Buying a Home Step 24: Attend a final walk-through

Attending a final walk-through before closing on a home purchase is an important step to ensure that the property is in the same condition as when you agreed to buy it. To make sure that everything goes smoothly, here are some tips and a checklist to follow:

1. Schedule the Walk-Through: Schedule the walk-through a day or two before the closing so that there is enough time to address any issues that you may find. In Washington state, the walkthru can happen as many as 5 days prior to closing.

2. Bring Your Agent: Bring your real estate agent with you to the walk-through, as they can assist you in identifying any issues and communicating with the seller's agent.

3. Check the Condition of the Property: Check the condition of the property to ensure that it is in the same condition as when you agreed to buy it. Look for any damages, such as holes in the walls, leaks, or broken fixtures.

4. Test Appliances and Systems: Test all appliances and systems to ensure that they are in working order, including the heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical, and security systems.

5. Review Repairs: If the seller agreed to make any repairs, review them to ensure that they were completed satisfactorily.

6. Check for Personal Belongings: Check for any personal belongings or debris that was left behind by the seller, and ensure that it is removed before closing.

7. Document Issues: Document any issues that you find during the walk-through, and bring them to the attention of the seller's agent or attorney as soon as possible.

By following these tips and checklist, you can ensure that the property is in the condition you expected and avoid any surprises at closing.

Are you ready to begin the home-buying process? Whether your timeline is 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years, our team is here to help you every step of the way! Get started now by filling out our Ready To Buy Survey, and our team will reach out to schedule a call to discuss how we can support you on this path. 

Terra Wright Knudsen- Bainbridge Island Realtor

Buying a Home Step 23: What does ‘Clear to Close’ mean?

The only words more exciting than ‘Your offer was accepted!’ are ‘Clear to Close!’ But what exactly does that mean?

"Clear to Close" is a term used in the mortgage process that signifies that all conditions for the loan have been met and the lender is ready to finalize the loan. This means that the borrower has provided all necessary documentation, the property has been appraised, and any contingencies have been resolved. Once the lender issues the "clear to close," the borrower can proceed with closing on the property. It is an exciting milestone in the mortgage process, as it means the loan is almost complete and the borrower is one step closer to owning their dream home.

Are you ready to begin the home-buying process? Whether your timeline is 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years, our team is here to help you every step of the way! Get started now by filling out our Ready To Buy Survey, and our team will reach out to schedule a call to discuss how we can support you on this path. 

Terra Wright Knudsen- Bainbridge Island Realtor

Buying a Home Step 22: Get your down payment ready for closing

Getting your funds to escrow for a down payment in Washington state is a crucial step in the home buying process. Escrow is a neutral third party that holds onto the funds until all the terms of the sale are met. Here are some steps to follow to get your funds to escrow:

1. Open an escrow account: Choose an escrow company that is licensed and reputable in Washington state. The escrow company will provide you with an escrow account number that you will use to transfer the funds.

2. Get the wire transfer instructions: Once you have the escrow account number, you will need to get the wire transfer instructions from the escrow company. This will include the bank name, routing number, and account number. Wire instructions will always come directly from escrow, never from your realtor, or any other party involved. Do not accept wire instructions from unknown emails, phone numbers or parties claiming to be involved without proper verification. Check out more information on Wire Fraud Here

3. Transfer the funds: Contact your bank to initiate the wire transfer. Make sure to provide them with the wire transfer instructions and the escrow account number. Also, ensure that you have enough funds in your account to cover the transfer and any associated fees.

4. Confirm the transfer: After the transfer is complete, contact the escrow company to confirm that they have received the funds. They will provide you with a confirmation number for your records.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your funds are safely and securely transferred to escrow for your down payment. This will give you peace of mind and help make the home buying process go smoothly.

Are you ready to begin the home-buying process? Whether your timeline is 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years, our team is here to help you every step of the way! Get started now by filling out our Ready To Buy Survey, and our team will reach out to schedule a call to discuss how we can support you on this path. 

Terra Wright Knudsen- Bainbridge Island Realtor

Buying a Home: Securing your new home once the sale has closed

Congratulations on your new home! Securing your home is a vital step in ensuring the safety and protection of you and your loved ones. Here are some tips to help you secure your new home:

1. Change the locks: The first step is to change all the locks on your doors and windows. This will prevent anyone who may have had access to the keys from entering your home.

