Information for buyers
I might want to buy but I’m not sure where to begin…
Typically, I start with a quick phone call to introduce myself and listen to your goals and questions. Following that conversation, it’s best to schedule a time to either meet in person or have a video call. These discussions come at no charge and are simply meant to educate you on the process of buying in WA state in the current market. That way, you can take time to think about whether or not homeownership and what it takes to get there is for you or not. Sometimes people choose to continue renting and that’s fine as well, but I do my best to help you understand what each step would look like, then give you space and time to think things through.
I match your speed and timing. If you disappear and hold-off, that’s fine. If you’re ready to go tomorrow, that’s fine too. It’s as simple as that.
I can also provide recommendations for lenders (or others needed) that can assist with helping you find out what you’d be approved for as a purchase price range, what your rate in today’s market would be, etc.. There shouldn’t be any costs or obligations tied to this either and we go over lender information in more detail during our video call (or meeting in person).
How long are the discussions?
First phone calls are usually pretty fast. I’d say 10 - 20 minutes is a good ballpark but it depends on your questions and what you’d like to discuss.
For the deep dive into the buying process, that entails much more information for you. The appointment window for these isn’t short, and the 1:1 educational presentation typically takes 1.5 - 2 hours. I do these at no cost and regardless of whether you decide to buy or not. I’ve noticed in the industry that sometimes buyers are left in the dark, or the process is scarier than it needs to be, so I do these “deep dives” to help prevent that, whether we end up working together or not. Buyers can buy and close, but doing so while knowing what you should have known is different. I’d do most of the talking, so don’t worry about what to bring or say. I share my computer screens and walk you through the process from start to finish, explaining some inforgraphics, excel sheets, offer examples, and real-life scenarios I’ve run into.
Some of what we’d cover is: lenders/loan officers, a home search, how agents are paid, typical time frames for parts of the process, competition and risk within the current market, how agents might differ from one another, they keys steps in detail (inspection, appraisal, writing offers, etc.), and much more. I’ve continued to add tips, warnings and more content over the years, so it’ll provide a lot for you to note and weigh out. No decisions or answers are expected from you by the end of the call.
** If any of this sounds helpful, feel free to call, text, or email me to set up a time to chat. **
Email: NathanPorter@PikeAndPacific.com
Direct: 253-777-2431