Go Green Buyers Guide 2017- KDS

YOUR HOME BUYER’S GUIDE 

With our compliments 

GO GREEN PROPERTIES LLC 

‘Making A Positive Impact On Our Planet’ 

16701 Melford Boulevard 

Suite 400 

Bowie, MD 20715 

(240)245-0586 

2017 Go Green Properties LLC

Go Green Properties, LLC 

ABOUT ME 

Karen D. Smith | Professional Realtor | “Always Extraordinary” 

SHE DELIVERS! 

I have purchased several homes 

over the years and without a 

doubt, Karen is the most 

dynamic, knowledgable, 

professional and personable 

person I have ever had the 

privilege to worked with. Her 

work ethics and 

uncompromising integrity sets 

her apart from the others. Karen 

will always give you 110% of 

her efforts. She’s very 

responsive, detailed, explains 

every step of the process and 

provide options to ensure you 

get the BEST deal. She also 

makes you feel like a family 

member instead of a client. I 

highly recommend Karen, you 

will not be disappointed, she 

DELIVERS! 

JA Wooley 

Awesome Realtor! 

She’s an Awesome realtor!!! 

She was able to show me some 

great properties . Karen’s 

knowledge of the properties 

and specifications of the 

properties was spot on. She’s to 

be commended. 

Always Extraordinary 

As a 5th generation native Washingtonian, I have keen insight 

and knowledge of the local area and Metropolitan Washington, 

Maryland and Virginia real estate markets which provides a 

distinct advantage to discovering desirable communities and 

neighborhoods. And, with over 35 years of analytical experience 

and over 17 years of managerial experience in public service and 

acquisitions, I have a proven track record of exceeding customer 

expectations. My strong ethics and integrity as well as my 

commitment to providing stellar customer service is of 

paramount importance. You can count on me to be your best 

representative throughout your real estate transaction. 

Whether you are planning to purchase a new home or looking for 

rental property, avoid feeling overwhelmed and use my 

experience and knowledge to find the home of your dreams. 

Thinking of selling? Exposure is everything. Leverage my 

experience and marketing tools to turn ‘selling’ into ‘sold’. Always 

expect an extraordinary experience. 

DM Anderson 

Go Green Properties, LLC 16701 Melford Blvd., Ste. 400, Bowie, MD 20715 240.245.0586

Go Green Properties, LLC 

My Philosophy: 

My philosophy is simple — clients come first. I pledge to be in 

constant communication with you, keeping you fully informed 

throughout the entire buying or selling process. I believe that if 

you’re not left with an extraordinary experience then I haven’t 

done my job. My success is measured by your satisfaction. 

Not Disappointed! 

Very professional, and she cares 

about the details. She has great 

follow-through, and will be with 

you every step of the way. She 

only show the best homes that fit 

your budget, and life style. You 

will not be disappointed. 

G Perry 

Going the Extra Mile! 

Karen is always upbeat and 

positive and willing to go the 

extra mile to help you. She takes 

the time to listen to what you 

want and tries to accommodate 

your ever need. 

The Go Green Way 

Contributing to the preservation of our environment also is 

important to me. These two concepts, stellar customer service 

and environmental consciousness are core values at Go Green 

Properties and Go Green Property Management. The ‘Go Green 

Way’ focuses on the importance of preserving and protecting our 

planet now and for generations to come. Our goal is to make a 

positive impact on the planet by promoting new ways and 

behaviors to sustain and improve our quality of life and our 

environment while, at the same time, saving you dollars over 

time. 

VF Mac 

Highly Recommend! 

She follows up on everything, 

she normally calls you before 

you even get a chance to ask the 

question. I would trust her with 

my house, any day of the week. 

D Marrero 

I look forward to assisting you with your real estate needs. 

Contact me today at 240.545.5599 or email me at 

karen@gogreenproperty.com. 

www.gogreenwithkaren.com 

Go Green Properties, LLC 16701 Melford Blvd., Ste. 400, Bowie, MD 20715 240.245.0586

The insights in this guide are geared to help you successfully 

navigate the home-buying process. We are excited to 

pass along this informative home-buying guide to you and 

encourage you to read through it to plan your next move. 

