Sacramento Real Estate Blog

One of our lenders has some Powerpoint buyer presentation slides that she’s promised to provide for our use, so we can convert it into HTML and launch an email buyer seminar. I just thought I’d brainstorm some ideas here, so this post is more a set of notes on how such a seminar might look than an article in itself. I’ve been wanting to create such a thing for the longest time, and given that the “discount newsletter series” has proven to be the wrong offer twice, now’s a good time to try it out.

I’m thinking a six to ten email series would be about the right size, and it should more or less cover the following general topics:

1. Your Credit Report. Important privacy issues you may not be aware of. Free credit report offer. Ordering your free credit report. What to do if you score is low.
2. Qualifying for a Loan. How to get prequalified. Difference between prequalification and preapproval. How much does it cost, and when do you have to pay? Benefits of being prequalified / preapproved before you shop. Different types of loan programs. Special programs for first time buyers.
3. Searching for Homes. Using Internet search tools. Understanding where the data comes from. Finding foreclosures, short sales, and REO properties. Understanding the pros and cons of foreclosure properties versus a typical MLS listing. Researching neighborhood and school information.
4. Using a Realtor® Benefits of using a Realtor® What is “Agency”? The benefits of using a Buyer’s Agent. Should you exclude your Buyers Agent’s listings from your search? When you should consider a Buyer/Broker agreement, and when you should avoid it. What to expect from your agent. Who’s really paying for this, and when?
5. Narrowing it down. Understanding what’s really important to you. Getting more facts. Making your decision.
6. Understanding Real Estate Prices. Using your Realtor® for comparable sales. Pros and cons of automated pricing systems. How is price determined? Three important facts you should know before you negotiate with the seller.
7. The Real Estate Purchase Agreement, your offer to the seller. What other paperwork will your Realtor® ask you to work on at this stage? What are the costs, and when are they paid? When and how do you get more information about the home? Your inspection period and right to cancel. Understanding your rights and responsibilities before you write the offer. Sample offer form.
8. The escrow period. What is an escrow? Who pays for it? How long does it last? What happens during escrow? Things your Realtor® will be doing. Things you need to be doing.
9. Closing and moving. When and where do you sign paperwork? When do you get the keys? Avoiding closing delays, and ensuring a smooth close and move. Understanding closing costs before you close.
10. After your move. Questions for the seller? Utilities and services. What to do if there is a problem. Using your home warranty. Using your Realtor® after the sale.