Find Your Dream Home

Start your search today with our comprehensive list of amazing homes.

Buy With Us

Many people view purchasing a home as one of the most significant decisions in their life. It can be challenging to know if a property is the right fit and if you're paying the right price.

Fresh Real Estate offers expertise that is crucial in this process. With over fifteen years of experience, we have tracked market trends, navigated major shifts, and assisted countless families in finding their dream homes. Our in-depth knowledge of the housing market and access to both on- and off-market properties give our clients the information they need to make informed decisions.

When you choose a property, our team will advocate for you throughout the entire purchase process, negotiating the best possible price and managing inspections, escrow, title, and closing. You can count on us to be with you every step of the journey.

Winning in a Competitive Market

Navigating the competitive real estate market is no easy feat, but with a seasoned expert by your side, securing your dream home is within reach. Our highly knowledgeable agents have the experience and strategies to guide you every step of the way and emerge victorious in multiple offer situations.

At our team, we use a combination of creative marketing strategies and leverage technology to come out on top in multiple offer situations and ensure a successful home-buying experience for our clients.

Our Process

As we prioritize the well-being of our clients during these challenging times, we have adapted to the new normal by incorporating virtual options into our services alongside in-person appointments. Your health and safety remain our top priority, and we are committed to providing you with the same exceptional experience, no matter the platform.

  • How Much Can I Afford?
  • Viewing Home
  • Settlement Day
  • Getting Pre-Approved
  • Making An Offer
  • Neighborhood Guides
  • Virtual Consultation
  • Inspection Day
  • Buyer FAQs

How Much Can I Afford?

During your initial consultation, we will assess your financial situation to provide personalized recommendations. As a general guideline, we suggest that your home's cost should not exceed three to five times your annual household income. Use our Affordability Calculator to get a clearer picture of what you can afford. Let's work together to find the perfect home within your budget.

Getting Pre-Approved

At Fresh Real Estate, we don't just help you find the ideal property, we provide a comprehensive and seamless real estate experience. Our team has established relationships with experts in various related fields, such as lending and relocation, to ensure that every aspect of your purchase is handled with expertise and care. Our ultimate goal is to make you feel confident and comfortable throughout the entire process.

Buyer's Consultation

During the consultation, the agent will listen to your requirements, ask questions to gain a better understanding of what you're looking for, and provide you with valuable insights and advice on the current real estate market. They can also answer any questions you may have about the home buying process and guide you through every step, from pre-approval for a mortgage to finding the perfect property and negotiating the best price. This initial consultation helps to ensure that your home buying journey is smooth, efficient, and tailored to your unique needs.

Viewing Home

Our Viewing Home provide a comprehensive and realistic view of the property, allowing you to experience it as if you were physically there. Our team can also arrange a live video tour with the owner to give you a real-time insight into the property's interior. To ensure your comfort, we thoroughly review the seller's disclosure and are available to address any concerns or questions you may have. With our extensive experience in navigating hundreds of properties, you can trust us to identify any potential red flags and provide a transparent overview.

Making An Offer

When you've found the ideal property and are ready to make an offer, your agent will expertly craft the proposal on your behalf. This offer will be presented in a clear and concise written format and must be backed by a pre-approval letter. By submitting a well-prepared and thoroughly documented offer, you demonstrate your serious intent and increase your chances of having your offer accepted.

Inspection Day

This crucial step in the home buying journey is the inspection, where you have the opportunity to voice any concerns you have about the property. This allows for any necessary adjustments to be made before settlement. Our inspectors are reliable, unbiased third-party experts whose sole purpose is to protect your interests as a home buyer. This is the final chance for negotiations and securing the best possible outcome for you.

Settlement Day

The homebuying journey culminates with the closing process, where you will take ownership of your new property. Our team will guide you through the signing of all necessary documentation to finalize the transaction and make it official. After securing mutual agreement from all parties involved, you will officially become a proud homeowner.

For additional support, be sure to access our comprehensive buyer's guide, which provides a detailed overview of the process.

Neighborhood Guides

Discover the best neighborhoods in Washington with the expert guidance of Fresh Real Estate. Our team of industry-leading experts will help you find the perfect community, complete with top-rated school districts, scenic state parks, and a wealth of family-friendly activities. From neighborhood details and listings to a comprehensive guide, let us help you navigate the diverse neighborhoods of Washington and find your dream home.

Buyer FAQs

Buying a home is both thrilling and a bit unnerving, especially if you're a first-time home buyer. Both experienced home buyers and first-time buyers alike will benefit from the frequently asked questions below.

I've never purchased a home before. Where should I begin?

You're already on the right track! Enhance your knowledge by seeking information, familiarizing with your finances, and reviewing your budget. Should you have any inquiries, don't hesitate to reach out to us for a private chat.

What is the first step of the home buying process?

