The RealSimple Buyers Plan
Discover which options make the most sense for you.
Consult with me to clarify details of your home dream. What are you trying to solve about your current living situation? What areas are you interested in? What types of homes would work for you (or NOT)?
Learn the steps in the Home Buying Process. There’s no way around it - buying real estate is an involved process with many steps and several key players that are involved. I’ll help you get familiarized with the big picture.
Get referred to a great lender and get pre-qualified for a mortgage. Unless you have cash to purchase your home, you’ll need to provide a lender access to your employment history, income sources, credit history, and current debts. They will run the numbers and tell you what type of loan programs you qualify for and what amount you can be approved for.
2. Create a personalized step-by-step plan.
Sign buyer brokerage agreement. This step, required by the State of Washington, is the official start of your home search, and where you decide to hire me as your real estate agent. This agreement spells out how Real Estate brokers get paid, and where it comes from. In most cases the seller pays a real estate commission to the buyers’ agent brokerage.
Set up your search parameters and begin using your personal Compass Collection to keep track of potential homes you would like.
3. Carry out the plan with friendly expert guidance.
View homes! This is where it gets exciting. I’ll share all the information I can find about each home we view, as well as information about the neighborhood. After viewing each home I will ask you what you did and did not like about it, so I’ll learn more about your tastes and we can hone your search.
Write an offer! When you find the home you’re dreaming of, I’ll create an offer to present to the seller’s agent. We’ll discuss the price, negotiating strategy, earnest money, closing date, and terms of your home inspection. You will be protected and given several ways to get out of the contract if you learn information that makes the home unsatisfactory for you later.
Get the home inspected. I’ll recommend several home inspectors (you can hire any inspector you want) and we’ll get the inspection scheduled. Once you receive the home inspection report we will negotiate with the seller about what was discovered and how to solve important issues.
Keep the paperwork moving. You’ll have lots of paperwork to complete with your lender and with the Title/Escrow company who will manage the movement of all funds. I’ll make sure you’re aware of all deadlines and remind you ahead of time.