Buying a home is one of most people’s largest investments, and many get very emotional and nervous about the entire experience. However, buying a home should be exciting and fun! While moving itself is challenging enough, there are proven ways to make your home purchase a stress-free, enjoyable experience. In this blog post, Colorado Springs real estate expert Barb Schlinker discusses essential dos and don’ts to help make your home buying journey smooth and successful.
Key Takeaways
- Hire experienced professionals and don’t hesitate to ask tough questions
- Build a strong financial foundation with adequate savings for surprises
- Maintain complete transparency with your lender
- Avoid major financial changes during the buying process
- Allow extra time for moving to reduce stress
What TO DO for a Stress-Free Home Buying Experience
1. Hire Experienced Professionals
“It’s okay to ask hard questions,” says Colorado Springs real estate expert Barb Schlinker. “Ask potential agents how many homes they’ve sold in the past year, and ask lenders how many loans they’ve closed. If they don’t appear skilled enough, it’s perfectly fine to move on to another professional.“
2. Get Your Financial House in Order
Bank Extra Savings for Surprises
In Colorado Springs, unexpected situations like hail-damaged roofs are common.
Barb explains: “You don’t want to buy a house with a damaged roof. Let the seller replace it – they’re covered by insurance for most costs. However, you can set yourself up for success by having an extra $2,000 available to upgrade to a high-impact shingle. These products can save you as much as 30% off your homeowner’s insurance policy for as long as you have the roof.“
Be Transparent with Your Lender
Barb shares a cautionary tale: “I had a buyer who froze her credit and didn’t tell the lender she owed Federal taxes. The lender discovered this late in the process, and her loan was denied, causing her to scramble to find a new place to live.” Even seemingly minor details like tax payments and child support obligations can affect your qualification. Tell your lender everything about your finances – they’re working toward your success.
3. Build in Extra Time to Move
Sometimes loan closings get delayed for reasons beyond your control. Barb recommends building in an extra week or two before releasing your current living situation to avoid unnecessary stress and complications.
4. Have Fun with the Process
Most buyers love looking at homes. Make the experience enjoyable by only committing to homes you truly love that fit within your budget.
What NOT to Do During the Home Buying Process
1. Avoid Big Ticket Purchases
Lenders check your credit before loan approval and just before finalizing the purchase.
Barb warns: “I’ve had buyers get so excited they bought new furniture or appliances before closing. Those enticing ‘no payments for 6 months’ deals look great, but they show up on your credit as if you owe the full balance every month! These purchases can disqualify you for the loan at the last minute. After closing, you can shop all you like.“
2. Don’t Quit Your Job
- Lenders verify employment just before closing
- Title/Closing agents will inform lenders if you disclose a job change at the closing table
- This can stop the sale immediately
Expert Profile: Barb Schlinker’s Experience and Guarantees
With decades of experience in Colorado Springs real estate, Barb offers:
- Proven track record of selling homes 60% faster than market average
- Consistently achieves 8.1% higher selling prices
- Unique guarantees including:
- Your Home Sold in Your Time Frame or Pay You $1000
- VIP Buyer Satisfaction Guarantee
- Seller Cancellation Guarantee
- 24 Hour Cash Offer Guarantee
As a Navy Veteran with intelligence field experience and host of “Your Real Estate Voice” radio show, Barb brings exceptional expertise to every transaction.
To Discuss Your Home Sale or Purchase, Call or Text Today and Start Packing!
FAQ:
Barb advises: “Remember that over time your investment in a home, in most cases, will go up in value. Plan on staying in your home for at least 3 years to ensure you will have enough growth in your home’s value to sell it for a profit.“
Ready to start your stress-free home buying journey? Contact Barb Schlinker at 719-301-1802 for experienced guidance through the Colorado Springs real estate market.
