Thank you for your interest in working with Elizabeth Reed & Associates, a proud member of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties community here in sunny San Diego. In this booklet, you will find more information about our team, the home-buying process, and how we can assist at every turn — from identifying your budget and parameters to receiving the keys to your dream home. Enclosed, you will learn more about our team, our offerings, and our values, as well as more information about what to expect from the buying process. We detail the role that we will play as your buyer’s agent though each client relationship is unique and tailored to specific client’s needs and desires. After reviewing this document, please reach out to continue the conversation — a phone call is always welcomed, or perhaps we can grab coffee at Lofty in Solana Beach! The Elizabeth Reed & Associates team is here to answer all of your questions, large and small. We are happy to provide references and additional insights as requested. If you would like to move forward with us and begin your buying journey, we will send you the Buyer-Broker Agreement as our next step.
2
As always, do let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to helping you find your home here and welcoming you to the San Diego community we love so much.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Reed | Elizabeth Reed & Associates Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
TABLE OF CONTENTS
02 INTRODUCTION
04 ELIZABETH REED & ASSOCIATES MEET ELIZABETH 07 08 MEET THE TEAM
09 BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY
HOMESERVICES CALIFORNIA PROPERTIES
10 THE PATH TO HOME OWNERSHIP 12 OUR ROLE AS YOUR BUYER’S AGENT 13 OUR AGREEMENT & NEXT STEPS 14 CLIENT TESTIMONIALS 15 COMMON REAL ESTATE TERMS
17 CHARITABLE COMMITMENTS
ELIZABETH REED & ASSOCIATES
4
Serving the San Diego community for almost four decades, Elizabeth Reed & Associates is proud to uphold a reputation for transparency, trustworthiness, and a client-first approach to all transactions. Under Elizabeth’s leadership, the team continues to grow to reach new markets and client bases, with the fantastic recent addition of teammate (and Elizabeth’s sister-in-law) Xóchitl Reed, extending the team’s offerings to San Diego’s vibrant Spanish-speaking community. Some of our proudest recent accolades include: • Chairman’s Circle Diamond Top 1/2 of 1% the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Global Network 2023 • Over $500,000,000 in closed sales • Over 500 transactions • Certified member of 1% for the Planet, donating one percent of annual revenue to local environmental nonprofits
5
You can learn more about Elizabeth and her team in the following pages. We would be honored to work with you to help make San Diego your home!
6
Elizabeth Reed Broker Associate
(858) 344-9092 elizabeth@emreed.com DRE#00950978
MEET ELIZABETH
Elizabeth is a Southern California native and licensed Realtor serving the North County San Diego region since 1987. She has spent most of her career with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, where she serves as a Luxury Collection Specialist and Certified Relocation Specialist and consistently ranks in the top 0.5% of agents nationally. Her vast experience — ranging from condos to luxury properties, land sales and development projects to turn-key properties — has earned Elizabeth a reputation as one of the most trustworthy and respected Realtors in the area. Her greatest pride is her integrity and commitment to building authentic, lasting relationships, with the majority of her clients being repeat buyers and referrals from previous clients. She recently received the 2023 Berkshire Hathaway Chairman’s Circle Diamond Award, a designation that she has earned more than 15 times. Elizabeth and her husband live in Del Mar where they raised their children Charlie and Russell, as well as countless “favorite children” including adopted boxers, alpacas, birds, and most recently, rescued turtles and tortoises which live in the sanctuary they built together in their backyard. Elizabeth enjoys spending her rare time off volunteering for local nonprofits including ECOLIFE Conservation, Sam’s Posse, and the San Diego Turtle & Tortoise Society, or tending to her native flower and vegetable garden. Accolades: • Top 0.5% of Berkshire Hathaway’s HomeServices Global Network • Chairman’s Circle Diamond Award Winner • San Diego Business Journal Leader of Influence 2024 • Top 50 San Diego Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties Agents Since 2013 • Over $500,000,000 in closed sales • Certified Specialist for Luxury Collection, Relocation, and Probate & Trust • Board member of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeSercives Charitable Foundation • Member of 1% for the Planet, supporting 3 local environmental nonprofits • San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Society Member & Foster Parent • Trusted Realtor & Del Mar resident since 1987 • Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Global Collective member
7
THE TEAM
XOCHITL REED Realtor – Sales Associate DRE# 02209583
8
Xóchitl (pronounced “so-chill”) is a recently licensed Realtor with decades of experience in business management, marketing, and creative direction. She brings a hands-on approach to all her endeavors, wearing multiple hats and carrying a sharp eye for design. She has worked with major clients including Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas, DoubleTree by Hilton, The Lot, Ocean Garden, and Rady Children’s Hospital. Xóchitl is excited to bring these skills to the Real Estate industry, joining her sister-in-law at Elizabeth Reed & Associates to provide innovative marketing strategy, expand the team’s reach to San Diego’s many Spanish-speaking residents, and maintain its reputation as a community-driven, client-first practice.
