Buying a Home in Northern Colorado: The Real Costs You Need to Know
We’ve all heard the saying “trust is built over time,” but how many times have we actually thought about how trust is built in the day-to-day? I had a moment with our oldest this morning that really got me thinking about trust—both in parenting and in the work we do as real estate professionals.
Here’s what happened:
Our oldest was begging for “just five more minutes!!!” of whatever he was up to, and like any parent, I responded with a compromise, “Okay, but if I give you 5 more minutes, we’ll be crunched for time. I need you to promise me you’ll cooperate when I say it’s time to leave.”
He agreed—emphatically.
But, as you’ve probably guessed, he didn’t cooperate when the time came. I used to get upset about these situations, but this time, I had a moment of clarity. I sat down next to him, picked up a matchbox car, and said, “Yo, dude, you promised me you’d cooperate. Relationships are built on trust. When you say something, you have to mean it. Do you see how this is a problem? Next time you ask for 5 more minutes and promise to cooperate, I have no reason to believe you’ll follow through.”
He understood. And honestly, it struck a chord with me too—about how trust is built, both with my kids and with the clients we work with.
Building Trust in Real Estate: Keeping It Real
Trust in real estate is everything. As agents, our job isn’t just about selling homes. It’s about preparing you for the entire process of buying a home—and, more importantly, guiding you through the real costs you might not be aware of. That’s where we focus on the tough questions, the ones you don’t even know to ask yet—like “How much is this actually going to cost me?”
And here’s something no one is talking about enough: BUYING A HOUSE IS EXPENSIVE.
We’ve all heard about the price of the house, but what about everything else that comes with going under contract? Here’s a quick breakdown of the costs you can expect just in the process of making an offer:
1. Inspection Costs:
Most transactions require at least a home inspection, sewer scope, and radon test. These services are essential for uncovering hidden issues that could cost you down the line. Expect to pay anywhere between $400–$500 for these inspections. And keep in mind, these fees are due upfront, often before you’ve even heard if your offer was accepted!
2. Specialist Fees:
Depending on the property, you may also need the expertise of additional professionals. Structural engineers, septic inspectors, or environmental specialists might be required if the house has specific issues or quirks. These fees can vary widely, but they’re another out-of-pocket expense you’ll need to plan for, and they’re also due at the time of service.
3. Appraisal Fees:
Once you’ve passed the inspection period, you’ll likely need to pay for an appraisal. This can cost you another $500 or so. If all goes well and you reach closing, this fee will be folded into your closing costs. However, if the contract falls through for any reason, this fee is non-refundable and due to your lender, paid out-of-pocket even if you don’t move forward with the deal.
The Bottom Line:
Our job is to help you prepare for the home buying process. It’s not just about showing you houses; it’s about giving you a clear understanding of what the real costs will be. We're here to guide you through every step—answering the questions you didn’t even think to ask, like "How much money is this really going to cost me?"
We pride ourselves on our “shoot-ya-straight” attitude. And that’s why I’m writing today—to keep it real. I believe being upfront about the real costs of buying a home is one of the best ways to earn your trust.
Ready to Talk?
If you’re curious about what it really takes to buy a home in Northern Colorado, we’d love to chat. Let’s schedule a zero-obligation discovery call, and we’ll be sure to give you all the details you need to make an informed decision about your next move.
Trust is built on transparency, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
