SO…YOU WANT TO BE A REALTOR There is a lot of talk in the news about real estate agent commissions. We really don't think people realize all that agents do.    Agents LOVE what they do, and they do it because they LOVE helping people but there is almost always a huge misconception on what they do and how they get paid. It's not a secret so here ya go...😊 The average FULL TIME REALTOR’s earnings last year was $31,900 @ 40+ hours a week. (Notice I wrote full time 40+ hours not 0-20 hours a week) which is well below the living wage.   As a REALTOR, we do not get paid a hourly wage or salary, and we only get paid if we sell a home and it closes. We can only get paid by broker to broker.   As an agent you could work with someone days, weeks, months or years with no guarantee of a sale ever.    Essentially we wake up each day unemployed going on Job Interviews, and we deal with constant rejection. We dedicate time away from family, use our time, gas, pay for babysitters, miss dinner and weekends and rarely take vacations. We are on 24/7! You constantly need to be on, or you could miss an opportunity. Once we do close a home, half goes to the other person's agent from the remaining half.   We have lots of upfront expenses that must be paid out before they even get paid:   Broker Splits and FeesOffice rent and utilitiesMLS FeesNAR FeesLocal Association FeesE&O Business InsuranceExtended Auto InsuranceSelf-Employment TaxState Licensing FeesAdvertising FeesShowing Service FeesWebsite FeesAssistant's SalariesShowing partnersTransaction coordinatorYard SignsPhotographersVideographersOffice SuppliesBusiness CardsProperty FlyersElectronic LockboxesContinued RE EducationLegal FeesGas   Income taxes are not taken out so we have to put that aside around 25-30%.Don’t forget health insurance if you don’t have a spouse who provides it.   As a listing agent we have lots of tasks far more than just selling a home. 1. Prepare Listing Presentation for Sellers2. Research Sellers Property Tax Info3. Research Comparable Sold Properties for Sellers4. Determine Average Days on Market5. Gather Info From Sellers About Their Home6. Meet With Sellers at Their Home7. Get To Know Their Home8. Present Listing Presentation9. Advise on Repairs and/or Upgrades10. Provide Home Seller To-Do Checklist11. Explain Current Market Conditions12. Discuss Seller’s Goals13. Share Your Value Proposition14. Explain Benefits of Your Brokerage15. Present Your Marketing Options16. Explain Video Marketing Strategies17. Demonstrate 3D Tour Marketing18. Explain Buyer & Seller Agency Relationships19. Describe the Buyer Pre-Screening Process20. Create Internal File for Transaction21. Get Listing Agreement & Disclosures Signed22. Provide Sellers Disclosure Form to Sellers23. Verify Interior Room Sizes24. Obtain Current Mortgage Loan Info25. Confirm Lot Size from County Tax Records26. Investigate Any Unrecorded Property Easements27. Establish Showing Instructions for Buyers28. Agree on Showing Times with Sellers29. Discuss Different Types of Buyer Financing30. Explain Appraisal Process and Pitfalls31. Verify Home Owners Association Fees32. Obtain a Copy of HOA Bylaws33. Gather Transferable Warranties34. Determine Need for Lead-Based Paint Disclosure35. Verify Security System Ownership36. Discuss Video Recording Devices & Showings37. Determine Property Inclusions & Exclusions38. Agree on Repairs to Made Before Listing39. Schedule Staging Consultation40. Schedule House Cleaners41. Install Electronic Lockbox & Yard Sign42. Set-Up Photo/Video Shoot43. Meet Photographer at Property44. Prepare Home For Photographer45. Schedule Drone & 3D Tour Shoot46. Get Seller’s Approval of All Marketing Materials47. Input Property Listing Into The MLS48. Create Virtual Tour Page49. Verify Listing Data on 3rd Party Websites50. Have Listing Proofread51. Create Property Flyer52. Have Extra Keys Made for Lockbox53. Set-Up Showing Services54. Help Owners Coordinate Showings55. Gather Feedback After Each Showing56. Keep track of Showing Activity57. Update MLS Listing as Needed58. Schedule Weekly Update Calls with Seller59. Prepare “Net Sheet” For All Offers60. Present All Offers to Seller61. Obtain Pre-Approval Letter from Buyer’s Agent62. Examine & Verify Buyer’s Qualifications63. Examine & Verify Buyer’s Lender64. Negotiate All Offers65. Once Under Contract, Send to Title Company66. Check Buyer’s Agent Has Received Copies67. Change Property Status in MLS68. Deliver Copies of Contact/Addendum to Seller69. Keep Track of Copies for Office File70. Coordinate Inspections with Sellers71. Explain Buyer’s Inspection Objections to Sellers72. Determine Seller’s Inspection Resolution73. Get All Repair Agreements in Writing74. Refer Trustworthy Contractors to Sellers75. Meet Appraiser at the Property76. Negotiate Any Unsatisfactory Appraisals77. Confirm Clear-to-Close78. Coordinate