Xóchitl habla español, ¡comuníquese en cualquiera de los dos idiomas! (858) 900-4004 | xreed@bhhscal.com
DEVIN RICHARD Realtor – Sales Associate DRE# 02134310
Devin is a licensed Realtor and the team assistant for Elizabeth Reed & Associates. He has been working as an agent in North County San Diego for three years and has lived in the area for 15 years. Born in San Francisco, he can often be found taking his golden retriever Ripley on outdoor adventures.
(760) 504-8578 | devinrichard@bhhscal.com
A DEDICATED LEGAL TEAM
Choosing a real estate brokerage with an in-house legal team is paramount. It ensures your real estate agent swift, accurate legal advice throughout your transaction, safeguarding your interests and streamlining the process. With Berkshire Hathaway’s expertise, you are not just buying a home, you are investing in peace of mind and a seamless, worry-free experience.
9
Dean Stalter , Broker of Record Stella Ling , Attorney Nichol Maldonado , Risk Manager Martha Mosier , President Jeff Simerton , Attorney Jeff Arlen , Attorney (not pictured)
THE PATH TO HOME OWNERSHIP
What you can expect in the months ahead — from choosing the right neighborhood to receiving the keys!
FINDING & SELECTING YOUR AGENT First and foremost, you must select the right agent for you who will represent you throughout the buying process. Your Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties agent will be by your side as you build your broader home-buying team, connecting you with experts such as lenders, inspectors, title companies and escrow representatives, as well as home warranty and property insurance providers. SIGNING THE BUYER-BROKER AGREEMENT Should you decide to work with us, you will then sign a formal Buyer-Broker Agreement, as legally required beginning in 2024, to formalize our relationship and clarify all relevant terms and fees from the outset. From there, we will begin the fun part! BUDGET & PRE-APPROVAL Involving your agent in the pre-qualification process is often important, as sellers frequently ask if the buyer has been pre- approved. If you haven’t already established a lender, we can connect you with options, and ensure you understand your budget. Knowing your budget upfront kicks off the process of showing you potential homes.
10
HOME WISH LIST AND GOALS Let’s explore your wish list and goals together. Where do you want to live? What neighborhoods? What amenities are must-haves? What goals do you have around timelines? VIEWING HOMES We’ll find properties, refine your wish list, and schedule the tours. We’ll also provide you with market data so you can make informed decisions. MAKING AN OFFER When it’s time, we’ll craft a strong offer and negotiate with the seller to reach an agreement on your behalf. HOME INSPECTION & NEGOTIATIONS Home inspections reveal crucial details about a property’s condition. Utilize our negotiation skills after the inspection to save money and address any issues before closing the deal. SECURING A MORTGAGE, APPRAISAL, AND INSURANCE Homebuyers must complete a mortgage application, undergo a property appraisal to determine market value, and secure home insurance to meet lender requirements. We can offer a lot of guidance to make this seamless. CONTINGENCY REMOVAL Removing contingencies is a necessary step to closing a transaction and ensuring all conditions are met to protect your interests. An experienced and skillful agent manages this for you. CLEAR TO CLOSE Receiving this means you’ve signed your loan documents, funding your loan is scheduled, all the conditions and contingencies are met, and the title company is ready for your closing. THE FINAL STEP Conduct a final walk-through, fund the loan, and transfer ownership. Congratulations are in order!
