Buyer Services

01

Find an Agent
Buying a home will be one of the biggest decisions you have to make so it’s important to work with an agent you trust. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and the care we put into every client, making us the trusted real estate experts for our hundreds of happy clients in the PNW.

02

Get Pre-Approved
Before beginning your search, you will need to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan. Based on your income and credit history, a mortgage broker will determine how much a bank will lend you, which will help you determine the price range for your search.

If you intend on paying the full price of your home in cash, skip to step 03.

03

Visit Properties
This is the fun part. Now is the time to consider your home’s ideal location and amenities. We will attend viewings and open houses spanning a range of areas and property types.

04

Write Offers
Once you find a home you like, we will help you write an offer. Offers are detailed, legal contracts that include your desired price and terms. Writing a strong offer can be extremely tricky but we’re here to help you understand and navigate the entire process.

05

Enter Escrow
Once your offer is accepted, it becomes a Purchase & Sale Agreement. Then, a title and escrow company, usually chosen by the seller, will take over your transaction. This includes any/all exchanges of money, final signatures, and recording the sale with the county.

06

Complete Inspections
As the buyer, it will be your responsibility to ensure the condition of the property meets your expectations. A major part of this will be hiring a licensed inspector to check out the property on your behalf. You will also review disclosures provided by the seller and a preliminary title report.

07

Appraisal & Financing
Your bank will organize an appraisal. Your completed mortgage application with all supporting documentation should be submitted to your lender upon receipt of the fully signed Purchase Agreement. The bank then issues loan approval. If all goes smoothly, you will wire the closing funds, then the loan will be funded with clearance to close.

08

Welcome Home
You are now a homeowner!

We will hand you the keys to your new home as soon as the sale is recorded with the county. This usually happens on the evening of closing day or the following morning.

Congratulations!

Appraisal

Assessment of the property’s market value, for the purpose of obtaining a mortgage and performed by a licensed appraiser.

Assessed Value

Value placed upon property for property tax purposes by the tax collector.

Closing Costs

Expenses incidental to a sale of real estate, such as loan fees, appraisal fees, title insurance and escrow fees.

Closing Statement

The statement which lists the financial settlement between Buyer and Seller, and the costs each must pay.

Contingency

Certain criteria that have
to be met in order to finalize the sale.

Conventional Mortgage

A mortgage or Deed of Trust not obtained under a government insured program such as FHA or VA.

Credit

Money given to a buyer from a seller through escrow at closing.

Escrow

A neutral third party that handles the transfer of any money during the sale of a home from initial deposit to final funding and closing.

Earnest Money Deposit

Buyers in Washington usually deposit 3% of the purchase price to show that the buyer is serious about purchasing the home. It is usually refundable in the event a contingency in the sales contract cannot be met.

Fixed Rate Mortgage

A loan on which the interest rate and monthly payment do not change.

Home Warranty

A policy that covers certain repairs (e.g. plumbing/ heating) of a newly purchased home for a period of time, typically one year.

Preliminary Title Report

A report showing the condition of title before a sale or loan transaction. After completion of the transaction, a new title insurance policy will be issued.