Denver Homebuyers Toolbox - FREE Advice for Denver Real Estate Homebuyers

Denver Home Buyers Toolbox
Advice for Denver Real Estate Homebuyers

Don't be overwhelmed by the information provided below. This is simply a general overview of the home buying process and is provided for your convenience. Remember, we am here to personally assist you every step of the way and handle the little details that will make the process exciting and worry-free.

How Much Can I Afford?
Don’ts for the Home Buyer
Tips for First Time Home Buyers
Common Closing Costs
Do I Really Need to Use a Real Estate Agent?
Services I Can Provide
Steps to Selecting the Right Property

How Much Can I Afford?

Use my simple calculator to get a rough idea.

Don’ts for the Home Buyer

Don’t wait for the perfect house. Compromising & prioritizing are essential elements of the buying process.
Don’t buy before comparison shopping…especially if you’re new to the area.
Don’t write an unrealistic offer or you will simply be helping someone else’s offer look good (too low of a price…too many contingencies).
Don’t feel a need to negotiate if a property is new to the market, priced right and popular…the good ones often go quickly and at full or close to full price.
Don’t think all real estate agents and companies are created equal. Find a Realtor® (like me) who is passionate about what they do and works to ensure your best interest in the deal - not theirs.
Don’t be afraid to write an offer above or below the asking price. Offer what it is worth to you. Remember...everything is negotiable.
Don’t work with more than one agent. Find one you like and stick with them.
Don’t wait for the perfect time to buy. The best time to buy is when you have found the right home - and you'll know when the time comes.
Don’t get too many people involved in your buying decision. Many transactions are lost while you're busy soliciting other people for their opinions. Act quickly to get the property you desire.
Don’t wait until you find a home to start looking into mortgage loans. Being prepared with a mortgage will give you the upper hand to submit a solid offer by letting sellers know you are very serious.

Tips for First Time Home Buyers:

Be pre-qualified by a lender.
Obtain a mortgage pre-approval.
Have the necessary funds available to write an initial earnest money check.
If you are receiving a “gift letter” for a portion of your down payment, be sure to have the money transferred into your savings account.
Have the remaining money for your down payment easily accessible.
Pay balances on revolving credit cards.
Never make a big purchase (such as a car or new furniture) prior to getting loan approval and closing on your new home.
Have a credit report run by a mortgage lender or credit agency so that you can clear up any potential problems.
Find an attorney to review an “offer to purchase agreement”.
Be aware of the dates you can move on.

Common Closing Costs:

Down payment.
Loan Origination fee and points.
Appraisal fee.
Credit report.
Flood letter.
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) premium.
Home Owners Insurance premium.
Mortgage Insurance escrow.
Property taxes escrow.
Closing fees.
Recording fees.
Mortgage Title policy.
Mortgage interest adjustment.
Survey.
Owner’s Title policy.
Termite inspection and building inspection fee.
Tax servicing fee.
Lender inspection fee.
Federal Express / Courier fees (if needed).

Do I Really Need to Use a Real Estate Agent or REALTOR?

Do you have time to research the residential housing market?
Do you have the knowledge to integrate and understand the information available to you?
Can you integrate the information available on the real estate Internet sites into useful data that can help you accomplish your goal?
Do you have the expertise to negotiate on your own behalf?
Do you have the ability to find a qualified home inspector?
Do you have the time to research the home loan programs available in the market?
Do you have the time to interview mortgage loan officers?
Do you have the time and expertise to target market, if necessary, for the type of property you are looking for?
Do you know the zoning regulations and building codes pertaining to residential real estate in the area you are interested in?

Services I Can Provide:

Work with you to find properties that meet your specific
requirements such as location, price and amenities.
Arrange for appointments and show you the properties you select.
Provide you with information regarding the price and value of properties.
Provide knowledge of the current real estate market and how it relates to your purchase.
Prepare an offer to purchase.
Arrange for appointments and show you the properties you select.
Provide you with information regarding the price and value of properties.
Assist in the negotiation of your selected property.
Refer you to professional service providers, such as: home inspectors, legal services, mortgage services, title services, etc.
...and many other things that no other realtor is willing to do.

Steps to Selecting the Right Property

Approach the home buying process objectively - there is no perfect home; the good ones sell quickly; don’t second guess yourself.
After viewing each property, ask yourself: what did you like about it?; what, if anything would you want/need to change? Could you see yourself owning the property if the price was right?
Use your judgment, the Market Analysis prepared by your agent and the option of an Appraisal to your advantage.

RETURN TO HOME BUYERS TOOLBOX

If you require a more specific information on a property ASAP
contact Anthony Rael, REMAX Alliance at (303) 520-3179