Homebuyers Handbook

Congratulations on your new home and thank you for choosing
EASYstreet Realty! We are committed to providing you with the individualized
care and the personal attention you deserve. It is our mission at EASYstreet to
create a positive experience for you throughout the home buying process. You
have already made some important decisions about your new home with your
EASYstreet Realtor. This booklet will provide some helpful tips and information
to guide you through the rest of your home buying experience.

Throughout this process you will be receiving additional information, discounts,
and feedback requests from the Client Care Department. We will even keep in
touch with you after your closing with other helpful reminders and tips to en-
sure you enjoy your home for years to come!

TABLE OF CONTENTS
_____________________________
Client Care Resources 2
Client Discount Package 2
Pre-Approval & Final Approval 3
Mortgage Application Checklist 4
Financing Terminology 5
Your Homeowner’s Insurance 6
Builder Meetings & Walk-Thrus 7
Home Inspection Companies 8
Closing on Your Home 9
Utility Companies & Contacts 10
Post Close Tasks 13
Auditor Location by County 14

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Call Client Care (317) 205-4320 x12

CLIENT CARE RESOURCES
Your EASYstreet Realty Client Care Department will be providing you with
helpful information and reminders about the home buying process. You can
expect to receive information on the following topics:
Mortgage Financing & Pre-Approval
Getting Your Final Approval
Homeowner Savings Book
Homeowner’s Insurance
Closing on your New Home
County Contact & Utility Information
Client Satisfaction Survey
Filing Your Exemptions
Home Maintenance Tips
Post Close Reminders

CLIENT DISCOUNT PACKAGE
In keeping with our mission “to create an atmosphere and experience which
turns our team, clients, and associates into Raving Fans,” we are continuously
partnering with local businesses to give you more ways to save once you close
on your new home. Our discount package currently includes offers from the
following companies:

A1 Concrete & Leveling Monson Concrete Construction
All 4 Seasons Landscaping King of Green Lawn Care
Bob Block Fitness Koorsen Fire & Security
Dixon’s Professional Home Services Kurt Geiger Decorating
Fairway Mortgage Legacy Poker Tables
Fast Track Flight Pet Stop Pet Fence Systems
Good Nature Inc Outdoor Services Petry’s Place
Hardwood Floors & More Ratcliff Repair & Remodel
HH Gregg Shelter Insurance Companies
Indy Movers The Pampered Chef
Ink Inventions Custom Shirts & More West Point Financial Group

Homebuyer Handbook Courtesy of EASYstreet Realty, Inc (317) 205-4320

PRE-APPROVAL
After completing your purchase agreement, the next step towards home owner-
ship is securing the best possible financing. As you prepare for your loan appli-
cation there are some important documents you will need to take with you.

There is a mortgage checklist on the next page. This lists most items that the
mortgage company may require of you. It is a good idea to check with your
loan officer prior to your appointment to see if you should add any additional
documents to the checklist. It is critical that you attend your mortgage appoint-
ment even if you are not able to provide every item listed. Remember, regard-
less of the documents you do and do not have, you must attend your mortgage
appointment.

FINAL APPROVAL
After you have received your pre-approval letter, you want to be sure you keep in touch
with your mortgage company regarding your financial and employment status. If you
have any changes in your employment, have any negative financial activity, or plan on
opening any new accounts, call your mortgage broker immediately to discuss the impact
it may have on your final approval.

It is extremely important to keep your credit in good standing throughout the process.
To avoid lowering your credit score and risking your final approval, don’t apply for any
new credit, pay all of your bills on time, and maintain your good accounts to show
lengthy positive credit history.


MORTGAGE APPLICATION CHECKLIST
The following items may be required to complete your loan application. Please
contact your lender to see if there are any additional documents they will need
you to bring.