2. Install a home security system: Installing a home security system is a great way to deter burglars and alert you and the authorities in case of a break-in.

3. Install outdoor lighting: Outdoor lighting can help deter burglars by making it harder for them to hide in the dark.

4. Secure your windows: Make sure your windows have secure locks and consider adding window bars or security film to make them more difficult to break.

5. Keep your valuables hidden: Keep your valuables out of sight by using curtains or blinds, or by storing them in a safe.

6. Get to know your neighbors: Building a good relationship with your neighbors can help you keep an eye on each other's homes and report any suspicious activity.

7. Make sure your home looks occupied: Burglars are less likely to target a home that looks occupied. Use timers to turn on lights or a radio when you're away from home.

By following these tips, you can help secure your new home and have peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are safe.

Are you ready to begin the home-buying process? Whether your timeline is 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years, our team is here to help you every step of the way! Get started now by filling out our Ready To Buy Survey, and our team will reach out to schedule a call to discuss how we can support you on this path. 

Terra Wright Knudsen- Bainbridge Island Realtor

Buying a Home Step 21: Coordinate utility hookups for the possession date

If you're moving to a new home on Bainbridge Island, in Seattle, or in Washington State, it's important to get your utility services set up as soon as possible. Here are some tips to make the process as smooth as possible:

1. Research Providers: Do some research on the various utility providers in your area. Make a list of the ones that serve your location and compare the prices and services they offer.

2. Contact Providers: Once you've narrowed down your list, contact the providers and ask about their services and pricing plans. You can also ask about any offers or promotions they may have for new customers.

3. Schedule Appointments: After you've chosen your providers, schedule appointments for installation or activation of services. Be sure to confirm the appointment date and time.

4. Know the Requirements: Check with the providers to find out what documents or information you'll need to provide for installation or activation of services. This could include proof of residency, identification, or payment information.

5. Be Prepared: On the day of the appointment, make sure someone is home to let the technicians in and show them where the services need to be installed. Also, have any necessary documents or information ready.

Your Realtors (that's our team!) can help you with this process by making sure you know which providers currently serve the property so that account transfers are as smooth as possible. By following these tips, you can ensure a hassle-free process for hooking up your utility services in your new home in Washington State.

Are you ready to begin the home-buying process? Whether your timeline is 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years, our team is here to help you every step of the way! Get started now by filling out our Ready To Buy Survey, and our team will reach out to schedule a call to discuss how we can support you on this path. 

Terra Wright Knudsen- Bainbridge Island Realtor

Buying a Home Step 20: Hire movers and begin packing!

If you're planning to move, hiring professional movers can make the process much easier. Here are some tips for hiring movers:

1. Do your research: Look up moving companies online and read reviews. Ask for referrals from friends and family.

2. Get multiple estimates: Contact several moving companies to get quotes. Make sure to compare prices and services.

3. Check for licenses and insurance: Make sure the moving company you choose is licensed and insured to protect your belongings.

4. Ask about the moving process: Find out how the moving company will handle your belongings, how long the move will take, and what their policy is for damages.

When it comes to packing your home, here are some tips to make the process organized and streamlined:

1. Start early: Begin packing a few weeks before your move to avoid last-minute stress.

2. Declutter: Get rid of items you no longer need or use to minimize what you need to pack.

3. Label everything: Label boxes with the contents and the room they belong in for easier unpacking.

4. Use packing materials wisely: Use bubble wrap and packing paper to protect fragile items, and use towels and clothing to cushion other items.

When you work with our team, we provide you a full packing (and unpacking) checklist, and recommend movers who can help with your needs. We’re a team, and you’re never alone in this process.

Are you ready to begin the home-buying process? Whether your timeline is 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years, our team is here to help you every step of the way! Get started now by filling out our Ready To Buy Survey, and our team will reach out to schedule a call to discuss how we can support you on this path. 

Terra Wright Knudsen- Bainbridge Island Realtor

Trusted Local Lenders

Having a great lender is paramount when purchasing a new home. Along with your Realtor, they are your teammate, your advocate, and your advisor in making a purchase that is right for you. Here’s a list of our trusted lenders, who’ve cared for our clients in a wonderful way.