Closing Times & Location79. Verify Title Company Has All Docs80. Remind Sellers to Transfer Utilities81. Make Sure All Parties Are Notified of Closing Time82. Resolve Any Title Issues Before Closing83. Receive and Carefully Review Closing Docs84. Review Closing Figures With Seller85. Confirm Repairs Have Been Made86. Resolve Any Last Minute Issues87. Attend Seller’s Closing88. Pick Up Sign & Lock Box89. Change Status in MLS to “Sold.”90. Close Out Seller’s File With Brokerage   As a buyers agent they also have many tasks.1. Schedule Time To Meet Buyers2. Prepare Buyers Guide & Presentation3. Meet Buyers and Discuss Their Goals4. Explain Buyer & Seller Agency Relationships5. Discuss Different Types of Financing Options6. Help Buyers Find a Mortgage Lender7. Obtain Pre-Approval Letter from Their Lender8. Explain What You Do For Buyers As A Realtor9. Provide Overview of Current Market Conditions10. Explain Your Company’s Value to Buyers11. Discuss Earnest Money Deposits12. Explain Home Inspection Process13. Educate Buyers About Local Neighborhoods14. Constantly and proactively Scout and Learn about Available Inventory.15. Gather Needs & Wants Of Their Next Home16. Explain School Districts Effect on Home Values17. Explain Recording Devices During Showings18. Learn All Buyer Goals & Make A Plan19. Create Internal File for Buyers Records20. Send Buyers Homes Within Their Criteria21. Start Showing Buyers Home That They Request22. Schedule & Organize All Showings23. Gather Showing Instructions for Each Listing24. Send Showing Schedule to Buyers25. Show Up Early and Prepare First Showing26. Look For Possible Repair Issues While Showing27. Gather Buyer Feedback After Each Showing28. Update Buyers When New Homes Hit the Market29. Share Knowledge & Insight About Homes (including the never-ending mineral and water rights hunt).30. Guide Buyers Through Their Emotional Journey31. Listen & Learn From Buyers At Each Showing32. Keep Records of All Showings33. Update Listing Agents with Buyer’s Feedback34. Discuss Home Owner’s Associations35. Estimate Expected Utility Usage Costs36. Confirm Water Source and Status37. Discuss Transferable Warranties38. Explain Property Appraisal Process39. Discuss Multiple Offer Situations40. Create Practice Offer To Help Buyers Prepare41. Provide Updated Housing Market Data to Buyers42. Inform Buyers of Their Showing Activity Weekly43. Update Buyers On Any Price Drops/Increases44. Discuss MLS Data With Buyers At Showings45. Find the Right Home for Buyers46. Determine Property Inclusions & Exclusions47. Prepare Sales Contract When Buyers are Ready48. Educate Buyer’s On Sales Contract Options49. Determine Need for Lead-Based Paint Disclosure50. Explain Home Warranty Options51. Update Buyer’s Pre-Approval Letter52. Discuss Loan Objection Deadlines53. Choose a Closing Date54. Verify Listing Data Is Correct55. Review Comps With Buyers To Determine Value56. Prepare & Submit Buyer’s Offer to Listing Agent57. Negotiate Buyers Offer With Listing Agent58. Execute A Sales Contract & Disclosures59. Once Under Contract, Send to Title Company60. Coordinate Earnest Money Drop Off61. Deliver Copies to Mortgage Lender62. Obtain Copy of Sellers Disclosure for Buyers63. Deliver Copies of Contract/Addendum to Buyers64. Obtain A Copy of HOA Bylaws65. Keep Track of Copies for Office File66. Coordinate Inspections with Buyers67. Meet Inspector At The Property68. Review Home Inspection with Buyers69. Negotiate Inspection Objections70. Get All Agreed Upon Repair Items in Writing71. Verify any Existing Lease Agreements72. Check In With Lender To Verify Loan Status73. Check on the Appraisal Date74. Negotiate Any Unsatisfactory Appraisals75. Coordinate Closing Times & Location76. Make Sure All Documents Are Fully Signed77. Verify Title Company Has Everything Needed78. Remind Buyers to Schedule Utilities79. Make Sure All Parties Are Notified of Closing Time80. Solve Any Title Problems Before Closing81. Receive and Review Closing Documents82. Review Closing Figures With Buyers83. Confirm Repairs Have Been Made By Sellers84. Perform Final Walk-Through with Buyers85. Resolve Any Last Minute Issues86. Get CDA Signed By Brokerage87. Attend Closing with Buyers88. Provide Home Warranty Paperwork89. Give Keys and Accessories to Buyers90. Close Out Buyer’s File BrokerageWhew…exhausting isn’t it!?! 🤯✨You don't need to buy or sell a home to support your agent's real estate business – here are just a few simple ways to show your support!⁣   By sharing one of their listings, sending a friend or family member their way, letting them connect you with agents outside their area for a broker to broker referral, or leaving them a positive comment or review, this helps them feel seen and supported - (thanks to you)! ❤️✨   Special Note: Our buddy Dave Geisler helped assemble this list. We appreciate you Dave!

