First Time Home Buyers, Start Your Engines!

For first time home buyers in Seattle, starting the journey to homeownership is an exciting milestone filled with possibilities—but it’s also a step that requires careful financial planning and preparation. Seattle’s competitive housing market offers everything from modern condos in Belltown to charming craftsman homes in Ballard, making it crucial to approach the process with confidence and clarity.

Understanding the financial aspects is vital for first time home buyers. There are 3 key costs you’ll need to save for when buying a home: the down payment (often 3-5% with FHA loans or as low as 0% for veterans), closing costs (typically ~2% of the purchase price), and the earnest money deposit, which secures your commitment to the purchase. Many buyers mistakenly think a 20% down payment is required, but affordable loan options make homeownership accessible for first time home buyers in Seattle.

This week, I’m working with a client who wants to sell their condo and move closer to their church while planning for the future care of a disabled child. Estate and financial planning are essential for protecting their legacy and ensuring their goals align with their next steps. Are you prepared to protect your legacy and plan for your financial future? Whether you’re buying your first home or managing long-term financial goals, knowledge is your most powerful tool.

Join us for an informative estate and financial planning workshop designed to help you align your real estate and legacy goals. Learn about critical topics such as wills vs. trusts, financial planning for your legacy, strategies for estate planning, protecting your wealth, and navigating home purchases on a fixed income. Whether you’re a first time home buyer or planning for your family’s future, this event is your opportunity to take the next step confidently.

Ready to secure your future while making your homeownership dreams come true? Let’s get started!


Turning Home Buying Fears Into Action

Essential Guide For First-time Home Buyers In Seattle: Don't Miss This!
First time home buyers in Seattle: Discover essential tips and strategies to navigate the market and find your dream home with confidence!

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it’s natural to have questions and uncertainties along the way.

How much can you afford? What should you look for in a home?

Navigating these challenges is easier with the right guidance. 

I’m  here to help you feel confident and prepared as you take this big step.

Learn what to expect, how to tackle common concerns, and make your first home buying journey a smooth and successful one.

Don’t let uncertainty stand in your way—watch now to start your path to homeownership!


Take The Next Step: Join Our In-Person Homebuyer Workshop

Get ready to learn everything you need to know about buying your first home! Join me, Emily Cressey, for a face-to-face WSHFC-certified class on January 25, 2025
First time home buyers, get ready to learn everything you need to know about buying your first home! Join me, Emily Cressey, for a face-to-face WSHFC-certified class on January 25, 2025, and take the first step toward homeownership.

Take the guesswork out of homeownership! Join us for an in-person WSHFC-certified class designed to help first-time homebuyers navigate the process with confidence, and qualify for down payment assistance from the state of Washington.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about purchasing your first home, including step-by-step guidance and information on Washington State’s down payment assistance programs to help make homeownership more accessible.

Register here!


Fun Things To Do In Seattle: Museum Of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
January 1-31, 2025
Interactive Exhibits at Pacific Science Center
January 1-31, 2025
2024 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour
 January 8-26, 2025

Subscribe now to stay updated on the latest fun things to do in Seattle and never miss out on exciting local events and activities!

Find More Thrilling Things To Do In Seattle


3 Key Costs To Save For When Buying A Home

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but it’s important to understand the financial steps involved so you can approach the process with confidence.

There are three key costs you’ll need to save for:
1) The down payment (This can be 3-5% down with an FHA loan.)
2) Closing costs (~2% of the purchase price), and
3) An earnest money deposit.  (This can be taken from your down payment funds) 

Many buyers mistakenly think a 20% down payment is required, but loan programs often allow for much smaller percentages—even as low as 0% if you are a veteran or surviving spouse.

First time home buyers, learn the 3 key costs—down payment, closing costs, and earnest money deposit—to confidently budget for your new home!

Closing costs cover fees like appraisals, title insurance, and loan underwriting. 

The Earnest Money Deposit is paid upfront as your “skin in the game.” It is refundable if you exit the deal with a pre-determined escape clause – such as an inspection or financing contingency.

Knowing these costs upfront can help you budget effectively and avoid surprises on closing day. Whether you’re just starting to plan or actively searching for a home, being informed and working with trusted professionals—like an experienced agent and lender—will make all the difference.

👉 Click here to dive deeper into the details and learn how to budget like a pro for your home purchase!


Plan Your Legacy: Essential Estate Planning Workshop

January 28th | 6:00pm – 8:30pm | Fairwood Country Club

[ 17070 140th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058 ]

This week, I am helping a client who wants to sell their condo and move closer to their church.  They also want to be able to take care of a disabled child, so estate planning is a must.

How about you?  Are you prepared to protect your legacy and secure your future?

If you need help with estate or financial planning, join my colleagues an engaging and informative workshop designed to demystify estate planning and provide practical strategies to help you align your financial and legacy goals.

What You’ll Learn:
We’ll cover a variety of crucial topics, including:

  • Wills vs. Trusts: Which option works best for your unique situation?
  • Financial Planning for Your Legacy: Building a plan that supports your goals.
  • Strategies for Estate Planning: Practical tips to make the most of your resources.
  • Protecting Your Wealth: Safeguard what you’ve worked so hard to build.
  • Understanding Reverse Mortgages: What you need to know about this tool.
  • Buying Your Next Home on a Fixed Income: Tips for navigating this process.
  • Aligning Wills, Trusts, and Financial Plans: Maximize the impact of your legacy.

And so much more!

Who Should Attend?
This workshop is open to everyone—whether you’re a realtor, client, family member, or friend. If you’ve ever wondered about the best way to ensure your wishes are honored and your wealth is preserved, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Know Someone Who Could Benefit?

Feel free to share this opportunity with anyone who might find it valuable. Together, we can empower more people with the tools they need to plan confidently for the future.

Register here!


Missed our newsletter? Read our past issues here

Join Us For Weekly Real Estate Updates

The Puget Sound Market Update with Emily Cressey shares market insights and tips for buyers and sellers in the always evolving Seattle - Bellevue - Everett real estate market. Whether you want to buy, sell, or invest, our market insights will help you track market trends and make smart decisions.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Emily Cressey

Emily Cressey is a real estate broker residing in Lake Forest Park, WA who services the Greater Seattle area including Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, Brier, Lynnwood, Kenmore, Bothell and Edmonds, WA.

Connect With Us!

If you're looking to buy or sell a property connect with us today!

How Can We Help You?

We would love to hear from you! Please fill out this form and we will get in touch with you shortly.
    (check all that apply)
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *