Realtor for Women
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Are you ready to buy?
Buying a home is typically the largest investment most of us will ever make. Nothing is more important, in my opinion, than thoughtful consideration of the many issues that go into buying a home.
Here are some questions to ask yourself as you consider buying a home, whether it’s your first home or one of many.
- What is your current living situation (homeowner, renter, sharing)? Do you need to sell? Give your landlord notice?
- How will you pay for the home? (Cash, Loan,etc.)
- Have you checked your credit report lately? Click here to get your free annual credit report.
- Are you working with a lender? If you need a referral to great LOCAL loan officers, please contact me.
- How much money do you have for a down payment + loan closing costs + inspections + appraisals & more? (See my updated post on “How much does it really cost to buy a home?“)
- What is the monthly payment amount that you can afford? Don’t forget that your loan amount is not all that you need to consider. You’ll also want to take into account taxes, insurance, HOA fees & regular maintenance
- What is your time frame for moving? (time to sell your current home, notice you must give your landlord, school schedules, work schedules, etc.)
- Do you have any special needs for your new home? (layout, location, size, etc.)
- If you’re thinking of buying and want more information about the process you can or consider taking my Home Buyer Basics Class which is offered at Arapahoe Community College. Click here for the upcoming schedule.
The Englewood Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding citizens to change the batteries in their smoke alarms when they move their clocks FORWARD on Sunday, March 10, 2019
In conjunction with the annual public education program: “Change Your
Clocks, Change Your Batteries” – citizens are encouraged to change the
batteries in their smoke alarms at least twice a year (at the beginning and end of daylight savings time).
In addition, you should:
- Ensure that smoke alarms are properly placed
- Test your alarm monthly
- Consider switching to a smoke alarm that has a non-removable 10-year lithium batter
- Replace your smoke alarm every 10 years (or according to manufacturer’s specifications)
- Develop an escape plan and practice the plan with your family
For maximum protection, the Fire Marshal’s Office encourages the use of both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms. Such smoke alarms provide early warning when fire occurs.
Photoelectric alarms quickly sense smoke from smoldering, smoky fires, such as those ignited by a cigarette falling between sofa cushions.
Ionization alarms quickly sense smoke caused by flaming, fast-moving fires, such as a kitchen fire.
Remember you may save your life and the lives of your family members by having operating smoke alarms.
Understanding Timeshare Resale Scams.
A Division of Real Estate Consumer Advisory: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Understanding Timeshare Resale Scams.
If you are an owner of a timeshare in Colorado and are entertaining the idea of reselling your timeshare property “Take 5 to Get Wise” and learn how to protect yourself from falling for a timeshare resale scam.
Watch the Video or Read the PDF via the link below
Filing taxes and buying a house
I just received my income tax organizer from my accountant and I was reminded of a challenge that some buyers may face this time of year.
I know you’re thinking “Really?? I just managed to get through the holidays and I don’t even want to think of filing taxes yet”. But, if you’re one of the buyers hoping to beat the rush by entering the market in the spring you need to add one more task to your ever-growing to-do list.
So, what does the filing of taxes have to do with all of this? If you’re making offers on homes, and your closing could be on or around April 15th, you need to contact your mortgage professional to discuss when you should file your taxes. This can help you avoid any last minute issues with your transaction.
Things to consider:
- If you’re already in the process: Contact your lender to see what deadlines they may have regarding a requirement for a transcript of your taxes. Most buyers that are “W-2” employees should file as soon as they receive their W-2’s from their employer. Which is very soon!
- For self-employed folks, who may be considering filing an extension, you need to know that any money that you owe to the IRS will either need to be paid (or a payment plan established) PRIOR to closing on your home.
- If you’ve just started the process and are thinking of reaching out to a lender to get pre-approved be sure to ask about ANY tax filing deadlines.
- If you’re still on the fence about entering the market contact me and we can discuss what is best for your situation.
As a real estate professional I want my clients to be aware of any possible stumbling blocks that could derail a transaction. My goal is for you to make great decisions with great information.
Homeowner? Over 65 or Active Military?
If you live in Colorado and own your home, you may be eligible for an exemption or deferral of a portion of your property tax bill. To find out if you meet the eligibility requirements, click here, for more information.
The Property Tax Deferral program helps military personnel and seniors, many of whom live on a fixed income, continue to afford to live in their home by deferring the payment of their property taxes.
3210 S Lincoln St Englewood CO – For Sale
4585 S Lipan Ct, Englewood CO For Sale
Home Buyer Basics – Be Prepared! (Fall Classes)
In this real estate market it’s more important than ever for buyers to be prepared to enter the market. This class has been designed to give you the information you need to be successful in this market. As a student you will understand the home buying process from start to finish; the current Denver Metro real estate market; how to describe your new home; how to choose the right real estate broker. We will also review tips and techniques for writing a strong offer. You will leave the class with the all information you need for your home buying process to be a success.
Register for classes at the Arapahoe Community College Website.
Sat, Sep 15, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Littleton Campus
INDS 1001F01-68159 $25
Sat, Oct 20, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Littleton Campus
INDS 1001F02-68160 $25
Sat, Nov 3, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Littleton Campus
INDS 1001F03-68161 $25
Sat, Dec 8, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Littleton Campus
INDS 1001F04-68162 $25
How To Sell Your Home – The Basics (Fall Classes)
It’s not as easy as you may think to sell your home in this market for the best price and terms. Take this class to learn all you need to know to sell your home. We will discuss the challenges of selling in a quickly moving market; the importance of the right pricing strategy; the actual cost to sell a home; negotiation tips and techniques and how to navigate the entire process. You will leave the class with information on the current real estate marker in your area, how to prepare your home for sale, how to choose a real estate broker and an offer of a free comparative market analysis of your home.
Registration at Arapahoe Community College website.
Sat, Sep 29, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Littleton Campus
INDS 1002F01-68163 $25
Sat, Oct 6, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Littleton Campus
INDS 1002F02-68164 $25
Sat, Nov 10, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Littleton Campus
INDS 1002F03-68165 $25
Sat, Dec 1, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Littleton Campus
INDS 1002F04-68166 $25