To help you get the best deal on your home loan, here are a few of the major pitfalls that you should know about when beginning the process of getting pre-approved:
 
1. Beware of advertised loans with incredibly low interest rates. Your loan rate is critical, but many lenders use ‘bait and switch’ tactics or they fail to reveal that these kinds of loans usually have increased up-front costs.
 
2. Go with a local lender. Our market is unique, and out-of-town or online lenders don’t always understand its nuances. If they are inexperienced with lending against the type of property you buy, you may not get the most favorable rate. Other brokers often fail to get the loans placed because they don’t understand which lenders will loan against which types of property. Plus, if there is a problem and you need to talk to someone immediately, working with a local lender gives you the opportunity to walk into their office and get your questions answered.
 
3. Go with an experienced loan professional. There are scores of new mortgage brokers and loan representatives in the market right now and not all of them have adequate oversight. An inexperienced mortgage professional can kill your deal through mismanaged paperwork and delays in underwriting. They also don’t always know where to go for the best rates.
 
Please call or email us if you need a recommendation about which mortgage broker or lender is the best one for your situation. We can provide you with excellent contacts that have proven track records and satisfied customers. That way you’ll be able to take this very important step with confidence—and enjoy greater peace of mind. Call James at (970) 999-2816.

When it comes to buying a home, one of the most significant financial considerations is the interest rate on your mortgage. A high-interest rate can cost you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan, so it's essential to do everything you can to negotiate a lower rate. Here are ten tips for negotiating a lower mortgage interest rate:

1. Shop Around

One of the best ways to get a lower mortgage interest rate is to shop around. Different lenders offer different rates, so it's essential to do your research and compare rates from multiple lenders. You can start by looking online, but it's also a good idea to talk to local lenders and mortgage brokers to see what they can offer.

2. Improve Your Credit Score

Your credit score is one of the most critical factors in determining your mortgage interest rate. If your credit score is low, you can expect to pay a higher interest rate. You can improve your credit score by paying your bills on time, keeping your credit card balances low, and disputing any errors on your credit report.

3. Increase Your Down Payment

The more money you can put down on your home, the lower your mortgage interest rate will be. Lenders see borrowers with a larger down payment as less of a risk, so they are more likely to offer a lower interest rate. If you can't afford a large down payment, consider waiting until you have saved up more money before buying a home.

4. Consider a Shorter Loan Term

A shorter loan term can also help you get a lower mortgage interest rate. Lenders see borrowers with a 15-year mortgage as less of a risk than those with a 30-year mortgage, so they are more likely to offer a lower interest rate. However, keep in mind that a shorter loan term means higher monthly payments.

5. Be Prepared to Negotiate

When you're shopping for a mortgage, be prepared to negotiate. Don't be afraid to ask lenders for a lower interest rate or to waive certain fees. You can also use competing offers as leverage to get a better deal.

6. Pay Points

Paying points upfront can help you get a lower mortgage interest rate. Points are a fee you pay to the lender in exchange for a lower interest rate. Each point is equal to 1% of your loan amount. For example, if you have a $200,000 mortgage, one point would cost $2,000.

7. Consider an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) can also help you get a lower interest rate. With an ARM, your interest rate will be fixed for a certain period, usually five or seven years, and then it will adjust annually based on market conditions. If interest rates are expected to go down, an ARM can be a good option.

8. Get Pre-Approved

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage can also help you negotiate a lower interest rate. Pre-approval shows lenders that you're serious about buying a home and that you have the financial means to do so. It can also give you an advantage when negotiating with sellers.

9. Consider a Co-Signer

If you have a co-signer with a higher credit score, you may be able to get a lower mortgage interest rate. A co-signer is someone who agrees to take responsibility for the loan if you can't make the payments. They can help you qualify for a mortgage and get a lower interest rate.

