CLIENT SERVICES:

The following information will hopefully be helpful as you sell (and/or buy) your home and open Escrow.  There are a number of steps in this process and it can become confusing, so hopefully you will find the following procedures easy to follow.

Saddleback Homes provides a dedicated Transaction Coordinator to assist in every phase of your transaction. She will have a "hands-on" approach to make sure that all necessary paperwork and inspections are completed accurately and on-time.  She will stay in close contact with you, and is available if you have any questions. 

Janice A  --  Transaction Coordinator (TC):   

6 San Julian

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

949.709.2002 Telephone

949.709.2720 Fax

janice4re@yahoo.com (email)

Once Escrow opens, and the Purchase Contract has been signed and accepted by both parties, Janice becomes responsible for coordinating all paperwork throughout this transaction… right through to the Close of Escrow (COE). 

WHEN BUYING:

• Janice will send the signed Purchase Contract to both the Escrow Co. and your Lender.

• Janice will arrange for your Deposit Check to be picked up and delivered to Escrow.  (Escrow will now be considered “Opened”.)
• Escrow will mail you Escrow Instructions that you will need to complete and return to the Escrow Officer.  Give your Escrow Officer a call with any questions.
• Janice will send you the Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS) for you to review, which documents any known problems with the home, or issues within the community or the Home Owners Association that may have a current or future impact on the value of the home.
• Janice will send (or have Escrow send), the Home Owners Association’s (HOA) CC&R’s budget and minutes for your review.  Please read!
• Janice will assist in helping contact the Home Inspection Company of your choice (there are many companies to choose from – a few are listed below), to conduct an inspection of the home you are buying.   You will need to be present for this meeting.  The inspector thoroughly checks all areas of the home and will discuss all recommended repairs.  He will also give copies of his report to you and the seller’s agent.  After reviewing the report, Janice will assist you in preparing a “List of Repairs” you want the seller to repair.  The only repairs the seller is legally responsible for are that the smoke detectors be in proper working condition and that the water heater be properly   strapped, but most sellers will cooperate in completing some or all of the repairs requested.
• It is the Seller’s responsibility to have a Termite Company inspect the home for termites and prepare a report on the condition.  If termites are found, the Seller is responsible for having the areas properly sprayed, fumigated and/or repairs made where necessary. 
• A Final Walk Through will take place a few days before COE, at which time the Buyer will be able to review the items you agreed to repair making sure they are acceptable.  Janice will call to set an appropriate time for both parties to meet.  It is important for the sellers to be present, as they can show buyers the repairs as well as answer questions related to the maintenance of the home. 
• Escrow will call you when the final Escrow Documents (DOCS) are received from your Lender, and will make an appt. for you to come in to review and sign the Estimated Settlement Statement.  They will give you the dollar amount for the down payment that you will be required to bring in and how they would like to receive it. They will also provide the "Buyers Settlement Statement."   Please review this statement and make sure it is correct.  Contact Escrow with any questions.  After you have signed the loan DOCS, Escrow sends them back to the lender for his final review and approval.  After reviewing, the Lender “funds” the money for the purchase of your home.  Escrow will then record your purchase at the County Recorders Office.  This is known as “Close of Escrow”  (COE).
• The home is now yours and you may move in as per the contract agreement (usually 2-4 days after COE).  Escrow will mail the “Final Closing Settlement Statement” to you within 2-3 days are COE.  If there is a credit balance, a check will be sent to you, along with this closing statement.
• Congratulations on the purchase of your new home!!

WHEN SELLING:

• Janice will send signed copies of the Purchase Contract to both your Escrow and Title companies, as well as to the Buyer’s Transaction Coordinator, (TC).
•  Janice will contact you regarding your choice of Termite Inspection Companies you wish to use to inspect the property you are selling.  (There are many companies to choose from – a few are listed below).  Janice will set the appt. with the Termite Company.  If termites are found, it is the seller’s responsibility to have home fumigated, sprayed, and/or repairs made as per the Termite Company’s recommendations.
• Janice will send you the Transfer Disclosure Statement, (TDS) to complete and return to her. These document any known problems with the home, or issues within the community or the Home Owners Association that may have a current or future impact on the value of the home.
• Janice will send the completed TDS to the buyer’s agent or coordinator for their buyer’s review and signature.
• Escrow will mail you Escrow Instructions that you will need to complete and return to the Escrow Officer.  You can direct any questions to the Escrow Officer.
• Escrow will send a copy of the Grant Deed for you to sign, notarize, and return to Escrow.  Please return asap.
• The buyers will attend the Buyer’s Inspection where the buyer has hired a Certified Home Inspector to evaluate the condition of your home and report any areas that are damaged and/or are in need of repair.  You do not need to be present for this meeting.  The inspector thoroughly checks all areas of the home and will discuss all recommended repairs.  He will also give copies of his report to the agents and the buyer.  After reviewing the report, the buyers will prepare  a “List of Repairs” report that will document any items they want repaired.  The only repairs the seller is legally responsible for are that the smoke detectors be in proper working condition and that the water heater be properly strapped, but most sellers will cooperate in completing some or all of the repairs requested. 
• A Final Walk Through takes place a few days before Close of Escrow (COE), at which time the Buyer will be able to review the items you agreed to repair, making sure they have be completed.  This is also a good opportunity for the seller to explain how to operate various features within the home, including shut-off valves, sprinklers, pool/fountain/outdoor lighting etc.
• Escrow will provide an Estimated Settlement Statement documenting selling costs associated with this transaction.  Any questions you have can be directed to the Escrow officer. 
• After the Buyer’s DOCS have been reviewed and approved by the lender, the lender “funds” the money for their purchase of your home.  Escrow then records the transaction at the County Recorders Office.  The transaction is now complete.  This is known as “Close of Escrow”  (COE).  You should contact Escrow immediately and provide them with information regarding the receipt of the money coming to you, and how and where you wish it be delivered – directly to you, to your bank, to your lender etc.
• Congratulations on selling your home!!

Some Home Inspection Companies:    (Chosen and Paid for by Buyer)

ü      InspecDoc  --  Peter Hopkins  --  1-888-278-9361  --  www.inspecdoc,com

ü      High Tech Home Inspection  --  Mark Badraun  --  714-313-0179    hthomeinspection.com

ü      Five Star Property Inspections  --  Darren Del Monico  --  949-2086    fivestarinspections.com 

ü      Inspect OC  --  Scott  --  949-422-2381  --  inspectOC.com

Some Termite Companies:    (Chosen and Paid for by Seller)

ü      Newport Exterminating  --  949-261-0700

 Some Home Warranty Companies:   (Usually chosen by Buyer – Paid for by seller)          

ü      Fidelity National Home Warranty  --  1-800-862-6837  -- www.homewarranty.com

ü      American Home Shield  --  1-800-735-4663  --  www.americanhomeshield.com

ü      Buyer's Home Warranty 1-800-443-5599 - www.bhwc.com

Thank you for choosing Saddleback Homes!!  We sincerely appreciate your business!!

Sandy, Bob, & Dani Birtwell