KEY-TO-HOME PROCESS

CHOOSING TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE SELLER’S AGENT DIRECTLY COULD END UP BEING A COSTLY MISTAKE

Seller agents are dedicated to serving the seller's best interests. HENCE.. Choosing a buyer's agent is a smart way to protect your interests and secure the best deal, protecting you from paying more than necessary. Discover how much you could save below!

$6K to $20K in Savings

A Colorado buyer's agent uses tools like a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to evaluate a home's true value, ensuring you're not overpaying for your property. This process can save you thousands, helping you make a smart investment.

$5K to $60K

Buyer's agents can sometimes negotiate with sellers to cover a portion of the closing costs, saving you thousands. These savings typically apply to homes priced between $300K and $1M.

$14,000

Working with a real estate agent to negotiate home repairs after the inspection can save you thousands. According to Porch.com, this strategy helps homeowners reduce costs. Check out the typical savings above.

100 Ways I Provide Value in Your Home Search

    1. Expert knowledge of the local market
    2. Access to off-market listings

    3. Negotiation expertise to secure a better deal

    4. Understanding of market trends and pricing

    5. Assistance in setting a realistic budget

    6. Guidance through the offer process

    7. Help with finding suitable properties

    8. Personalized property recommendations

    9. Help interpreting property listings

    10. Access to MLS listings and updates

    11. Professional advice on making competitive offers

    12. Market insight into neighborhood dynamics

    13. Advice on local amenities and schools

    14. Understanding zoning laws and regulations

    15. Managing expectations during a bidding war

    16. Insight into potential property value appreciation

    17. Expert advice on how to handle contingencies

    18. Help navigating multiple offer situations

    19. Assistance with determining the right offer price

    20. Streamlining paperwork and documents

    21. Expert help with contract details

    22. Knowledge of closing processes and timelines

    23. Managing deadlines throughout the transaction

    24. Coordination with home inspectors

    25. Referral to trusted service providers (inspectors, contractors, etc.)

    26. Help with understanding disclosures and inspection reports

    27. Negotiation of repair requests after inspection

    28. Guidance on handling appraisal issues

    29. Expert advice on earnest money deposits

    30. Protection from potential legal risks

    31. Assistance with title searches and title issues

    32. Help understanding escrow processes

    33. Ensuring adherence to real estate laws and regulations

    34. Help navigating financing options and loan processes

    35. Advice on mortgage pre-approvals

    36. Referral to trusted lenders

    37. Negotiating seller concessions on closing costs

    38. Access to local real estate knowledge and trends

    39. Knowledge of local taxes and property assessments

    40. Familiarity with local property history

    41. Understanding environmental hazards and concerns

    42. Awareness of potential flood zones or fire risks

    43. Guidance on whether a property is a good investment

    44. Help understanding homeowners association (HOA) rules

    45. Assistance with property insurance requirements

    46. Help with closing cost estimates

    47. Expert knowledge of home warranties

    48. Assistance in handling closing documents

    49. Advocacy in negotiations to protect your interests

    50. Access to trusted contractors and repair professionals

    51. Help managing and reducing transaction stress

    52. Advice on appropriate contingencies (financing, inspections, etc.)

    53. Guidance on how to handle bidding wars

    54. Support in making strategic offers in a competitive market

    55. Access to comparative market analysis (CMA)

    56. Help with pricing negotiation based on market conditions

    57. Assistance in making offers on multiple properties

    58. Advice on resale value potential

    59. Negotiating better terms for repairs or upgrades

    60. Strategic recommendations for pricing and offers in different markets

    61. Avoiding common homebuying mistakes

    62. Expert advice on contingencies, deadlines, and inspections

    63. Guidance on managing property taxes

    64. Referral to reliable real estate attorneys if needed

    65. Help with evaluating and understanding home warranties

    66. Understanding of lender requirements for financing

    67. Facilitating home appraisals

    68. Making sure the transaction stays on track

    69. Helping with negotiation on seller credits

    70. Knowledge of local zoning ordinances

    71. Help managing your expectations throughout the buying process

    72. Help with understanding and reviewing contracts

    73. Advising on a fair price for a property

    74. Managing repairs or maintenance before closing

    75. Negotiating a smooth and fair closing

    76. Guiding you through the final walk-through

    77. Help in managing negotiations after inspections

    78. Ability to spot hidden issues or potential problems with properties

    79. Working with you to customize offers based on personal needs

    80. Providing local area knowledge to help make the right decision

    81. Ensuring fair dealing and ethical practices throughout the transaction

    82. Access to a network of trusted professionals in the real estate field

    83. Helping you understand closing cost breakdowns

    84. Offering advice on the current homebuying climate

    85. Providing insight into future development in the area

    86. Handling complex transactions (e.g., short sales, foreclosures)

    87. Assisting with negotiating non-financial terms (timelines, repairs)

    88. Coordinating multiple aspects of the transaction to save you time

    89. Assisting with understanding appraisal reports

    90. Providing reassurance during the decision-making process

    91. Providing clarity on your homebuying rights

    92. Assisting in managing emotions during the homebuying process

    93. Handling any last-minute issues or delays that arise

    94. Helping you prepare for the closing process

    95. Ensuring that contingencies are met before closing

    96. Coordinating home inspection results with the seller

    97. Helping to identify and avoid potential scams or bad deals

    98. Ensuring your offer stands out in competitive markets

    99. Managing all communications with the seller’s agent

    100. Providing support and guidance post-purchase, including moving logistics

    Areas I Negotiate to Ensure Your Interests and Investment Are Protected

What I Negotiate to Ensure Your Investment is Protected

What I Negotiate For You
Purchase Price
Closing Costs
Contingencies
Repairs and Credits
Inclusions and Exclusions
Move-in Date
Home Warranty
Earnest Money
Financing Terms
Seller Concessions
Escrow Terms
Title and Inspection Issues
Property Taxes
HOA Fees and Rules
Appraisal Requirements
Seller’s Disclosure
Survey and Property Boundaries
Utilities and Service Transfers
Personal Property or Furniture
Leaseback Terms
Flood Zone or Environmental Issues
Homeowners Insurance Requirements
Closing Timeline
Special Conditions or Addendums

WHY IVETE?

