Four Steps to Finding the Right Neighborhood for You

           

Whether you are moving to a new city or just moving across town, there are many things to consider when deciding on the ideal neighborhood. Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation knows how important this decision can be; and I will take the time to talk with you about resale value, the local area, and what loan programs will be the most beneficial to you.


Here are four easy steps for finding the best neighborhood for your needs:


Step 1: Decide what is important to you, and ask yourself questions about your future plans and lifestyle:

• Do you have children who will need rooms or a yard in which to play?
• What type of home are you looking for?
• How long do you plan to live in this home?
• How far are you willing to commute for work?
• Do you want to be in a historic neighborhood or a neighborhood with new construction?

Step 2: Gather information on potential locations and compare statistics.
Once you have decided what you want out of a neighborhood and a home, search for a few potential areas that match your criteria. Compare information between the neighborhoods, such as schools,
crime statistics, parks, homeowners’ associations and nearby conveniences.


Step 3: Visit the neighborhoods.
Once you have done all of your research, take a drive through the areas at different times of the day. Note if there are families or people walking around, the noise level, and the condition of other homes and yards in the neighborhood.


Step 4: Seal the deal.
Compare all aspects of the neighborhoods you have researched and observed, and decide which one you think is the best fit. Meet with a Realtor to schedule some viewings of housings in that area.


I would enjoy the opportunity to talk to you about the buying options for your new home, as well as help you sell your current home should you you need that. Call me today to set up an appointment and I will start you on your way to living in your new home!

Tori Mink
RE/MAX Southeast, Inc
720-933-3456 Direct
303-750-7070 Office
www.ToriSellsDenver.com
ToriMink@Remax.net

Using Gifted Money Toward Your Down Payment

Using Gifted Money Toward Your Down Payment               
When buying a home, especially a first home, the down payment can seem like the biggest hurdle. There are a variety of loan programs that can help make the most of what money you have to put down, but you can also use “gifted funds” for your down payment. Gifted funds are funds given to you either by parents or another eligible relative. There are guidelines for this type of down payment, and I am happy to talk with you about those.
Before considering using gifted funds, there are a few things to be aware of:

• Gifts must be provided by a third party not involved in the home transaction
• The donor must be an eligible relative of the borrower
• The seller, real estate agent or mortgage professional cannot provide a down payment gift to the buyer
• A government agency or non-profit organization may provide a gift if it meets the lender’s requirements
• Gift funds require a letter from the donor that documents the amount, date and donor name and proof of receipt of gift funds from the donor’s account is required
• Some programs may require the borrower to contribute to the down payment in addition to the gift

I am more than happy to sit down and discuss all of your down payment options for buying a home when you are ready.

Tori Mink
RE/MAX Southeast, Inc
(720) 933-3456
(303) 750-7070
ToriMink@Remax.net
www.ToriSellsDenver.com

Five Excellent Reasons to Purchase an Existing Home

When purchasing a home, there are a wealth of opportunities when it comes to designs, neighborhoods, school zones and so much more. Of course, the biggest question may be whether to build a new home or buy an existing home. While there are certainly benefits to both, pre-loved homes have a lot of charm and may allow you more bang for your buck!
Here are five excellent reasons to purchase an existing home.

1. Better value– In most real estate markets, you will be able to obtain more for your your dollar when purchasing an existing home. Existing homes generally cost less per square foot than new construction. Appliances and fixtures are also often included whereas if you purchase a new home you may pay for each of those items separately. If the home has been recently renovated, updated kitchens and bathrooms may feature valuable extras.

2. History and charm – If you are looking for a unique home with character and history, an existing home is for you! Many already existing homes also have more distinctive architectural detail than new homes including original hardwoods, crown molding and special features that new homes may not offer.

3. Landscaping – When you purchase an existing home, odds are much higher that the home will have more mature landscaping than a home that has just been built. This advantage will save you from having to nurture a lawn, plant shrubbery and wait for trees to grow. Depending on the neighborhood, the homes may be surrounded by large, mature trees that add appeal and value to your property.

4. Established neighborhoods – Many people choose to buy an existing home because they fall in love with the neighborhood. When you purchase a home in an established neighborhood rather than one that is still being developed, you have more of a sense of community. Unlike a neighborhood under construction, you may be able to I have the opportunity to meet some of your potential neighbors before making your offer.

5. Timing – After you decide to buy an existing home, you can usually move in relatively quickly. If you are building a new home however, you may have to wait for months for the home to finish being built. Sometimes, weather and delays could push the closing even further than expected.

When you are ready to purchase a home, I would love to help discuss your options and some of the newer and established neighborhoods in the area! Call me to set up an appointment so we can discuss your buying options.

Tori Mink
RE/MAX Southeast, Inc
720-933-3456
www.ToriSellsDenver.com
ToriMink@Remax.net

Searching For A Home

Purchasing a home is not only a large financial decision, but also can be emotionally stressful. Many buyers enter into the process without any idea of what they are really looking for in a home. Before you begin your search, take some time to figure out what will make you happy in you new home.


Here are some of the top things to look for to make sure your search is off to the right start.

Location. It is said that you can live with almost any imperfection in a home if you love the neighborhood and your neighbors. You can change almost anything within the home, but once bought you can’t change the location. Research the neighborhood and surrounding areas to make sure they are right for you.

Situation Factors. Aside from the location, it’s important to look at the particular lot on which the home is built. Think about factors like if the home sits on a hill, if it has a view, if the yard is suitable for children, and if the home is close to neighbors. All of these things will affect your happiness with the home depending on what your personal tastes are.

