A COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE HOME BUYING
PROCESS
STIVER FIRTH INTERNATIONAL TEAM
in TOTAL Sales & Listings SOLD in Englewood & Rotonda West
#1
941.548.4434STIVERFIRTH.COM
Our VisionWe are a team of passionate professionals, growing and innovating our Real Estate business,
built on long term relationships and grounded in compassion and trust. Our goal is to redefineand simplify the processes of a complicated industry for our customers, and use the same
principles to embrace and improve our community and the world.
Our MissionWe are creating the ultimate Real Estate experience by using our knowledge, expertise, and
technology to make a difference by helping our Buyers and Sellers make well-informeddecisions, enabling them to live their best lives.
941.716.6400STIVERFIRTH.COM
VISION, MISSIONO U R C O MMI T ME N T T O Y O U
WE ARE DELIBERATE Everything we do is intentionally designed tocreate a WOW experience for our customers!
CELEBRATE SUCCESSES We work hard to succeed and earn our happydances when we’ve helped yet anothercustomer live their dream!
SUPPORT EACH OTHERWe respect each other and do what it takes tohelp our team members succeed in creatingan unparalleled experience for our customers.We are also committed to supporting ourcommunity, our country, and our world.
ASSUME POSITIVE INTENT We know that each of our team members isalways working toward our unwavering sharedgoal – to create the best possible experience forour customers.
ACCOUNTABILITYWe know what we need to do, and we own it,creating infinite successes for our customers andour team members!
MEET CHALLENGES WITH ENTHUSIASMEvery challenge creates an opportunity to help acustomer in the moment, learn how to betterserve our customers in the future, and createlifelong relationships as a result. That is exciting!
GRATITUDEWe are humbled by the trust our customersplace in us, grateful for our abilities to helpthem with their life changes, and so thankfulfor our amazing team and community.
HONEST AND OPEN COMMUNICATIONOur transparency ensures that our customersand team members always know we areworking hard with them and for them.
ALWAYS LEARNINGWe are committed to staying on top of industrybreakthroughs so we can provide the cutting-edge technology, processes, and productsthat will combine to create an exceptionalexperience for our customers.
Our Core Values
You deserve the very best!
Our Sales Record and
5 Star Customer Reviews
are just the beginning.
941.716.6400STIVERFIRTH.COM
Stiver Firth International Team remains #1 in both Englewood and Rotonda West for total sales and our own listings sold!
WE ARE #1T H E S T I V E R F I R T H I N T E R N A T I O N A L T E A M R E MA I N S # 1
In today’s market a team always outperforms an individual. Transactions are more complicated, andsellers have unique needs. Our experienced team members are positioned to focus on the specific
requirements of each of our customers, while consistently delivering world class service.
Why choose 2nd best? Our Streamlined Processes, Customer Service Best Practices, and Latest
Technology combine with our Highly Qualified Buyer's Specialists to create a proven system that
helps you when purchasing real estate!
We take care of the detai ls every
step of the way, saving you t ime and
creating a seamless transaction.
2. TIME
941.716.6400STIVERFIRTH.COM
Each qualif ied team member has a
unique ski l l set, providing our
Customers exactly what they need,
when they need it .
SPECIALIZATION1 .
O F WO R K I N G WI T H T H E S T I V E R F I R T H I N T E R N A T I O N A L T E A M
With our extensive network we can
help you: f ind a lender, get
pre-approved, hire an inspector,
and choose your closing agent.
We help you every step of the way!
3. RESOURCES
BENEFITS
For nearly 30 years Sandy helped people achieve the dream of home ownership in the
banking industry as a loan officer, where she seamlessly guided her customers through
the mortgage process from loan pre-qualification to application to providing the funds
for the purchase, on hundreds of mortgages and home construction loans. She and her
husband of 35 years “went coastal” and moved to our paradise from Pennsylvania; they’ve
never looked back. Sandy’s extensive knowledge of the home buying experience from the
lending side makes her uniquely qualified to help her customers flawlessly navigate
through the home buying experience – from helping them find their dream home all the
way to closing and beyond. She always goes the extra mile and keeps an open line of
communication. Her consistent exemplary customer service and attention to detail earned
her top honors throughout her career. Sandy’s positive energy is contagious and she is
highly motivated to help others live their dream. Her dedication to helping people
achieve their goals comes naturally, as she’s been a leader in the fitness and yoga
industry for over a decade. She and her husband enjoy biking, hiking, and kayaking in
their spare time.
