BUYERS TOOLBOX -
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to your the most
common buyer-related questions.
BUYERS
Does the sponsoring
agent work with buyers?
How much does it cost
to help me find a home?
How much does it cost to
buy a home?
I would like to
preview a home for sale, who can I call?
Can you help me buy a new
home from a builder?
Where can I
get advice on buying a home?
GENERAL INFO
How are real estate
agents compensated?
Is your real estate
agent a Realtor?
Where can I get a
home mortgage loan?
If I call or
e-mail you, will I be pressured?
Who do I call
with stupid questions?
I want to talk
to a Denver area Real Estate Agent / Realtor
Does
the sponsoring agent work with buyers?
YES.
The SearchHomesInDenver.com sponsoring real estate agent will serve as your "buyers agent"
- to ensure you receive "Nordstrom-level" service from
your initial home search through moving day and long after your settled in.
Anthony Rael will be with you every step of
the way to ensure that nobody takes advantage of you. In addition to the
vast inventory of in-house listings by
REMAX Alliance,
I can assist buyers
in previewing homes for sale through the Denver & Boulder Colorado
Property Listings from
RE/MAX, Sotheby's International Realty, Kentwood Real Estate, Compass, eXP,
Porchlight, Coldwell Banker, Keller Williams and many other independent real estate companies -
including new homes
offered by
local builders.
How much does it cost to
help me find a home?
Buyer Agents or Transaction Brokers are usually compensated
the Builder, Listing Agent or Seller.
This is often referred to as a "co-op" (a.k.a. cooperation) - meaning the
brokerage firm will be compensated for successfully bringing the buyer
to the seller at closing. When you hire me as a "buyers
agent", I will work round-the-clock to find
homes based on your specific needs and we will thoroughly go through the
contracts and disclosures so there re no surprises.
How much does cost to buy a home?
If you haven't already been
pre-qualified for a home loan,
we can recommend a local mortgage loan officer
who will help you. You can start the process over the phone, but
most will ask you to submit an application online. Since there are so
many variables (ie: down
payment options, interest rates, closing costs, taxes, insurance, HOA's, etc.) that go into buying
a home, it's best if we talk through everything via phone.
I love educating consumers, so if you want to learn - "Just Call Ants"
at 303-520-3179
I would like to preview a
home for sale, who can I call?
If you are not already under contract with another real estate agent,
the sponsoring agent (Anthony Rael) can show
you any home listed for sale in the Denver Metro area - including new homes.
Regardless of where you find a (on the internet or driving by), you can
call Anthony to find out all the details and schedule a preview.
"Just Call Ants" at 303-520-3179
Can you help me buy a new
home from a builder?
Anyone considering the purchase of a new home should hire a
Realtor who
can represent you in negotiations with a
new home builder. In fact, many
new Colorado home builders welcome the assistance of a cooperating real estate agent.
More info on
new homes and new home builders.
Where can I get a home mortgage loan?
Ask your friends, co-workers, family members (or me) because there are
some individuals and/or companies you want to avoid. Although most banks
& credit unions can provide home loans, they don't always offer the best
rates and terms. It's always best to compare at least two mortgage lenders
because their rates can vary significantly and some unethical lenders prey
on uneducated buyers with "bait-and-switch" tactics. If you need a
recommendation, just call 303-520-3179.
Not sure how much you can
afford?
Use the mortgage calculator to get a
general idea or get "pre-approved
for a mortgage"
by a local reputable lender. It only takes a few
minutes and you are not obligated to do anything. Knowing what you
can qualify for helps limit your search for homes you can actually afford.
Are you aware of the numerous
first-time homebuyer programs available in Colorado?
There are several low-interest grants and housing financial assistance
programs available to homebuyers in the Denver Colorado area. If you'd
like more information on getting FREE down payment assistance
and/or low interest loans from these organizations, just call 303-520-3179.
If I call
or e-mail the sponsoring real estate agent, will I be pressured?
Like you, we are easily turned off by high-pressure sales people and
their tactics. You have our assurance that
the sponsoring real estate agent/broker will never under any
circumstances pressure or obligate you to do
anything. This website is solely intended to provide real estate advice. Our Sponsoring Realtor
/ real estate agent subscribes to a strict code of ethics.
Who do I
call with questions?
The fact is, when it comes to real estate (or life in general)
you should never hold back any questions. I am not here to judge anyone -
I'm here to help consumers understand the various aspects of a real
estate transaction and make them feel comfortable with the process. Since
buying & selling a home involves one of the biggest financial investments
you will ever make, it's absolutely essential that you feel comfortable
asking anything. I'm a life-long learner so I would be foolish to say I
know everything. So if you ever ask something and I don't know the answer, I
have access to unlimited resources to get an answer quickly. When you have questions or just want to
bounce ideas off someone, let's meet for coffee or just call 303-520-3179.
How are Real Estate Agents compensated?
In Colorado, the majority of residential real estate brokers are
compensated by the listing agent (the one hired to represent the seller)
or in some cases, a new home builder. Listing
commissions are negotiable and range from 4-7% of the sales price
and is dependent on the property, location and overall marketing
plan. Upon the successfully closing on the home, a certain pre-negotiated "co-op" fee or
percentage of the sales price is paid to the brokerage firm who brings a
successful buyer to closing. Real Estate in Colorado is very competitive
and every agent is free to negotiate their own fees.
Is your real estate agent a Realtor?
All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who
are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR "®" logo on the business card
or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat
all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict
code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of
knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate.
THINKING OF
SELLING YOUR HOME?
Read our Sellers Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work with
sellers?
How much is my home
is worth?
How is the
listing or asking price determined?
How much do you
charge to sell a home?
What the heck is a
sales "co-op"?
What are
"discounted" or "limited services"?
Are there any
up-front or hidden fees to sell my home?
Who will show
your home to prospective buyers?
I want to talk
to a Denver area Real Estate Agent / Realtor