Interview with Kari Hutchinson, REALTOR®
What advice do you have for someone who is buying a home in Colorado for the first time?
First and foremost, find an agent. Have somebody that specializes in the specific area you’re looking to find a home in. For example, Colorado Springs, Denver, the mountains, etc. Make sure you have a guide of some sort that you can follow because there's a lot of steps that people miss, so education is hugely important. Here’s a guide that might be helpful.
How can a first time home buyer in Colorado navigate the home buying process and ensure a successful outcome?
Once again, having an agent to help you navigate that and having a good lender to know where you can start from. A lot of home buyers don't know to get qualified, they get excited and wanna see some homes, but they need to ensure that they're qualified (and what bracket they're qualified in).
What would you suggest for getting qualified? What could makes it easier?
Go to a local lender, not national. So, pretty much, don't get qualified on the internet.
Are there any programs or resources available to first time home buyers in Colorado that you would recommend taking advantage of?
Lenders will help you if they know of specific programs available, whether you are a first time buyer or not. But we, again, recommend the buyer’s home guide (link it if it’s a linkable thing) which gives you a tutorial from beginning to end. As well, we have the CHFA program and the El Paso program. Just being educated on the process and what is out there for you is huge.
How do you help first time home buyers manage expectations and reality?
We help first time home buyers navigate the whole process, almost like we’re holding their hand every step of the way. We help them understand what they don't know and give them the ability to make educated decisions with what they're choosing (and not choosing) through that whole process.
What would be the most helpful things for a first time home buyer to provide their real estate agent with when it comes to explaining the kind of property they’re looking for?
A good general idea of your wishlist is great along with some things that are deal breakers. From there, we can give you an idea of what areas, properties, and neighborhoods we can look at. Later on we work on the budget, what you're qualified for, and executing it. It’s important, as well, to have an openness for change.
On the hunt for an investment property in Colorado Springs or the surrounding areas, contact Kari Hutchinson of the Dream Property Team here.