Homebuyer's Checklist: Your Comprehensive Guide to a Smooth Purchase

For most people, a home is the biggest purchase they will make in their lifetime. Beginning the homebuying journey is incredibly exciting and likely feels like the start of a brand-new chapter, but it is also one that can probably feel overwhelming at times, particularly for first-time homebuyers, when you consider how many factors are involved in making the purchase. However, with a little research—and an experienced real estate advisor at your side—you can adequately prepare yourself ahead of time. Read on for a step-by-step guide to take you through the process so that you can successfully navigate the intricacies of purchasing a property.

4 Reasons Pre-Inspections Are So Important

When it comes to purchasing a home, there are countless factors to consider and steps to take to ensure you’re making the best choice for yourself and your household. In a competitive market, sometimes buyers will feel pressured to waive certain rights or skip common protective measures in order to win over a seller and be able to buy a property they’re excited about. However, even in markets where buyer demand is high and inventory is low, pre-inspections, which are inspections carried out by a professional third party that identifies any issues or areas of concern on the premises before an offer is even made, can save buyers money, worry, and regret down the line. Read on for four of the main reasons why we recommend requesting a pre-inspection on your next homebuying search.

Island Events to Create a Memorable Summer

The days are long, the weather is warm, and Bainbridge Island is at its best with beautiful seasonal flowers blooming and plenty of fun community events on the horizon. It’s the loveliest time of year in the PNW, with residents spending more time out and about to soak in the gorgeous sunshine and infectious cheerful energy on the island. We’re digging into some of the best events this summer, from a classic car show to the ever-popular First Friday Art Walk, we’ll give you all the details on our favorite upcoming must-visits. We hope to see you out and about because the best part about attending is the gift of connecting with our remarkable community!

The Allure of Waterfront Living

There are few locales more alluring than the waterfront—whether it’s the sound of crashing ocean waves or brilliant sunsets over a calm, clear lake, there’s nothing like having a beautiful waterfront right in your own yard. For the entertainer, outdoor soirees in the fresh air as guests admire the views elevate any gathering. For the adventurer, waking up as the sun rises to go on a paddleboard ride or set sail on your boat is the perfect start to any day. Wildlife enthusiasts or birders are treated to front-row seats of bald eagle, whale, and seal sightings, and ocean explorers have tide pools and seashell collecting to entertain them for hours on end. Waterfront homes encourage residents to stop and appreciate the beauty surrounding them.

Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty proudly presents the 2023 Waterfront Report. The fifth annual report features 12 counties and 18 communities, exploring market trends over the past five years. This comprehensive report is designed to help buyers and sellers interested in waterfront properties, as well as provide waterfront homeowners with a snapshot of their niche market, whether they are preparing to list soon, or are keeping an eye on the market for years to come.

Bainbridge Island had a steady and reliable third quarter in terms of increases. The median sales price grew by just over 21 percent from Q3-2020, while the average price per square foot increased by 22 percent.

Bainbridge Island home prices continue to climb with a 37 percent increase to $1.25 million when compared to Q2-2020. The number of closed home sales also increased year-over-year by 29 percent, yet the number of homes for sale has declined by over 60 percent.

The beautiful landscapes of the Pacific Northwest aren’t complete without our water views. From in-city waterfronts along our lakes and the majesty of the Puget Sound to island living and vistas along with Washington’s scenic port towns, there’s nothing like finding a piece of shoreline to call your own. Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty has observed over two years of waterfront transactions, from January 2019 through March 2021 across Western Washington’s most sought-after destinations.