IMAGINE IT. LOCATE IT. LOVE IT.
Buying a Home? Letโs Make It Happen!
Your first home is closer than you think.
Buying your first home doesnโt have to be confusing! Iโll walk you through the process and make sure you feel confident every step of the way.
Get Personalized Guidance
A home isnโt just a purchaseโitโs one of the biggest decisions of your life. Thatโs why I take a hands-on approach to guide you through financing, searching, and negotiating the best deal.
The Right Homes, The Right Deals
No more guessing! Iโll help you find homes that match your budget and goalsโwithout wasting time on listings that wonโt work for you.
Close with Confidence
From offer to closing day, I handle the details so you can focus on moving into your dream home!
Brandice Raybourn
Real Estate Broker
Your Easy Guide to Homeownership
Letโs make homeownership simple and exciting!
Hire a Real Estate Professional
Your agent is your advocate, guiding you through the homebuying process and protecting your interestsโso choosing the right one matters!
How to Find the Best Fit:
โ๏ธInterview Multiple Agents
โ Donโt settle for the first one you meet. Compare styles, experience, and what they offer.
โ๏ธAsk Key Questions
โ How do they communicate? How do they handle challenges?
โ๏ธTrust Your Instincts
โ Go with the agent who feels like the best fit for you.
Working with an Agent:
Once you choose an agent, youโll sign a
Buyer Brokerage Services Agreement
outlining:
๐Exclusive or Non-Exclusive Relationship
๐Agreement Duration & Service Areas
๐Agent Compensation (Paid at Closing)
๐ก
Remember: Agents are typically compensated only when you successfully close on a home and get the keys!
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:
โ๏ธChoose Loan Officers: Pick three or more loan officers and compare their rates and services to find the best fit for you.
โ๏ธGet Pre-Approved: Submit your financial information to get pre-approved for a loan. This shows sellers youโre serious and ready to buy.
โ๏ธCompare Offers: Donโt 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.
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:
โ๏ธHOA Fees:
If the property is part of a Homeowners Association (HOA), take time to understand the fees and what they cover. These fees are usually monthly or yearly and are separate from your mortgage payment. They might cover services like landscaping, community amenities, or exterior maintenance. Be sure to decide the maximum amount youโre comfortable paying to ensure it fits within your overall budget.
โ๏ธTaxes:
Research property taxes in the city you're considering. These can vary significantly and impact your budget.
โ๏ธYard 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.
โ๏ธHome 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.
โ๏ธFloor 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 paintโthose 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
Starting Your Home Search ๐ก๐
With your criteria set, your agent will create a custom MLS search, sending you personalized listings the moment they hit the market!
Now, itโs time for the exciting journey of finding your perfect home! Hereโs how it works:
โ๏ธ Set Up Your MLS Search
Your agent tailors a search to match your needs, ensuring you see only the most relevant listings.
โ๏ธ Use the Home Search Portal
Mark homes as
favorites, possibilities, or discards
to help your agent refine your search.
โ๏ธ Tour Homes in Person
Schedule
showings for your top picks
, and your agent will guide you through each home.
โ๏ธ Stay Updated Instantly
Receive
real-time alerts
on new listings that match your criteria. Interested? Your agent will arrange a tour.
โ๏ธ Refine Your Search as You Go
Your preferences may evolveโno problem! Your agent will adjust your search to fit your changing needs.
Your agent is with you every step of the way, ensuring you find a home that fits your lifestyle and needs.
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:
โ๏ธDetermining 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.
โ๏ธWriting 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.
โ๏ธNegotiating with Sellers:
Once you submit your offer, 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:
โ๏ธBuying 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.
โ๏ธContingencies:
Some sellers prefer fewer contingencies, like financing or inspection clauses. Keeping realistic expectations helps navigate this process smoothly.
โ๏ธMultiple 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.
Hereโs how this step ensures a smooth and secure transaction:
โ๏ธHomeowners 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.
โ๏ธTitle 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.
โ๏ธInspection:
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.
Out-of-Pocket Costs: Inspection fees are paid upfront and usually not included in your mortgage or down payment.
Note: If you waived the inspection contingency in a competitive bid, this step would not apply.
โ๏ธAppraisal:
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.
Hereโs what this step involves:
Loan Closing:
โ๏ธSigning 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.
