Local Area Questions
Q: What’s the weather like in Denver?
A: The climate for Denver is mostly dry with four distinct seasons. Snow falls periodically in the winter, but usually melts quickly because of the sunny days. Because of the closeness to the mountains, the wind is less than out on the open prairie. Denver averages 300 days of bright sunshine a year, which is more than Miami or San Diego!
While Denver is located on the western edge of the Great Plains, the weather of the city and surrounding area is heavily influenced by the proximity of the Rocky Mountains to the west. The climate, while generally mild compared to the mountains to the west and the plains further east, can be unpredictable.
Q: What are average home prices in the Denver market?
A: The average price of all homes sold (single family and condo combined) is currently at $289,000. Single family is averaging $316,000 and condos/townhouses are averaging $193,000.
Real Estate Transactions in Colorado
Q: What is earnest money?
A: Earnest money shows good faith and that you are serious about buying the property. Typically, sellers ask for one percent of the sales price, and it is credited toward the purchase, unless there is 100% financing. The contract will spell out the conditions for when earnest money is refundable and when it is not.
Q: If I buy a house through you, who pays you?
A: Since the seller generally pays the brokers' commissions, our services are free to the buyer.
Q: Should I get prequalified or preapproved for a loan?
A: When you submit a purchase offer, unless you will pay cash, you must provide evidence that you qualify for the loan. Otherwise the seller won't take your offer seriously. There are two types of evidence you can provide:
Prequalification. This means you have spoken with a lender and, based solely on the information you told them, the lender is willing to provide a written statement that they believe you will qualify for a loan. It only takes a few minutes and can be done over the phone. This is not as strong as preapproval.
Preapproval. If you are serious about buying, this is the way to go. You get preapproved for a loan by submitting a formal loan application and having the lender verify your credit, employment, etc. Once you are preapproved, all that is needed is an appraisal on the property that you choose. Preapproval makes you look like a cash buyer in the eyes of a seller and gives you more negotiating clout.
To get preapproved or prequalified, call our mortgage consultant, Meridian Lending, at (303) 407-0100, and tell them we referred you. They will treat you with the utmost in integrity and service.
Q: How much do I need to put down?
A: The greater the down payment, the less the monthly mortgage payment will be and the more immediate equity you will have in your home. The lenders we work with offer programs that feature down payments as low as 0% to qualified individuals.
In most cases a down payment ranges between 0% and 20%. This amount will vary depending on the cash you have available and what payments are affordable for you.
For 97% loans and 100% loans, rates really jump up, so be ready. If there is anything you can do to get at least 5% down, you will save quite a bit of money down the road.
Q: How much will my Closing Costs be?
A: In addition to the down payment, the amount of closing costs will depend on several factors, such as the selling price of the home and the type of mortgage. As a rule of thumb you will have closing costs of approximately 2 to 3 percent of the sales price. Contact Us and we can give you more specific information on the items typically paid by buyers.
Q: How much are Property Taxes in the Denver area?
A: Taxes vary by location, but a good rule of thumb is 1% of the value of the house.
Taxes are typically included in your mortgage payment along with insurance.
Q: Should I get an inspection on the home I'm thinking about purchasing?
A: Definitely! You need to know exactly what you are buying. It could be very disappointing to find out after you have purchased your new home that you are going to have to spend lots of money for unexpected repairs.-
The cost of a professional home inspection could be the best money you ever spend on your house. Not only does the home inspector look for any defects from the roof to the foundation, but the inspector will often give you tips on maintaining and repairing your house. Home inspections are also recommended for newly constructed homes.
Q: When should I begin searching for a home?
A: If you have a specific date that you must be in your next home, you should begin your search at least two months prior to that date. Two months will allow enough time to find the perfect home and enough time for inspections, loan approval and processing. If you have a home to sell, you should list your home for sale before starting your search.
Q: How long does it usually take from the time I find a house until I can move in?
A: It depends on the situation! A home can close in less then 10 days if the buyers have met all of their lender's requirements. Generally, you should allow between 3 to 6 weeks; maybe longer, depending on how soon the seller can vacate the house and how quickly you can close on the home.
Q: What is an appraisal? Will I need one?
A: An appraisal is a detailed analysis by a licensed appraiser of the market value of the home you want to purchase. Lenders will require an appraisal as part of the loan approval process.
Q: What is a contingency?
A: A contingency is a provision included in a sales contract stating that certain events must occur or certain conditions must be met before the contract is valid. A common example would be requiring that an existing home be sold first.
Q: What is title insurance?
A: Title insurance is insurance that protects the lender and buyer against any losses incurred from disputes over clear title of a property.
Q: What is a Short Sale?
A: A short sale is when the mortgage holder agrees to accept a payoff that is less then the amount owed. Mortgage holders are more and more leaning towards short sales, rather then foreclosing. Foreclosure is usually the last thing anyone involved wants to do. The mortgage holder may 1099 the borrower for the difference between the actual payoff and the short sale amount. If this happens there will be tax implications. This is still usually a better situation for the borrower then a possible judgment filed against them for any short fall in a Foreclosure Sale.
