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Your Guide to

Home Ownership

Micheal VanGrinsven presents to First Time Home Buyer

Knowledge, Experience, Professionalism

Dear

First Time Home Buyer


Buying a home is a rewarding adventure and we're so happy to have the opportunity to bring your real estate dreams to life! In doing so, we aim to instill knowledge and confidence in all our buyers while helping them successfully navigate through every step of the process.

In the following presentation, you’ll be provided an outline of everything you need to know from consultation to handing over the keys. Our mission is to deliver world-class customer service and a winning experience.
Sincerely,

Micheal VanGrinsven

- you're in great hands -

Meet

Micheal VanGrinsven

When you’re buying or selling a home, it’s crucial to work with a qualified real estate agent. So how do you ensure you’re hiring an amazing real estate agent? According to the National Association of Realtors®, trust and reputation are the top deciding factors consumers use when hiring an agent.
 
But how do you measure trust and reputation ... and what criteria can be used to help you make your decision?
 

1. A Pricing Specialist: Whether buying or selling a home, pricing can be tricky. We can help navigate best-possible pricing strategies, and also secure the home you want within your budget.
2. An Effective Time Manager: Even a well-intentioned agent may not have the skills, tools or technology to make the experience easy for you. There are lots of hidden activities that may take up unexpected time, and we will save you time and energy
3. A Market Insider: An experienced real estate agent is often the best source of information about a city, neighborhood, or even street … we’re literally conducting market research every day.
4. A Strong Negotiator: Working with us will help ensure you get the best deal on your terms, not just the fastest deal.
5. An Effective Closer: Real estate transactions often involve a significant investment, so even a small mistake can mean serious trouble. With that in mind, it’s best to work with a true market expert.
 
Mike is a professional Realtor® located on the north end of the twin cities metro area in Minnesota offering an advanced home selling experience that delivers more than just putting a sign in your yard, placing your home on the MLS, and praying your home sells. Mike has been in real estate for over 22 years and currently carries 31 designations and certifications recognized by the National Association of Realtors®. He specializes in helping our seniors, veterans, luxury homes, divorce, foreclosure, probate and lakefront properties. The Volunteers for American Veterans is his most active organization and his favorite project is raising money for the MMFF™ (Minnesota Military Family Foundation). He has a family of 5 and strongly believes in giving back to the community.

 Mike has written several books including: 
SIMPLIFYING YOUR FIRST HOME PURCHASE, NAVIGATING OPTIONS IN PRE-FORECLOSURE, SECRETS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME ALONE, SELLING THE UNSELLABLE HOME, BEST SELLING OPTIONS IN A DIVORCE
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Proven Track Record

Service

Provide great customer service by building bonds with clients that lead to long-term relationships where we truly care about their needs.

Knowledge

By pursuing excellence in our expertise as agents we can better service our clients and lead them to home ownership in a smooth and easy process.

Integrity

Be ethical in all you do and communicate with honesty while paying attention to the details of each and every client, agent, and transaction.

Meet

Micheal VanGrinsven

As of 2024, Mike holds the following Real Estate Designations & Certifications:
  • ABR® - Accredited Buyer's Representative
  • AHWD® - At Home with Diversity
  • C-RETS® - Certified Real Estate Team Specialist
  • C2EX®- NAR Commitment to Excellence
  • CDPE® - Certified Distressed Property Expert
  • CNHS® - Certified New Home Specialist
  • CPRES® - Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist
  • CRS® - Certified Residential Specialist
  • CSA® - Certified Senior Advisor
  • e-PRO® - Internet Marketing Professional Certification
  • Five Star REO and Short Sale Certified
  • GREEN® - NAR Designee
  • GRI® - Graduate Realtor Institute
  • HFR® - Home Finance Resource
  • ISA™ - Inside Sale Agent
  • LEAP® - Listing Expert Agent Program
  • REALTOR®
  • LHC™ - Luxury Home Certification
  • MRP® - Military Relocation Professional
  • Online REO Amplified Training
  • PSA® - Pricing Strategy Advisor
  • RCC™ - Residential Construction Certified
  • RENE® - Real Estate Negotiation Expert
  • RRS™ - Residential Remodeling Specialist
  • RSPS® - Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist
  • SFR® - Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource
  • Social Media Certification
  • SRES® - Senior Real Estate Specialist
  • SRS® - Seller Representative Specialist
  • REDM® - Real Estate Digital Marketer
  • RSPS® - Resort and Second Property Specialist
  • VCA™/VREB™ - Veteran Certified Agent/Veteran Real Estate Broker
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Proven Track Record

Service

Provide great customer service by building bonds with clients that lead to long-term relationships where we truly care about their needs.

