If you have any questions regarding any of this information or if you're prepared to get started, you can contact me here or e-mail me at Brendawildaspen@gmail.com.

Step 1 – Get ready to purchase a home
Before you begin your home search, there are several things you'll want to take into account. You'll most likely want to make a checklist of items you want, get an idea of what school districts and neighborhoods you'd like to live in, and start planning your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is no more than 30 percent of your net monthly income is a good guideline to go by.

Step 2 – Communicate with a real estate agent in Aspen
This is where I can help. I'd be more than happy to book a time to meet with you and speak with you regarding your real estate needs and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll discuss everything from neighborhoods, schools in the Aspen area, the mortgage industry, to any other economic factors that may potentially affect your buying decision today or in the future.

I can also help you start the loan process. There are some very good mortgage professionals in Aspen, and I partner with a lot of them, so you can rest assured that you're in great hands. They'll assist you in deciding which kind of loan is best for you and help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Begin looking for a home
After our initial meeting, I'll start searching for houses on the market that are a great fit for you. I'll get a sneak peek of many of the homes and remove the bad ones, and then we'll book appointments to view the houses when it's convenient for you.

When we tour houses, I'll point out good features and bad ones. I'll also ask you to talk about things you like and don't like. It's pretty common for buyers to revise their wish list as we view homes and some features become far more important than others. If that happens, I'll go back through all the listings one more time and trim it down to the house you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Understand the market
An agent's awareness of the Aspen housing market is an imperative component in your home search. And I assure you I'm acquainted with all the neighborhoods and school districts, and I will let you know some areas are "hot" and demand prompt action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for cautiousness.

When we view houses, I'll let you know if the list price has room for bargaining or if I believe the house is "priced to sell." Any real estate agent in Aspen will tell you they truly understand the market, but be on guard, and make sure you ask your agent a lot of questions. If things don't add up, contact me at 970-379-2299 or e-mail me at Brendawildaspen@gmail.com, and I'd be glad to answer any questions you have. My market knowledge will keep you a step ahead throughout the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the home you've been looking for
I'm certain we'll find the home of your dreams in the Aspen area. When we do, I'll thoroughly create your home purchase offer. The offer will be tailored keeping your needs in mind, including several contingencies, such as acquiring financing, finishing the home inspection, and a clear title.

Upon sending in your offer, most likely you'll need to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to the home seller to secure an offer to buy the property. The amount is most often put towards the closing costs. If the offer is accepted by the seller, we should close on the property about 30 to 60 days after. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Most deals don't close on the beginning offer. It's pretty common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it intimidate you. We'll talk about whether or not to consent to the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and move on.

How aggressively we negotiate the deal depends on market conditions. We'll also work within your financing budget. And at the end of the day, we'll assemble a contract that is best for you.

Step 7 – Secure your loan
After the deal is complete, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. It shouldn't be a long process at all if you're pre-approved, but you need to stay in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll manage all the property information your mortgage lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your lender will give you a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) detailing closing costs within three days of taking your application. You'll get a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of getting your application. This estimate depends on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements mandate that it has to contain all closing costs and fall within a narrow range of accuracy. I'll examine the estimate and let you know if it all looks good.

Then it's time to close on your home. This will probably take place at a title company or escrow office and is often a smooth and easygoing event.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, make sure you contact me at 970-379-2299 or send me an e-mail.