Colorado HomeFinder Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Colorado HomeFinder?

1. How do I buy a home with Colorado HomeFinder?
2. What advantages does Colorado HomeFinder provide homebuyers?
3. How do I start?
4. What does this service cost?
5. Why should I use a Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR as my Buyer's Agent?

1. Are all real estate agents the same?
2. How important is it to work with an agent who knows the areas where I am looking?
3. Is experience an important consideration when choosing an agent?
4. My brother-in-law told me that his milkman's wife is a real estate agent, should I use her?
5. What is the difference between a "Buyer's Agent" and a "Listing or Seller's Agent"?
6. What is the difference between a "broker," an "agent," and a "REALTOR"?
7. How do I know if I have the right real estate agent?

1. Why are Colorado HomeFinder REALTORs better?
2. Can any agent be a Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR?
3. Why does Colorado HomeFinder use RE/MAX agents?
4. What if I don't "click" with my Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR?
5. What if I am not sure where I want to live, and I want to look at multiple cities or areas in Colorado?
6. I want to buy a brand new home from a builder. Can I use Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR?
7. I saw a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) property that looks interesting. Can I use Colorado HomeFinder to buy a FSBO property?

1. When should I get pre-approved for a mortgage?
2. I want to see a house in person. Should I call the listing agent to set a showing?
3. Why do I need a Buyer's Agent if I am only interested in new construction homes?
4. I am relocating to Colorado and don't know anything about the state. I'm not sure if I should be looking in Aspen or Fort Collins?
5. Why are schools a critical factor in buying a home, even if you don't have children?

1. I am a first time buyer. How can Colorado HomeFinder help?
2. Should I rent or buy?

1. How do I sell my home with Colorado HomeFinder?
2. What does this service cost me?
3. How does Colorado HomeFinder get paid for selling my home?
4. What advantages does Colorado HomeFinder provide home sellers?

1. I already have an agent, but I love the Colorado HomeFinder website. Can I still use your service?
2. Is Colorado HomeFinder right for everyone?
3. How does Colorado HomeFinder get paid?

1. What is Colorado HomeFinder?
   Colorado HomeFinder is the most popular website in Colorado for home buyers and home sellers (according to Amazon's Alexa web tracking service). Thousands of Colorado home buyers and sellers visit Colorado HomeFinder every day because it is the easiest and fastest place to find all of the listings of all the brokerages along the Front Range. Not only is Colorado HomeFinder the best website for Colorado real estate, we also have the best REALTORs to help you buy or sell a home.

1. How do I buy a home with Colorado HomeFinder?
   It's easy. You use the Colorado HomeFinder website to browse listings and get familiar with the market. Our Automated HomeAlert sytem will update you daily via email when new listings that match your search criteria come on the market.
   
   When you are ready to get out and and see a listing that interests you in person, or you're ready for the expert advice of a Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR, just call us toll free at (800) 231-9153 or email us at ClientCare@COhomefinder.com, and we will hand-pick one of our market experts to assist you. Your Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR will take care of everything to ensure that you find your dream home! And it doesn't cost you anything!



2. What advantages does Colorado HomeFinder provide homebuyers?
   www.COhomefinder.com is the most popular real estate website in Colorado for a reason- it's the best to search for real estate!
   
   We have the most listings - over 45,000 Colorado listings to search. We have the listings from all the brokerages and agents, from Colorado Springs to the Wyoming border. No other website allows you to search these listings in an environment free of annoying advertisements.
   
   We have the most current data. We update our listing data daily.
   
   We have the most photos. Unlike REALTOR.com, our site has six photos for each listing when photos are provided. REALTOR.com only displays one photo for most listings, even when 6 photos are available.
   
   We have three easy ways to search for homes.
   1. Google-powered Home Search. No other real estate website in Colorado has it. Our Google-powered search lets you search for listings just like you search on Google. Just type in an address, an MLS number, or a phrase like "Homes for Sale on 6th Street with a view." Click here for Google-powered search
   
   2. HomeBrowser. HomeBrowser lets you browse for listings simply by clicking links such as "show all listings in zipcode 80304", or "show all listings attending Washington Elementary School", or "show all homes in Shady Acres subdivision." Give HomeBrowser a try
   
   3. Search Form. Of course, for those who prefer to search by completing a form with price range, age, bedrooms, baths, and square footage, we offer a powerful traditional search form. Click here to start searching Alma properties
   
   Our website is fast. We measure our site's search and download speeds against sites like eBay, Yahoo, and Amazon. Comparing our site to other real estate sites just isn't fair...it's like putting an Indy car on the track with a bunch of go-carts. But don't take our word for it, take a test drive of our browsable listings now. Browse Alma listings
   
   
3. How do I start?
   Getting started is easy- just call us at (800) 231-9153 to receive personalized attention. Or start searching for Alma properties to become more familiar with the market. No registration required. Or sign-up for Automated HomeAlert. You will receive email updates automatically when new listings that fit your search criteria come on the market.