10. Work with a Mortgage Broker

Finally, working with a mortgage broker can help you get a lower mortgage interest rate. Brokers have access to multiple lenders and can help you find the best deal. They can also negotiate on your behalf and help you navigate the mortgage process. We recommend working with a local, reputable mortgage broker that can be easily accessed for questions.

In conclusion, negotiating a lower mortgage interest rate takes time and effort, but it can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. By following these ten tips, you can increase your chances of getting a lower rate and make your dream of homeownership a reality. If you need references for great local lenders, give James a call at (970) 999-2816.

What are the schools like in Northern Colorado?

Northern Colorado is home to a variety of public and private schools, all of which offer a high-quality education.

The public schools in Northern Colorado are some of the best in the state. The Poudre School District, which serves Fort Collins, is consistently ranked among the top school districts in Colorado. The Thompson School District, which serves Loveland, Longmont, Niwot, and surrounding areas, is also a top-rated district.

Private schools in Northern Colorado also offer a high-quality education. The University of Northern Colorado is home to a number of private schools, including the University of Northern Colorado Pre-School, the University of Northern Colorado Elementary School, and the University of Northern Colorado Middle School.

In addition to public and private schools, Northern Colorado is also home to a number of charter schools. Charter schools are public schools that are independently run and funded. They offer a variety of educational options, including different curriculums, teaching methods, and school hours.

What are some of the things to consider when choosing a school in Northern Colorado?

When choosing a school in Northern Colorado, there are a few things you'll want to consider:

• Your child's needs: What are your child's learning needs? Do they need a school with a strong academic program? Do they need a school with a focus on the arts or athletics?
• Your budget: Schools in Northern Colorado can be expensive. However, there are a variety of options available, with a range of prices to fit any budget.
• Your location: Where do you live in Northern Colorado? Do you want your child to attend a school that is close to home? Or are you willing to drive them to a school that is further away?

Once you've considered these factors, you'll be able to narrow down your choices and find the perfect school for your child in Northern Colorado.

What are the best neighborhoods in Northern Colorado?

Northern Colorado is a beautiful and vibrant place to live. With its stunning scenery, mild climate, and abundance of outdoor activities, it's no wonder that so many people choose to call this region home.

If you're planning a move to Northern Colorado, or if you're just looking for a new place to explore, here are a few of the best neighborhoods to consider:

• Old Town Fort Collins: This historic district is the heart of Fort Collins. It's home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as the city's cultural attractions.
• South Fort Collins: This family-friendly neighborhood is located just south of Old Town. It's home to a number of parks and green spaces, as well as several elementary schools.
• Horsetooth Heights: This upscale neighborhood is located just west of Fort Collins. It offers stunning views of Horsetooth Reservoir and the surrounding mountains.
• Bristol: This charming neighborhood is located just north of Fort Collins. It's home to a number of antique stores and boutiques, as well as several art galleries.
• Windsor: This historic town is located just southeast of Fort Collins. It's home to a number of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as the town's cultural attractions.

These are just a few of the many great neighborhoods in Northern Colorado. No matter what your interests or budget, you're sure to find the perfect place to call home in this beautiful region.

What are some of the things to consider when choosing a neighborhood in Northern Colorado?

When choosing a neighborhood in Northern Colorado, there are a few things you'll want to consider:

• Your budget: Northern Colorado is a relatively expensive place to live. However, there are a variety of neighborhoods to choose from, with a range of prices to fit any budget.
• Your needs: What are you looking for in a neighborhood? Do you need a place that's close to schools? Do you want to be within walking distance of shops and restaurants? Do you need a quiet place to raise a family?
• Your lifestyle: What kind of lifestyle do you want to live? Do you want to be in the midst of the action? Or do you prefer a more relaxed pace of life?

Once you've considered these factors, you'll be able to narrow down your choices and find the perfect neighborhood for you in Northern Colorado. Call James Hagerman today at (970) 999-2816 for a FREE consultation on living in Northern Colorado.

