FAQs for buyers

 

There are many options for home buyers in Colorado and we know it is difficult to find the best fit. At Colorado Is Home, we know that a home purchase is likely the largest financial decision you will ever make, and we want you to have expert guidance every step of the way. You may be considering an iBuyer, a discount broker, or even taking the go-it-alone approach in trying to represent yourself. In Colorado, the real estate contract is more than 24 pages long, with up to 40 contingency deadlines - those legal implications can be intimidating to navigate on your own. You're likely to run into complex title work, with detailed exceptions and requirements. We have the knowledge and resources to help you understand these complexities.

 

Our inspection process can uncover shifting bentonite soils, radon gas, coliform bacteria or mold. Colorado has requirements for well drilling permits and water usage, and transfer of title cannot happen without specific conditional use permits for septic systems. Depending on a home's location, there may be limitations on essential infrastructure, like electricity, natural gas - and especially important if you work from home - the internet! We know the counties, we know the cities, we know the subdivisions and the neighborhoods. We're here to find the right fit for you.

 

None of this is intended to scare you! We always want to provide our clients with the best knowledge and education possible. Colorado is a very unique housing animal, and that's part of why it is so desirable to live here! Each agent at Colorado Is Home is an expert on all of these considerations, and more.

 

While we harness and utilize the latest and greatest in technology, we also know technology cannot replace practical expertise in the field. Some discount, high volume companies may claim they can "streamline real estate" or "remove inefficiencies". A real estate transaction is complex and we find that high volume doesn't translate to excellent service. We will always ensure your best interests come first. You will hear our agents talk about attention to detail, intricate market knowledge, contract and negotiation expertise - afterall, this is your investment, your home - and that is what you deserve.

 

• Colorado properties can be very unique and often times do not fit into the traditional lending "box". Does your lender have a local underwriting and processing team? Appraising properties here can also be a challenge. Does your lender have an appraisal pool with expertise in Colorado property valuation, including acreage, views, well types, land use, etc?

• Many of the large institutional lenders or online banks promise quick closings but usually take 45-60 days. Sellers expect closings in 30 days or less, can the lender pledge to meet this expectation?

• In a highly competitive market, working as an educated and highly experienced team is essential when submitting offers for a buyer. Does the lender have local relationships with listing agents who know and trust them to get the job done?

• Sometimes the interest rate isn't the end-all-be-all. Internet banks or online sources like Rocket Mortgage or Quicken Loans may have lower priced products than local lenders. However, these lenders struggle to close loans quickly and can be inexperienced with Colorado properties. This knowledge raises red flags with experienced sellers and listing agents. Understand you may need to make some minor loan concessions in order to secure a highly competitive property.

 

Never. We believe the true value we can provide as real estate professionals is exceptional service. So, at Colorado Is Home, we intentionally limit our transaction volume to an average of 25 sales per year, specifically to ensure we don't need to hire assistants or transaction managers. Our team of agents is always here for you to provide support and counsel every step of the way. See how we advocate for you throughout the entire process >

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• Who may attend: Showings are generally intended for the parties who will be on the contract. If you're unable to arrange childcare or would like to bring someone with you, please check in with us ahead of time.

• Lending pre-approval: Sellers' agents may require us to confirm that you are pre-approved with a lender prior to your showing to demonstrate that you're able to purchase the home. If you aren't yet pre-approved, please let us know right away - we are happy to provide lending resources. 

• Logistics: We usually travel to / from and between showings separately from clients. We will make you aware of any special directions to the home and lead the way between properties!

• COVID Precautions: At this time, there are no longer county or state mandated requirements, but we are all expected to comply with any COVID precautions a seller may request. If there are any precautions that would make you feel more comfortable, such as mask-wearing, please give us a head's up.

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Our team members are all experts in our geographic focus areas and we're here to answer your questions. We're in the process of highlighting a number of the areas we work in throughout the Mountain Metro area - check out our posts and videos here.