BUYER'S
Guide
With Carlos Ramos Lujan
Welcome
Thank you for considering SSC & Company to represent you in one of the biggest purchases of a lifetime. Buying a home isn't just about finding the right property; it's about navigating the market strategically to secure the right home on the best possible terms — with the least stress.
We're not just another brokerage. SSC & Co is a boutique firm with powerhouse tools, concierge-level service, and a proven track record in luxury real estate. I can't wait to show you what makes us different.
Carlos
Carlos@CarlosRamosRE.com
970 · 688 · 2161
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Carlos Ramos Lujan
Real Estate Advisor · SSC & Company
Carlos Ramos Lujan is a bilingual Real Estate Advisor with SSC & Company, specializing in luxury residential homes and commercial real estate throughout the Roaring Fork Valley — including Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Basalt, Aspen and the surrounding Colorado mountain communities.
Born in Glenwood Springs and raised in the Valley, Carlos brings lifelong regional insight to every search. His clients range from first-time buyers to private investors — with transactions completed from Denver to Battlement Mesa and a 100% client-satisfaction record. Fluent in English and Spanish.
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The Buying Journey
1Buyer Consultation
2Sign Buyer Representation Agreement
3Get Pre-Approved
4View Homes
5Submit & Negotiate Offer
6Sign Contract
7Inspection · Disclosures · Repairs
8Loan Application & Appraisal
9Closing & Welcome Home
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Buyer's Journey
i.Buyer Consultation
First, we connect for an initial consultation to discuss your goals, lifestyle, and what you're looking for in your next home — so I can thoughtfully guide your search and set a clear strategy from the start.
ii.Buyer Representation Agreement
We establish a mutual agreement outlining the terms of our partnership — representation, compensation, exclusivity, and timing. Once we're aligned, you'll sign before I show or send you any properties.
iii.Get Pre-Approved
If you're financing, pre-approval is an important early step. A pre-approval letter shows sellers you're a serious, qualified buyer — and clarifies your projected down payment, closing costs, and monthly payment.
iv.View Homes
Touring is where the search comes to life. As we visit properties, I'll help you weigh not just the features and feel of each home, but its value, condition, and long-term fit.
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Buyer's Journey
v.Submit & Negotiate an Offer
Once we find the right home, we put together a strong, strategic offer built on price, timing, contingencies, and overall terms. I'll guide you through the negotiation and help you evaluate each decision with confidence.
vi.Sign Contract
The contract is the formal agreement between you and the seller — purchase price, settlement timing, and earnest money. Once signed by both parties, your earnest money is placed in escrow as a good-faith commitment.
vii.Inspection, Disclosures & Repairs
I coordinate inspections and guide you through disclosures, reports, and key property details within the contractual timeline. We evaluate findings, negotiate repairs or credits if needed, and complete a final walk-through before closing.
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Buyer's Journey
viii.Loan Application & Appraisal
Your lender collects the required financial documents and guides you through the loan application. The property is appraised, and once everything is approved your lender issues the clear-to-close and sends the file to the title company.
ix.Closing
Congratulations! Closing day is the final step. Once everything is signed and funded, the home is officially yours.
♦Welcome Home
My representation doesn't end at the closing table. From contractors and cleaners to market updates and future planning, I remain your resource in the Valley — for this home and the next.
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Financial Obligations
i.Earnest Money (Escrow)
The good-faith deposit provided with your offer, sized to the sale price. It's held by the listing brokerage or escrow company in a non-interest-bearing escrow account.
ii.Loan Down Payment
The amount needed for your down payment depends on the type of loan you choose and the financing terms you qualify for.
iii.Inspection Costs
Costs vary with the size of the home and the inspections needed — general home, radon, termite, and other specialty inspections.
iv.Appraisal Fee
Lenders typically require an appraisal to confirm the home's value before approving your loan. This cost is usually paid up front.
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Financial Obligations
v.Homeowners Insurance
Budget for homeowners insurance and, in some cases, private mortgage insurance and title insurance. Depending on the property and loan, supplemental coverage such as flood insurance may also be needed.
vi.Closing Costs
The fees and prepaid expenses required to complete your purchase — lender fees, title and escrow charges, appraisal costs, prepaid taxes and insurance, recording fees, and other transaction expenses due at settlement.
vii.Buyer Broker Compensation
In some transactions the seller pays all or part of the buyer's broker compensation. If not, the buyer may be responsible for that cost as outlined in the representation agreement or purchase contract.
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Glossary A–D
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)A mortgage with an interest rate that changes over time based on an index.
AmortizationSpreading a loan into a series of fixed payments over time, covering both principal and interest.
AppraisalAn expert estimate of the value of a property.
ClosingThe final step in the purchase process, where title is transferred to the buyer.
Closing CostsFees and expenses paid by the buyer and seller during the closing.
Closing StatementA detailed accounting of all transactions and fees in a real estate sale, provided at closing.
ContingencyA condition in a purchase contract that must be met for the transaction to proceed.
Conventional MortgageA home loan not insured by the government.
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)A percentage showing how much of a person's income goes to debt payments.
Down PaymentThe portion of the home's price paid up front by the buyer.
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Glossary E–H
Earnest MoneyA deposit made by the buyer as a show of good faith when the purchase agreement is signed.
EquityThe market value of a homeowner's unencumbered interest in their property.
Equity LoanA loan based on the current equity in a home, often used for improvements or consolidation.
EscrowA financial arrangement where a third party holds funds or documents until conditions are met.
Fixed-Rate MortgageA mortgage with a constant interest rate for the life of the loan.
ForeclosureThe legal process by which a lender takes a property after missed mortgage payments.
Home EquityThe current market value of a home minus any outstanding mortgage balance.
Home InspectionAn examination of a property's condition, usually by a qualified inspector.
Homeowners InsuranceCoverage for damage to the property and liability for injuries on it.
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Glossary L–P
LienA legal claim against a property that must be paid off when the property is sold.
Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV)A ratio comparing the mortgage amount to the value of the property.
Market ValueThe amount for which something can be sold on a given market.
MortgageA loan used to purchase a home, with the property serving as collateral.
Mortgage BrokerAn individual or company that arranges mortgages between borrowers and lenders.
Mortgage Pre-ApprovalA lender's conditional agreement to lend a specific amount before a home is chosen.
OfferA proposal to buy a property at a specified price and terms.
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)Insurance protecting the lender if the borrower defaults on a conventional loan.
Property TaxesTaxes paid by an owner for municipal and educational services.
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Glossary R–Z
Real Estate AgentA licensed professional representing buyers or sellers in real estate transactions.
RefinancingReplacing the original mortgage with a new one for better terms or rate.
Seller's MarketMore buyers than homes for sale, leading to higher prices.
Short SaleA sale where net proceeds fall short of the debts against the property.
TitleThe legal right to own, possess, use, control, and dispose of property.
Title InsuranceProtection against loss from disputes over property ownership.
Title SearchA check of public records confirming legal ownership and the absence of liens or claims.
Underwater MortgageOwing more on the mortgage than the home is worth.
ZoningRegulations governing land use and the structures that can be built on it.
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SSC & CO
Real Estate
Carlos Ramos Lujan
Real Estate Advisor · SSC & Company
Carlos@CarlosRamosRE.com
970 · 688 · 2161
305 S Galena St · Aspen, CO
theaspenagent.org
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