11
MARKET KNOWLEDGE & EXPERTISE Elizabeth Reed & Associates brings over three decades of experience in the San Diego Real Estate market. That means we have worked in every neighborhood with every kind of buyer, from those seeking their first home to those investing in their tenth. We are here to help you select the right neighborhood, budget, must-haves, and more. GUIDANCE Combining our market knowledge with your vision, we will provide a curated portfolio of listings that match your criteria. Together, we will tour homes that interest you, providing our insights regarding home value, potential unforeseen costs, and more. OUR ROLE AS YOUR BUYER’S AGENT
NETWORK & REPUTATION Elizabeth Reed & Associates has one of the best reputations in the San Diego Real Estate market, having worked with nearly every agent and agency in the region. We are known for transparency, trustworthiness, and strong negotiation, which means we are often clued into listings before they even reach the market. Through our practice, and the broader Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network, you will be represented by some of the most respected and knowledgeable Realtors in the industry. RESOURCES As members of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, we have access to the best services and softwares in Real Estate — and by working with us, you will too! As members of the Multiple Listing Services (MLS), RealScout, and beyond, we leverage valuable technology to find homes, assess deals, and provide additional budgeting and financing tools to our clients as needed. We also have a full legal team ready to support if needed.
ADVOCACY & NEGOTIATION Particularly in the competitive San Diego Real Estate market, the most challenging part of the buying process is typically securing a good deal. Most houses receive multiple offers, and your agents at Elizabeth Reed & Associates will leverage decades of experience and network to maximize your chances of winning complex negotiations — while landing a fair deal. More than anything, your Buyer’s Agent is your fiercest advocate. DUE DILIGENCE After succeeding in the negotiation process, a complex timeline begins to get all the inspections, paperwork, and details in order. We will be by your side to ensure all inspections are conducted and responded to, managing surveys, appraisals, loan conditions, and utility transfers as required. There can be bumps along the way during the closing process, but we will be there to reach the finish line together.
OUR AGREEMENT
OUR AGREEMENT As of 2024, a Buyer’s Representation Agreement is now required for us to begin our relationship. It must be signed and completed before we can begin the buying process. This is the direct result of recent national legislative changes made to protect both buying and selling parties, ensuring that expectations are made clear from the beginning and will be legally binding for the duration of the contract. This agreement serves the purpose of: • Establishing a formal legal contract between you, the homebuyer, and your agent. • Outlining the agent’s duties and the buyer’s obligations. • Specifying the agreed-upon commission, transparently outlining fees from the outset. • Ensuring the agent represents the buyer’s interests and allowing legal representation of the buyer by the agent.
While it may seem daunting, the agreement is ultimately a great asset to you in your home-buying process — ensuring you have strong, committed representation from one of the best agencies in San Diego.