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the process. From budgeting to choosing the right neighborhood, there are plenty of decisions to make—and plenty of chances to slip up along the way. The good news? Many common mistakes first-time homebuyers make can be avoided with the right guidance and preparation. In this article, we look at the 10 most common mistakes first-time homebuyers make and give practical tips on how to avoid them. Not Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Starting your house hunt without a mortgage pre-approval is like shopping without knowing your budget-it's risky. You might fall in love with a home only to find out it's out of your price range. How to Avoid It: Get preapproved for a mortgage before you start browsing listings or touring homes. You'll get a better sense of how much you can borrow-and you'll be able to prove to sellers that you're a serious buyer. For more information, see this guide to mortgage pre-approval. Not Researching the Neighborhood A beautiful house in the wrong neighborhood can bring regrets. Most first-time buyers get themselves so focused on the property that they forget to think about the community and amenities. How to Avoid It: Spend time getting to know neighborhoods. Drive around at different times of day. Research schools. Talk to locals. Our blog on the best neighborhoods in Western Colorado is a great starting point for families, retirees, and adventurers alike. Overlooking Hidden Costs First-time buyers often budget only the mortgage payment without considering other payments that go along with homeownership, such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. How to Avoid It: Create a comprehensive budget that includes all the recurring costs. Set aside money for those unexpected repairs, whether it is a leaky roof or a faulty HVAC system; there are always surprises in store. Prioritizing Aesthetics Over Practicality It's easy to fall in love with a house that has a modern kitchen or the latest design elements. These cosmetic touches should not override functional concerns about layout, size, or location. How to Avoid It: Make a list of your must-haves before you begin your search. Stick to a set of needs: the number of bedrooms, the proximity to work or school districts. Cosmetic things such as paint or fixtures can be updated later. Waiving the Home Inspection Some buyers in competitive markets forgo the home inspection as a way to hurry through the process. While this may make your offer more attractive to sellers, it is a risk that could cost you thousands later on in repairs. How to Avoid It: Always hire a professional home inspector who will identify potential issues, such as structural damage or outdated systems. If you are not familiar with what to expect, this home inspection checklist can help. Letting Emotions Take Over Buying your first home is emotional, but letting those emotions guide your decisions can lead to overspending or overlooking flaws. How to Avoid It: Stick to your budget and consider all homes objectively. The real estate agent will give you an objective view that can help in focusing on what matters. Making the Decision Too Quick In the hot market, FOMO may affect the buyer by compelling him into making decisions too quickly. Sometimes, decisions are usually regretted soon after they're made. How to Avoid It: Take your time to see houses thoroughly, and remember, the right home will come along, and it's worth waiting for something that meets your needs. Forgetting to Consider Resale Value Even if you're planning to stay in your home for years to come, it's very important to consider resale value. A property that is very poorly located or that has a very limited appeal may be hard to sell later. How to Avoid It: Choose a home with broad appeal. Look for features like a good location, functional layout, and well-maintained systems. Buy a home with growth potential—look for areas where future development could boost property value in the next five years. Not Knowing About First-Time Buyer Programs Many first-time buyers don't know about the various financial assistance programs available to them. These programs can make it easier to afford your first home. How to Avoid It: Research national and state-specific programs, like FHA loans or down payment assistance programs. For Colorado buyers, the Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation is a fantastic resource. Doing It Alone Navigating the home-buying process without professional guidance can be overwhelming. From legal paperwork to negotiations, there’s a lot to manage. How to Avoid It: Work with pros: A good agent will not only know about more properties, but can save you money when negotiating a contract, and guide you through the complicated process. Bonus Tips for First Time Buyers Stay Educated: Read blogs, watch videos, attend seminars - learn about buying a house in general. Be Patient: Finding the perfect home takes time, so don’t rush into a decision. Build a Support Team: Surround yourself with professionals who have your best interests in mind. Get help with your home buying journey Buying your first home is one of the significant life decisions; however, that doesn't mean it has to give you a headache. At Black Canyon Homes, our experienced team is here to help you find your dream home while staying within your budget. We keep a close eye on new listings to ensure you don’t miss any opportunities. Ready to get started? Fill out the contact form or call us at 970-316-0828. 