__ Residence addresses for past 2 years

__ Landlord name & phone numbers for past 2 years

__ Pay stubs for past 30 days

__ W-2 forms and tax returns for past 2 years

__ Employer names, addresses, and dates of employment for past 2 yrs.

__ All open bank accounts – bank name, acct numbers, balances, and last 2
months statements

__ All open credit accounts – name, acct numbers, balances, minimum monthly
payment. (Unless mortgage co. has a copy of your credit report)

__ Addresses of all real estate owned. Acct numbers, balances, and monthly
payments.

__ Copy of purchase agreement with addendums

__ If eligible for VA loan, bring Certificate of Eligibility

__ Bankruptcy, Divorce, or Child Support documents (if applicable)

__ Drivers License

Remember! The sooner you get your documents to your lender, the sooner they
can issue your pre-approval letter. Check with your Realtor to see if there is a
deadline for turning your pre approval letter in to the sellers.


FINANCING TERMS
Adjustible Rate Mortgage – A mortgage in which the interest rate is
adjusted periodically based on a pre-selected index.
Amortization – Loan payment divided into equal periodic payments
calculated to pay off the debt at the end of a fixed period, including accrued interest on
the outstanding balance.
Annual Percentage Rate – The measurement of the full cost of a loan including inter-
est and loan fees expressed as a yearly percentage rate.
Closing Costs and Prepaids – Expenses over and above the price of the property that
are incurred by buyers and sellers when transferring ownership of a property. Closing
costs normally include an origination fee, property taxes, charges for title insurance and
escrow costs, appraisal fees, etc. Closing costs will vary according to the type of loan
and lender used.
Escrow – An account held by the lender into which the home buyer pays money for
property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, or mortgage insurance payments.
FHA Loan – The Federal Housing Administration insures mortgages,
allowing buyers to obtain financing with as little as 3% down & level payments at slightly
below conventional rates for the 25-30 year loan term.
HUD-1 Statement – A document that provides an itemized listing of the funds that are
payable at closing. Items that appear on the statement include real estate commis-
sions, loan fees, points and initial escrow amounts.
Mortgage – An instrument that sets up the conditions of payment for a piece of property
already transferred to the buyer.
Note – A written promise to repay the money borrowed plus interest in a specified pe-
riod of time. The note is secured by the mortgage.
Origination Fee – A fee charged by a lender to prepare loan documents, make credit
checks, inspect and sometimes appraise a property. Usually computed as a percent-
age of the face value of the loan.
Prepayment Penalties – Fees charged to a borrower who pays off his or her loan bal-
ance before it is due.
Private Mortgage Insurance – On conventional financing, including
adjustable rate financing, lenders require that the borrower purchase
private mortgage insurance against default on loans with down payments less than
20%. The private mortgage premium is added onto the monthly payment, and a portion
is collected at closing.
Rate Lock – A commitment issued by a lender to a borrower or another mortgage origi-
nator guaranteeing a specified interest rate and lender costs for a specified period of
time.
Underwriting – The decision whether to make a loan to a potential home buyer based
on credit, employment, assets, and other factors and the matching of this risk to an ap-


HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE BASICS

Your home is where you live and where your possessions are. Chances
are, it’s your greatest asset, and you need to protect it. When you buy a
home, you need to provide your lender with proof of insurance for the prop-
erty. Insurance provides a safety net for you and your family when certain unfor-
tunate events such as theft, fire, burglary, and vandalism occur. You will need to
have liability and guest medical protection too, in case someone incurs an injury
on your property. You can also add special coverage options to protect items
such as jewelry, silverware, business property, electronics, etc.

With most insurance companies, you have the option to insure your home
at replacement cost or loan payoff. Replacement cost coverage will be slightly
higher than loan payoff, as the pay-out in case of loss will be enough to cover re-
construction of the home at a higher cost (since the cost of homes is always go-
ing up). Loan payoff coverage will do just that – it will pay off the remaining in-
debtedness on the property and essentially allow you to move on.

