Buying Step 24: Celebrating Progress

Andi Dyer • April 28, 2025

Step 24

Congratulations on having an accepted Purchase & Sales Agreement on a house, but now what? It can take 1 – 2 days for all parties to sign and return the Purchase & Sales Agreement, so be patient. Until we have an executed Purchase & Sales Agreement (which means everything has been signed by both the Sellers and the Buyers), we do not have an enforceable Purchase & Sales Agreement. Therefore, it’s urgent that a signed Purchase & Sales Agreement be received by all parties ASAP. Once a signed Purchase & Sales Agreement is received, several things need to happen:


  • DEPOSIT THE EARNEST MONEY – The Earnest Money deposit for the purchase typically needs to be delivered to the Title & Escrow Company within 2 business days by 5:00 pm or you are in default and the Seller can terminate the agreement. Wire transfers can take 24 – 72 hours, so get on it, ASAP! Please text us once done so we can notify the Sellers.



  • SCHEDULE THE INSPECTION – We need to get any and all inspections completed, satisfied, and released per the Purchase & Sales Agreement. Ideally, the Inspection should occur within the next 2-3 days. The Home Inspection must occur quickly as it often takes the Inspector 1-2 days to write the report after the inspection. Once the report is written, we still need some time to review the.

 

Legally we are not supposed to steer you to a Home Inspector. We gave you instructions to interview Home Inspectors previously. Let us know who you want to use so we can schedule it and scheduled promptly and works for all of our schedules & the Seller. Plan to bring your checkbook or credit card to the inspection to pay the Inspector.

 

Plan to attend to the end of the Inspection, which will take approximately 2 hours for a condo and 3 hours for a single-family home. Inspectors usually only work Monday – Friday and do not work evenings or weekends, so you will probably need to arrange to be off work for the Inspection. Wear comfortable clothes which can get dirty as the Inspector may want to show you something in the basement, on the roof, etc.

 

We will send an email to you within 24 hours of Mutual Acceptance with the important deadlines we need to adhere to. These can include:


  • Mutual Acceptance: xx/xx/xx
  • Buyer’s deadline to deposit Earnest Money (by 5:00 pm): xx/xx/xx
  • Buyer’s deadline to submit loan application: xx/xx/xx
  • Buyer’s deadline to waive title contingency: xx/xx/xx
  • Seller’s deadline to satisfy inspection contingency: xx/xx/xx
  • Seller’s deadline to provide well report & septic maintenance records (if applicable): xx/xx/xx

 

We will send the Purchase and Sales Agreement to your mortgage Lender. This lets your mortgage Lender know that you’re under Purchase & Sales Agreement and starts the process of getting you approved for the mortgage (remember, right now you’re only pre-approved). Be sure to respond promptly to your Mortgage Lender. They will ask you to fill out a lot of paperwork. Some Mortgage Lenders joke it’s like getting a financial colonoscopy. Unfortunately, it’s not optional; it’s required and the quicker you can fill it out and get it back to them, the better.


Contact us for an updated list of recommended Home Inspection referrals at:

andi@andidyer (dot) com

 

 

Questions? Contact us at andi@andidyer(dot)com or 360-734-6479.

Fall Recipe: Vegetable Lasagna

By Andi Dyer • October 29, 2025
🍂 This hearty vegetable lasagna is the perfect fall meal—warm, colorful, and packed with seasonal goodness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels just as good on a weeknight as it does at a fall gathering.

