Complete Guide for Washington Home Buyers

“I will forever believe that buying a home is a great investment. Why? Because you can’t live in a stock certificate. You can’t live in a mutual fund.”

– OPRAH WINFREY

Partnership Matters

Thank you for the opportunity to show you the difference Marketplace Sotheby’s International Realty can make as your partner.

Our job is to make finding your home easier from start to finish. We have the experience and expertise to do just that. What we’d like you to remember is simply this: Together, we will succeed.

At Marketplace Sotheby’s International Realty, we believe luxury is about providing an extraordinarily high level of service for our clients, not simply about price point, and purchasing a home is about enhancing your lifestyle, not just about bricks and mortar.

Our Commitment To You:

Understand your unique needs and act as your guide.
Maintain transparent communication for informed decisions.
Navigate the real estate market complexities to secure favorable terms.
Uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, valuing your trust as the foundation of our success.

Thank you once again for your consideration. We would be honored to represent you.

When Home is all Yours

Owning a home is more than a financial decision; it’s a journey enriched with enduring benefits. Key among these is the tax advantage offered by the U.S. Tax Code, allowing deductions on mortgage interest, property taxes, and certain home-buying expenses. Historically, real estate has proven to be a stable asset, consistently appreciating in value over time, a trend robustly supported by data from the National Association of REALTORS®.

In contrast to renting, where payments yield no return, each mortgage installment in homeownership builds equity, essentially forming an automatic savings plan. This not only enhances your financial portfolio but often leads to significant, tax-free gains when you decide to sell. The predictability of a fixed-rate mortgage provides a comforting constancy in monthly payments, although one should account for potential increases in property taxes and insurance.

The true essence of owning a home lies in the freedom it brings – the liberty to tailor your space to your tastes and needs, creating a haven that’s uniquely yours. Additionally, the stability of remaining in one community allows families to lay down roots, build lasting connections, and foster a consistent environment for growth. Thus, homeownership intertwines financial wisdom with a lifestyle choice, weaving a narrative of personal achievement and community belonging.

Seven Reasons to Own

1

Tax Benefits

2

Appreciation

3

Equity

4

Savings

5

Predictability

6

Freedom

7

Stability

Tax Benefits

The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, and some of the costs involved in buying a home.

Appreciation

Real estate traditionally appreciates over time. Even through fluctuating markets, property values have shown resilience and growth.

Equity

Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.

Savings

Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan, potentially offering significant tax-free gains when selling.

Predictability

With a fixed-rate mortgage, your payments remain constant, unlike rent, which can increase over time.

Freedom

The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and choose the types of upgrades and new amenities that appeal to your lifestyle.

Stability

Remaining in one neighborhood for several years allows you and your family time to build long-lasting relationships within the community. It also offers children the benefit of educational and social continuity.

Nine Essential Advantages of Buyer Representation

As your buyer’s agent, our insider expertise and experience will guide you through a successful and seamless real estate transaction. Here are nine advantages of partnering with a Marketplace Sotheby’s International Realty advisor to purchase your next home:

1. Deep Local Knowledge

Our expertise offers deep insights into the local market, including pricing trends, neighborhoods, and buyer preferences. This empowers you to make informed decisions and ensures priority access to all listings.
2. Negotiation & Confidentiality

With refined negotiation skills from numerous transactions, we craft a purchase strategy and negotiate on your behalf to help you avoid overpaying and secure the best possible terms.
3. Vast Network

We have access to a global network of industry professionals, including inspectors, mortgage brokers, and other real estate advisors, to expedite processes and uncover opportunities, ensuring a seamless experience.
4. Trusted Council

Buying a home can be emotionally charged. We serve as confidential advisors, ensuring that emotions don’t cloud judgment or derail a transaction.
5. Future Guidance

Even after a transaction is complete, consider us a trusted resource for advice on home improvements, market trends, and more.
6. Time Saving

We handle all behind-the-scenes work, from property research to paperwork, streamlining the process and saving you valuable time.
7. Contract Negotiation

We are well-versed in the complexities of real estate paperwork and can help you navigate disclosures and reports, avoiding mistakes.
8. Problem Solving

We have a proven track record of overcoming hurdles and are equipped to tackle any obstacles that may arise, ensuring a smooth and successful outcome.
9. Risk Mitigation

Mistakes in real estate can be costly. With our experience, we help you make the right investment decisions.

