Lisa Wade, a broker associate with RE/MAX of Boulder, grew up in the Boulder and has been a licensed Realtor since 1993. She specializes in residential real estate and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Association of Realtors. She also is currently on the management team at RE/MAX of Boulder. Lisa was named the Boulder Area Realtors Association Realtor of the Year in 2013 and again in 2016. She served as present of BARA in 2014 through 2015.
We sat down with Lisa to get her advice and insight. She said:
“Families come in all shapes, sizes, abilities and lifestyles. To find an area that is right for you, you must be willing to do some research on your own, depending on your priorities. And much of this can be done online. As they always say in real estate, location, location, location! Technology is your friend here and has made the search much easier…Study maps and city or county demographics to see about commute times, public transportation, connectivity, shops, services, recreation, trails and anything else that is important to you. Go to walkscore.com to see what is nearby. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce regarding demographics, businesses or opportunities to join.
To check on schools, you can visit cde.state.co.us/schoolview/performance and once you›ve narrowed your search, we highly suggest planning a school visit to meet the Principal, get a tour and find out how to get involved.
Worried about crime? Check with the local Police or Sheriff’s departments. Houses of worship? Google whatever your affiliation is and search for one that works for you. Again, plan a visit to see it in person. You can find out about hospitals in the area by searchingushospitalfinder.com/hospitals-in/Colorado.
It may seem like a lot of research but remember, buying a home is one of the largest financial and emotional decisions you will ever make, so it’s worth taking the time to get it right. Once you have defined your area parameters, contact a local Realtor® to help you find the right one and see you through from showings, to contract negotiations to closing. Once you’ve picked a home and come to agreed-upon terms with the Seller, having the home inspected by a professional home inspector is imperative. There’s a bit of money invested here but so important to know about things that may need repair or replacement. Your Realtor will help guide you through this process, so listen to their advice. We are all so lucky to live in Colorado and there are wonderful options for you to choose from. Good luck on your house hunt!”
By Linda Thorson Bond, Raised in the Rockies
