Buyer Resources
Buying a house is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience — With me as your Realtor, I will be there to guide you with proactive communication and a game plan.
From finding a property that meets your needs to negotiating a great deal, I will handle all the paperwork and be there for you every step of the way.
I look forward to helping you make your dream of home ownership come true!
The Buying Process
Buying a home follows a process. During my complimentary no-commitment consultation (in-person, over the phone or online) we will go in-depth into the steps of the process to make sure you feel prepared and informed. Take a look through the brief explanations of each step and reach out to schedule your consultation.
Team up with me and let’s find your dream home together!
The Steps
-
Choosing your Realtor is an important first step. When you meet with me you will gain access to my expert market knowledge and feel more at ease during the buying process as we get to know each other.
It is important to be calibrated to the market trends, to set realistic expectations, and define your goals. We will do this TOGETHER and with that we will find success.
Get to Know Me | Call to Schedule Complimentary Consultation -
Picking a lender is the next important step to the home buying process. Your lender will intimately get to know you and your financials. They’ll explain the loan process in detail and make sure you are comfortable with the payment options you discuss.
They will give you a formal pre-approval letter that will allow you to shop and make an offer. If you plan to pay in cash, we will discuss your source of cash and proof of funds.
-
Everyone wants something a little different in their home. The way we approach finding your home is more than plugging your search into the MLS and waiting.
During your consultation I will share my process and will help you pair down your search criteria only enough so that we don’t miss any potential matches. I will share with you all of the various avenues I take to find your dream home.
-
As we discover homes that fit your criteria I will make appointments for us to tour together. This exercise ensures you are ready when you find “The One.”
-
You’ve found “The One” and are ready to submit an offer. Here is where your choice of Realtor really becomes important. Our pre-offer due diligence is an imperative piece to writing the offer itself.
I will explain the entire purchase and sale contract making sure you know all of your options and how those choices play into your chances of a successful offer and subsequent purchase.
-
An offer may or may not contain contingencies that need to be satisfied. Most often there are final pieces to work through, verify, and satisfy. I make sure you know what these are, how they affect you, and how you’ll stay protected.
-
It’s signing time! Your lender will provide your Closing Disclosure and I review your Estimated Settlement Statement prior to your signing appointment at escrow. Your signing is typically a few days BEFORE closing.
-
TODAY IS THE DAY!!! As soon as the deed is recorded at the courthouse you are OFFICIALLY A HOMEOWNER!!!
I arrange delivery of the keys and ensure you have everything you need to move into your new home!
Let’s Get Started with a Chat!
Lender Recommendations
Heidi Kenerson
People's Bank
Senior Mortgage Loan Officer
NMLS# 422228
Bellingham, WA
Heidi.Kenerson@peoplesbank-wa.com
360-201-2958
Laura Rench
Key Bank
Private Bank Loan Officer & Doctor Loan Specialist
NMLS #: 518855
Seattle, WA 98103
206.880.8332
Lena Shammel
Evergreen Home Loans
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS# 1236038
Bellingham, WA
lshammel@evergreenhomeloans.com
360-920-4339
Anne-g Litwak
THE DUVALL GROUP
Mortgage Loan Officer/Originator
NMLS# 239041
Duvall, WA
206.295.2404
Bellingham Visitor Tips
Places to Stay
Places to Eat
Places to See
Boulevard Park | Fairhaven to Downtown
Bloedel Donovan Park | Swim + Boat Launch
City + County Resources
01
Whatcom County Resources
Whatcom County Tax Parcel Viewer
Whatcom County Assessor – Property Search
Whatcom County Online OSS/Water Source Records
Dept of Ecology – Water Source Records
Whatcom County – Property Document Search
Planning & Development Services
360-778-5900
pds@whatcomcounty.us
Planning & Development Services
Building Services & Permitting
360-778-5900
pds@whatcomcounty.us
School Districts
02
Bellingham, WA Resources
Neighborhoods
School District
HOA Information
Sudden Valley Community Association
03
Ferndale Resources
School District
HOA Information
Helpful Definitions
-
Unbiased assessment of the property’s market value, for the purpose of obtaining a loan, and performed by a licensed appraiser.
-
Fees associated with your home purchase such as loan fees, appraisal fees, title insurance and escrow fees that are paid at closing.
-
The date the property is legally transferred from seller to buyer. (usually different from the signing date)
-
Typically an offering from seller to buyer in the form of a monetary credit.
-
Certain criteria that have to be met in order to finalize the sale. Examples include securing financing with a lender, home inspection, appraisal, the sale of buyers’ current home, etc.
-
Legal document transferring title from the seller to buyer.
-
Demonstrates the buyer’s interest in the property and is generally deducted from the buyer’s total down payment and closing costs. It is usually refundable in the event a contingency in the sales contract cannot be met.
-
When a property owner violates the rights of a neighbor by building or adding on to a structure that extends onto a neighbor’s land or property line. Fences are common encroachments.
-
Any claim against a property that restricts its use or transfer, including an easement or property tax lien.
-
The neutral third party that handles the transfer of any money during the sale of a home from initial deposit to final funding and closing.
-
A report specifically designed to disclose a property’s most important information, such as the rightful owner and vesting interests in the property, details of liens, encroachments, or easements.
What Alāna’s Buyers Are Saying
“We recently bought a house with the help and guidance from Alana. The house ended up needing a total roof replacement and a lot of other work and she was able to negotiate the roof replacement getting paid for by the seller! And In this market! And she was all around so knowledgeable, helpful and consistently available. We will 100 percent use her again if we ever have housing needs in the future!”
— Emma Harley
“My fiancé and I were in the process of buying our first home, and had Alana recommended to us. She was great! Even though all of this was new to us, Alana walked us through everything. We even had our very first offer accepted. We are very happy that we worked with Alana and we are in love with our house!”
— Kayla Derbyshire
“Alana helped my wife and I purchase our first home, and it is not an easy market right now. As first time homebuyers we were so thankful for Alana's expertise and willingness to sit down and explain the process to us. She was available and patient during our many questions and house visits. Never did we feel pressured by Alana to purchase a home; she definitely wanted what was best for us”