Who’s on your team?

If you are first time home buyers, or even if you’ve bought a home before but need a little refresher course on who will be helping you during the process, this article is for you. 

The home buying process and all the chit chat you might be hearing can be confusing if not completely overwhelming. 

But, don’t lose heart. Through some professional guidance, you can successfully buy your first home, and understand a lot more about the process and your professional team.

When I was growing up, my family lived in a small apartment, and when I would go to play at friends’ houses, they always lived in beautiful houses with yards. We’d run through sprinklers, catch toads in the grass, have outdoor picnics, and swing on their backyard playsets. Talk about the power of real estate. When I was around 8 years old, I made it a goal to own a house so I could live in a place that had a yard too. It’s one of the first goals I ever remember intentionally setting. 

So, when I was 22, I bought my first home about 5 miles east of Boulder. My Realtor® led me through the overwhelming, confusing and frustrating process. I felt like I had no idea what was going on most of the time. My lender was a severe looking woman who told me not to worry when people tried to dissuade me from signing up for the interest-only loan she was putting me on. 

I had no idea what I was getting myself into. 

A year or two into the interest-only loan, my payment went up significantly, and I called the lender to find out why. Interest rates had increased, and I was only starting to understand that I had not been paying into the principal of my house at all. So, a few months and many conversations later with a different lender, I refinanced at a higher but fixed interest rate. Again, I made a goal. I would never again be persuaded or pushed into a deal that I didn’t understand. 

This is what I want for all of my clients. To enter into a transaction with eyes wide open and a solid understanding of how it will impact their finances.

A home purchase is a big deal. That’s why there’s a whole team of professionals who will work with you during your purchase as first time home buyers. Each one of these professionals has their own area of expertise.

Your team of transaction specialists fall into three categories.

1. Realtor® –  Yep, that’s me! When we’re working on a transaction together, I’ll be here to advise, guide and advocate for you on matters related to the real estate itself. We look for houses that meet your criteria until we find the right one. I manage all matters of contracts, negotiations and coordinating with the title company and the lender until you successfully have your house keys in hand. I’m also well networked with lenders, contractors, tradesmen, home inspectors, city and county advisors to make sure you get all your needs covered.
2. Lender – Your financial support. The lender you chose can be critical to your transaction success. They help discuss your financial options, and organize the financial pathway for you on your purchase. Your lender is going to provide the expertise to get you into the best loan vehicle for you.
3. Title – The title company has two primary responsibilities. First, they make sure the home is free and clear to be sold by the people who are selling it. Second, they insure their work and if there’s any problems after you’ve purchased the home, they help resolve those issues. Title also manages the closing process, paperwork and recording of documents.

Choosing a Realtor® and a lender is a good place to start when you’re in the early stages of buying your first home. Typically, the title company is chosen later in the process (and often by the seller).

When you’re interviewing Realtors®, especially as first time home buyers, make sure that you feel comfortable with the amount of time and effort taken to answer your questions and walk through the process.

Not sure where to start when choosing your transaction team? Want to interview local lenders to find one that is a good fit for you?

Call or text me and we can talk it over with no pressure and strings attached.

Just good information to get you on your way.

To your success,

Alanna Spees, REALTOR®
Text/Call: (408) 497-3774
The best way to reach me is to text directly! 

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Check out my other articles on buying a home.

*All content is human generated and AI edited (because spell check is my friend).
©2025 Alanna Spees, Swift Water Investments, LLC. All rights protected.