What Every Home Buyer Needs to Know

It’s my pleasure to introduce myself and offer my services to you. As the real estate representative for your neighborhood, I’ve had the opportunity to help many homebuyers find their ideal homes. I look forward to working with you, too! 

Buying a home is one of the largest financial transactions that most people ever undertake. Because the process can be lengthy and sometimes confusing, I want you to know that I will be here to help you through every step. My goal is to help you find the home of your dreams and also make your home buying experience as easy and enjoyable as possible.

When you are ready to purchase your next home, I welcome the opportunity to represent you. In the meantime, I will provide you with valuable information about homeownership, the real estate market and many other helpful topics by email.

I would be happy to answer any questions you might have about buying, financing or current market conditions. I can also send you listings of suitable properties currently on the market where you want to live. My services include helping you find a home, arrange financing, negotiate the purchase, and handle the details to ensure a smooth closing.

When you are thinking about buying a home, there are always plenty of questions to ask. Please don't hesitate to call or email me any time if I can help you with this. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

Sincerely,

Ruby Zuniga

(909) 592-8500 ext. 313

(909) 447-8555 Direct Number

email:  Ruby@RubyTheRealtor.net  

My Mission Statement

My Mission is to Get Your Home at the best Value possible.  I will keep you informed as to what is going on in your purchase.  That means:  Good News, Bad News, or No News at All!

My Objectives

• Listen carefully to make sure I understand YOUR objectives and preferences
• Explain the home buying process thoroughly
• Discuss agency representation
• Diligently search for a home that meets your criteria
• Send you new listings as soon as they come on the market
• Provide you with a market analysis, so you are comfortable with  the prices in your desired neighborhood
• Negotiate on your behalf
• Diligently track the closing process on the sale of your home
• Communicate consistently, so you know what to expect

The Closing Process

Once you have found the home you want to buy, there are several additional steps you need to take to close the sale after the purchase and sale agreements have been signed. 

Step 1    Contingency removal: The most common contingencies are inspection, financing and the sale of your current home. These conditions must be removed or waived in writing before the sale on your new home can close.

Step 2    Appraisal and title report: Your lender requires a formal appraisal to confirm the value of the home you’re buying, to use as collateral to secure the loan. The title report ensures that the seller has clear title to the property and has the right to transfer ownership to you.

Step 3    Prepare closing documents: Escrow service companies or real estate attorneys prepare documents that confirm the transaction, prorate funds, etc.

Step 4    Signing of closing documents: Although both parties may have signed closing documents and deposited funds, the sale actually closes when the deed is recorded and the proceeds are available to the seller.

Step 5    Signed documents go to the lender for final review.

Step 6    The deed is recorded and funds disbursed.

Step 7    The seller receives the proceeds and the moving van arrives.

Step 8    You get the keys to your new home!

There are many opportunities for surprises or delays in a transaction. Part of my expertise is in troubleshooting problems that arise in the closing process, including anticipating and preparing for potential problems before they arise.

Please email or call me any time if you have questions or would like more information about the closing process.

Mortgage Application Checklist

Here is a list of information and documents you will need when you apply for a home loan:

• Copy of the Purchase and Sale Agreement
• Your present mortgage information (or 12 months rental history)
• Two years history of employment and verification of all income sources
• If self-employed, copies of past two years income tax return and year to date profit and loss
• Two months checking, savings and investment account information verifying your liquid assets
• Name, account number and outstanding balance of each of your debts
• Information regarding any other income to be used
• Information regarding any other assets that will be used as funds to close
• If you’re applying for a VA loan, you need a Certificate of Eligibility or DD-214 form
• If you are a relocating employee, include relocation information and copy of offer, promissory note and copy of check on bridge loan
• Two pieces of ID, such as your driver’s license or passport and social security card.

Glossary of Real Estate Terms

Addenda (Addendum):  An attachment to the Purchase & Sale Agreement.

Agency:  The relationship that a real estate agent has with a customer
or client.

Buyer Broker:  An agent who represents the buyer in a transaction.

CMA:  Comparable Market Analysis, or an opinion of a home’s value.

Comps:  Properties used as” comparables” on a CMA.

Disclosure:  Verbal and/or written communication regarding agency, property condition, etc.

Down payment:  Initial investment on a home loan.

EM deposit:  Earnest money deposit, or good faith deposit provided as consideration when a buyer offers a contract to a seller.

FHA:  A type of loan, government insured financing.

Key box:  MLS electronic key which allows agents access to listed properties.

List (Listing):  When a seller signs a listing agreement with a broker to market their property.

Listing Agent:  Agent who takes a listing on behalf of the broker.

Lock-box:  Another term for a key box.

Lock-in:  A term to obtain the interest rate at today’s rate, or lock-in
the rate.

MLS:  Multiple Listing Service. An organization that distributes information on properties listed by MLS member brokers.

Property Profile:  An informational/fact sheet about a property on the market.

Purchase and Sale Agreement:  A contract between a buyer and a seller to purchase real property.

Transaction:  A listing sold or the sale of real property.

VA: A type of loan, government guaranteed financing available to
military veterans. 

Resume

Fred Sands Of California – Brentwood, CA  1997-1998 (Training)

Mulhearn Realtors – South Gate, CA  1998-2000

Prudential California Realty – South Gate, CA  2000-2003

RE/MAX Best Service Realty – Santa Fe Springs, CA  2003-2004

Century 21 Citrus Realty – San Dimas, CA  2004 – Present

Some recent compliments

“Ruby, I know you told me that a Commercial Building is a more complicated deal than a Real Estate Deal or selling a Home.  We believed you and Yes it has Its UPS and DOWNS, but with your negotiating skills, YOU were able to GET It DONE”.

Hector & Maria, Compton

“Ruby you helped us purchase our home in 2000 and you were the best! We were able to buy our home with $500.00 Only.  Now eight (8) years later, you helped us sell that home! Thanks for keeping in touch with us – we felt like we became part of your family!  You are the greatest and we will continue to use your services and recommend everyone we Know”

Billy Burciaga, Los Angeles

Ruby is very energetic and worked very hard to get my home sold quickly-- even in this tough market.  I was impressed with the number of open houses that she scheduled, as well as the advice that she gave me all along the way.  I would definitely refer her to anyone buying or selling a home! 

Miki Carpenter, Rancho Cucamonga