Copy of Brandi Buyer's guide

BuyinG with BranDi

buyer'S GUIDE

the agent

Buyer’s roaodmap

Testimonials

Buyer's Checklist

Mortgage Pre-Approval

Home Loan Application Checklist

Home Wishlist

home search

Offers & Negotiations

Home Inspection & Home Appraisal

Closing On Your Home

moving checklist

home buyer glossary

Brandi’s contact info

Shadow of Palm Leaves on White background

THE AGENT

“to be the top 1%, you have to do what 99% won’t

$250M

Total Sales

112+

Total

Transactions

83+

PositivE

Reviews

10+

Years of

Experience

Brandi Cumin

With a decade of unparalleled experience in the real estate industry, Brandi stands as a beacon of excellence when it comes to her ability to get offers accepted. Driven by an unwavering commitment to exceptional service and continuing education, Brandi has carved her niche as an accomplished negotiator and deal closer.

Brandi's journey in real estate spans over ten years. Her forte lies in crafting offers that excel above the competition. An avid investor and home “flipper” herself, Brandi brings unique skills to her clients. She has the distinct ability to see a property beyond it’s walls. Highlighting offerings and potential that are often unseen by the novice and veteran buyer.

Notably, Brandi has only worked in a “Seller’s Market”. This means, she has had to learn and adapt quickly to write aggressive offers that get accepted over others. Aggressive offer writing skills, combined with excellent agent to agent relationships has made Brandi a top producer for 9 consecutive years and landed her clients in the homes of their dreams.

Born and raised in the vibrant landscape of South Orange County, Brandi's deep-rooted connection to the area fuels her passion for real estate. She is an expert in the local neighborhoods, local market values, and a pro at noticing what constitutes a great opportunity.

Brandi's commitment to her clients goes beyond the transaction; she strives to build long-lasting relationships that are built on trust and mutual respect. As a result, many of her clients come to her through referrals and have become lifelong friends.

As a 25 year veteran firefighter, what truly sets Brandi apart is her unwavering commitment to honesty, integrity, and unparalleled customer service. Her transparent communication, relentless work ethic, and dedication to exceeding client expectations form the cornerstone of her practice.

An Avid Waterwoman, during her freetime, you will likely find her on, in or near the Ocean.

buyer's

ROADMAP

budget

Determine your budget depending on your income, expenses, and other financial obligations.

mortgage

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage can give you a better idea of how much you can afford to spend on a home.

AGENT

Select a reputable and experienced real estate agent to guide you through the buying process.

home search

Start searching for homes via online listings, attending open houses and scheduling showings with your agent.

OFFER/negotiate

Your agent will prepare your offer based on the price and terms you choose. It may go back and forth if the seller counters.

In escrow

You and the seller have agreed to the price and terms. The home is held for you until closing.

final details

Your agent will assist you with the final details such as the appraisal, home inspection and finalizing your loan.

CLOSING

The transfer of funds and ownership of the property will be facilitated through an attorney/title company.

"From our very first meeting,

I knew I was in good hands."

"When my mother passed away, it was a devastating time for my brother and me. I am so happy Ihad Brandi and her team to assist in selling my childhood home in Newport Beach. It was an emotional time for us, and Brandi handled everything, start to finish. It was sad to sell our

childhood home, but Brandi sold the home for way more than we thought. She was professional, and discreet, and caring. When it came time for my husband and I to purchase our home, we called Brandi. I have since referred her to all my friends and coworkers."

-Suzie Graf

"This is the second home Brandi has sold for me. In both instances they sold both in about 10 days. I trust Brandi to get the job done with as little effort on my side. Give her a call if you want results quick, and over asking".

-Blair Stewart (Brea Mayor Pro Temp)

"It was by chance that we discovered Brandi and Summer on Zillow and we are so glad we did!!! We were looking to move to the beach and while looking at another property that did not meet our expectations, Brandi and Summer suggested a property that they thought we might like. We fell in love with the property right away but needed to sell ours first. We immediately made an offer and listed our current residence.The girls worked tirelessly to get us into our dream home with multiple open houses and an amazing amount of determination to make this work. It was a crazy 30 days and an emotional roller for all of us from moving out of our old house and into our new one, which is one of the coolest houses on the planet, but it was all worth it! We are confident this would not have happened without Brandi or Summer! They are an awesome team and will ALWAYS return your call if they do not immediately pick up. We highly recommend them if you want to buy or sell your home! They were professional, hard-working and honest and two of the nicest people you will ever meet! We felt more at ease and lucky that they were on our side! We cannot say enough about Brandi and Summer and feel that we have not only met the best realtors in town but that we have made lifelong friends as well!"

-Heidi and Larry Boydstun

Brandi was amazing to work with! She helped us sell our house for top dollar, raking in a hefty amount over asking, and also to buy the home of our dreams. She got us into a house that we thought would never be possible, and beat out multiple other offers to do it. She knows just the right balance between being aggressive and being a pest when negotiating. Brandi was available day and night to answer any of our many questions, or to direct us to the person who could, if it was not their area of expertise. The idea of selling our home and buying a new home at the same time was daunting, but she was amazing at coordinating everything so that it was so smooth and closed without a hitch. I can't say enough good things about Brandi and her team, and wish I knew someone looking to buy or sell, because I would point them in Brandi’s direction in a HeartBeat!

