Rain City Guide

Home buying tips

Anna on 09 14, 2005

When I begin with a new client, I often work out a “road map” so that we can clarify a list of priorities. Along those lines, it is often important to layout a time-frame. I’ve worked with buyers who want to move into a new home in weeks and buyers who are planning ahead for months… Being realistic about when you can move into a place helps insure that everyone’s expectations are met! Also, keep in mind that it may take 30-90 days (or more) to locate the right home, secure financing, and complete the home-buying process.

Are you interested in more information? I’ve put together a Home Buying Packet (*.pdf) that lists a bunch of good information about the home buying process with sections on:

• The Home-Buying Process
• Home Search Criteria
• Loan Application Checklist
• Making an Offer
• Contract Checklist
• Home Inspection
• Glossary of Real Estate Terms
• and many more!

In filling out the form in the Home Search Criteria section it is important to distinguish between the “Need to Have” features and “Nice to have” features. Be as specific as possible. For example, include architectural style, number of bedrooms and baths, location, lot size, and other special requirements and consider ranking your preferences.

The Seattle Times recently listed a few more things to consider in your search for a new home:

Neighborhood: Location, of course, is essential. For resale value, the worst house in the best neighborhood is far better than the best house in the worst neighborhood. Also, parents are willing to pay a steep premium — often including higher local taxes — for a house in a school system that has an excellent reputation and an outstanding record of college placement.

Style and landscape: Does the home appear to be a place you would like to return to after a long day at work? It should be a welcoming sight and a place to seek rejuvenation.

Floor plan: The layout of the home will affect the way people interact in it. For example, if you enjoy entertaining, an open plan or contemporary home may be best for you. If privacy is what you seek, a more traditional home design is probably what you want.

Appealing details: Custom-made items that will be left behind when the owners move make a home more valuable. For example, built-in window treatments or special appliances add great value. Also architectural elements such as handcrafted wood moldings, tall ceilings and large windows with breathtaking views are in high demand.

Basic improvements: An updated kitchen, extra bathroom or other basic improvements usually appeal to buyers. But not everyone wants to buy a home with extras that need costly upkeep, such as a pool or spa.

Other factors: A home in an economically growing area with new jobs is likely to increase in value — particularly if those jobs are in thriving industries such as health care and technology. A home in an economically depressed area tends to decrease in value — particularly if its jobs tend to be in declining lines of work such as manufacturing.

And, of course , if you have any questions or are looking for some help in the Seattle area, I would be happy to help!

About the Author: Anna Luther

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I love to match home buyers with agents that can meet their needs. Check out our agent recommendation page for more information on how I may be able to help you out.