Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to help
me find a home?
Buyer Agents or Transaction Brokers have customarily been compensated
by the Listing Agent, Seller or Builder. This is often referred to as a "co-op"
- meaning the
brokerage firm is compensated for successfully bringing the buyer to the closing
table. 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 are 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 or have a signed
agreement with another real estate agent, I can arrange to 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
contact us for details and schedule a preview.
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.
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
mortgage rates and terms. It's always best to compare at least two mortgage lenders
because while their interest rates should be very close, what you're
really looking for is someone who is extremely responsive and doesn't
mind returning a call, text or email after-hours or on weekends. Contact
one of our preferred local mortgage lenders.
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.Knowing what you
can qualify for helps limit your
search for homes you can actually afford.
Are you aware of
Down payment Assistance programs in Colorado?
There are several grants and housing financial assistance
programs available to homebuyers in the Denver Colorado area. If you'd
like more information on getting down payment assistance
and/or low interest loans from these organizations,
contact Anthony Rael.
Who do I Call with Questions?
When it comes to real estate (or life in general)
you should never hold back any questions. I am not here to judge
you -
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. As a life-long learner, I'd be foolish to say or think I
know everything. So if you ever ask something and I don't know the answer
to, 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?
For decades, the majority of residential real estate brokers have
been
compensated by the listing agent (the agent hired to represent the seller)
or in some cases, a new home builder. Listing
commissions are negotiable.
Responding to
nationwide lawsuits and settlements that are expected to go into effect in
late 2024, new business practices will MANDATE two key changes
to the way real estate agents do business in the United States:
1) the MLS will forbid listing agents to
publicly disclose any information related to compensation offerings in
their listings. In the past, every listing displayed what the % or
dollar amount a listing agent , seller or builder was offering the Buyer
Agent or Transaction Broker (aka "Cooperating Broker") who successfully
brought a Buyer to the closing table. Moving forward, buyers and their
agents will have no idea what if any compensation ("co-op") is being
offered, so it simply means, Buyer Agents need to take more time
explaining to Buyers how they will be paid at closing - especially if a
Seller or builder refuses to offer a "co-op" (kind of like some for sale
by owners - FSBO have done for decades).
2) Every MLS participant in the United
States working with buyers will be REQUIRED to enter into
a written agreement with their Buyers before the buyer
tours a home. Once again, this is not really anything new because the
Colorado real Estate Commission (CREC) and brokerage firms have
encouraged agents to use written agreements to help consumers understand
exactly what services and value they provide and the costs of those
services. Many agents (myself included) are not pushy and never felt
comfortable asking a buyer to sign a contract before we
agreed to show them properties. It seemed like an unnecessary and
aggressive way to ask for someone's business before they have even had a
chance to know if they trust you to handle what will likely be the
largest financial transaction of their life!
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®. Less than 50% of all licensees
in the State of Colorado are REALTORS®. Unfortunately in recent years,
many agents have been illegally using the REALTOR® logo on their
business cards, print materials, social media and websites. It's sad to
see because they aren't acting in an ethical or professional manner and
are misleading the public. I encourage every buyer and seller to verify
if the agent you're thinking of hiring is a
REALTOR® who adheres to a strict Code of Ethics and high standards
of conduct. If their marketing says otherwise, you really need to ask
"is this someone you trust to work with on such a critical financial
decision.
___________
SELLERS
I Have a Home to Sell - Do You Work with
Sellers?
Absolutely! We provide full-service
brokerage services for sellers. If you demand more than just a sign in your
front yard, contact
Anthony Rael to discuss marketing services and flexible commission
rates that provide a win-win opportunity.
How Much is Your Home Worth?
We can prepare a
complimentary Comparative Market Analysis
(CMA) using the same property data as appraisers. This analysis will
assist you in determining the correct price for your home based on
current market conditions such as the competition of similar homes in
your community. We will also conduct a thorough review of home sales for
the past year or so to compare market times and selling prices.
More importantly, we will provide a written valuation and Equity
spreadsheet which estimates how much cash you should expect to walk away
with at closing.
How is the Listing Price Determined?
First and foremost its not based on the Zillow Estimate which is
notoriously inaccurate. Sellers are in total control of setting the listing price.
We will research the
neighborhood comparable sales and evaluating the current
local real estate market to determine and suggest a fair asking price. If
the seller doesn't agree, then we'll usually map out a multi-phased
price reduction timeline that will eventually sell the home. We have
proven strategies to ensure you never
risk leaving money on the table!
How much does a real estate agent charge to sell
a home?
Brokerage listing commission rates vary
from brokerage firm and agent to agent and can range based on a number of
factors. Commissions are not set in stone and are negotiable depending on the
specific level of marketing services an agent will provide and whether you
are purchasing a replacement property. We understand how important it is to keep as much of your equity
in your pocket and are willing to earn your business while creating value
for our
professional services.
Are there any Up-Front or Hidden Fees to Sell
My Home?
For better or worse, real
estate agents are not paid unless and until they successfully get you to
the closing table. This
is great for the seller, because (unless otherwise negotiated in
writing) you are not obligated to pay your agent for any of their
time, materials or advertising expenses unless they sell your home.
Having said that, until you are 100% certain that all of the fees have
been disclosed to you IN WRITING, you should never sign any documents
with any agent or firm.
Who Will Show Your Home to Prospective Buyers?
Most real estate agents cooperate with other real
estate professionals. Agents from RE/MAX, Sotheby's International
Realty, Kentwood Real Estate, Compass, eXP, Porchlight, Coldwell Banker,
Keller Williams and many other independent real estate companies and
other offices frequently show and
sell sell each other's listings ("co-op"
is explained above). In some rare cases, the listing agent may be asked
to show the property to a prospective buyer, but you will always be
informed ahead of time.
Who can I call with questions?
When it comes to real estate (or life in general)
you should never hold back any questions. I am not here to judge
you -
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. As a life-long learner, I'd be foolish to say or think I
know everything. So if you ever ask something and I don't know the answer
to, 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.
Buyer Resources
What
is a Buyer's Agent?
Home
Loans | Getting Pre-Approved with a Local Mortgage Lender
First-time
Buyers & Down Payment Assistance
Programs
Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs)
Mortgage
Payment Calculator
100%
Satisfaction Guarantee
Local
Heroes Cash Rebate Program -
Teachers, Veterans, Law Enforcement & Healthcare Professionals
