How do I buy my first home in the Seattle area?

What should my first-home budget include?

Account for the down payment, closing expenses, and money left for moving and repairs. For the monthly budget, include mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and any association dues. Ask the lender which amounts are estimates and what could change before closing.

How do I compare mortgage options?

Compare written Loan Estimates using the same loan assumptions. Review the rate, loan costs, estimated cash to close, and projected payments rather than choosing from an advertised rate alone. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Loan Estimate explainer walks through those fields.

Where can I check Washington homebuyer assistance?

Ask a participating lender about current Washington State Housing Finance Commission options, eligibility, required education, and repayment terms. Do not assume assistance is a grant or that a particular program is available to every buyer. Start with the WSHFC homebuyer resources and confirm current details directly.

Should I include the North Sound in my search?

If the locations fit your routine, compare Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, and Lynnwood. The Lynnwood Link extension opened in August 2024 with four stations in those cities, according to Sound Transit. Check the full trip from each home, including station access; neither prices nor commute times are interchangeable across the corridor.

What should I check before making an offer?

Review the condition information available, proposed contingencies, financing deadlines, and the costs you may need to pay before closing. Discuss inspections and specialist follow-up appropriate to the property. Avoid waiving protections simply because you expect competition.

How can Fanus help me get started?

Bring your preferred locations, target monthly budget, and intended move date to a buyer consultation. Fanus can help organize your search and explain the purchase process. Read the buying overview for the steps from planning through closing.