4. What does this service cost me?
   This is the best part: as a buyer, this serivce does not cost you anything. You will have complete access to the best real estate website in Colorado, and when you're ready to buy, a Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR will represent you, all at no cost.



5. Why should I use a Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR as my Buyer's Agent?
   The better question is- Why wouldn't you use a Colorado HomeFinder Buyer's Agent. A Buyer's Agent is on your side. Why wouldn't you want to have an experienced professional with hundreds of real estate transactions under their belt representing your best interests, all at no cost? Remember, the listing, or seller's agent works for the seller, and is trying to sell the property for the maximum price. You need someone in your corner. A Colorado HomeFinder Buyer's Agent is armed with market knowledge and years of experience to get you the lowest price and help you avoid making costly buying mistakes. Best of all, a Buyer's Agent doesn't cost you anything!

1. Are all real estate agents the same?
   NO! Many real estate agents are part-time agents that close 5 or 6 real estate transactions a year. They typically work with clients who are referred by "friends of friends," taking on business wherever they can find it, never acquiring deep market knowledge. Many of these types of agents are very nice people, but they may not know anything more about a given real estate market than the average person on the street.
   
   Then there are the true professionals. These agents are full time REALTORs that close at least 12 transactions a year, have advanced training and designations, and know specific markets cold. Because they are involved with a large number of transactions, they live and breathe a market, getting to know the inner workings of the market. They learn to avoid the potential pitfalls that can cost their clients thousands of dollars. Colorado HomeFinder REALTORs are all full time professionals that meet these criteria.



2. How important is it to work with an agent who knows the areas where I am looking?
   Extremely important. You don't want to find out later that about any surprises or overpay for a property. A local expert who has worked the market for years will know the "ins and outs" of a neighborhood- the schools, pricing trends, historical appreciation rates, and they will know whether or not a specific property is realistically priced or may present resale problems down the road.



3. Is experience an important consideration when choosing an agent?
   YES, YES, YES. As more and more home buyers go to the Internet to start the home buying process, they often peruse many different websites, coming across many different agents in their web travels. Many of the agents online are relatively new to real estate.
   
   Carefully check the background of any agent you are considering working with. We recommend that you only consider agents who have represented clients in a minimum of 50 real estate transactions, and no less than 10 transactions in the previous year. Otherwise you risk making a mistake that could cost you thousands of dollars or expose you to litigation, simply because your agent did not have enough experience to advise you of the inherent, but manageable, risks associated with a real estate transaction. In short, real estate is a bit like open heart surgery - you want a professional who has "been there, done that!"



4. My brother-in-law told me that his milkman's wife is a real estate agent, should I use her?
   There are literally thousands of real estate agents in Colorado, so the odds are pretty good that you know someone who knows someone who knows a real estate agent. Working with an agent who is a friend, or a friend of a friend, may end up being a great experience, or a costly mistake. This type of referral can often be the worst agent for you. If your basis for choosing a real estate agent is to make a friend or a relative happy by providing a commission to one of their friends, go with their recommendation. If your criteria for choosing an agent is experience, deep market knowledge of the exact towns/areas/neighborhoods that you are interested in, and superior service, choose a true professional like a Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR.



5. What is the difference between a "Buyer's Agent" and a "Listing or Seller's Agent"?
   A Buyer's Agent works for the buyer. The Buyer's Agent job is simple: to find the best home for their client and to negotiate the best price and terms to purchase this home. On the other hand, a Seller's Agent, or Listing Agent, works for the seller. A Seller's Agent is legally obligated to try to get the highest price and best terms for the seller. A Seller's Agent is also obligated to tell their client, the seller, everything they know about you, the buyer, including how much you can afford to pay.



