Washington · First-Time Buyers
First-Time Home Buyers in Washington
Your first home, explained step by step, with every cost laid out before you commit.
First-time home buyers in Washington: what you get
For first-time home buyers in Washington, the hardest part is usually not knowing what comes next. I'll explain every step in plain language before it happens, and every cost before you commit.
If you're nervous about making an offer, that's completely understandable. I'll lay out your options, tell you which I'd choose and why, and the decision is yours.
Why Washington buyers work with me
I'm Shannan Werckle, a Broker-REALTOR® with eXp Realty and the name behind Greater Peoria Living. Washington is one of the towns I work in regularly, and I know how its mix of older and rebuilt homes affects pricing.
I'll introduce you to lenders I trust so your pre-approval is solid, and point out tax exemptions you may be able to apply for once you own the home. Always confirm with your county assessor.
After the EF4 tornado of November 17, 2013, many Washington homes were rebuilt, so a 1950s home can sit next to a much newer one.
How it works in Washington
- A no-pressure first conversation
- Our buyer-brokerage agreement, explained line by line
- Pre-approval with a lender I trust
- A focused search and my notes on each home
- Your offer, inspections, appraisal and closing, with an update at every step
For the full picture, see how I help buyers, or read more about first-time home buyers in Greater Peoria. You can also see the Washington overview or compare First-Time Buyers in East Peoria, First-Time Buyers in Morton, First-Time Buyers in Germantown Hills. When you're ready, tell me about your plans or call (309) 740-0990.
Frequently Asked Questions
What costs should a first-time buyer expect?
Beyond the price: the down payment, earnest money (usually about 1% on Peoria-area contracts), closing costs, insurance and property taxes. We'll go over them before you commit.
What school districts serve Washington?
Washington District 50, Central School District 51 and Washington Grade School District 52 all feed Washington Community High School District 308. The grade-school district depends on the address.
Washington
What first-time buyers looks like in Washington
East of Peoria and East Peoria, with a historic town square and Five Points Washington.
- The homes
- Older homes toward the center of town. After the EF4 tornado of November 17, 2013, many homes in several neighborhoods were rebuilt, so a 1950s home can sit right next to a much newer, larger one. There has also been a lot of development over the last 20 to 30 years.
- Schools people ask about
- Three grade-school districts (Washington District 50, Central School District 51 and Washington Grade School District 52) feed Washington Community High School District 308.
- Getting around
- East of Peoria and East Peoria. Heading east from Peoria you cross the Illinois River into East Peoria, then reach Washington, and Eureka sits almost in a direct line farther east.
- Nearby
- A historic town square with a park and fountain, specialty shops and boutiques, restaurants, a local winery and the Cornerstone Inn, a boutique hotel in a restored 19th-century bank building. Five Points Washington, a performing arts center that opened in 2007, is home to the Heartland Festival Orchestra.
First-Time Buyers: keep exploring
Ready to make your move with Shannan?