Preparing for Your New Home Search

Lakewood, Denver, Highlands Ranch

Now that spring has officially sprung in the Mile High City, it is the ideal time to find the perfect home that you have been thinking about for months or even years. Whether you are searching for Lakewood homes for sale or for a property in another neighborhood, there is a lot to consider before you begin your home search. Most homebuyers have a wishes and requirements when looking for a home, so be sure to know what is necessary for you and what you can live without. Buying real estate is often about compromise and we want to get you as close to your dream home while still staying within your budget. This brief guide will help you kick off your search and provide some advice on starting your home search process!

Determine your budget: Before you begin your search, you need to know how much you will be able to afford. If you are going a traditional route and plan to use a mortgage lender, things like debt to income ratio are important to consider, and your budget may be more or less than you think. Before you emet with a mortgage broker a mortgage calculator can help give you a general idea of your your budget. Mortgage calculators consider the price you are willing to spend as well as your estimated down payment and then factor in interest rates, mortgage terms and more. A mortgage professional can fine tune these numbers and will also look into your credit to help you pre-qualify before your search. Pre-qualification is an essential step in a competitive real estate market, as it communicates to the seller that you and financially able to purchase the property and that they can feel comfrotable accepting your offer when it comes time to making one. Once you are prepared, you can begin your search knowing what you can handle financially.
Location, location, location: This has long been considered the #1 rule of real estate, primarily because you can fix up the cosmetics of a home with a fresh coat of paint, new flooring or anupdated kitchen but you cannot pick up and move the house itself! When narrowing down neighborhoods to conduct your home search, you should consider your lifestyle, commute time to the office and school district if you have school-aged children. What is the most important thing for you and your family - decreasing your commute time, finding a better school district or being in a particular kind of area - urban v. suburban? People often settle down in an area because they assume they need to be there. You should enjoy the area you live but it should also work with your lifestyle.
Utilize a realtor: When beginning the home search process, you will most likely want to sell your current home as well. It can be a lot to balance! Hiring a realtor will balance the process. You can trust they know the areas you are searching in from homes for sale in Littleton, CO to Highlands Ranch real estate. Plus, a realtor will help you get the most money for your current home, which can help you buy your next. Learn how realtors can help you sell your home in this Time article. If you are a first time home buyer and are new to the process, an experienced real estate agent like those at Colorado Home Sales will walk you through every step of the way.
Assess needs and future goals: Think of your home search as a blank canvas. First, put together a list of your current needs—such as number of bedrooms or bathrooms works for you. Next, think about your future. Do you need a home you can grow into, or will you become an empty nester and a downsize may be in your future? Everyone’s situation is unique. This is where you can put together your list of wants and needs when searching for homes for sale in Denver, Lakewood Highlands Ranch and beyond. Maybe it’s time to get that game room you have always wanted! Or a pool maybe? How about a big backyard for a new puppy?

When you are ready to kick off your new home search in the Denver area, trust the experts at Colorado Home Sales. Whether you are ready to own or are looking for rentals, we have you covered. Search properties now and give them a call at 720-220-2059 to get started! You can rest assured they will make the home search and moving process a seamless one.