Buying or selling a home in Colorado Springs?

With some planning ahead of time, purchasing a home isn't that hard, but the event is stressful for many people. So they'll know exactly what to expect, I'll provide buyers with a road map of the entire deal. Below are my nine steps to purchasing a home. Should you have questions about this information or if you're prepared to get started, just contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase
Before you start looking for a home, there are a lot of things you'll want to consider. You'll want to form a list of must-have features, get a feel for what school districts you'd like to live in, and start planning around your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment less than 1/3 of your net monthly income is a good rule of thumb to adhere to.

Step 2 – Communicate with a real estate agent in Colorado Springs
This is where I come in. We can arrange a time to meet so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll discuss the mortgage and housing industries, other economic factors that could potentially affect your purchase today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and school districts in the Colorado Springs area.

I'll also help you begin the loan process. There are some very good mortgage professionals in Colorado Springs, and I work with a lot of them, so you'll be in great hands. They will help you determine which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Begin your search
After we meet for the first time, I'll begin searching for available houses on the market that are a good fit for you. I'll get a sneak peek of many of the homes and eliminate the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the homes at a time that's convenient for you.

As we tour the homes, I'll point out positive features, as well as bad ones. I'll even ask you to point out what things you like and don't like. Oftentimes, buyers revise their list of must-haves as we tour homes and some things become more essential than others. If that's the case, I'll search all the listings once again and trim it down to the home you've been dreaming about.

Step 4 – Comprehend the market
An agent's awareness of the Colorado Springs housing market is an imperative agent in your house search. And I assure you I'm mindful of all the schools and neighborhoods, and I will alert you to what districts are "hot" and demand prompt action and some that are "cold" and allow for thoughtful consideration.

As we tour homes, I'll be sure to tell you if the seller's list price has room for negotiation or if I believe the home is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be careful and be sure to ask lots of questions, as every REALTOR will tell you they truly understand the home market. If things don't add up, call me at 7195286672 or e-mail me at , and I'll be more than happy to answer your questions. My market knowledge will keep you a step ahead through the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the home of your dreams
I'm confident we'll find your dream house in Colorado Springs. When we do, I'll carefully develop your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be tailored keeping your needs in mind and the home, including many contingencies. A few examples are acquiring financing, carrying out the home inspection, and a clear title.

Upon turning in your offer, you'll likely want to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to a seller to secure an offer to buy the property. The amount is most often applied to the closing costs. If your offer is accepted by the seller, we should close on the property about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows sufficient time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Most contracts don't close on the beginning offer. It's extremely common to receive a counter offer. But don't let this intimidate you. We'll talk about whether or not to accept 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 market circumstances. We'll also work within your financing limits. And at the end of the day, we'll put together a contract that works well for you.

Step 7 – Get financing
Upon signing the contract, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan. If you're pre-approved, this shouldn't take very long at all. However, you'll need to stay in close contact with your lender. And I'll care for all the property information your lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your lender will give you a Loan Estimate (LE) of your closing costs within three days of taking your loan application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining closing costs from your lender within three days of accepting your loan application. This estimate rests on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements order that it has to involve all closing costs and be within a strict range of accuracy. I'll analyze the estimate and let you know if everything looks okay.

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

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