Our advice: Compare the rates of a few different companies. When shop-
ping for your homeowner’s insurance, be sure to get a total package quote includ-
ing your auto coverage. One homeowner’s rate may be higher than another, but
when the cost of insuring your vehicle and multiple policy discounts are consid-
ered, you may wind up saving money. Also ask the agents about deductible op-
tions, home security discounts, and good credit discounts.

Need a quote? Contact these agents to get a quote today!

Shelter Insurance: Mike Harvey (317) 837-0430
*Ask about Shelter’s new home discount. They offer up to 40% discount on
annual premiums for recently constructed homes!

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance: Justin Zipperian (317) 654-2126

Liberty Mutual Insurance: Aaron Hill (317) 587-1481 x55284

State Farm Insurance: Wanda Bell Brown (317) 273-9300


WHAT TO EXPECT
Walk-
Builder Meetings and Walk-Thrus
---------------------------------------------------------------

Pre-Construction
Pre-
At this meeting, you will meet with your construction liaison to review the blueprints
and discuss the stages of construction. They should review your design options to en-
sure the building plans account for all of your personal selections. You should get the
chance to view the plot map and see where your home will sit on the lot. Ask your
builder about their rules for visiting the property during construction, and how they
would like to receive notice of any incorrect items you may catch throughout the con-
struction process.

Pre-Drywall
Pre-
Once the exterior house is framed, and the “guts” of the home including the electrical
wiring, plumbing, HVAC ducts, and interior framing have all been installed, you will
have the opportunity to walk thru the home. At this meeting, you should be sure any
structural changes to the property were made, and all wiring appears to be in the cor-
rect spot. It is much easier to change wiring and plumbing now than it is after the dry-
wall has been installed. Check to make sure any additional phone and cable outlets
are where you have specified them to be.

Pre Closing
When the construction of your home is complete and you are just about ready to
close, you will have a final walk thru with your builder. At this meeting, a representa-
tive of your builder will discuss all of the major components of the home, show you
how to operate all appliances, and discuss any safety features (GFCI outlets, water
shut off, electric panel, etc.) Be sure the builder has provided all warranty informa-
tion and user guides for the appliances in the home. Now is not the time to be shy!
Be sure you point out any mistakes including defective fixtures, wall smudges, dry-
wall repairs, and missing parts so they can be fixed prior to your closing.


Do you need an independent inspection?
You certainly have the right to obtain an independent home inspection prior to
closing on your new home. Any independent inspections will be at your cost and
will be your responsibility to schedule, if you so choose. If you do decide to have
an independent home inspector take a look at your new home prior to closing,
check with your builder well in advance to make the arrangements.

The cost of a new home inspection will vary according to the company and scope
of inspection desired. There are many inspection companies in the Central Indiana
area. We encourage you to seek referrals or recommendations from friends and
family and to investigate the company prior to contracting them. We have compiled
a small list of the companies our buyers have used in the past.

A-Association Home Inspection (317) 547-4865

Brick Kicker Home Inspections (317) 356-5555

Clearview Home Inspecions (317) 578-0890

Cornerstone Inspection Services (317) 845-9497

Hoosier Home Inspections (317) 826-1000

Larry O’Brien (317) 538-8953

Q Spec (317) 842-0376

Security Home Inspections (317) 848-1744

Surette Inspect (317) 844-5334

US Inspect (888) 874-6773

EASYstreet Realty makes no representation, recommendation, or endorsement as to the quality, reputa-
tion, or integrity of any of the above listed inspection companies.


