How to Buy a Property for the Least Amount of Money

You have decided to purchase a property in the Vail Valley and you have two concerns:

  • Finding the Right Property that suits your needs.

  • Buying the Right Property at the best possible price.

There are many ways to increase the odds of achieving these goals while also saving you time, money, and effort in the process.  Here’s how!

Work with a broker who is experienced and knowledgeable in the marketplace that you are interested in.  A broker who is familiar with the homes on the market in your neighborhood can help you determine which properties are fairly priced and in good condition before you begin your search.  An Appraiser/Broker with Advantage Real Estate is ideally suited to provide you with this information.

If you are new to the market, the selection of a neighborhood which meets the needs of your family, lifestyle, and financial position is of primary importance.  You need a broker with extensive knowledge of the entire market so that your needs may be matched to the ideal neighborhood. 

On numerous occasions, we have observed new purchasers come into our market and find themselves directed to a particular neighborhood by their broker.  Unfortunately, the buyers and the broker did not spend sufficient time analyzing the buyer’s needs, resulting in a home purchase which was regretted down the road. 

Don’t make the same mistake.  If you are new to the market, hire a broker who will ask the right questions and counsel you on the available alternatives for your needs.  The time spent performing this task now could save you lots of money and aggravation down the road. 

Our Appraiser/Brokers will go through a checklist to make sure that you search for property in a neighborhood which meets your needs.  With our extensive knowledge of all the markets in Eagle County, you can be assured of receiving complete and competent information to make the proper decision.


Benefit from the Advantages of hiring a Buyer Broker

The agent you select should offer you the option of Buyer Agency.  This is the agency relationship where the agent is obligated to look after your best interests.  The Buyer Agent has a duty to Represent Your Interests, helping you make a fully informed decision.  The best part is that Your Broker is usually paid by the seller.  So, you receive the benefits of a broker whose responsibility is working for You!!! 

Quite simply, BUYER AGENCY allows us to work contractually in your best interest, not the seller's. And having your own representation doesn't have to cost you a penny more...don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

Find out more about hiring a Buyer’s Agent!


Benefit from a broker who will show you all available listings, including "For Sale By Owner's"

To find the best property that suits your needs, you need to be exposed to all available offerings, including those listed in the Multiple Listing Service and those For Sale By Owner (FSBO).  Many brokers will not show and promote FSBO’s.  This limits the available inventory available to you. 

The Appraiser/Broker’s of Advantage Real Estate track FSBO’s and will gladly show you any FSBO listings we are aware of which fit your property profile.  We provide this service because it is consistent with the principal we follow which places our clients' interests first.  You deserve to be exposed to all the properties which are available for sale.


Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Loan

Unless you intend to pay cash for your property or feel secure in your financial position that you can make an offer with no financing contingencies, you should get pre-approved for a mortgage loan. 

Getting pre-approved is advantageous for two main reasons:

1. You are assured that you are looking in an appropriate price range for your situation, providing you with less stress and more confidence when shopping for a property.

2. More importantly, pre-qualification will strengthen your bargaining position when you locate the property you wish to buy.   Your offer to a seller will be taken more seriously if a pre-qualification letter from your lender is included with your offer.  The loan process takes time.  During the period between the contract acceptance and loan approval, the seller’s property is off the market.  The seller is at risk because, for any number of reasons, the lender may not approve your loan.  The sellers would then have to put their home back on the market, unpack, and cancel their moving plans.  When the seller’s risk is eliminated, you have a much stronger negotiating position. 

When you have a loan commitment before you make an offer, you minimize the seller’s risk.  You are in a stronger position to “get a good deal”.


Selecting a Lender

The Internet is a great place to start gathering information. When it comes to whom you actually work with to finance your home, our experience has shown that a recommended local lender can save you time and money.  WHY? 

First, many of the rates and packages advertised online or in the media are “teaser rates”. 

Secondly, a local lender has a vested interest in doing a good job since their future business can be greatly helped or hurt by word-of-mouth. 

Finally, our diverse mountain resort marketplace can present some unique and unusual lending situations which require “local experience”. 

Please contact us for referrals to a variety of lenders who are capable of providing you with professional mortgage services, including pre-qualification for your purchase.


Are You Buying a Property and desire the Unique Benefits of an Appraiser/Broker?

Use Our Response Form, or call Advantage Real Estate at 970 / 926-1155.

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