Knowledge

By pursuing excellence in our expertise as agents we can better service our clients and lead them to home ownership in a smooth and easy process.

Integrity

Be ethical in all you do and communicate with honesty while paying attention to the details of each and every client, agent, and transaction.

PHASE 1: THE PREPARATION

1

Meet with your agent

We’ll sit down together and help you determine your needs wants and goals while offering my personal industry expertise and strategies for bringing your vision to life.
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2

Review the home buying process

What to expect when buying a home and show you what that journey is going to look like.
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3

Identify the must-haves and location

After you have reviewed and selected which homes you want to tour, we get to go shopping! This is where you can start figuring out what you really want in your new home. Also go over "Nice to Have's".
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4

Sign buyer agency agreement

This is an agreement to engage with a professional real estate agent to consult, show homes, negotiate contracts, and advocate.
It will establish the length of the agreement, explain the agent/broker's services and responsibilities, explains the agreement's exclusivity between Broker and client, what fees are owed for services rendered, and how to terminate the agreement.It provides a clear explanation of the various ways an agent can be compensated for their services to the Buyer.
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5

Get you pre-approved for your new mortgage

Getting pre-approved will help you know exactly what you can afford so you can confidently focus on the right homes. Plus, it shows sellers you’re serious, giving you an edge when making an offer.
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Phase 2: Home Search

6

Listing Alerts

We are going to be proactively on the search for new listings, not just sit back and wait for you to send us new listings that you want to go see. 
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7

Search Online

We are going to set you up in our own mobile app that we own and created just for our clients. Not just our listings but all of the listings on the MLS.
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8

Tour Homes with your Agent

A big part of buying a home is obviously touring the home.
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9

Fall in love with a home!

Buying a home is a really big financial decision! We want to make sure it is going to be the right home for you!
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Phase 3: Offering

10

   Write an offer on a home

When you find the home that you love, I will be the person that writes the offer for you. I am going to give you very specific offer guidance on what I think you should offer and why. We will look at similar sales, days on market, etc...
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11

   Negotiate the details

I will negotiate back and forth with the listing agent who represents the seller, I will be representing you as the buyer.
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12

   Get mutual acceptance

This happens when we have an agreement on price, terms and conditions. At this time no one else can buy this home as long as you close on it.
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Phase 4: Contract To Close

13

   Introduction to our Contract to Close team

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14

   Introduction to the Escrow/Closing team

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15

   Turn in Earnest Money

Once we get your offer accepted, we will help you coordinate your Earnest Money. Typically 1%-3% of the purchase price.
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16

   Schedule Home Inspection

We will help you coordinate your home inspection.
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17

   Appraisal

Third party evaluation of the home to make sure it is worth what you are paying for it.
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18

   Final Approval

Done by underwriting with your bank.
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19

   Final Walk-Through

We do this a day or two before closing date. We want to make sure that everything looks good before any money changes hands, make sure the appliances are still there, that the home is reasonably clean, that the sellers have actually moved out, etc...
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20

   Sign Loan Documents

You will sign the loan documents on the day of closing. You don't own the home when you sign those documents, just the final step in the process. This usually takes about 1/2 hour. Once the funds are available and the dispersed to the seller
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Processes

21

   Closing Day and Keys!!!

Once the funds are available and have been dispersed to the seller you legally own the home. You will get your keys at that time!
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Professional Network to help your purchase go smoothly

Professional Network

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Loan Officer/Branch Manager

Steven Brand

NMLS#: 261849

(612) 386-5306

Market insights as a result of my recent sales in your area

My Recent Sales in the Coon Rapids, MN area!

My sales activity in your desired search area will directly benefit you due to my market knowledge, negotiating prowess, and insights into local activity!
Exceptional reviews that reflect a pattern of excellence with my past clients.

Raving Reviews

As a first time home buyer, I knew very little about the process of purchasing the right home. Mike, our realtor, was incredibly knowledgeable and made the process smooth and easy. He was always willing to answer all our questions and was on top of things throughout the entire process. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. Highly recommend!
We moved closer to MSP for my job. Mike was the realtor I trusted; he felt like a friend and worked hard for us. He helped us with banking and loan issues. Choosing him guarantees great results. Thank you, Mike!
Mike is your trusted realtor. He's professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares. He helped us find a great home quickly within our budget. I'm glad I reached out to him; he makes the process easy and delivers results. Thank you, Mike!
Mike has been an amazing realtor! When we decided to build he was the only realtor we considered having previously used him to purchase our current home. It was more of an experience than we expected with Covid and material delays, Mike stayed on top of the builder and he was key to getting things done with his constant vigilance and communication. When the build was finally done and it was time to sell our current house his strategy and persistence paid off with multiple amazing offers on our current home. We couldn’t be happier with mike as our realtor!
In 2014, when I began the process of looking for a new home, Mike was able to help provide me with all the resources and guidance needed to sell my home and buy a new home. He gave great insight into how to stage our home to attract perspective buyers. His knowledge in various areas of housing along with his patience added an additional level of comfort and made the process of buying and selling more enjoyable. Fast forward to 2021, now my daughters are looking for new homes and they wouldn’t go to anyone but Mike to help them find their homes. I have recommended him to others. He is definitely the right man for the job.

