Buyer's Guide

In a market like Steamboat, where inventory is often limited, it's crucial to know what is most important to you. While working as your Real Estate Agent, I will work closely with you to help you clarify what your dream purchase looks like. Knowing what features are needed can help narrow down your home options and make the decision easier when it comes to making an offer. Start by creating a checklist of those needs and the reasons why those features are important to you and your family. Use this checklist as a guide and consider taking it with you when you go to look at houses. After seeing several houses in one day, these lists can help you to remember what you've seen and liked, or not liked.

While knowing how much you can afford is the first step, sellers will be much more receptive to potential buyers who have been pre-approved. Pre-approval will also ensure that you are only looking at homes within your budget. With pre-approval, the buyer actually applies for a mortgage and receives a commitment in writing from a lender. This way, assuming the home that 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. This can make all the difference in a competitive bidding situation.

• Educate you about the current conditions of the market.
• Analyze what you want and what you need in your next home.
• Coordinate the work of other needed professionals throughout the process.
• Guide you to homes that fit your criteria and budget.
• Negotiate on your behalf to get you the best possible deal.
• Check and double-check paperwork and deadlines.
• Inform and discuss with you, and suggest solutions to solve any problems that may arise.

Once you find "the one", the next step is to make an offer on the property. Some things to consider when deciding on the best price point are:

• List price: Start with the price point that the home is listed at. This will give you a base when looking at the home's value.
• Market analysis: I will give you an idea of comparable home values in the neighborhood to help you decide if the price point is on par.
• Improvements: If available I will give you a list of improvements made to the home to help you determine the market value.

We will also give you information on other properties in the neighborhood to ensure you make an informed decision when it comes to price. Look to your agent to explain and guide you through the offer process.