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Buying a home in WA State

Steps to Buying a Washing State Home

Step 1: Consult with a lender for a loan pre-approval

I work with multiple lenders in NW WA. Whether a first-time homebuyer, resale, VA, zero down loan programs, rehab financing or other creative financing I can refer a WA loan officer that may be right for you. Lenders are typically looking for a 620-credit score, 2 years employment in the same industry and no major delinquencies. We also do rent to own and hard money financing. 

Step 2: WA home affordability

A lender can help determine how much you can comfortably afford, debt to income ratios and the best loan avenue for your situation. Don't forget to factor in money you'll need for a down payment (zero down programs available), closing costs (typically 2-3% of the transaction however these may fluctuate, the seller can also make contribution to your closing costs. Transaction fees such as appraisal and a home inspection, etc.) and the costs of minor repairs or making the home move in ready. Remember that you don't always have to put down 20 percent as your parents once did. There are loans available with little to no down payment. An experienced home loan expert can help you understand all your loan options, closing costs and other fees.

Step 3: Find the Right Real Estate Agent

You're looking right at him! Lol I'm Alex Foraker, an agent since 2008 and I would love the opportunity to help. I promise professional and ethical service and handle every transaction as if it were my own. I have never thought of home buying and selling as a being a salesman. I'm here to educate you on the process to make a well-informed decision both legally and financially. I have many referrals and happy homeowners that can vouch for me. 

Step 4: Look for the Right Home

Make a list of the things you'll need to have in the house. Ask yourself how many bedrooms and bathrooms you'll need and get an idea of how much space you desire. Areas of interest, price point, structure characteristics or amenities. Whether a condo, waterfront, 1 story retirement home or downsizing and upsizing come into play. I know the greater Puget Sound real estate market like the back of my hand. 

Once you've made a list of your must haves, don't forget to think about the kind of neighborhood you want, types of schools in the area, the length of your commute to and from work, and the convenience of local shopping, entertainment or accessibility to things you enjoy. 

Step 5: Making an Offer on the Home

Now that you've found the home you want, you have to make an offer. I will provide a list of recent market activity including active, pending and sold properties to give you an idea of value. The offer will include standard contingencies such as financing approval, home inspection, title review, any applicable HOA documents and for more rural areas well and septic inspections. 

The seller may make a counter-offer to which you can also counter back. The market is different in areas, some home asking prices may be negotiable and others may sell above the listing price. I can give some insight as to the activity on the property by offer review dates, days on market and other indicators. 

Step 6: Your offer was accepted!

The first step is typically a home inspection. These run around $450-500 dollars for a standard size property in the area. The inspector checks the roof, plumbing, electrical, foundation, attic, crawl space, heating and many other items. We may then ask the seller to repair items or give you a concession in lieu of the repair. I've gotten good at negotiating over the years. 

The closing date that is agreed upon in the offer may be anywhere from 3-6 weeks depending on buyer and seller needs. Sometimes longer if you write an offer contingent on a home sale. In that time, we'll review any applicable contingencies, appraisal to determine home value and or required repairs by the bank and coordinate with title, escrow and lender to ensure documents are received in a timely manner. 

*Home sale contingencies - If you're selling a home your offer is written contingent on your first finding a buyer. I would provide sales comparable to price the home according to market value. Standard verbiage on this contingency is 45 days however negotiable depending on markets. Once in contract to sell your home we hinge closing on the new property off your sales contract. *  You can also see my page about Selling your WA home

The mortgage broker will help you to understand all the costs that will be involved with the closing so there are no surprises. Closing costs will likely include (but are not limited to) your down payment, title and escrow fees, appraisal fees, inspection fees, and points you may have bought to buy down your interest rate.

You'll typically sign closing documents a few days before closing at which time a wire transfer is completed for your down payment and closing costs. 

Step 7: Closing day! It's one to get excited about!

As we approach the closing date, I can help refer you to local movers, general contractors if you decide to make some updates prior to occupancy. I often recommend boxing items that won't be everyday use items in the closing process to make moving easier. Reserve a moving truck and recruit some help from friends or family as warranted.

Buying a home doesn't have to be a hassle if you're prepared and you know what to do and when to do it. If you choose to work with me as your real estate I have a great team of lender, title companies, home inspectors and people to help you have a smooth home buying experience!

Buying a home, check out the newest listings!

$1,995,000
4 Beds 3 Baths 2561351 MLS ACTIVE Status
A Lake of the Woods treasure, never before on the market. The original owners have continuously updated & cared for this gorgeous home. Entering from the stately front presence, note the high level quality throughout. Multiple skylights & large windows fill this home with light all day long. This home has storage galore: built-in buffet in the dining room, butler's pantry with wine fridge, massive amount of kitchen cabinetry, mud room storage, 4 linen closets on 2nd floor! There is a main floor bonus room w closet adjacent to a large office--could be double workspaces. The kitchen is of the highest level: Subzero fridge, Dacor double ovens & 5 burner cooktop, Bosch DW, granite counters. Ascending the sweeping stairs to the second floor, the primary has his & hers closets, built-in ironing board, gorgeous marble floors & double headed large shower. 3 additional guest bedrooms & bath complete the upper level. The expansive lot is fully fenced & backs to open space for total rear privacy. The backyard is like a park--softly burbling water feature with pond, huge stone patio, firepit with conversation area, garden shed & lovely landscaping. Wide, side-load driveway, oversized 3 car garage, wired for a generator, recently serviced HVAC including central AC. The 50 yr Presidential comp roof was installed in 2016 with transferable warranty. LKOW is a highly desired community served by superior schools, with parks, playgrounds, trails, a tennis court & a lovely community lake.

