Buying or selling a home?

For a lot of people, buying a home is a stressful event. However, with a little up-front planning, it isn't that confusing. I like to give buyers an outline of the whole deal so they'll know exactly what to expect. These are my nine steps to buying a home. When you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm happy to address questions you have regarding this information.

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase a home
There are several things you'll want to do prior to beginning your home search. When you start your search, you'll probably want to make an index of must-haves, get a plan of what neighborhoods and school districts you'd like to live in, and begin working on your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is less than or close to 1/3 of your monthly income is a good rule to go by.

Step 2 – Communicate with a real estate agent
That's where I come in. I'd be happy to schedule a time to meet with you and communicate with you regarding your real estate needs and get an idea of your future plans. We'll talk about the mortgage industry, other economic factors that may potentially affect your purchase today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and school districts in the Colorado Springs area.

In addition, I'll help you get started on your loan. I partner with some of the finest mortgage professionals in Colorado Springs, so you'll be in great hands. They'll help you determine which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin looking
After we meet, I'll begin looking for houses on the market that are good for you. I'll preview most of the homes and eliminate the duds, and then we'll book appointments to view the homes when it's convenient for you.

When we view the homes, I'll point out good features and bad ones. I'll even ask you to talk about things you like and don't like. It's widely common for buyers to revise their must-have list as we tour homes and some items become more crucial than others. If that happens, I'll look through the listings once again and narrow it down to the home of your dreams.

Step 4 – Know the housing market
Your agent's knowledge of the Colorado Springs home market is a crucial aspect in your house search. And I assure you I'm informed of all the neighborhoods and schools, and I will alert you to what neighborhoods are "hot" and warrant immediate action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for thoughtful analysis.

As we tour homes, I'll be sure to tell you if the seller's asking price has room for bargaining or if I believe the home is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, trust your instincts and be sure to ask plenty of questions, as any real estate agent in Colorado Springs will convince you they truly understand the home market. If it appears they don't know everything, call me at 7195286672 or e-mail me at , and I'll be glad to answer any questions you may have. My understanding of the market will keep you a step ahead throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find your dream home
We'll find your dream house in the Colorado Springs area, and when we do, I'll meticulously create your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be tailored to suit your needs and the home, including many contingencies, such as acquiring financing, carrying out the home inspection, and a clear title.

Upon presenting your purchase offer, you'll likely want to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to the home seller to secure the offer to purchase the property. The amount is often put towards the cost of closing. If the seller accepts your offer, we should close about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows sufficient time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
A lot of contracts don't close on the first offer. It's widely common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it intimidate you. We'll discuss whether or not to accept the counter offer, propose our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and go on.

The state of the market will play a part in how aggressively we negotiate the deal. We'll also work within your financing budget. And at the end of the day, we'll assemble a contract that's best for you.

Step 7 – Secure financing
Once we sign the final deal, you'll begin working with your lender to close the loan. If you've been pre-qualified, this won't be a long process at all, but you need to keep in close contact with your lender. And I'll manage all the property information your lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your lender will furnish you with a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing closing costs within three days of accepting your application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) of closing costs from your lender within three days of accepting your application. The estimate is based on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements mandate that it has to involve all closing costs and be within a tight range of accuracy. I'll review the estimate and let you know if it all looks all right.

Then we'll close on your house. This will most often occur at a title company or escrow office and should be a smooth and pleasant occurrence.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, make sure you contact me at 7195286672 or e-mail me at .