Preparing to Buy a Home

There's lots to think about when you're planning to buy a home. How can you help yourself feel more confident about finding the right home for you? It starts with doing a little homework in advance: make lists of your must-haves for the home and your top neighborhoods or particular criteria, like "good schools" or "15 minute commute to work." Financially, you'll want to save for your down payment and work on your credit score if it's on the low side - most lenders require a minimum score of 620.

This HouseLogic article and video have more ideas for your preparations: 7 Steps To Take Before You Buy A Home.

When you're ready, bring your lists and other homework to your Realtor and start looking! You'll know what you need and what you can afford, and your Realtor will try to find you the closest match. If you're in the Grand Junction area, contact me so I can work with you to get you into your next home.

Making an Offer

When you're buying a house, it's important to be prepared for all the steps involved, from looking at what's on the market to making an offer. And when it comes to making an offer, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier and that "yes" answer from the sellers more likely, without hurting yourself.

Check out these tips from US News Money: 4 Rules to Live By When Making an Offer on a House

If you're in the Grand Junction area, contact me - I'll help you with all the steps of buying!

5 Risks: Agents Invaluable at Uncovering Value

As a buyer you might be overwhelmed by all the showings, online data, and finding your 'must haves.' Check out this article I found that helps you identify overlooked real estate value determinants. As an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABRR), I can help you navigate the homebuying process. I am always available to answer questions so please do not hesitate to ask.

5 Risks: Agents Invaluable at Uncovering Value by PJ Wade.

Ask the Right People the Right Questions

When you find the exact home you've been looking for, take the opportunity to talk to the neighbors. Your potential neighbors may be able to give insight into neighborhood and house, before deciding to buy. I came across a few ideas that can help jump start your conversation with these neighbors. As an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABRR), I like my buyers to be 100% prepared, and that means making sure they are as satisfied with the neighborhood as they are with the house.

4 Questions to Ask Neighbors Before Buying a Home by Patricia-Anne Tom.

Buy an Existing Home, or Build a New One?

When in the market for a new home, are most people looking to buy an existing home or build a new one? While many people have no strong preference, more than a third would prefer a new home while a fifth would prefer an existing home.

 New homes have the advantages of modern features and, in the case of custom builds, those features may be exactly as designed by the family that will live there. A newer home also needs less maintenance and doesn't bear the marks of previous residents.

On the other hand, an existing home often costs less, offers traditional features, and is located in an established neighborhood. And if handyman chores are part of what you enjoy about homeownership, an existing home will give you the chance to fix things up with fun projects.

Millennials and Homebuying

When will we see Millennials getting an opportunity to purchase homes? Sooner than you might think, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Read more to find out what the factors are. And if you're a Millennial who's ready now, contact me to get started!

Financially Responsible Millennials and Homeownership

First-Time Homebuyers: Time for a Comeback

First-time homebuyers will return to the market in greater numbers, soon, according to a report from Barclay's last month. Click through to see why, and what the one big hold-up will continue to be. And if you're a first-time homebuyer, contact me! I'll work with you every step of the way.

Barclays: 3 reasons the first-time homebuyer will return

Home Choices: New Home or Fixer-Upper?

When it comes to home buying, there are usually two paths you can take: buying a brand new home or purchasing a fixer-upper. Of course, there are advantages to both. Check out this article that’ll give you an excellent overview of both options. As an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®), I am really excited to help you find the exact home you are looking for. Please contact me with any questions!

Buying a Home – Brand New Vs. Fixer Upper. Copyright © 2009-2104. PropertyCluster.com. All Rights Reserved.

The Steps of Home Buying

The steps to buying a home rarely change. In almost every real estate purchase, buyers tend to follow the same road map. I found an article that includes an actual homebuyer’s road map! Take a look at what the homebuying process looks like and please contact me with any additional questions. I am excited to join you on this journey and will be with you every step of the way.

The Home Buying Process by Karen Highland. Copyright © 2014. Frederick Real Estate Online. All Rights Reserved.

Single and Looking to Buy?

There are many benefits to owning real estate, and no matter what the relationship status is - single, in a relationship, or married - the benefits still remain. I came across an article that I thought had some helpful information in it for singles looking to own real estate. As an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABRR), I have a wealth of information and resources that will help you every step of the way. Please take a look at this information and let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to working with you!

House Buying Tips for Singles by Tara-Nicholle Nelson. Copyright C2014. Singular Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Thinking About Buying? Check Your Credit

The status of your credit can affect many parts of a real estate transaction. That's why it is extremely important for you to have it checked before you start the home buying search. As an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABRR), I always want to make sure my buyers are informed and prepared for every step of the transaction process. If you have any questions, I am always available. I look forward to working with you.

First Time Home Buyers Should Check Their Credit Early. Copyright C 2013. Shamrock Financial Corp. All Rights Reserved.

Approaches to Searching for a Home

Want more detail about how home buyers are approaching their searches and where they're finding success? These tables have current data from the National Association of Realtors. Whether you're selling your home and wondering how buyers might find you, or looking for ideas about how to find the home you want to buy, or just curious, these numbers are interesting and worth a look! And remember: a Realtor is a great resource. If you're buying or selling in Grand Junction, give me a call. 

What Home Buyers Need to Know About FHA Loans

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are mortgages insured by the FHA. The insurance protects the lender from a loss if the borrower defaults, and this means that lenders can offer FHA loans  with better interest rates and more flexible qualification requirements.

Here are seven more things that all home buyers should know about FHA loans:

7 Crucial Facts About FHA Loans

Millennial Home Buyers' Top 5 Must-Haves

It's no surprise that younger generations are the largest segments of home buyers. Millennials, born between 1980 and 2000, are the second-biggest segment, right behind Gen X (1965-1979). Whether or not you believe in generational profiles, there are some things that Millennial buyers generally have in common, like preferences for certain updated parts of the home and kinds of layouts. Read this article to learn more!


5 Must-Haves of Millennial Buyers: http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2014/02/12/5-must-haves-millennial-buyers

Men and Women React to Houses Differently

I understand that both men and women want a great place to live. However they actually treated the house-hunting process differently. I thought that it was interesting that both men and women liked "outdoor living spaces" and "open floor plans", although in different percentages. Also it was interesting how they "crush" on houses in or out of their price range, and how easily they fall in and out of love with their current "crush." This article definitely confirms that, although they want to behave logically when it comes to a house purchase, most people react emotionally to houses and have "real estate love." This is why I view my job as being a matchmaker between sellers and buyers OR buyers and homes.

Realtor.com® Survey: Men, Women Dig on Digs Differently: http://www.realtor.com/news/men-women-dig-on-digs-differently/#.UvlGiI3n91u

VA Loans and the New Qualified Mortgage Regulations

We have a VA loan for our home & I am a big fan of VA loans for those who qualify for them. There are questions about how the new Qualified Mortgage requirements will affect VA loans. Here's a great article that addresses those concerns.

What the New Qualified Mortgage (QM) Regulations Mean for VA Borrowers: http://www.veteransunited.com/valoans/va-qualified-mortgage/