It's About Relationships

In 1972, John Jacobi set out to change the real estate industry by putting relationships before sales quotas, with an emphasis on service to our clients and community. Over 40 years later, this mission has helped grow Windermere into one of the largest independent real estate companies in the nation, with more than 300 offices and 6,000 agents throughout the Western U.S. and Mexico.

What this means for a buyer looking for real estate in Bellingham?

• Exceptional service
• Unsurpassed integrity
• A strict code of ethics
• Locally owned and operated offices
• Neighborhood knowledge
• Market expertise
• Premium tools and services
• Giving back to our communities

While the real estate industry has changed substantially over the years, our core values of relationships, community, collaboration, and professionalism have remained central to how we do business and will continue to do so for years to come.

Something you may not know us that Windermere takes its standard of service to its clients very seriously. As members of the National Association of REALTORS®, we agree to abide by a strict code of ethics that is based in professionalism and consumer protection. To further reinforce our commitment to our clients, Windermere has built upon the REALTOR® code of ethics by establishing what we call our Windermere Standards of Practice outlining how we believe our clients deserve to be treated.

When you work with a Windermere agent, you can expect that:

• Your interests as the client will always come first.
• Your agent will be up-to-date on the latest real estate laws and local issues.
• Your agent will not discriminate against any party based on race, religion, sex or other legally protected classes.
• Your agent will treat you and everyone involved in your transaction wit the greatest respect.
• Your agent will follow all MLS rules and the NAR code of ethics.
• Your agent will keep you informed promptly and regularly.

In short, our Standards of Practice ensure that Windermere agents hold themselves to an even higher level of competence and accountability. We hope this translates into a more satisfying real estate experience and peace-of-mind for our clients, knowing that doing right by them is our highest priority. If you would like a copy of our Standards of Practice, I would be happy to provide you with one.

Windermere understands the importance of giving back to our community. Enriching the neighborhoods in which we live and work is an integral part of how we do business. That is why we donate a portion of our commission from every transaction to benefit the Windermere Foundation.

• Since 1989, the Foundation has collected and contributed over $33 million.
• Assistance is provided to non-profit agencies dedicated to helping homeless and low-income families in our community.

We also participate in Windermere's Community Service Day.

• Every year since 1984, Windermere agents have dedicated a day of work to those in need.
• These hands-on projects benefit a wide variety of community-based organizations.
• Projects have included maintenance at a senior center, construction of a children's playground and sorting duties at a food bank.

I am pleased to be a part of such an important mission. It's just the right thing to do.

How I Help You Buy Your Home

Helping you find and purchase a home is only one facet of my job. In addition, I will:

• Explain real estate principles, contracts and documents
• Refer you to a reputable lender that can help you assess your financial situation and pre-approve you for a loan
• Help you determine the types of homes and neighborhoods in the Bellingham area that most fit your needs
• Arrange tours of homes that meet your criteria
• PRovide you with detailed information about homes you're interested in
• Determine the market value of homes you're interested in
• Assist you in writing and negotiating a mutually-accepted purchase and sal agreement
• Accompany you to the inspection
• Coordinate necessary steps after inspection
• Work with the escrow company to ensure all needed documents are in order and completed in a timely manner

By working with me, you will:

• Be more likely to find the home that meets all of your criteria
• Decrease the amount of time it takes to find your home
• Understand all the terms, processes and documents involved
• Have current market information to make informed decisions
• Have a skilled negotiator on your side
• Have peace of mind that all the details are being handled

Financing

Determining how much you can afford before you begin your home search will save you valuable time.

I can help you locate a lender who will assist you in finding a financing package that will best met your needs. But there are a few steps you should consider beforehand to make the process as smooth as possible:

CREDIT REPORT

It's important to check your credit report before you see your lender because:

• Lenders check this to determine the amount of loan you qualify for
• It allows you to correct any mistakes in the report before lenders see it
• IF there are any blemishes in your report that are not errors, you should be prepared to explain them to your lender.

You are entitled to one free request each year from each of the three credit bureaus. The best way to do this is to go online to AnnualCreditReport.com

CREDIT SCORE

You may want to check your credit score at the same time you check your credit report (usually for a fee). This score influences how much lenders are willing to loan to you and at what interest rate.

DOWN PAYMENT

Most lenders will give better financing terms to borrowers that can put a 20% down payment on the purchase. If you are unable to do so, you will likely be required to purchase Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) and perhaps pay a higher interest rate.

PREAPPROVAL

A letter of preapproval from a lender shows that they have checked all your documentation and are prepared to make you a loan. Getting preapproved prior to starting your home search saves you time by:

• Keeping you focused on viewing only the homes that are within your budget
• Helping you obtain your financing more quickly once you find a house you want to buy

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

What if I need to sell my home before I buy a new one?

To put yourself in the best negotiating position before you find the new home you want, hire a qualified real estate agent, like me,  to help you put your home one the market. Once you write an offer on a new home, your offer will be "contingent" upon the sale of your home. A buyer in this position may not have the same negotiating power as one whose home has already sold (or at least has an accepted offer). The seller may be hesitant to accept your offer because there are too many things that must happen before the sale can close.

How does my offer get presented to the seller?

I will call the agent who is the listing agent for the home you have chosen. We will make arrangements with the seller to present your offer. I will be there to explain the details of your offer and negotiate on your behalf.

What happens if I offer less than the asking price?

