The Perfect Time For You
The housing market is continuing to shift as inventory levels rise and buyers gain more options. If your home search was put on pause these past few years, you’re not alone. Luckily for you, there are options. Today’s current market might be the perfect time for you to resume looking. Let us explain why.
Currently we are seeing an increase in homes for buyers to choose from. In addition to the increase in inventory many buyers are noticing that prices have begun to level off in many areas. Pair increased inventory and leveling prices with mortgage rates that have begun to ease, and today’s market is currently the one many have been waiting for.
Continue reading for the breakdown.
Increased Inventory
With more homes coming onto the market and months of inventory increasing, we’re moving away from the highly competitive seller’s market we’ve experienced over the past several years. Buyers now have more choices, additional time to make decisions, greater negotiating power, and less competition with other buyers. Allowing buyers a more enjoyable purchasing experience and the ability to truly find their perfect home. While well-priced homes are still selling, the increase in available inventory is creating a more balanced market. A balanced market offers opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
Therefore, if you are selling, now more than ever it is of the utmost importance to have a trusted, professional realtor on your side. Your realtor can help position your property appropriately, be more strategic with pricing, and increase your homes presentation to stand out to get your home seen by potential buyers. Need a trusted realtor? Connect with us.
The Big Picture
The United States is experiencing more homes on the market compared to the same time last year. We know what you’re thinking. “Not every market is the same, and how does it compare to pre-covid numbers?”
In the South and the West inventory has fully recovered and in some places even surpassed pre-pandemic levels. However, supply remains tighter in much of the Northeast and Midwest where inventory is still below the historical normal. It is important to always discuss with your Realtor what the market looks like in your market.
More Choices Everywhere
Even with not every area fully recovered it is still a win for everyone. When you look at the bigger picture, inventory is up in every region. That means more choices everywhere, even though some areas have more homes for sale than others. With fewer buyers in the market and more homes for sale, sellers are willing to negotiate to get a deal done.
What’s happening in your area might look different than the national or regional trend. It’s important to work with a local Realtor that can help you understand your market and positioning. If you previously paused your home search this could be the time to take another look.
Maybe you’re still not ready. Connecting with your trusted Realtor now can help you prepare your budget, narrow your search, and make sure you fill prepped when the right home does show up on the market.
How Do I Sign My Closing Documents?
“How Do I Sign My Closing Documents If I’m Not Physically There?”
One of the most common questions buyers that are relocating, traveling, or purchasing from out of the area ask is: “How do I sign my closing documents if I can’t be there in person?”
The good news is that you do have options. The important part is understanding which documents can be signed remotely and which cannot.
Digital Signatures: What Can Be Done Online
Some of your closing documents can be signed electronically using platforms like DocuSign. These typically include disclosures and preliminary paperwork that don’t require notarization. Digital signing is convenient, fast, and often helps keep the process moving forward while you’re away.
Wet Signatures: What Must Be Signed in Person
Many final closing documents, especially those related to financing and the transfer of ownership, require a wet signature. This means they must be signed in ink and notarized. Traditionally, this is done at the escrow office, which is usually the simplest and smoothest option when you’re local.
When You Can’t Get to Escrow
If signing at the escrow office isn’t possible, there are alternatives:
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Mobile Notaries:
A mobile notary can meet you at your home, office, hotel, or another agreed-upon location to complete the signing. This option offers flexibility but does come at an additional cost that is typically paid by the buyer and keep in mind that the fees can be $150 or more, depending on location and timing.
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Buyers Overseas:
In some cases, when buyers are outside the United States, closings have been completed through a U.S. embassy or consulate. While this is possible, it often requires advance planning, availability, and strict scheduling.
Important Timing Considerations
It’s important to keep in mind that closing dates can be a moving target. When using a mobile notary or an embassy, appointments must be scheduled in advance. If timelines shift, rescheduling can be difficult and may lead to added stress or delays right at the finish line.
