LaDawn Westbrook

In order to help you avoid costly mistakes that can add up to thousands of dollars lost because of misinformation or non-information; this special package was developed to spell out, in detail, the home-buying process here in Denver.

Many homebuyers today buy a home without considering the ramifications of their decisions. In other words, there are many buyers who rush into purchasing a home…more on a whim or an emotional “high,” rather than making home ownership a planned, orderly and informed decision.

There Is More To Purchasing A Home Than Finding A Piece Of Real Estate To Make An Offer On

There is a need among today’s purchasers (and homeowners) for straight talk and sound advice on buying and selling. Home ownership is a huge decision in most people's lives. It's not just a shelter or even another investment.

It's the place we bring our dreams to life in flower gardens and family rooms, backyard barbecues and home-cooked Sunday dinners. It's the place we raise our children, the nest we nudge them out of and welcome them back to again and again. For many of us, it's become our place of business, thanks to computers and fax machines that have made the home office a reality.

So it's easy to see why buying or selling a home is often an emotionally charged, potentially overwhelming process and helping people through that process remains the single goal of all the services we provide.

That's why considerable time and effort have been devoted to staying in touch with the needs and concerns of all clients and potential customers.

Naturally, a great deal has been learned from the hundreds of families who have been helped to move over the years. They have told us about their dreams and fears, their joys and frustrations, their impressions of the positives and negatives of our business.

Let’s start by asking a few important questions…

What are the 10 most common buying mistakes Buyers make?
Not using a Realtor
Not using the right Realtor for you
Not being clear with your agent regarding your wants and needs
Not getting pre-approved with a Lender
Not being clear and up-front with you Lender
Not being in escrow with your current home before shopping for a new one
Judging a home only from the curb
Making an offer lower than the current price differential
Not purchasing a Home Inspection
Not purchasing a Home Warranty Program

Advice for First-Time Buyers:
Pre-Qualification: First things first – MEET with a loan professional to know exactly what you can afford. This is the first step toward purchasing a home. This step will avoid disappointment in looking at homes that are out of your price range.

Pre-Approval:

With Pre-Approval, the buyer actually applies for a mortgage and receives a commitment in writing from a lender. This way, assuming the home you're interested in is at or under the amount you are pre-qualified for, the seller knows immediately that you are a serious buyer for that property. Getting a pre-approval is usually free or the cost of a credit report which many lenders request the fee upfront (usually $35 to $50).

Representation by a Professional: Once you are approved, hire a real estate professional that will work for you, NOT the seller. Purchase contracts have gotten more complicated, more disclosures are required and time frames must be met. So hire a professional realtor who will look out for your best interests.

List of Needs & Wants: In fact make 2 lists.

The first list should include items you cannot live without - i.e., the number of bedrooms you need for the size of your family, a one-story house vs a two story, if accessibility is a factor, do you need a yard or a garage.
The second list is your wish items. Things you would like to have (basement, gourmet kitchen, etc) but that are not absolutely necessary. Realistically as a first-time buyer you will not get everything on your wish list, but it will keep you on track for what you are looking for.

Focus & Organization:

In a convenient location, compile items that will assist you in maximizing your home search efforts. Such items may include:  
Detailed maps with your areas of interest highlighted.         
A file of the properties that your agent has shown to you
Paper and pen, for taking notes as you search.   
Camera to take pictures to help you remember the homes   

Be Objective:

Instead of thinking with your heart think with your head. Does this home really meet your needs? There are many houses on the market, so don't make a hurried decision that you may regret later.

Be Thorough:

Include inspection & mortgage contingencies in your written offer.
Have the property inspected by a professional inspector.  
Request a second walk-through to take place within 24 hours of closing.
You want to check to see that no changes have been made that were not agreed on (i.e., a nice chandelier that you assumed came with the sale having been replaced by a cheap ceiling light).

Overwhelmed??

That is why having a real estate professional represent you and keep track of all the details for you is highly recommended. Please email me or call me directly to discuss any of these matters in further detail.

Please complete all fields on the form below and I will send this valuable, free information to you.