For buyers
Buying a Home in West Seattle
Buyers who start early and stay patient tend to write the strongest offers. I start educating you well before you're ready to write an offer, so when the right house is available your budget is set and you know which neighborhoods you like. I specialize in West Seattle and I help buyers across King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties.
My buying process
Plan, Tour, Offer, Close
Four steps from the first conversation to the keys.
Plan
Budget, lender, must-haves, and a timeline that fits your life.
- A first conversation about your goals, timing, and monthly budget
- An introduction to lenders so you can compare loan options and get pre-approved
- A short list of must-haves and nice-to-haves we can search against
Tour
We see homes in person and walk and drive the neighborhoods, so you can picture your days there before you commit.
- New listings sent to you as they come on the market
- Tours on your schedule, including evenings and weekends
- Neighborhood drives at the times you would really be commuting
Offer
Every offer is built on recent sales data, with terms written to compete without giving away more than you need to.
- Recent comparable sales for every home you want to bid on
- A clear read on how many other buyers are likely in the mix
- Terms that protect you: inspection, financing, and appraisal
Close
My team tracks inspections, contract deadlines, and paperwork all the way to the keys.
- Inspection scheduling and repair negotiation
- Every contract deadline tracked in-house
- A walk-through before closing and keys in hand on day one
Explore West Seattle
Get to know the neighborhoods that make up West Seattle, from Admiral to Arbor Heights.
Explore West Seattle neighborhoodsSearch homes
Browse homes for sale across the Seattle area, then call me about any that catch your eye.
Search homes for saleWhat buyers say
First-time buyers★★★★★"As first-time home buyers, we were nervous about trying to find a home. Gunnar was not only professional and knowledgeable, but he was incredible about making himself available and working with us and our difficult schedules. We had a couple of unfortunate dealings with other realtors, but Gunnar helped keep us from getting discouraged."
Buyer in a multiple-offer market★★★★★"He was responsive, motivated, and open to questions/concerns about the process. We searched for about two months and fought many battles with other bidders, but finally, Gunnar got me the dream home I needed and wanted."
Home buyers★★★★★"He gladly sacrificed a Saturday morning to show us 7 (!) houses in a matter of a few hours. He had a great knowledge of the properties, our own priorities, and an excellent attitude throughout the whole process."
Questions buyers ask
When should I start looking if I want to buy?
Earlier than you think. Touring homes and walking neighborhoods a few months ahead teaches you what your budget buys, so you're ready to move quickly with a strong offer when the right home comes up. The most effective home buyers are the ones fully pre-approved and educated on market data and the offer writing process.
Do I need to sign an agreement with a buyer’s agent in Washington?
Yes. Since January 1, 2024, Washington law (Senate Bill 5191) has required buyers to sign a written agreement with their brokerage. National rules that took effect in August 2024 also require that agreement before you tour a home with an agent. It spells out what the agent does for you and how they are paid, and the terms are negotiable.
How much do I need for a down payment?
Less than many people expect. Some loan programs allow 3 to 3.5 percent down, and Washington has down payment help for qualified buyers. A lender can tell you which programs fit you.
Should I get pre-approved before I start touring?
Yes, or at least talk to a lender early. A pre-approval sets your budget, and sellers in West Seattle usually expect one with every offer.
What happens if the home appraises for less than my offer?
With a loan, your lender bases the loan on the appraised value, so a low appraisal can leave a gap. You may be able to renegotiate the price, cover the difference in cash, or walk away, depending on how your offer was written. We decide how to handle that risk before you write the offer.
Ready to start looking?
Let's talk about your budget, your timing, and the neighborhoods on your list. Call or text (206) 330-4006, or email gunnar@allseattlehomes.com.