From childhood to parenthood to retirement, your home 

is a statement not only of personal freedom but also of 

financial strength. In fact, for man, buying a home will be 

among the most significant investments you’ll make in 

your future. The reason we, at Go Green Properties, take 

your decision very serious. 

Factors That Might Affect Your Purchase 

The real estate market is driven by local factors, and 

we’ll look at those numbers to determine exactly which 

homes meet your particular wants, needs, and price range. 

Repeat buyers typically have the most leverage during the 

home-buying process because they tend to be more 

financially stable, have built up some equity in the current 

home, and are more likely to be approved for a mortgage. 

Among the more challenging aspects of the home-buying 

process can be selling their current home before buying 

the next one. 

First-time buyers will need cash of approximately 10% of 

the purchase price for down payment and closing costs. A 

strategy may be required to save these funds or their may 

be special state, county or federal programs to assist 

you. 

Go Green Properties LLC can assist you 

Whether you’re on the hunt for your first home or are 

ready to invest in the home of your dreams, the home 

search process is focused on finding the right home at 

the right price based on your values, wants, and needs for 

the short and long term. 

2017 Go Green Properties LLC 2

The Home Buying Process 

Select a Real Estate Agent 

Get Financial Pre-approval 

Analyze Your Needs /Wants 

Select Properties 

View Properties 

Write an Offer to Purchase 

Negotiate Terms 

Accept the Contract 

Conduct 

Inspections 

Resolve Any 

Issues 

Remove Contingencies 

Obtain Mortgage Financing 

Credit Check, Underwriting , 

Appraisal, Survey, Insurance 

Conduct Title 

Search 

Remove Any 

Encumbrances 

Obtain Title 

Insurance 

Obtain Funds for Closing 

Closing Settlement 

Keys to your ‘New Home’! 


Go Green Properties LLC’s real estate business is 

built around one guiding principle: 

It's All About You! 

YOUR NEEDS 

YOUR DREAMS 

YOUR CONCERNS 

YOUR QUESTIONS 

YOUR FINANCES 

YOUR TIME 

YOUR LIFE 

Our focus is on your complete satisfaction. In fact, 

we work to get the job done so well. We call this doing 

it ‘The Go Green Way’! 

Good service speaks for itself. You will want to tell 

your friends and associates about it. Maybe that's why 

more than 80% of my business comes from repeat customers 

and referrals. 

We are looking forward to the opportunity to earn 

your 

referrals too! 


Why Go Green Properties LLC? 

Eco-Friendly/Technology 

The eco-friendly attitude, leading edge technology and resources 

give our professional agents the edge in today’s 

market to effectively serve you to the door of your ‘new’ 

home! 

Teamwork 

Go Green Properties was designed to reward agents for 

working together. Based on the belief that we are all more 

successful if we strive toward a common goal rather than 

our individual interests. We are confident that every Go 

Green Properties professional shares the common goal of 

serving you, our client, in the best way possible. 

Knowledge 

Go Green Properties helps our professional agents to stay 

current with the trends in the local/national estate industry 

through its comprehensive training curriculum and 

research resources. It's what prepares us to provide you 

personalized, premier service, second to none. 

Reliability 

Go Green Properties was founded on the principles of trust 

and honesty. We emphasize the importance of having 

integrity; we are relentless in ‘doing the right thing’ which 

puts your needs as our priority. It only reinforces our belief 

that our success is ultimately determined by the legacy we 

leave with each and every client we serve. 

Track Record 

It's proof that when you offer a superior level of service, 

the word spreads fast. Our goal, and we strive, to be the 

‘Professional You Want To Keep’! 


We recommend our buyers get prequalified before 

beginning their home search. 

Knowing exactly how much you can comfortably spend. It 

ensures you only look at those homes that fit your 

budget and match your wants and needs. 

Getting approved off the bat saves time, energy, and 

heartbreak. 

If you are making a ‘cash’ purchase, proof of funds from a 

financial institution is required. The following loan 

process is not applicable, in a ‘cash’ purchase scenario. 

