How to Buy a Home In Whatcom or Skagit County: Tips for First Time Buyers

Are you considering buying a home in Whatcom or Skagit County, WA? The road ahead may seem daunting and filled with complicated information, but we at Bellingham Bay Realty are here to help you navigate the process! 

We hope this article will ease some of your worries about buying your first home– where to begin, what questions to ask, and how to make the best decision.

Calculate your budget for a mortgage and down payment

A great place to start on this journey is to establish a realistic budget. This will allow for you to embark on an effective house hunting process, where you can spend time looking into properties that are right for you.

• Calculating what kind of mortgage you can afford: Look at your income, expenses, and debts to get an idea of what down payment and mortgage you can afford. Your mortgage plan will be a great part of your monthly expenses once you make the move– don’t make the mistake of buying a high end property if it can’t work for you in the long run.
• Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage: A lender can help you get pre-approved for a mortgage plan. Home sellers will consider you a serious buyer if you have this step completed!
• Know All of the Costs of Moving and Home Ownership: Home maintenance, insurance, closing costs, and more– all expenses that you should consider. Calculate the costs involved in home buying and avoid any unexpected, surprise expenses that might pop up as you get deeper into the process.

How to Research the Best Location in Whatcom and Skagit Counties

• Neighborhood Research: By looking into factors such as safety, schools, proximity to work and public transportation, you can get an idea for why a neighborhood might be best for you.
  • you can read about why you should consider schools as an important factor in your home buying decision here. 
• Market Trends: Are you looking to make an investment? You might want to look at housing market trends in the area you are considering. While there is no way to predict the housing market, you should get a glimpse of how the market has been moving.
  • A location with increasing average home values could be the best place to purchase based on the potential for high resale values. 
• Future Growth and Developments: It is important to consider the long-term prospects of the neighborhood. An area with promising growth potential, such as one with plans for new developments and infrastructure improvements, can be a great investment.

Working with Bellingham Bay Realty to Buy a Home in Whatcom or Skagit County

Work with us at Bellingham Bay Realty, and experience a smooth moving process! Managing each step of the home buying process on your own can be stressful, especially for first-time buyers. Getting guidance and representation from one of our experienced real estate agents can make a great difference in your home buying process.

By working with us, we promise to provide:

• Expert Help with House Hunting, Making Offers, and More: Understanding the local market can be a challenge, but with the help of an agent, you can get a clear picture and valuable insights.
• A Streamlined Process: With access to databases, our agents can save you time by finding suitable properties to look into. We are experienced in relieving the stressful responsibilities that are involved in the process.
• Help Negotiating a Property Price: Learning how to negotiate comes from experience. Working with a representative who can negotiate the price and terms of your purchase can make a big difference in securing a good deal.

Quite a bit of planning, knowledge, and research is involved in the process of buying a new home. Understanding what you can afford and manage can lead you toward finding inspiring home options. If you have questions about any step of the home buying process, please contact us today. At Bellingham Bay Realty, we have a team of agents with knowledge and experience that are happy to help you at any stage.