CLOSING ON YOUR NEW HOME
What To Bring:

__ Valid government issued photo ID (Driver’s License)

__ 2nd piece of ID (passport, social security card, military ID)

__ Copy of paid receipt for 1 year’s homeowner’s insurance
and policy coverage or declarations.

__ Funds required to close in certified check or money order
(Check with your lender prior to closing to get your final figures)

Closing Costs:

When you buy a home, all funds payable at closing will be listed on the HUD-1 or
settlement statement. You should check with your loan officer to find out what
the actual closing costs will be
for your new home and how much money you will need to bring to closing.
Some of the fees listed on the settlement statement will include:

Title Insurance Recording Fee

Survey Appraisal

Credit Report Homeowner’s Insurance

Mortgage Insurance Pre-Paid Real Estate Taxes

Pre-Paid Interest Title Insurance Enforcement Fund Fee (TIEFF)

Some of the items listed above, such as the appraisal, homeowner’s insurance,
and credit report, may be paid to the lender prior to closing.


UTILITY COMPANY GUIDE
BOONE COUNTY
ELECTRIC Duke Energy (800) 343-3525
Boone REMC (800) 897-REMC
Lebanon Utilities (765) 482-5100
GAS Vectren Energy (800) 227-1376
CABLE Brighthouse Networks (317) 972-9700
Comcast Cablevision (800) COMCAST
Insight Cable (866) 668-6059
PHONE AT&T (800) 288-2020
WATER/SEWER Lebanon Utilities (765) 482-5100
Zionsville Wastewater Dept. (317) 873-2469
HAMILTON COUNTY
ELECTRIC American Electric Power (800) 311-4634
Duke Energy (800) 343-3525
PHONE AT&T (800) 288-2020
WATER/SEWER Carmel Water Department (317) 571-2442
Fishers Public Works (317) 595-3160
Fishers Sewer (317) 595-3142
Hamilton Western Water (317) 848-6882
Indiana American Water (317) 773-2681
Noblesville Wastewater (317) 776-6353
HANCOCK COUNTY
Greenfield Power & Light (317) 462-8522
Indianapolis Power & Light (317) 261-8222
GAS Citizens Gas (317) 924-3311
Vectren Energy (800) 227-1376
PHONE AT&T (800) 288-2020
Team Hancock (866) 326-9848
Embarq Communications (800) 877-7746
Verizon (800) 483-4600
WATER/SEWER Indianapolis Water Company (317) 631-1431
Greenfield Water Dept. (317) 462-8545
Greenfield Wastewater (317) 462-8530
Fortville Water Department (317) 484-4044
Fortville Wastewater (317) 485-5432


HENDRICKS COUNTY
Hendricks Power Coop (317) 745-3236
PHONE AT&T (800) 288-2020
WATER/SEWER Indianapolis Water Co. (317) 631-1431
Brownsburg Water (317) 852-1102
Plainfield Water & Sewer (317) 839-2561
West Central Cons. District. (317) 272-2980
JOHNSON COUNTY
Johnson Co. REMC (317) 736-6174
So. Central Indiana REMC (800) 264-7362
CABLE Comcast Cablevision (800) COMCAST
PHONE AT&T (800) 288-2020
Greenwood Sanitation (317) 887-5232
MADISON COUNTY
ELECTRIC Anderson City Utilities (765) 648-6187
American Elec. Power (800) 311-4634
Henry Co. REMC (800) 248-8413
CABLE Insight Cable (866) 668-6059
PHONE AT&T (800) 288-2020
Embarq Comm. (800) 877-7746
WATER/SEWER Anderson City Utilities (765) 648-6187
MARION COUNTY
ELECTRIC Indianapolis Power & Light (317) 261-8222
GAS Citizens Gas (317) 924-3311
CABLE Comcast Cablevision (317) 872-2225
PHONE AT&T (800) 288-2020
Lawrence Utilities (317) 542-0511
Beech Grove Sanitation (317) 788-4980


MORGAN COUNTY
So. Central Indiana REMC (800) 264-7362
CABLE Comcast Cablevision (317) 872-2225
PHONE AT&T (800) 288-2020
WATER/SEWER Rural Water Corp. (765) 342-7372

