Sue Lunsford Homes

🔑 What Does Escrow Do During a Home Sale?

Think of escrow as a neutral third party that helps manage the details between contract and closing.

During escrow:

✨ The buyer completes inspections
✨ The lender finalizes financing
✨ The appraisal is completed
✨ Contingencies are addressed
✨ The title is reviewed
✨ Closing documents are prepared

Escrow also calculates the seller’s final proceeds and makes sure the appropriate expenses are paid before releasing the remaining funds.

The process may feel complicated, but the right guidance can make it much easier to navigate.

✨ **Refined, Low-Maintenance Living in Renton** ✨

📍 **Elma Avenue NE | Renton, WA**

There’s something special about bringing a home to market when you know how much care has gone into preparing it.

My seller worked diligently to make sure every detail of this beautiful Blueberry Place townhome was thoughtfully finished. With professional staging as the final touch, this bright, welcoming home is ready for its next chapter. 🏡

Located in a premier gated community just minutes from **The Landing, Lake Washington, shopping, dining, transit, and major freeways**, this home offers an ideal combination of style, comfort, and convenience.

✨ **A few highlights you’ll love:**

☀️ **Light-filled living** with dramatic windows, soaring vaulted ceilings, and easy-care engineered hardwoods.

🔥 **Made for entertaining** with a cozy gas fireplace and an open kitchen featuring new quartz countertops, a walk-in pantry, and spacious split-level peninsula.

💻 **Flexible main-level space** perfect for a home office, den, or third bedroom.

🛏️ **Two spacious primary suites** upstairs, both with vaulted ceilings. The main suite includes a private ¾ bath and oversized walk-in closet.

🌿 **A private outdoor retreat** with a peaceful patio backing to a lush greenbelt—perfect for morning coffee, summer BBQs, or relaxing at the end of the day. It’s even plumbed for gas!

🚗 Plus, an attached one-car garage and plenty of storage make everyday living even easier.

If you’ve been looking for a home that gives you **comfort, convenience, and less maintenance without sacrificing style**, Blueberry Place deserves a closer look.

💬 **Want to see it in person?** Send me a DM to schedule your private tour or request more information.

**Sue Lunsford**
Windermere Real Estate/PSR, Inc.
📞 206-390-7578
📧 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

🏡 **Pre-Qualified vs. Pre-Approved: Do You Know the Difference?**

Welcome to your **Mortgage Minute!**

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably heard the terms *pre-qualified* and *pre-approved*. While they sound similar, they can mean very different things when it’s time to make an offer.

🔹 **Pre-Qualification:**
A preliminary estimate of what you may be able to borrow, typically based on financial information you provide to the lender. It can be a helpful first step when you’re beginning to explore your options.

🔹 **Pre-Approval:**
A more thorough review where a lender evaluates financial documentation such as your income, assets, debts, and credit. A strong pre-approval can help show sellers that you’re a serious, prepared buyer.

Getting pre-approved **before** you start seriously touring homes can help you better understand your budget, focus your search, and be ready when the right home comes along.

✨ **Thinking about buying in Renton or the surrounding area?** Let’s talk about your home-buying goals and your next steps.

Need a trusted local lender? I’d be happy to connect you with one of my preferred lending professionals.

📲 **Reach out and let’s get your home search started.**

🏡 **New Homeowner Tip: Reprogram Your Garage Door Opener**

Moving into a new home? Don’t forget this easy security step!

Even if you received all the remotes at closing, previous owners, service providers, family members, or neighbors may have had access to the garage at some point.

🔐 **Reprogramming or resetting your garage door opener helps make sure you’re starting fresh.**

Most garage door openers have a reset or “learn” button that allows you to clear old codes and program your current remotes. Check your owner’s manual or look up the instructions for your specific make and model.

It only takes a few minutes, but it can give you an extra layer of security and peace of mind in your new home.

✨ **Save this tip for moving day!**

Thinking about buying a home in Renton or the surrounding area? I’m here to help you through the process—from finding the right home to all those little details that come after you get the keys.

❤️ Local Loves: Marianna Ristorante

There’s something about a summer evening, a great Italian dinner, and a perfectly made Negroni. 🍊🍸

Marianna Ristorante is leaning into Negroni evenings, and I’m here for it. Stop in after work, start with something stirred and Italian, and settle in for a long, relaxed summer dinner.

Bitter, cold, refreshing—and exactly right for August.

The bar opens at 3 PM, making it an easy stop for an afternoon cocktail, happy hour, or dinner out.

One of the things I love most about living and working in the Renton area is supporting the wonderful local restaurants and businesses that make our community special. ❤️

Have you tried a Negroni at Marianna yet?

🏡 Property Buying Assistance

Finding the right home is about more than scrolling through listings—it’s about understanding the market, recognizing value, and knowing when the right opportunity comes along.

Whether you’re searching for your next home, an investment property, or a new real estate opportunity, I’m here to guide you through every step—from market analysis and property tours to writing a strong offer and negotiating on your behalf.

You deserve a buying strategy built around your goals.

📍 Serving Renton, South King County & the Greater Puget Sound area
📞 Sue Lunsford | 206-390-7578

🎉 Offer Accepted—What Happens Next?

Once the buyer and seller have signed the agreement, the transaction reaches mutual acceptance and officially moves forward.

The buyer’s earnest money is deposited into escrow, and the closing process begins.

But the seller is not paid just yet! First, the transaction must move through inspections, financing, appraisal, title review, contingencies, and final documentation.

There are several moving parts behind every successful closing—and I’m there to help keep them coordinated.

🏡 **SOLD IN SHELTON!** 🔑

Congratulations to my buyers on the purchase of their new home at:

📍 **271 E Bertlesen Road, Shelton, WA 98584**
🛏 3 Bedrooms
🛁 2 Bathrooms
📐 1,568 Sq. Ft.
🌲 **2.56 Acres**

There’s something special about helping buyers find a property that fits their goals, lifestyle, and next chapter. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to represent my clients throughout this purchase and help guide them all the way to closing.

Whether you’re buying close to home or expanding your search beyond the Renton area, having experienced representation matters. From evaluating the property to negotiating and navigating the details, I’m here to help make the process feel clear and well-managed.

**Thinking about buying a home or property in Washington? Let’s talk about what you’re looking for and create a strategy to get you there.**

📞 Sue Lunsford | 206-390-7578
Windermere Real Estate/PSR, Inc.

*Listing Courtesy of Northwest MLS as distributed by MLS GRID. Buyer represented by Sue Lunsford, Windermere Real Estate/PSR, Inc.*

🏡 **Think you need 20% down to buy a home? Think again!**

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear from buyers is that they need a 20% down payment before they can even start thinking about homeownership.

The reality? Depending on the loan program and your qualifications, some conventional loans may allow as little as **3%–5% down**, while certain government-backed programs may offer even lower down payment options.

Putting less than 20% down can mean additional costs such as Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), but waiting years to save a full 20% isn’t always the best strategy either. The right approach depends on your finances, goals, timeline, and the loan programs available to you.

That’s why getting the real numbers matters.

✨ Wondering what buying a home could actually look like for you? Let’s talk about your goals, and I can connect you with one of my trusted local lenders to explore your options.

📌 **Save this post for when you’re ready to start your home search!**

Sue Lunsford
Windermere Real Estate/PSR, Inc.
📞 206-390-7578
📧 [email protected]