The home purchase is usually the largest purchase of a lifetime. It can prove to be very stressful as a buyer. It can also be exciting and gives most people a sense of satisfaction knowing they will enjoy their home and, at the same time, build for their financial future. This is not a process to go through without professional assistance. Conducting a home search in a haphazard fashion will likely yield haphazard results. Buying a home without proper inspections, document and disclosure review, and without the knowledge of the market and contracts, is risky, to say the least. Also, in our market, homes can sell within just a couple days so it's important to have someone on your side who is always connected to the market. Working with a good real estate agent is critical to your home buying process. And it's free for buyers!!

Services I Provide to Buyers:

• Round the clock access: I don't go home at 5:00 and say my working day is over. I am available to you 24 hours a day 7 days a week. This is on your schedule.
• Intake: I ask questions to assess your needs and desires around your new home purchase. I ask about your preferred level of communication and involvement. I determine your areas of concern so that I can address and remove those for you in advance. I like to meet with buyers in person initially to have this conversation, but I can also do this via email if you'd like to. If you're interested in having me send you properties that meet your needs, please fill out this form:(Let me help you find a home!).
• Search, search, search!: I go to work looking for homes that meet your criteria. I usually email these listings to clients, but I can provide them in other formats as you like.
• Visit homes: When you select listings that you're interested in, I coordinate with the seller to get you inside their home - all based on your schedule. While touring properties, I can point out areas of concern about the home, as well as positive aspects. I like buyers to be candid with me about what they like/dislike about the homes so that I can further tailor their search if they are not finding something they like initially.
• Determine the seller's motivation and needs: Structuring the offer to best fit your needs while keeping in mind what the seller wants can mean the difference between getting the home you want and not. For instance, if the seller desires to stay in their home for a month after closing, I could suggest adding that into our offer, but possibly changing other things in your favor. It shows seller's that they are important and you're not just blindly faxing them an offer. This can also mean the difference between obtaining a great buy and paying too much.
• Market knowledge and research: I know the market well. I study it closely and know the value of neighborhoods for buyers trying to secure a new home. I'll also do research of recent sold comparables to show you what the market is like in your area and to help you structure an effective offer to purchase. Many times it is this extra edge that saves you. Curious about appreciation rates for your particular neighborhood? Or how condos compared to houses as an investment? I can provide any and all of this information.
• Writing Offer to Purchase: When you are ready to make an offer on a particular home, I'll draft the Purchase and Sales Agreement, advising you on protective contingencies, customary practices and local regulations. I can also write up any special clauses you'd like (e.g. you need the seller to pay part of your closing costs, you want the seller to repair a broken window, etc). You won't believe how many times I've seen uninformed agents write contracts for buyers that are harmful to them.
• Present offer: If possible I will hand deliver all offers to the seller or their agent. This gives a personal touch and puts a face to the contract.
• Make your offer compelling: There are certain things I can advise you do to improve the odds that your offer becomes the winning one in a competitive bid situation.
• Acceptance of Offer: After I present your offer to the agent and seller, the seller has three options: they can accept your offer, counter your offer, or reject your offer. My negotiating skills, experience, and knowledge of your needs will benefit you in reaching a final agreement.
• Open Escrow: When the Purchase and Sales Agreement is accepted and signed by all parties, I'll open escrow for you. Escrow will receive, hold and disburse all funds associated with your transaction. They will also handle the final paperwork and record the sale with the County. Throughout the transaction (typically ~30 days) I will be in close communication with escrow to make sure all is progressing smoothly and get them anything they need.
• Contingency Period: I'll assist, consult and facilitate during the contingency period to confirm financing/appraisal, inspections and any other contingencies to which your purchase is subject. Typical contingencies include: approval of the sellers Transfer Disclosure Statement (Form 17), approval of the title report, loan approval (including an appraisal of the property), inspections of the property and possible subsequent repairs. I will manage all of these activities to make sure they are done on time and correctly. I will advise you through every step of the process.
• Close Escrow: Several days before closing you will need to submit your down payment funds and sign your loan documents/closing papers. On the closing date, the deed will then be recorded at the King County Recorder's office and you will take ownership of your home. I will assist through all of this making sure that it goes smoothly and your questions are answered.
• Recommendations: Over the years, I have cultivated a network of industry contacts to help support you through the transaction process. I can recommend a good escrow company, contractors, home inspectors, tax/legal specialists, insurance companies, mortgage brokers, etc.
• Be your advocate: That is my sole purpose - to be on your side and advocate your best interests throughout the process.
• Ongoing support: I will educate, assist and advice you along the way to buying a home. But you may also find that you have questions after the transaction has closed and you are settled into your new home. I am always available to you. Even if you purchased years ago!