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Get a Pre-Approval Letter from your Lender for the exact amount of the offer you're about to write.

Having a Lender Letter helps you get your offer accepted.

With the help of your Attorney and Accountant, determine how you will take title to the Property you're buying.

Common choices include: severalty (for one person or entity), joint tenants or tenants in common.

You'll need this to make an offer.

Mark this task complete once you know how you'll take Title to the Property.

Your Real Estate Broker will need certain information from you to be able to write your offer. Here's a list of some of the information they may need:

• Offer price
• Earnest Money amount (default to what Seller is asking in the MLS)
• Who will pay the Closing Services Fee (usually around $300 to $400 depending on the Title Insurance Company)
• If you're negotiating/insisting on choosing Title Insurance Company, then which Title Insurance Company you want to use.
• Who pays for Appraisal (it is customary for Buyer to pay)
• Who pays for Owner's Title Insurance Policy (it is customary for Seller to pay)
• What Loan type or types are you considering using to finance the purchase?
• How much Down Payment are you going to put down?
• Any Additional Provisions you want added? Common ones might include: additional disclosures for Fort Collins (which we typically add for you by default), limited appraisal language, light or limited inspection language and asking for personal property (which may complicate your ability to get a Loan to cover those).
• How much are you asking for in Seller Concessions?
• Is there a property you must sell before you can buy this?
• Are you offering the Seller a "Post-Closing Occupancy Agreement" to allow them to stay in the property beyond Closing?
• What due diligence documents are you requesting?
• What is your travel/work schedule like? Will it impact inspection? Will it impact Closing?

Mark this task complete once you've emailed your Real Estate Broker the information they need above to write your offer.

If you're buying new construction consider that not all properties come with the same upgrades. Ask the following questions and if it is not included, considering adding it when you write your contract. Changes later to the contract often will cost you a change order fee from the builder so it is important to do it at the time of writing your offer.

• Does it include Air Conditioning?
• Does it include window blinds for the entire property? Some builder don't include any. Some include just a few windows.
• Does it include backyard landscaping?
• Does it include a fence?
• Does it include all appliances? Refrigerator? Dishwasher? Stove? Microwave? Clothes washer? Clothes dryer?
• Does it include garage door opener?

If you're buying new construction consider the following factors when selecting a lot to build on:

• Does it face north? North facing lots often have icy front steps.
• Does it get sunlight in the rooms you desire at the times of day you desire? This varies by person, so consider it for yourself.
• Do you want a corner lot? Some people prefer not having another neighbor. Some people prefer not having to shovel two long sidewalks and having people walking on the side of their homes.
• Is there a lot by open space or other desirable feature?
• Is the lot by a busy street?
• Is the lot on a street that most people will need to drive by to access the neighborhood?