ADVICE FOR HOMEBUYERS

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

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credits & Other Incentives
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 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 (like me). 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.

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.

Use my Buyers Toolbox to find your next home, get tips for new home buyer's, information on the 9 Steps to buying a home and understanding what buyer agency is and why you should be represented in a real estate transaction. You can also use my mortgage calculator to see how much home you can afford and explore available mortgage financing options and even sign up to receive the hottest new home listings via e-mail.

* THE BENEFITS OF OWNING A HOME *

If you would like to sit down for coffee and discuss the Denver Real Estate market, just call me anytime at 303-520-3179.  Anthony Rael, Metro Brokers Arvada-Northwest offers professional & trustworthy real estate services to buyers & sellers throughout the Denver metro area including Arvada, Brighton, Broomfield, Denver, Golden, Highland/Sloan's Lake, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Littleton, Louisville, Longmont, Thornton, Westminster, Wheat Ridge, Adams County, Denver County & Jefferson County.

Leverage my life-long knowledge of the Denver Metro area - from homes, condos, lofts or investment properties, new homes builders, schools & local amenities to reliable & trustworthy business partners like mortgage brokers & home contractors to maximize your investment, secure your future and realize the home of your dreams.