For buyers
Buying a home
From the first conversation to the keys, here is how buying a home works, what each step means for you, and where Jody fits in.
How buying works
- First conversation
Jody listens to what you need and answers your questions, then explains how she can help.
- Buyer brokerage agreement
Required by Washington law. A written agreement that spells out how Jody will represent you, for how long, and how she is paid. It is signed before touring homes together.
- Pre-approval
A conversation with a lender sets your real budget and monthly payment. Ask Jody for a list of trusted lenders.
- Touring homes
With an agent, you can see homes on your schedule, not only at open houses. Before you go, Jody researches each home and reads the disclosures, so you can rule out homes that look great on the surface but won't work for you, and save your time for the ones that might.
- Writing your offer
Jody writes your offer around your needs, your budget, and your timeline, and explains each contingency with the pros and cons of each. She also learns what matters to the seller, so your offer can stand out on terms that still work for you.
- Mutual acceptance
Once your offer is accepted, you get a written timeline of every deadline. Jody walks you through each step so nothing is missed.
- Inspection
Jody attends the whole inspection, then negotiates repairs for you.
- Lender, title, and escrow
Jody stays on top of the lender to keep things on schedule, and explains how title, escrow, and closing work.
- Final walkthrough
Usually scheduled within the 5 days before closing, so you can confirm the home is still in the same condition.
- After closing
Jody's goal is to be your go-to Realtor for life, for questions, contractor names, and whatever comes up. And if someone you know is thinking about a move, she'd love to help them too.
Common questions
Do I need to sign an agreement to see homes?
You can visit open houses on your own, with no agreement and no agent. To tour homes privately with an agent, you will need a written buyer brokerage agreement first.
What is a buyer brokerage agreement?
Since January 1, 2024, Washington law requires a written agreement between a buyer and the brokerage representing them. It names your agent, how long the agreement lasts, whether it is exclusive, and how your agent is paid. National MLS rules adopted in 2024 also require a written agreement before an agent tours a home with you.
Read it before you sign, and ask about anything that is not clear. Jody walks through it with you line by line.
How does a buyer's agent get paid?
Compensation is negotiable and written into your buyer brokerage agreement. A seller may offer to pay some or all of it, and your agreement explains what happens if they do not. Questions about your own situation are worth asking before you sign.
Do I need to be pre-approved before looking at homes?
It is the best place to start. A pre-approval tells you your real budget, and sellers usually expect one with an offer.
What if I need to sell my current home first?
That is very common. See how buying and selling at the same time works in the questions on the home page, or ask Jody to map out both timelines with you.
Free guide
Get the buyer's guide
A step-by-step guide to buying a home in Washington, from pre-approval to closing day. Available in English or Spanish.
Prefer to talk? Text Jody at 425-569-9730.