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Buyer's Guide
 Buying a residence can be a hair raising experience. You will
experience a roller coaster of emotions while finding the right
place, securing the loan and finally moving in. For most of us,
the first time home purchase is the largest investment we’ve
ever considered. The emotions of purchasing something so
expensive and personal can often cloud our business judgment.
11 Steps to Owning Your Dream Home
Most home purchasers do little or no research before they invest
their nest egg. Doesn’t it make sense to become as completely
informed as possible before you buy your first home? This
special report is designed to help you avoid 11 common and
crucial mistakes. The Denver Real Estate TEAM can help
you make good sound business decisions based on your personal
situation.
- Prequalified Loan - The first step in the home
search is always to get pre-qualified! This will allow YOU
the decision of what price home you can afford. Many people
will choose to purchase a home that is well below what they
can afford due to upcoming expenses such as college,
weddings or just because they don't want to be "house poor".
Whatever you decide, use our
calculators to your advantage and contact us for
information on interest rates and our preferred lenders.
- Inspect, Inspect and Inspect - Go over the
inspection report with a fine tooth comb. Make sure the
report was done by a professional organization. For condo
purchases go over the CC&R’s, By-Laws, and Association Fees.
Don’t take anything for granted... inspect everything!
- Imagine the Property Vacant - Your furnishings
and decorations will be the ones filling this new residence.
Don’t be swayed by beautiful furniture; it leaves with the
owner.
- Income + Lifestyle = Mortgage Payment - Sit down
with the Denver Real Estate TEAM and honestly
discuss your income level and living expenses. Take into
account future considerations, children, add-ons, amenities,
and fix-ups. Your dream home is certainly worth a sacrifice
but don’t mortgage your entire future.
- View Several Homes - See at least 7-10
properties. Don’t move too slow but don’t move on the first
property you see. With your agent’s help you should be able
to view enough properties to get a good overall perspective
of the home market. When you find the right property all the
leg work will be worth it.
- Utilize Your Team - By aligning yourself with the
Denver Real Estate TEAM you will have an entire team at your
disposal. Utilize your lender, title rep and agent. Each of
them should work hand in hand for your benefit.
- Be Columbo - Check out all costs and expenses
before you sign. Utilities, taxes, insurance, maintenance
and home owner dues if applicable. Make sure all utilities
(gas, electricity, and water) are on during your
walk-through so you can inspect everything in working order.
Ask lots of questions and be very detail conscious.
- Do a Final Walk-Through - Visit the property
prior to closing to be sure there
are no surprises. Be absolutely positive the property was
left exactly as you had agreed upon in the contract. Things
that could have been spotted in a final walk-through are
often unintentionally overlooked.
- Plan For Flexibility - Closing dates are not
written in stone. Allow for contingencies and have a back-up
plan. If you or the sellers need a little more time to
conclude the final arrangements, don’t let these delays
upset or frustrate you. These types of circumstances are not
uncommon in a real estate transaction.
- If It’s Not In Writing, It Doesn’t Exist - All
promises and discussions should be in writing. Don’t make
any assumptions or believe any assurances. Even the best
intentions can be misinterpreted. Get
the seller’s written approval on all agreements.
- Loyalty Breeds Loyalty - Be open, honest and up
front with your team. Hard feelings and disloyalty will
cause head aches, delays or may even keep you from getting
into the home you worked so hard to locate.
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