The Buying Process

“Buy a home” they said. “It’ll be easy” they said.

It’s Personal

Buying a home is personal. That’s why it matters to talk with more than one full-time, full-service agent, and choose someone who will truly show up for you.

You’re trusting your broker with important, sometimes sensitive information. You deserve someone who listens carefully, understands what matters to you, and treats your privacy with absolute respect.

Be ready to share things like:

Your financial picture
Your lifestyle and priorities
Pet peeves (yes, those matter too)

The more we understand you, the better we can protect your interests—and help you make a decision that genuinely feels right.

Making an Offer & Earnest Money

Even the simplest purchase and sale agreement can run 6–10 pages long, and that’s before we add:

Financing addendum
Inspection addendum
Appraisal addendums
(you get it)

When you’re making what may be the largest purchase of your lifetime, you deserve to understand what you’re signing, and to work with someone who can clearly explain the process and manage the details.

And yes… earnest money matters.
Ask me about it.

Escrow & Closing

Once we reach mutual acceptance, we work closely with escrow and your mortgage broker to make sure every deadline is met. We’ll also remind you of the important stuff, like don’t buy a car until you close.

Earnest money is deposited, inspections are completed, and then the focus shifts to your loan documents.

You’ll typically meet with the escrow officer two to three days before closing to sign paperwork. On closing day, once the documents are recorded, we hand you the keys to your new home.

What’s an Investment?

You’ve just made a major investment—whether it’s a rental property or the place you’ll call home.

Ownership creates opportunity and leverage. Real estate tends to grow over time, and whether you plan to move or stay put, we’re here to help you track, protect, and maintain your investment.

Our relationship doesn’t end at closing.

Getting Settled (The Closing)

Closings can take place in person or virtually. In Washington State, closings are commonly completed remotely.

All required paperwork is signed, and settlement obligations vary depending on contract language. Prior to closing, the closing agent (escrow, title company, or attorney) prepares a detailed settlement statement for both buyer and seller.

What the Buyer Receives

Credit toward closing costs and purchase price for any earnest money deposited

Earnest money is a “good faith” deposit submitted with your offer to show the seller you are serious.
There is no set required amount, but up to 5% of the purchase price may be retained by the seller if the buyer breaches the contract.

Earnest money is also a strategic negotiation tool and ultimately becomes part of your purchase, showing as a credit on your settlement statement.

What the Buyer Pays

One-half of escrow or legal fees
Document preparation fees (if applicable)
Recording and notary fees
Title search and title insurance (paid by buyer or seller, per contract)
Local transfer taxes (paid by buyer or seller)
Loan fees
Appraisal fees
Credit report fees
Homeowners Association fees, if applicable