The Bottom Line
If you’re not physically present for closing, it doesn’t mean the transaction can’t move forward. However, it does mean planning ahead is critical. Each option comes with its own logistics, costs, and timing considerations. That’s why it’s always best to talk through your specific situation early, so we can choose the smoothest path and avoid last-minute headaches. It’s all manageable. Just start early if needed.
If you know you’ll be out of town or overseas during closing, let’s start the conversation early—I’m here to help coordinate the details and make the process as seamless as possible.
If you are thinking about buying and not currently working with an agent and would like to speak with one that understands this process and can help make it a smooth transition for you, connect with us!
Windermere E3
A reflection of our 2025 Windermere E3: Engage, Energize, Elevate event.
At Windermere, growth isn’t just about closing transactions. It is about elevating the experience for everyone involved, from our agents to our clients and communities. We grow together to better serve you. That spirit of growth and connection was at the heart of our recent Windermere E3 event held at the beautiful Suncadia in Cle Elum. Agents from across the region came together for a few unforgettable days of education, collaboration, and celebration.
Why being part of Windermere is so special
From networking to dancing the night away, the event was a vibrant reminder of what makes being a part of Windermere so special. Together we share a commitment to learning, supporting one another, and serving our clients with excellence.
Lead by the best in the industry to better serve you
Throughout the event, agents engaged in insightful sessions led by some of the best in the industry. Sharing strategies to enhance communication, improve client care, and stay ahead in a constantly evolving market. Every conversation, breakout session, and connection was focused on one goal: how to provide a better experience for the buyers and sellers we serve.
Supporting community needs
Beyond education, we also came together to give back. Together we raised $22,000 through live and silent auctions to support homeless families in need. It was a powerful example of how collaboration and compassion go hand in hand at Windermere.
When you work with a Windermere agent, you are not just working with a real estate professional. You are partnering with someone who is continually learning, evolving, and striving to deliver the highest level of service. Because when we engage, energize, and elevate each other, we elevate the entire experience of buying or selling a home.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made Windermere E3 possible. A special thank you to Shawna Ader for creating such an inspiring and impactful event.
At Windermere, we don’t just sell homes. We build relationships, strengthen communities, and continually push ourselves to be better for you.
If you are considering buying or selling and are in need of a real estate professional by your side, connect with us.
Knowing When You’re Ready to Buy
Homeownership is a lifestyle choice. Therefore, choosing homeownership isn’t a decision made overnight. The decision often takes careful planning for how the purchase of a home will fit into your life now and in the future. Additionally, the decision will take financial planning for how to pay for the home of your dreams. How will you know if you are ready? Follow along as we explain the fundamentals of preparing for homeownership so that you know when the time is right for you.
When renting…
When renting, you usually don’t have to worry about maintaining the property, making repairs, or remodeling the home. Are you ready to take on those responsibilities as a homeowner? If so, are you ready to be tied down to one place? Renting offers a bit of flexibility because leases are renewed on a regular basis allowing you ease of relocation. As a homeowner you’ll need to spend time and money selling or renting out your home before relocating.
As a renter you never gain any long term savings in the form of home equity. As a homeowner, the longer you are in the home the more equity you can expect to gain. You can get a better idea of why by the explanation in our article, Is It Better to Buy a Home or to Rent One?.
A couple of good questions to ask yourself if you are considering becoming a homeowner are:
If you needed to move in a couple years, would you feel comfortable renting out your home or selling it?
Could it potentially bring in a cash flow?
As a homeowner you are ultimately responsible for paying the mortgage. Are you financially stable enough to not default on your loan?
Most importantly, becoming a homeowner means putting down roots. Are you and your household emotionally ready to make that change and commitment?
If you answered yes to the above questions, you are on your way to homeownership. Let’s dig a little deeper to see if you are financially ready to take the leap:
Do you know how much home you can afford?
