I want to buy a home in 2024- what do I do next?

The holidays are over, the decorations have been taken down, the kids are going back to school, and now it’s time to plan out 2024. Buying a house keeps creeping into your mind as something that you might want to do this year. But where to start! Read on for our step-by-step guide on how to get started on your home buying journey.

1. Find a Realtor.

This may seem obvious, but finding a first class Realtor is crucial to your success. Do your research and find an amazing Realtor to assist you during your home buying exploration process. Key things to consider when choosing a Realtor include:

1. How many homes have they sold? Have they distinguished themselves as market experts? (My team of

How do I secure a home today with a below market interest rate?

Today's interest rates are all over the news. It's impossible to ignore. While we are just a couple of years removed from all-time low interest rates in the 2% range, we are now experiencing rates that are the highest in 20+ years. So, is there a better way to secure a home? Or is it best to wait until rates fall? While everyone has their own opinion on the best time to buy, we are going to discuss 5 ways to secure the best interest rate on your home today.

1. Ask for seller concessions when you make an offer. These seller concessions can be used for an interest rate buy down.

On a VA loan, it is allowable for a buyer to ask a seller for up to 4% of the purchase price to be used

Visit these three gorgeous homes this weekend, open to the public!

The MilitaryHomeSearch.com team brokered by eXp Realty is hosting three open houses this weekend. You don't want to miss any of them!

1. 7318 Primavera Drive, Saturday October 14th, 12pm-2pm

Welcome home to this meticulously maintained 3-bedroom+office+loft, 2.5-bathroom, 2 car garage home in the highly sought-after Ventana neighborhood, a master-planned community designed to offer modern lifestyle amenities. With its thoughtfully designed Manchester floor plan and stunning features, this property is a true gem.

See all photos, here: 

https://www.militaryhomesearch.com/listing/5363412-7318-primavera-lane-fountain-co-80817/

2. 7530 Silver Bow Drive, Saturday October

If you’re a first-time home buyer in Colorado Springs, a starter home may be exactly what you need. Starter homes are typically smaller, affordable homes that are perfect for those who are just entering the real estate market and working with a tight budget. They’re a great way to get your foot in the real estate market and build equity without a huge amount of risk.

Starter homes are also great options for military home buyers who may be new to the Colorado Springs real estate market. Perhaps you want to test out a particular area before you commit to a larger home or you’re concerned about a potential future PCS and having to sell quickly. Either way, a starter home can be a sound investment.

These are a few key things to consider when

Buying a home in Colorado Springs while you’re deployed in a different country may seem risky, but it’s actually very common for members of the military. In fact, it’s now easier than ever to buy a home long distance thanks to virtual showings, online application processes, and builder incentives for military members. If you’re thinking about buying a home while on duty overseas, these are some tips to make the process go smoother.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage or home loan professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Work Out Your Budget

Before you begin searching for a home, you need to know how much you can afford. Do a thorough review of your financial situation including

Buying a home in rural and some suburban areas mean there is a higher possibility the house comes with a septic system. Owning a home equipped with a septic system requires different maintenance and repairs than it does when living in an area with a municipal water and sewer system. By researching the best practices for owning a home with a septic tank, anyone can enjoy the perks while minimizing the drawbacks. Keep reading to learn all about the pros and cons of buying a house with a septic system.

What is a Septic System?

A septic system is independent of community systems. They are designed to capture wastewater from toilets, sinks, washing machines, and garbage disposals. One of its primary components is a tank typically made of steel,

Homebuying is exciting but can get complicated, especially for military service members who have unique needs and circumstances when purchasing a property. The buying process for military members is quite different than it is for the average homebuyer. Working with a knowledgeable military real estate agent can differentiate between a rocky experience and a seamless one. Are you an active-duty military member or a veteran seeking to buy real estate? Keep reading to find three reasons to work with a military real estate agent.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Military Real Estate Agents Understand Active Duty Timelines

Active duty service

You're about to make an offer on the home of your dreams when someone–your real estate agent or a mortgage lender–says you'll need a jumbo loan. What is a jumbo loan? When does a homebuyer need a jumbo loan? What's the difference between a jumbo loan and a conventional loan? And, perhaps most importantly, how does one qualify for a jumbo loan?

If these are questions you find yourself asking, here's a brief explanation of the what, when, and how of qualifying for jumbo loans.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage or home loan professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Conforming Loans vs. Jumbo Loans

Any mortgage more than a set dollar figure is a jumbo loan, no matter what size the

Colorado Springs serves as the county seat of El Paso County and is located on Fountain Creek. With 677,000 residents, it is the second-most populous city in Colorado, trailing only Denver. Colorado Springs is in east-central Colorado, about 60 miles south of Denver, near the base of Pikes Peak.

At nearly 195 square miles, the sprawling city of Colorado Springs is the state's most expansive municipality. Recognized multiple times for its livability and its business-friendly environment, Colorado Springs is home to the U.S. Air Force Academy, a significant economic driver. It is also home to the U.S. Olympic Committee, U.S. Olympic Training Center, and USA Hockey.

Moving to Colorado Springs comes with important decisions, such as where one would

On the face of it, it seems like an obvious choice: wouldn't it be smarter to buy a house with cash if a buyer is able? It is true that buyers who pay cash will have certain advantages over those who opt for a mortgage. However, it's vital to consider all the pros and cons when making a purchase of this magnitude. By examining the following variables, potential buyers can decide the best way to arrange their new home purchase.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Cash Can Mean a Faster and Better Deal

Sellers may take cash buyers more seriously because they know the buyer does not have to go through the mortgage process, meaning a faster