941.716.6400STIVERFIRTH.COM
I AM HERE FOR YOUWH E N Y O U A R E R E A D Y T O F I N D Y O U R D R E A M H O ME
941.716.6400 [email protected]
Sandy StricklerREALTOR® | BUYER 'S SPECIAL ISTABR, PSA , CNE
10+ YEARS REAL ESTATE EXPER IENCE
The day after Bailey graduated from Morehead State with a Business Marketing Degree, she
followed her parents to their new home in paradise, and immediately fell in love with the
area. Three months later she was on her way to Europe to play professional volleyball in
Germany and the Czech Republic, where she embraced the different personalities, cultures,
and customs that she experienced while living abroad.
After 2 years Bailey was ready to start her life in the states, back in the beautiful coastal
community she now calls home. Bailey’s Business Marketing Degree laid the foundation for her
critical thinking and analytical skills, both key in negotiations, and since her return, Bailey has
developed the wide network of family and friends that is so crucial to real estate. Her time
overseas gave Bailey real experience in working with a wide variety of personalities, and her
understanding of the importance of teamwork allows her to seamlessly help guide Buyers
through the complexities of a real estate transaction, as she works so well with everyone.
Bailey’s competitive spirit drives her to help Customers find their dream home, and she is
excited to be part of the Stiver Firth International Team.
Bailey’s hobbies include going to the beach, traveling, reading & playing/watching volleyball.
941.716.6400STIVERFIRTH.COM
MAKING THINGS EASIERB Y A S S I S T I N G S A N D Y WI T H A L L H E R B U Y E R S ' N E E D S
941.830.1114
Bailey NicholREALTOR®
941.716.6400STIVERFIRTH.COM
TESTIMONIALSD O N ' T J U S T T A K E MY WO R D F O R I T
I highly recommend Sandy Stickler if you are looking for
a home to purchase! She is very responsive and
detai led and helped us f ind the perfect home. We first
met Sandy at an open house last year. We had to stop
our home search due to health issues but Sandy
continued to send me updates at my request. She
stayed in touch but was never pushy. When the t ime
came to start the search again Sandy is the only agent I
got in touch with.
Bev S.
We were on our f ifth house hunting tr ip to Florida
when we met Sandra at an Open House. We feel so
fortunate to have crossed path's with her. Sandra
was nothing short of amazing. She is proactive,
attentive, informative, honest, and was so refreshing
to work with that we bought our dream home without
ever stepping foot in it . Sandra gave us a virtual
tour from 1600 miles away and was with us r ight up
to closing day. Thank you Sandra!!
Stacey B.
Sandy was an AWESOME agent. Although I do not
frequently leave reviews, Sandy went above and beyond
her job as a real estate agent from when we first talked
with her unti l after we closed our home. We were
looking to buy a home in the Southwest Florida area
and came across others who had recommended Sandy.
We were not disappointed. Sandy had a great
understanding of the area and quickly understood what
we were looking for in a home. She showed us homes
through zoom and facetime, and she gave us her honest
opinion of each home. Whi le we did not intend to
purchase a home sight unseen, we had enough
confidence in Sandy that we made an offer on a home
without having seen it and we are thri l led with our
home. In addit ion to handling our transaction, Sandy
was able to provide us a great deal of information
about the area and businesses that we would need both
to close the transaction and afterwards. We highly
recommend Sandy to anyone looking to buy a home.
Carla G.
Sandy Str ickler was exceptional ly responsive whi le we
were shopping for our Florida home from Connecticut.
She found us the perfect home at a great price and got
us through the purchase process. Courteous and helpful
and super communicative. We couldn’t have been
happier.
Martha S.
Sandy was so professional, honest, hard working and
proactive, she would know what I needed before I did
and educate me on everything I needed to know about
the area I was looking into. Wil l always recommend and
use her in the future! Made the buying process seamless
and so enjoyable.
Dan S.
We have been very, very lucky to have worked with
Sandy at Stiver Firth on the purchase of two different
properties. She is the ult imate professional. We l iked
that she stayed in contact with us throughout the
process and was always avai lable to answer our
questions or address our concerns. We are so glad that
we met her.
William S.