There are a lot of factors that play into knowing how much home you can afford. Of course, there is the price of the home, but you must also consider interest rates as they play a significant role in your monthly mortgage payment. For a good demonstration of the effect of interest rates on your monthly mortgage payments check out this article, Rising Mortgage Rates. Furthermore, what many first-time home buyers forget to consider in addition to the down payment and monthly mortgage payments are closing costs, moving expenses, inspection fees, property taxes, and homeowners’ insurance just to name a few. A great agent will connect you with a lender that will walk you through how these will affect your payment and if they pertain to your loan. Don’t have an agent? Connect with us here to get paired with the perfect agent for you. Identifying how much you can afford is not a task to do alone. You must connect with a lender. They will look at your financial position and get you pre-approved for a home.
Are you working to reduce your debt-to-income ratio?
Lenders know that it is not realistic to have no debt. Therefore, lenders are looking to see that you are making progress towards paying down your debt. Demonstrate your plan to get your debt paid off. Your lender can help you determine the best course of action so connect with them sooner rather than later.
Are you prepared for a downpayment?
Lenders recognize 20% down payments as a demonstration of financial stability. 20% down payments decrease the initial risk to the lender and benefits the buyer by not having to pay PMI when they put 20% down. You can read more about those benefits here. However, we know not everyone can afford 20% down, but everyone needs a place to live. Therefore, there are different programs and flexible options that make owning a home attainable even when you do not have funds for a 20% down payment. It is important to talk to your lender to determine which fits your unique needs.
Maybe you already got a pre-approval letter, but you aren’t satisfied with the limits. You have several options. Provide your agent and lender with a clear expectation of your wants and needs. If you aren’t exactly sure what you want, try reading 6 Reasons to Attend Open Houses to solidify your desires. You can use this form to help identify your wants and needs to share with your agent and lender. Once you have a clear list your lender can help create a financial plan to reach your desired goal. Your agent can simultaneously watch the market for homes meeting your criteria and help you understand the dynamics of the local market. Knowing the market can help you understand your purchasing power. Your agent can help you understand the difference between a buyers’ and sellers’ market and help you understand what to expect and how to leverage the market to your advantage.
If you are ready to buy or still unsure, you should begin talking to an agent. If you don’t already have an agent, you are in luck! We have incredible agents and connections with lenders who can guide you through your unique situation and help you know when you are ready to purchase a home. Connect with us here.
5 Reasons to Use a Local Lender
When it comes to buying a home, choosing the right lender is an important decision that can have a significant impact on your home buying experience. While it’s possible to work with a lender from anywhere, working with a reputable local lender in the area you are purchasing provides many benefits that make the process smoother and more enjoyable. In this article, we will share five reasons why you should consider using a reputable local lender for your next home purchase.
5 Reasons to Use a Reputable Local Lender:
1. Personal Connection:
A local lender provides the opportunity to have a face to face conversation and build a personal relationship, which can be especially helpful when dealing with complex issues. How much better is it to have the ability to sit down face to face with someone and discuss, ask questions, smile and laugh with or even cry if necessary? It is so much better than trying to solely do things over the phone or email with someone hundreds of miles away. When the going gets tough, you (or your trusted real estate broker) can go directly to the office and discuss the issues in person to figure it out rather than be put on hold.
2. Knowledge of the Market:
A local lender is more likely to have a deep understanding of the local real estate market, including contractors, permit requirements, and more. It is not unheard of to have a local lender provide contact details for a roofer that can get the fix done in time for closing or the local Labor and Industries permit guy who can solve the problem faster than driving an hour to the nearest office. Reputable local lenders understand when there is delay due to septic repairs or how to get the water quality test results ASAP.
3. Reputation:
Local lenders have a reputation to uphold in their community, which can provide added accountability and ensure a higher level of service. When you run into your clients in the grocery store or watch their kids play on the same soccer team you naturally put a little more into making sure your service is impeccable. Anonymity creates distance and reduces accountability.
4. Strong Relationships with Escrow Teams:
Good relationships with local escrow teams can lead to smoother and more efficient transactions. Often the most stressful point of the transaction is right at the very end as the final underwriter is reviewing the file and potentially finding issues that need more documentation. This can lead to delays in critical milestones that need to be met to close on time. Getting the necessary documents from the lender to escrow on time can be the difference in closing as expected or experiencing costly delays and even the possibility of losing the home. You can use a lender from almost anywhere, but the escrow team is nearly always local to the property being purchased. When lenders are well known and respected by the local escrow offices you can expect excellent communication and problem solving between them. This will make overcoming obstacles to closing on time more likely.
