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Your Guide to

Home Ownership

Howard Cheng Presents to Karla Arce

Knowledge, Experience, Professionalism

Dear

Karla Arce

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,

Howard Cheng

- you're in great hands -

Meet

Howard Cheng

REALTOR®
(323) 709-8999
Howard Cheng is a top producing agent with the Serene Team at eXp Realty. He began his real estate career in 2017 and finished in the Top 10 in Residential Sales Production at his brokerage at the time (KW Downtown LA) during his first year in real estate and was bestowed with the Keller Williams West Los Angeles Region’s Rookie of the Year distinction. His honest and caring professional approach resonates with the people he works with and has certainly played a part in his successes thus far. Howard has shown time and time again why his positive, goal-oriented, and solution-based outlook has continued to keep him a proven track record of happy clients. Since teaming up with the Serene Team in 2020, Howard has finished with 3 consecutive years as the top producing agent with the team.

Prior to real estate, Howard worked in marketing for one of the top entertainment studios for 7 years. He understands the demands and stresses of the corporate environment and is sensitive to the needs of those with demanding jobs. Howard graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a BA in Economics and is a lifelong Southern California native. Howard will be able to guide his clients with vast knowledge and insight in and around the Greater Los Angeles area.
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Proven Track Record

Service

Provide great customer service by building bonds with clients that lead tolong-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.
Market data as of:
The Market Action Index (MAI) is a literal temperature gauge that shows whether the market favors buyers or sellers.
An MAI of 30 is typically balanced; over 30 is a seller's market, under 30 is a buyer's market.

Buyer markets

Buyers get better deals and more choices when MAI is low.

Seller markets

Sellers can list for higher prices and quicker sales when MAI is high
Market data as of:

View current market trends

Scan the QR code to see the current Market Trends report

Unique Value I Provide My Clients

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Professional Network to help your purchase go smoothly

Professional Network

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

Active listings in the Orange, CA 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!
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Exceptional reviews that reflect a pattern of excellence with my past clients.

Raving Reviews

Howard is a true professional at his craft. If you’re looking for someone to represent you in your home buying/selling process look no more, Howard and the Serene Team went above and beyond to allow for a smooth transition for my family and I. We cannot thank them enough for all of their help and attentiveness, and we look forward to continue doing business with them in the future!! Thank you Howard and the Serene Team for helping turn our dream into reality!!!
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Howard is an outstanding agent who makes an otherwise stressful process feel comfortable and manageable. He responded quickly to our questions and concerns and always kept our family's needs front and center. Even after the sale was closed, he continued to offer his assistance and checked on how we were settling in. Howard is a genuinely great person, and our family highly recommends him.
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Howard's advice and assistance were exceptional. Howard and his team were patient as we searched for house after house, without any undue pressure. Howard and his team were always communicative and supportive. Howard's knowledge of the contractual process and ability to strategize saved us thousands of dollars. Even after we closed, Howard remained available with just a quick phone call away to answer any questions. I highly recommend Howard! He has been the best real estate agent I have worked with so far - and from no on, no need to look anywhere else. Howard will be my next call!
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Forever grateful to Howard and The Serene Team for helping us purchase our first home. Throughout the whole process, we were confident that Howard had our best interest in mind and counted on him to have our backs. He's responsive in all forms of contact and provided detailed explanations to guide us through every step. Howard's extensive experience and knowledge of the housing market prove to be invaluable throughout the whole process. He would come to open houses with us or tour a property on his own time to better understand the seller's intentions and check on the condition of the house. He regularly communicated with the seller's agent and found out crucial information that gave us a huge advantage during the bidding phase. Not only that, Howard also referred us to top notch lenders and inspectors, who were all super accommodating to our needs and worked tirelessly to help us close during the holiday season. Overall, Howard made a highly stressful process as smooth and easy as possible. We enjoyed working with Howard as our agent but also conversing with him as a friend. 10/10 would recommend him to anyone looking to buy/sell a home.
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Howard is THEE best agent in all of Los Angeles county! He knows how to negotiate, is very patient and helps you throw out the process! As a first time buyer he always made sure I understood every step of the way as well as explained all the paperwork that I had to sign! If you’re looking for agent, look no further because you FOUND HIM!
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Working with Howard and his team was a breeze! As first-time homebuyers, we had a lot to learn, and he was an awesome guide throughout the entire journey. Howard was patient, responsive, and genuinely cared about helping us find the right home. We never felt pressured, and he took the time to understand our needs and preferences. We felt confident every step of the way.He helped us put together a strong, competitive offer that ended up beating out others. And even when it looked like we wouldn’t get any repair credits, he negotiated on our behalf and made it happen. We highly recommend Howard! We are so grateful and happy in our new home.
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Howard did a great job helping me buy an investment property. He made the process quick and easy, and I cannot recommend him enough. This is the third transaction he has helped me with, and I will keep coming back! His team is professional and his knowledge immeasurable.
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My first conversation with Howard on the phone was 7 months ago. We exchanged texts with recommendations and feedbacks on new open houses. Howard gave us some real cons and pros of the house and let us make decision. On our first offer, we were surprised how late Howard worked till midnight, had everything done and ready to submit. To be honest, we were half-hearted to buy a house back then. However, after seeing how diligent Howard showed us, we became serious and bought our first house under his guidance. Forgot to mention, we beat 19 other offers under VA loan. Howard, you were like an older brother to us. We completed this journey. Thank you from my wife and I. Davion and Thi.
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Thank you, Howard, Kyle, and the Serene Team, for helping us buy and sell our first home in Los Angeles! You explained the process so well and patiently answered all of our questions. We greatly appreciated your thoughtfulness and all the time you invested helping us navigate both experiences. We highly recommend you to other buyers and sellers. Thank you!
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Loyalty

This custom presentation that I’ve shared with you is an example of the care and effort I put into each of my best clients. I recognize that real estate transactions are one of the largest financial transactions of your life and it deserves careful consideration and wise planning. In light of this, you should feel strongly that mutual respect and understanding are key components of hiring me to help you accomplish real results starting right away.

Reviewing each other’s roles and responsibilities as we embark on the next steps together is how we can decide if we are ready to move forward together.

Processes

1

Consultation

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

Pre-Approval

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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3

Property tours

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.
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4

Write offer

Once we find the home of your dreams, we'll submit an official offer - including but not limited to sale price, inspection contingencies, and closing costs. The seller then has time to accept, reject, or counter your offer.
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5

Under Contract or Escrow

With your offer accepted, we enter a 30-day Escrow period. This involves a neutral third party company that holds funds while conducting a thorough underwriting process to ensure all aspects of the contract are upheld properly
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6

Appraisal

The appraisal is ordered by your lender to protect their investment. They have their own checklist of things they look at for the final approval to move forward. The appraiser can demand repairs completed by the seller before they will give their approval.
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7

Inspections

Now that you've found your home we need to order the inspection. The inspection will let you know what repairs are needed, some are minor and some may be safety issues. Don't worry, you are still protected.
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8

Closing

Congratulations! You now own a home and can get moved in. It's time to celebrate and have your housewarming and show off your home. We will be standing by to answer any questions you may have about home-ownership and have a list of contractors if the need arises.
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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
  • Order any surveys needed

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

  • Order the appraisal
  • Order the title search
  • 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 (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.
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Starting 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 mentions additional fees if the buyer signs with more than one agent.
  • It provides a clear explanation of the various ways an agent can be compensated for their services to the Buyer.

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 along this path.
www.sereneteam.com/team/howard-cheng
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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!
We'll be right there with you, every step of the way.