Stephanie Tirado Sellstate Summit Realty

04/09/2018

Good morning my IG fam ☀️ Here’s a step by step guideline of a Real Estate Transaction. If you or someone you know is looking to Buy or Sell Call me for a free consultation. CO 📲 719-354-1698 MIA📲 786-872-5151

03/15/2018

FIVE NEGOTIATING TACTICS THAT CAN KILL A SALE
Negotiation is a subtle art in real estate, but skilled negotiators can usually find some common ground that satisfies all parties. On the other hand, using the wrong negotiation tactics can sink a deal pretty quickly. Here are some negotiation tactics buyers (and real estate professionals) should avoid:
1. Lowball offers: Going far below market value when you make an offer damages your credibility as a buyer and can be insulting to the seller. The seller has a range in mind that they’ll accept, and if you’re not even approaching the low end of that range, they won’t even consider the offer.
2. Incremental negotiations: Don’t continue to go back to the seller with small increases in your offer ($1,000 or less). The constant back-and-forth can grow tiresome and lead the seller to consider other opportunities.
3. “Take it or leave it”: Try not to draw a line in the sand with your initial offer. The seller can get defensive and consider other offers if you immediately show that you’re unwilling to budge. Even if it’s true, don’t make a show of it.
4. Nitpicking after inspection: Obviously if inspection reveals a major issue, it should be factored into the final sale price. But insisting on a lower price for every minor repair can put negotiations in a stalemate.
5. Asking for more, more, more: Some buyers will request that the sellers throw in add-ons like furniture or appliances that weren’t included in the listing. Try to avoid giving the seller a reason to build up resentment and think that you’re being greedy.

03/06/2018

HEADLINE: 5 SIMPLE STEPS FOR A BETTER HOME APPRAISAL
If you’re looking to refinance your home or possibly sell, you’ll need a killer appraisal. A bank will not refinance a home for more than it is worth, and a potential buyer will not pay more than the recognized value of the home.
Here are 5 simple steps for a better home appraisal.
Tidy your space Make sure your yard looks well-groomed and the interior of your home is clean clutter-free. It is well worth the investment to have the home professionally cleaned and have your yard serviced.
Invest in the right types of renovations Kitchens and bathrooms are the best types of renovations. They will typically provide 80% ROI. High-efficiency appliances and upgrades that improve the overall efficiency of the home are well worth the investment.
Document your upgrades Provide the appraiser with a list and documentation of all upgrades, renovations, and improvements to the home.
Do your homework Research and provide your own comparable valuations for similar properties in the area. Note your tone. You don’t want to come off as defensive but rather helpful.
Be available but not in the way Be present to assist with the process but don’t be the appraiser’s shadow. You want to appear helpful, not nervous that he’ll find something wrong!
Appraisals can be helpful in increasing the sale of your home or assisting in refinancing your mortgage. Use these tips and you’ll get a better value for your home.

02/26/2018

Purchasing a home is one of the largest financial decisions you may make in your lifetime. While there are many benefits to home ownership, it is not something you want to jump in to until you are sure that you are ready. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to determine if you are ready to buy a home.

Are you planning to stay? Buying a home may seem like the right thing to do if your monthly mortgage payment would be less than paying your rent, but if you’re not planning to stay in the home for five to seven years, it may not be worth it. There are other costs of home ownership such as down payments, mortgage related fees, home maintenance and repair expenses that can make short-term home ownership more expensive than renting.
Is the timing right? Timing is another crucial element in homebuyer readiness. If your lease doesn’t expire for many months, or you need or move within 30 days, buying may not be a practical option right now. Flexibility is key. The ideal home buying situation is to be ready to buy if you find a home you want, but also to be able to wait if you don’t find the right fit.
Have you saved enough for a down payment and other expenses? Saving a sizeable amount for your down payment, your emergency fund, moving expenses and home maintenance costs is another factor in being ready to purchase a home. If you do not have enough money saved for these things, it is probably best to wait to purchase a home until you do.
Is your income reliable? When you take on a mortgage, you’re entering into a serious long-term financial commitment. You need to be confident that you will be able to afford your mortgage payment a year from now, and even 10 to 20 years from now.
How is your credit? While your credit score does not need to be perfect to apply for a home loan, it is important that you have a good credit history as well as a decent score. There are several free services available to you to check your credit score. I can help you better understand what kind of credit score you need to apply for a home loan.
Once you have decided if you are ready to purchase a home, call me to set up an appointment! I can help you understand how much you can afford and review your home buying options with you!

