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Your Guide to

Home Ownership

Craig McKenzie Presents to Maddie McKenzie

Knowledge, Experience, Professionalism

Dear

Maddie McKenzie


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,

Craig McKenzie

- you're in great hands -

Meet

Craig McKenzie

Designated Broker | Owner
(360) 929-1712
craig@mckenziebhg.com
 Craig McKenzie epitomizes integrity, energy, hard work, and creative service in every detail of his team’s real estate transactions. After growing up in Upper Michigan and graduating from Engadine High School, Craig enlisted in the Navy and shipped off for boot camp on January 14, 1985. After serving for almost 9 years he was medically separated and started his real estate career in 1993. He has since helped over 2,000 buyers and sellers fulfill their dream of buying and selling all different types of properties. With an array of experience and education under his belt, he assembled a team in 2016 that together can handle any property sale. Better Homes and Gardens McKenzie Realty is now a firm of qualified REALTORS® who can masterfully service any and all of our clients needs in a way that no stand alone agent can. We have taken the “jack of all trades and master of none” out of one of the most important purchase or sale you will make in your lifetime. Real Estate Education - Craig is a Graduate of Realtor Institute (GRI) and a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), a designation earned by less than 4% of the agents nationally. Craig is a Certified Relocation Specialist, which adds a greater skill level of care for any of his clients that are moving to or from Whidbey Island.
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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.
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Market Trends in Oak harbor, WA 98277

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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Customized listing search to find the perfect home.

I Found

Properties For Sale in Oak Harbor

Scan the QR code to see all listings
See all Listings
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Professional Network to help your purchase go smoothly

Professional Network

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Mortgage Loan Officer

James Hart

NMLS# 204016

(360) 914-0734

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

My Recent Sales in the Oak Harbor, WA 98277 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

