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!
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.
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.
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.
Access to off-market listings
Negotiation expertise to secure a better deal
Understanding of market trends and pricing
Assistance in setting a realistic budget
Guidance through the offer process
Help with finding suitable properties
Personalized property recommendations
Help interpreting property listings
Access to MLS listings and updates
Professional advice on making competitive offers
Market insight into neighborhood dynamics
Advice on local amenities and schools
Understanding zoning laws and regulations
Managing expectations during a bidding war
Insight into potential property value appreciation
Expert advice on how to handle contingencies
Help navigating multiple offer situations
Assistance with determining the right offer price
Streamlining paperwork and documents
Expert help with contract details
Knowledge of closing processes and timelines
Managing deadlines throughout the transaction
Coordination with home inspectors
Referral to trusted service providers (inspectors, contractors, etc.)
Help with understanding disclosures and inspection reports
Negotiation of repair requests after inspection
Guidance on handling appraisal issues
Expert advice on earnest money deposits
Protection from potential legal risks
Assistance with title searches and title issues
Help understanding escrow processes
Ensuring adherence to real estate laws and regulations
Help navigating financing options and loan processes
Advice on mortgage pre-approvals
Referral to trusted lenders
Negotiating seller concessions on closing costs
Access to local real estate knowledge and trends
Knowledge of local taxes and property assessments
Familiarity with local property history
Understanding environmental hazards and concerns
Awareness of potential flood zones or fire risks
Guidance on whether a property is a good investment
Help understanding homeowners association (HOA) rules
Assistance with property insurance requirements
Help with closing cost estimates
Expert knowledge of home warranties
Assistance in handling closing documents
Advocacy in negotiations to protect your interests
Access to trusted contractors and repair professionals
Help managing and reducing transaction stress
Advice on appropriate contingencies (financing, inspections, etc.)
Guidance on how to handle bidding wars
Support in making strategic offers in a competitive market
Access to comparative market analysis (CMA)
Help with pricing negotiation based on market conditions
Assistance in making offers on multiple properties
Advice on resale value potential
Negotiating better terms for repairs or upgrades
Strategic recommendations for pricing and offers in different markets
Avoiding common homebuying mistakes
Expert advice on contingencies, deadlines, and inspections
Guidance on managing property taxes
Referral to reliable real estate attorneys if needed
Help with evaluating and understanding home warranties
Understanding of lender requirements for financing
Facilitating home appraisals
Making sure the transaction stays on track
Helping with negotiation on seller credits
Knowledge of local zoning ordinances
Help managing your expectations throughout the buying process
Help with understanding and reviewing contracts
Advising on a fair price for a property
Managing repairs or maintenance before closing
Negotiating a smooth and fair closing
Guiding you through the final walk-through
Help in managing negotiations after inspections
Ability to spot hidden issues or potential problems with properties
Working with you to customize offers based on personal needs
Providing local area knowledge to help make the right decision
Ensuring fair dealing and ethical practices throughout the transaction
Access to a network of trusted professionals in the real estate field
Helping you understand closing cost breakdowns
Offering advice on the current homebuying climate
Providing insight into future development in the area
Handling complex transactions (e.g., short sales, foreclosures)
Assisting with negotiating non-financial terms (timelines, repairs)
Coordinating multiple aspects of the transaction to save you time
Assisting with understanding appraisal reports
Providing reassurance during the decision-making process
Providing clarity on your homebuying rights
Assisting in managing emotions during the homebuying process
Handling any last-minute issues or delays that arise
Helping you prepare for the closing process
Ensuring that contingencies are met before closing
Coordinating home inspection results with the seller
Helping to identify and avoid potential scams or bad deals
Ensuring your offer stands out in competitive markets
Managing all communications with the seller’s agent
Providing support and guidance post-purchase, including moving logistics
Areas I Negotiate to Ensure Your Interests and Investment Are Protected
- Dr. Anne W.
- Catherine C.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!