Review has been shortened using AI, click the review to read the full review.

Loyalty

This custom presentation that I’ve shared with you is an example of the care and effort I put into each client. I recognize that this purchase is one of the largest financial transactions of your life and it deserves careful consideration and wise planning. In light of this, I feel strongly that mutual respect and understanding are key components of me helping you accomplish your real estate goals.

Reviewing each others roles and responsibilities as we embark on the next steps of your home-buying journey is how we can decide if we are ready to be loyal to one another.
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As Of August 17th, 2024

It is required to complete and sign a written agreement before showing a home. This applies to buyers requiring the services of any licensed agent in the U.S. to visit a property.
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By Signing the Agreement to Partner with an Agent

Our agent is dedicated to you and committed to finding a home that meets your needs.
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With a proven track record

We have the knowledge and experience to be the BEST asset in your real estate endeavors.

Signing a Buyers Broker Agreement or BBA

  • This is an agreement to engage with a professional real estate agent to consult, show homes, negotiate contracts, and advocate.
  • It will establish the length of the agreement
  • It shows the agent/broker's services and responsibilities
  • It explains the agreement's exclusivity between Broker and client, what fees are owed for services rendered, and how to terminate the agreement.
  • It provides a clear explanation of the various ways an agent can be compensated for their services to the Buyer.
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105 More Ways

Agents Who Are Realtors ® Are Worth Every Penny Of Their Compensation.

Here’s a look at all the things – big and small – that a REALTOR ® may do to help clients when buying a home.

Counseling Session Activities

  • Prepare the buyer for executing a buyer representation agreement
  • Explain agency relationships to the buyer and get state required legal consent to represent, if needed
  • Inform the buyer of working relationship based on state law, the REALTORS® Code of Ethics, and the broker’s business policies

Building a Relationship

  • Learn the buyer’s wants and non-negotiable needs
  • Understand the buyer’s budget and what will be needed financially
  • Help the buyer understand what property their chosen budget will buy
  • Consider having the buyer fill out a homebuyer’s checklist
  • Assist the buyer in examining how much they can afford to spend
  • Provide quality lender resources
  • Partner with the buyer to locate suitable properties for consideration
  • Match the buyer’s needs with available property
  • Constantly re-evaluate buyer’s needs and refocus property showings to fit those needs
  • After ensuring the buyer understands what is done for them, how it is done,and the benefit to them, obtain signatures on the buyer representation agreement
  • Explain how compensation is paid, who pays it, and what the buyer’s options are for paying it

Educating the Buyer

  • Communicate the working relationship based on state law, the REALTORS® Code of Ethics, and the broker’s business policies
  • Explain Federal and State Fair Housing laws
  • Explain what to look for in applicable property disclosures
  • Reassure the buyer that their personal information will remain confidential
  • Inform the buyer that you will always disclose all known material defects
  • In accordance with state law, provide information on checking the sex-offender registry and crime statistics for the neighborhood
  • Discuss available resources that the buyer can check to learn more about prospective neighborhoods
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REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS®

Preparing the Buyer

  • Explain the timeline for house hunting, mortgage approval, and closing
  • Explain the local market and how it impacts the buyer
  • Show statistics on what percentage of list price sellers in the area are currentlyreceiving
  • Inform the buyer on what home features are popular
  • Identify current average days on market
  • Share the dangers of using the price per square foot to figure home values
  • Explain the concept of absorption rate and how it impacts the buying process
  • Indicate current listing months of market inventory
  • Share estimated potential out-of-pocket costs to complete the transaction
  • Assist the buyer in analyzing the loan estimates
  • Qualify the buyer for financial ability to purchase
  • Help the buyer account for the complete costs of homeownership
  • Prepare lender for listing agent calls
  • Assist in comparing different financing options
  • Help the buyer select for viewing only those homes that fit their needs
  • Proceed in showing homes that fit the buyer’s must-haves
  • Caution the buyer on posting information to social media
  • Review the sample sales contract so the buyer is prepared when it comes time to make an offer