Neighborhood. Make sure the neighborhood you are looking in meets your expectations. Drive through the area on weekdays and weekends and at all hours of the day so you know what the noise level and traffic activity is really like. Pay close attention to how neighbors take care of their yards, driveways, and the exterior of their homes. Also notice the streets and sidewalks. If you have children, ask yourself if would you feel safe with them playing outdoors.

Home Size and Layout. You might think the home you found is your dream home but make sure it’s not impractical. Is the size of the home too large or too small? Are you planning to grow your family or ready to downsize? Think about the placement of the master suite. If the home is multi level, would you rather have the master suite on the first or second floor? These are all important questions!

Kitchen. One of the biggest deciding factors in purchasing a home is the kitchen. The kitchen is a place you will likely be spending a large amount of your time. Don’t settle for a home with one that doesn’t fit your needs. Remodeling kitchens is always an option but can rack up a big price tag. If the home you are thinking of purchasing is going to need several kitchen upgrades, consider the costs when you make your choice!



Closets and Storage. Many older homes have small closets and not much storage space. Make sure the home you are considering purchasing has enough space for all of your belongings. Storage space is something you can add later, but it could mean sacrificing living space in some of your rooms.

Windows and Lighting. Are you someone who likes lots of windows and natural light or would you rather have less windows and more privacy? Visit the home you are considering at different times of day to see how the light shines into the windows. Consider the placement and quantity of electrical outlets. Will these meet your lighting needs?

Make sure you are with the right agent to help you make the process as smooth as possible. A knowledgeable lender and Realtor combo is key to a smooth transaction.

If you have questions about the home buying process, or loan process, give us a call! We'll help guide you through the process from start to finish by educating you along the way!

Tori Mink - Realtor

RE/MAX Southeast, Inc.

720-933-3456

www.ToriSellsDenver.com

ToriMink@Remax.net

7555 E Hampden Ave Suite #103

Denver, CO 80231

________________________________________________________________________

Aaron Mell - Sales Manager/Loan Consultant

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation

6455 S. Yosemite St., Suite 425
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Mobile 303-523-9459
Office 720-403-8833
Fax 866-428-8994aaronm@fairwaymc.com

www.loansbyaaronmell.com

NMLS ID 263042

Reasons To Consider School Districts When Purchasing A Home

When purchasing a home, there are a variety of factors that you will consider as you make the decision where to live such as the size of the house, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the home’s condition, the neighborhood and so much more. While area of town and accessibility to the highways might be important considerations, if you have a family, knowing where the best school systems are is likely the most critical aspect of your home search. It's also very important for resale purposes.

When choosing the best school district for your children, it is important to pay attention to school performance ratings. Property values are likely to be higher around public schools with higher scores, as those are the most desirable areas for families. Of course, if the schools continue to perform well, your property value should also likely increase. Even in a “down market,” a fantastic school can be the one factor that lifts all nearby home prices and increases marketability of the home for resale.

Cherry Creek Schools and Douglas County Schools are a couple of the higher rated districts and highly sought after by clients looking to purchase a new home. If you are looking to buy a home, I can help guide you to neighborhoods that fall into these districts, however, there are also many top rated schools in other districts as well.

For a list of available homes for sale or for your FREE market report for a home you are considering selling, call me at (720) 933-3456

You may also search for homes on my website at www.ToriSellsDenver.com

Neighborhood Of The Week - Cherry Creek Vista!

Cherry Creek Vista is perfectly tucked away in the Denver Tech Center just East of Yosemite & Belleview. Great proximity to grocery stores, dining, convenient access to DTC, Park Meadows & I-25 and walking distance to all three Cherry Creek Schools makes this a very desirable location!

Kids will attend school in the highly sought after Cherry Creek School district with Cottonwood Creek Elementary, Campus Middle School and Cherry Creek High School. All three of these Cherry Creek schools are ranked at least a 9 out of 10 on the Greatschools.net website!

Cherry Creek Vista is a wonderful neighborhood that many people are proud to call home.
These established homes are located on good sized treed lots with lots of character. Home owners work hard to keep yards and homes looking nice with pride of ownership evident! Neighbors are caring and create a great environment for everyone! This great neighborhood is also located within walking or biking distance to the Cherry Creek State Park.

Homes in this Cherry Creek School district neighborhood have sold from $315,000 to just over
$1 million over the last two years.

Currently there are 17 active listings priced from $395,000 to $1,050,000.
There are 7 listings under contract from $395,000-$700,000 and 27 homes have sold in the last 90 days priced from $390,000 to $868,000! This is certainly a desired neighborhood located in the Cherry Creek School District!


If you are interested in a FREE MARKET REPORT for your home, or you are interested in homes for sale in the Cherry Creek School district, call me at (720) 933-3456!

www.ToriSellsDenver.com

Homes For Sale In Cherry Creek School District

The Cherry Creek School district has remained one of the hottest and most desired areas in the Denver Metro. If you own a home or are planning on purchasing in this district, it's part of the good investment you'll  make.

Located in the southeast Denver suburbs, Cherry Creek School District is one of the highest-achieving school districts in the state! This district educates more than 54,000 children and serve over 300,000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities: Cherry Hills Village, Centennial, Foxfield, Glendale, Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora, Englewood and Denver.

Obviously with great schools comes desirability for owning homes in the Cherry Creek School district. As you know, values are still up market wide for Sellers and it's still a great time to buy with low interest rates. We all know owning is cheaper than renting, especially in the Metro Denver area!

Cherry Creek School District Boundary Map 2015-2016

This blog will focus on various schools located in the Cherry Creek School District, homes for sale and market statistics as well as current events.

 

  If there is a neighborhood event you'd like added to the weekly blog, email me the details!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email me!

 

www.ToriSellsDenver.com