Buyer’s Guide
With the rise of the internet and websites like Zillow, home buyers often ask “why do I need to hire a realtor?” The reason to hire me as your realtor is that I am your partner in your home buying process. I have a unique perspective in the real estate market and have been a closing attorney, a title insurer, a buyer and a seller. Not only can I show you houses, I can advocate for you and provide answers to all of your questions. I have partnerships with lenders, title companies, inspectors and other professionals to make the process run more smoothly. If you need it, I can help you find it! I am here to work with you and have a team of professionals available to work for you as well.
Purchasing a home is one of the greatest and most important decisions you will ever make. Buying a luxury property requires a network uniquely designed for the luxury market and can require expertise and discretion not always necessary in the regular market. As a highly-qualified realtor with Keller Williams Downtown, LLC. and an experienced lawyer for 20 years, I can help you through every step of the buying process. From our first initial meeting to when you are handed the keys to your new home, nothing is more important than ensuring your interests and needs are met.
Secure financing
Financing is an important first step when looking for a home. This can be complicated for those who are self-employed, business owners and entrepreneurs. If you do not already have a relationship with a lender, contact me for recommendations!
Becoming pre-approved through a certified mortgage lender is one of the first steps you’ll need to make before you can begin viewing homes. You should begin looking into financing three to six months prior to starting your search in case there are any issues that need to be worked through on the lender side.
Your finances are extremely important, so knowing how much house you can and cannot afford will ensure you are making a financially-wise investment. To qualify for financing, your lender will ask for specific documentation, including but not limited to:
- 401k statements
- Personal and business bank statements
- Personal and business savings accounts
- Investment accounts
- Pay stubs
- Profit and loss statements
- Proof of funds
Schedule a consultation with me
It’s essential to sit down together and discuss the goals you have as a buyer and your timing. Special consideration must be made for certain situations: Are you relocating? Is it a 1031 exchange? I can advise on the best strategy for you.
Colorado has one of the most unique real estate markets where you can live a variety of lifestyles. What is your lifestyle? Do you own a mountain property or a high-end downtown condo? What about a ranch or horse property? Are you looking for investment property, perhaps a multi-family unit? The possibilities in this area are endless!
Are there specific must-haves in your new home? Are you looking for a luxury property with an open floor plan? A gated community with exclusive amenities? Knowing how many rooms you want, your ideal square footage, and your preferred architectural style is important, as these stipulations will give me an idea of what type of home you’re looking for.
During this time, we’ll also discuss the price range you are comfortable purchasing within. As your real estate professional, it’s my duty to make sure you are happy with any home you make an offer on.
Begin viewing properties
I know you have been eyeing those properties on Zillow. Now it’s time to go see them in person! Based on your home criteria, I will also contact my network to see if there are additional properties off market or “coming soon” for you to view. I will also keep you informed on the ever changing market conditions.
During this time, you will attend viewings and open houses of prospective homes. As we do a walkthrough, I will fill you in on any important details, including square footage, home age, recent updates to the property’s major systems, and more. No question is off limits!
An important consideration in Colorado are homeowners’ associations (often called
“covenant communities”) and metro districts. These entities will significantly affect your rights and finances as a homeowner. Therefore, it is important to understand the laws surrounding these types of communities. As a lawyer and a board member of an HOA, I have unique insights of the pros and cons of living in covenant communities.
Making an offer
When you’ve found a home you love, it’s time to make an offer. At this time, I will sit down with you and draft a competitive offer that holds true to your goals and stipulations but also stands out above other interested buyers.
An offer should include:
- Your timeline
- Your offering price
- Any contingencies
- Earnest money deposits
Once we’ve drafted and submitted your offer, the seller can accept, counteroffer, or reject. Should you receive a counteroffer, I will act as your advocate during negotiations to ensure your needs as a buyer are met.
Under contract
The seller has accepted your offer, you have paid your earnest money and you are now under contract. This means you are one step closer to purchasing a home. But there is still work to be done and many deadlines to be aware of. I will keep you advised of the necessary deadlines and be your point of contact for the remainder of the process. I will help you hire an inspector and negotiate any amendments or contingencies. We will discuss title and insurance needs as well.
Closing
Prior to closing, you will do a final home walkthrough and ensure everything is as it was when you first viewed it. Once this is completed, you will sit down with me, your mortgage lender, your closing attorney (if needed), the seller’s agent, and the seller to begin the lengthy paperwork process of purchasing your home. At this time, any transactions — including down payments and closing costs — will need to be paid, the deed to the house will be transferred into your name, and small details will be finalized. After the paperwork is complete, you will be given the keys to your new home. Congratulations!
