Buyer's Guide

A Step-by-Step First Time Buyer's Guide

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. This step-by-step first time buyer’s guide created by our team will help reduce the stress of buying a home and help you enjoy the journey as much as possible.

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Step 1: Research

Are you certain about your preferred location to purchase a home in Colorado, be it in Colorado Springs, Pueblo West, Parker, or Denver? Have you decided on the type of property you're seeking - a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Are you clear about your preferred features and those you'd rather avoid? Do you have an understanding of the current housing market in these locations? If you find yourself answering no to any of these questions, it's time to delve into research. 

In addition to exploring homes that pique your interest, pay attention to fluctuations in asking prices across these Colorado locales. This could offer you crucial insights into real estate trends specific to neighborhoods within Colorado Springs, Pueblo West, Parker, and Denver, providing a valuable edge when it's time to negotiate and make an offer on your dream home.

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Step 2: Decide on Your Budget

When planning your home purchase in the Colorado Springs area, it's crucial to decide on a budget that fits your comfort level, rather than simply relying on what a mortgage company might approve. Often, lenders in Colorado Springs and surrounding regions may pre-approve you for an amount higher than you're comfortable spending. It's important to first establish a monthly payment that aligns with your financial well-being. This means conducting a thorough household budget analysis, especially if you're transitioning from an apartment or shared living situation in the Colorado Springs area. Remember, homeownership in Colorado Springs often involves additional expenses like garbage collection, water services, and HOA fees, which can significantly impact your budget. By considering these local factors and planning accordingly, you'll ensure a financially sustainable transition to your new home in Colorado Springs or its neighboring communities.

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Step 3: Get Prequalified

Navigating the mortgage landscape in Colorado Springs can be complex, and understanding what you can afford is crucial. Local mortgage lenders in Colorado Springs might approve you for a higher or lower amount than you expect, or in some cases, not at all. Factors like job stability, credit history, or past financial issues are significant when dealing with Colorado Springs mortgage companies. To avoid surprises and strengthen your position in the vibrant Colorado Springs housing market, it's wise to consult with a local mortgage professional early. They can help you understand the specific Colorado Springs mortgage rates and pre-qualification processes. Being pre-qualified not only clarifies your budget but also gives you an edge in the competitive Colorado Springs real estate market, where sellers often prefer buyers with confirmed financing. For personalized advice and insights into mortgage options in Colorado Springs, reach out to our local mortgage experts who understand the unique aspects of our community's housing market.

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Step 4: Choose a Real Estate Agent

Are you considering exploring the real estate market without an agent? While it's technically possible to browse, inspect, and even make an offer on a home independently, partnering with Pink Realty can transform your experience. Our real estate services in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas come at no additional cost to buyers, offering a stress-free path to your dream home. Pink Realty isn't just about finding potential properties and coordinating viewings; we offer an in-depth understanding of local real estate markets, from specific Colorado Springs neighborhoods to hidden gems in nearby areas like Pueblo West and Castle Rock. Our expertise in the Colorado Springs real estate market, coupled with a keen eye for matching clients with ideal properties, makes us an invaluable ally in your home search. Imagine a seamless journey to find a home that meets all your criteria, guided by seasoned professionals who know the ins and outs of the Colorado Springs area. Choose Pink Realty as your trusted real estate partner and make finding your perfect home an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Our goal is to provide you with the most personalized service that is designed to help you buy your dream home.

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Step 5: Find the Right Home

Embarking on home viewings is a delightful step in your home-buying journey with Pink Realty, whether in Colorado Springs, Pueblo West, or other nearby areas. We ensure that you explore homes within your budget, arranging showings that align with your preferences. As you visit each property, we recommend a thorough inspection. Check everything – from light switches to door functionality, and don’t forget to test the faucets. It's not just about the house; take the opportunity to explore the neighborhood. Assess the local traffic patterns, parking availability, and proximity to essential amenities like schools and grocery stores. These details are crucial in finding a home that truly fits your lifestyle, whether in Colorado Springs, Falcon, or beyond.

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Step 6: Make an Offer

Once you've found your ideal home, whether in the bustling environment of Denver or the peaceful streets of Castle Rock, Pink Realty will assist you in crafting a competitive offer. This offer will be informed by the current market value of comparable homes, considering whether it’s a buyer's or seller's market. Whether your offer is below, at, or above the asking price, we’re here to guide you through every step. Should you receive a counteroffer, our experienced agents will help you navigate the negotiation process, aiming to reach a satisfactory agreement and move the property into escrow, be it in Colorado Springs, Pueblo West, or any of the areas we serve.

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Step 7: Have the Home Inspected

A key step in purchasing a home is the home inspection, a process Pink Realty facilitates whether you’re buying in Colorado Springs, Denver, or the quieter locales like Falcon. The home inspection aims to identify any major structural issues or significant repairs needed. If the inspection reveals major concerns, you have the option to renegotiate your offer accordingly or, if necessary, withdraw it. This step is essential to ensure that your investment, whether it’s in the vibrant heart of Colorado Springs or the scenic backdrop of Castle Rock, is sound and secure, paving the way for a smooth transition to the final stages of your home purchase.

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Step 8: Select Your Loan

Now is the time to go back to the mortgage lender who pre-approved or pre-qualified you and choose your mortgage. You will be presented with various options based on your unique financial situation, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, 15-year, 30-year, or special programs such as VA loans or FHA loans. Work with your mortgage lender to select the option you feel the most comfortable with.