22707 NE 142nd Place, Woodinville

Listing courtesy of Windermere Real Estate Central.

$760,000
3 Beds 4 Baths 2560623 MLS ACTIVE Status
Fresh updates, timeless finishes, and an unbeatable Seattle location come together in this beautifully refreshed 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offering 1,760 square feet of comfortable, low-maintenance living. Whether you're searching for your next home or a smart investment, this one delivers the perfect balance of style, convenience, and functionality. Step inside to discover an inviting interior featuring freshly painted walls, brand-new carpet, and beautiful hardwood floors that add warmth and character throughout the main living spaces. The thoughtfully designed floor plan offers generous living and dining areas that flow seamlessly into the kitchen, creating an ideal setting for entertaining guests or enjoying quiet evenings at home. Each of the three bedrooms offers its own comfortable retreat, while the 3.5 bathrooms provide exceptional convenience for everyday living, guests, or multi-generational households. With well-proportioned spaces across every level, there's room for everyone to spread out without sacrificing connection. Located in a convenient South Seattle neighborhood, you'll appreciate easy access to downtown Seattle, I-5, I-90, light rail, Sea-Tac Airport, parks, shopping, dining, and everyday amenities. Whether your commute takes you into the city or beyond, this location keeps you connected to everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

7722 39th Avenue S, Seattle

Listing courtesy of Real Broker LLC.

$1,038,000
3 Beds 3 Baths 2558651 MLS ACTIVE Status
Experience the perfect blend of modern luxury and sustainable living in this meticulously maintained, Built Green STANDALONE home by Sage Homes. Tucked away from the street in the heart of Ballard, this like-new residence showcases exceptional craftsmanship, designer finishes, and an abundance of natural light through expansive windows. The open-concept main level features a chef-inspired kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, abundant cabinetry, and seamless flow into the spacious dining and living areas, highlighted by a cozy gas fireplace. The lower level offers two generously sized bedrooms with direct access to a fully fenced private patio and low-maintenance yard, creating an ideal indoor-outdoor living experience. Upstairs, retreat to the luxurious primary suite featuring soaring ceilings, a walk-through closet, and a spa-inspired ensuite bath, along with a versatile bonus space perfect for a home office and a conveniently located laundry room. The expansive rooftop deck captures breathtaking panoramic views of the Seattle skyline, including the iconic Space Needle and Mount Rainier, providing the perfect setting for entertaining or unwinding. Complete with central A/C, off-street parking, and a Walk Score in the 90s, this exceptional home offers the best of Ballard living, just moments from acclaimed restaurants, cafés, boutiques, parks, and neighborhood amenities. NO HOA!

2247 NW 64th Street, Seattle

Listing courtesy of Rockhood.

$509,950
3 Beds 2 Baths 2560842 MLS ACTIVE Status
No HOA — Room to Breathe, Close to Everything! Looking for elbow room from your neighbors without sacrificing convenience? This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sits on a flat, nearly quarter-acre lot with no HOA — minutes from shopping, with an elementary school less than a mile away and commuting access to JBLM. Built in 2015, this home offers an open-concept layout with a great room designed for everyone to gather, plus an island kitchen with plenty of room to cook and entertain. Central air conditioning keeps you comfortable through the region's increasingly hot summers, while the furnace, heat pump, and ductwork — all added or replaced in 2022 — keep you cozy the rest of the year. Owners have already made the big-ticket investments so you don't have to: solar panels (installed October 2022) to help offset rising electricity costs, a new hot water tank (May 2026), and a freshly cleaned crawl space with new underlayment. Outside, a curved walkway on the left side of the home leads to a private side-yard gate opening onto a patio — perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Potential RV parking is available on the right side of the property. The kitchen comes move-in ready with a newer air fryer range, two refrigerators (including a second in the garage), and a microwave, all included with the sale. Don't just add this one to your list — schedule your showing today!

17403 79th Avenue E, Puyallup

Listing courtesy of Hogan Homes Realty LLC.

