Buyer BLUEPRINT

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BUYING A HOME

You begin with a vision, we facilitate the dream.

Buying a home can often be seen as both complex and intimidating, with confusing jargon and a multitude of intricate stages that might seem overwhelming even to the most seasoned of buyers.

Nevertheless, the longing to settle into a home and transform it into your personal haven is an immensely powerful motivator.

You deserve a transparent and effective process. By simplifying the home buying journey into easily digestible steps, we can ensure that your home buying experience will be marked by smooth transitions, minimal stress, and an experience you can genuinely enjoy!

The key to success is to partner with the right professional for the job.

Step 1

Intake

In our initial meeting, whether it's face-to-face or conducted virtually, we will dedicate the time to get toknow you and what your ideal home looks like. If you find it challenging to visualize, don’t worry – our approach will include a comprehensive brainstorming session where we will dive deep into your wants, needs, must-haves, and non-negotiables. Armed with a crystal-clear picture of your ideal home may look like, we will craft a personalized action plan to guide you on the path to achieving your goals.

Step 2

Financing

Reviewing your loan options and securing a loan prior to touring homes is critical. This not only helps define your search criteria, but it also sends a strong signal to sellers that you're committed and well-prepared to embark on your home-buying journey. If you're still in the process of finding a lender, we’d be delighted to connect you with a group of trusted lenders we have a strong working relationship with. In any case, we recommend selecting a local mortgage lender who comes highly recommended by someone you trust. Having an experienced financial advocate by your side ensures a smooth and worry-free transaction every step of the way.

Step 3

Education day

Now, the fun begins! Utilizing the insights we gathered during our Intake session, we’ll curate a thoughtfully crafted list of homes for us to tour together. This list will encompass properties that could be strong contenders, some potential options, and even a few that might not have crossed your mind before. Throughout our 2-4 hour tour, we’ll be asking plenty of questions to gain insights into your preferences, so don’t hesitate to be open and honest – we genuinely want to understand what captivates you and what doesn't. By the end of our tour, we'll have a clearer vision of what constitutes your perfect home.

real estate agent showin a mid century home

Step 4

The offer

Once we've found "the one," we'll work closely together to craft a compelling offer. To kick things off, we’ll furnish you with a comprehensive market analysis of the property, helping us arrive at a fair and well-informed offer price. Following that, we'll take you through the contract, meticulously discussing the different contingencies available to you. Our primary objectives during the offer writing process are to ensure you have a thorough grasp of the contract language and your responsibilities as a buyer, strategize for the most favorable price and terms, and put in place safeguards to protect your earnest money.

Step 5

Mutual acceptance

Our ultimate goal is to achieve mutual acceptance, the point at which all terms are not only agreed upon but also formally documented. After submitting your offer, we'll handle negotiations and strive to secure an agreement that satisfies both parties. Upon reaching this mutual acceptance milestone, we'll furnish you with a detailed Buyer Transaction Summary. This summary will map out our closing timeline as well as tasks and deadlines that must be completed before each contingency expiration.

illustration-of-agent-working-with-client

Step 6

Inspection

To carry out the home inspection, you'll enlist the services of a skilled home inspector who will meticulously assess the property, uncovering any potential concerns. The resulting report will categorize findings into different levels of importance, spanning from items requiring immediate attention to those necessitating ongoing monitoring. Armed with this valuable information, we can explore the possibility of revisiting the seller to discuss funding for essential repairs or, in some cases, consider bringing in specialists to dive deeper into specific issues that warrant further investigation. This step ensures that you make informed decisions and feel confident in the condition of your future home.

The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.

- MAYA ANGELOU

Step 7

Escrow

An escrow officer serves as a neutral third-party with a pivotal role in overseeing your transaction. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that all parties involved adhere to their financial commitments as specified in the contract. They also play a central role in receiving and disbursing funds, as well as handling the essential documents required to transfer ownership of your new home.Once your loan documents are sent to escrow, you can anticipate a meeting with the escrow officer a few days before the closing date to complete the necessary signings. Then, on the actual day of closing, we will receive confirmation that the ownership documents, notably the deed, have been officially recorded. This significant milestone marks the moment when we can joyfully hand over the keys to your new home, completing the exciting journey to home ownership.

Step 8

Moving day

When the day you've been waiting for finally arrives, we’re here to assist you in orchestrating a successful transition. Typically, you can begin moving into your new home the day after closing. Whether you're considering some updates before settling in or simply need a reliable mover recommendation, we are well-equipped with valuable resources to support you throughout the entire process. Your seamless move and the enjoyment of your new home are our top priorities.

