Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make — and in Seattle, it's also one of the most competitive markets in the country. Having the right person in your corner makes all the difference.
I've helped over 100 buyers navigate this process, from first-time buyers figuring out where to start to seasoned buyers competing in multiple-offer situations. Here's what to expect.
This is the most important decision in the buying process. Your agent is your advocate, your negotiator, and your guide from the first showing to closing day. Look for someone who knows the neighborhoods — not just the market — and who you genuinely trust to protect your interests.
As a Certified Buyer Agent Expert (CBAE), I bring a specific level of skill and advocacy to every buyer I work with. This isn't just a credential — it reflects a genuine commitment to doing this part of the job really well.
It's also worth knowing — as a buyer, you typically don't pay your agent's commission. The seller covers it, so there's no reason not to work with the best person for the job.
Before you start touring homes, connect with a lender to understand your budget. Pre-approval shows sellers you're serious and gives you a clear picture of what you can afford. In Seattle's competitive market, this step is essential — you don't want to fall in love with something before you know where you stand financially.
If you need a lender recommendation, I have trusted contacts I'm happy to share.
Location, size, style, commute, lifestyle — knowing your priorities early keeps your search focused and saves time. This is where working with someone who knows Seattle's neighborhoods makes all the difference. I'll help you think through not just the home, but the life you want to build in it.
Seattle's neighborhoods are incredibly distinct from one another. Ballard feels completely different from Capitol Hill, which feels nothing like Madison Park or West Seattle. Getting the neighborhood right is just as important as getting the home right.
Using MLS listings and my deep knowledge of Seattle's neighborhoods, we'll identify properties that match your criteria and I'll help you move quickly and confidently when the right one appears. I'll also set you up on RealScout, a smarter search tool that learns your preferences and tracks the market in real time.
When you find the right home, I'll guide you through crafting a competitive offer. As a Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE), I know how to position you to win — without overpaying. Every offer is a strategy and I'll walk you through every detail before we submit.
Seattle can move fast. When something is right, we move with intention and confidence.
One of the most important parts of any offer is understanding the contingencies — the conditions that protect you as a buyer throughout the process. I've created a video series on my YouTube channel walking through each contingency in plain language so you know exactly what you're agreeing to before you sign. I'd encourage you to watch them before we get to this stage.
Once your offer is accepted, we'll schedule a home inspection and carefully review everything together. I'll help you understand what matters and what doesn't so you can make confident, informed decisions — and negotiate repairs or credits where appropriate.
This is the finish line — and one of my favorite moments in the whole process. We'll walk through the final paperwork together and you'll get your keys.
From this point on I'm still your person. Questions about your home, the market, vendors, or your next move — I'm always just a call away.
Whether you're just beginning to explore or ready to make a move, I'd love to help. Let's talk through where you are and what makes sense as a next step.