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In Kitsap County, during the first quarter of this year, we had 944 closed sales, with an average sale price of $606K. With the state of the current real estate market, buying a home can be a challenge in Kitsap County. But these tips and insights from some of our Windermere Silverdale agents will help you achieve success.
First-Time Homebuyers: Prepare in Advance
If you are a first-time homebuyer, the process can seem extra intimidating. But if you prepare in advance by finding a great agent and communicating your wants and needs, you’ll be in good hands. Also, it’s crucial to get pre-approved before starting your search.
If you’re new to our area, get to know the local neighborhoods across Kitsap County beforehand. It will really help you find the right home in the community that best suits you. Check out our free Guide to Kitsap to learn more. Be prepared to do lots of house hunting and to act quickly yet strategically. As Realtor/Broker Joe Stevick says, “making quick, effective offers is essential”. You can learn more in Joe’s video below.
Negotiation Best Practices: It’s All About Relationships
Make sure you choose an agent who has a good rapport in the real estate community at large and isn’t afraid to think outside of the box. Hiring a Buyer’s Agent who is also a local expert is always a great place to start. There are many people involved in a transaction, so choosing local experts wisely can make all the difference. “When your agent takes a team approach to the home-buying process, everyone wins,” says Broker/Realtor Melisa Wight. Watch Melisa’s video to learn about negotiation best practices.
Buying New Construction: Time is on Your Side
If you’ve got the time to wait for a build, there are many perks to a new-construction home. However, be prepared for lots of paperwork and multi-step processes. One big perk of a new build, according to Realtor, CSP, Steve Derrig, is not starting out with repairs and updates. “Having a brand new house, you do not have big-ticket home maintenance items coming up in your near future.”
Each part of Kitsap is unique, and while it may take longer to get high-speed internet in some more rural areas, coworking spaces are abundant. Take your time finding the right place to build your dream home. And, choose your builder wisely. As Steve says, it’s crucial to look at homes they’ve built. Tour neighborhoods where they have homes that they built years ago. How do they look now? Do your research to form the right crew. Watch Steve’s video to learn more.
Home Inspection: Make a Checklist
Your realtor is a great resource for finding a trusted person with adequate residential inspection experience. Don’t forget to make an inspection checklist. You may already know your new home is going to be a fixer-upper, but you don’t want any surprises after closing. Prioritize repairs by what needs to be addressed first or might be a hazard, and schedule supplemental inspections for things like septic. According to Broker/Realtor Heather Hamilton, inspectors are also a great resource for home maintenance tips to keep your home running properly. Watch her video to learn about 5 things you definitely want to consider or ask during your inspection.
Competitive Offer Situations: Have A Plan
First and foremost, when you are ready to buy a home, interview potential agents and lenders to make sure they are a good fit for you. Also, they should know the local real estate market. In this competitive market, it’s vital to have someone who can help you navigate competitive offers. This includes having a plan for escalation clauses, and the possibility of waiving contingencies. “Your agent should contact the seller’s agent and find out their ideal offer,” explains Broker/Realtor Summer Davy. For more insights, watch Summer’s video below.
