Contemplating purchasing your new home in Snoqualmie Valley?

	Shopping for homes? Click here to see our homes, or contact us today to get you more information on any home in the area.

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase
There are a lot of things you should contemplate before commencing your home search. You'll probably want to make a checklist of must-haves, get an idea of what neighborhoods you want to live in, and begin working on your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment less than or close to 1/3 of your monthly income is a good guideline to adhere to.

Step 2 – Get with a real estate agent
That's where we can help. We would like to schedule a time to meet with you and talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll discuss everything from neighborhoods, schools in the Snoqualmie Valley area, the mortgage industry, to any other economic factors that could affect your buying decision today or in the future.

We can also assist you with getting started on your loan. RiverView Realty, LLC works with some of the best mortgage professionals in Snoqualmie Valley, so you'll be in great hands. They'll assist you in determining which type of loan is best for you and help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin looking for a house
After we meet, we will start finding homes on the market that are good for you. Then we'll set up appointments to tour the homes whenever it's convenient for you.

When we tour the homes, we will call attention to positive features as well as negative ones. We will also ask you to point out what things you like and don't like. It's widely common for buyers to amend their list of must-haves as we tour houses and some items become more important than others. 

Step 4 – Know the market
Our awareness of the Snoqualmie Valley housing market is an indispensable resource in your home search. We are very conscious of all the neighborhoods and school districts. We can quickly let you know if any areas are "hot" and demand immediate action while also covering the ones that are "cool" and allow for more analysis.

As we view homes, we are always quick to tell you when the list price has room for negotiation and when we know the house is "priced to sell."  Just call us at 425-222-5112 or e-mail us at carol@riverviewrealtyllc.com, and we will be more than happy to answer any questions you have. Our market knowledge will help you stay a step above the rest throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find your dream house
We are confident we'll find your dream home. When we do, we will thoroughly create your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored with your needs in mind, including some contingencies. A few examples are obtaining financing, completing the home inspection, and a clear title.

When turning in your offer, most likely you'll need to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to a seller to secure the offer to buy the property, and it's often put towards the cost of closing. If the offer is accepted, we should close on the property about 30 to 60 days after. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
Most deals aren't closed on the first offer. It's pretty common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it intimidate you. We'll consider whether or not to agree to the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and go on.

How aggressively we negotiate the deal depends on the state of the market. We'll also work within your budget. And at the end of the day, we'll create a contract that is best for you.

Step 7 – Get a loan
After we have mutual acceptance on a purchase & sales agreement, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're pre-qualified, this shouldn't take much time at all. However, you'll need to stay in close contact with your lender. And we will take care of all the property information your mortgage lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your mortgage lender will send you a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of closing costs within three days of receiving your loan application. The estimate is formed from the loan amount. RESPA requirements order that it has to include all closing costs and fall within a strict range of accuracy.

Then we'll close on your home. This should happen at a title company or escrow office and will probably be a smooth and stress-free event.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, make sure you call us at 425-222-5112 or send us an e-mail.