$674,995
5 Beds 3 Baths 2561305 MLS ACTIVE Status
Presley Hills by D.R. Horton in Tacoma - live in a boutique cul-de-sac community of 21 homes. The Sapphire design offers 4 Bedrooms + Den/5th Bedroom + Loft / 2.75 Bathrooms spread over 2,625 sq. ft on a private 7,468 sq. ft. homesite backing to protected area. This north-facing home has a 3-car garage and a fully landscaped backyard w/ tremendous privacy! The main floor den or 5th bedroom with 3/4 bathroom across the hall allows for multiple options on main floor living. A generous sized kitchen with a large walk-in pantry and island is open to the eating area and great room. Upstairs, the large spa-inspired primary suite includes dual sinks, a stand-alone soaking tub, generous shower, separate toilet room, and walk-in closet. You'll love the convenience of the upstairs laundry room and spacious open loft in the front of the home for all kinds of fun! Our homes come with an impressive list of included features such as 9’ ceilings on the main floor, slab quartz countertops, full height tile backsplashes, soft-close cabinets and drawers, deep soaking tubs in the primary bathrooms, lush front and backyard landscaping, LED light fixtures, EV charger ready, Smart Home features such as a video doorbell, smart lock at the front door, programmable thermostat, and A/C too! Franklin Pierce schools! Below market interest rates and up to $15,000 buyer bonus with our preferred lender for qualified buyers. Buyers must register their broker on site at first visit. September completion!

726 129th Street E Unit #14, Tacoma

Listing courtesy of D.R. Horton.

$965,000
4 Beds 3 Baths 2561123 MLS ACTIVE Status
Welcome to Ketcham Knoll, where you'll discover a beautiful Murray Franklin home that offers the perfect blend of timeless style, comfort & functionality. Crisp white trim, fresh interior paint, real hardwood floors, soaring ceilings, oversized picture windows & a thoughtfully designed floor plan create an inviting atmosphere w/room for everyone. The main level features formal living & dining rooms, along w/an expansive family room w/gas FP that opens seamlessly to the kitchen. Designed for everyday living & entertaining, the kitchen boasts warm wood cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a large center island, a casual dining nook & a convenient built-in desk. The fully-fenced backyard is an entertainer's dream. An expansive covered patio w/soaring timber beams, stamped concrete & ample room for guests makes outdoor living effortless. Enjoy evenings around the fire pit, soak in the hot tub, watch your favorite sports team or simply enjoy nature. Upstairs you will find 4 generously-sized bedrooms including a peaceful primary retreat complete w/a luxurious 5-piece ensuite bath, oversized walk-in closet & a W/C w/pocket door. There is also a convenient laundry room & a spacious bonus room. Mature trees & lush landscaping bring the beauty of the outdoors into nearly every room. A 2-car garage, too! Ideally located just blocks from award-winning schools, University Place Town Center, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Chambers Bay Golf & quick access to I-5. Wow!

4309 68th Avenue Ct W, University Place

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers Chambers Bay.

$385,000
1 Beds 1 Baths 2558592 MLS ACTIVE Status
Built by renowned builder Murray Franklyn, Bellora is known for its quality construction, thoughtful design, and luxury high-rise living in Belltown. Enjoy the best of Seattle just moments from your door! Pike Place Market, the waterfront, Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle Center, Climate Pledge Arena, and countless restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and nightlife are all at your feet. Whether you're heading to work in South Lake Union, catching a ferry, or spending the afternoon along the waterfront, everything is minutes away. Thoughtfully designed for easy living, this quiet corner unit features floor-to-ceiling windows, newly installed wide-plank flooring, and an open layout that blends the kitchen and living spaces seamlessly. Enjoy central air conditioning, washer-dryer, and stainless steel appliances including a gas range. Generous cabinet storage and a spacious bedroom with custom built-ins complete the home. Bellora residents enjoy concierge service, a fitness center, secure garage parking with a car wash station, private storage, and an expansive rooftop terrace with BBQs, lounge areas, lush landscaping, and panoramic views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, the Seattle skyline, and the Space Needle. This home includes one secure parking space and an adjacent private storage unit. Bellora has no rental cap and is pet friendly allowing up to two dogs or cats, making this an excellent choice for investing and every day easy living.

2716 Elliott Avenue Unit #605, Seattle

Listing courtesy of Windermere Real Estate Midtown.

$999,999
5 Beds 3 Baths 2561200 MLS ACTIVE Status
Nestled on a quiet, tree-lined street, this beautifully remodeled home offers comfort and convenience. Located in the highly sought-after Northshore School District, just over a mile from Lockwood Elementary and Kenmore Middle School, the setting blends suburban tranquility with everyday convenience and accessibility. Enjoy a super spacious, open-concept layout ideal for modern living. Thoughtfully designed for both livability and function, the home includes abundant storage, large living areas, and room for everyone to spread out. The expansive kitchen is a true centerpiece for gatherings, complete with slab granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and casual dining space. Rich hardwood floors are complemented by fresh interior paint. Other recent improvements include new carpet, and rebuilt back deck, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Stay comfortable year-round with a heat pump for efficient heating and cooling, plus a furnace backup. A French drain ensures the fully-finished basement stays dry. Nature lovers will appreciate being surrounded by numerous popular area parks and trails, including St. Edward State Park, and the Burke-Gilman Trail. 10 minutes by car to the Mountlake Terrace light rail station for easy commuting. Easy access to Kenmore and Bothell’s growing mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. A home that offers both everyday ease and long-term livability, ready to be enjoyed from day one!

5839 NE 197th Street, Kenmore

Listing courtesy of KW Greater Seattle.

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