Buyer's Guide

Step 1: Research

Do you already know where you want to buy? If you want a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Which features do you like and dislike? What’s available on the market now? If you answered no to any of these questions, now is the time to start researching. In addition to looking for homes that interest you, also take note of any changes in asking prices. This could give you valuable insight into housing trends in specific neighborhoods and help you when the time comes to make an offer.

Step 2: Decide on Your Budget

Notice I said to decide on your budget—not determine how much the mortgage company will give you. In many cases, a mortgage company will pre-approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending, which is why you need to determine the monthly payment you feel comfortable with before talking to a lender. This likely includes doing a full household budget and taking into consideration what changes other than a mortgage payment will occur once you move into your new home. If you’ve lived in an apartment or with roommates, you may overlook new expenses like garbage, water, or HOA fees that could easily blow your budget.

Step 3: Get Prequalified

Just because you think you can afford a certain payment every month doesn’t mean the mortgage company will agree. Just as they may approve you for too large of an amount, they may also approve you for a lesser amount or deny you a mortgage altogether. Lack of time at a job, insufficient credit, past bankruptcies, or other financial issues can cause major problems when trying to secure a mortgage. Before you get your heart set on a home, talk to a mortgage professional to find out what amount you can qualify for. This will also be an advantage when you make an offer on a home, as some sellers won’t entertain offers from those who aren’t already prequalified for a loan.

Step 4: Choose a Real Estate Agent

Can you shop for, look at, and ultimately make an offer on a home without a real estate agent? Technically yes, but why would you when it costs you nothing for an agent like me to take much of the stress off your shoulders? Not only will I help identify properties you might be interested in, arrange showings, and ultimately handle the offer process, but I also have a knowledge of the market that you don’t possess. Finding the perfect home can be a daunting task, this is where my expertise and wealth of knowledge come into play. Let me show you around some homes that meet your dream home criteria so you can find the one that's right for you.

Step 5: Find the Right Home

This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in!). I will arrange showings of homes you’re interested in that are within your price range. Take notes about what you like and don’t like, and make sure to pay attention to details. Turn light switches on and off, open and close doors, and run the faucets in various rooms. Don’t limit your inspection to the home itself. Make sure to take time to explore the neighborhood and keep an eye on traffic at certain times of the day, the parking situation, and how close it is to necessities like schools and grocery stores.

Step 6: Make an Offer

Once you have selected the perfect home, work with your agent to craft a fair offer based on the value of comparable homes on the market. Depending on what the home is listed at and whether the current environment is a buyer’s or seller’s market, your offer may be below, at, or even above the asking price. I will be able to help you negotiate if you receive a counteroffer and reach an agreement. At this point, the house will go into escrow.

Step 7: Have the Home Inspected

In most cases, your offer will be contingent on having the home inspected to ensure there is no major structural damage or large repairs needed. I can help you arrange this, and you can schedule it within days of making an offer. If there are no major issues, the process goes to step eight. If there is, you can renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed, or you can withdraw it.

Step 8: Select Your Loan

Now is the time to go back to the mortgage lender who pre-approved or pre-qualified you and choose your mortgage. You will be presented with various options based on your unique financial situation, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, 15-year, 30-year, or special programs such as VA loans or FHA loans. Work with your mortgage lender to select the option you feel the most comfortable with.

Step 9: Get a Home Appraisal

Your lender will have your new home appraised so they have their independent value of it. The appraisal is to ensure that all parties involved are paying a fair price for the house.

Step 10: Finish Paperwork

No one looks forward to all the paperwork involved in buying a home, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, everything will be arranged by your lender and title company and, when you’re finished, you’ll know you are the legal owner of your new home.

Testimonials

Johnny & Karie

Laura was wonderful to work with and helped us every step of the way. She answered all of our questions no matter how big or small. Thank you for making our experience so enjoyable.

Chuck & Brenda

Outstanding experience working with Laura from the beginning to the completion of the sale of our home! She answered all questions thoroughly whenever asked. Pleasure to work with!

Lynn & Dan A.

As a Realtor® myself and having worked with Laura several times over the years, my husband and I were excited to work with her on the construction of our new home. And of course, once again she did not disappoint. Laura was ava...

Ran & Barb

You listened to us and helped negotiate transactions. You were awesome! You helped us purchase our last home in West Richland almost 7 years ago and then helped us purchase and sell again now. Everything went smoothly with both...

John Huber

Responsiveness, connections to 3rd parties, keeping me informed while I was out of state. Can't think of anything. This was the sale of Katie CT where the septic tank didn't pass inspection and we had to work with Cartus. We bo...

Linda

Trustworthy, knowledgeable, communicable and a go after. My family has entrusted in Laura's expertise on Real Estate for several of our home need's (both as a seller and buyer). She never disappoints and carries herself profess...

Jan F.

She loves you. She has thanked me many times for finding you. I am so happy it went well. I will keep you on my phone for that side. I appreciate you making me look good. Have a great day!

Todd & Abby

Professional. knowledgeable, thorough. Laura was a pleasure to work with. We had full confidence in her and were at ease knowing she was there to guide us through the entire buying process.

Tammie W.

Alderbrook built a beautiful home for Jose and Gabe! And what a view. Looking forward to the next one with you and your team. I can not thank you and the Alderbrook Team enough.

Elkis E.

Since day one, you made me feel very comfortable and you were always there to answer any questions. I knew I just needed to call, and you will be there for me! Thank you, Laura.

Gary & Tina R.

We are so glad we went with you as our Realtor®, you don't realize how many incompetent people are working in this field until you work with a pro like you. Thank you again.

Gary & Betty

Hard work, experience, knowledge of the market and the laws. We have worked with several Realtors® in the past and Laura is one of the best in the business.

Sandy & Lynn

Positive, Upbeat, Honest. We listed; Sold in less than (2) days. Can't beat that!

Kim & Ted

Thank you so much for your hard work in helping us sell our home. You sold our home in three weeks! We were surprised, relieved, and thrilled! You are a true professional. We appreciate everything you did to market our home, es...

Richmond

Laura is a data-based real estate agent. She set a fair price for our house and we sold quickly for nearly the asking price. Her follow-up is impressive she updated us after each visit by a prospect from any Realtor®. She was a...

Annette C.

Laura showed us several homes and building lots in the Tri-Cities area. We were trying to decide whether to build or purchase a home already built. We decided to build. Laura put us together with a builder and helped us through...

Mac & Susan

Laura, you are one of a kind. We have worked with so many Realtors® from Orange County, CA, Western WA, Austin, TX, and a few at Central WA but you still top them all. From our experience in selling our house at the Vineyards, ...

Elizabeth H.

Well, this review is a bit late. Laura sold our house in Pasco, WA back in 2013. We found her through the USAA Movers Advantage Program. She was very professional and confident and sold our house quickly. Laura and her assistan...

Rainer A.

We just wanted to thank you again for all you did for us while we sold and built our house. You truly have a gift for what you do and helped us “weather the storms” as we faced various challenges. Our house is beautiful and we ...

Omer S.

Laura is the best ever! Whether it is her knowledge, her assessment of the market, or her approach, she excels at her job. Very considerate, putting you first before her potential earnings. She is simply amazing. I very strongl...

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Her aggressive approach in marketing and dedication to her clients has made her one of the top producing agents in the Tri-Cities. With over 3 decades of experience in real estate, Laura has gained a well-deserved reputation for providing outstanding service and results.

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A Step-by-Step First Time Buyer's Guide