5. Competitive Terms:
Local lenders often offer competitive terms and rates, making them a cost-effective option. When comparing lenders, be sure to compare all the terms and costs of the loan, not simply the advertised interest rate. When you do, you’ll often find the local lender has lower overall costs than national corporate lenders.
In conclusion, using a reputable local lender provides a range of benefits that make the home buying process more enjoyable and efficient. From the personal connection to the knowledge of the local market and their reputation to uphold, there are many reasons to consider using a local lender for your next home purchase. So why not choose a lender who is well-known and highly regarded in your local real estate community? Contact us today to be put in touch with a great lender on Whidbey Island!
Title Insurance: Protecting Your Property Investment
When you purchase a home, you receive a deed to the property which typically means you have full ownership. Unfortunately, sometimes mistakes happen where hidden inaccuracies in previous deeds, mortgages, and easements might leave someone else with a claim to your property. Title insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to protect property owners from financial loss due to title defects, liens, or other issues with a property’s title. Title insurance provides peace of mind to homeowners and lenders alike, ensuring that their investment in the property is secure. In this blog, we will look at who is covered by title insurance and what risks are covered.
Who is Covered by Title Insurance?
Title insurance typically covers both the property owner and the lender. The policies can be separate policies so always check with your insurer regarding who and what is covered. The policy holder can be either an individual or a corporation, and the insurance covers their financial interest in the property. For homeowners, title insurance provides protection against any challenges to their ownership of the property, such as disputes over ownership, missing heirs, forgeries, or encumbrances that were not disclosed during the sale. For lenders, title insurance protects their investment in the property and ensures that their loan is secured by a valid title.
What Risks are Covered by Title Insurance?
Title insurance covers a wide range of risks, including but not limited to:
- Title defects: This refers to any challenges to the property’s title, such as disputes over ownership, missing heirs, forgeries, or encumbrances that were not disclosed during the sale. Title insurance protects the policy holder against these title defects and provides the necessary financial support to resolve any issues.
- Liens: Liens refer to claims or encumbrances against a property, such as mortgage loans, taxes owed, or judgements against the property owner. Title insurance provides coverage against any liens that exist and protects the policy holder’s financial interest in the property.
- Fraud: Fraudulent activities such as forgeries or false impersonation can pose a threat to a property’s title. Title insurance provides protection against any fraudulent activities that may affect the property’s title.
In conclusion, title insurance is an important investment for property owners and lenders. It provides peace of mind by ensuring that the property’s title is secure and that any issues with the title can be resolved without incurring significant financial losses. Whether you are a homeowner or a lender, title insurance is an investment worth considering.
If you are preparing to purchase a home and need help connecting with a lender or would like help answering your questions while preparing to buy please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 360.675.5953.
A Different Approach to Developing Wealth
Mynd recently released their 2022 Consumer Insights Report that demonstrates how millennials and Gen Z’s have taken a different approach to developing wealth than previous generations.
For example, while 9% of Baby Boomers are contemplating the idea of investing in rental properties over 43% of Millennials and Gen Zs are choosing to remain in their current living environments and invest in rental properties elsewhere to build their wealth.
BUT IS IT WORKING?
This strategy is becoming increasingly popular. It allows the investor to remain living without disruption to their lifestyle in a place they may not be able to afford to purchase a home of their own. Instead of uprooting their lives and relocating elsewhere to attain the dream of homeownership the investor achieves homeownership by purchasing a home in a more affordable location with the intention of renting it out.
With no disruption to their life, they become a homeowner and investors at the same time. Their purchase not only creates monthly passive income for their pocketbooks but also builds equity over time – ultimately increasing their overall net worth.
They can later choose to continue to rent out the home, sell for an increased price, or move into the home if or when they want or need to.
READY TO EXPLORE THIS APPROACH?
If you would like to explore this idea further connect with us so we can help you build your wealth through real estate.