13
Now that you have a more comprehensive understanding of the buying process and the role your buyer’s agent will play, we would love to continue the conversation. Give us a call to answer any and all questions and to tell you more about what you will gain by working with Elizabeth Reed & Associates. From there, we will produce a Buyer-Broker Agreement, working through details related to timeline, compensation, and expectations as needed. Once signed, we can begin the exciting process of finding you your perfect home in San Diego! NEXT STEPS
“Elizabeth is truly a league of her own when it comes to real estate and customer service. If it weren’t for her, there’s no way I would be sitting in my dream home and typing this message right now.” – Amy & Yuval “Elizabeth was instrumental in purchasing our family’s dream home. Her expertise, professional prowess, and fantastic sense of humor guided us smoothly through a complex negotiation with a challenging seller.” – Laurie & Matt “Elizabeth was a true bright spot in our move to the West Coast. She patiently took us on a number of tours of the area, sharing her extensive knowledge and insight about the various towns and neighborhoods. And as anyone who knows Elizabeth will attest, her deep knowledge is about more than just real estate, but everything one would need to know coming into a new community.” – Candice & Scott “We have known Elizabeth for over 25 years and have done numerous real estate transactions with her during that time. She is a master at putting deals together – the tougher the better. She has always put our interests first, and our trust in her has been rewarded repeatedly. She knows the San Diego market inside out, is very well connected, and is incredibly responsive.” – Sarah & Marc “She went above and beyond …found our contractor, even helped with appointments while we were in transition. She is now a friend, and we are forever grateful she found our Home. We wouldn’t trust our real estate needs with anyone else. It’s the brightest decision/purchase people make, so why settle for less than the Best!” – Annie & Steve “Elizabeth provides an exceptional level of boutique customer service so whether you are buying or selling, she makes it all very easy as she handles and anticipates everything! Her connections are broad and deep and she is highly regarded by her peers in the industry.” – Kim & Fred “Elizabeth is simply AMAZING. Absolutely incredible. She knows everyone in the business, was able to provide immediate, high-quality preferences for contractors and inspectors, and knew the pitfalls to avoid. She is completely honest in her dealings with us and everyone else, which we so, so much appreciated.” – Raha & Kevin “Elizabeth was our relocation specialist and found us the perfect home in San Diego. As first time home buyers we weren’t sure what to expect, let alone during the 2021 market! Elizabeth’s calm and confident personality reassured us we were in good hands.” – Lisa & Brian
14
COMMON REAL ESTATE TERMS
A/1 CONTINGENCY - An MLS status for a property that is under contract subject to attorney review and/or inspection. APPRAISAL - An expert judgment or estimate of the value of real estate, made by an appraiser, generally for the purpose of establishing fair value and obtaining a real estate loan. CLOSING - Closing (or settlement) is the legal process of transferring ownership of a home from one person to another. CLOSING COSTS - All fees and charges paid at closing for services, including the lender or mortgage broker, and other fees paid to third parties for services that the lender, state, county, or municipality require the borrower to pay. CONTINGENCIES - Conditions or clauses included in a contract that must be met for the transaction to proceed. They protect both the buyer and the seller by outlining specific requirements that, if not satisfied, can allow one or both parties to back out of the deal without penalty. CONTINGENT OFFER - An offer to purchase that is dependent on another event, such as the home buyer needing to sell their current home. CMA (COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS) - A report that shows prices of recently listed or sold homes similar to your target property. The sold prices, known as “comps”, can help homebuyers evaluate their offer strategy. CONTRACT (SALES CONTRACT) - The written agreement between two parties for the purchase of a property. DEED - A legal document that transfers ownership of property from one party to another. DOWN PAYMENT - An upfront portion of the total purchase price paid when buying a property, usually expressed as a percentage, with the rest financed through a mortgage. EARNEST MONEY - A showing of commitment from the buyer to the seller. The buyer will entrust a dollar amount, usually 3% of the asking price, to a neutral party. If the seller accepts the offer and the buyer backs out for a reason not protected by a contingency contained in the accepted contract, the seller may be entitled to keep all or a portion of the earnest money. ESCROW - Property or money held by a third party until the agreed upon obligations of a contract are met. ESCROW ACCOUNT - Monies collected from the borrower’s installment payments for the purpose of paying property taxes and insurance. An escrow account is typically required when the loan is more than 80% of the property value.
HOME INSPECTION - A professional inspection of a home to determine the condition of the property. The inspection should include an evaluation of the plumbing, heating and cooling systems, roof, wiring, foundation, and pest infestation. HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE - A policy that protects you and the lender from fire or flood, which damages the structure of the house; a liability, such as an injury to a visitor to your home; or damage to your personal property, such as your furniture, clothes, or appliances. LIEN - A legal document used to create a security interest in another’s property. A lien is often given as a security for the payment of a debt. A lien can also be placed against a consumer for failure to pay what is owed. MARKET VALUE - The worth of something determined by a willing buyer and seller in an open market. Market value can fluctuate depending on supply and demand and other market forces. PITI - Refers to the combined monthly amount of Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance paid in the financing of real estate. PRE-QUALIFICATION - A mortgage lender has reviewed your financial records and believes you will qualify for a loan. PRE-APPROVAL - A conditional commitment from a lender that they will lend you the money for a mortgage after a loan application has been submitted and reviewed. PRIVATE MORTGAGE INSURANCE (PMI) - Loans with smaller down payments involve greater risk for the lender, who requires protection in case the loan goes into foreclosure. Anything less than 20% down payment usually requires PMI. PROPERTY TAXES - The annual real estate taxes charged to property owners based on the assessed value of the property. SURVEY - A precise measurement of a property by a licensed surveyor, showing legal boundaries of a property and the dimensions and location of improvements. TITLE - The right to, and the ownership of, property. A title or deed is sometimes used as proof of ownership of land. TITLE INSURANCE - Protects the lender or owner against loss in the event of a property dispute. Lenders often require title insurance. WALK-THROUGH - A common clause in a sales contract that allows the buyer to examine the property being purchased at a specified time immediately before the closing, for example, within the 24 hours before closing.
