Seattle real estate has been interesting this year -
Great prices for buyers, lower interest rates, and lots to choose from, but unfortunately this has been couple with uncertainties in both buyers and sellers as well as tighter lending requirements and absolutely ridiculous appraisal guidelines and rules.
How can you even begin to find the confidence to buy? When you do realize that your situation allows for home buying now, then you need to find someone to help guide you through the process.
- Find a Realtor that you truly enjoy working with. They should keep you informed even when there is nothing to tell. Life is way too short to work with someone you do not trust or like.
- Know what your guidelines are! Wife wants X features, but husband only thinks they can afford Y features in a home. Buyers remorse is a big issue if you don't make this decision up front.
- Get help locating a property in Seattle within your guidelines. This is very important!
- Realtor structuring a strong offer on your behalf and going through the paperwork with you
- Negotiations are always with with your best interests at heart, but you have to be honest and let us know what you want.
- Realtor - helping to schedule inspections, appraisal, escrow appointments, etc.
- Also providing you with an overall picture of the sales process
- Make sure to get them: Referrals, referrals, referrals! - Inspector, insurance contacts, utility contacts, favorite restaurants or vets and doctors in the area, etc...
- Look at the resale!!! Seattle buyers should always look at their exit strategy- this is an investment as well as a home! How well will this house or condo sell in the future?

Finding your way...
I like to make up a binder with lots of information for my first time home buyers in Seattle - I want to give them something that might help along the way or clear up any confusions. I also like to look over the Good Faith Estimates from the lender to make sure all charges seem to be in line and have them ask questions if I see anything out of the ordinary.
Do you need info on being a first time home buyer in Seattle? Need a free home buying guide? Want info on the $8000 tax credit? courtney@cooperjacobs.com Cooper Jacobs Real Estate, Seattle real estate, @CourtneyCooper
Picture credit: Morgan Cooper Photography morgan.cooper@comcast.net