FAQs
1. How much does cost to buy a home?
If you haven't already been pre-qualified for a home loan, I can recommend a local mortgage lender 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 - call 303-520-3179. I love educating consumers, so if you want to learn - "Just Call Ants".
2. How much of a down payment will I need?
Many people think you need a 20% down payment to purchase a home. This is simply not true. If you're a Veteran or active member of United State Military, you may qualify for a $0 Money Down VA Loan. If you want to purchase a home in today's Denver real estate market using an FHA-loan, the minimum down payment is 3.5% down plus another 2-4% of the purchase price to cover the closing costs. There are conventional loans that require a minimum of 3% down. If you are curious as to how much home you can afford, I highly recommend you reach out to a local mortgage lender who will help you navigate through the pre-qualification or pre-approval process.
3. What is included in a monthly mortgage payment?
Your monthly mortgage payment mainly pays off principal and interest. But most lenders also include local real estate taxes, property insurance, and mortgage insurance (if you have less than 20% equity). This is often referred to as PITI (Principle, Interest, Taxes, Insurance). If you purchase a home in an area that has an HOA (Homeowners Association), your fees will be paid directly to the HOA to pay for things such as grounds maintenance, swimming pools/hot tubs, club houses, tennis courts, litigation, exterior building maintenance & in some cases, roofs.
4. Do you work with buyers?
As your "buyers agent", you will receive "Nordstrom-level" service from your initial home search through moving day and long after your settled in. I'll be with you every step of the way to ensure that nobody takes advantage of you. In addition to the vast inventory of in-house listings by REMAX Alliance, I can assist buyers in previewing homes for sale through the Denver & Boulder Colorado Property Listings from RE/MAX, Sotheby's International Realty, Kentwood Real Estate, Compass, eXP, Porchlight, Coldwell Banker, Keller Williams and many other independent real estate companies - including new homes offered by local builders.
5. How much does it cost to hire a buyer's agent to help me find a home?
Buyer Agents or Transaction Brokers are usually compensated the Builder, Listing Agent or Seller. This is often referred to as a "co-op" (a.k.a. cooperation) - meaning the brokerage firm will be compensated for successfully bringing the buyer to the seller at closing. 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 re no surprises.
6. Do you work with sellers?
I provide full service for sellers. I offer more than just a sign in your front yard. I can help you get top-dollar for your home! Call 303-520-3179.
7. How much is my home is worth?
I will prepare a FREE comprehensive Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) or Market Equity Assessment using the same technique 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. I will also conduct a thorough review of home sales for the past year or so to compare market times and selling prices.
8. How is the listing or asking price determined?
Sellers are in total control of setting the listing price. As your Realtor, it is my responsibility to survey the "comps", evaluate 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. The Denver market has been on such an uptick during the past seven + years, so even if the comps show a value of say $500,000, if there's enough interest, the final sales price can end up being significantly higher! I have strategies to ensure you never risk leaving money on the table. Call Ants at 303.520.3179
9. How much do you 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.
10. Do you offer "discounted" or "limited services"?
My personal belief is that everyone deserves Nordstrom-level service...it's just the way I've always conducted my business. While I firmly believe that everything is negotiable, my work ethic is not. The best thing to do is meet to evaluate your needs and come up with something we can both be satisfied with.
