Buying a home in Greenwood Village CO - Ready, set, go - Looking at Homes
Buying a home in Greenwood Village CO and you are ready to start looking at houses. Fun and exciting right? Most of the time it is. However, sometimes when buyers are not really prepared and they end up looking at a house after a house (for whatever reason) it can get frustrating and tiring. The more prepared you are the more fun you will have in search for your new home in Greenwood Village.
This is part 3 of 7 part series about Buying a home in Greenwood Village Colorado
READY - Making a List
Before we actually head out to view houses we make a list of houses to see on that outing. One of two things usually happens.
1. You give us a list of homes you would like to see. A list of MLS #'s is perfectly fine or addresses. Write which ones are MUST SEE and which ones are maybe.
2. You have told us your criteria (the must haves and would like to have in a house) and we prepare a list of houses to see. In this scenario we often prepare a wider list than usual. Why? Because after a few houses we get a feel for (in person) of what exactly you like and can then go back to the list and weed out the ones that do not fit to what you are looking for.
What do we mean? e.g. You said you wanted a newer ranch style house with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths. After looking at 3 newer ranch style homes you realize that you do not like a particular type/color of a cabinet, or you want no steps or stairs what-so-ever. Now we got back to the list and cross out the ones that have steps or wrong type/color cabinets (if the listing has pictures of the cabinets so we can see the color).
SET - The night before
We prepare and print out your hand-out sheets along with a buyers packet that is yours to keep.
We will set up showings and arrange to meet with you or pick you up.
Note. Usually, especially recently, we wait to set up showings the same day that we are looking at the houses as many are going under contract fast and may not be "really" actively on the market. Yes, even with only 12 hr difference. It's one of the other frustrating things we occasionally face - looking at homes that really are under contract, but they are still listed as active.
We also frequently call the listing agent to verify if the house is actually still actively on the market.
And we look at other area sales and comparables to see how the house is priced (typically we have a very good idea even before looking at the comparable sales)
Sometimes we preview homes ahead of time, often we have seen the houses already, especially if they have been on the market for more than a few days.
GO - The day has arrived - Looking at houses
We will pick you up or meet you somewhere. It is up to you whether you want to ride with us or follow us in your vehicle. Either is fine with us. Maybe I should now mention that we doesn't mean both Brian and I are showing the houses together. It 99% of the time means Brian is showing the houses. So maybe I should say - he will pick you up... etc.
FAQ
How many houses are we going to see? Well, it depends. We have shown from one house to over 100 houses before making an offer and getting the house under contract. We have shown from one to 20+ houses in one day too. Ideally the number of houses you would like to see and make your decision from is about 8-10. Sometimes, you may find the house within the first one or two and end up submitting an offer only to be turned down by the seller. Which means back to looking at houses.
How many houses can we see a day? It depends on the time you have available and how far the homes are from each other (different neighborhoods etc.) and other factors. And it depends on you. Do you want to take time to look at each house carefully or just zoom by the ones that do not appeal to you. In any way you are in the drivers seat - you want extra time to look, we'll look, you want to skip one, we'll skip one.
Surprises
Sometimes surprises are fun. Sometimes there are just that - surprises.
Here are a few things that you can encounter while looking at homes.
The seller is home
The seller refuses to let us into the house
The seller is home and follows us around about an inch away
The seller is home and follows us around and talks up a storm
The lockbox on the house doesn't work - it's jammed or missing
The key in the lockbox is not in it
There are huge pets in the house that we knew nothing about
The Listing agent is at the house
The Listing agent is at the house and follows us around...
The Listing agent is at the house and follows us around and talk up a storm - typically how the price is super great! Don't worry, the listing agent is there to get the best deal for their client - the seller. We are there to get you the best deal as a buyer (if you love the house and want to submit an offer)
There is a strong odor present at the house (can't see that in a photo)
The house is not in a showing condition
The description and/or photos don't really match what you walk into. e.g. huge yard ends up being a bit larger than a stamp (ok, I may be exaggerating a bit to get the point across)
Looking at houses and finding your new homes should be fun and exciting. We will help anyway we can to make the process enjoyable and hassle free.
This is Part 3 of 7 part series of buying a home in Greenwood Village. Below you will find links to the two previous parts.
Part 1 - Buyer's Checklist / Wishlist
Part 2 - Buying with cash or getting a loan?
Brian and Rita Burke
Kenna Real Estate
303.995.4220 Office ext 701
Homes@kennarealestate.com
Kenna Real Estate Website Multiple Search Tools to find your new home!
Disclaimer: Kenna Real Estate does not guarantee nor is in any way responsible for the accuracy of the information provided herein, and provides said information without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.
Copyright 2009.© Kenna Real Estate. Rita Burke. All Rights Reserved. Aug 18th 2009. "Buying a home in Greenwood Village CO - Ready, Set, Go - looking at homes - Part 3"
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