Which Comes First: the Home Loan or the Home?



August 9, 2010Should a Home Buyer Seek Pre-Approval or a Home First? Starting a home search can feel a little bit like the “Chicken and the Egg” riddle.  Should a buyer become pre-qualified for a home loan first, before finding a home they would like to purchase?   Or, should a buyer start shopping for homes before knowing what type of loan they might qualify for? The Real Estate Division of the...

Denver Parade of Homes 2010: Something for Everyone



August 7, 2010The Denver Parade of Homes kicks off next week on August 14th through Labor Day.   The Parade of Homes is taking a new approach this year, with intent to offer something to dream about in every price range. 58 homes throughout 21 Front Range Cities can be viewed free of charge.  Prices range from $188,900 to over $6 million dollars. In addition to touring featured homes, the Parade of Homes...

Is a Short Sale a Good Opportunity for a Home Buyer?



August 5, 2010When you hear about real estate these days, these terms come up often: “short sale” and “foreclosure.”  For the potential home buyer, these phrases can evoke both interest and fear.  Interest because it sounds like the potential for a great deal, and fear because of the potential to end up in the same boat. But what is a short sale? Is it an opportunity for a good investment?  Is it...

Find an Agent You Trust



July 30, 2010Find an agent that you are comfortable sharing the information that will make your house-hunting more fruitful.   Also, find an agent whose experience you respect and trust.  Without trust, you will not get the most out of working with an agent. Throughout the home buying process, you will be sharing personal information.  At the bare minimum, you will need to be honest about your finances...

Understand Your Home Buying Motives to Develop the Best Search Strategy



July 28, 2010There are many different reasons to purchase a home, and the story behind your purchase defines your future home better than how many bathrooms and bedrooms you want. Each motive will require a different home search strategy. For example, a first time home owner is likely to be in a different situation than someone shopping for a ski in ski out condo in Breckenridge, each will require a different...

Can You Save Money By Not Using A Real Estate Agent?



July 27, 2010For some, convenience, advice, and peace of mind that a professional will correctly finish the job is more important than saving money. Others will go with the cheapest option, no matter what will be sacrificed. Whether you value time, money, convenience, or experience, you will be best suited by working with an agent. For me, I take this type of question very seriously. I do not carelessly...

Buyers Beware of the Home Stager



July 23, 2010I was reading today about a favorite trick of real estate agents, "home staging." In case you are not familiar with the concept, the idea is to make the house more appealing to buyers by preparing a home for viewing. For example, sometimes having a million dusty nick nacks all over the place can detract from the beauty of the home, and reduce its appeal to buyers. The home stager is advertising...