Buying a home in Silicon Valley, while an excruciating process, was made as smooth as possible by Vito and Abitano Group. I was a pretty high maintenance buyer, but he never hesitated to indulge my whims and he was always there with answers to my questions. They managed our expectations throughout the process, was dependable, kept our spirits up, and represented us well until he got us into our new home. The Abitano Group's knowledge of the area was priceless during our search. ★★★★★
Sara & Phil
Marketing Manager
What you will learn?
Talk about how buyers always seem to walk in a fog and are reactive. Not knowing what happens next.
There’s a lot of confusion because there are so many moving parts.
If you’ve bought a house before, you still may have questions, or it may have been a long time ago.
Self paced,
Designed to let you move quickly through the steps you're already familiar with
Take away action steps to make sure you're ready.
9 counties of the Bay area
If you're buying a home outside this area, this course may not be for you.
You're welcome to take the course,
But ask your agent how they prefer to walk you through their process.
"647" things that go on in a transaction.
Your agent takes care of a lot of it.
You’ll need to do quite a bit
This is why it's always great to have an amazing agent guiding you every step of the way!
If you’re ready, Let’s get going!
Being mentally and emotionally ready is one thing
Having your finances in order, knowing what your down payment is, what your credit looks like and how much closing costs are, is just the start.
If you don’t have a great credit score or don’t have 20% down, you still may be ok to buy.
REMEMBER: Each Lender has its own rules. These are general guidelines. Check with your lender to learn more.
Lenders to contact:
Hector Ramirez CrossCountry Mortgage 408-841-6630
Ramiro Garcia VA Specialist and Marine Veteran 408.890.7801
Luis Renteria VA Specialist and Marine Veteran 408.705.6492
Deep Dive Video:
Use your Inheritance Wisely | Ask V Anything | Pat McAndrew SGC Financial | Investing in your future https://youtu.be/zTk2MljML0k?sub_confirmation=1
Get your list ready!
Any delays in getting this paperwork to your lender will delay the next steps.
Keep them ready, and understand that before you close, you'll need to provide up to date documents too.
Lenders to contact:
Hector Ramirez CrossCountry Mortgage 408-841-6630
Ramiro Garcia VA Specialist and Marine Veteran 408.890.7801
Luis Renteria VA Specialist and Marine Veteran 408.705.64
What the Underwriter is looking for
The type of loan you choose will determine the guidelines that are required
This doesn't mean they’re trying to disapprove your loan application
Certain loans backed by the federal government or even investors have a certain set of guidelines that they have to adhere to.
If order to fund your loan, the UW is tasked with combing through each part of the loan app and make sure it fits that loan’s guidelines.
Some things are:
Down payment, reserves, length of time at job/career, credit score, income verification, current rent/mortgage.
Ultimately, they’re stating whether or not you are capable of paying back the loan commitment
Lenders to contact:
Hector Ramirez CrossCountry Mortgage 408-841-6630
Ramiro Garcia VA Specialist and Marine Veteran 408.890.7801
Luis Renteria VA Specialist and Marine Veteran 408.705.64
Types of Loans and Pro’s & Con’s
This will give you a BASIC understanding of the different Loan Types:
Conventional
Jumbo
FHA
VA, USDA
VA Loan Deep Dive SJSU Veteran Studen Organization https://youtu.be/ywN9ccQqTDU?sub_confirmation=1
Private Money
Lenders to contact:
Hector Ramirez CrossCountry Mortgage 408-841-6630
Ramiro Garcia VA Specialist and Marine Veteran 408.890.7801
Luis Renteria VA Specialist and Marine Veteran 408.705.64
Imputed Rent
Mortgage Interest Deduction
Property Tax Deduction
Profits from Home Sales
Deep Dive Video on Buying vs Renting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ciVH7qdPa0&feature=youtu.be
Impact of Prop 19 Explained | Homeowners Trusts Legacy Plans | california prop 19 property tax transfers`https://youtu.be/nAXRGRcjZio?sub_confirmation=1
Tax Professionals:
Mike Novielli 408-230-2068
Renee Daggett 408.782.9640
This is a sample net sheet. Your lender will supply you with one that is more accurate.
For privacy concerns, we don’t show you an actual one.
