SOUTHERN COLORADO REAL ESTATE

Your Journey Starts Here~Where We Get Results That Move You

Built on Trust. Driven by Results. Focused on YOU.

I’m Machelle Williams with eXp Realty, and when I help you find a home, it’s about more than a transaction—it’s about building trust, delivering results, and valuing relationships that last long after closing day.

We’ll start with what matters most to you—your lifestyle, your budget, your priorities—and I’ll guide you through the process with transparency, consistent communication, and a strategy tailored just for you.

My focus is on prioritizing service so you feel supported at every turn, and pursuing excellence.

Buying a home is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Together, we’ll find the place that feels right, fits your life, and makes you excited to turn the key.

So…what does “home” look like to you? Let’s start there and make it happen—together.

Focus on the Right Home, Not the Right Seller

Let’s be honest—your job as a buyer isn’t to hunt down the “perfect” seller.

Sellers can be motivated, unmotivated, or just plain mysterious, and there’s no magic formula for figuring that out. Even if you could, it doesn’t matter nearly as much as finding the right house.

The goal? Zero in on a home that fits your lifestyle, stays within your target budget, and lands in a neighborhood you’ll be proud to call home. That means looking at the big picture:

*Resale value – Even if you plan to live there forever, life changes. Choose a home that will hold its value and appeal to future buyers.

*Amenities – Think beyond the four walls. Parks, trails, shops, restaurants, and community perks all add to your quality of life.

*Safety – No home is perfect, but you should feel comfortable coming and going at any time of day.

And about that budget—have two numbers: your target budget (the sweet spot) and your hard stop (the line you won’t cross). Falling in love with a home you can’t afford is like trying on a pair of jeans two sizes too small—it’s not going to end well.

When you find a property that checks your boxes and falls inside your budget range, that’s when it’s time to lean on your agent to negotiate the best possible deal. If the seller’s “motivation level” happens to work in your favor, great—but it’s the house, not the seller, that should be driving your decision.

Getting a Local Lender and Getting Pre-Approved

Once upon a time, buyers could wander through open houses, pick “the one,” and then go ask a lender for money. Those days are gone.

In today’s market, waiting until after you’ve found your dream home to get pre-approved is like showing up to a wedding without the rings—you’re not ready to seal the deal.

Here’s the difference:

*Pre-Qualified – This is a quick estimate based on the basics you tell a lender—income, debt, assets, credit history. It’s useful for a ballpark figure, but it’s not verified and carries little weight in a competitive offer situation.

*Pre-Approved – This is the real deal. You’ve filled out the mortgage application, had your credit checked, verified your job and assets, and the lender has given you a firm maximum loan amount. Sellers know you can actually close on the home you’re offering to buy.

In a hot or even balanced market, a pre-qualification letter won’t cut it if you’re up against buyers who are pre-approved. Pre-approval gives you instant credibility and tells the seller you’re serious, ready, and able.

When it comes to choosing a lender, I always recommend going local. Local lenders treat you as more than a number—they know the area, communicate directly, can move fast in a changing environment, and give you personalized service that big institutions often can’t match. Plus, I work with a handful of trusted local lenders who I know can get the job done quickly and smoothly, which can make all the difference in winning your dream home.

Hot, Normal, and Cold Markets

Hot Market

Think of it as musical chairs—only with houses and fewer chairs. Homes can sell within hours, sometimes before they even hit the MLS. Multiple offers are common, and bidding wars can push prices above asking.
Your move? Show up ready. Get pre-approved, know your budget, and be crystal-clear about your must-haves. When the right home pops up, you’ll be able to jump without tripping over the competition. In this market, a strong, fair offer can still win—just don’t expect bargain pricing.

Normal Market

Here, the market’s not playing favorites. Supply and demand are balanced, sellers aren’t desperate, and buyers aren’t tripping over each other. Homes might linger a little longer, and there’s more room for conversation on price and terms.
As a buyer, you can make reasonable offers—maybe even below asking—and still walk away with a win. Just keep them realistic; the goal is to open a conversation, not shut it down before it starts.