I’ve worked with Evelyn Ortega and McKenzie Realty on several transactions now, and I keep going back to her for a reason. When you find the best, you stay with them. I’ve worked with other realtors and watched many more in action — Evelyn is head and shoulders above the rest. She’s intelligent, knowledgeable, personable, tireless and operates with integrity that is beyond reproach. Best part is that Evelyn is paired with a support team that assures every T is crossed and I is dotted. Truly the best.
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Evelyn has been phenomenal. As a first time homebuyer she has been there for every step for me and answered every question. It’s been tougher due to me being deployed for this process but she’s been flexible and has been able to put in extra leg work on my behalf to make sure I’m getting everything I need. The biggest thing I need still is just flexibility with my schedule. So far it’s been everything I need and I cannot say enough good things about Evelyn and the entire team.
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As first-time home buyers, Evelyn Ortega from the Craig McKenzie Team made our experience very special. It took us a long time to find what we were looking for, and she was so wonderful throughout the search. Evelyn took our ever-changing requirements and found our dream home. She went above and beyond and fought for us throughout a difficult escrow period and was so calm and relaxed through it all. Even after we closed, she worked to ensure unexpected issues were handled quickly. Evelyn is a professional and outstanding agent. The Craig Mackenzie team was terrific as well. We were well informed and provided all the details in one portal. They were responsive to our questions and all very friendly to work with.
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Working with Evelyn and James was amazing!! They both worked with and around us and found us our dream home! Will always go back to them and would highly recommend them for anyone looking to buy or sell! Amazing people
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Evelyn and Jim with the WOW Team were absolutely amazing! We hit several bumps in the road during our transaction, and there were moments when I wasn't sure we were going to make it to closing. Thankfully, Evelyn and Jim never stopped working to find solutions. Their experience, creativity, and determination made all the difference. They were always quick to respond, kept me informed, and genuinely cared about getting this deal across the finish line. Thanks to their expertise and hard work, we successfully closed! I can't recommend them highly enough and would happily work with them again in a heartbeat.
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Craig is very knowledgeable of the Whidbey Island real state market. He is very responsive, and deeply connected to people through service to the community while honoring local heroes, by giving back to local support agencies. He has been consistently involved with various issues surrounding our property even after closing, providing guidance and recommending specialized services. He continued to take care of these issues during and after our 3 years tour of duty overseas. My husband and I are very impressed with Craig's real estate services; and I would recommend his services to military families constantly on the move.
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Reid Schwartz: if anyone comes any better than Reid, it would be plumb scary! His energy, skill and knowledge, and flat-out enthusiasm for getting the all the details hammered into place to best achieve the goal of a great sale, impressed us greatly. At age 82, I've seen a lot, from the worst to the best. Reid's ability ranks with the best.I'd also like to comment that Reid Schwartz is a community leader, active in civic associations and community projects. How he gets the time to accomplish all this is a bit astounding to me, but as the pop saying goes, "He gits 'er done!"He goes the extra mile in everything he does, and it's always with a smile and a positive attitude. Wife & I consider Reid a good friend, and we'd recommend him to anyone for any worthwhile project.
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We couldn’t be happier with Lance and our experience working with the entire KW team to find our dream forever home! It was total serendipity that we clicked that “contact Agent” button on Zillow. From our first meeting with Lance and our continued professional and now personal friendship with him, he is tops. He listened to what we were looking for; weeded out the houses he knew would be a waste of time for us; encouraged us when we were feeling discouraged. His kindness, consideration and humbleness were so refreshing in this very cutthroat market. And the whole team made the buying as seamless as possible. They walked us through scenarios, helped us make informed decisions and congratulated our success. I can’t recommend them enough. And now that we’re so happy, he’s helping my parents find their place out here too! Ecstatic and blessed to call Whidbey Island HOME>
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Lance and Craig went above and beyond helping us with the long distance sale of our mother's home. They lined up reputable local contractors to do some needed repair work. Also they were intregal in getting new carpet installed and some laminate flooring reparto. I would wholeheartedly recommend this team to buy or sell your home in the Oak Harbor area!
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Craig McKenzie's Team is wonderful and easy to work with. There was no question who we would go through when it came time to sell our home. Craig's team helped us find and purchase our home a couple years ago. Him and his team made the process easy, so when it came time to sell we said we will only use Craig McKenzie and his team to sell and once again we made the right choice. They made the process simple and easy for us and we didn't have to worry once that they would get the job done! Thank you Craig McKenzie and Team for a wonderful experience.
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Jim Woessner sold our home in record time as the market was cooling. Him and his team are very easy to work with and truly care about you as their customer. If we return to the area, we know who to call, the Craig McKenzie Team!!
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Daria Higman provided us with flawless realtor services for our search and purchase of a Whidbey Island home. She is a consummate professional, always thorough, courteous, and dedicated. Daria more than compensates for her relative youth with enthusiasm, a sharp mind, and her willingness to take full advantage of Craig Mczkenzie's openness to mentoring her with his decades of experience as a realtor. This was my 12th experience with buying or selling a home in four states, and Daria and her McKenzie team made it the best!
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As first-time home buyers, Evelyn Ortega from the Craig McKenzie Team made our experience very special. It took us a long time to find what we were looking for, and she was so wonderful throughout the search. Evelyn took our ever-changing requirements and found our dream home. She went above and beyond and fought for us throughout a difficult escrow period and was so calm and relaxed through it all. Even after we closed, she worked to ensure unexpected issues were handled quickly. Evelyn is a professional and outstanding agent. The Craig Mackenzie team was terrific as well. We were well informed and provided all the details in one portal. They were responsive to our questions and all very friendly to work with.
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First time homebuyer. I've often heard stories about the stress that comes with purchasing a home. Not for me. I must commend Craig McKenzie's team, especially Jim Woessner, for making this a smooth seamless process for me. He was very responsive to any/all questions or concerns and I was consistently updated throughout the process. Jim was very knowledgable and quick to obtain answers I needed.I couldn't have asked for a better person and team to assist me through the process. If this was supposed to be stressful, I couldn't tell. It was exciting and fulfilling for me. If you're looking for a good team to help you through your home buying experience. This is the team!!
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Lance was great to work with. He was quick to schedule viewings and worked late hours to get our offers in. He understood our wants and needs and tried his best to find us what we wanted. The market is very difficult right now, but he found us the perfect home! I highly recommend Lance!Homes for Heros was also great. We got a huge refund after closing and we got to use a moving truck for free. Go to the Craig McKenzie team!
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Review has been shortened using AI, click the review to read the full review.

Review has been shortened using AI.

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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What buyers need to know about the
National Association of Realtors (NAR) changes.

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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.
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Real Estate Expert

Craig McKenzie

Designated Broker | Owner

craig@mckenziebhg.com | (360) 929-1712

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.
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www.realestatepropertyalerts.com/team/craig-mckenzie
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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.
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