HOME BUYING GUIDE Wendy Carrington 206.948.3852 wlc@johnlscott.com
Representation With a Buyer s Agency Agreement, home buyers can ensure that someone is looking out for their best interests. In most transactions, the buyer agent s commission is included in the seller s fees. This means there is no cost to home buyers to have someone working in their favor. Here is an overview of what potential clients can expect when working with our team: Buyer s Consultation Meeting - Discuss needs vs. wants, and set realistic expectations and goals - Both parties agree to work to together Create a Plan Of Action - Establish an ideal time frame - Institute communication plan - Set up Property Tracker account Confirm loan Pre-Approval or budget for Buyer s financial plan Begin touring open houses - Continually analyze needs and goals with each tour - Adjust search parameters based upon feedback Find dream home - Write a competitive offer that provides protection for you, the buyer Acceptance - Coordinate and maintain contact with the lender, inspector, title company and closing agent to ensure that closing occurs on time Move in Day!
Communication In our current seller s market, timely communication is vital to the home buying process. Learning your preferred method of communication will allow us to act quickly so we can stay ahead of the competition. You can expect to hear from me when new properties become available, when I receive updates on outstanding offers, and for any other urgent and time-sensitive matters. Our team emphasizes communication and follow-up so we are always available by phone, text message, e-mail, and in-person to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Finding Your Dream Home Once we have determined your search parameters and found homes that interest you, then the next step is to set up a tour of each property. We will also begin to compile additional information about the neighborhood, school district, public transit, etc. so you have the necessary information to make an informed decision. After viewing each property, I ll ask for your feedback. If you liked the property, then we can begin to discuss submitting an offer. If you didn t like it, then we can refine the search parameters, if necessary, and continue with the home search.
Resources Property Tracker Save and manage your favorite properties, receive status updates, and get notified of new listings that match your search criteria. John L. Scott GPS Home Search App Connect your Property Tracker account to the John L. Scott GPS Home Search App on your mobile device. You will have access to your saved properties and you will also be able to view a real-time map that displays active, pending and sold properties, and extensive photo and listing details. Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) NWMLS is the primary source of current real estate listings and can only be accessed by real estate professionals. This gives clients an advantage over other buyers who don t have representation. Strategic Partnerships By tapping into an expansive network of real estate connections that have been built over 25+ years of experience, clients may have an advantage in becoming aware of new properties even before they appear on NWMLS.
Giving Back Part of what makes our job so fulfilling is the opportunity to give back to the community. We are active volunteers for the Seattle Ronald McDonald House Family Meal Program, and we are sponsors and volunteers for the annual Bite of Broadview festival in Seattle. We have also established our Giving Program. Through this program, we have made donations on behalf of our clients to many non-profit organizations, including the Salvation Army, Christ the King Parish, Daniel Bagley Elementary School, and Evergreen Treatment Foundation. If you d like to learn more about participating in the Giving Program, we would be happy to provide you with more information.
About Us Wendy Carrington Managing Broker For over two decades, Wendy has provided residential and commercial real estate services throughout the King County area. She is an action-oriented broker who is committed to being responsive and attentive to the specific needs and goals of each client. Her real estate knowledge and dedication to providing outstanding service has resulted in numerous repeat clients and multiple John L. Scott top producer awards. Wendy was first introduced to real estate when she worked as an on-site manager of a 48-unit apartment building while attending the University of Washington. Her experience showed her how she could directly, and positively, impact the lives of her residents. She obtained her real estate license shortly afterwards and has continued to serve the needs of others through real estate ever since. Outside of real estate, Wendy is a proud wife and a devoted mother to her teenage son, Preston. She enjoys volunteering and participating in community events and organizations. Van Durr Managing Broker Van has helped home buyers and sellers throughout the Seattle metropolitan area reach their real estate goals for over 25 years. He always makes himself available to answer questions from current and potential clients as he aims to make the home buying and selling processes smooth and understandable. Having helped many clients overcome various challenges in the market, Van s combination of customer service and real estate experience has translated into many John L. Scott top producer awards. Van has spent most of his career working for some of the Pacific Northwest s most well-known brands. Before joining John L. Scott, Van spent 14 years at Alaska Airlines where he focused on customer service. The transition to real estate was seamless and has enabled Van to provide a more personal and long-lasting client experience. In his spare time, Van enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, traveling, and cooking.
About Us Ken Yee Marketing & Administrative Assistant Ken manages the team s marketing efforts and day-to-day business operations. His presence and ability to handle a variety of responsibilities enables the team to focus more on their clients so they can provide the best possible client experience. Before joining the Carrington Durr Group, Ken worked in the marketing department at the John L. Scott corporate office. He brings a unique knowledge of the company s culture and marketing programs to the team. Ken enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, collecting airline miles and hotel points, and Disneyland.
Client Reviews Hearing that I was able to help clients find their dream home is something that never gets old. Hear are some recent testimonials that I have received: Thanks to Wendy s knowledge of the marketplace & her willingness to respond at a moments notice we have a home in an ideal location. Wendy is truly a blessing. Thank you Wendy! -Dennis & Julie Wendy has been very professional & helpful in this process. We would definitely use her again & recommend her to friends & family. -Kathleen & John Wendy is a fantastic and caring real estate broker who I would highly recommend in a heart-beat. She was incredibly responsive, supportive, and strategic throughout every step, and made the process easy. -Terrence I highly recommend Wendy to anyone looking for a new home in Seattle. Wendy and her team are not only very genuine and professional, but also highly knowledgeable about the market. -Sherri Great service again from Wendy. She is the first person we call when we want to buy or sell a home! She is honest, sincere and knowledgeable in her industry. We trust her immensely with our real estate affairs. -Lynette & Curtis We were extremely satisfied with the service, knowledge and guidance displayed by our agent. Wendy found the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood. -Jeroen and Tobi Wendy helped us find the perfect home in the Maple Leaf neighborhood. We love our house and our neighborhood. Thanks Wendy! -Nicole
Home Buying Steps This packet is a resource for active buyers and is intended to guide you throughout the home-buying process. 1. Buyer consultation meeting 2. Get pre-approved and/or pre-qualified for a loan 3. Set up Property Tracker search parameters 4. View homes and potentially adjust search parameters 5. Find dream home 6. Prepare and submit the offer 7. Negotiate with the sellers, if necessary 8. Obtain mutual acceptance and sign all paperwork 9. Prepare transaction timeline that highlights important dates and information 10. Inspections, appraisal, title insurance, review re-sale certificate (if applicable), and other contingencies 11. Close on the property 12. Take possession and move in!
Home Comparison Worksheet Home #1 Home #2 Home #3 Address: Price: Taxes: HOA Dues: Please rate each of the following categories 1-5 Curb Appeal: Size of Lot: Deck/Patio/Balcony: Roof: Garage: View: Floor Plan/Layout: Master Bedroom: Master Bathroom: Other Bedrooms: Other Bathrooms: Living Room: Dining Room: Den/Rec Room: Kitchen: Transit: Neighborhood: School District: Total: