June 2024 Grand Valley Real Estate Today

Page 1

30 Year Successful Kitchen/Flooring Business Presented by ERA New Age Real Estate Shilo Bartlett: 970-319-0064 See page 3 for more details Photography by Estate Photo Video 970-963-4523 JUNE 2024 | VOL 21 ISSUE 6 YOUR GRAND VALLEY PROPERTY SOURCE Spacious Living In Emerald Ridge PresentedbyJanetElliott,Broker/Owner,GRI,CRS,ABR New Horizons Development, Inc. — 970-245-9434 See page 5 for more details TODAY REAL ESTATE GRAND VALLEY

Sandstone Realty, LLC

(970) 201-4050 bewalker74@gmail.com

1114 Primrose Lane • $455,000

• The Catalpa Floor Plan

• 3 Bedrooms or could be 2 bedrooms & office

• Walk-in shower in Guest Bath, Master Bath has jacuzzi tub/ shower combo

• Living Room with built in entertainment center & gas log fireplace

• Dining Room with bay window and access to large patio

• Kitchen with all the appliances, ample cabinets and granite countertops

• Laundry and pantry off kitchen with access to two car garage. Call for more information on L#20241806call on MLS #20233788.

1153  Primrose Lane • $455,000

Rancher in 55+ community, built in 2004, this home offers three bedrooms, 2 baths and two car garage.  Country porch with swing and private patio off dining room with gate to driveway. Living, dining, nook and hall to bedrooms with prefinished hardwood, tile in the kitchen and both baths.  Corner gas log fireplace in living room.  Kitchen with all appliances (gas range), oak cabinets and formica countertops, separate pantry and access to two car garage.  Primary bedroom 15x12, primary bath with double vanities, walk-in shower with seat, walk-in closet and separate closet for linens.  Two other bedrooms and guest bath with tub/ shower combo and pedestal sink. This home has solar.  Sold “AS IS, WHERE IS “. For more information call on MLS #20233788.

Snowdrop Court Subdivision

• Only 12 Lots

• One Home Sold, Four Other Homes in various stages of construction

• All homes are 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and two car garage

• Homes can be customized on the interior to suit your needs

• HOA fee is TBD and will include all landscaping, maintaining shrubs, trees, lawns, irrigation system and snow removal

• Lot 7 is sold

• Lot 5 model home

• Lot 10 reserved

Directions: I-70 to Fruita, North off exit to Ottley, Right on Ottley, Left on Pine, Right on Sunrose, Left on Periwinkle Lane, then left on Snowdrop Court.

Call for details.

* This subdivision is not associated with Village at Country Creek

SOLD Model Home Reserved

SPACIOUS AND LUXURIOUS

Lots of amenities with this property!

Very spacious 4452 square foot home on 1 acre in North Grand Junction. 6 bedrooms and 6 baths including a 1 bedroom 1 bath inlaw or caretaker apartment.

Plenty of room for toys on the west parking lot, plus a 3-car garage and a one-car garage with lots of storage.

Enjoy outdoor living with a pool, hot tub, putting green, sand box, dog run, fire pit, natural gas grill and low maintenance landscaping. The home has privacy in the back yard and within the home.

Cozy up to one of 3 gas fireplaces in the winter. Call now for a showing. Listing agent is also the owner.

$1,300,000

Real Estate Today | June 2024 | www.coloradorealestatetoday.com 3
LINDA ROMER TODD (970) 241-0685 Linda@BuyGrand Junction.com OFFERED AT

ADVERTISER INDEX

Next

10 ACRE COLORADO VINEYARD | 3107 A 1/2 Rd, Grand Junction

10 ACRE COLORADO VINEYARD | 3107 A 1/2 Rd, Grand Junction

10 ACRE COLORADO VINEYARD

10 ACRE

10 ACRE COLORADO VINEYARD | 3107 A 1/2 Rd, Grand Junction

COLORADO VINEYARD

| 3107 A 1/2 Rd, Grand Junction

| 3107 A 1/2 Rd, Grand Junction

10 ACRE COLORADO VINEYARD |

3107 A 1/2 Rd, Grand Junction

Opportunity to own an established production Colorado vineyard with the potential for RSF4+ development. Adjacent to sewer and other utilities. Outstanding building sites. Senior water rights on the Colorado river. Includes 8.5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Riesling, Rkatsiteli, and Merlot grapevines.

Opportunity to own an established production Colorado vineyard with the potential for RSF4+ development. Adjacent to sewer and other utilities. Outstanding building sites. Senior water rights on the Colorado river. Includes 8.5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Riesling, Rkatsiteli, and Merlot grapevines.

Opportunity to own an established production Colorado vineyard with the potential for RSF4+ development. Adjacent to sewer and other utilities. Outstanding building sites. Senior water rights on the Colorado river. Includes 8.5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Riesling, Rkatsiteli, and Merlot grapevines.

Opportunity to own an established production Colorado vineyard with the potential for RSF4+ development. Adjacent to sewer and other utilities. Outstanding building sites. Senior water rights on the Colorado river. Includes 8.5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Riesling, Rkatsiteli, and Merlot grapevines.

Opportunity to own an established production Colorado vineyard with the potential for RSF4+ development. Adjacent to sewer and other utilities. Outstanding building sites. Senior water rights on the Colorado river. Includes 8.5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Riesling, Rkatsiteli, and Merlot grapevines.

Opportunity to own an established production Colorado vineyard with the potential for RSF4+ development. Adjacent to sewer and other utilities. Outstanding building sites. Senior water rights on the Colorado river. Includes 8.5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Riesling, Rkatsiteli, and Merlot grapevines.

4 Real Estate Today | June 2024 | www.coloradorealestatetoday.com Pick up your copy today or read the digital version online at: www.ColoradoRealEstateToday.com Real Estate Today is not responsible for typographical or production errors or the accuracy of information provided by advertisers. ©2024 Columbine Publishing & Media, LLC. No part of this publication may be re-produced or transmitted by any means without written permission from the publisher. The Publisher re-serves the right to reject advertising which may be objectionable by law or considered undesireable by the Publisher. Real estate advertising in this magazine is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitations, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised in this magazine are available on an equal opportunity basis. Columbine Publishing & Media, LLC P.O. Box 1356 • Paonia, Colorado 81428
To find out more about advertising OR to REQUEST A COPY OF THE MAGAZINE email: ads.realestatetoday@gmail.com Call 970.527.7400 JUNE 2024 VOL 21 ISSUE 6 FEATURE ARTICLES: Buy Your First Home in One Year .............. 12, 13 GRAND JUNCTION AREA ABC Realtors, Linda Romer-Todd 3 FSBO, John Behrs 4 HomeSmart Realty Partners, Jill Ruckman 7 New Horizons Development –Janet Elliott 1,
5, 10, 11
6
Home Grand, Nathalie Ames
2
Country Real Colorado Properties
9
Sandstone Realty, Bonnie Walker
United
Julie Piland
Home Grand
6
8
Country Real Colorado Properties Julie Piland 9 FRUITA AREA Chesnick Realty, Chris Young 8 Shaffer Real Estate Western Colorado side 3 — WESTERN COLORADO SIDE — DELTA/MONTROSE COUNTIES: Chapman Real Estate, Delta 9 Grand Mesa Real Estate, Delta 13 Interwest Real Estate, Delta 8 ON THE COVER: Janet Elliott New Horizons Development 970.245.9434 Needlerock Mountain Realty ..................... 14, 15, 16 Nancy Wood Real Estate 18 Norris-Snell Real Estate — The Boren Team 10 RE/MAX Alpine View, Montrose ............................ 8 RE/MAX Mountain West — Cedaredge Office ..................................................... 21 Marsha Bryan 11 Dan Tietz........................................................................ 17 Paonia Office 20 Shaffer Real Estate Delta, Austin, Montrose, Fruita/Loma 3 Western Colorado Real Estate, Delta ................ 19 WesternColoradoRealty.com Hotchkiss/Paonia........................................................ 2 United County Colorado Brokers — Hotchkiss .................................................................. 4, 5 Vision Real Estate, Montrose 12 CIMARRON/ARROWHEAD Tamarack at Arrowhead 22, 23 ROARING FORK VALLEY RE/MAX Mountain West Mike Kennedy, Carbondale 6 Sunlight Realty, Jeanne Casey, New Castle ... 10 Western Slope Real Estate Courtney Tschanz, Glenwood Springs ...... 1, 7 NEXT ISSUE: JULY 2023 AD DEADLINE: June 12 Presented by ERA New Age Real Estate Shilo Bartlett: 970-319-0064 See page 3 for more details Photography by Estate 970-963-4523 JUNE 2024 ISSUE 6 YOUR GRAND VALLEY PROPERTY SOURCE Spacious Living In Emerald Ridge PresentedbyJanetElliott,Broker/Owner,GRI,CRS,ABR New Horizons Development, Inc. — 970-245-9434 See page 5 for more details TODAY REAL ESTATE GRAND VALLEY 2024 Advertising Rates Full Page - $350 • Half Page - $210 • Quarter Page - $140 • Cover + Full Page - $625 YOUR GRAND VALLEY PROPERTY
COLLBRAN/MESA AREA Next
Nathalie Ames ............................................................
Sundance Realty, Kathy Harris
United
SOURCE
VIEWS!
Homes starting at 1800 square foot
3-6 bedroom
3 car garage minimum • RV parking and storage on site • Stucco exteriors with optional stone accents Architectural 30-year shingles JANET ELLIOTT GRI, CRS, ABR Broker/Owner REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI 970-250-0765 N1323D@msn.com We look forward to working with you to design and build your new home in Emerald Ridge! For more information, contact New Horizons Development, Inc. ON-SITE OFFICE LOCATED AT (North, off H Road & 26 1/2 Road) emeraldridgegj.com CALL TO SET APPOINTMENT U U S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S A A A A A A A A A A A A A UNMARKED LOTS ARE AVAILABLE 843 Fire Agate Lane, Grand Junction Emerald Ridge Estates MALACHITE | 3 Bedroom | 2 Bath | 3-Car Garage | RV Parking | 2513 SF | $660,000 This Malachite Model has a covered front porch plus a stone patio and full front landscaped yard with timed and pressurized sprinkler system, and spacious living area with access to the partially covered large concrete back patio area from both the Living-Dining area and the Primary Suite with views.  Lots of natural light. The kitchen offers all GE Slate appliances, island/bar, spacious walk-in pantry.  The Primary Suite includes the 17 x 18 bedroom, 2 vanities, barrier-free shower and 5’ soaking tub, spacious walk-in closet.  A 3-Car garage plus an attached storage area and large graveled RV parking area. We look forward to working with you to design and build your new home in Emerald Ridge!

Real Estate Today | June 2024 | www.coloradorealestatetoday.com 970-314-3920 names@nathalieames.com Broker/Owner 11011 Highway 65 | Mesa, Colorado 81643 Each office is independently owned and operated. Subject to errors, omissions, price change, prior sales and withdrawal without notice. Dimensions approximate. TBD KE Road | Mesa | $465,000
40 Acres with Stunning 360 Views
30 Shares of High Priority Mesa Creek Ditch 2 • Productive Hay field and Separate Livestock Grazing • Multiple Building Site Locations 409 Powder Ridge Circle | Mesa | $115,000 • .5 Acre Building Lot in Powder Ridge Subdivision • Main Water, Sewer & Electric at the Lot Line • Close to Powderhorn for Skiing and Mountain Biking • Close to the Grand Mesa National Forest TBD BS Road | Glade Park | $155,000
35 Acres with a Small Dry Cabin
Beautiful Views and Diverse Landscapes
Close to Electric • 25 Minutes to Grand Junction Gaia Drive | Mesa | $142,000 - $187,000 • Four Unique Building Lots in Mesa • .763 Acres, .763 Acres, 1.387 Acres & 1.411 Acres • Located in Cool Creek Neighborhood Cooperative • Common Garden, Orchard, Meeting House & 10 Acres of Wild land 50076 Bear Run Court | Mesa | $2,499,000
4 Bedroom, 4 1/2 Bath, Main Residence,
Sold Fully Furnished
Separate RV Garage, Shop and Entertaining Lodge
35 Acres with Coon Creek and Abundant Wildlife
Near Powderhorn Mountain Resort TBD 52 1/2 Road | Mesa | $699,000 • 274 Pristine Acres
Surrounded by BLM Land
Perfect for a private Retreat
Stunning Views and Abundant Wildlife SOLD!

New Construction on Orchard Mesa

• Affordable Living – Enjoy quality homes at a reasonable price in this new subdivision.

• Spacious Lots – Large 8000+ square foot lots provide ample space for your needs.

• Variety of Floor Plans – Homes starting at 1400 sq. ft., suitable for various lifestyles.

• Durable Exteriors – Low maintenance stucco and stone finishes ensure long-lasting beauty.

• RV Parking – Select lots come with generous RV parking spaces.

Real Estate Today | June 2024 | www.coloradorealestatetoday.com 7
$380s Jill Ruckman 970-234-6000 970-644-5002 jillcrone@gmail.com
New Homes STARTING IN THE

10897 Mesa Street – $315,000

Come have a look at this adorable cottage in Mesa, Lot size is 97x127. Yard is fenced, has a raised garden area, and right now has a hen house, wood shed, a spot for RV parking and off-street parking outside of the double car garage. New roof 2023, and other upgrades in 2022. Home includes an old pot-bellied stove, an old-fashioned claw tub. Powderhorn Resort & Ski Area, Grand Mesa National Forest and other recreational activities are less than 10 miles. All information is deemed reliable and subject to error. Buyer to verify all information. No commissions are paid on Seller concessions.

The Key To Great Service

a wide range of business

or even

Sewer is

in, entrance is already paved, and all utilities are nearby. Irrigation water may be

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity! MLS #20241983 Call Chris Young 970-640-1642 Morgan Young-Gilmore 970-589-5708

8 Real Estate Today | June 2024 | www.coloradorealestatetoday.com 137 N. Peach Street • Fruita, CO 81521 970-858-8238 www.chesnickrealtyllc.com Chris Young chris@chesnickrealtyllc.com 970-640-1642 Morgan Young-Gilmore morgan@chesnickrealtyllc.com 970-589-5708 923 18 Road – Fruita | $524,900 Check out this quiet, end-of-the-road, home situated on one full acre. Inside this 3 bedroom, 1 bath home you will find a spacious living room, an office/mud room, and a large laundry area. The partially-finished basement is just waiting to be completed which would add an additional 918 square feet of living space. Outside, enjoy the spectacular views of the Colorado National Monument, the Grand Mesa and Adobe Creek golf course which is right across the street. The 36 X 40 detached garage/shop features 220V power and an unfinished attached ¾ bathroom. This property also features an animal set-up with a loafing shed and pen. An additional older 2-car garage, small orchard, chicken coop, and garden area all make this a property you have to see! MLS #20241095 Call Chris Young 970-640-1642 One-Acre Lot - PRICE REDUCED! 1670 W Highway 6&50 – Fruita | $249,000 Prime commercial lot located between Family Dollar and O’Reilly’s Auto Parts near downtown Fruita. This property is zoned
which allows for
opportunities
Prime Commercial Lot
kathy harris gri, broker 970.260.2492 sundance realty of grand mesa
C-1
apartment buildings.
stubbed
available.
TBD TBD Gateway, CO 240 acres GMU 62 Irrigation Views and Hunting Great Location for a Cabin $1,028,400 10396 60 3/4 Road Collbran, CO 35 acres with irrigation 3 BD, 3 bath home with garage Aspen trees, creek and privacy Outbuildings $625,000 1235 17 1/2 Rd Fruita, CO 3 BR plus Office and Bonus Room 9.50 Acres with Irrigation Views of Monument 4 Car Oversized Garage $849,000 70451 Highway 330 Collbran, CO 36 acres Creek runs through Privacy with views 2 bedroom, 1 bath $399,000 2504 24 4/10 Road Whitewater, CO 1390 Overlook Drve Collbran, CO 280 acres GMU 62 Rustic Cabin Irrigation and Minerals Fenced with Great Hunting 110 acres Near Vega State Park GMU 421 Great Archery Hunting Lakes Views, Several Spots to Build a Cabin $1,200,000 $725,000 58723 Delores Drive Collbran, CO 209 Plateau Avenue Collbran, CO 3 Bedroom 2 Bath .24 Acre with Views Small Workshop Easy, Year-Round Access 2 Shops with rental income 3 Phase Power Zoned Commercial Residential vacant lot included $375,000 $260,000 8164 Bull Basin Road Mesa, CO 13011 Alboe Lane Eckert, CO 35+ acres  3 bedroom plus office 3 bath 2286 sq ft home Attached garage, Stunning Views 4+ acre horse property 2400 sq ft home 3 bedroom 3 bath, Garage Swim spa, outbuilding, & irrigation $649,900 $549,900 67456 Black Bear Drive Collbran, CO 1170 Sq Ft Cabin Lake Views Fully Furnished Vega State Park $280,000 528 Oakbrush Circle Collbran, CO 688 sq ft condo 2 bedroom, 1 bath Completely remodeled Furniture negotiable $200,000 PRICEREDUCED! PRICEREDUCED!

• Homes starting at 1800 square foot

• 3-6 bedroom

• 3 car garage minimum

• RV parking and storage on site

• Stucco exteriors with optional stone accents

• Architectural 30-year shingles

• Nature’s Composite fencing

• Pressurized irrigation

• Parks & walking paths

• LOTS FOR SALE

VIEWS!
JANET ELLIOTT GRI, CRS, ABR Broker/Owner REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI 970-250-0765 N1323D@msn.com We look forward to working with you to design and build your new home in Emerald Ridge! For more information, contact New Horizons Development, Inc. ON-SITE OFFICE LOCATED AT 2649 Emerald Ridge Lane Grand Junction, CO 81506 (North, off H Road & 26 1/2 Road) emeraldridgegj.com CALL TO SET APPOINTMENT = Office = Available for Purchase (under construction) = Sold = Under Contract U U U O O S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A UNMARKED LOTS ARE AVAILABLE SOLD! UNDER CONTRACT

• Homes starting at 1800 square foot

• 3-car garage minimum / RV garages allowed

• Custom design available

• RV parking and storage on site

• Stucco exteriors with optional stone accents

• Architectural 30-year shingles

• Nature’s Composite fencing

• Pressurized irrigation to lot

• Parks & walking paths

• LOT SALE from $170,000+ Bring your builder

VIEWS!
JANET ELLIOTT GRI, CRS, ABR Broker/Owner REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI 970-250-0765 N1323D@msn.com Be sure to check out our website: emeraldridgegj.com We look forward to working with you to design and build your new home in Emerald Ridge! For more information, contact New Horizons Development, Inc. ON-SITE OFFICE LOCATED AT 848 Fire Quarts Lane Grand Junction, CO 81506 (North, off H Road & 26 1/2 Road) emeraldridgegj.com CALL JANET TO SET AN APPOINTMENT = Office COMING IN AUGUST = Available for Purchase (under construction) = Sold = Under Contract = Vacant Lot Available U U L L L L L L L L O O O O S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S A A A UNMARKED LOTS: CALL FOR AVAILABILITY = Office 2631 Tiger Eye Lane

Buy Your First Home in One Year: A Step-by-Step Guide

Courtesy of the National Association of Realtors – This ultimate timeline ensures the smoothest of transitions!

A real yard. Closets bigger than your average microwave. The freedom to decorate however you darn well please! Making the switch from renting to owning is exhilarating, but many rookie homebuyers find the process trickier to navigate than they expected.

This is why we created our First-Time HomeBuyer Checklist. The 12-month timeline will help you sidestep common mistakes, like paying too much interest or getting stuck with the wrong house. (Yep, it happens!)

12 Months Out

Check your credit score. Get a copy of your credit report at annualcreditreport.com. The three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) are each required to give you a free credit report once a year. A Federal Trade Commission study found one in four Americans identified errors on their credit report, and 5% had errors that could lead to higher rates on loans. Avoid last-minute bombshells by checking your score long before you’re ready to make an offer. And work diligently to correct any mistakes.

Determine how much you can afford. Figure out how much house you can afford and want to afford. Lenders look for a total debt load of no more than 43% of your gross monthly income (called the debt-to-income ratio). This figure includes your future mortgage and any other debts, such as a car loan, student loan, or revolving credit cards.

There are plenty of calculators on the web to help you determine what you can afford. If you’re pushing the limits, start reducing your debt-to-income ratio now. Use a budget worksheet to get a reality check on what you may actually be spending every month.

Make a down payment plan. Most conventional mortgages require a 20% down payment. If you can swing it, do it. Your loan costs will be much less, and you’ll get a better interest rate. If,

however, you’re not quite able to save the full amount, there are many programs that can help. FHA offers loans with only a 3.5% down payment. But they require mortgage insurance premiums, which will drive up your monthly payments. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides a list of nonprofit homebuying programs by state. Also check with credit unions; and your employer might even have an assistance program.

As you’re planning your savings strategy, keep in mind that banks like you to “season” your money. That is, they like to see that you’ve had stable funds in your account for 60 to 90 days before

9 Months Out

Prioritize what you most want in your new home. What’s most important in your new home? Proximity to work? A big backyard? An open floor plan? Being on a quiet street? You’ll make a much better decision on what home to buy if you focus on your priorities. If it’s a joint decision, now is the time to work out any differences to avoid frustration and wasted time. Perhaps most important: Know what trade-offs you’re willing to make.

