance policy and a paid receipt for the
first year
• Any documents that the lender, title company, or I have asked you to
bring
• A cashier’s check for the down payment and closing costs (I will provide
you with the figure prior to closing). The funds will need to be “wired” to
the title company if the amount exceeds $10,000 (I will provide you with
wire instructions prior to closing)
FINAL WALK THROUGH
• It is your right under the terms of the purchase agreement to do a final
walk through of the property prior to closing. This is to ensure that
inspection items were repaired as agreed upon, and that the property is
being transferred in the agreed upon condition.

19. CLOSING COSTS
What are closing costs?
“Closing costs” are the costs associated with financing your home and transferring
ownership of your property. These costs can sometimes be negotiated in the purchase
process by which the seller is asked to pay some or all of these costs.
• Down Payment
• While not a closing cost, your down payment (if you make one) is paid at
closing.
• Prepaid Items
• Your lender will require you to pre-pay several months of property taxes as
well as one year homeowners insurance (if not prepaid). These items open
your “escrow” account, which collects and holds reserves of taxes and
insurance so your lender can pay those bills for you when due. Lenders may
also ask for several days of prepaid interest on your loan.
• Lender Fees
• If you didn’t pay an application fee to your lender up front, it may be part of
your closing costs. Lenders may also charge fees for loan origination,
underwriting, processing your loan, and perhaps other fees. Your loan officer
should explain each fee in detail.
• Title Insurance
• Title insurance provides protection for you and your lender against potential
title disputes.
• Survey
• If you would like a survey of the property, it may run around $150. If you opt
to have a “boundary survey”, where stakes are set to mark the property’s
corners, it will be more.
• Closing fee
• Charged by the title company for the preparation of the documents needed
to close the loan on your behalf.
• Other fees
• May include recording fees, HOA dues, HOA transfer fees, as well as courier
and bank wire fees.

20. Understanding Title Insurance
It protects your ownership right to your home both from
fraudulent claims and against your ownership and from
mistakes made in earlier sales, such as mistake in the
spelling of a person’s name, undiscovered liens, or an
inaccurate description of the property.
It is a one time cost usually based on the price of the
property.
This is a negotiable part of the contract sometimes paid for by
the seller.
There are two kinds of Policies. Lender, which cover the
lender and Owner which covers the buyer. The lender will
probably requite lender coverage.
Discounts on the premium are sometimes available. It is
usually discounted if purchased at the same time (or with-in
39 days) as the lender policy.

21. 1. Thou shalt not change jobs, become self-employed or
quit your job.
2. Thou shalt not buy a car, truck or van (or you may be
living in it)!!!
3. Thou shalt not use credit cards excessively or let current
accounts fall behind.
4. Thou shalt not spend money you have set aside for
closing.
5. Thou shalt not omit debts or liabilities from you loan
application.
6. Thou shalt not buy furniture.
7. Thou shalt not originate any inquiries into your credit.
8. Thou shalt not make large deposits without checking
with your loan officer.
9. Thou shalt not change bank accounts.
10. Thou shalt not co-sign a loan for anyone.
The Ten Commandments
of Buying a Home

22. Loan Application Checklist
• If you are eager to have your loan approved without delays, you
can help speed up the process by gathering up the following
information as it applies to you and having it available at the time
of the application interview.
• Bank account numbers, the address of your bank and copies of
two months statements
• Pay stubs and W-2 forms for the past two years
• Complete list of debts, including loan and credit card numbers
and names and addresses of your creditors.
• Recent two year history for a present mortgage: Name, address
and account numbers or name and address of landlord.
• Documentation for any other sources of income, assets or
liabilities.
• If you have ever been divorced, provide a copy of your divorce
decree and separation agreement.
• Statement from courthouse showing child support payments.
• Gift from relative – letter from donor and verification of donors
account.
• VA – Certificate of Eligibility. Copy of DD214 Discharge
Papers.