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Step 9: Get a Home Appraisal

Your lender will have your new home appraised so they have their independent value of it. The appraisal is to ensure that all parties involved are paying a fair price for the house.

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Step 10: Finish Paperwork

No one looks forward to all the paperwork involved in buying a home, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, everything will be arranged by your lender and title company and, when you’re finished, you’ll know you are the legal owner of your new home.

Congratulations!

Once the final documents are signed, you'll officially become a homeowner in the vibrant Denver area. It might take a few days for your loan to be funded after the paperwork is submitted to the lender, but rest assured, as soon as the payment reaches the seller, you'll be ready to embark on a new journey in your dream home. This significant milestone in your Denver real estate journey signals the exciting transition from homebuyer to homeowner, getting you set to move into your new sanctuary.

Please complete the following form to download our home buyer's guide to learn more about the home buying process

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Dustin H.

Dustin H.

I've never seen a company as a whole pull together as a team to go above and beyond for a client. Whether it be their client or someone else’s client that just has questions about general information, they are always there to a...
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Chir M.

Chir M.

Cindy G. at Pink Realty was awesome to work with as our buyer's agent! Jessica B. was on the selling side and together these ladies truly represented Pink Realty well! Our closing was great and lots of fun; everyone at Pink tru...
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Matty M.

Pink Realty went above and beyond to assist my wife and me in finding a home! Our REALTOR, Lisa Arther, was awesome! She virtually did home tours and was always available. She got the home set up and we are really satisfied. Ev...
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Dustin B.

I have had the pleasure of working with Monica on multiple transactions. Her ability to find the perfect income-producing properties through her proven system is what separates her from the rest. If you are a new or seasoned in...
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Lynda C.

I have known Monica since before Real Estate and she has always been a super friend, a super colleague, and a "superwoman"! She has become the best of the best and there is nobody better to learn from to find the deals, negotia...
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Kristy T.

I had the best experience today! I went in to drop off some of my business cards for a cleaning. I wanted to offer them my services, and present Myself! And the lady at the front desk was so kind and so professional, she made m...
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Andrea T.

Monica is an absolute expert at short sales. Literally, now, she has "written the book" on how short sales should be done, and even better she has given you the system to do it. All good business owners know that you have to cr...
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Lori S.

Lori S.

I would recommend Brian to anyone wanting to buy or sell a home. Brian is the type of REALTOR that other agents come to when they need advice. I have been on his lending team for years and I've observed him in many different si...
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Lauren P.

Lauren P.

From start to finish Pink Realty has been a wonderful company to work with. Sabrina has been the best REALTOR, she has gone over and above to bring my dreams to light. Her communication, diligence, and positive energy made buyi...
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Casteneda Family

Casteneda Family

Emily M. is an amazing REALTOR. When my other half and I first started out looking for houses, we worked with a brand new REALTOR through a different company. We were under contract on my dream home, but unfortunately some thin...
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Suria Family

Suria Family

I had heard great things about Pink Realty from friends so I decided to use them when I decided to buy a home. My REALTOR was Katie Jackson. I was so fortunate to have gotten her because she is truly a gem! She is extremely kno...
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Hodyna Family

Hodyna Family

Katie Jackson helped us find our perfect home in Colorado Springs. Pink Realty connected with us immediately, found us a wonderful place, and helped us through the move. Thanks for all the help!
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Ridge Family

Ridge Family

My experience with Pink Realty was fantastic. I can't recommend Wendy enough - she was high energy, motivated, communicative, and truly went above and beyond to sell my house quickly in a slower market. I trusted her to advocat...
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K R

K R

Excellent͏ agent Bri was an excellent agent with outstanding patience, understanding, and the willingness to stay very consistent with everything going on, she was completely honest with everything, very hard working, she also ...
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Hunze Family

Hunze Family

Jessica Brown is AMAZING! We loved working with her. She has fantastic connections and will work to be your advocate through the entire process. She made our first home purchase a breeze and so special.
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Austin Family

Austin Family

Could not be more satisfied with our experience at Pink Realty. We were able to make what is typically a stressful and exhaustive experience a breeze with their immense help and expertise. Would highly encourage anyone to utili...
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Hunting Family

Hunting Family

Great team to work with! Very helpful with buying a home or finding a program that works for you. We were very pleased with our decision to use them for our needs. Julie Hobbs was very patient with us during this adventure and ...
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Guillory Family

Guillory Family

We were looking for a new home and Jasa from Pink Realty contacted us in no time. She made sure we found our home even from another state! Such a wonderful experience! Very professional and good communication. I would definitel...
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Furlong Family

Furlong Family

We recently sold our home and the team at Pink Realty has blown us away since the first day we met our REALTOR, Kayla Hepner and her team of associates. It took us a while to get our ducks in a row (so to speak) and Kayla and h...
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Thompson Family

Thompson Family

I got to work with Patricia Niemann as she was great really informative and great to work with.
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Pink Realty is one of the most successful teams in the world - ranking #1 in Colorado, where their well-established reputation & team of over 100 well-rounded agents have become a force to be reckoned with. CEO - Monica Breckenridge is recognized & admired for her extensive market knowledge, unparalleled service, & being the founder of Pink Realty in 2009. Monica remains the #1 agent in Colorado & #4 in the nation.

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