Disclaimer: This is provided for reference only and is not to be considered legal, financial, or tax advice.

Q. What is the first step in buying a house?
A. It's a good idea to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This way, you'll know how much house you can afford and sellers will want to see a pre-approval or a “lender’s” letter from you, to know that you are a serious buyer. Go to our Buyer’s Resources to find local lenders who can help you with this.

Q. When I've found a home I'm interested in, how do I see it?
A. Simply call the seller and schedule a time to view the home. Go to House Hunting Tips

Q. Since I am not working with a real estate agent, is buying a home hard?
A. It can be much easier. You're cutting out the middle man so you can negotiate directly with the seller on the price, seller's paid closing costs, items included, etc.

Q. Do you provide real estate forms?
A. Yes. You can access them by clicking Colorado Real Estate Forms. These real estate forms are provided for your convenience. They should be used for informational purposes only between the buyer and seller and should be reviewed by both the buyer's and seller's attorneys before they're signed.

Q. If I'm working with a real estate agent, can I still buy a home I find on FrontRangeByOwner.com?
A. Yes. FrontRangeByOwner.com is a "For Sale By Owner" website, however most seller's are willing to work with a buyer's agent. Depending on the agreement you have with your real estate agent, the price of the home may be raised to cover the cost of the agent's commission.

Q. Who orders the appraisal?
A. Your mortgage lender will order the appraisal and the cost for the appraisal will be added to your settlement costs at closing.

Q. What if the inspection report states that repairs are needed?
A. At this point, you'll negotiate with the seller on how you want to handle the repairs. You can require them to fix some or all of the items prior to closing, or you can negotiate a lower price for the home so that you can make the repairs yourself.

Q. How can I protect myself against the home being in poor condition?
A. You will need to have the home inspected. This is standard procedure, and the inspector’s fee is usually paid by you, the buyer. Your inspector should check the structure of the house, inspect plumbing, electrical, heating, etc. They will test for radon if you feel it's necessary. Go to our Buyer’s Resources page to find a home inspector in your area.

Q. What is Title Insurance and why do I need it?
A. A real estate purchase is one of the biggest investments you can make, so be certain to protect your land ownership against possible title problems that can hinder the transfer of your real property or make it unmarketable. Go to Title Insurance and Why you Need It

Q. How do I get a home warranty?
A. There are several reputable companies that provide home warranties. Sometimes a seller may offer it as an incentive for a buyer to purchase their home. They vary in price and coverage. Go to Buyer’s Resources Home Warranty Companies