Ask a lender
Your lender is the right source for anything about borrowing, rates, programs and your monthly payment. Ask them before you tour.
- What can I borrow, and what should I borrow? Those are different numbers.
- Which loan types fit me, and what down payment does each one need?
- What programs for first-time buyers are open right now, does this address qualify, and do I?
- Can you give me an estimate that includes property tax, the metro district, insurance and HOA dues, not just the mortgage?
- What will my closing costs be, and when do I see the final figures?
- If my new home's closing date moves, what happens to my rate lock?
- If a financing incentive is offered on a home, what does the payment look like with it and without it, and can it be combined with any assistance program?
Ask an insurance agent
Insurance is a real monthly line, and in the foothills it can depend on the address. Get a quote before you sign, not after.
- What will home insurance cost on this address, and what does it cover?
- Does wildfire exposure affect this address, and which features of a new home or the community help?
- What will I pay out of pocket on a hail or wind claim?
- For a townhome or paired villa, what does the association's policy cover, and what do I need to cover myself?
Ask us
Our sales team answers anything about the home, the community and the process.
- Which communities and home types are selling now, and which have quick move-in homes?
- What is included in this home, and what is a design center option?
- What is the deposit schedule, and when is each payment due?
- How long will this home take, and what are the stages?
- Which metro district serves this home, and what does it currently charge? Is there an HOA as well, and what are the dues?
- When is the walkthrough, and what does it cover?
- What will the soils report tell me, and how do I care for the foundation?
- What radon-resistant features does the home include?
- Which closing costs does the purchase contract assign to me?
- What does the warranty cover, for how long, and how do I request service?
[to confirm: that the Colorado sales team is comfortable fielding each of these, and the agreed answers for district and HOA figures, deposits and closing cost assignments]
Ask the county, the district or the association
A few answers come from public offices and published documents. They are free, and worth a look before you sign.
- The county assessor: the mill levies that apply to this address, including the metro district's, and how the home will be valued.
- The county treasurer: what is currently owed on the parcel, and how the tax bill is paid.
- The metro district: its current levy, its budget, and what it is still paying for.
- The homeowners association: the current dues, what they cover, the landscaping rules, and the latest budget.
Your next step, by stage
| Where you are | Your next step |
|---|---|
| Just starting | Talk to a lender and get pre-approved. Then read what it costs, so you know the lines to ask about. |
| Narrowing down | Pick two communities that fit on commute and home type. Visit both, walk the model homes, and get the district and HOA figures for the homes you like. Where to start. |
| Choosing new or resale | Compare one specific new home against one specific resale listing on total monthly cost, including the metro district on each. The comparison. |
| Under contract | Read the district disclosure, book the design appointment, start the insurance quote, keep your lender updated, and put the walkthrough date in your calendar. The process. |
| Moved in | Keep the warranty document handy, read the soils report, test for radon, and learn how to keep water draining away from the foundation. |
[to confirm: whether a printable version of this checklist will be produced, and whether it is gated]
Questions first-time buyers ask
What if I do not have a lender yet?
Any bank, credit union or mortgage lender can pre-approve you. Choose one who works with first-time buyers often, and ask them the questions above. Our sales team can tell you how buyers in our communities typically finance a new home. [to confirm: whether the Colorado team refers buyers to lenders, and how to describe that]
Is it too early to ask about insurance?
No. An agent can quote an address before you sign, and in the foothills the number may change which home you choose. Earlier is better.
Why do you send me to the county for tax questions?
Because the county values the home, applies every levy including the metro district's, and bills the tax. We can tell you which district and association serve a home and what they currently charge. The assessor's office is the right source for what you will owe.
Ready for the first conversation?
Pick a community, bring your questions, and let the sales team walk you through a specific home.
Internal review notes — what must be confirmed before this page publishes
- [to confirm] That the Colorado sales team is comfortable fielding each question under 'Ask us', and the agreed answers for district and HOA figures, deposits and closing cost assignments.
- [to confirm] Whether the Colorado team refers buyers to lenders, and how to describe that.
- [to confirm] Whether a printable checklist will be produced, and whether it is gated. This page replaces the former 'Guide & webinar' page; the quarterly webinar idea is parked, not dropped.
- Confirm the Colorado contact URL (www1.cardelhomes.com/colorado/contact) is canonical at launch.