You Might Be Wondering...

How

Does

This

All

Work?

main

Step 1: Research

Before diving into the buying process, it’s important to get clear on a few things. Have you decided where you want to buy? Do you know if you prefer a condo, townhome, or single-family home? What features are essential for you, and which ones would you rather avoid? Also, are you aware of what’s currently on the market? If any of these questions are still unanswered, now is the perfect time to start your research. As you explore available homes, keep an eye on changes in asking prices. These shifts can offer valuable insights into local housing trends and give you a better idea of what to expect when it’s time to make an offer.

main

Step 2: Set Your Budget

When I say "set your budget," I mean decide what you’re comfortable spending, not just how much the mortgage lender is willing to approve you for. Often, lenders may pre-approve you for a higher amount than you're actually comfortable with, so it’s important to define your own monthly payment limits before engaging with a lender. This involves creating a detailed household budget and considering other expenses that will change once you move into your new home. For example, if you're coming from an apartment or shared living situation, you might not have accounted for additional costs like trash collection, water bills, or HOA fees, all of which can quickly impact your budget.

main

Step 3: Get Prequalified

Just because you believe you can comfortably afford a certain monthly payment doesn’t mean the mortgage lender will agree. While some lenders may approve you for more than you're comfortable with, others might offer a lower loan amount or even deny your mortgage application altogether. Factors like job history, credit score, past bankruptcies, or other financial challenges can impact your ability to secure a mortgage. To avoid disappointment, speak with a mortgage professional before falling in love with a property to determine how much you can actually qualify for. Being prequalified will also give you an edge when making an offer, as some sellers won’t consider offers from buyers who aren’t already prequalified for financing.

main

Step 4: Choose a Real Estate Agent

While it’s technically possible to search for homes, visit properties, and make an offer without an agent, it’s not the easiest route. Why go it alone when you can have an expert like me on your side at no cost? I can take a lot of the stress out of the home-buying process. From helping you find homes that match your criteria, arranging showings, to negotiating on your behalf, I have the local market knowledge and experience to guide you. I may point you toward homes or neighborhoods you haven’t considered, steer you away from potential trouble spots, and ensure you get the best value for your dream home.

“Dedicated to offering you individualized support designed to guide you in purchasing your perfect home.”

main

Step 5: Find the Right Home

Finding the perfect home should be the most enjoyable part of the journey (right after the excitement of moving in!). I’ll help coordinate showings for homes that fit your criteria and budget. As you tour each property, take note of what you like and don’t like, and make sure to check every detail. Test things like light switches, doors, and faucets to ensure everything is in good working order. Also, don't forget to explore the surrounding neighborhood. Observe the traffic flow at different times, check the parking situation, and make sure you're close to essential places like schools, shops, and grocery stores.

main

Step 6: Make an Offer

When you’ve found the home that’s right for you, it’s time to work with your agent to put together an offer that reflects the fair market value, based on comparable homes in the area. Depending on the listing price and whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market, your offer could be below, at, or even above the asking price. If the seller counters, I’ll help you navigate the negotiations and guide you toward reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. Once the offer is accepted, the home enters escrow, moving you one step closer to your new home.

main

Step 7: Schedule a Home Inspection

Once your offer is accepted, it’s common to make the purchase contingent on a home inspection to ensure there are no significant issues or costly repairs needed. I’ll help you coordinate the inspection, which can typically be scheduled just days after making your offer. If the inspection results are clear, you can proceed to the next step. However, if any major problems are discovered, you have the option to renegotiate the terms of your offer or even withdraw it entirely.

main

Step 8: Choose Your Loan

At this stage, it’s time to return to your mortgage lender, who previously pre-approved or pre-qualified you, and select the loan that best fits your needs. You’ll be offered several options tailored to your financial situation, such as fixed-rate or adjustable-rate loans, as well as different term lengths like 15 or 30 years. There may also be specialized loan programs available, such as VA or FHA loans. Collaborate with your lender to choose the loan option that makes you feel most confident and comfortable moving forward.

main

Step 9: Arrange for a Home Appraisal

As part of the loan process, your lender will require a home appraisal to establish its current market value. This independent assessment ensures that the price you’re paying for the property is reasonable, providing reassurance to both you and the lender that the home is worth the agreed-upon amount.

main

Step 10: Complete the Paperwork

While paperwork may not be the most exciting part of buying a home, it’s an essential step. Thankfully, your lender and title company will handle most of the details for you. Once everything is signed, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing you are officially the legal owner of your new home.

Congratulations!

Once you’ve signed the final paperwork, the home is officially yours! It may take a few days for the loan to be processed and the funds to reach the seller, but once that’s done, you’ll be all set to move into your new dream home. Enjoy the excitement of starting this new chapter!

See What You Can Afford

Estimate your mortgage payment, including the principal and interest, taxes, insurance, HOA, and PMI. Add your location for more accurate estimates.
$0,000 Your Payment 20 15 65 65
$0,000 Your Payment

Search for your Dream Colorado Homes

Work With Ivete

Whether working with buyers or sellers, Ivete Liliensteins provides outstanding professionalism in making her clients’ real estate dreams a reality. Contact her today to start your home searching journey!