Step by Step Guide to Buying A Home in Thurston County
Clients are sometimes unaware of what exactly happens in the timeline of a transaction. It can be a very exciting and overwhelming time in your life, so we have made a timeline of what you can expect during your transaction.
1. Select An Agent
Sign a Buyer's Agency Agreement - this commits your Broker to work and negotiate for you.
2. Get Preapproved With A Lender
If you need help choosing a lender, your Broker can offer recommendations.
3. Search And View Homes
Your Broker will set you up on a search based on your home needs and budget.
4. Make An Offer On Selected Home
Once you find the home you want, your Broker will facilitate the Purchase and Sale agreement and negotiate the price.
5. Mutual Acceptance
Congratulations, you're under contract! All timelines for inspection and contingencies begin the day after mutual acceptance.
6. Deposit Earnest Money
The earnest money represents your risk in the contract, and it is what your contingencies protect. It is credited back to you at closing if you perform as promised.
7. Schedule Home Inspection
Buyer has 10 days after mutual acceptance to complete (Home inspections run from $375-$500). The buyer, inspector, and real estate broker must attend.
8. Submit Inspection Response To Seller
The seller has 3 days to accept, reject, or offer alternate remedies (price reductions, repair, or do nothing).
9. Passed Inspection
Contact mortgage broker and have them order the appraisal.
10. Order Appraisal
Deposit money for an appraisal (usually between $400-$500). This appraisal deposit will be credited back to you at closing if the seller is paying your closing costs.
11. Septic Approval (If necessary)
If the home is on septic, the seller has 10 days to pump and inspect the septic. It is recommended that the buyer attends this so they can learn about their septic system.
12. Well Approval (If necessary)
If the home is on a well, the seller has 10 days to provide a Health District certificate.
13. Final Walk-Through
5 days prior to the closing date, do a final walk-through of the home and make sure that your broker has provided you with all necessary receipts for repairs, etc.
14. Review Final Settlement
3 days prior to closing, review the final settlement provided by the escrow company.
15. Sign Loan Documents
1 to 2 days before closing, sign papers for your loan and the deed at the escrow company (you will be expected to bring your down payment to this appointment).
16. Closing
Your transaction is considered to be closed when the title is recorded at the county courthouse.
17. MOVE IN!!!
You are entitled to the keys to your new home no later than 9:00 pm on the closing date. Meet your broker when you are notified of closing and get your keys!
Download The Steps HERE