What is the first step for buying a home?
Before you can purchase a home, you’ll need to talk to a loan officer and get pre-approved for a mortgage loan. The amount of the loan you qualify for will give you an idea of how much house you can afford and save you time by focusing on homes within your price range.
How do you help me to buy a home?
· We can provide reports on properties (plan, under construction and complete), communities and builders.
· We can help you find homes within your budget from homes that are listed on the market and also off market builder inventory.
· We can schedule visits to houses you like, and negotiate with sellers on price and incentives.
· We can refer you to a loan officer and help with the inspection process.
· We have in-depth knowledge about your area and can save you time and money by narrowing down your best possible options.
· We can also sell your own house if you need to sell before or after you buy.
How do you get paid?
We get a seller commission from the seller/builder, though we don't represent the seller. We represent the buyer.
Why shall I work with you and not with other real estate agent or the builder?
We have access to off market builder’s inventory and current promotions with specific incentives. We are certified new homes co-brokers and unlike the building site agents we represent you and not the seller. We negotiate on your behalf and make sure you are aware of all the pitfalls.
How do I know if the builders are credible?
We use the insight of TrustBuilder® - the most extensive collection of homebuyer ratings and reviews of new home builders nationwide, so you can make decisions with confidence. TrustBuilder® is the only independent source from verified homebuyers.
How long will it take to buy a home?
It may depend on the status of the house. The buying process itself, which begins when an offer is accepted, takes about 30-45 days to finalize. If the house is finished the buying process can start immediately. Under construction homes timelines varies. Proposed property that haven’t got the building permits yet can take between 5-12 months.
Do builders offer any warrantees?
Yes. Typically builders offer a one year warranty on materials and labor in addition to Washington 10-year home warranty.
Is the purchase price negotiable?
Yes! You just need a good understanding of the current market and the seller’s needs and motivations.
What should my down payment be?
Making a down payment of 20% is ideal, because you can avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI), but more realistically, lenders usually require 3.5%-5% for the sale to go through.
In some circumstances, you may not have to worry about a down payment at all. If you’re a first-time buyer, veteran, or rural resident, there are special programs available to help you with the down payment.
How much does a buyer pay in closing costs?
Closing costs can vary based on the lender and the cost of the property. The average closing costs in the United States total $6,905, including taxes. Buyers may be able to negotiate with sellers about who should be responsible for covering the closing costs, but be aware of seller contribution maximums. These guidelines limit how much a seller can pay for closing costs based on your mortgage type.
Can I back out of buying a house?
Yes, but you may lose earnest money (a security deposit given to the seller upon signing a contract). You can also face legal consequences if you back out of the agreement for a reason not outlined in the purchase agreement and any other contingencies.
However, there are certain scenarios where breaking a purchase agreement is understandable. If you lose your job, can’t sell your current home, or can’t get approved for a mortgage. Other issues with the home, such as a failed home inspection, unrepaired problems, or difficulty with transferring the title, are also acceptable reasons to back out of an agreement.
I need to sell my home before, or after I buy. How do we go about it?
We'll walkthrough your home and suggest cost effective cosmetic repairs that will boost the home value. We then create create a home evaluation and suggest an accurate listing price.
We'll use cutting edge strategies and tools for maximum exposure and attract the most qualified buyers so your house will sell fast for top dollar.
Additional Questions? Call (360) 773-1722.