Western Colorado has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a family-friendly area, a peaceful place to retire, or an adventure-filled destination. Vibrant towns like Grand Junction, calm neighborhoods in Montrose, and the outdoor paradise of Ouray cater to all kinds of interests. Whether you're settling down, retiring, or exploring nature, you'll find the perfect spot in Western Colorado. Below, we detail the best neighborhoods in the region. For Families: Redlands in Grand Junction Located in Grand Junction, the community of Redlands is picturesque, with amenities for families including good schools, outdoor activities, and neighborly atmosphere. Being so close to the Colorado National Monument just adds a spectacular panorama to the already-scenic surroundings that are perfect for kids. High Points for Families: Schools: Among the strongest points in the neighborhood, schools like Wingate Elementary and Fruita Monument High School provide a sound foundation for children. Recreation: Families take advantage of several parks and trails, including the nearby Lunch Loops Trail System and Connected Lakes State Park for biking, hiking, and fishing galore. Amenities: From grocery stores close by to dining and events for the family, such as the Grand Junction Farmer's Market, Redlands presents a well-rounded lifestyle to both parents and kids. If relocating to Redlands is on your mind, take a look at our guide on "7 Simple Steps to Prepare Your Home for a Quick and Profitable Sale" to make sure it's ready for the market. For Retirees: Cobble Creek in Montrose As designed, Cobble Creek in Montrose exudes comfort, community, and convenience, nestled in the quiet neighborhood of retirees. Set amidst the San Juan Mountains, it is a great little community with a quiet setting and easy access to amenities. Why Retirees Love Cobble Creek: Active Lifestyle: One of the strong selling points of Cobble Creek is its well-managed golf community. Health Access: Montrose Regional Health, among other medical centers is just minutes away. All make for retirees' peace of mind. Social Connections: Cobble Creek was designed to foster meaningful relationships and connections among neighbors due to its community events, clubhouse, and neighborhood atmosphere. For Adventures: Downtown Ouray Nicknamed the "Switzerland of America," Ouray is the raw material of which dream vacations are made of for all outdoor enthusiasts. From ice climbing to hiking and off-road adventures, Downtown Ouray puts you in the middle of it all. What makes Ouray ideal for adventurers: A World of Nature: The San Juan Mountains have world-class hiking and jeeping trails, like the famous Yankee Boy Basin and Imogene Pass. Hot Springs Retreats: After a long day exploring, adventurers can unwind at the Ouray Hot Springs, which is open year-round. Vibrant Downtown: Despite its rugged appeal, Ouray's downtown offers cozy coffee shops, unique boutiques, and locally loved eateries like the Ouray Brewery. If you’re buying property in Ouray, a thorough inspection is crucial due to the rugged terrain and unique challenges. Learn more about the process in "What to Expect During a Home Inspection: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers." For a Balanced Lifestyle: Fruita Located west of Grand Junction, Fruita is the best-kept secret for those who want to balance family-friendly living with adventure. It's a mountain biker's mecca and an outdoor enthusiast's dream, yet it still has that small-town feel that families love. Why Fruita Stands Out: Outdoor Adventures: Fruita boasts renowned biking trails, such as the Kokopelli Loops and 18 Road Trails, which cyclists from everywhere come to experience. Family Appeal: From excellent schools and community parks to family-friendly events like the Fruita Fall Festival, it's a great place to raise kids. Affordable Living: With more affordable housing compared to its neighbors, Fruita is an excellent choice for first-time buyers. For Everyone: Glenwood Springs Glenwood Springs is the jack-of-all-trades neighborhood in Western Colorado, whether for families, retirees, or adventurers.  What's Special About Glenwood Springs: Hot Springs and Wellness: The Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is one amenity that will be enjoyed both by families and retirees alike for its relaxation and recreation in one spot. Outdoor Activities: Adventurers will enjoy hiking at Hanging Lake, skiing at Sunlight Mountain Resort, and rafting along the Colorado River. Community Life: With excellent schools, friendly neighborhoods, and a vibrant downtown, Glenwood Springs creates a well-rounded lifestyle for all residents. Tips for Choosing the Perfect Neighborhood When deciding on the right neighborhood in Western Colorado, consider these factors: Lifestyle Needs: Do you want a quiet retreat, vibrant community events, or access to nature? Proximity to Essentials: Consider proximity to schools, healthcare facilities, and grocery stores based on your needs. Housing Market: Get an idea about property values and the current market trends in each neighborhood so that you make a financially viable decision. Ready to Find Your Dream Neighborhood? From family-friendly Redlands in Grand Junction to adventurer's haven Ouray, the variety in neighborhoods in Western Colorado offers something for everyone: families, retirees, and adventurers alike. There is no shortage of incredible places to call home here. Get in Touch Today Buyer or seller, if you're looking for Western Slope Colorado property, our team of real estate agents in Western Colorado is here to provide expert guidance. We'll help you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and successful experience. If it's your dream neighborhood, reach out to us today to make it a reality!