-Wass Family

buyer's checklist

budget

Calculate your monthly income/debt

Check your credit report/FICO score

Use a mortgage calculator

Establish your downpayment

mortgage pre-approval

Choose your mortgage type

Research to find the best lender

Shop for the best interest rates

determine your wants & needs in a home

Choose a location

Choose a type of home

Choose a size

Choose a price range

work with a real estate professional

Get a referral from friends/family

Interview agents and ask them about buyer's representation contracts and agreements

Go over your wants and needs

buyer's checklist

search for homes

Browse properties online (Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com)

Your agent will set up new listing notifications for you

Go on home tours and attend open houses

make an offer and negotiate

Determine the purchase price and include any contingencies

Read the Purchase and Sale agreement thoroughly before signing

Place a competitive bid and be prepared to make a counter offer

finalize the deal

Your agent will assist you with requesting the home appraisal and home inspection

Choose a home insurance company

Complete the loan process with the lender

close the purchase

Review the settlement document prior to closing to see how funds will be collected/distributed

Obtain a cashier's check for the amount you need to bring to closing, including he down payment and closing costs

gather your financial information

This includes your income, employment history, credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and any assets or liabilities you have.

Choose a lender

You can research lenders online, ask for referrals from friends and family, or work with a mortgage broker who can connect you with different lenders.

Submit an application

You'll need to fill out an application form and provide your financial information to the lender. Some lenders may charge a fee for the application process.

get pre-approved

The lender will review your application and credit report to determine if you meet their lending criteria. If you're approved, you'll receive a pre-approval letter that outlines the amount you're approved to borrow and the terms of the loan.

start house hunting

Armed with your pre-approval letter, you can start looking for a home within your budget. When you find a property you want to buy, you'll submit a formal mortgage application to the lender.

mortgage

pre-approval

personal information

Full name
Date of birth
Social security number
Contact information (phone, email, address)

employment information

Current employer’s name, address, and phone number
Length of time with current employer
Position/title
Income information (salary, bonuses, commissions, etc.)

financial information

Bank account information (checking, savings, investments, etc.)
Other assets (real estate, vehicles, etc.)
Current debts (credit cards, student loans, car loans, etc.)
Credit score and history

property information

Property address
Type of property (single-family, condo, townhouse, etc.)
Purchase price
Down payment amount

documentation

Government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, etc.)
Bank statements
W-2 forms
Employment verification letter
Homeowners insurance policy

home loan

application

checklist

home wishlist

location

Neighborhood
Proximity to work/school
Proximity to public transportation
Proximity to shopping, entertainment, and other amenities
Safety and security of the area

size & layout

Number of bedrooms
Number of bathrooms
Square footage
Open-concept or traditional layout
Single-story or multi-story

outdoor space

Size and type of yard
Privacy
Outdoor entertainment area (patio, deck, etc.)
Pool, hot tub, or other outdoor features

features

Kitchen appliances (stainless steel, etc.)
Flooring (hardwood, tile, etc.)
Fireplace
Energy-efficient features (solar panels, insulation, etc.)
Smart home technology (thermostat, lighting, etc.)

storage & parking

Garage size and type
Storage space (basement, attic, etc.)
Closet space
Parking availability (driveway, street, etc.)

miscellaneous

Age and condition of the home
Potential for renovations or upgrades
Homeowners association (HOA) fees and rules
Property taxes
Homeowner's insurance

home search

online search

Many websites allow you to search for properties based on your criteria, such as price, location, number of bedrooms, and other features. You can also set up alerts to receive notifications when new properties become available.

open houses

Open houses are a great way to tour properties and get a feel for the layout and features. You can also ask the listing agent questions about the property and the local market.

private tours

If you're interested in a particular property, you can schedule a private tour with your real estate agent. This will give you a chance to see the property in more detail and ask any questions you may have.

evaluate

After you've seen several properties, you'll start to get a sense of what you like and what you don't. Consider the location, size, layout, condition, and other factors when evaluating each property.

submit an offer

Once you've found a home you're interested in, you'll need to submit an offer to the seller. The offer should include the purchase price, the proposed closing date, and any contingencies, such as a home inspection or appraisal.

NEGOTIATE

The seller may counter your offer with a higher price or different terms. You can either accept the counteroffer, make a new offer, or walk away from the deal.

OFFERS

& Negotations

home

inspection

A home inspection is a thorough examination of a property to identify any potential issues or defects that may affect its value or safety. The inspection is usually performed by a licensed home inspector hired by the buyer or their real estate agent. The inspection typically includes:

Checking the overall condition of the property, including its structural integrity, foundation, roof, walls, and floors.
Inspecting the electrical, plumbing, and heating/cooling systems.
Checking for the presence of mold, pests, or other environmental hazards.
Examining any additional features of the property, such as a swimming pool or fireplace.

