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Helping First-Time Homebuyers in Snohomish and King Counties

Check out my easy-to-follow guide to homeownership! I'll walk you through the entire process from start to finish. Get ready for a personalized home-buying journey that's all about you and your needs. Whether you're dreaming of a modern condo or a spacious house, I'm here to help you reach your real estate goals at your own pace. Discover the tips and tools you need to navigate the market confidently and make smart choices every step of the way. Let's get started on finding your perfect home together!

Brandice Raybourn

Real Estate Broker

Your Easy Guide to Buying a Home

Find Your New Home with Confidence

Hire a Real Estate Professional

Picking the right real estate agent is a big deal when you're buying a home. Your agent is your advocate, guiding you through the entire process with expertise and care, and ensuring your interests are protected.

How to Choose the Right Agent:

✔️Interview Multiple Agents: Talk to several agents to get a feel for their styles and expertise. Compare what they offer.

✔️Ask Key Questions: Inquire about their experience, how they communicate, and how they handle challenges.

✔️Trust Your Instincts: Go with your gut to find the best fit for you.

Starting the Process with your agent:

When you find an agent, you want to work with, they will provide you with a Buyer Brokerage Services Agreement. This agreement outlines important details such as the relationship status (exclusive or non-exclusive), the duration of the agreement, the service areas, and the agent's compensation for the transaction.

Keep in mind that real estate agents are typically compensated only when you, the buyer, have successfully closed on a property and received the keys to your new home.

Get pre-approved with a loan officer

Getting pre-approved for a loan helps you figure out your budget and makes you a stronger buyer in the eyes of sellers.

How to Get Started:

✔️Choose Loan Officers: Pick three or more loan officers and compare their rates and services to find the best fit for you.

✔️Get Pre-Approved: Submit your financial information to get pre-approved for a loan. This shows sellers you’re serious and ready to buy.

✔️Compare Offers: Don’t be afraid to get multiple pre-approvals to ensure you're getting the best terms possible; not all lenders are created equally.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Click the button below for a list of trusted local lenders who are great at what they do and ready to help you get started.

Click here to get email with Local Lenders

Determine Your Needs and Wants

Finding the perfect home is about more than just a checklist; it's about understanding what truly matters to you and your lifestyle. Here are some important factors to consider that people often overlook:

Think About These Important Factors:

✔️HOA Fees: If the property is part of a Homeowners Association, understand the fees and what they cover. Consider the maximum amount you're willing to pay.

✔️Taxes: Research property taxes in the city you're considering. These can vary significantly and impact your budget.

✔️Yard Space: Have you ever only had a porch or patio with no yard? Consider how much space you really want and what it takes to maintain it. You might need to hire a landscaper or invest in equipment if you plan to do the yard work yourself.

✔️Home Size: Be realistic about the size of the home you want. Consider the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need versus what you want. For example, you might need at least 3 bedrooms and a garage, but you might want a walk-in closet or a kitchen island.

✔️Floor Plan: This is crucial. You should love the floor plan, as it's one of the hardest and most expensive things to change. Don't be put off by things like ugly carpet, tile, or paint—those are much easier and cheaper to fix.

A Fun Exercise:

Sit down with any other buyers involved and compare your needs and wants. You might be surprised by each other's answers! This exercise not only helps you prioritize but also ensures everyone is on the same page.

Taking the time to understand these aspects can make your home search more focused and enjoyable, leading you to a home that truly fits your needs and desires.

The Search Begins

With your criteria set, it's time to start the exciting journey of finding your perfect home!

Here’s how the process works:

✔️Set Up MLS Search: Your agent will create a personalized MLS search tailored to your criteria, sending you listings that match what you’re looking for.

✔️Use the Portal: Browse the listings in your portal and mark homes as favorites, possibilities, or discards. This helps your agent get a feel for your preferences.

✔️Tour Homes: Begin by touring the homes you’ve marked as favorites. Your agent will schedule showings and join you to explore the properties.

✔️Stay Updated: You’ll receive automatic updates on new listings that match your criteria. If you’re interested in a home, your agent can arrange a virtual or in-person tour.

✔️Refine the Search: After looking at a few properties, you might discover new criteria you didn't realize you wanted or needed. Let your agent know about any changes, and they can update your search criteria at any time.

Your agent will guide you every step of the way, ensuring you find the perfect home that fits your lifestyle and needs.

Search Homes for Sale

Making an Offer

Once you've found the right home, it's time to make an offer and get one step closer to owning it!

Here's How the Process Works:

✔️Determining Your Offer Price: After identifying the perfect home, your real estate agent will prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to help determine a fair market value for the property. This ensures your offer is competitive and realistic.

✔️Writing the Offer: Your agent will guide you through crafting an offer that includes essential details such as price, earnest money, closing dates, and contingencies. They'll explain your contractual rights and responsibilities, discuss negotiation strategies, and ensure your terms align with your goals.

✔️Negotiating with Sellers: Once you submit your offer, your agent will negotiate favorable terms for you. Sellers can accept, reject, or counter your offer. Your agent will handle any objections, build rapport, and strive to get you the best deal possible.

