The Home Buying Process
So you have decided to buy a home, or perhaps you are just doing some research for the future? Here is an overview of what happens during the process:
The Fun Part
Imagine what kind of home you want, take notes and make lists.
- Location –You can make some changes in a home but you can never change the location. Think: how far from work? Do you want to walk to businesses? Do you crave quiet?
- Type of Home – New or old charmer? Modern, Tudor, bungalow, mid-century, brick? Are you handy and looking for some sweat equity? Do you want move-in ready? Do you have time to spend on your house? Are you interested in bank owned/short sale homes?
- Features – How many bedrooms? Baths? Do you like yard work? Do you need a garage? Storage? Must you have a view? A fireplace? Rank features in order of importance. Sometimes finding the right home is a game of compromise so know which features are a ‘must’ for you.
The Serious Part
Obtain financing. I highly recommend you speak with a lender, or several, before you get too far into the home buying process. The reasons for this are:
- You will have a realistic view of your price range and can search for appropriate homes
- You are ready to purchase when you find the dream home. The seller will require you to have a pre-approval letter with your offer. Don’t leave this until the last minute
- Need a recommendation for a trusted lender?
My part
Real Estate Broker
- A Buyer’s Agent is not here to ‘sell’ you on a house, she is here to guide you and:
- Get you started on the process, answer all your questions
- Use the MLS to search for homes that fit your criteria, new listings, price reduced, etc…
- Accompany you in viewing homes, provide information about the neighborhood
- Help you with the choices by giving you information about home values and helping you understand how the home compares to others in cost and condition.
- When you are ready, draft an offer for you and present the offer to the seller/listing agent
- Negotiate with the seller on a fair price
- Coordinate your home inspection; advise you on any additional inspections needed.
- Negotiate with the seller on inspection findings
- Coordinate with your lender to have the home appraised
- Accompany you to signing to close the property; Do a final walk through with you
- Provide you with keys to the home
- Stay in touch for post-closing questions.
These are just the main parts of what happens in the ‘thinking-of-buying-a home’ to ‘purchasing a home’ process. If you would like a detailed guide along with an explanation of terms you may have heard such as earnest money, escrow, title, sewer scope, etc… please see my FAQ page or contact me anytime for a meeting and/or a copy of my Home Buyer's Guide.
"So fun working with Susanne! Honestly I could not have been happier as a first time homeowner. Her experience in the Seattle market was invaluable. I ended up referring some friends who also ended up happy homeowners"
Dan A. (Ballard)
Susanne helped us find exactly what we were looking for. For some time, my husband and I could not agree on anything while house hunting. Susanne did a terrific job navigating us through the process, never taking sides, always making terrific points and offering up insightful information. When our dream house came on the market, Susanne made sure we saw it immediately and though there were other offers, we are certain that her professional skills were a big part of why we got the house. She was also very fair in negotiating commission and with her housewarming gift. We felt very lucky to work with such a genuine and professional agent, especially since we'd met a few who we did not get good vibes from. I'd recommend Susanne to anyone!
Sarah O (West Seattle)
We purchased our home three years ago with Susanne's great support. We had no idea on many processes especially about financing, but she was not only very helpful but also made us feel very comfortable on this big purchase. Excellent knowledge and prompt communication. We strongly recommend to anyone and thank you again for finding us our perfect home! Susanne, you are the BEST!
Maya and Casey S. (Kirkland)
"Buying our first house was such a big step financially... even after our offer was accepted there were times when we really doubted whether it was a wise financial decision for us and thought about backing out. Susanne was so calm and reassuring... didn't panic or pressure us, but just talked it through with us gave us our options clearly at every step of the way. That really helped!"
Amity F and John (Queen Anne / Interbay)
As a first time home buyer, I was nervous about the process and didn't know a lot about all the details. Erin and Sus were so supportive that everything felt easy and comfortable though. They took the time to talk through all my questions and filled me in on all the little things to watch out for. I appreciated how candid they were about the benefits and drawbacks of the different homes, offers and situations we encountered - it really helped me make an informed decision. My long term happiness with my choice was clearly their priority.
- Kate Byers (Ballard)
I have never seen two ladies work so hard! In a down market, they sold my house within 3 months. I felt especially comfortable with them being over 2000 miles away while the process was going on. The communication was incredible and everything went very smooth. Susanne and Erin offered sound advice on pricing and market analysis and continually kept me informed the entire way! Susanne and Erin go the extra mile for their clients and anyone should feel extremely comfortable. There are very few TRUE Real Estate Professionals out there these days. If you need a personal reference you may contact me at jr@maplewoodlanesomaha.com
Jeanne Belitz (Queen Anne/Interbay)
I just wanted to take a minute to say THANK YOU for your amazing service. Not only did you get me top-dollar when I sold my condo earlier this year but you somehow managed to pull off the impossible: coordinating selling my partner's old house and us buying our new dream house SIMULTANEOUSLY! You two are a great team and you made everything look easy despite the chaos of these complicated sales. Thanks again.
Dale Wampler (Greenwood and West Seattle)
Your professionalism, friendship and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty have been monumental in finding the right home. I love my place and thanks so much for everything you have done! I'm looking forward to the next time we get to work together...
Margaret (Greenwood)
In the interesting world that is Seattle's real estate market, it is essential to have good agent representation. That's why Susanne and Erin have represented me through my arduous 8-month search for my own home. I had been working with an agent who was a friend of a friend. Unfortunately, that agent was not providing any real services. I was lucky to have called on one of Erin and Susanne's listings. When I met them at the property, I knew immediately that I wanted them as my agents.
After that meeting, they diligently sent me listings--the listings I really wanted to see--and were incredibly responsive. Over the past 8 months, Susanne and Erin have proven themselves to be the kind, professional, responsible, and honest people I took them for. So, as long as I'm in Seattle, I will not buy or sell a property with anyone else.
Aradia (Ravenna)
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