Buying a Home

Home. It's the most important purchase you'll ever make. As an experienced agent, I understand the difference between buying a house and finding your home. Let me show you how to make the process smooth and trouble-free.

The Home Buying Process

Before You Buy

Preparation is key when purchasing a property. From down payments and mortgage prequalification to understanding the type of home that will meet your needs and satisfy your wants, I can make sure your financial ducks are in a row and your expectations are grounded in reality when preparing to buy.

The Search

Selecting your perfect home will require research, expert guidance and knowledge of the local market, and you'll need to consider what it is you're looking for. I can help you find the place that fits your taste, your budget, and your lifestyle. I'm a home hunter's best friend.

Making the Purchase

So, you've found the perfect home that meets all your criteria, from a great location to just the right square footage. As your trusted agent, I will guide you through the logistical — and emotional — challenges of the purchase process, to ensure you are in a solid position before you sign on the dotted line.

Contact me

Thanks so much for stopping by! If you’ve got a question, want to chat real estate, or need help figuring out your next step.

Just fill out the form and I’ll personally get back to you soon. I look forward to connecting with you!

📍 Based in Snohomish & King County
🏡 Full-service real estate Broker

Brandice Raybourn

425-367-3881

brandice@snohomesbybrandice.com

Coldwell Banker Danforth Everett

My Services

Buyer Preparation & Pre-Approval

Strategic planning to get you financially and mentally ready for your home search.

Touring Homes That Fit Your Life

Private showings of homes that align with your needs, lifestyle, and timing.

Understanding the Buying Process

Guidance on timelines, contracts, and everything that comes between offer and close.

Inspections, Repairs & Final Details

Support with negotiations, vendors, and walkthroughs to protect your investment.

Move-In Support & Home Warranty

Get connected to utilities, resources, and enjoy peace of mind with a 1-year warranty.

On-Call Resource After You Close

I stay in touch to help with vendors, updates, and advice long after the keys are in hand.

FAQ

Do I need 20% down to buy a home?

Nope! That’s one of the biggest myths out there. There are great loan options with as little as 3% down—some even less if you qualify. Connect with a trusted lender to go over all of the different loan options.

Should I talk to a lender before looking at homes?

Yes—1000%. Getting pre-approved helps you know what you can comfortably afford, and it shows sellers you’re serious. It’s the first real step in the home buying journey.

Is now a good time to buy or should I wait?

The right time to buy is when it’s right for you—your lifestyle, your finances, and your long-term plans. I can help you break down your options so you can make a smart move either way.

Do I have to pay for a buyer’s agent?

Most of the time—no, not directly. In Washington, the seller typically covers the buyer’s agent commission, which usually ranges from 2% to 5% of the purchase price. My standard fee is 2.5%, but it's flexible depending on the situation. We’ll always talk through it ahead of time so there are no surprises.

How long does it take to buy a home?

From the time you get an offer accepted, it usually takes about 30 days to close. The search phase depends on how quickly we find "the one"—some find it on day one, others take quite a bit longer.

Can I buy a home and sell my current one at the same time?

Yes, and it’s common—but it takes planning and strategy. I’ll help you map it out and coordinate timing so you’re not left scrambling.

What’s the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved?

Pre-qualification is a quick estimate. Pre-approval means the lender has verified your income, credit, and assets—it’s way stronger and what you’ll need to write an offer.

What should buyers know about new construction homes?

Here’s what many buyers don’t realize: most builders will pay for you to have your own agent—it doesn’t cost you anything out of pocket. But in order for that to happen, you typically need to bring your agent with you on your first visit or have them register you ahead of time.

If you walk through a new development on your own or sign in without your broker, the builder can decline to pay for your representation—meaning you’d either go unrepresented or potentially have to pay for your agent yourself.

Bottom line: Always tour new construction with your agent or talk to them beforehand. It’s the best way to make sure someone is advocating for your interests—because the site agent works for the builder, not for you.

Get Your Free Homebuyer Toolkit—Custom Resources to Help You Buy Smarter in Snohomish & King Counties

Below is my Buyer’s Bundle—packed with local insights, lender tips, checklists, and everything you need to feel confident in your home search.
Just fill out the form below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.

WHAT CLIENTS SAY?

KIND WORDS FROM MY LOVELY CLIENTS

"We had the absolute pleasure of working with Brandice during our home-buying journey, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience! From start to finish, she was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in helping us navigate the process.

Brandice took the time to understand our needs and was incredibly patient, guiding us through every step of the process with confidence and care. Her attention to detail and expert advice made all the difference, especially when it came to negotiations and ensuring we got the best deal possible.

What truly sets Brandice apart is her dedication, she was always available to answer our questions, provide updates, and offer reassurance when needed. Buying a home can be stressful, but with Brandice by our side, the process felt smooth and enjoyable.

We highly recommend Brandice to anyone looking for a top notch home buying experience. If you’re searching for someone who is not only skilled but also kind, supportive, and truly passionate about helping her clients, look no further!

Thank you, Brandice, for making our dream home a reality!"

— Yazan A.

"Amazing Experience!
I’m surprised Brandice doesn’t have any reviews yet because she’s amazing! I was moving from Arizona to Washington and she made the whole process so easy. She did virtual tours, FaceTimed me, and kept in touch the entire time. She’s super friendly, personable and answered all my questions, and helped me find the perfect home in Lake Stevens. Highly recommend!"

— Sherry M.