Buying Tips

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO BUYING YOUR HOME IN NORTHERN COLORADO?

Step 1: Why?

As you explore the growing areas of Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland, and more, start by asking yourself one crucial question: Why are you buying?

Are you leaving your landlord behind and building equity for the first time? Are you a newcomer to the region, eager to put down roots? Or has your family simply outgrown your current space?

No matter your motivation, sharing your vision with James, your Northern Colorado Realtor®, will ensure you have a dedicated partner to guide you to the perfect home. Many buyers' agents will tell buyers to get pre-approved with a lender first and don't want to be bothered until then, but I find this misses a crucial step. No matter if you are a first-time homebuyer or have bought and sold homes multiple times, buyers benefit when they strategize with their Realtor® early on. And the sooner the better!

Buyers can save tens of thousands of dollars by planning out when they break a lease or sell their existing home. Mistakes can be made with the timing of lender loan applications. Zoning changes (much like we are seeing currently in the state of Colorado) can determine when a buyer should purchase an investment property.

With such a large purchase, you are choosing to work with me not because I offer a seven-step buying guide. Rather, you are leveraging my experience and knowledge in creating a comprehensive home-buying strategy.

Step 2: Lender !

Once we have answered the ‘why’ of you’d like to buy a home, it is time to talk to lenders and get pre-approved. Here’s why it's a critical step, especially in Northern Colorado's competitive market:

Know Your Power: A lender will specify exactly what can be qualified for, saving time and preventing disappointment. This is where a prequalification letter is vital.
Stand Out to Sellers: In a market with many interested buyers, a preapproval letter tells sellers that a buyer is a serious and credible candidate.
Prevent Losing a Home: Offers submitted without pre-approval are often ignored.
Enjoy the Search: With a budget clearly defined, the focus can be on properties that are the right fit, making the process more productive and less stressful.

Step 3: Shop !

The next step is the most rewarding: finding your new home. Here's how I put my resources to work for you:

Latest Listings: You'll receive the most current listings as soon as they become available.
Cutting-Edge Tools: My affiliation with Coldwell Banker and my IRES membership provide access to the best real estate technology.
Expanded Network: With a network of agents, I can give you a headsup on properties before they are public.
Customized Search: Your home search will be finely tuned to your specific needs and timeline.

Step 4: Let’s Write Your Offer !

After finding the ideal Northern Colorado home, it's time to use your preapproval letter and create a strong offer. I guide buyers through this step with a data-driven approach. Comparable sales, market conditions, and the property's condition can be reviewed to determine the best offer price and negotiation strategy.

We discuss key terms such as the closing date, financing contingencies, inspections, and concessions. After the offer is finalized, it can be submitted, and the seller's response is often received within 24 hours in our particular market.

Step 5: Counter & Negotiation !

Following our offer, the seller may respond with proposed changes. I will manage these counteroffers and negotiations, informing you of every detail. Common adjustments can involve appraisal or inspection timelines, specific property-related requests, and offer price.

Let me separate myth from reality here: the myth is that sellers counter an offer based on purchase price, but the reality is that a multitude of points is argued on a regular basis. As a buyer, you need to know what these are. Nothing will be finalized without your explicit review and consent, ensuring your interests are protected throughout the process.

Step 6: Offer Accepted !

With an accepted offer, it's time to verify everything and move toward closing. Here’s the plan:

Deposit Earnest Money: Earnest money will be immediately deposited into escrow (which is held by the title company in Colorado).
Schedule Inspections: A team of inspectors will be hired to check the property thoroughly.
Review Documents: The title, survey, and any HOA or deed restrictions will be examined.
Secure Insurance: Quotes for homeowners' insurance will be gathered.
Finalize Agreement: After reviewing the inspection reports, any necessary repairs will be negotiated.

Step 7: Closing !

Approximately two weeks after due diligence and inspections are complete, the escrow period of 30–40 days culminates in the closing. As the closing date approaches, several tasks must be completed, such as arranging utility transfers, booking movers, and gathering packing supplies.

As your Realtor®, I will actively monitor the loan underwriting to ensure final approval is secured on time. On the day of closing, a final walkthrough will be conducted to verify that the property's condition aligns with the purchase agreement.

At the closing table, the title escrow officer will guide you through signing all necessary documents, including a review of the final settlement figures. Once the funds are transferred and all paperwork is signed, you officially become a homeowner.

How I Can Help You Buy a Home

Whether it’s your first home or if you’re an experienced buyer, purchasing a home is a complex process. By working with me, you’ll find a home in the neighborhood where you want to live, one that fits your budget and meets your goals for features, quality and value. Once you’ve found the home that’s right for you, I will guide you through the process of making an offer; negotiating the terms of the sale; getting your potential purchase inspected, repaired and appraised; and closing the sale.

When you work with me, you will:

Be more likely to find the home that meets all your criteria
Lessen the amount of time it will take to find your home
Understand all the terms, processes and documents used when buying your home
Have up-to-date market information that will allow you to make informed decisions
Have a skilled negotiator working on your behalf, one who is committed to looking after your best interests
Enjoy peace of mind, knowing that all the details of your purchase are being taken care of by an experienced and knowledgeable professional