6. What is the difference between a "broker," an "agent," and a "REALTOR"?
   In Colorado, all agents are licensed brokers. Only agents who are members of their local association and the National Association of REALTORs can call themselves REALTORs. REALTORs adhere to a code of ethics. All Colorado HomeFinder agents are REALTORs, as well as licensed brokers in Colorado.



7. How do I know if I have the right real estate agent?
   First and foremost, the agent should listen to you and understand your needs very clearly. Your caution lights should go off if the agent only shows you their own listings, even though the listings aren't located in the neighborhoods that you like, and are bi-levels, but you told the agent you like ranches.
   
   Second, your agent must have in-depth, up-to-date market knowledge of the specific area(s) that you like. Do you feel like you know more about the market than your agent? If so, RUN, and RUN fast! Unfortunately, many folks end up working with their "second cousin's best friend's sister-in-law" who is "giving real estate a try." This situation is not uncommon, and surprisingly, ends up hapening to intelligent, diligent people who spend more time researching the purchase of a $400 airfare than they do researching an agent to help them purchase a $400,000 home. The caution lights go off when they begin to realize that their agent and "friend" has never actually transacted on a property in the market where they are looking, and might not have the market knowledge or experience required to help them make a sound decision for the biggest financial transaction of their lives.
   
   If you are looking for a four bedroom home in Highlands Ranch, your agent should know that market like the back of his or her hand. Which Richmond models have four bedrooms? Which models are holding their value best and are in highest demand? What four bedrooms came on the market in the past two weeks and are they well-maintained and realistically priced?
   
   Lastly, your agent needs to bring more to the table than the combination code to open the lock box. They should act as an advisor, not just a door opener. Even in the age of the Internet, we have found that when a knowledgeable agent listens to and understands the needs of their client, the agent, not the Internet, will ultimately be the one who finds the client's dream house. Quite simply, your real estate agent should be an expert in the areas where you are looking, and you should not settle for anything less!

1. Why are Colorado HomeFinder REALTORs better?
   Our agents are the best of the best. We hand-pick experienced RE/MAX agents that specialize in a specific market area. Because Colorado HomeFinder is the most popular real estate site in Colorado, we have the luxury of choosing only the best agents to become part of our team.



2. Can any agent be a Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR?
   No. We hand-pick our REALTORs. As an experienced, top-producing REALTOR, the founder and President of Colorado HomeFinder, Lane Hornung, knows first-hand what it takes to be a great agent. Colorado HomeFinder REALTORs are each individually selected based on experience, local market knowledge, and great client service. Unlike many other real estate websites that simply have a list of agents who pay to be placed on a list, agents can't "buy" their way onto the Colorado HomeFinder team. We personally interview all of our REALTORs before selcting them, and every client that purchases or sells a home with us completes a customer satisfaction survey to ensure that our REALTORs are delivering world class service to each and everyone of our clients.



3. Why does Colorado HomeFinder use RE/MAX agents?
   RE/MAX REALTORs tend to be the most experienced professionals in the business. RE/MAX was founded in Colorado and is now the clear market leader in the state. New agents tend to start with other franchises that offer training and cater to less experienced agents. After surviving a few years in the business, agents that achieve success and gain experience more often than not end up joining RE/MAX, and they never leave! Because Colorado HomeFinder has the luxury of choosing to work with only the best agents, RE/MAX is a natural fit for us.



4. What if I don't "click" with my Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR?
   We realize that buying or selling a home is a very personal process, and there has to be a certain comfort level between you and your REALTOR. If you don't "click" with your Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR for any reason, no problem. We will match you up with another Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR with comparable experience and market knowledge, but who may be a better personality fit.



5. What if I am not sure where I want to live, and I want to look at multiple cities or areas in Colorado?
   No problem. That's one of the advantages of working with Colorado HomeFinder. Our website has all of the listings along the Front Range of Colorado, from Monument to the Wyoming border. We also have Colorado HomeFinder REALTORs in local offices who are experts in all the markets along the Front Range. So rather than working with an agent who tries to "stretch" into helping you in multiple markets, including areas where they have limited market knowledge, Colorado HomeFinder can match you with multiple REALTORs. For example, a Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR from the Park Meadows office might help you in South Denver, and another one of our REALTORs from the Boulder office can help you in Boulder. Both agents will be experts in their respective markets. At Colorado HomeFinder, we all work together as a team to find you the best house, whether it ends up being in Highlands Ranch or Boulder. We find that this unique capability works especially well for folks relocating to Colorado who are not as familiar with the various areas.



6. I want to buy a brand new home from a builder. Can I use Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR?
   Absolutely. Many of our Colorado HomeFinder REALTORs are experts in new construction communities. They know which builders have solid reputations for quality construction, which floor plans and models are holding their value best, and which options and upgrades are good investment choices. Having a Colorado HomeFinder Buyer's Agent represent you in purchasing a home from a builder doesn't cost you anything, and gives you someone fighting for your best interests and negotiating against the builder to get the lowest purchase price.



7. I saw a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) property that looks interesting. Can I use Colorado HomeFinder to buy a FSBO property?
   Yes. Our Colorado HomeFinder REALTORs can assist you with the purchase of any property on the market, whether it is listing on the MLS or a FSBO property.

1. When should I get pre-approved for a mortgage?
   In order to save yourself the heart ache of looking at homes you love, but then find out you can't afford, we recommend that you get pre-approved for a mortgage before you go out looking at homes in person. The pre-approval process is simple and does not obligate you to anything. You can get pre-approved online in our mortgage center, or if you would prefer to get pre-approved by a mortgage broker, just call us at (800) 231-9153. Most importantly, when you find a home you love and are ready to make an offer, your loan pre-approval will give you an advantage over other buyers because the seller will know you have the financing to successfully close.



2. I want to see a house in person. Should I call the listing agent to set a showing?
   No, not unless you want seeing houses that interest you to become a full-time job. A Buyer's Agent can show you any listing on the market, and they will handle all the details of scheduling the showings. With a good Buyer's Agent like those at Colorado HomeFinder, you can see 10 homes in an afternoon, at your convenience, not spread out over a week at the convenience of 10 different Listing Agents.



3. Why do I need a Buyer's Agent if I am only interested in new construction homes?
   From the moment that you step inside the sales office or model home of a builder, every person that you come into contact has one goal- to sell you a home at the highest possible price. These folks work for the builder. If you don't have a Buyer's Agent, the builder represents you, as well as themselves. Why not get some help on your side? A Colorado HomeFinder Buyer's Agent will fight your interests. Builder's are committed to offering the same price to all buyers, whether or not they have an agent.



4. I am relocating to Colorado and don't know anything about the state. I'm not sure if I should be looking in Aspen or Fort Collins?
   Call us at (800) 231-9153. One of our Client Care Coordinators can help you get a feel for where in Colorado you may want to start your search. Our Client Care Coordinators are not REALTORs. They are not high pressure and there is no obligation, but a 5 minute chat on the phone with one of them can get your home search on the right track and save you hours of wasted effort. Trust us, Colorado is a big place, and living in Aspen is a bit different than living in Fort Collins.



5. Why are schools a critical factor in buying a home, even if you don't have children?
   The quality of the local schools have a big impact on real estate values in the area. Properties in areas with good schools tend to hold their value in a slow market, and appreciate faster in a hot market.

1. I am a first time buyer. How can Colorado HomeFinder help?
   At Colorado HomeFinder, we know that buying a home for the first time can be a bit overwhelming. That is why we have Colorado HomeFinder REALTORs who specialize in working with first time buyers. They know how to help you navigate the home buying process and ensure you make a sound investment and get the home you want. Please let us know that you are a first time buyer so we can give you the additional support you deserve. Just give us a call at (800) 231-9153 so we can help you get started!



2. Should I rent or buy?
   According to a survey by the Federal Reserve, the average American homeowner's net worth is $171,700, while the average renter's net worth is a $4,800. Study after study indicates that the most significant life choice an individual can make to secure their financial future is not buying stocks, starting an IRA, or going back to school- it's buying real estate. Of course, if you live in a cheap, rent-controlled apartment, or for free with your parents (what a deal!), it may make sense to keep renting. But if you want to start building wealth for yourself, and not for your landlord, you may want to consider purchasing real estate.

1. How do I sell my home with Colorado HomeFinder?
   It's easy. When you are ready for the expert advice of a Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR, just call us toll free at (800) 231-9153 or contact us here. We will connect you with the REALTOR on the Colorado HomeFinder team who is an expert in the neighborhood where you live. Your Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR will prepare a free Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for your home to give you an idea of what your home is worth. You incur no obligation for this service. Click here for your free CMA.
   