Sandy Str ickler was my real estate agent and helped me
find my 'forever ' home. She was very fr iendly and easy
to work with. She handled al l the detai ls for me. Al l I
had to do was show up. Couldn't have been easier!
Thanks Sandy!
Akillara
941.716.6400STIVERFIRTH.COM
The reason for our success is simple; over 300 REALTORS® reside in 1 1 conveniently located real estate offices in North Tampa, South
Tampa, Sarasota, Siesta Key, Bradenton, Anna Maria Is land, University Park, Tarpon Springs, Riverview,
Venice and Englewood to provide exemplary real estate marketing service
to our customers buying and sel l ing residential and commercial properties.
Reputations are earned and at RE/MAX Al l iance Group, we are proud of our wel l establ ished reputation
for exceptional customer service. For 30+ years we have adapted to ever changing real estate market
condit ions and provided the most professional and comprehensive real estate services to our cl ients.
RE/MAX ALLIANCE GROUPT H E # 1 R E / MA X O F F I C E I N F L O R I D A F O R 2 0 1 9
Largest RE/MAX in Florida
#1 RE/MAX in Florida for Both Sales Transactions & Sales Dol lar Volume
#15 RE/MAX in the Country for Transactions
Placed in the REAL Trends Top 500 l ist of the largest residential brokers, representing
Listed among the nation’s top 500 brokerage firms in RISMedia’s 2019 Power Broker Report
Recent Awards in 2019:
less than one-half of 1% of al l brokerages in the United States
MEET WITH OUR BUYER SPECIALIST
Discuss the type of propertyyou are looking for.
START YOUR HOME SEARCHThe fun begins here.
Virtual options are available.
MAKE AN OFFERyour agent will prepare the
offer based on the price andterms you choose.
NEGOTIATIONAND CONTRACTS
IN ESCROW. The price and terms are agreed upon.
The home is effectively held for you until closing.
FINAL DETAILSPerform due diligence,
order the appraisal, conduct an inspection
and review terms with the lender.
CLOSINGThis is the transfer of funds and
ownership for your home.Congratulations!
It may take a few tries, but hang in there.
You're on your way!
THE HOME BUYING PROCESS
941.716.6400STIVERFIRTH.COM
WE MA K E I T E A S Y F O R Y O U
CongratulationsYOU ' RE A NEW
HOMEOWNER
STEP #1An initial virtual
home buyers consultation
VIRTUAL BUYING
941.716.6400STIVERFIRTH.COM
I N 8 E A S Y S T E P S ( L I V E H O M E T O U R S A R E A L S O S T I L L A V A I L A B L E )
STEP #2I will email you properties that
meet your criteria.
STEP #3We will tour your favorite
homes via video conferencing.
STEP #4Once you're ready, we submit
an electronic offer
STEP #5Our team secures an electronic
earnest money transfer
STEP #6I will help you order a
professional home inspection.
STEP #7I help coordinate your signingand notary with a Title Agent.
STEP #8CONGRATULATIONS
You are now a homeowner
FINANCING FIASCOS
941.716.6400STIVERFIRTH.COM
T H I N G S T O R E ME MB E R B E F O R E Y O U R H O ME P U R C H A S E
DO NOTBUY A NEW CAR OR
APPLY FOR A NEW CREDIT CARD
REFRAINFROM MOVING
OR TRANSFERRINGASSETS ELSEWHERE
DOUSE EARNEST
MONEY FROM ADISCLOSED SOURCE
Lenders look closely at an applicant’sdebt-to-income ratio. A large purchase,or obtaining new credit cards or credit
increases can greatly affect thoseratios and thwart a borrower from
qualifying for a mortgage loan.
These transfers show up as newdeposits and complicate the applicationprocess. Typically, lenders want to seethat funds have been in an account for60 days (which is why lenders ask for
two months’ bank statements).
Writing a deposit check (or wire) froman account that you did not disclose toyour lender is a sure fire way to cause a
delay, if not an outright denial, of theloan application. Always disclose allfinancial information to your lender.
RESISTTHE TEMPTATION
TO BUY FURNITUREOR APPLIANCES
BE CERTAINNOT TO PACK OR
SHIP DOCUMENTSFOR THE LOAN
ARE YOUPLANNING ON A
REMOTE CLOSINGOF THE PROPERTY
Any new purchase may increase theborrowers debt or appear as a largedebit on bank statements. New or
additional debt increases the risk ofdisqualifying a borrower from loan
approval, or available funds for closing.
Important papers such as tax returns,divorce papers, bank statements andmore should not be boxed up and puton the moving truck. Duplicate copies
can take weeks to obtain & could delaythe Loan Approval and stall the closing.
Many lenders require documents to besigned the day of closing. You cannot
take possession until the Closing Agentreceives the documents the next day &pays the Seller. Inform everyone of aremote closing as soon as possible.
KEEPYOUR CURRENT
JOB IF POSSIBLE TOAVOID PROBLEMS
DO NOTDEPOSIT CASH THAT CAN NOT BE "SOURCED"
DO NOTPAY OFF
ANY MAJOR DEBTS
Since the onset of COVID-19, there havebeen several new prerequisites for
lending, including last minuteemployment verifications to ensure you
are still employeed and your incomelevels have not changed.
If you think you can just deposit yourmattress money into your bank account
to help you pay that down payment,think again. Cash deposits can actuallyruin your chances of being approved
for a mortgage.
This can negatively affect your creditscore for many reasons. If you have
loans that need to be paid off, allow thelender to pay them off at closing andthey will be listed on your settlement
statement.
REAL ESTATE TERMINOLOGY
941.716.6400STIVERFIRTH.COM
H E L P I N G Y O U U N D E R S T A N D MO R E
A d j u s t a b l e R a t e M o r t g a g e ( A R M ) The i n te re s t r a te i s t i ed to a f i nanc ia l i ndexmak i ng t he mon th l y mo r tgage paymen t go up o r down ove r t ime .
A n n u a l P e r c e n t a g e R a t e ( A P R ) The pe rcen t o f i n te re s t cha rged on a home l oan .
A p p r a i s a l A r epo r t h i gh l i gh t i ng t he e s t ima ted va l ue o f t he p rope r t y comp le ted by aqua l i f i ed 3 rd pa r t y .
A s s o c i a t i o n F e e / H O A F e e Cer ta i n hous i ng commun i t i e s have a mon th l y f eeas soc ia ted w i t h ma in ta i n i ng t he common a reas and amen i t i e s .
B a l l o o n M o r t g a g e A l ong- te rm mo r tgage l oan t ha t s ta r t s sma l l bu t ha s a l a rgepaymen t due a t ma tu r i t y .
C l o s i n g T h i s i s t he f i na l mee t i ng whe re t he Buye r and Se l l e r s i gn t he neces sa r ypape r -wo r k , comp le te t he t ran sac t i on , and r e l ease/ take pos se s s i on o f t he p rope r t y .
C l o s i n g C o s t s T he Buye r and Se l l e r have expenses a s soc ia ted w i t h t he t ran sac t i ono the r t han t ha t o f t he ac tua l co s t o f t he home .
C l o s i n g D i s c l o s u r e A f o rm t ha t p ro v ides t he f i na l de ta i l s abou t t he mo r tgage l oan .I t i nc l udes l oan te rms , p ro j ec ted paymen t s , and how much t he ex t ra f ees w i l l be .
C o m m i s s i o n A pe rcen t o f t he sa l e p r i ce o f t he home t ha t i s pa id to agen t s . T heSe l l e r pay s commi s s i on to bo th t he Buye r and l i s t i ng agen t i n mos t cases .
C o m p a r a b l e s Homes i n t he a rea o f i n te re s t , r ecen t l y so ld w i t h s im i l a r f ea tu re s .
C o n t i n g e n c i e s Cond i t i on s wh i ch mus t be me t i n o rde r t o c l o se . I f t he con t i ngency i sno t sa t i s f i ed t he con t rac t may be cance led .
C o u n t e r o f f e r T he r e sponse f r om t he Se l l e r i n r ega rd to an o f fe r .
D e b t t o I n c o m e R a t i o Bo r rowe r s ’ deb t ve r su s i ncome ca l cu la t i on t ha t a l ende r u se sto de te rm ine t he amoun t o f l oan you a re e l i g i b l e f o r based on you r ab i l i t y t o r epayex i s t i ng deb t p l u s t he home l oan .
D o w n P a y m e n t T he pa r t o f a home ’ s pu rchase p r i ce t ha t you pay up f r on t and doesno t come f r om a mo r tgage l ende r v i a a l oan .