Cross Country Mortgage/ BB Santiful

206.349.6962 | BB.Santiful@ccm.com | www.ccm.com/bb-santiful

8129 Lake Ballinger Way Suite 105, Bellevue, WA 98026

Homestreet Bank/ Mechelle Bauser

206.571.9508 | Mechelle.Bauser@homestreet.com

921 Hildebrand Lane, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Seattle Bank / Tom Rees

206.427.9912 | trees@seattlebank.com |www.seattlebank.com

401 Union Street Floor 2900, Seattle, WA 98101

Key Bank/ Todd Patterson

253.677.5555 | Todd_Patterson@keybank.com

127 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44114

Buying a Home Step 18 and 19: The Appraisal Process

The home appraisal process in Washington State involves a licensed appraiser evaluating the property's value based on various factors, such as location, size, condition, and comparable sales in the area. Once the appraisal is completed, the lender uses the value to determine the loan amount.

If the home does not appraise at the purchase price, there are several options available, including:

1. Renegotiate the purchase price with the seller based on the appraisal value.

2. Request a second appraisal from a different appraiser.

3. Pay the difference between the purchase price and the appraised value out of pocket.

4. Cancel the transaction if the above options do not work out.

It's important to remember that the home appraisal process is designed to protect both the buyer and the lender from overpaying for a property. By understanding the process and the options available, buyers can make informed decisions when purchasing a home in Washington State.

Are you ready to begin the home-buying process? Whether your timeline is 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years, our team is here to help you every step of the way! Get started now by filling out our Ready To Buy Survey, and our team will reach out to schedule a call to discuss how we can support you on this path. 

Terra Wright Knudsen- Bainbridge Island Realtor

Buying a Home Step 17: Reading an Inspection Report

If you're purchasing a home, a home inspection report can be an essential tool to help you make an informed decision. Here are some tips to help you read and understand a home inspection report:

1. Start with the summary: Most home inspection reports include a summary that lists the major issues found during the inspection. This can give you a quick overview of any potential problems.

2. Look at the details: Take a closer look at each section of the report, including the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Make note of any issues, and ask the inspector to clarify anything that you don't understand.

3. Prioritize the issues: Not all issues are equally important. Prioritize the issues based on their severity and cost to repair.

4. Consult with a professional: If you're unsure about any of the issues listed in the report, consider consulting with a professional, such as a contractor or engineer, for a second opinion.

5. Negotiate repairs: If the inspection report reveals significant issues, you may be able to negotiate repairs or a lower price with the seller.

Remember, a home inspection report is a valuable tool, but it's not a guarantee that there aren't any issues with the home. Use the report to make an informed decision about the home purchase and consult with professionals as needed.

Are you ready to begin the home-buying process? Whether your timeline is 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years, our team is here to help you every step of the way! Get started now by filling out our Ready To Buy Survey, and our team will reach out to schedule a call to discuss how we can support you on this path. 

Terra Wright Knudsen- Bainbridge Island Realtor

Buying a Home Step 16: Tips for attending a home inspection

Attending a home inspection in Washington State can be a valuable experience for homebuyers. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your inspection:

1. Be on time: Arrive on time or a few minutes early to meet the inspector and ask any initial questions.

2. Be a respectful guest; don’t bring food or drinks into the home.

3. Prepare questions: Make a list of questions beforehand to ensure you get all the information you need.

4. Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as you'll be walking around the property.

5. Bring a notepad: Take notes during the inspection to help you remember important details.

6. Respect the inspector's space: Allow the inspector to do their job and don't interrupt or distract them.

7. Follow along: Accompany the inspector as they move through the property and ask for explanations if needed.

8. Focus on the big picture: Don't get bogged down by minor issues. Focus on major issues that could impact your decision to buy the home.

9. Ask for clarification: If you don't understand something the inspector says, ask for clarification.

10. Follow up: If the inspector recommends further evaluation or repairs, follow up with a qualified professional.

11. Stay positive: Remember that the inspection is an opportunity to learn about the property and make an informed decision. Stay positive and keep an open mind.

    Are you ready to begin the home-buying process? Whether your timeline is 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years, our team is here to help you every step of the way! Get started now by filling out our Ready To Buy Survey, and our team will reach out to schedule a call to discuss how we can support you on this path. 

    Terra Wright Knudsen- Bainbridge Island Realtor