   Not ready for the assistance of a great REALTOR yet? Use the Colorado HomeFinder website to search for Alma properties and to get familiar with Alma home values and the local Alma real estate market. Sign-up for Automated HomeAlert to get automatic market updates daily via email when new listings near your home come on the market.



2. What advantages does Colorado HomeFinder provide home sellers?
   The key to selling your home is maximizing its exposure to prosective buyers. Every day, thousands of Colorado home buyers visit www.COhomefinder.com looking for a home. In fact, we have more buyers than any other real estate website in Colorado. Wouldn't you like these home buyers to see your home when you put it on the market?
   
   If you choose to list your property with a Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR, you will receive the benefits of exposure on the state's most popular website. This is a huge advantage for selling your home that is only available by listing your home with a Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR. Of course, as an experienced RE/MAX professional that is a market expert, your Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR will also provide you with all the traditional tools for selling your home- a RE/MAX yard sign, color flyers, listing on the MLS, and the power of the RE/MAX network. Combining the best online and offline marketing is the key to selling your home fast and for the most money.



3. What does this service cost?
   The cost of selling your home will be negotiated between you and your Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR at the time you list your property. Our Colorado HomeFinder REALTORs are experienced professsionals that have sold hundreds of homes and millions of dollars worth of real estate. They will use their expertise to ensure your home sells for the highest price. Our REALTORs are full service RE/MAX brokers who will maximize the marketing exposure of your property and minimize the hassles of selling.



4. How does Colorado HomeFinder get paid when a client sells a home?
   When a Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR successfully sells your home, your Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR is paid the listing commission you agreed upon at the time of listing your home for sale. This commission is paid from the proceeds of the sale at closing.

1. I already have an agent, but I love the Colorado HomeFinder website. Can I still use your services?
   People ask this question a lot! It always makes us scratch our heads. We wonder why someone who loves using our website and knows that we deliver world class service chooses not to use one of our hand-picked Colorado HomeFinder REALTORs.
   
   Why not give us a chance to demonstrate the high level of service that a true professional delivers? We understand that many folks have to stick with their agent for a variety of reasons, and we are careful not to infringe on any existing agent-client relationships. As a result, in order not to violate any professional courtesies, we are not able to provide any services, such as Automated HomeAlert, to folks who already have an agent. However, the public parts of our website are available for anyone to search for homes.



2. Is Colorado HomeFinder right for everyone?
   Over the years, we have sought to make Colorado HomeFinder the perfect solution for anyone seeking to buy or sell real estate in Colorado. We think we have a great service. So do the hundreds of clients who have purchased or sold a home with us. However, we have also found that there are some types of buyers and sellers who prefer not to use our service. These include:
   
   -Buyers who refuse to work with a Buyer's Agent and prefer to do all of the work on their own. Considering that it doesn't cost anything to use a Buyer's Agent, we have never quite understood why anyone would not want to work with an expert. Nonetheless, there is a segment of buyers who prefer to waste hours upon hours scheduling showings and dealing with dozens of listing agents directly.
   
   -Buyers who have unrealistic expectations of the market. On occasion, buyers will be disappointed with us because we cannot, for example, help them find a 3,000 square foot home in Cherry Hills Village for $100,000. Unfortunately, we can only help folks buy what is currently on the market. Differing prices across local real estate markets in Colorado may at times be a bit baffling, but the market is actually quite efficient, with prices being determined by supply and demand. As much as we would like to determine home prices, that is not something that we, or anyone else for that matter, has any direct control over. That said, many buyers who are new to the market may not be familiar with local pricing. If you are not familiar with real estate prices in Colorado, please call us at (800) 231-9153, and we would be more than happy to help you get a feel for the market.
   
   -Sellers who want to sell their house themselves. We think For Sale by Owner (FSBO) is a viable choice for some homeowners, depending on many factors, including experience and comfort level of the homeowner with financial and legal transactions, current market conditions, and property type and condition. However, for sellers who would prefer to let an experienced professional handle the details and maximize the exposure of their home using www.COhomefinder.com, the most popular real estate website in Colorado with thousands of buyers, we think we offer a great solution.



3. How does Colorado HomeFinder get paid when a client purchases a home?
   When a Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR works with a home buyer to purchase a home, we receive a portion of the commission that the seller pays the listing agent. As a home buyer, there is no cost to you to use Colorado HomeFinder to buy a home.