Buying a Home with Kathy

I want your home buying experience to be as easy and enjoyable as possible and will do everything I can to ensure you find the home that is right for you. Below are the steps you can expect when buying a home with me. Like what you are reading? Reach out via the form below to set up a one-on-one consultation to see if we are a good fit.

DETERMINING YOUR NEEDS

I have several methods to help you determine your wants and needs.  I have found the most effective method is for everyone who will be living in your home to sit down and fill out my wants and needs worksheet. This will encourage you, as a group, to really analyze everyone's expectations in your new home and begin to formulate a group wants and needs list.

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Questions to Consider

  • What are your “must haves?” What are your “nice to haves?”
  • What are your “deal breakers?”
  • What is your price range? What is your ideal moving timeline?
  • What is your preferred neighborhood? What about commute time to work?
  • Do you want resale, new construction or either?
  • Do you want single family home, townhome, condo?
  • If you are considering a condo, are pets allowed? Are units allowed to be rented?
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SECURING YOUR FINANCES

Pre-approval is the amount a lender is willing to lend you based on the information and documentation you have provided such as income, credit history, current debt, and employment.

If you do not have a lender in mind, I can give you referrals to proven lenders. You will need to have your pre-approval letter before starting your search. Pre-approval is generally valid for 60- 90 days and can be updated by verification of information.

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FINDING AND TOURING HOMES

Based on the information of what you want in your home, I will set up a search on the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) for all new active listings coming on the market and email them directly to you.

You will see all listings from all real estate brokerages. Also, you may see homes you like on other real estate websites (Zillow, Redfin). You let me know the properties you want to see and I will arrange an appointment for us to view them.

Or, if there is an open house, you can view the home at that time, but make sure you let the agent know you already represented. If you decide to make an offer, making sure you have representation is key.

If you are an out of area buyer, or are just unable to tour a house you are interested in right away, we can arrange a video call or FaceTime and I will do a live walk through of the house with you.

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PREPARING AN OFFER

WHAT DETERMINES THE BEST OFFER STRATEGY?
The price you offer to pay is based on a wide variety of factors. These are specific to the current real estate market, your financial situation and the home itself. My goal is to get your preferred home on your terms which includes things like closing dates, items or parameters to be included in the sale, and of course price, earnest money, and down payment.
Factors to consider when determining the best offer price include:

  • Market Conditions: Buyer / Seller / Neutral
  • Condition of the Home
  • Neighborhood Desirability
  • Comparable Area Sales
  • Level of Seller Motivation

As a REALTOR®, I have tools and up-to-the-minute information about the local market. I will use this information to give you a recommendation for the best offer and terms. Ultimately, the final offer price is up to you.

MUTUAL ACCEPTANCE - HANDLING CONTINGIENCIES

Buying a home is more than just finding the right property. You need an expert who understands the local market and the unique challenges it faces. We have the strategies, resources, and tools to guide you from start to finish, seamlessly.

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HOME INSPECTION:

Once mutual acceptance has been reached, you will have the up to 10 days to have an inspection of the property. I recommend hiring a professional inspector to help you with this task. If you find any problems with the property and depending on the market, you may be able to ask the seller to repair them or compensate you for future repairs.

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HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION

If the property is a part of a Home Owners Association, you will have an opportunity to read and accept the Documents pertaining to the association. Basically, these documents describe the rules, regulations and finances pertaining to the association.

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APPRAISAL

I will work with the appraiser to make sure he or she has all the information about the property to make an informed and fair appraisal. My extensive background as an appraiser (appraising over 5,000 properties) ensures that I am aware of what lenders are looking for in home valuations.

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OTHER CONTIGENCIES

Depending on the specifics in your contract, additional contingencies may need to be tracked and achieved. I will keep my eye on these to make sure we keep the transaction moving forward.

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SETTLEMENT AND CLOSING

A few days before your closing date, both you and the seller will have separate appointments with escrow to sign all the legal documents necessary to transfer the ownership. If you are unable to go to the escrow office, a mobile notary can be arranged to go to your home or a convenient place to sign the paperwork.

Does this seem like a lot? Of course! That is why you need a dedicated real estate professional at your side to make it easier and enjoyable. I look forward to helping you on your real estate
journey. If you are ready to get started, fill out the Dream Home Finder so I can learn more about what you are looking for or fill out the form below: