Buying a home?

Buying, building or selling a home is usually the largest transaction someone makes during their lifetime, and it involves many decisions that go beyond simply choosing a home or an agent that you like.

I am both a buyer specialist, a listing specialist, and have the latest technology ready at my fingertips to take your marketing to the next level. Some reasons to choose Brook Willardsen include:

FULL ACCESS to ALL homes for sale in the Metropolitan Denver market.
EXPERT knowledge of the metropolitan area will prove invaluable to you, not just in terms of real estate, but also schools, neighborhoods, the local economy, and more.  I have been a full-time Realtor for 10 years!  Plus, I grew up in Littleton, I know the area and familiar with different subdivisions in Denver.
REAL ESTATE MARKETS absolutely have their own trends and opportunities. This can vary greatly, even from one neighborhood to the next.  Denver and our diversified metropolitan area are no different!  It would be my pleasure to steer you into opportunities and out of traps.
NEGOTIATING with sellers can be stressful. After the purchase agreement is signed, there are inspections and repairs to address, mold or radon mitigation, lead-based paint considerations, lots of details. I will put my real estate knowledge and experience to work for you in order to negotiate the best possible terms and conditions. Remember, I have successfully negotiated over $10 million of real estate to the closing table JUST in 2011!
KNOWLEDGE and resources are at my fingertips for the property you are thinking about buying or the property that you haven’t found yet!  I can help you check on the latest revision in property taxes (they will change – it’s a fact of home ownership), hazard insurance rates, proposed utility changes or zoning hearings – - – Have confidence when signing documents that your home will continue to be a dream and not a nightmare.

While you can see a million homes on the web, actually buying your home is another matter entirely. Buyers, be prepared!

If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact me, Brook Willardsen.

Tips for Home Buyers

If you’re thinking of buying a home for the first time, you might be a bit overwhelmed by it all. We know that buying a home is a large undertaking, both in terms of time and money. I would like to help you get started. Sometimes the most important thing is getting pointed in the right direction. Here are some tips that can help make your home buying process successful.

Do Your “Home”work – The perfect home won’t find you by itself. Educate yourself on local schools, neighborhoods, and the kinds of homes available. By reading available materials and talking with experts, you can start to put together your idea of the perfect home. Getting information on the Denver should be your first step!

Decide on What You’re Looking For – Settle on the home features that are most important to you: floor plan, number of baths or bedrooms, entertaining space, architectural style, etc. For example, if you have large bedroom furniture, carry around the dimensions so you’ll know if it will fit!  Memorize an ordered list of which features that are most important to you. Having well-established guidelines will easily narrow down your search and prevent you from spending valuable time on homes that lack your key amenities. This approach can help you make the decision not to buy an attractive property that doesn’t really fit your needs. My website has a search feature that allows you to filter thousands of listings based on attributes that you select.

Start Planning – Proper planning is key when buying a home. Start a filing system with sections such as home-buying, home-financing, floorplans, and service providers. By forming a home-buying plan, you can focus on the most important factors structure the entire process. My website is a great resource for property information.

Investigate Your Mortgage – Deciding on the type of financing for your home can be as important as choosing a home itself. The first step is deciding what kind of loan best fits you: a fixed-rate mortgage, or an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM), FHA and other forms of financing are available, but which is best for you? There are benefits to each form of loan, and your real estate professional can provide you with more information as well as put you in contact with reputable Senior Mortgage Broker.

Get Pre-Qualified – Getting pre-qualified for a loan is simple – usually only requiring a short phone conversation with your chosen lender, and can greatly help your home search. Pre-qualification does not guarantee you a loan, but it does provide you with an estimated monthly payment and a price range to use as a guide when searching for your home. Bring pre-qualified can also indicate to sellers that you are a serious, prepared buyer. I have relationships with preferred lenders that have proven track records on getting you approved!

Relax – You don’t have to make an offer on the first home you see. Take your time to view other listings in the area and get a feel for the marketplace. When you decide to make an offer on a home, consult with your real estate professional so that all of your questions can be answered.

Protect Yourself and Ask Questions – Before you sign, make sure you understand the promises you are making. There are time frames set for financing, inspections, insurance, closing, and possession dates, just to name a few. After it is signed, the seller does not have to cooperate if your situation changes.

If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact me, Brook Willardsen.

Why Use a Real Estate Agent?

Whether you are in the market for your first home or your tenth, you may be curious as to how a real estate agent can help you. You are making an important decision for your future, a great investment of both money and time. Here are some ways that you can benefit from the help and representation of a real estate professional:

Information at Our Fingertips – You may want to know information about property taxes, proposed zoning changes, utility companies, schools, etc. Many, many things can affect your decision to buy, and I know where to find the answers.
Your Market – I view hundreds of homes each year and are familiar with current trends, value and appreciation in the Denver area.
Success – I have successfully negotiated over $10 million in home sales from first offer through inspection all the way to the closing table.
Your Loan – You need to establish a realistic spending limit, and the best way to do this is to meet with a Senior Mortgage Broker. Did you know that getting “Pre-Approved” is great leverage when submitting an offer?
Time and Money – Your valuable time can be spent looking only through homes that meet your specifications as I am prepared to do the looking for you. Emails can be sent to you with homes as soon as they are listed based on whatever search criteria you specify.
Service – I work directly with you to negotiate the best terms and price available. Each transaction is unique, and I am ready to help YOU find your next home.
After the Deal – I can get you in contact with electricians, landscapers, painters, movers, inspectors, surveyors, contractors, etc – whenever the need arises. I keep closing documents, and I am always available to answer your questions or direct you to the best source for information.

If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact Brook Willardsen.