You can ask your lender and escrow company to send you yours once you get into the contract.
Deep Dive Video:
What is Escrow? | Escrow & Title Explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDLYZPd_Lec?sub_confirmation=1
How to read a Preliminary Title Report | What does a preliminary title report show https://youtu.be/HoG_cpOtKqo?sub_confirmation=1
Single Family Vs Condo/Townhouse
Finding your home
Setting appointments
What to look for
Making the decision to write an offer
What's the difference between Single Family vs Condo or Townhouse | What to Expect When You're Expecting
The Search | What to Expect When You're Expecting a NEW HOUSE
Relocating to San Jose Area? Free Relocation Guide: http://bit.ly/RELOGUIDESIGNUP
FREE School Map 8 or higher: http://bit.ly/SchoolMap8PLUS
Home inspection Checklist http://bit.ly/ChecklistAbitano
Home Buyer Guide http://bit.ly/HomeBuyerGuideAbitano
Deep Dive Videos:
how to spot a flipped house, house flipping, flipping houses, how to flip a house, flip houses, house flip, flip this house, flipping houses for beginners https://youtu.be/8yz78aV6bNA?sub_confirmation=1
Moving to San Jose CA - THINGS I LOVE AND HATE ABOUT SAN JOSE https://youtu.be/GjPfMB3jVKk?sub_confirmation=1
How to buy your first house EVER in San Jose | San Jose CA Real Estate | Living in San Jose Series: https://youtu.be/EdyApAh2wZo?sub_confirmation=1
My Solar Rant | Are solar panels worth it? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8nIY8Fraso?sub_confirmation=1
Broken Sewer in San Jose CA | How to protect yourself | Living in San Jose https://youtu.be/o4rVZMdNQLc?sub_confirmation=1
Home Buyer Tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRHDxIvPqLQ&list=PLCHGtGQXsDPGbimr4dmNHsUbNE6000mBX
Setting Appointments
Some sellers want an appointment
Some homes have tenants
Some homes are vacant.
What works best is to give us 24 hours to set appointments. Give us 4-6 to set
We need to contact the agent, ask for a specific time, set it, confirm it, and be there at that time.
If someone is living there, we want to let them know that we’re coming as a professional courtesy, and let them tidy up for you
Relocating to San Jose Area? Free Relocation Guide: http://bit.ly/RELOGUIDESIGNUP
FREE School Map 8 or higher: http://bit.ly/SchoolMap8PLUS
Home inspection Checklist http://bit.ly/ChecklistAbitano
Home Buyer Guide http://bit.ly/HomeBuyerGuideAbitano
What to look for when at your home viewing.
You have the right and duty to look at your home from a pragmatic POV. Take the time to look for trouble spots. No home is perfect, know what you’re buying..
how to spot a flipped house, house flipping, flipping houses, how to flip a house, flip houses, house flip, flip this house, flipping houses for beginners https://youtu.be/8yz78aV6bNA?sub_confirmation=1
Home Inspections | What to Look for When Buying a Home https://youtu.be/iTjGY4j64MI?sub_confirmation=1
FREE Home inspection Checklist here http://bit.ly/ChecklistAbitano
Now is the time to get excited! Writing an offer is your way of telling the seller you want that home. There’s a lot that goes into writing, to make the seller want to accept your offer.
Home Seller Mindset | Frequently Asked Questions by Home Sellers! https://youtu.be/7dAjyUxI7kc
Lowball offers https://youtu.be/OMCxlHT4AT0?sub_confirmation=1
Best Home Improvements to Increase Value in San Jose https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRHDxIvPqLQ?sub_confirmation=1
Relocating to San Jose Area? Free Relocation Guide: http://bit.ly/RELOGUIDESIGNUP
FREE School Map 8 or higher: http://bit.ly/SchoolMap8PLUS
Home inspection Checklist http://bit.ly/ChecklistAbitano
Home Buyer Guide http://bit.ly/HomeBuyerGuideAbitano
Winning strategies that work in the San Francisco Bay Area
Understanding market conditions is important. I’m sure you heard headlines of the burned-down house that sold for $800,000 over the list price. While that is crazy, it’s not necessarily an outlier. Most homes do sell fast and well over the asking price.