โ๏ธSecuring 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:
โ๏ธTransfer of Ownership:
At the real estate closing, you'll sign documents that officially transfer the propertyโs ownership to you. This is when you get the keys to your new home!
โ๏ธRecording 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:
โ๏ธFor Resale Homes:
Once everything is officially recorded, youโll 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.
โ๏ธNew 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. Itโs time to settle in, make it your own, and start creating memories.
Congratulations, Youโre a Homeowner! ๐
Congratulations on becoming a homeowner! You've successfully navigated the home-buying process, and now itโs time to enjoy the rewards of your hard work. Here are a few final steps to help you settle in:
Welcome Home:
โ๏ธCelebrate the Moment: Take a moment to celebrate this significant achievement. Whether itโs a small gathering with friends and family or a quiet evening in your new space, enjoy the fruits of your labor.
โ๏ธChange 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.
โ๏ธSet Up Utilities: Make sure all your utilities are set up and functioning, including electricity, water, gas, internet, and any other services you need.
โ๏ธUpdate 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.
โ๏ธFamiliarize 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.
โ๏ธMaintain 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.
Search Homes for Sale
Stay in the know with the latest market trends for Sno-King Countyโupdated monthly!
Book a Free Consultation
Start your real estate journey today! Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
Your Homebuying Journey Starts Here
Iโm all about making the home-buying process as smooth and stress-free as possible for first-time buyers. Thatโs why Iโve created the Buyerโs Secret Bundle โyour 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 Iโll send you a FREE copy (with some extra helpful bonuses too).
Click the button below to get started!
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Meet Brandice
Hey there! Iโm Brandice, and if thereโs one thing you should know about me, itโs that Iโm not just here to help you buy or sell a homeโIโm here to make sure you feel like youโve got a trusted friend by your side throughout the entire journey. My clients often tell me it feels like weโve known each other forever, and thatโs exactly how I like it.
I jumped into the real estate world in 2022, working alongside a top agent in Seattle whoโs been my mentor ever since. I quickly got immersed in everything from analyzing market trends to running marketing campaigns. Before I officially became licensed in 2024, I was already deep in the research, data, and behind-the-scenes work that drive the market. Now, I bring all that knowledge and experience to my clients in both Snohomish and King countiesโwhether youโre buying your first home or selling a property youโve cherished for years.
Before I found my passion for real estate, I spent 16 years working in Surgical Services as a Sterile Processing Technician. I was responsible for ensuring that all surgical instruments and equipment were cleaned, sterilized, and ready for procedures at various hospitals and surgery centers. It was a demanding role where precision and attention to detail were everything. This experience taught me the value of teamwork, efficiency, and truly listening to peopleโs needsโskills that have seamlessly carried over into my real estate career.
When you work with me, youโll get someone whoโs honest, transparent, and always looking out for your best interests. I donโt believe in sugarcoating thingsโIโd rather give you the full picture so you can make the best decisions for you and your family. Whether itโs figuring out the perfect price to list your home or navigating the market to find that ideal property, my goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Iโm a proud resident of Marysville, where Iโve made my home since 2021. I absolutely love exploring Snohomish and King counties, from easy hikes to hidden gem restaurants, and Iโm always excited to share my favorite spots with you. In my downtime, youโll find me out on a trail, enjoying live music, or unwinding with a good book.
Whether youโre buying, selling, or just curious about the market, Iโm here to chatโno pressure, just honest advice from someone who genuinely loves what they do. Letโs grab a coffee and talk about how I can help you achieve your real estate goals. I canโt wait to get to know you!
Why Work With Me?
Honest & Transparent: I tell it like it is so you can make informed choices with confidence.
Detail-Oriented & Data-Driven: Whether itโs pricing strategies or market reports, I bring the numbers that matter.
Approachable & Friendly: Itโs not just about businessโIโm here to build a relationship and ensure you feel supported throughout the process.
Local Expert in Snohomish & King Counties: As someone who lives, works, and plays in both areas, Iโm passionate about helping you find your perfect spot in our beautiful communities.
When you are ready, Let's Chat!
Brandice Raybourn
Call or Text: 425-367-3881
Email: [email protected]
Real Estate Broker
Ready to Make Homeownership Happen?
CONTACT ME TODAY!
If youโre 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, letโs work together to find the perfect home for you.
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