Looking to purchase a new home in Colorado Springs? Brian L. A. Wess can help.

Purchasing a home is intimidating for most people, but it isn't that difficult with a little planning ahead of time. So they'll know exactly what they can expect, I will give buyers a road map of the whole deal. Here are my nine steps to purchasing a home. If you have questions regarding any of this information or if you're prepared to get started, just contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Get ready to purchase a home
Before you start searching for a home, there are several things you should do. When you start your search, you'll want to make a list of must-have features, get a feel for what school districts you want to live in, and start working on your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is around 30 percent of your monthly income is a good rule of thumb to adhere to.

Step 2 – Connect with a real estate agent in Colorado Springs
That's where I can help. We can book a time to meet so we can talk about why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your future plans. We'll discuss everything from neighborhoods, schools in the Colorado Springs area, the mortgage industry, to any other economic factors that could potentially affect your purchase today or in the future.

In addition, I'll help you start the loan process. There are some great mortgage professionals in Colorado Springs, and I partner with a lot of them, so you're in great hands. They'll assist you in choosing which kind of loan is best for you and help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin house hunting
After we meet, I'll start looking for available houses on the market that are great for you. I'll get a sneak peek of most of the houses and eliminate the duds, and then we'll set up appointments to view the houses when it's most convenient for you.

When we tour houses, I'll point out positive features, as well as bad ones. I'll also ask you about things you like and don't like. Usually, buyers revise their list of must-haves as we tour homes and some items become far more necessary than others. If that happens, I'll look through the listings once more and trim it down to the home you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Know the housing market
My understanding of the Colorado Springs market is a necessary aspect in your house search. I am conscious of all the neighborhoods and schools, and I can let you know certain neighborhoods are "hot" and demand prompt action and others that are "cool" and allow for more examination.

When we view houses, I'll be sure to tell you if the asking price has room for bargaining or if I believe the house is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be mindful and make sure you ask a lot of questions, as every real estate agent will tell you they know the housing market. If it appears they don't know everything, contact me at 7195286672 or e-mail me at , and I'll be happy to answer any questions you have. My market expertise will keep you a step above the rest throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the home of your dreams
We'll find the home of your dreams in Colorado Springs, and when that happens, I'll thoroughly develop your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be tailored with your needs in mind and the home, including many contingencies. A few examples are getting financing, finishing the home inspection, and a clean title.

When submitting your offer, you'll probably want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to the home seller to secure the offer to buy the property. The amount is often applied to the closing costs. If your offer is accepted by the seller, we should close on the home within 30 to 60 days after. This allows sufficient time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
A lot of deals aren't closed on the initial offer – it's very common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it intimidate you. We'll talk about whether or not to consent to the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and move on.

How aggressively we negotiate the deal depends on the state of the market. We'll also work within your financing constraints. And when it's all said and done, we'll create a deal that works well for you.

Step 7 – Get financing
After the contract is signed, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're pre-approved, this won't be a long process at all. However, you need to keep in close contact with your lender. And I'll take care of all the property information your lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your lender will send you a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing closing costs within three days of receiving your application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) of your closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of getting your application. The estimate rests on the loan amount. RESPA requirements mandate that it has to involve all closing costs and be within a close range of accuracy, and I'll examine the estimate and let you know if everything looks good.

Then we'll close on your house. This will most likely take place at a title company or escrow office and will most often be a smooth and relaxing occasion.

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