The home inspector will then provide a detailed report outlining any issues they discovered during the inspection. The buyer can then use this information to negotiate repairs or a lower purchase price.

home

appraisal

An appraisal is an assessment of the property's value conducted by a licensed appraiser hired by the buyer's lender. The purpose of the appraisal is to determine the fair market value of the property and ensure that the purchase price is appropriate.

The appraiser will evaluate the property's location, size, condition, and any recent improvements or renovations. They will also look at comparable properties in the area to determine how the property's value compares to others.

Once the appraisal is complete, the appraiser will provide a report to the lender. If the appraised value is lower than the purchase price, the buyer may need to renegotiate the price or make a larger down payment to secure financing.

closing on your home

final walk-through

Prior to closing, the buyer will typically do a final walk-through of the property to ensure that everything is in order and any agreed-upon repairs have been completed.

CLosing disclosure review

The buyer will receive a Closing Disclosure from the lender at least three days before closing. This document outlines the final terms of the loan and includes details such as the interest rate, monthly payments, and closing costs.

payment of closing costs

The buyer will need to bring a cashier's check or wire transfer the funds to cover the closing costs, which can include things like loan origination fees, appraisal fees, and title insurance.

signing of documents

At the closing, the buyer will need to sign a variety of documents, including the mortgage note, the deed of trust or mortgage, and the closing statement.

title transfer

The buyer will receive the keys to the property once the title has been transferred and the closing process is complete.

moving

checklist

set a moving date

Choose a date that works for you and give yourself enough time to plan and prepare.

hire a moving company

Research moving companies and choose one that fits your budget and needs. Get quotes from at least three different companies.

declutter and organize

Sort through your belongings and decide what you want to keep, sell, donate, or throw away. Start packing non-essential items.

notify service providers

Notify your utility providers, internet, and cable companies of your upcoming move and arrange for services to be discontinued or transferred to your new home.

label boxes

Label each box with the contents and the room it should be placed in your new home.

transportation

Make travel arrangements for you and your family. Whether renting a car, scheduling a flight or reserving a hotel room, book a time that will give you flexibility. Be sure to arrive at your new home well before your movers' scheduled arrival.

change your address

Change your address with the post office, banks, credit card companies, insurance companies, and any other important organizations.

pack

Begin packing items you won’t need until after the move, such as out-of-season clothes, books, and home décor.

final steps

Make sure all your belongings are packed, your old home is clean and ready for the next occupants, and you have all the necessary documents and keys.

amortization

The process of gradually paying off a loan over time with regular payments.

appraisal

An evaluation of a property's value by a licensed appraiser.

buyer concsessions

Financial incentives that a seller can offer to a buyer during a real estate transaction.

closing

The final step in the homebuying process where the ownership of a property is transferred from the seller to the buyer.

closing costs

Fees and expenses incurred during the purchase of a home, including legal fees, title insurance, and inspection fees.

comparitive market analysis (CMA)

An evaluation of a home’s value based on similar, recently sold homes (called comparables) in the same neighborhood.

contingent

When the seller of the home has accepted an offer – one that comes with contingencies or a condition that must be met for the sale to go through.

Counteroffer

A counteroffer serves as a rejection from the seller who feels the buyer's offer was not acceptable.

days on market (DOM)

The number of days from the date on which the property is listed for sale on the local real estate brokers’ multiple listing service (MLS) to the date when the seller has signed a contract for the sale of the property with the buyer.

down payment

The initial payment made by a buyer toward the purchase price of a home.

equity

The value of a property that exceeds the amount owed on any mortgages or loans secured by the property.

home buyer

escalation clause

When buyers anticipate multiple offers on a property they are looking to purchase; they can include an escalation clause in the contract that lets them increase their offer by a predetermined amount.

escrow

The phase of a transaction where both parties have reached an agreement. The escrow holder is a third party hired to handle the transaction, including the exchange of money and all associated documents.

fixed-rate mortgage

A mortgage in which the interest rate stays the same throughout the entire loan term.

for sale by owner (fsbo)

A property that is being sold directly by the owner, without the involvement of a real estate agent or broker.

home inspection

A thorough examination of a property's condition by a professional inspector.

mortgage

A loan used to purchase a property, typically secured by the property itself.

pre-approval

The process of being approved for a mortgage before actually finding a property to purchase.

Principal

The amount of money borrowed through a mortgage, not including interest or other fees.

title

Legal ownership of a property.

title search

An examination of public records to verify the legal ownership of a property.

underwritting

The process of reviewing a borrower's financial and credit history to determine whether they qualify for a mortgage.

variable-rate mortgage

A mortgage in which the interest rate can change over time based on market conditions.

zoning

The laws and regulations that govern how a property can be used, such as for residential or commercial purposes.

glossary

Brandi Cumin

Luxre Realty

DRE 01951001

Broker

@brokerbrandintheoc

949-246-3833

brandicumin@gmail.com