Select a reputable lender to obtain your pre-approval. At 

this point you are not committed to this lender and can 

change later. A good lender will know all the first time 

homebuyer programs and/or special programs. To obtain 

the pre-approval you can expect the following: 

 

 

 

Application and interview 

Buyer provides pertinent documentation including 

verification of employment 

Credit report is requested 


Your income 

Your debt levels 

Price of home 

Interest rates 

The only of these that is completely outside the bounds of 

your control is interest rates. You could choose to have a 

smaller home in a slightly lesser location if you needed to, 

right? You could pay down some debt. You could work a side 

job. But you can’t change interest rates. 

Mortgage rates have been at an all-time low year after year. 

As recovery in the economy gains a stronger and stronger 

footing, rates won’t stay there forever. 

7 

2017 Go Green Properties LLC

We love helping buyers find their dream home. That's 

why We work with each client individually, taking the 

time to understand their unique lifestyles, needs and 

wishes. This is about more than a certain number of 

bedrooms/baths or a particular zip code. 

It's about your life, and it's important to us. 

When you work with us, you get: 

A knowledgeable, eco-friendly, professional 

 

 

 

Realtor® 

A committed ally to negotiate on your behalf 

Both a new construction and resale expert 

The backing of a trusted company, 

Go Green Properties 

We have the systems in place to streamline the home buying 

process for you. As part of my service, We will commit to 

helping you with your home search by: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previewing homes in advance on your behalf 

Personally touring homes, neighborhoods, and/or 

builders with you 

Keeping you informed of new homes on the market 

Helping you preview homes on the Web 

Advising you of fair market pricing to ensure you 

will have the knowledge to make the best decision 

Once you find the home of your dreams, the 

purchase offer will be prepared, presented and 

negotiated with the seller for acceptance 


Funding is critical to the Home Purchase process: 

1. 

2. Underwriting (Upon Contract) 

 

 

Loan package is submitted to underwriter for approval 

once a purchase contract is ratified or executed by 

all parties of the contract. 

Appraisal is scheduled after the home inspection, if 

applicable 

3. Loan approval 

 

 

All parties are notified of approval 

Loan documents are completed and sent to title 

company in preparation for settlement 

4. Title company & Lender funding (working together) 

 

 

 

 

 

Title exam, insurance and title survey conducted by 

the title company. The buyer has the right to select 

the company 

the title company notifies the lender after title 

search and clearance (required to transfer title) 

Lender pulls buyer credit the final time and give funding 

instructions to the title company, called the 

‘clear to close’ 

Borrowers come in for final signatures called the 

‘closing’ or settlement 

Lender transfer funds by wire to the title company 

who disburses according to the purchase contract 

finalizing the transaction 


Prepare for It 

Closing day marks the end of your home buying process and 

the beginning of your new life! To make sure your closing 

goes smoothly, you should bring the following: 

A certified check for closing costs and down payment. 

Make the check payable to yourself; you will 

then endorse it to the title company at closing 

An insurance binder and paid receipt 

Photo IDs 

Social Security numbers 

Addresses for the past 10 years 

Own It 

Transfer of title moves ownership of the property from 

the seller to you. The two events that make this happen are: 

Delivery of the buyer's funds 

This is the check or wire funds provided by your lender in 

the amount of the loan. 

Delivery of the deed 

A deed is the document that transfers ownership of real 

estate. The deed names the seller and buyer, gives a legal 

description of the property, and contains the notarized signatures 

of the seller and witnesses. 

At the end of closing, the deed will be taken and recorded 

at the county clerk's office. It will be sent to you after 

processing. 


Basic Information: 

Name 

Phone 

Email 

Name 

Phone 

Email 

_ 

_ 

Who is the primary contact and what is the best time and 

way to reach that individual? 

What is prompting your move? 

When do you need to be in your new home? 

Are you preapproved for a mortgage? 

If so, what is your price range? 

Will you sign an exclusive buyer’s agreement to hire go 

green properties LLC? Please note: this usually cost you 

nothing which include s working with builders to 

purchase your brand new construction home. 

If you are ready, please give us a call at 240-245-0586 and 

email this form to info@gogreenproperty.com. You will 

be contacted by a top professional Realtor® promptly. 

Please be prepared to share and discuss the following. 


Your Lifestyle 

Lifestyle: 

1. Who will be living in the home you purchase? 

2. Will anyone else be spending more than an occasional 

overnight stay (for example, grand children, parents)? 

