Love the home that builds you
Homebuyer assistance in Colorado Springs, CO.
Home buyer information
Informative, calming, and fun.
The Cooper Home Team's goal is to guide our clients through the home transaction process in an informative, calming, and fun way. We'll savor the adventure of finding a house that is not just a dwelling but a home that builds your hopes and dreams. Our passion is helping clients "Love the Home That Builds YOU!"
"How much will buying a house cost me?"
It's one of the biggest questions on a buyer's mind. We'll help you find a lender if you don't have one, and the worksheet below walks through the main upfront costs.
The path to homeownership
Ten steps from saving to moving in
Every purchase follows the same basic route. Here's what to expect along the way.
Save for your down payment
Create a budget and do your research. There are lots of low down payment options available.
Know your credit score
Learn your score and clean up outstanding debts like student loans and credit cards.
Find a real estate agent
Contact a local professional to guide you through the process.
Get pre-approved
Differentiate yourself as a serious buyer and get a better sense of what you can afford.
Find a home
Work with your agent to find a home in your budget that meets your needs.
Make an offer
Determine your price and negotiate the contract.
Have a home inspection
Address any hidden issues in the home with the seller.
Get a home appraisal
Ensure the property is worth the price you are prepared to pay.
Close the sale
Schedule a closing date once the loan is approved so you can sign the final paperwork.
Move in
Congratulations, you're a homeowner!
Cost estimate worksheet
Four costs to plan for
Fill in your estimates as you go. The total updates automatically. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere; this is simply a planning tool for you.
Earnest money
Earnest money is usually due three days after you go under contract. It's a deposit made to the seller that represents a buyer's good faith to buy the home, and it gives you extra time to get financing and complete the title search, property appraisal, and inspections before closing. This money goes toward your expenses at closing. It is usually 1% of the home's purchase price. For example, if you are purchasing a $500,000 home, your earnest money will be approximately $5,000.
$Home inspection
In the state of Colorado, you have the right to do a home inspection (at your own expense, paid at the time of inspection). A home inspection is not required, but we highly recommend it. Home inspections are estimated to be between $400 and $800 on average, depending on which inspections are necessary for your home. There are several companies we can recommend with whom we have a relationship and have received positive feedback from past buyers.
$Down payment
Discuss loan options with your lender (again, we can give you recommendations) to determine the best fit for your circumstances and needs. A down payment is not applicable with all loan types, and some may be as little as 3%.
$Closing costs
Closing costs include prorated expenses like taxes, homeowners insurance, and applicable homeowners association fees, as well as expenses associated with your loan. Your earnest money can be used toward these expenses, and they can sometimes be negotiated in your agreement with the seller. Ask your lender for an estimate of what your closing costs could be.
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These are estimates for planning only. Actual amounts vary by loan program, property, and negotiation. Your lender can provide a formal Loan Estimate.
Let's find the home that builds you.
Whether you're a first-time buyer or moving up, the Cooper Home Team is here to make the process clear, calm, and enjoyable from the first showing to closing day.