March 11, 2019

How to Buy a Home In Seattle

You Want to Buy a Home In Seattle? Or are you just home BUYING curious? Regardless, we are ready to help you buy a home in Seattle now or in a couple of years when you are ready. Buckle up, because this will be a long read. One of the components we discuss with our Seattle Home buyers is that we want you to know how to buy a house in Seattle and be as educated in the process as a top producing real estate professional. It is not easy, but with a good education, you will win at this process where others falter. For some inspiration, check out Roy’s journey from renter to homeowner. It will give you the feels. I promise! Steps For Buying a Home in Seattle Find Your Guide: Find an agent that is super savvy and will be your ultimate navigator. Choose Your Priorities: Size,… Read More »

March 11, 2019

The Joy of Home Inspection: Learning to Look at Houses Like a Pro

Most homeowners don’t really know much about the systems and structures that compose their house. Their loss is the gain of professional plumbers, electricians, painters, etc. You don’t need to be a master of all these trades, but knowing some basic information about the house can save you hassle and money. One of the best ways to learn about houses—and your potential new home in particular—is the home inspection process. We love houses, and getting to know all their quirks. Above all, we love helping our clients make informed decisions. We see how knowledge from the home inspection helps first-time buyers really think like responsible homeowners. Knowing what can be done right and what can go wrong helps our savvy clientele plan for their future, whether they end up buying that particular house or not. Don’t Fear the Home Inspection Most real estate pros have genuine home inspection horror stories from their… Read More »

March 7, 2019

Buying a Condo In Seattle: Key Quick Points to Keep in Mind

Buying a Condo in Seattle is drastically different for those who are used to living in more dense cities like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco. There are a lot of good reasons to buy a condo versus a traditional home or a townhouse. It is a more affordable entrance to many of Seattle’s urban villages and it provides a shared responsibility for caring for a building. Is it time to downsize and not worry about keeping up a house? Condos are a lot less maintenance for individual owners and may relieve some stress. Also, why pay for all that space you’re not using in that giant house? Below Are Four Key Points for Buying a Condo in Seattle You Should Keep In Mind << insert photo>> Let’s dive in and make sure have the information you need to make a smart move while buying a condo in Seattle. Step 1: Identify… Read More »

March 4, 2019

What’s The Difference Between Being Pre-Approved vs Pre-Qualified For A Home Loan

What is the Difference Between Being Pre-Qualified Versus Pre-Approved for a Home Loan Being “Pre-Qualified for a Home Loan” is a foot in the door of getting a loan for a home. It does not mean you are actually approved for a loan. Recently we had a client who came to us saying they were pre-qualified and provided us with a letter showing they were ready to buy a home. Unfortunately, this lender mislead their client’s home buying dreams and they were months if not years from being able to actually become a Diva Dwellers. What Does it Mean to Be Pre-Qualified for a Home Loan? A Pre-Qualification is a lesser type of pre-approval letter. It can really mean a lot of things and the uncertainty makes sellers nervous. Mostly it means the buyer has made application for a loan and submitted documentation that has not been verified by the lender. Some… Read More »

March 4, 2019

Buying New Construction in Seattle

Buying new construction in Seattle is home option that many in the city prefer to take. There is nothing like buying something brand spanking new and that goes for homes too. Specifically, if you really love that modern new construction home look. That new house smell that comes with new construction is magical. Fresh paint, brand new appliances, and fancy finishes that just make your heart happy. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of something shiny and new. Before you decide to go the new construction route here are a few things you should understand about the process. First, Get Your Own Agent – Do Not Use the Listing Broker or Their Team Making the Match: Finding An Awesome Real Estate Agent in Seattle Just like regular homeowners, builders on new construction often team up with a specific broker to list and market their properties. While… Read More »

March 4, 2019

Seattle Home Buying: Winning a Multiple Offer in a Hot Market

Seattle’s has been in a steady state of multiple offers since 2012. Thankfully, there are rumors of an increase in inventory, and we would not be surprised if the market starts to level off by this winter. Regardless, the city of Seattle is prime for multiple offers in prime transit and “walkable” neighborhoods. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to win a multiple offer in Seattle for your home in the perfect location and condition (if you sacrificed size). Guide to Winning a Multiple Offer in Seattle Let’s get to work and get you prepped for winning a multiple offer in Seattle. Follow the guide below and figure out what are your top priorities, what your financing will safely allow, and how to manage the intensity of a multiple offer. You’ve got this. Team Diva is at your back. We are not going to let you fail. And we will be… Read More »

March 4, 2019

Getting Your Mortgage Financing in Order for a Home Purchase

If you’re like me, you don’t like to deal with money, and talking about personal finances with a total stranger is the last thing I want to do. And does it get any more personal than when you are buying a home? The good news is that getting your self prepped for getting a mortgage is not that bad. Mortgage financing for a home purchase really does not have to be an uncomfortable experience. The best thing you can do is be prepared and upfront, and you will be amazed how messed up you really aren’t. What Is the Basic Information A Lender Needs for Mortgage Financing? First off go ahead and read through some of the following blogs to get yourself orientated to what the mortgage financing and lending process looks like when buying a home in Seattle. Getting Approved For a Mortgage What Are Closing Costs Competing Against Cash Offers Difference… Read More »

March 4, 2019

Seattle Home Buying: How to Review the Seller Disclosure Statement

Buying a Home in Seattle can be incredibly rewarding when you are fully aware of your responsibilities and how to address issues as they arrive. Many Seattle home buyers assume it is the seller’s responsibility to tell the buyer everything they know about the house. Many buyers take the details in the Seller Disclosure Form as exact information. Unfortunately, the majority of sellers really do not understand how the form works, nor how to fill it out correctly. Most also don’t know the details of what is going on in their home. A Seattle home buyer needs to do the hard work and DO THEIR OWN INVESTIGATIONS OF THE HOME. The Seller Disclosure Form is merely a guide. It is not the gospel truth when you need to make a decision when buying a home in Seattle.  Timelines to Review the Seller Disclosure Statement Generally, the seller has five business days… Read More »

February 25, 2019

Rent Versus Buy – Roy’s Story of Moving From Renter to Home Owner

Rent Versus Buy? Here are the 10 most convincing reasons for buying a home in Seattle is better than renting an apartment. A Little History About Me As a Renter Making the decision to rent versus buy a home typically landed on the rent side for many years. I was a long time renter on Capitol Hill and some other neighborhoods in Seattle (shout out to Magnolia, First Hill, Wedgwood, Queen Anne, and Tukwila before buying my first home in 2017. I have spent a lot of my Seattle life as a renter on Capitol Hill, both with roommates for a long time and then alone. Paying monthly rent was a huge expense but it was worth it because I wanted to live alone and I didn’t want any major responsibility. I made sacrifices to get price AND location, but I had to give up the size in a big way.… Read More »

February 25, 2019

Team Diva’s Guide to Relocating to Seattle

So you are relocating to Seattle… Please tell me that you have been warned about our “Seattle Freeze.” We are notorious for not being an outgoing city, and we will be frank: Finding your crew takes time and work. You’ll need to get over yourself and talk to strangers. Some of Team Diva’s closest friends were folks we met by striking up a weird conversation or two at a coffee shop, a show, in a class, etc. Below are some things to keep in mind if you are relocating to Seattle.   Basic Questions to Ask Yourself Before Relocating to Seattle Relocating to Seattle can bring some sticker shock if you are coming from a less expensive city. Alternatively, it can feel like a relief you are coming from San Francisco. Beyond the home prices, there are some key items to keep in mind when trying to figure out where to… Read More »