Buying Guide

Helpful buying tips: Let your unique story unfold in a home that is uniquely YOU!

Each of us has a unique story, often with many plot twists! Your unique story deserves to unfold in a home that uniquely suits YOU – whether it’s a contemporary condo, historic Victorian, or million-dollar mansion. If you’re looking to buy a home in metro Denver, we encourage you to start with the following tips. And CALL us. We’re excited to guide you in this chapter of your story!

Tip #1: Get pre-approved by a lender.

When buying a house having a pre-approval is a critical negotiating point. Here are 3 great reasons to be pre-approved by a lender:

• Home sellers simply will not accept your offer if you do not include a lender approval letter with your offer.
• By seeking pre-approval before you find the home of your dreams, you’ll have time to select the best loan package without being under pressure.
• You’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing the loan process is behind you – and you can look forward to finding your forever home

Tip #2: View homes for sale with a critical eye.

Before beginning a “boots on the ground” search process, it’s helpful to clarify wants and needs. Think about neighborhoods, school districts, home styles and, of course, price. Now it’s time to start viewing homes! Here are tips to view homes with a critical eye:

• Bring a notepad and pen and take notes on every house. Capture points about features you like and dislike. Even if you view only a few houses, details can get blurred.
• As you walk through a house, examine every room carefully including in the basement and garage. Feel free to open closets and cabinets even if the home owner is present. Take time to walk around the yard.
• Take plenty of pictures to jog your memory (assuming you have permission from the seller!). Hint: Take a picture of each home’s flyer or house. number on the mailbox before taking other photos of the home. This will help keep the images well organized on your mobile phone and easy to refer to later.
• Don’t be surprised if the first house you see is the perfect one. This does happen!
• Don’t e discouraged if you visit several houses with your Agent and none are perfect fit. We REALTORS® are a diligent bunch, and we’ll work with yo to find the house you can call home.

Tip #3: Once you find a house – and before moving day arrives – prepare an Essentials Box to ensure a smooth move into your new home.

When you arrive at your new home on moving day, you’ll want to be prepared with a wide variety of items. This can help to assure a stress-free day and smooth transition into your new home. Here are some items to gather before moving day:

• Change of clothes, bath towel, soap, shampoo and toiletries for each family member (don’t forget the toilet paper!)
• Toys or games for the kids
• Pet carrier, bed, food, water and food dishes, leash, and a few toys
• Prescription medicines for family members and pets
• Garbage bags, cleaning supplies, and cloth rags or paper towels
• Snacks, drinks, cups, plates, and cutlery
• Portable toolkit, scissors, pocket knife, and flashlight
• Request or Buying Guide for a detailed moving checklist.

Tip #4: Ask for our in-depth Buying Guide

Be sure to request our exceptionally detailed Buying Guide, an in-depth manual you’ll refer to throughout the buying process. Here are just a few examples of the informative and useful contents:

• Guidance on inspections, title insurance, home warranty insurance, and protecting your earnest money
• Educational information about mortgages including an overview of the loan process and financing options.
• A “glossary” of participants in the buying process (learn exactly what the loan officer, underwriter, and escrow officer do!)
• An explanation of our Quality Service Certified® guarantee, based on a program that assures yo will receive the highest level of service in the real estate industry. (Click to learn more about our Quality Service Certified® guarantee.)