02/25/2018

HEADLINE: HOW MUCH MORTGAGE CAN YOU AFFORD?
Buying a home is a big decision. Since it is something most people do not do too many times in their lives, it might be difficult to know exactly how much of a mortgage one can afford. Here are three easy steps to help you figure out how much of a mortgage you can handle without going broke in the process.
Create a Budget Your first step is to create a budget so you can easily see how much money you have coming in compared to your expenses. Be sure to include both short-term and long-term investments and other savings. Make sure you have at least six-months worth of mortgage payment sin your short-term savings in case you experiences and unexpected financial setback.
Account for Increased Expenses When you buy a home some of your expenses will increase and you will also have some new expenses that you have not had to worry about previously. You will need money for homeowner’s insurance, property taxes, utilities and possibly association dues on top of your mortgage payment.
Determine Your Optimal Mortgage Payment Your budget will spell out exactly how much money you have left over to pay your mortgage. If you cannot afford the mortgage payment you want to have, you will adjust some of your budget items. For example, you can look for ways to lower your car insurance costs or take a less expensive vacation.
Buying a home is exciting. But, you must be fiscally responsible about it. Before you jump into the home-buying process, have a plan, do your homework, and act wisely.

10/10/2017

Under contract !!! So excited for my friends/clients on their new home. We are on our way to the closing table everyone !! Today is inspection day. Looking to Buy/Sell/Invest in Colorado call me today and let me help you with all your Real Estate needs, I am here to help you with every step 719-354-1698

10/10/2017

HEADLINE: NEW HOMEOWNER? AVOID THESE LAWN CARE MISTAKES
It’s easy to take a few missteps when it comes to lawn care, especially if you’re a new homeowner and it’s your first time being solely responsible for your yard and landscaping. Here are a few tips that will help you avoid lawn-related frustrations.
Cutting the grass short. Lowering the height of your mower blades may give you a few extra days between each mowing, but it’s bad for your grass in the long run. Don’t go any shorter than 2.5 inches, or your grass could be starved for sunlight.
Watch where your dog urinates. Finally out of an apartment and ready to let the dog into the back yard when it’s time to go? You might regret it. Your pets’ urine can kill your plants and grass. Try to train your dog to go in one spot, preferably in stone or gravel.
Be careful with fertilizer. Fertilizing your lawn isn’t as simple as picking up any bag at a local store. Choosing the wrong fertilizer, using too much, or ignoring the instructions is a recipe for disaster. Do plenty of research or ask a professional if you need help choosing.
Give your plants room to breathe. The nutrients in soil are a finite resource, and your plants and shrubs also need their fair share of water and sunlight. If you plant your shrubs, trees, and flowers too close together, they’ll have to compete for those resources and may become malnourished. Pay attention to the planting recommendations for each plant to make sure that they have the proper space to thrive.

08/30/2017

https://www.inman.com/2017/08/21/6-tips-to-help-credit-challenged-clients-improve-scores/

How many buyers have you met with a rotten credit rating who promise to fix things up before they apply for a mortgage? Here are 6 tips to help.

08/22/2017

HEADLINE: PRIORITY TASKS FOR YOUR MOVE IN
Moving into a new home is an exciting time, and you’re probably daydreaming about decor and paint schemes and new furniture. But before you get into the fun stuff, there are some basics you should cover first.
Change the locks
Even if you’re promised that new locks have been installed in your home, you can never be too careful. It’s worth the money to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that no one else has the keys to your home. Changing the locks can be a DIY project, or you can call in a locksmith for a little extra money.
Steam clean the carpets
It’s good to get a fresh start with your floors before you start decorating. The previous owners may have had pets, young children, or just some plain old clumsiness. Take the time to steam clean the carpets so that your floors are free of stains and allergens. It’s pretty easy and affordable to rent a steam cleaner—your local grocery store may have them available.
Call an exterminator
Prior to move-in, you probably haven’t spent enough time in the house to get a view of any pests that may be lurking. Call an exterminator to take care of any mice, insects, and other critters that may be hiding in your home.
Clean out the kitchen
If the previous occupants wanted to skip on some of their cleaning duties when they moved out, the kitchen is where they probably cut corners. Wipe down the inside of cabinets, clean out the refrigerator, clean the oven, and clean in the nooks and crannies underneath the appliances.

08/16/2017

HEADLINE: DEALING WITH SCRATCHED HARDWOOD FLOORS
Hardwood floors are highly desirable for most homeowners, but they come with their share of challenges when it comes to cleaning, maintenance, and repairs. After a few months or years of heavy use from kids playing with toys and chairs being shuffled around, it may be time for some DIY fixes.
Hiding scratches: If you’ve got a good eye for matching colors, you can actually use crayons or markers or purchase wax sticks from the hardware store to fill-in scratches. Try to match the stain color on your floors, but don’t worry if it’s a little off. If the color is close, once the scratch is filled, it’ll look like a variation in the wood grain . Polishing floors: You can make a polish solution for your floors from household ingredients. Mix olive oil and vinegar in equal parts, pour it directly into scratches, and then wipe it off after 24 hours. It may take several applications, but this homemade polish will fill and cover most scratches.
Clever decor: It’s not a long-term solution, but sometimes the most painless way to fix scratches in your floors is to cover them with a rug or furniture arrangement.
Spot sanding: For deeper scratches, you’ll need to spot sand with fine steel wool or sandpaper, use wood filler, and stain and seal the repaired area.

08/11/2017

Another happy client on her closing ! Thank you to everyone that worked on this deal. Words can't explain how happy it makes me to help clients find their dream home !