Why Slifer Smith & Frampton?
Check out why working through Slifer Smith & Frampton is so beneficial: https://www.aspenrealestate.com/resources/buy-with-us
Our Buyer Process Overview: https://issuu.com/slifer.smith.frampton/docs/standard_2024_digital_buying_presentation
Consultation
As an Aspen Snowmass resident for many years, I can easily identify the neighborhoods that will best suit you and your family. Whether it's about the nearby hiking trails, ski access, shopping, dining, live music, or kid's activities, we will work together to pinpoint exactly where you want to be. After all, location location location! I want to help you secure a mountain home where you'll build lasting memories and enjoy everything our amazing community has to offer.
First, let's plan a consultation. I want to understand your timeline, budget, the factors unique to your situation as a buyer, and your expectations for the property. With that information, I can best prepare you for the purchase process, negotiating properly on your behalf and setting you up for success. For example, are you financing, doing a 1031 exchange, working with a local attorney? Do you expect rental income on your vacation home? It's important for me to understand all of this before we begin the search.
After our initial consultation, I will prepare a detailed market analysis for you which includes all recent sales and status of current active listings. We will want to go into the negotiation process armed with this knowledge. Let's build a unique approach so I can best represent you.
Tours
Touring properties in Aspen Snowmass is undoubtedly one of the most exciting parts of my job! Next time you're in town, we'll drive around the neighborhood. If you're out of town, we can do a virtual tour or I'll curate a special walk-through video.
New listings are often featured at weekly broker open houses - every other Wednesday in Snowmass, and every Thursday in Aspen. Keep an eye on my instagram for new property walk through videos: https://www.instagram.com/owntheviews
Colorado Contract to Buy and Sell
The Aspen Snowmass market can move quickly during the busy season. Multiple competing offers and stubborn sellers are just two of the challenges we face. So, once you're ready, let's be ready! Let's get a contract template drafted now. Ideally, the dates & deadlines will already be structured to suit your needs by the time we are presenting offers for you. We must be prepared to negotiate and win you the deal. Whether that means planning a special meeting to review the Colorado contract, coordinating a call with your attorney, financial advisor, or lender, or taking a deep dive into the HOA documents -- we will be prepared!
Dates & Deadlines
We always say, "when a contract is signed, that is when the real work begins" -- and it's so true. Obtaining and understanding inspections and reports, completing due diligence, and setting the stage with strong negotiations are the keys to a successful purchase.
Once your contract is signed, I will assemble the team which will set your closing process in motion. The title company will be notified to assist you with your earnest money deposit. You may engage with an attorney to review the HOA documents. Your lender will want to review the appraisal and loan deadlines on the contract. I will help you order an inspection service and meet them at the property. We'll obtain and analyze the seller's property disclosure. I will also assist in interpreting the inspection reports and negotiate the inspection resolution hurdle of the closing process with the seller's agent.
You can find a sample dates & deadlines, provided by Title Company of the Rockies, here: https://www.titlecorockies.com/_files/ugd/b5063a_f9fb9a08a25f4ca99528abce99b64811.pdf
I will help you anticipate the dates and deadlines and prepare the appropriate paperwork to amend your dates if needed. We will review the settlement statement, check the inventory list, and arrange access. I will help anticipate your needs as closing day approaches.
Closing Costs
Every deal is unique, but it is typically expected that buyers will pay for 1) transfer taxes owed to the town or a special district; 2) inspection fee; 3) appraisal fee; 4) fees related to the loan such as the lender's title insurance; and 5) prorated HOA dues which have already been paid for by the seller earlier in the year. Usually, the buyer will receive a credit for prorated property taxes which were paid by the seller in arrears. And, usually, the buyer and seller will split the title and recording fees charged by the title company. We will review these items in the contract well before we are placing offers so that you understand how it translates to the buyer settlement statement. Here's to a smooth closing!
The Buyer Agency Agreement
I believe my clients deserve full transparency when it comes to agent compensation. Buyers are the ones bringing the cash to the closing table, and therefore the agents' compensation, if any, is being calculated from that sum. The seller had already taken all of this into consideration when determining the asking price, negotiating with the buyer, and calculating their net proceeds. Therefore, commissions, like other fees, have always been a part of the transaction. From that perspective, we can understand why our industry has taken the necessary steps to clarify buyer agent compensation. I am a proponent of this change because I believe it will have a positive effect on our industry as a whole.
The Colorado buyer agency agreement was updated in 2024 as our industry continues to evolve. You can find that document here. I invite you to contact me to discuss the new buyer agency agreement in more detail.
Please review the below buyer representation responsibilities chart and let me know if you have any questions or feedback!