To make your home buying journey efficient, we advise securing a pre-approval letter. This will give us a precise picture of your budget and help us focus on suitable homes. While you have the option to choose any lender, utilizing one of our reliable partners will ensure a hassle-free experience. And the good news is, getting pre-approved is a breeze!

Should I buy or continue to rent?

The decision between buying or renting a home is a complex one and it depends on several factors. Although home ownership can be a solid investment, renting may be the better choice in specific situations. With the current low rates on 30-year FHA mortgages, paying a mortgage may cost less than paying rent.

Before reaching a conclusion, consider the length of your intended stay in the property. If it's a short-term, it may be wise to stick with renting. Also, owning a home involves added responsibilities, such as general maintenance, and it's important to assess if you are ready for this financial commitment.

How do I select an agent?

When you make the decision to purchase a home, it's common to receive recommendations for real estate agents from family and friends. However, our agents excel at understanding your unique needs and pairing you with the most suitable agent who aligns with your preferences.

Are houses still being sold during COVID-19?

Indeed! Despite a slightly slower pace, sales are still taking place. In response to the current market conditions with limited in-person interactions, we have adapted our approach. Learn more about our streamlined process here.

How long does it take to buy a home?

The home buying journey, from initial online search to closing escrow, typically takes 10 to 12 weeks. After your offer on a desired home is accepted, you can expect the escrow period to last approximately 30 to 45 days (assuming normal market conditions, which have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and may result in a slower process).

What is a seller’s market?

A sellers' market is characterized by high demand for homes, leading to an upward trend in prices.
 
This can be caused by various factors such as a thriving job market and growing population, declining interest rates making homes more affordable, a sudden rise in interest rates causing motivated buyers to act quickly, and limited housing inventory due to limited new construction and a resulting scarcity of existing homes for sale.
 
These elements combine to create a competitive environment with rising prices for available homes.

What is a buyer’s market?

In a buyer's market, declining home prices result in decreased demand. Long-term and short-term buyer demand may be impacted by various factors, such as economic disruptions like business closures and job losses, rising interest rates that limit borrowing power, temporary drops in interest rates that increase purchasing power, and high inventory that exerts downward pressure on the prices of older, less desirable homes.

How much do I have to pay an agent to help me buy a house?

Nothing! In a typical home sale, two real estate agents are involved - one representing the seller and the other representing the buyer. Upon successful sale, the listing broker shares the listing fee with the buyer's agent.

How much do I need for a down payment?

The national average for down payments is 11%.While conventional loans once required a 20% down payment, first-time homebuyers often opt for a lower 3-5% down payment. Keep in mind that a down payment lower than 20% may result in private mortgage insurance (PMI), which can make your monthly payments more manageable. To learn more about PMI, please click here.

With all the bad news about mortgage products and home foreclosures, how do I avoid making a big mistake when deciding which type of loan to select?

Choosing the right lending consultant is an important step in the home buying process. After reviewing your finances and home buying needs with us, we'll be happy to provide you with several trusted lending professional recommendations. Alternatively, you may also choose your own lender. It's crucial to have confidence in your lender and feel comfortable with their communication style. Don't hesitate to ask questions and fully understand the terms before signing any documents. Currently, many lending professionals are suggesting fixed interest rate loans with attractive interest rates.

How many homes should I view before buying one?

There's no limit to the number of houses you can view before making an offer. Our goal is to ensure you find the perfect home that you'll love. While it's easy to become enchanted with a property, it's equally important to act promptly in a competitive market. Keep in mind, some homes may not be available for long, as they may go off the market the day after being listed. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way and help you make an informed decision.

What is earnest money?

When making an offer on a home, your agent may ask you to submit an earnest money deposit, usually 1% to 2% of the purchase price. This deposit serves as a sign of your commitment to the offer and makes the home reserved for you. In the event that the deal goes through, the deposit will be applied towards the down payment and closing costs. If the deal falls through, the deposit will be returned to you.

It's important to keep in mind that in rare cases, if the buyer breaches the agreed-upon terms, the earnest money deposit may not be refunded. Our team will work to protect your deposit by including multiple contingencies in the initial offer.

What if my offer is rejected?

Although it can be disheartening, it's a common occurrence. In the home buying process, it's not uncommon for sellers to accept or reject an offer, often times resulting in a counteroffer. Experience smooth negotiations and make your offer stand out with our expert team by your side. Our top priority is always your interests, and we'll guide you through every step of the complex negotiation process to ensure a fair outcome. Get ready to ace the game with a strong initial offer!

What's a home inspection, and how do I get one?

While they are not necessarily required we always recommend getting a home inspection from one of our trusted 3rd party vendors. These inspections will reveal defects in the home that are not easily detected. Most importantly they bring peace of mind to one of the biggest investments of a lifetime.

Maximize your investment with peace of mind by utilizing our trusted 3rd party home inspection services. These inspections uncover hidden issues and provide valuable insight, helping ensure a confident and secure purchase decision.

>