Mile Markers to Owning Your Home

Together we’ll follow a proven path to success.

1. Financial Assessment

The process starts with getting mortgage pre-approval and taking stock of your finances to set your budget
2. Defined Your Home Requirements

Next, list essential features and preferences for your ideal home. Consider location, size, and special requirements like school zones or commute times.
3. Exploring Properties

Now it is time to explore properties through online listings, private showings, and open houses. Focus on homes that align with your predefined criteria.
4. Making an Offer

Once we find a suitable home, we will craft a competitive offer based on market research, home condition, and your budget.
5. Negotiating the Contract

Next, we negotiate, seeking terms that align with your goals, addressing contingencies and finalizing a deal that suits both parties
6. Home Inspection and Appraisal

An inspection will identify potential issues, and an appraisal will ensure the home’s value matches the offer, help securing mortgage approval.
7. Managing the Escrow Process

During escrow, we will collaborate with your lender to finalize the mortgage, work with the seller’s agent and escrow officers, and ensure all conditions are met.
8. Closing the Transaction

We’re with you every step of the way, from understanding closing costs to signature of the deed, ensuring that everything is in order for a smooth transfer of ownership.

Please Complete the Following Form to Download My Buyer’s Guide

Middle Name

By providing Chris Watkins your contact information, you acknowledge and agree to our Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications, including through automated calls, texts, and emails, some of which may use artificial or prerecorded voices. This consent isn’t necessary for purchasing any products or services and you may opt out at any time. To opt out from texts, you can reply, ‘stop’ at any time. To opt out from emails, you can click on the unsubscribe link in the emails. Message and data rates may apply.

Sending...

Successfully sent!

Follow Me on Instagram

Follow Me

Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. I will be in touch with you shortly.

Buyer's Guide

“I will forever believe that buying a home is a great investment. Why? Because you can’t live in a stock certificate. You can’t live in a mutual fund.”

– OPRAH WINFREY

Partnership Matters

Our Commitment To You:

When Home is all Yours

Seven Reasons to Own

Tax Benefits

Appreciation

Equity

Savings

Predictability

Freedom

Stability

Nine Essential Advantages of Buyer Representation

1. Deep Local Knowledge

2. Negotiation & Confidentiality

3. Vast Network

4. Trusted Council

5. Future Guidance

6. Time Saving

7. Contract Negotiation

8. Problem Solving

9. Risk Mitigation

Mile Markers to Owning Your Home

1. Financial Assessment

2. Defined Your Home Requirements

3. Exploring Properties

4. Making an Offer

5. Negotiating the Contract

6. Home Inspection and Appraisal

7. Managing the Escrow Process

8. Closing the Transaction

Please Complete the Following Form to Download My Buyer’s Guide

Let’s Find Your Dream Home

Follow Me on Instagram

Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. I will be in touch with you shortly.

Buyer's Guide

“I will forever believe that buying a home is a great investment. Why? Because you can’t live in a stock certificate. You can’t live in a mutual fund.”

– OPRAH WINFREY

Partnership Matters

Our Commitment To You:

When Home is all Yours

Seven Reasons to Own

Tax Benefits

Appreciation

Equity

Savings

Predictability

Freedom

Stability

Nine Essential Advantages of Buyer Representation

1. Deep Local Knowledge

2. Negotiation & Confidentiality

3. Vast Network

4. Trusted Council

5. Future Guidance

6. Time Saving

7. Contract Negotiation

8. Problem Solving

9. Risk Mitigation

Mile Markers to Owning Your Home

1. Financial Assessment

2. Defined Your Home Requirements

3. Exploring Properties

4. Making an Offer

5. Negotiating the Contract

6. Home Inspection and Appraisal

7. Managing the Escrow Process

8. Closing the Transaction

Please Complete the Following Form to Download My Buyer’s Guide

Let’s Find Your Dream Home

Follow Me on Instagram

Contact Details

Chris Watkins

Submit a Message