Home Buyer Guide http://bit.ly/HomeBuyerGuideAbitano
lowball Offers: https://youtu.be/OMCxlHT4AT0?sub_confirmation=1
Home Seller Mindset | Frequently Asked Questions by Home Sellers! https://youtu.be/7dAjyUxI7kc
Main parts of the purchase offer
Your agent will give you a copy of a blank Purchase agreement in your initial meeting.
Take the time now to familiarize yourself with this.
Congratulations! You’re in contract! There’s a lot more to happen before you get the keys. -remember there are 647 things that happen in a transaction. Lot’s of it will happen automatically. Here are some highlights:
What happens in Escrow
Have a few sleepless nights, be excited, be scared, be with your emotions.
Set up move, movers, utilities, mail
Concierge service
Quotes for Repairs
Underwriter required repairs
Updated estimated net sheet
Lender paperwork
The remainder of the down payment
Closing costs etc
You’ll need to set up wire instructions with escrow
Final Walk-Through
Today is the day, get ready to sign a lot of documents.
Escrow will handle the sign off. You’ll more than likely sign off at your home, or work.
You’ll get the loan docs, more disclosures, other docs to sign. There’s a lot!
You’ll need to bring with you:
Bank account number
2 forms of ID. Lic. passport etc.
Your thumb (for the notary)
Patience. I’m telling you, there’s a lot to sign.
The notary will have you sign all the docs, explain the loan, the net sheet, etc. Your agent and lender should be present to explain any questions you may have and give you moral support.
When you’re done, you shake hands and you get a big file that’s a copy of what you just signed.
What happens next
Now we’re closing on your New Home!
Get excited! You get to wait some more!
Escrow will review all the docs to make sure everything is correct, then send everything back to the lender
The lender will go through and double-check everything is signed correctly
Then they will push the FUND button and transfer money to escrow
Escrow will take the funds and distribute them accordingly
Title will issue insurance
Escrow will record the sale at county, then notify everyone that we’ve closed!
Congratulations! You’re a homeowner!
Next, we meet at the house, we give you the key, Hug (if that’s ok), Celebrate, take pictures and you get to enjoy your new home!
After the Close
If you’re planning to do any remodeling, let us know, we have resources for you
We have a Project Manager available to you, as well as a list of people we’ve used over the years.
Check in - we’ll be checking in on you to see how it’s going. Always feel free to call or text with questions
You’re part of our community now. So expect emails, texts, and phone calls inviting you to events, and other things.
Maintaining your home.
Repairs, maintenance, mowing the lawn, it’s your house- let it become a part of you
We’re here for you, every step of the way!
Deep Dive Videos:
Mountford Block Party https://youtu.be/wIfQAHSKqqA?sub_confirmation=1
Serving Social with MoonBeans https://youtu.be/OmHpGXVu5sQ?sub_confirmation=1
The Creek Eatery https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9KYVA-JK4U
Monterey Day Trip https://youtu.be/aCBvq9H_O_o?sub_confirmation=1
Day In PACIFIC GROVE https://youtu.be/HQjLIQ5jqH0?sub_confirmation=1
Probate vs. Trust with Robert Bergman Attorney at Law
| Certified Specialist, Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law https://youtu.be/UoC4S0iur3s?sub_confirmation=1
About the course
Learning or re-learning the steps it takes to buy a house today isn't as easy as some make it seem. While your agent does a lot of the background work, you are a major part of it.
This course was designed from questions our buyers asked throughout the process and will give you a step by step guide to help you understand the steps ahead of time so you are well informed and ready to move into your new home!
Testimonials
"“Vito is a wonderful realtor who really helped us find the home of our dreams in the Santa Teresa neighborhood. He knows the area!” ★★★★★"
Erica S.
Teacher
"“Vito really helped us find the perfect home in a wonderful neighborhood. When we started house hunting, we had completely different areas (eek Morgan Hill) in mind but with his knowledge of the Santa Teresa area, we were able to find the house that was just perfect for our family. Very patient and fun to work with” ★★★★★"
Kim G.
Photography
"“Vito and the Abitano Group were great to work with and helped us in our transition from out of state. He helped us find the right fit for our family and made the entire process painless.” ★★★★★"
Tonja & Jason.
Journalist