Showing Properties

  • Schedule showings and provide access to all listed properties as soon as they become available in their local MLS broker marketplaces
  • Educate the buyer on the immediacy of new listings appearing in their local MLS broker marketplaces and the lag time for them to appear on some websites
  • Collaborate with the buyer on properties they may have learned about through their sphere contacts
  • Research and assist on all unlisted properties the buyer wishes to see
  • Preview properties prior to showing if needed
  • Network with other agents to source properties not yet in their local MLS broker marketplaces
  • Contact homeowners in focus areas to see if they are considering selling
  • Set up an automated email alert system through their local MLS broker marketplaces that immediately notifies the buyer of properties that fit discussed requirements
  • Arrange a tour of areas, schools, and key points of interest
  • Provide resources containing neighborhood information on municipal services,schools, etc.
  • Inform the buyer of negative aspects like nearby venues or operations that may result in issues that could impact value
  • Collect and share any other vital information on available homes, remembering to follow all fair housing laws at all times
  • Check applicable zoning and building restrictions
  • Help the buyer decipher public property and tax information
  • Collect and share pertinent data on values, taxes, utility costs, etc.
  • Compare each property shown to the buyer’s wants and needs list and remind them of what they were looking for
  • Help the buyer narrow the search until the buyer identifies top choices

Negotiating Offers

  • Assist the buyer in getting the best property at the best price
  • Suggest that the buyer learn more about the neighborhood prior to makingan offer
  • Prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA) in advance of making an offer
  • Prepare the buyer to have the most attractive offer in the current marketplace
  • Explain common contract contingencies and include approved protective clauses in the purchase offer
  • Ensure that the buyer receives and understands all state and federally-required disclosure forms
  • Prioritize contract negotiation goals with the buyer
  • Help create a negotiating strategy
  • Use strategies such as an escalation clause to maintain a competitive offer
  • Prepare the buyer for a multiple offer situation and develop negotiation strategies
  • Write an offer that has a reasonable chance of being accepted
  • Recommend optional contingencies and explain the pros and cons of using them
  • Provide information on purchasing incentives that may be available
  • Discuss financing alternatives
  • Negotiate the buyer’s offers to arrive at the best price and terms
  • Utilize hyperlocal expertise and strong communication skills to assist the buyer in being the successful offer

Advocating for the Buyer and Facilitating the Close (Part 1/2)

  • Advocate for the buyer throughout the entire process
  • Encourage the buyer to fully investigate their options in terms of a home inspector, title company, appraiser, mortgage lender, and other services
  • Present a list of the types of required and optional inspections such as environmental, roofing, and mold
  • Review and discuss home inspection concerns
  • Negotiate repair requests from home inspection
  • Guide the buyer on meeting all contract deadlines
  • Assist in coordinating communications
  • Advise the buyer to review the settlement statement
  • Inform clients that they need to transfer utilities to the new residence
  • Schedule final walkthrough
  • Accompany the buyer on the walkthrough
  • Assist the buyer in questioning the appraisal report if it affects the financing
  • Confirm clear-to-close with the lender
  • Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale
  • Remind the buyer of the location where the closing will be held
  • Confirm the closing date and time, and notify parties if there are changes
  • Gather all required forms and documents for closing
  • Explain flood insurance to the buyer
  • Explain title insurance to the buyer and refer to qualified insurance broker
  • Ensure any surveys needed are ordered

Advocating for the Buyer and Facilitating the Close (Part 2/2)

  • Ensure the appraisal is ordered
  • Ensure the title search is ordered
  • Confirm the status of the loan funding
  • Check addendums and alterations for agreed terms
  • Review the buyer’s closing statement to ensure accuracy
  • Explain wire fraud risks and remind clients to verify all wiring instructions before transferring funds
  • Double-check all tax, homeowners’ association dues, utility, and applicable prorations, if relevant
  • Request final closing figures from the closing agent (often an attorney ortitle company)
  • Receive and carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy
  • Receive and carefully review title insurance commitment with the buyer
  • Advise the buyer to re-key their locks and to consider a one-time cleaning service or landscaping before moving day
  • Review documents with the closing agent (or attorney)
  • Support the buyer in any final closing activities
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Actual services provided will depend on the needs of the buyer and the transaction –not all 105 things will need to be done in every transaction.

Featured content from the Center for REALTOR® Development’s Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) Designation Course. Visit crd.realtor to learn more.

Let's Chat.

I'm sure you have questions and thoughts about the real estate process. I'd love to talk with you about what you've read here and help you on the path to buying your new home.

I look forward to working with you.
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Thank you!

In everything we do, we are driven to help others, because behind every transaction there is a vision, a goal, a dream waiting to come to life. In doing so, we bring our expertise, our instincts from years of experience, and our complete dedication to you.

This is only the beginning of an exciting journey to a bright and shining new future. And it's only the beginning of our commitment to servicing your every real estate need. Thank you for the opportunity to help you find your perfect home!
We'll be right there with you, every step of the way.