Five Biggest Mistakes Buyers Make

NOT GETTING PRE-APPROVED | Everyone wants to jump to the fun part, looking at houses! But that’s like going shopping without a wallet + having no clue how much money is in your account. A lender will help you determine what you qualify for + how a purchase price translates to a monthly payment. In Denver’s market there’s no way you’re getting an offer accepted on a home without a pre-approval, so take care of your financing first!

NOT LEARNING ABOUT THE LOCAL MARKET | If you want to buy soon, start browsing current listings to get a feel for what's out there + price points in different areas. This will give you realistic expectations of the inventory so you’re not looking for a unicorn home that doesn’t exist! It’s also helpful to see how quickly the homes you like tend to sell so when you find one you love you'll be ready to jump on it.

EXPECTING HOMES TO BE PERFECT | Most homes will have some wear and tear or features that could use upgrading. The beauty of owning is that it’s YOURS and you can do whatever you want to it. Cosmetic fixes like paint and fixtures are easy. If you want a trendy backsplash, add one in. If it could use new carpet or windows down the road, don’t let that be a deal breaker. A home is an investment and upgrades will only add to it's value.

WAITING TOO LONG | There's a saying that the best time to buy real estate was five years ago + so many people wish they purchased sooner. When you’re paying a mortgage instead of rent, you’re investing money into your own asset + can capitalize on it down the road. Real estate also historically appreciates, so home values + prices go up year over year. Denver isn't getting any cheaper, so sooner is usually better than later!

ASSUMING ALL REALTORS ARE THE SAME | Realtors can run their businesses in very different ways. Choose an agent who you like, get along with, and has a philosophy you agree with. My approach is to educate from the beginning so people can make informed decisions. I also believe in present/personal service every step of the way – from the first meeting, to showings, contracts + negotiations, inspection + the under contract period, all the way to closing.