When we work with you, we represent your interests and no one else’s. We take the time to discover your personal requirements and wishes for a home, for schools, and for the best neighborhood. We also help you sort out your financial resources in order to realistically find you the best home that you can afford. We’ll get you pre-approved for a loan so you don’t risk losing your dream-home on a technicality.
Once we know what you’re looking for and what you can afford, we search our database of thousands of homes for sale to match you with an assortment of properties to go see. We don’t want to overwhelm you with choices, so we make sure you feel comfortable with the properties we have in mind before we take you out to visit them. We understand that this can be hard work with a lot of details to remember, so we provide you with documentation on all the properties we visit and remain available for all your questions and concerns throughout the process.
Once your offer has been accepted, there will be a few milestones to think about before you can call your new place home.
These referrals come either from our own experiences or from our clients’ experiences. This isn’t a guarantee of their work, but a starting point for your own evaluation and decision-making.
Step 1. Structural Inspection
A structural inspection will need to be set up. We’ll take care of this for you once you have chosen an inspector. Following are some inspectors we recommend. Depending on the size of the property, costs will range from $300-$450.
Angie’s List
Step 2. Homeowners Insurance
You’ll need to arrange for this. We recommend Insurance broker Bob Abolofia, at 425-641-7682. You can also call the person or company that handles your automobile insurance.
Step 3. Escrow documents
You will receive papers to review and sign from both the title company and the escrow company. We’ll help you to understand these documents.
Step 4. Utilities
You need to transfer the utilities to your name and account.
Seattle Water, Sewer, Garbage, Yard Waste & Recycling
206-684-3000
To establish a new water account, you must first read the meter after your transaction closes and then call in the reading. You can also find out your collection information and set up yard waste pick up.
Oil Service
Step 5. Appraisal
The appraisal will be done on your property. We meet with the appraiser and will inform you of the time and the outcome of the appraisal. Normally, the lender will mail you a copy of the appraisal. If you don’t get one, request it from your lender.
Step 6. The Lender
The lender may call with questions, or they may need further documentation. It is very important to respond to them immediately in order for the transaction to close on time.
Step 7. The Closing Process
You will be contacted by the escrow company to set up a time to sign your documents. They will instruct you to bring a cashier’s check with you for the balance of funds you’ll need to close the transaction. The cashier’s check is made out to the escrow company. Johnine usually goes to the signing with you.
Step 8. The Keys
We will get you the keys to your new home sometime prior to your occupancy date, dependent upon when the listing agent or seller makes them available to us.
