Buying in Loveland, Fort Collins, or anywhere across Northern Colorado should feel clear, not overwhelming. The Kelley Team, two employing brokers, walks you through every step, from your first pre-approval to the keys in your hand. Here’s how it works, and where we come in.
The buying process, step by step
- Get pre-approved. Before you tour homes, a lender confirms what you can borrow. It makes your offers stronger and keeps you focused on homes in range. We can point you to trusted local lenders.
- Define what you need. Location, commute, schools, yard, price. We help you sort must-haves from nice-to-haves so the search stays efficient.
- Tour homes. We set up showings across Loveland, Fort Collins, Windsor, Berthoud, Greeley, and Johnstown, and tell you honestly what we see: the good and the concerns.
- Make an offer. We prepare a competitive offer backed by recent comparable sales and guide the negotiation, so you don’t overpay or lose the home you want.
- Inspection & appraisal. We help you read the inspection, decide what to ask the seller to fix, and keep the appraisal and financing on track.
- Close. We review the numbers before you sign and make sure closing day goes smoothly. Then the home is yours.
First-time buyer?
We work with first-time buyers constantly. There’s no such thing as a dumb question. We explain financing, earnest money, contingencies, and closing costs in plain language, so you buy with confidence instead of guesswork.
Relocating to Northern Colorado?
Moving from out of state? We help you understand the difference between Loveland, Fort Collins, Windsor, and the surrounding towns: commutes, neighborhoods, and pricing, and can coordinate remote tours and a remote closing so the move works even before you arrive.
Common Questions About Buying in Northern Colorado
What’s the first step to buying a home in Northern Colorado?
Start by getting pre-approved with a lender so you know your budget, then connect with an agent to define your criteria and neighborhoods. Pre-approval also makes your offer stronger in a competitive market.
Do buyers pay a commission to work with The Kelley Team?
Before we tour homes, we’ll sign a buyer representation agreement that spells out how your agent is paid. That compensation is negotiable. It can come from the seller, from you, or a combination, and we’ll walk you through your options up front so there are no surprises at closing.
How much do I need for a down payment?
It depends on your loan. Conventional loans can start around 3-5% down, FHA around 3.5%, and eligible buyers may qualify for VA or USDA loans with 0% down. A local lender can tell you exactly what you qualify for.
How long does it take to buy a home?
The search timeline varies, but once you’re under contract, closing typically takes about 30 to 45 days for a financed purchase.
Can you help with new construction or land?
Yes. We represent buyers on resale homes, new construction, and land across the Front Range, and we can advise on builder contracts and lot selection.
Do I need my own agent, or can I just call the listing agent?
If you buy real estate for a living, you could reasonably represent yourself. For most people that isn’t the case: a purchase carries real legal and financial risk, and it helps to have someone who does this every day. A broker’s job is to keep their client safe, and buyers lean on that experience to navigate the process and reach a smooth closing. Keep in mind that the listing agent works for the seller and represents the seller’s interests, not yours. They aren’t a neutral party, so counting on them to look out for you is a bit like having one attorney represent both sides of the same negotiation, where the interests simply don’t line up. Your own broker keeps someone firmly in your corner.