23. Client Testimonials
• “I'm writing to let you know what a great job you did on our purchase. I have bought and sold
many pieces of real estate and have never been treated so well. Your willingness to go above
and beyond were very much appreciated. It's a pleasure to do business with good people.”
- Keith Lyons, 2014
• “We really appreciate your professionalism and dedication. After our very first meeting you had
a very clear and correct of what we were looking for. Every house you showed us was definitely
considered because it followed our criteria. You were always fair and patient with us. We loved
how you even thought about our daughter Tonya enough to bring her entertaining items. It was
always easy, fast, and productive to get ahold of you. Thank you!” - T.B. & Ioana, 2013
• “I had been looking online for homes for months but not getting anywhere fast, until I replied to
one of Chris's listings. He took the time to call and talk to me. As a first time home buyer, I was
very intimidated and unsure of the process. Chris was great! He took the time to explain every
step of the process and patiently answered my hundreds of questions. He is extremely
knowledgeable about all aspects of the home buying process. He was always available to
answer questions and provide advice whenever I asked. I will not buy another home without
Chris.” - Lisa Aichele, 2014
• “When my husband and I decided to put our house on the market, we went back and forth trying
to plan the timing as best as we could to secure a summer move. We have two young kids and
wanted them to have a smooth transition into their new school system. We hired Chris because
he seemed very professional and very motivated to work hard for us. As a result, we sold our
house in less than 4 weeks! He was fun to work with and even showed up on moving day to help
us unload our pods. He went above and beyond! We now live in our new home in a wonderful
school district. Thanks, Chris, for your hard work!” - Eric & Laura, 2013
• “Chris was an excellent Realtor for our recent purchase in Indianapolis. In a short amount of
time, he proved knowledgeable about the Indianapolis market and gained our trust. He was
available a short notice and always looking to help us out in any way possible. We hit several
hiccups along the way with a lender that made a lot of mistakes and strings of requests for
information. Chris always went to bat for us to try to make things easier in a stressful situation.
He always followed through on getting information that we requested in a quick time frame. As
an example of going above and beyond, he put together a nice purchase summery binder for us
and presented and gave it to us at closing for our records. Any Realtor can help you buy a house,
but Chris's main goal was to make sure we were informed and on time with our pieces of the
process. We highly recommend him and will use him for any future home purchases in the
Indianapolis area!” - Adam & Sarah Lark, 2014

24. • “We had the pleasure of working with Chris to sell our existing home and to buy our
new home. Chris helped sell our house the first day on the market! During his
consultation, he provided suggestions that would help us stage our home for sale. We
appreciated Chris's attention to detail. All of the advertising he provided looked
amazing. He hired a professional photographer to take pictures of our home and he
put together a great packet of information for buyers to take when looking at our
house. He even provided booties so our carpet would stay nice and clean. During both
the buying and selling process, Chris was very ambitious and would quickly get
contractors and quotes for inspection items that needed to be fixed. The closing for
our new house was at risk for getting pushed back due to the type of loan we were
using. He was diligent to call the lender every day and ensure the process stayed on
track. We would highly recommend Chris to anyone looking to buy or sell a house.”
- Chris & Lindsey, 2014
• “We found Chris Jones through a family friend and what a good find it turned out to
be. Chris happened to be on the HOA board of the neighborhood where we chose to
build our new family home. Being on the board and a resident of the neighborhood
gave him first-hand knowledge of what to expect during the building process. As first
time home builders, we were very anxious about the entire process. Chris not only led
us through the building process unscathed but also provided numerous
recommendations on things to add or delete from our options list. His candid advice
throughout the entire process delivered us a new home with which we could not be
happier. Finally having a realtor like Chris working on your behalf through the building
process proved to be priceless. Chris must have known just what to say to get the
builder to respond more quickly to issues that arose.” - Brian & Danielle Hacker, 2014
• “Chris was a pleasure to work with and we would recommend Chris to anyone.”
- Jory & Jen, 2014

25. Important
Phone Numbers
Electric & Gas
Duke Energy
513-421-9500
City of Lebanon Electric
513-932-3060
City of Lebanon Gas
513-421-9500
Cable
Time Warner
513-469-1145
Direct TV
800-347-3288
Propane/Oil Co.
Suburban Propane
800-776-7263
Amerigas
800-545-9395
Bishop Oil
513-733-3632
Garbage
Rumpke
513-742-2900
Bigfoot BFI
513-771-4200
Water Department
Hamilton
513-591-7700
Butler
513-887-3061
Butler SW Regional
513-863-0828
Clermont
513-732-7970
Warren
513-925-1377
Fairfield
513-867-5370
Mason/Cincinnati Water Works
513-591-7700
City of Lebanon
513-932-3060
Western Water
513-722-1682
Courthouse
Butler Co. Auditor
513-887-3154
Clermont Co. Auditor
513-732-7150
Clinton Co. Auditor
937-382-2250
Warren Co. Auditor
513-925-1235
Hamilton Co. Auditor
513-632-8212