Cold Market

In a cold market, buyers have the upper hand. There are more homes than there are people to buy them, and sellers may need to get creative—or flexible—to seal the deal.
For buyers, it’s like shopping the clearance rack: you might score a great home at a better price, with extras thrown in. But remember—negotiating smart is not the same as tossing out an insulting offer. Aim for fair, and you’ll have a much better chance of getting that “yes.”

Why a Home Inspection Is Non-Negotiable

Buying a home—whether it’s a century-old charmer or brand-new construction—means making one of the biggest investments of your life. And here’s the truth: you are entitled to know exactly what you’re getting. Don’t take anything at face value—not the seller’s assurances, not the listing agent’s remarks, and not even what “looks fine” during a quick walkthrough.

A professional home inspection is your chance to have an unbiased expert dig into the details: the roof, the foundation, the electrical, the plumbing—everything that makes the home livable, safe, and structurally sound. You’ll get both an oral rundown during the inspection and a written report afterward. The written report is valuable, but the real gold is often in the in-the-moment conversation with the inspector.

Pro Tip: Always hire a qualified inspector—preferably one certified through a reputable trade organization like ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) or a respected local association. And be there for the inspection. Walking the property with the inspector lets you ask questions, see potential issues firsthand, and get immediate, candid answers that might not make it into the final report.

Top 5 Reasons to Attend Your Home Inspection

1️⃣ Spot Issues Firsthand – Photos in a report can’t replace seeing a problem in person.
2️⃣ Ask Questions on the Spot – Get clear, unbiased answers while you’re standing in front of the issue.
3️⃣ Learn About Maintenance – Inspectors often share tips to help you care for your new home.
4️⃣ Understand the Big Picture – See how different systems in the home connect and impact each other.
5️⃣ Negotiate with Confidence – Firsthand knowledge makes it easier to decide if you should request repairs, a price reduction, or walk away.

Once the inspection is complete, review that report in detail with your agent. Some findings might be easy fixes, while others could be major deal-breakers or negotiating points. Either way, a thorough inspection arms you with knowledge—and in real estate, knowledge is power.

Why The Right Agent Changes Everything

Buying a home isn’t just about finding the right property—it’s about having the right professional guiding you through the process. The best agents actively search for homes that fit your needs, keep you informed at every stage, negotiate skillfully, and answer your questions with speed and competence.

You can work with a buyer’s agent who is legally bound to represent only your interests, or—if you choose—you can work directly with the listing agent.

While the listing agent must treat you as a customer (not a client), they are still obligated to be honest and fair, and cannot mislead you. In fact, as someone who frequently represents both sides in a transaction, I’ve found that I can help bridge gaps more efficiently. I can often see where each side might be a little unreasonable and work toward solutions without endless back-and-forth.

The point is, your agent—whether dedicated solely to you or working both sides—should be someone you trust, who communicates clearly, and who has the skill to move a deal forward while protecting your interests.

Pros & Cons: Buyer’s Agent vs. Listing Agent

Buyer’s Agent
1️⃣ Represents only the buyer’s interests
2️⃣ Can offer advice freely without concern for seller confidentiality
3️⃣ Works solely to negotiate the best possible terms for the buyer
4️⃣ Negotiations may require more back-and-forth between parties

Listing Agent (Working Both Sides)
1️⃣ Can streamline communication and decision-making
2️⃣ Has full knowledge of both parties’ positions (within legal limits)
3️⃣ Represents the seller’s best interests while fostering a fair and balanced deal for everyone involved.
4️⃣ May find creative compromises more quickly

Real Estate Blogs

No blogs found

HOme Buying

Unlock the Secrets to a Successful Home Purchase!

Buying a home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance, you can find the perfect property, make confident decisions, and navigate the process smoothly. Join us for exclusive free access to our Virtual Buyer Seminar, where top real estate professionals will share the latest market insights, expert advice, and proven strategies to help you succeed in today’s market. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the knowledge and confidence you need to buy your dream home with ease!