3. Describe your lifestyle. What do you enjoy doing at 

home? 

4. Do you do a lot of entertaining? How do you spend 

your time in the evenings and on the weekends? 

5. Does your home need to accommodate any special needs? 

Do you have any pets? 

6. Do you have anything special that needs to be 

accommodated such as athletic equipment, fine art, large 

furniture or a large collection? 

7. When people come to your home, what do you 

want your home to say about you? Is there anything 

we should know about your lifestyle that 

we have not asked? 

Location: 

1. Tell us about your ideal location. 

2. What is your maximum commute time and distance? 

What is your work address? 

3. Are schools important? 

4. Is there a particular view you are seeking (for example, 

golf course, lake, backed to trees, etc.)? 

5. What else is important about your location? 


General: 

1. Do you have a preference for when the house was 

built? 

2. Do you want a house in ‘movein’ condition or are 

you willing to do some work on it? 

3. When you come home, what do you want to experience 

or say about it? 

4. Do you want to have a swimming pool or hot tub? 

5. Are you looking for any structures such as a greenhouse 

or shed? 

Structure/Exterior: 

1. What type of home are you looking for 

(For example, single family, condo/town house, etc.)? 

2. Approximately what size house are you looking for? 

3. How many stories? 

4. What size lot would you like? 

5. What architectural styles do you prefer? 

6. What type of exterior siding will you consider? 

7. Do you want a porch or deck? 

8. What are you looking for in terms of a garage 

(for example, side-load garage. 3-car garage, etc.)? 

9. What other exterior features are important to you? 


Please consider the following and record any notes or 

preferences: 

Areas you would enjoy 

Specific streets you like 

School district(s) you prefer 

Your work location(s) 

Your favorite shops/conveniences 

Recreational facilities you enjoy 

Any additional items to consider when selecting your 

target neighborhoods 


How will you tell us about the newest homes available? 

The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) Website provides 

‘current’ information for every home on the market. 

We constantly check the ‘New Listings’ so we can be 

on the lookout for my clients. We will get you this information 

right away, the way that is most convenient 

for you by phone and/or auto-daily emails. 

Will you inform us of homes from all real estate companies 

or only Go Green Properties? 

We will keep you informed of all homes. We want to help 

you find your dream home, which means we need to stay on 

top of every home that's available on the market. 

Can you help us find new construction homes? 

Yes, this is one of our strengths. We have worked with numerous 

builders, and will get you the information you need 

to make an informed decision and value for your dollars. On 

your first visit with the builder, we will accompany you. By 

using my services with a new construction home purchase, 

you will receive the services we offer, as well as those 

provided by the builder, at no 

How does for sale by owner (FSBO) work? 

Homeowners trying to sell their home without agent 

representation are usually doing so in the hopes of 

saving the commission. If you see a FSBO and want the 

advantages of my services, let us contact the owner 

for you and make an appointment. Most times the homeowner 

will work with an agent even though their home 

is not listed, since the agent is introducing a potential 

buyer to their property. This may be the only instance 

you are required to pay your agent. 

Can we go back through our property again once an offer 

is made but before possession? 

Usually, the seller will agree to schedule a convenient time 

to visit the property again. Immediately before the closing, a 

final walkthrough and inspection of your new home. 


Once my offer is accepted, what should I do? 

Celebrate and focus on moving into your new home! 

Once the contract has been executed by all parties (buyer & 

seller), the home search activity will cease until the active 

contract is fulfilled or voided. You should now start 

planning and scheduling e your move, pack items and 

notify businesses of your address change. We will provide 

you with a moving checklist to help you remember 

all the details. Either your lender or myself will give 

you a good faith estimate/or preliminary HUD statement, 

which will indicate the details of the purchase and 

the amount you will need to bring to closing. 

Our agents holistically assist clients to navigate the 

myriad of decisions/issues that may arise while buying your 

‘dream’ home. They are the client’s advocate who will assist 

and advise the client on fair market pricing to facilitate 

negotiation ensuring the feasibility of the transaction. They 

will provide, without holding back, the best possible options 

and opportunities that arise. 

THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR THE 

OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE YOU!!! 

Karen D. Smith, Professional Realtor 

240.472.0117

Go Green Buyers Guide 2017- KDS

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