Buying a Home

Buying a home is a major financial decision. I work with buyers who want a clear strategy, realistic expectations, and a smooth path forward without unnecessary stress or guesswork.

Not Sure If Buying Is the Right Move Yet?

I work with buyers across Snohomish County and North King County.

Not every buyer needs to act right away. A buyer strategy conversation gives you clarity around timing, pricing, and market conditions so you can decide if buying now actually makes sense for you.

When you email me, let me know what you’re looking for, your general timeline, and where you’re hoping to buy.

Brandice Raybourn - Real Estate Broker

425-367-3881

brandice@snohomesbybrandice.com

Coldwell Banker Danforth Everett

Why Work With Brandice

I help buyers and sellers across Snohomish and North King County make clear and confident decisions. My approach is calm, data driven, and very hands on so you always know what is happening, why it matters, and what comes next without any pressure or overwhelm.

Calm and No Pressure Guidance

I walk you through your options without trying to push you into anything. I will always tell you what I would do if it were my money, my house, or my family on the line. Your comfort level and your timeline always come first.

Data and Real World Strategy

Every choice is backed by actual market data such as price point trends, absorption, and inventory in the surrounding area. I combine this with practical advice around pricing, prep, timing, and negotiation so you never feel like you are guessing.

Full Service and Vendor Connected

From painters and contractors to stagers and cleaners, I coordinate everything so it feels easy on your side. You get one calm point of contact who keeps the process organized and moving in the right direction.

No matter what your situation looks like, my focus stays the same. I want to protect your equity, reduce your stress, and make sure you always feel informed and in control.

The Home Buying Process

Before You Buy

beforeyoubuy

Preparation matters. Before entering the market, we make sure the financials, timing, and expectations are clear so you are positioned to act confidently when the right opportunity appears. This stage is about clarity, not guesswork, and setting a realistic strategy before emotions enter the process.

The Search

thesearch

The search is about precision, not volume. With a clear understanding of your priorities, budget, and timing, we focus on homes that truly fit your criteria and make sense in the current market. This approach keeps the process efficient and intentional, not exhausting.

Making the Purchase

makingthepurchase

Once the right home is identified, execution becomes everything. I guide you through offer strategy, negotiations, and contingencies with a steady, informed approach so decisions are made with confidence and purpose. The goal is a clean path to closing, without unnecessary stress or surprises.

FAQ

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Service areas:
More cities & ZIPs
LynnwoodMukilteoMill Creek KirklandRedmondWoodinville KenmoreShorelineSammamish 980049800598006 980079800898033 980349805298072 981339815598177 982019820398204 982089829098296
Contact Brandice