Martinsville Utilities (765) 342-2449
SHELBY COUNTY
Rush/Shelby Energy (317) 398-6621
Fountaintown Gas Co. (800) 379-1800
CABLE Comcast Cablevision (800) COMCAST
PHONE AT&T (800) 288-2020
TDS Telcom (888) CALL TDS
Verizon (800) 483-4600
WATER/SEWER Morristown Water Co. (765) 763-7112

St. Paul Water Co. (765) 525-6343
TIPPECANOE COUNTY
CABLE Insight Cable (866) 668-6059
PHONE AT&T (800) 288-2020
Verizon (800) 483-4600
WATER/SEWER Lafayette Water Co. (765) 476-4488

Lafayette Utility Billing (765) 807-1100
American Water Co. (800) 492-8373
W. Lafayette Wastewater (765) 775-5140


POST CLOSE TASKS
File Your Exemptions!
As a homeowner, you are generally entitled to have a Homestead Credit and
Mortgage Exemption applied to your property tax bill. You will be responsible for
filing these exemptions yourself. You must wait until the deed has been recorded
and you are listed as the property owner to file. Generally this will be complete
by the time you make your first payment. At that time, you will need to take your
closing package or settlement statement to the auditor’s office in your county to
file these exemptions. The addresses and phone numbers are listed on the next
page.
**A reminder letter will be mailed to your new property address around the time
of your first payment.

Change Your Address!
Of course you will notify your friends and family of your address change, but
don’t forget about your employer, financial institutions, and account providers.
Go to http://moversguide.usps.com to change your address with the post office.
Mail will stop going to your old address on the effective date specified, and will
begin arriving at your new address 7-10 delivery days later.

You are required by law to change your address with the Bureau of
Motor Vehicles (BMV), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Indiana Depart-
ment of Revenue within 90 days of moving. You must visit your local BMV
branch to change your address on your driver’s license or state ID. Visit http://
www.in.gov/bmv/branches/ to find the nearest branch. Go to http://www.irs.gov/
taxtopics/tc157.html for information on how to change your address with the IRS.
You can change your
address with the Indiana Department of Revenue online at
http://www.in.gov/dor/individual/address-change.html

Register To Vote!
You may be moving to a new voting district, so it is important to register to vote
with your new address. You can register to vote at the BMV or at http://
www.declareyourself.com


AUDITOR LOCATIONS
Boone County Auditor 116 W. Washington Street Suite 101
Lebanon, IN 46052
(765) 482-2940

Hamilton County Auditor Historic Courthouse in Noblesville
1st Floor
(317) 776-9602

Hancock County Auditor 9 E. Main Street
Greenfield, IN 46140
(317) 477-1105

Hendricks County Auditor Government Center
355 South Washington Street
Danville, Indiana 46122
(317) 745-9207
.
Johnson County Auditor Courthouse Annex Building - 1st floor
86 W. Court Street, Franklin IN 46131
(317) 736-3745

Madison County Auditor Madison County Government Center
16 East 9th Street
Anderson, IN 46016
(765) 641-9419

Marion County Auditor City-County Building – Suite 1360
200 E. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 327-4698

Morgan County Auditor Morgan Co. Administration Building
180 South Main Street – Suite 104
Martinsville, IN 46151
(765) 342-1001

Shelby County Auditor Courthouse Annex
25 West Polk Street – Room 104
Shelbyville, IN 46176
(317) 392-6310
.
Tippecanoe County Auditor Tippecanoe County Office – 2nd Floor
20 North 3rd Street Lafayette, IN 47901
(765) 423-9207


Doyou know of someone that
may be interested in buying
or selling a home?
We would love the opportunity to help make home-
ownership a reality for your friends and family.
Just give your EASYstreet agent a call.

A referral is the best compliment your
agent could ever receive!

Questions? Comments? Concerns?

Contact the Client Care Department
(317) 205-4320
clientcare@easystreetrealty.com

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