Buyers, let's find your island nest
Rely on my guidance to land the place of your dreams
Using my 3 Keys Approach to minimize surprises and ease stress, I'll help you find the right property, determine a fair price and negotiate a winning offer.
Working proactively through contingencies, I'll connect you with experts, and when challenges arise, I'll suggest creative solutions and keep you focused on facts for smarter decisions.
By closing day, you'll be ready to fly on your own as an islander, but I'm here if you need help -- even just picking out paint colors!
Baby hummingbirds in our yard
Explore the Process
1-Introduction
By phone, online or in-person, our first conversation will typically include:
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Your familiarity with Orcas and what draws you here
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Your wish list, nice-to-have's and deal-breakers
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Your budget and method of financing
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Your timing for showings, closing and any travel plans
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Your desired qualities in your broker
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Your preferred method of communication
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An overview of the Buyer Brokerage Services Agreement
2-Agreement
We'll review the required WA State Buyer Brokerage Services Agreement which covers:
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Exclusive or non-exclusive agency relationship
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My compensation as your Buyer Broker
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What happens if Seller is offering less compensation
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What happens if Seller is offering more compensation
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Term of agreement and limitations on geographic area
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Consent or non-consent to limited dual agency
3-Property Search
Searching for your dream property is the most exciting phase. Keep in mind:
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Inventory is limited, so widening your parameters, i.e. to remodel vs. move-in ready, expands your options.
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The cost of new construction is around $1000/sq.ft.
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If you live afar, we can do virtual walkthroughs. Also, you may consider renting nearby to see new listings quickly.
- The County has capped the number of vacation rentals; no new rental permits are currently available on Orcas.
4-Offer
Price isn't always a seller's top priority!
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I'll dig up as many facts as possible at this early stage to help us.
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We'll review the contingencies I recommend to best protect you while keeping the offer as attractive as possible to the seller.
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Sellers typically require that you see the property in person.
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You'll need to show evidence of funds or be pre-approved, not merely prequalified, for a loan.
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There's a lack of comps so pinpointing value is challenging. Banks sometimes nitpick appraisals for this reason.
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Many sellers want extra time to move out after closing.
- It's uncommon for home sale contingencies to be accepted.
6-Closing
The final steps may differ from your closing experiences in other places:
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You're entitled to walk through the property the week prior to closing. If you're not on-island, we can do a virtual walkthrough.
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You'll sign closing papers a few days in advance of closing date, then closing occurs when the deed is recorded at the County. Mobile or online notaries are available.
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The County has a 4-day workweek; no closings on Friday.
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Buyer pays a 1% Conservation Area Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) and .5% Housing REET. The funds are used to conserve the County's natural areas and support affordable housing projects.
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Unless otherwise agreed upon, Seller retains possession of the property until 9pm on the closing date.
