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Understand Home Ownership

When it comes to finding your happy home, your long-term happiness is at stake, and that is something I take seriously. The momentous act of buying and selling a home is one of those special moments in life, and I am determined to make it an all-around pleasant, happy memory. If you're ready to buy or sell a home in Seattle, then you've come to the right place! Take a moment to get educated using the resources below.

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Prepping to buy a home

The experience of buying a home is much more enjoyable if you’re prepared! Here are three things I want all buyers to know before we start looking:
  • I strongly suggest you get prequalified. To help make sure that you are fully approved so you’ll be ready to put in an offer when the time comes. For competitive reasons, it’s important to get this squared away ASAP.
  • Search online! When we begin working together, I will start sending listings to you to better get an idea of what you like. You should also do some online searches for homes on your own. Call me and send me homes that you like! As you move along in the process, I will adjust the search based on what resonates with you.
  • Be prepared to make time to tour and act fast. Finding the right home takes time, so make sure that you’re prepared to tour houses with me! It’s important to dedicate a serious amount of time to it. And when we do find a home you like, we’re going to need to make an offer very fast. (This is why you got prequalified!)

Agent auditions

When you’re choosing your real estate agent, here are six important things to keep in mind:
  • Team YOU! Your agent should be your #1 advocate.
  • Understanding. Your agent should ask you lots of questions in order to better understand what your needs are, and carefully consider your responses.
  • Clarity. Your agent needs to set expectations.
  • Presentation. Your agent should be making your home look awesome online; fabulous online presence is critical! (This can even help you make more money.)
  • Offer success. Your agent shouldn’t have to submit more than three offers for you before you WIN.
  • Knowledge. Your agent needs to have that special “real estate sixth sense.” There are some things your agent should just know in their gut, and that comes from experience and knowledge of the neighborhood, market, etc. If they don’t have that special “sixth sense,” you’re going to lose a lot of offers!

Neighborhood dating

If the businesses, restaurants, people and culture of a neighborhood are important to you, then you’ll definitely want to spend some time with your new potential stomping ground! Here are a few of my recommendations and ideas for how to date a neighborhood:
  • Eat out at a couple restaurants. If dining out is important to you, then you’ll want to make sure there are a few nearby options that you love!
  • Check out the coffee shops. Do you care if Starbucks is the only option, or do you enjoy having an independent coffee roaster nearby? Do you like having a late-night cafe to work at? Visiting a coffee shop can tell you a lot about a neighborhood!
  • Go to the farmers markets. This is an excellent way to check out your potential new neighbors!
  • Go to the grocery store. What grocery stores are nearby? Is being able to walk to the grocery store important to you? You’ll likely be visiting a lot, so definitely think about it as you consider where to live.
  • Take a walk. Check out the local parks (are there parks?), walk through residential areas to get a feel for the area.

Finding your home

After I spend time learning about what you’re looking for in a home, we will hit the ground running and begin to scour the city for your dream home! Here are four things we need to do to find your home:
  • Search online. Once I know what you’re looking for, I will immediately begin monitoring and sending listings to you. You should also send me homes you like.
  • Set aside time to search. Finding a new home can be like a second job, and it’s important to dedicate time to the endeavour.
  • Stay on top of listings. Seattle is a competitive market, and sometimes, we’ll only have a week to act. It’s important to review and tour listings in a timely manner!
  • Be prepared to evolve. Throughout the process, I’m working to keep tabs on the market. As we move along, we may need to adjust our search, and we are constantly evolving together!

Closing on your happy home

There are several steps involved in becoming mutual and closing on your new home, and I’m there to guide you through each and every one! Here’s seven things to keep in mind as we prepare to close:
  • Communication. I’m there to make sure that everyone knows what needs to be done for closing. It’s important that I keep you completely aware and up to date!
  • Final walk-through You need to be able to do a final walk-through of the home so you can be sure that your soon-to-be happy home is left as you wish it to be.
  • Sign final documents. It’s important that you’re available to escrow so you can sign final documents.
  • Money. You need to have money ready to wire to escrow.
  • Review the HUD. Double check that everything is as you expect.
  • The keys. I’ll make sure you obtain the keys.
  • Get ready to move. Pack up your stuff and prepare to move on in!

Getting ready to sell & Move

This involved process is key to getting top dollar for your home! Here are four things you’ll definitely need to do as you’re getting ready to sell and move out:
  • Pare down your belongings. Get things stored, clear your closets, and prepare your home for stagers and cleaners! Is your home vacant? Don’t worry! I’ll help to take care of staging it.
  • Do some writing. Make a list of 10 things that you’ll miss most about your home, and write a letter to the buyer.
  • Create a list of home repairs. Dig up receipts and create a list of home repairs you’ve done over the last year. You’ll need a comprehensive list and documentation for anything your house has had done to it under your ownership.
  • Order the resale certificate. You only need to worry about this if your home is a condo. It’s great to get this step out of the way first!

What to expect when you're selling

When we work together to sell your home, there are a few key things you can always expect from me:
  • Take the time to get to know each other. When we discuss putting your home on the market, it’s important that we all feel comfortable working together as a team. Selling a home is a cooperative venture, and everyone will need to be committed to the process!
  • You benefit from my experience. My years of experience and expertise will ensure we successfully sell your home, and sell it for more.
  • An amazing support team. While I’m the main person you work with, I have a fantastic team of professionals helping me to get the job done. I have a team of contractors, cleaners, photographers, videographers, web developers, copywriters, graphic designers, and more to help get it all done!
  • Planning and strategy. I create a comprehensive plan based on your specific home and needs—each situation is different!

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