How to Figure Out How Much You Can Afford When Buying Real Estate

Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. It's also one of the most expensive. That's why it's important to figure out how much you can afford before you start shopping for a home.

There are a few things you need to do to figure out how much you can afford. First, you need to figure out your income. How much money do you make each month? Once you know your income, you need to figure out your expenses. How much money do you spend each month on rent, food, utilities, and other bills?

Once you know your income and expenses, you can start to figure out how much you can afford to spend on a mortgage. A good rule of thumb is to spend no more than 28% of your monthly income on your mortgage. However, there are other factors that can affect how much you can afford, such as your down payment, your credit score, and the interest rate on your mortgage.

If you're not sure how much you can afford, it's a good idea to talk to a mortgage lender. They can help you figure out how much you can afford and what your monthly mortgage payments will be.

Here are some other factors to consider when figuring out how much you can afford:

• Your down payment: The larger your down payment, the lower your monthly mortgage payments will be.
• Your credit score: The higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate will be.
• The interest rate on your mortgage: The interest rate on your mortgage will also affect your monthly mortgage payments.
• The taxes and insurance on your home: You'll also need to factor in the taxes and insurance on your home when you're figuring out how much you can afford.

Here are some tips for figuring out how much you can afford:

• Start by making a list of your income and expenses.
• Then, use a mortgage calculator to figure out how much you can afford to spend on a mortgage.
• Talk to a mortgage lender to get more information about your options. If you need references to great lenders in your area, contact James Hagerman directly at (970) 999-2816.
• Remember to factor in the taxes and insurance on your home when you're figuring out how much you can afford.

Buying a home is a big decision, but it's also an exciting one. By taking the time to figure out how much you can afford, you can make sure that you're getting the best deal possible on your new home. Contact James Hagerman at (970) 999-2816 for more information or to get started with the home buying process.

Located near Old Town, Mosaic is Fort Collins’ newest community offering a unique collection of architecture, amenities and conveniences.

The word “mosaic” is the technique of combining unique, even juxtaposed, elements into a cohesive compilation. Like its name, Mosaic is a community that provides for individual uniqueness in the context of a community. It is Where Life Comes Together through a collection of distinct, but unifying, architecture, amenities and conveniences.

Nestled in northern Colorado’s hub, Mosaic combines the best of urban living and a master-planned new-home community. Located in Fort Collins, which features a historic downtown, delectable local dining and unique cultural offerings, this community will provide a variety of new paired and single-family homes in addition to a pool and plentiful open space.

Construction has begun and families are already moving in. With a build-out plan of 5 years, some of the amenities planned won't go in until later, but this is what the community will include:

• 20 acre City Park & Open Space
• 2 Pools
• Miles of trails and paths
• Neighborhood Map

Come check out Fort Collins' newest master planned community and find your new home!

An Entertainers Paradise - 3350 Paddy Lane, Loveland, CO from James Hagerman - REALTOR® on Vimeo.

Call James at (970) 999-2816 or Todd at (970) 391-1197 – This stunning home is an entertainer’s paradise! Packed with luxury features throughout. Inside, enjoy the gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite counter tops on knotty alder cabinets, new gas range and stainless appliances all on knotty alder floors. The huge main floor master suite includes a 5-piece master bath with a steam shower and oversized walk-in closet; The house has 5 stone fireplaces, wood beam accents, skip troweled texture, a home theater, wet bar, and a personal sauna. The split six-car heated garage has room for your collector cars and access to 3 of the bays via 12-ft overhead doors. One bay even includes a car lift! The outdoor living space is second to none and serves as a seclude outdoor retreat or an event epicenter with a large wet bar with seating for 8, a built-in gas grill, bar fridge and outdoor kitchen. Sleep soundly knowing you are surrounded by 15.5” concrete exterior walls covered by a concrete tile roof and protected inside by a fire sprinkler/suppression system. All of this overlooks a 1/2 acre private pond with a waterfall and two fountains! Send out the invites because it’s going to be a party!