Home Ownership:
Where Do I Start?
The home buying process can be overwhelming, and many people simply don't know where to start. The following is a simple five- step guide to get you closer to your goal of homeownership.
- Apply for Pre-Approval.
This is the single most important step towards homeownership. Don't be tempted to look for a home without knowing your price range. The Seattle market requires strong offers; a pre-approval letter will make your offer stronger. Speak to your lender or contact me and I would be happy to recommend a few lenders I work with on a regular basis.
- Write a Wish list! While waiting for your pre-approval write a wish list: write down everything your ideal house should have (i.e. fireplace, garage, number of bed, bathrooms, basement, yard, style of house, kind of neighborhood, square footage, wood floors, layout and orientation etc.). Once we start looking at price ranges and neighborhoods, you will learn to prioritize the items on the list.
- Orientation Meeting. Purchasing a home is one of the largest financial and emotional investments most people will make. As with choosing your family doctor or financial advisor, you want to make sure to team up with a knowledgeable, trustworthy and service-oriented professional. During our orientation meeting not only do I have a chance to listen to your needs and home wishes, but you will also have the opportunity to ask me questions and determine wether we will make a good team. Making your home-buying process a good and memorable experience is my goal! Please contact me if you would like to schedule an orientation meeting at no obligation.
- Personalized Home Search. Based on your personal preferences you will be automatically updated via e-mail with the newest homes on the market. In the beginning, many clients prefer to drive by homes on their own while exploring neighborhoods. The e-mailed list will ensure that you are kept up to date and save you time.
- Viewing Homes. Whenever you are ready to tour homes with me, just let me know. Based on your availability, preferences and housing inventory I will prepare a professional tour.
Although I am here to help and guide you in finding your home, it will be you who will recognize your dream home!
Greetings,
Eva
Back to top
Why Work with a Buyer's Agent?
As of January 1, 1997, Washington State became a Buyer's Agency state. Every buyer has legal rights in dealing with a real estate broker or agent. Most important for any prospective buyer to know is that you can choose your own buyer's representative.
Read more …
The Law of Real Estate Agency
The Washington State Law of Real Estate Agency summarizes all of the agency duties. I will give you a copy of this during my orientation meeting. If you'd like to look at it now, I've included it on a separate page:
The Law of Real Estate Agency.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Now that I have found the right house, what do I do?
- How does my offer get presented to the Seller?
- What if my offer is less money than the asking price?
- Does it cost me to make an offer?
- Where does my earnest money check go after I give it to my Realtor?
- Can I lose my earnest money?
- Is that all the money involved?
See the
FAQ page for answers.
Back to top