REAL ESTATE FAQ

BUYING A HOME IN SKAGIT COUNTY: BUYER QUESTIONS

Betsy Anorbe is a bilingual English- and Spanish-speaking real estate broker with John L. Scott Anacortes. She helps buyers in Mount Vernon, Burlington, Sedro-Woolley, Anacortes, La Conner and nearby Western Washington communities. Her experience as an investor, flipper and rental-property owner brings a practical perspective to your search.

GETTING STARTED

What is the first step to buying a home?

Start with your goals, timeline and a monthly payment you feel comfortable with. Betsy can explain the buying process; a lender can review your financing options before you begin touring.

How do I know if I am ready to buy?

Consider income stability, savings, existing debts, maintenance costs and how long you expect to own the home. A consultation can help you identify your next steps, even if you are still preparing.

Should I talk to a lender or a real estate agent first?

Either can help you begin. An agent helps with your home search and purchase; a lender evaluates financing. Preapproval helps establish a search budget but is not a final loan guarantee.

How long does buying a home take?

Your search may take weeks or months. Once an offer is accepted, the closing date depends on your contract, financing, inspections, title work and any repairs.

MONEY AND FINANCING

How much money do I need to buy a home?

Plan for a down payment, closing costs, inspections, moving expenses and a reserve for repairs. Ask your lender for an estimate of your total cash needed, not just the down payment.

Can I buy with no down payment?

Some loan programs offer no-down-payment options for eligible buyers and properties. No down payment does not necessarily mean no out-of-pocket costs. A lender must confirm your eligibility and expenses.

What credit score do I need?

Requirements vary by loan program and lender. Income, debts, savings and credit history also matter. Ask a lender to review your situation before assuming you cannot qualify.

What monthly payment can I afford?

Consider the full housing cost: principal, interest, property taxes, insurance, any mortgage insurance and HOA dues. Leave room for utilities, maintenance and your other priorities.

What are closing costs, and can the seller help pay them?

Closing costs include expenses associated with the loan and purchase. You can request seller contributions in an offer, but the seller must agree and your lender must confirm program limits.

Are there programs for first-time buyers?

Ask a participating lender about Washington homebuyer education and down-payment assistance options. Eligibility, funding and repayment terms vary; assistance is not always a grant.

Can I buy if I am self-employed or use an ITIN?

Ask lenders which programs and documentation they accept. Self-employed income and ITIN applications require individual review. Betsy can help you prepare questions for a lender of your choice.

Will getting preapproved affect my credit?

Ask whether the lender will use a soft or hard credit inquiry before authorizing a check. Have the lender explain the process and how to compare mortgage offers.

FINDING THE RIGHT PROPERTY

Can I buy a manufactured home?

Financing depends on the home, its condition and whether the land is included. For a home in a park, also review space rent, park approval, lease terms and financing availability.

Can I buy a duplex and live in one side?

An owner-occupied duplex may be an option. Ask your lender about qualifying, down payment and treatment of rental income. Review leases, expenses, property condition and landlord responsibilities before committing.

What should I look for when touring a home?

Look beyond finishes: layout, roof, heating, visible moisture, storage and likely maintenance. For rural properties, ask about well, septic, access and permitted uses. A tour does not replace an inspection.

How can I research a Skagit County neighborhood?

Visit at different times and test your commute. Check school boundaries directly with the district, review official flood information and obtain insurance quotes for the specific property. Choose based on your own priorities.

MAKING AN OFFER AND CLOSING

How do we decide how much to offer?

Betsy reviews comparable sales, condition, time on market and competing activity with you. Price, contingencies, closing date and seller contributions all affect the offer.

What is earnest money, and when could I lose it?

Earnest money is a deposit handled under your purchase agreement. Its application at closing, possible refund and risk of forfeiture depend on the contract and your performance. Review contingencies and deadlines before signing.

Do I need a home inspection?

An independent inspection helps identify condition concerns and potential repair costs. Additional specialist inspections may be appropriate. An appraisal serves a different purpose and does not replace an inspection.

What happens if the inspection finds problems?

Your options depend on the inspection terms and deadlines in your contract. They may include accepting the condition, requesting repairs or credits, or terminating when your agreement permits.

What if the appraisal is below the purchase price?

Discuss the result with your lender and agent. Possible next steps depend on your financing and contract and may include negotiating price or reviewing available contingency protections.

Can I back out after my offer is accepted?

Only your specific agreement determines your termination rights and financial consequences. Contact your agent promptly about concerns; missed deadlines or termination without a contractual right can put your deposit at risk.

How is my buyer’s agent paid?

Compensation is negotiable and described in your written brokerage agreement. Discuss services, fees, duration and any seller contribution before committing, including what you may owe if that contribution is insufficient.

What should I avoid before closing?

Check with your lender before taking on debt, changing employment or moving large sums of money. Respond promptly to document requests and independently verify wiring instructions with escrow using a trusted phone number.

When do I get the keys?

Possession follows the terms of your purchase agreement. Signing paperwork alone does not necessarily mean you can move in. Betsy will help coordinate the agreed handoff after closing requirements are met.

WORKING WITH BETSY

Can Betsy help in Spanish or with a luxury home?

Yes. Betsy offers English- and Spanish-speaking guidance for first-time buyers, move-up buyers, luxury clients and investors. Her approach combines personal communication with hands-on property experience.

How do I get personalized answers?

Choose Free Consultation in the menu, complete the buyer/seller form and request a 15-minute call with Betsy. You can also call 360.399.8996.

General education only. Loan eligibility and terms require lender approval; your signed agreements govern your transaction.

Homebuyer resource: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/