Buying
With The Runestrand Team
Throughout the home buying process, we provide a high level of service and pride ourselves on hard work, honesty, and effective communication.
As Bellingham natives, we are extremely knowledgeable about Whatcom County and are here to guide you every step of the way.
Home Buying Steps:
-
Before diving into the home buying process, it's crucial to evaluate your finances. Determine how much you can afford for a down payment, monthly mortgage payments, closing costs, and other expenses associated with homeownership. We can recommend various reputable local lenders.
-
A pre-approval letter from a mortgage lender will give you an idea of how much you can borrow. This step helps you understand your budget and shows sellers that you're a serious buyer.
-
We will begin to search for properties that meet your criteria, such as location, size, features, and budget. We schedule viewings and explore neighborhoods to find the right home for you.
-
Once you find a home you're interested in, we will help you draft and submit an offer to the seller. Your offer will include the purchase price, contingencies (such as home inspection, financing, and appraisal), and other terms that we will walk you through.
-
The seller may accept your offer, reject it, or counter with their own terms. Negotiations may involve adjusting the purchase price, contingencies, or closing timeline until both the seller and buyer reach an agreement.
-
After the seller accepts your offer, schedule a home inspection. A professional inspector will assess the condition of the property and identify any potential issues or repairs needed.
-
Finalize your mortgage application with your lender. Provide any additional documentation required and work closely with your lender to ensure a smooth financing process
-
Your lender will order an appraisal to determine the fair market value of the property. The appraisal protects both you and the lender by ensuring the home is worth the agreed-upon purchase price.
-
Once all contingencies are satisfied, and financing is secured, you'll move forward to closing. During this stage, you'll review and sign various documents, including the mortgage, deed, and closing disclosures. You'll also pay closing costs, which may include fees for loan processing, title insurance, and property taxes.
-
Conduct a final walk-through of the property to ensure it's in the agreed-upon condition and any negotiated repairs have been completed.
-
On the closing day, the ownership of the property officially transfers from the seller to you. You'll receive the keys to your new home, and the transaction will be recorded. Congratulations! You’re now a homeowner! Coordinate with movers, transfer utilities, and settle into your new home.
“I reached out to the Runestrand Team and several other Bellingham, WA realtors and asked if they could help me find a rental, as I'm relocating from Portland. Tessa was the ONLY one who positively and helpfully responded - the rest gave curt and unhelpful responses.
Tessa provided me with several links to prospective homes. She helpfully recommended a mover, which I appreciate greatly.
Whether or not the contact will result in business, everyone should take note of Tessa's helpfulness and remember how lonely it can be to move somewhere new - where you know no one. It doesn't take much to make someone feel welcome. Tessa knows how, I suggest others follow her! THANK YOU, Tessa!”
— Eva S.