Research neighborhoods and start visiting open houses. But now’s when the fun begins, too. Use property listing sites, real estate magazines, and local real estate offices to find out about neighborhoods, public transport, and cost of living.

Start visiting open houses to get an idea of what kind of homes are in your price range and what neighborhoods appeal the most. Seeing potential homes will also keep you motivated to continue reducing your debts and saving for your down payment.

Budget for miscellaneous homebuying expenses.

Buying a home has some miscellaneous upfront costs. A home inspection, title search, propery survey, and home insurance are examples. Costs vary by locale, but expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars. If you don’t have the cash, start saving now.

Start a home maintenance account. Speaking of saving, start the good habit now of putting a little aside each month to fund maintenance, repairs, and home emergencies. It’s bad enough to have to call a plumber. It’s worse if you’re paying credit card interest on that plumbing bill.

{Making the switch from renting to owning is exhiliarating, but many rookie homebuyers find the process trickier to navigate than they expected.
12 Real Estate Today | June 2024 | www.coloradorealestatetoday.com
}

Buy Your First Home in One Year: A Step-by-Step Guide

6 Months Out

Collect your loan paperwork. Banks are very particular when it comes to mortgage loans. They demand a lot of paperwork. What they’ll want from you includes:

• W-2 forms — or business tax return forms if you’re selfemployed — for the last two to three years

• Personal tax returns for the past two to three years

• Your most recent pay stubs

• Credit card and all loan statements

• Your bank statements

• Addresses for the past five to seven years

• Brokerage account statements for the most recent two to four months

• Most recent retirement account statements, such as 401(k)

If you start collecting these documents now, it’ll lessen the stress when it’s time to get your loan. Bonus: Looking closely at your loan documents each month will also help you stay focused on saving for your down payment and keeping your debt-to-income ratio low.

Research lenders and realtors. Start interviewing realtors, specifically buyers’ agents. A buyer’s agent will work in your best interest to find you the right property, negotiate with the seller’s agent, and shepherd you through the closing process. Your agent also can be instrumental in finding a lender who’s familiar with first-time home buyer programs.

Even better, look for a mortgage broker, who will shop for a competitive loan rate for you among multiple lenders, unlike a bank, which can only offer its own products.

3 Months Out

Get pre-approved for your loan. At this point, if you’ve been following this timeline, your credit score, paperwork, and down payment should be on track. You’ve done your research on lenders and buyers’ agents. Now it’s time to start working with them. First you’ll need to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Make an appointment with your lender or mortgage broker and bring all your paperwork. He’ll run a credit check on you and tell you how much of a loan you’re approved for. It often makes sense to borrow less than the maximum the lender allows so you can live comfortably. Draft a budget that accounts for mortgage payments, insurance, maintenance, and everything else you have going on in your life.

Start shopping for your new home. One you’re pre-approved, the buyer’s agent you’ve chosen will be able to target homes that meet your priorities in your price range. This way you won’t be wasting time looking at homes you can’t afford.

2 Months Out

Make an offer on a home. It usually takes at least four to six weeks to close on a home. So if you have a firm move-out date, allow enough time to deal with any hiccups that can delay closing.

Get a home inspection. One of the first things you’ll want to do after an offer is accepted is have a home inspector look at the property. If the home inspector finds something that needs repair, that’s a common example of something that can delay closing.

In the Last Month

Triple-check that all your financial documents are in order and review all lending documents before closing. You’re in the home stretch! If you’ve been keeping your documents up to date, and your down payment is in reserve, these final steps are the easiest. Reviewing the mortgage documents is probably the most difficult. Your agent can help guide you through them.

Get insurance for your new home. Don’t forget to secure insurance before closing. You’ll need to bring proof of insurance to closing.

Do a final walk-through. Do a final walk-through of your new home, usually a day or two before closing, to make sure the home is in the shape you and the seller have agreed upon.

Get a cashier’s check or bank wire for cash needed at closing.  Make sure you get an exact amount of cash needed for closing. You’ll get that number a few days before closing so you can secure a cashier’s check or arrange to have the money wired. Regular checks aren’t accepted.

Real Estate Today | June 2024 | www.coloradorealestatetoday.com 13

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.