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By Andi Dyer • October 29, 2025
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By Andi Dyer • October 21, 2025
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It's Time to Gather Around the Table

By Andi Dyer • October 20, 2025
Hello Bellingham, This season, I’m thrilled to share a special partnership with Cranberry Sky Heirloom Rentals, a local gem that makes entertaining beautiful and stress-free. As a client of mine, you’re invited to enjoy an exclusive perk: ✨ Book any rental with CSHR (just a $25 minimum) and receive a complimentary Soup Buffet or Cocoa Station setup for up to 10 guests, complete with classic, mix-and-match dishes, mugs, serving pieces, and ladles. Everything you need (except the food and heat source) to wow your guests with ease. Perfect for: A cozy après-ski snack Fall harvest dinners & Friendsgiving Holiday parties (Christmas, New Year’s, Galentine’s) Or even a neighborly weekend get-together Event bookings are open October 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. Upgrades and delivery options available. Because gathering should feel as good as home. 🏡' 

Download My Free Local's Guide

By Andi Dyer • October 20, 2025
Hey Bellingham, Bellingham isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to live, savor, and explore. From seaside sunsets and cozy coffee shops to mossy forest trails and dog-friendly hangouts, our city has a rhythm all its own. I’ve rounded up my personal favorites in a free download: A Local’s Guide: My Top 10 Favorites in Bellingham. You’ll find hidden gems, local eats, and can’t-miss experiences that make this corner of Whatcom County feel like home. Whether you’re new to the area or just want to rediscover it through fresh eyes, this guide is your invitation to wander like a local. 📍 Download the guide now and start exploring the best of Bellingham. One latte, trail, and sunset at a time.

First-Time Homebuyer Class (2-Nights)

By Andi Dyer • October 20, 2025
Hello Bellingham, LAST Chance: First-Time Homebuyer Class | 2-Night Event You’ve got one more chance this year on October 20 and October 21 from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm to complete the two-night series at Movement Mortgage:2200 Rimland Dr, Suite #250, Bellingham, WA 98226. Why join us: Unlock up to $40,000 in down payment assistance through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (eligibility applies; this class is required to qualify). Whatcom County market snapshot: what’s moving, what’s sitting, and why. Clear, step-by-step game plan: financing → offers → inspections → keys. Live Q&A with local pros. Bring your questions (we’ll translate the acronyms). Save your seat! Space is limited—these are our final classes of the year. P.S. Assistance programs have eligibility requirements and limited funds. We’ll walk you through the details so you know exactly where you stand.

🏠 Thinking About Becoming a Landlord?

By Andi Dyer • October 14, 2025
Hello Bellingham, Being a landlord can be rewarding—but it’s not as simple as handing over the keys. From screening tenants and setting clear leases to handling maintenance and avoiding common pitfalls, a little strategy goes a long way. Whether you already own a rental or you’re just curious about investing, this quick read breaks down the essential do’s and don’ts every landlord should know. 👉 Read the full guide on Avail.

Get Autumnal at Whatcom County Pumpkin Patches

By Andi Dyer • October 14, 2025
Hi Bellingham,  🍂 Get Autumnal in Whatcom County Hello Bellingham, From cozy corn mazes to picture-perfect pumpkin patches, fall is in full swing across Whatcom County. Discover the best spots for hayrides, cider sips, and pumpkin picking this season. 👉 See the full roundup on WhatcomTalk.

Fall 2025 Events in Whatcom County

By Andi Dyer • October 8, 2025
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𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺

By Andi Dyer • October 7, 2025
The federal government shutdown that began today is already impacting homebuyers, sellers, and renters in Whatcom County, according to local Managing Broker and REALTOR® Andi Dyer of RE/MAX Whatcom County. One of the most significant immediate effects is the lapse of authority for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to issue new policies. This could delay closings for properties in flood-prone areas such as Birch Bay and the Nooksack Valley. Existing NFIP policies remain valid for 30 days, but uncertainty grows the longer the shutdown continues. Other disruptions include: IRS income verification delays, which could slow mortgage approvals. FHA and VA loan processing backlogs, affecting many first-time buyers and veterans. Potential funding slowdowns for federal housing programs, which may ripple into rental markets. This doesn’t mean real estate transactions stop—it means they may take longer. Real estate doesn’t stop during a shutdown—it just gets more complicated. My job is to help people cut through the red tape and keep their transactions on track. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is urging Congress to reauthorize NFIP and pass a funding agreement to reduce uncertainty in the housing market.
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