Couple-Eating-Noodles-in-a-packed-house

BONUS STEP:

Resource for life

It's important to know that our journey together doesn't conclude when you receive the keys to your new home. As dedicated real estate professionals, we recognize that home ownership is a continuous endeavor. That's why we place great importance on remaining well-informed about all aspects of home ownership. Within our network we maintain a handpicked roster of talented professionals who are readily accessible to support you.

The Buyer 10 Commandments

During the home purchase process, your lender will be closely monitoring for any red flags that could pose a concern when approving your loan. To ensure a successful transaction, it's crucial to maintain conservative financial behavior until the day after closing. Engaging in any of the activities listed below could put your home purchase and loan approval in jeopardy. Therefore, it's important to avoid taking on new debt, opening or closing credit accounts, making large purchases, or transferring large sums of money without consulting with your lender first.

Thou Shall Not...

  • Change jobs, become self-employed or quit yourjob.

  • Buy a car, truck, van or boat.

  • Spend money you have set aside for closing.

  • Omit debts orliabilities from yourloan application.

  • Use credit cards excessively orlet current accounts fall behind.

  • Buy furniture on credit.

  • Originate any inquiries into your credit.

  • Change bank accounts.

  • Co-sign a loan for anyone.

  • Make large deposits without checking with yourloan officer.

UNDERSTANDING

The cost of purchasing a home

As you navigate the journey of purchasing a new home, you'll come to understand that the expenses involved extend beyond the down payment and mortgage. In fact, as you approach the closing phase of your purchase, your dedicated escrow officer will provide you with a comprehensive settlement statement for your review. This statement will detail an itemized list of various fees, accompanied by their respective amounts that you'll be responsible for. Rest assured, we will review this statement as well to ensure complete transparency and eliminate any unexpected surprises before the closing date.

EXPENSE: AMOUNT: WHEN TO PAY:
Earnest money Typically 3 - 5% of purchase price 1-3 days after mutual acceptance
Home inspection $500 - $850 On inspection day
Appraisal $800 - $1200 Within 1st week of mutual acceptance
Credit report $30 - $50 Paid at closing
Listing broker compensation 2.5 - 3% of the sales price* Paid at closing
Loan origination (points) Typically 0.50 - 1.5% of loan amount Paid at closing
Down payment Typically 3-20% of purchase price 24 hours prior to closing
Title insurance $1400 - $3000 Paid at closing
Escrow services $1500 - $1800 Paid at closing
Loan processing fee Variable Paid at closing
Underwriting fee Variable Paid at closing
Recording fee $400 - $700 Paid at closing
Courier & notary fees $50 - $250 Paid at closing
Flood certification fee $8 - $10 Paid at closing
Broker compensation** Variable Paid at closing
Property taxes Pro-rated based on closing date Paid at closing
Prepaid interest Pro-rated based on closing date Paid at closing
Homeowner's insurance Pro-rated based on closing date Paid at closing
Propane/oil fuel tank Pro-rated based on closing date Paid at closing

*Rates and fees quoted are estimated and are variable dependent upon purchase price and loan amount.
**Buyer broker compensation is typically paid by the seller at closing. However, if the rate of compensation is less than what is agreed to your Buyer Broker Services Agreement, buyer may be asked to pay the balance of the compensation rate due to the buyer broker at closing.

Mel and Sheila Dennis

We are happy to recommend Theresa Bianchi as a real estate agent. Her qualities of enthusiasm, knowledge, expertise and skill helped us prepare our house for sale successfully. She instilled confidence in us to make some changes and to show the house at its best.

A & A Wilkerson

My husband and I have worked with Therese on three separate occasions selling two homes then buying our dream home. Therese had a great feel for local market trends and communicated to us fast and effectively. Her hard work has allowed us to easily understand and accomplish our real estate goals. Therese really enjoys helping people and her sense of integrity, culture and family is at the highest level. We will definitely recommend Therese and her team to anyone who may need their first-class assistance with buying or selling a home!

Hilda Memisha

We were very lucky to have found Therese Bianchi. She helped us on planning, keeping track and advising as we were getting ready to sell our house. She was side by side with us and it helped us a lot in facilitating the sale process. Therese is a great negotiator, and she is truly enjoys her
profession which she is really good at. She pulled out statistics to help us determine the price and be realistic on the return of the sale. She also had a wonderful crew who photographed and staged our home to perfection and was there to help and sell our home. We rated her five stars, but she needs triple that!

Nancy Doyle

I highly recommend Therese Bianchi for any of your real estate needs. She knows the business well, and she works so hard for you. If you need her help she’ll help you move, she’ll help you get boxes, she will help you in the simplest matters and in the most complicated where it really counts. I was apprehensive not using an attorney but I had no worries for any legal problems or complications because Therese knows her job. When we were selling our home she had so many open houses as we were selling it it kind of an odd time of year. I was worried that nobody would come look but she made it happen and she sold it and took such good care of myself and my husband. You will not regret hiring Therese she is organized and kind and professional.

Per Junkerman

Theresa Bianchi is the go to if you’re thinking of buying or selling a house in the South Sound. She is attentive, detail-oriented, honest, timely and will outwork the competition. Her familiarity with the local market and current trends, paired with her ability to read the situation and negotiate on your behalf puts her clients in the best hands possible in a highly competitive market. Go with Team Bianchi. You won’t be disappointed.

Paul Veldhuis

Therese helped me through the sale of my first home. Her ideas, experience, professionalism and undivided attention got my house sold in 5 days at a higher price than I was expecting at a time when the market had already turned. My entire experience with Therese was flawless. She graciously worked around my timelines and expectations. I would recommend Therese Bianchi to anyone and everyone who wants a seamless and professional experience buying or selling a home.

JC

Therese was a class act from start to finish. Not only did she have amazing insights into the local market but she also provided staging which was a huge win for the sale of the home. I can't say enough about how she went above and beyond to make the deal happen and I wouldn't even think about hiring someone else.

Melvin Wells

I grew up with Therese, so she was the one and only person I thought of when I needed to sell my mother’s home. In an extremely stressful situation, Therese guided me every step of the way. I can honestly say I don’t know how I could have gotten through this without her. In the end, with her experience and expertise, I was able to quickly sell my mother’s home, at a price that will allow me to care for her for many, many years. I cannot thank her enough!

Roberto Ros

Therese Bianchi is a unique Realtor! To ensure the best and fastest sale of our house she has gone above and beyond the scope of her work. We have to say that Therese is in a different league. She is competent, energetic, forthcoming, with a clear, down to the point mind. Therese knows her job inside out and does it with great enthusiasm. Three words may define her the best: Energy, Competence and Wheels-spinning (from minute one).

Thank you, Therese!

Mullen

I had the good fortune to work with Therese as both a buyer and a seller. She is committed to her clients and doesn't rest! Therese's knowledge of the market and attention to detail is exceptional. Her expertise and tireless energy led to 2 smooth transactions in a few short weeks. Therese was
incredibly patient with me, always available for questions and went above and beyond. You will be  very pleased you chose to work with Therese!

Dave

We had already decided on a different realtor when we interviewed Therese, really just as due-diligence. it was going to take something really outstanding to unseat the incumbent who we had bought the house from years ago. Therese showed up with an enthusiasm about our house and within a day she produced a detailed portfolio which suggested a selling price that was way above what the other realtor had suggested. we selected Therese based on her fire and the WAM (Walk Away Money) that she suggested we would get over and above what we had expected. She guided us through the preparation to sell, did an awesome job of staging the house to attract a specific market niche and with just more that 2 weeks on the market sold our house for the asking price. Selecting Therese netted us an extra $60,000, WAM!! This is no BS, I would recommend Therese to anyone. Thanks Therese! WAM!

Martin Patricelli

Therese is a real estate professional! She was defiantly the right choice to represent me. She listened to my needs and then shared her thoughts. Theresa brings a fun attitude to her profession and is ingenuous in all her interactions. Each person who viewed the property were treated like a
family member, not just someone to make a sale to. I wish everyone in her profession shared that courtesy!

From marketing, personal clientele and showings, Theresa kept the lines of communication open and current. Found a buyer, closed the deal.

I have recommended Theresa to several associates and will continue to do so. I am only sorry that I that I did not know or hire her for past real estate transactions, but Theresa Bianchi will be representing me whether buying or selling!

Therese Bianchi

THERESE BIANCHI

Therese Bianchi is a dedicated and passionate Real Estate Broker who strives to achieve exceptional client results. As a native of the Greater Puget Sound region, she has an intimate understanding of the local Real Estate market and is always eager to share her insights with her clients. Her love and enthusiasm for the region are apparent in her work, and she takes great pride in helping her clients find the perfect home in one of the area's many charming communities.

Therese is known for her high energy, tenacity, and determination which she brings to every aspect of her work. Her clients appreciate her dedication and commitment to serving them with true advocacy and a compassionate, impactful approach. With her background as a personal trainer, she is always up for an adventure or a challenge, and she brings that same level of enthusiasm to every real estate transaction.

Contact Therese Bianchi today if you're looking for a real estate broker who will go above and beyond to help you achieve your personal real estate goals. With her insightful perspective, impeccable service, and warm, authentic attributes, she will surely provide you with a truly impressive real estate experience.

Ready to find out more?

Let's make your dream home a reality!