E a r n e s t M o n e y T he depos i t made f r om t he Buye r t o t he Se l l e r when subm i t t i ng ano f fe r . T h i s depos i t i s t yp i ca l l y he ld i n t r u s t b y a t h i r d pa r t y . Upon c l o s i ng t he moneyw i l l gene ra l l y be app l i ed to t he down paymen t o r c l o s i ng cos t s .
E q u i t y T he d i f f e rence i n t he ma r ke t va l ue ve r su s wha t i s owed on t he home .
REAL ESTATE TERMINOLOGY
941.716.6400STIVERFIRTH.COM
H E L P I N G Y O U U N D E R S T A N D MO R E
E s c r o w T h i s t e rm has mu l t i p l e mean i ngs ; ea rnes t money i s t yp i ca l he ld b y a t h i r dpa r t y un t i l c l o s i ng i n “ e sc row” . I t can a l so be r e fe r r ed to a s t he t ime pe r i od f r omwhen t he con t rac t i s w r i t t en and accep ted to when t he home sa le ac tua l l y c l o se s .
F H A A mo r tgage i s s ued by an FHA-app roved l ende r and i n su red by t he Fede ra lHous i ng Adm in i s t ra t i on ( FHA ) .
F i x e d R a t e T he i n te re s t r a te r ema in s t he same fo r t he en t i r e l i f e o f t he mo r tgage .
H o m e E q u i t y L i n e o f C r e d i t A l oan o r l i ne o f c red i t t ha t i s de te rm ined based on t heequ i t y o r home ' s va l ue a f te r s ub t rac t i ng t he l oans owed .
H o m e I n s p e c t i o n T he p roces s i n wh i ch a p ro fe s s i ona l i n spec t s t he Se l l e r ’ s home fo ri s s ue s t ha t a re no t open l y appa ren t , t hen c rea te s a r epo r t f o r t he Buye r t o r e v i ew .
H o m e W a r r a n t y —An annua l se r v i ce t ha t cove r s t he cos t o f r epa i r s o r r ep lacemen t sto i t ems cove red i n t he p lan .
M o r t g a g e I n s u r a n c e I n s u rance w r i t t en i n connec t i on w i t h a mo r tgage l oan t ha tp ro tec t s t he l ende r i n t he e ven t t he bo r rowe r canno t r epay t he i r l oan .
P r e - A p p r o v a l T he p roces s i n wh i ch a Buye r mus t p ro v ide a mo r tgage p ro fe s s i ona lt he app rop r i a te i n fo rmat i on on i ncome , deb t s , and a s se t s t ha t w i l l be u sed to makethe i n i t i a l c red i t on l y l oan dec i s i on .
P r e - Q u a l i f i c a t i o n Once app roved fo r a l oan , t h i s i s t he p roces s i n wh i ch t hemax imum sa le p r i ce , l oan amoun t , and mon th l y paymen t s a re ca l cu la ted fo r t hebo r rowe r . T h i s i s no t a l oan app rova l howeve r , i t i s u se fu l t o k now p r i o r t o sea rch i ngfo r a home .
R E O T he te rm fo r a p rope r t y owned by a l ende r because i t f a i l ed to se l l i n afo rec lo su re auc t i on a f te r t he bo r rowe r de fau l t ed on h i s o r he r mo r tgage .
S h o r t S a l e A s i t ua t i on when t he Se l l e r ’ s l ende r i s w i l l i ng to accep t an o f fe r anda l l ows t he sa l e t o be comp le ted fo r an amoun t l e s s t han t he mo r tgage amoun t owed .
T i t l e A l ega l documen t p ro v i ng cu r r en t and p rope r owne r sh ip o f t he p rope r t y . T h i sdocumen t h igh l i gh t s t he h i s t o r y o f p rope r t y owne r sh ip and t ran s fe r s .
U n d e r w r i t i n g —The p roces s i n wh i ch t he po ten t i a l home Buye r i s e va l ua ted fo r t he i rf i nanc ia l ab i l i t y t o ob ta i n and repay a l oan .
V A L o a n L oans fo r Ame r i cans who have se r ved i n t he a rmed fo rces . T hey a readm in i s t e red by t he Depa r tmen t o f Ve te ran A f fa i r s .
Thank you for choosing the
Stiver Firth Real Estate team
to assist you with your home
buying needs. We look
forward to working with you
either virtually or in person to
determine what your real
estate goals are!
2230 South McCall Rd
Englewood, FL 34224
941.716.6400
StiverFirth.com
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