Buying

Local guidance from first showing to closing day

What buyers can count on from Ian and Samantha Cross: help you find the right home, give you clear market data, explain every form and deadline, negotiate on your behalf, and stay with you through closing and beyond
Buying With Ian & Samantha

Buying a Home in Whatcom & Skagit County

Whether it's your first home, your next home, or a move to the Pacific Northwest from somewhere else, buying a home is a big decision. Our job is to make it a clear and well-guided one.

We're a husband and wife team, born and raised in Bellingham. We know these neighborhoods, this market, and the details that matter, from in-town lots to rural acreage with a well and septic. We can show you any home for sale, not just our own listings, and we'll be with you at every step.

Step by Step

The Home Buying Process

Here's what to expect from our first conversation to the day you get the keys. Tap any step to learn more.

The home buying process in 10 steps, from meeting with Ian and Samantha Cross to closing day
Meet With Us

We start with a conversation about what you're looking for, your timeline, and your budget. We'll also walk through a buyer agreement, which Washington law requires, so you know exactly how we work together and how we're compensated.

Get Pre-Approved

Before you start touring, connect with a local lender to get pre-approved. You'll know your price range and monthly payment, and sellers will take your offer more seriously. We're happy to introduce you to lenders we trust.

Define What Matters

Location, commute, yard, shop space, in town or out in the county. We'll help you sort your must-haves from your nice-to-haves so your search stays focused.

Tour Homes

We set up a custom search so new listings come straight to you, then schedule showings in person, or by video if you're relocating. At every home, we'll tell you what we see, the good and the not so good.

Write a Strong Offer

We pull comparable sales, talk through price and terms, and build an offer that's competitive while still protecting you. Once the seller accepts, you're officially under contract and your earnest money is deposited.

Inspection

During your inspection period, a licensed home inspector looks at the home from top to bottom. Buying in the county? We'll also talk through well and septic inspections (read our well and septic guide). If something comes up, we'll help you negotiate repairs, a credit, or a price change.

Appraisal & Financing

Your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home's value and works through final loan approval. We stay in touch with your lender and the seller's broker to keep everything on schedule.

Title & Closing Prep

We review the title report with you, and you'll sign your closing documents with escrow before closing day. A final walkthrough confirms the home is in the condition you agreed to.

Closing Day

In Washington, closing happens when the deed records with the county. Once it records, the home is officially yours, and you get the keys when possession transfers under your contract.

Settle In

Need a contractor, a plumber, or a recommendation for dinner? We're still here after closing, and we love helping our clients settle into their new community.

Ready to Start Your Search?

Whether you're buying next month or next year, let's talk about your goals. You can also run the numbers with our financial calculators.