If you offer less money, the seller has three options. They can accept the offer, counter or reject the offer completely. Remember that there could be another buyer who is interested in the home you've chosen. If they happen to write an offer at the same time you do, the seller will have two offers to compare. There are usually many aspects of each offer to consider, but ultimately the seller will want to accept the best and most complete offer. In active real estate markets, homes often sell for their listed price. In hot markets, like Bellingham, there may be many buyers vying for the same house, which sometimes drives the final sale price above the original listing price.

Does it cost me money to make an offer?

When you write the offer on the home you've chosen, you will be expected to include an earnest money deposit. The deposit is a sign of your good faith that you are seriously interested in buying the home.

Where does my earnest money go?

Once the buyer and seller have a mutually accepted offer, the earnest money is deposited into a trust account. That deposit becomes a credit to the buyer and becomes part of the purchase expense.

Can I lose my earnest money?

Real estate contracts are complicated legal transactions. This is another area where having a  knowledgeable and professional agent is a necessity. Rarely does the buyer lose the earnest money. Most often, if the transaction falls apart, there are circumstances beyond the buyer's control that cause it to happen. If the buyer willfully decides, however, that they no longer want to buy the house and has no legal reason for rescinding their offer, then the seller has the right to retain the earnest money.

Is that all the money that's involved?

Some lenders require the cost of the appraisal and credit report at the time of the loan application.

Home Buyer's Glossary of Terms

LOAN AMOUNT
The amount of the mortgage based on the purchase price, minus the down payment.

DOWN PAYMENT
Cash that the buyer provides the lender as their portion of the purchase price. The down payment is considered the buyer's equity (or cash investment) in their home.

POINTS
Fees charged by the lender to offset their interest rate, if it's below the prevailing market rate. One point equals one percentage point - so one point on a $100,000 loan would be $1,000.

APPRAISAL FEE
The amount paid for the lender's appraisal of the property

CREDIT REPORT FEE
The fee charged by the lender to obtain a credit report on the buyer

TITLE INSURANCE FEE
A one-time premium that a buyer pays for protection against loss or damage in the event of an incorrect search of public records or misinterpretation of title. The title insurance policy also shows what the property is subject to in terms of liens, taxes, encumbrances, deed restrictions and easements.

ESCROW FEE
The amount a buyer pays the escrow company or closing agent for preparing papers, accounting for all funds and coordinating the information between all parties involved in the transaction.

CLOSING COSTS
A general term for all the estimated charges associated with the transfer of ownership of the property.

PREPAID INTEREST
The amount of interest due on the loan during the time period between the closing of escrow and the first mortgage payment due at the time of closing.

PITI
The estimated house payment including principal, interest, taxes and insurance.

PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST
The loan payment, consisting of the amount to be applied against the balance of the loan, and the interest payment which is charged for the interest of the loan.

TOTAL CASH REQUIRED
The total amount of cash the buyer will need including down payment and closing costs.

PREMIUM MORTGAGE INSURANCE (PMI)
Insurance for the lender, to cover potential losses if the borrower defaults on the loan.

Buying Your First Home

The prospect of buying your first home can be both exhilarating and scary at the same time. It's likely the largest purchase you'll make in your lifetime - and also one of the best long-term investments. But buying a home is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Finding the right place in the perfect neighborhood, and at a cost that's within your budget, is no small task. That's where I come in. My job is to help you navigate the twists and turns of the buying process so that you end up with a house you're proud to call home.

Here is how I will help you:

• Explain the entire real estate process from start to finish so there are no surprises
• Recommend a lender that can help you determine how much you can afford and pre-approve you for a home loan
• Help you determine the types of homes and neighborhoods that best fit your needs
• Arrange tours of homes that meet your search criteria
• Provide you with detailed information about homes you're interested in
• Determine the market value of homes you're interested in
• Assist you in writing and negotiating a mutually -accepted purchase and sale agreement
• Accompany you to the inspection
• Coordinate necessary steps after inspection
• Work with the escrow company to ensure all needed documents are in order and completed in a timely manner
• Provide ongoing support and services even after you've moved into your new home

55 Services I provide to Home Buyers

MARKET INSIGHTS

• Provide market overview
• Produce comparative market analysis
• Show what comparable homes are selling for
• Provide relevant neighborhood information on schools, parks, dining, recreation, commute times, arts, culture and entertainment

BUYER NEEDS

• Conduct pre-showing interview to determine needs
• Help find the right home to purchase
• Connect buyer with mortgage broker to determine how much home they can afford
• Set up customized property search
• Promote needs within office
• Promote needs to sphere of influence
• Send "Buyer Needs" postcards to desired neighborhoods

SHOWING

• Preview homes
• Schedule showings
• Show homes
• Community tour

CONTRACTS

• Explain contract to buy and sell
• Explain buyer agency agreement
• Explain required disclosure documents
• Explain deeds
• Explain title work
• Obtain and review qualification letter

COMMUNICATION

• Explain the buying process
• Review and arrange financing options
• Guide through the inspection process
• Guide through the appraisal process
• Explain closing procedures
• Schedule and manage vendors
• Guide through TRID requirements
• Track due diligence deadlines
• Recommend providers and coordinate with lenders, appraisers, inspectors and title company

NEGOTIATION
We are skilled negotiators in the following areas:

• Offer strategy
• Price
• Inspection resolution
• Appraisal resolution
• Title resolution
• Multiple offers
• Seller concessions
• Earnest money
• Inclusions and exclusions
• Conditional sale contingency
• Survey resolution
• Due diligence resolution
• Closing and possession date
• Payment for failed or untimely possession