Important Considerations:

✔️Buying a Builder Home vs. Resale: If you're buying a builder home instead of a resale, the process can be quite different. Builders may have set prices and terms, and negotiations might focus more on upgrades or incentives rather than price alone.

✔️Contingencies: Some sellers prefer fewer contingencies, like financing or inspection clauses. Keeping realistic expectations helps navigate this process smoothly.

✔️Multiple Bids: In competitive situations, sellers may ask for "highest and best" offers from all buyers. Your agent will help you present the strongest possible offer.

Moving Forward:

Your agent will be with you every step of the way, providing advice and support to help you secure your home.

Taking care of the Contingencies

Once your offer is accepted, it's time to tackle the contingencies that protect your purchase.

Here’s how this step ensures a smooth and secure transaction:

✔️Homeowners Association (HOA): If the property is part of an HOA, you'll get a chance to review the association's documents. This includes rules, regulations, and financials, so you can make sure you're comfortable with how the community is managed.

✔️Title Commitment: You'll receive a Title Insurance Policy, which protects you against ownership disputes. Review this policy carefully to identify any exceptions or issues that might affect your ownership rights.

✔️Inspection: If an inspection report isn't provided by the seller, schedule a professional inspection to check the property's condition. This lets you spot any necessary repairs or negotiate with the seller for credits or repairs before finalizing the purchase. Keep in mind, there won't be an inspection if you waived it for a multiple bid.

✔️Appraisal: An appraisal ensures the property's value matches the purchase price. The appraiser will provide an independent evaluation, which helps protect your investment and the lender.

Moving Forward:

Handling contingencies is crucial to securing your investment and avoiding potential pitfalls. By addressing each step thoroughly, you'll be well-prepared to finalize your purchase and move confidently toward closing on your new home.

Closing

Closing is the final step in the transaction process, where ownership of the property is officially transferred to you.

Here’s what this step involves:

Loan Closing:

✔️Signing Documents: You'll meet with your lender to sign all the necessary loan documents, finalizing your mortgage agreement. Make sure to bring your ID and any required documentation.

✔️Securing Funds: The funds from your lender are transferred to the seller, completing the financial aspect of the transaction. It's a big step toward making the home officially yours!

Property Transfer:

✔️Transfer of Ownership: At the real estate closing, you'll sign documents that officially transfer the property’s ownership to you. This is when you get the keys to your new home!

✔️Recording the Transaction: The transaction is submitted to the county for final recording, making it official. Once this is done, the property is legally yours.

Celebrating the Milestone:

Closing is an exciting milestone in your home-buying journey. With everything finalized, you can now enjoy the comfort and joy of your new home.

Moving into Your New Home

After closing, it's time to move into your new home, marking the beginning of your homeownership journey.

Here's what happens next:

Key Handover:

✔️For Resale Homes: Once everything is officially recorded, you’ll receive the keys to your new home. Your real estate agent will meet you to celebrate this exciting moment and provide any last-minute details.

✔️New Construction: For new construction, you'll do a final walkthrough with the builder or construction staff to ensure everything meets your expectations. Once you confirm that all the final touches are satisfactory, you'll get your keys.

Enjoy Your New Home:

Moving into your new home is a thrilling milestone. It’s time to settle in, make it your own, and start creating memories.

Congratulations, You’re a Homeowner! 🎉

Congratulations on becoming a homeowner! You've successfully navigated the home-buying process, and now it’s time to enjoy the rewards of your hard work. Here are a few final steps to help you settle in:

Welcome Home:

✔️Celebrate the Moment: Take a moment to celebrate this significant achievement. Whether it’s a small gathering with friends and family or a quiet evening in your new space, enjoy the fruits of your labor.

✔️Change the Locks: For added security, consider changing the locks on your new home. It's a simple step that ensures you have complete control over who has access.

✔️Set Up Utilities: Make sure all your utilities are set up and functioning, including electricity, water, gas, internet, and any other services you need.

✔️Update Your Address: Update your address with the post office, Credit cards, banks, subscriptions, and any other important contacts. This ensures you don't miss any important mail.

✔️Familiarize Yourself with your new Neighborhood: Take some time to explore your new neighborhood. Find the nearest grocery store, pharmacy, and other essential services. Meeting your neighbors is also a great way to start feeling at home.

✔️Maintain Your Home: Create a schedule for regular maintenance tasks to keep your home in great shape. Staying on top of upkeep can save you time and money in the long run and if this is your first time owning a home it is easy to forget to do.

Embrace Homeownership:

Owning a home is a journey filled with new experiences and opportunities. Embrace the freedom to make your space truly yours, whether that means renovating, decorating, or simply enjoying your new environment.

Book a Free Consultation

Start your journey today! Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and take the first step toward achieving your real estate goals.

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Your Homebuying Journey Starts Here

I’m all about making the home-buying process as smooth and stress-free as possible for first-time buyers. That’s why I’ve created the Buyer’s Secret Bundle —your ultimate guide to navigating the real estate market in Snohomish and King Counties.

Plus, I also publish a Monthly Market Report to keep you informed about current trends and insights so you can make confident decisions. Pick the resource that fits your needs, and I’ll send you a FREE copy (with some extra helpful bonuses too).

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If you’re excited to start your journey toward owning a home, I'm here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or are ready to dive in, let’s work together to find the perfect home for you.