15
OUR CHARITABLE COMMITMENTS
At Elizabeth Reed & Associates, we are committed to giving back to the community that has given so much to us — where we have raised our children and pets, made memories on the trails and at the beaches, and truly found a sense of “home” in Southern California. You can read more about our charitable commitments and engagements below. 1% FOR THE PLANET Elizabeth Reed & Associates is a proud member of 1% for the Planet. Through our membership, we pledge to donate 1% of our annual revenue to local environmental nonprofits, ensuring that our own success is tied to the success of the organizations driving social and ecological impact right here in San Diego. This aligns closely with our goal of helping our clients call San Diego home — we are committed to ensuring the health and sustainability of the community we call home for generations to come. Founded by Patagonia’s Yvon Chouinard in 2002, 1% for the Planet is an international organization whose members contribute at least one percent of their annual revenue to environmental nonprofits to protect the environment. They follow Patagonia’s lead, which has pledged 1% of sales since 1985 to such causes, helping ensure a harmonious future for our planet and all its inhabitants.
17
1% FOR THE PLANET ORGANIZATIONS WE SUPPORT
We are proud to support three fantastic environmental nonprofits right here in San Diego through our membership:
Founded by Elizabeth’s longtime friend and inspiration Bill Toone in 2003, ECOLIFE Conservation approaches conservation holistically, understanding that we cannot save the animals and ecosystems we wish to without also supporting the people who call them home. From Mexico and Uganda to right here in San Diego, ECOLIFE promotes sustainable agriculture, community-based conservation, and environmental education to ensure a better future for our planet. Learn more at ecolifeconservation.org. Founded in 1954, I Love A Clean San Diego supports residents and businesses in the region through education and local action including impactful volunteer events and workshops. As San Diego’s most influential advocate for sustainability, I Love A Clean San Diego’s programs are environmental catalysts, inspiring action to empower everyone to be leaders in conservation and waste-free living. Learn more at cleansd.org. Founded by a group of local citizens in 1986, the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy preserves, protects, and shares the natural and cultural resources of the San Dieguito River Valley through collaborative efforts to acquire lands, complete trails, restore habitats, establish educational programs, create interpretive centers, encourage recreation, and mobilize public support. The San Dieguito River watershed headwaters flow from springs on Volcan Mountain and meander some 55 miles to the San Dieguito Lagoon between Del Mar and Solana Beach, providing gorgeous views and recreational opportunities to me and many of my clients. Learn more at sdrvc.org.
18
VOLUNTEERING
Elizabeth is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Charitable Foundation Board, which supports the coordination of volunteering events and donations distributed throughout San Diego county. The Elizabeth Reed & Associates team loves to spend time together giving back — not only with our monetary donations, but with our time and energy too. You can find us volunteering at a range of events and for a diversity of causes, from Frosted Faces elderly dog rescue to the San Diego Turtle & Tortoise Society to ArtReach San Diego . We love to bring our clients along to volunteer events — let us know if you’d like to join us!
6027 Paseo Delicias, Suite E P.O. Box 2708 C: (858) 344-9092 E: elizabeth@emreed.com emreed.com elizabethreedrealty.com DRE# 00950978
Elizabeth Reed & Associates Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
© 2024 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for your listing.
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online