New Listing! 393 Montezuma Street

WOW, stop searching, you have found your new home! The nicest Ryland Cabernet model with finished basement on the largest walkout lot in the subdivision.  Backs to rural land and HOA trail, this 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom beautifully finished 2,736 square foot home features gourmet kitchen with slab granite counters, center island, stainless appliances, & hardwood floors. The large, open floor plan has soaring ceilings and tall windows, features gas fireplace in family room, and a main floor study. The finished walkout basement includes huge rec. room and kitchenette for mother-in-law retreat.  Call now for a showing!

393 Montezuma Street

New North Boulder Neighborhood

Land can be scarce in Boulder, so when Boulder County moved their fire-training center from Lee Hill to a space near the Boulder Reservoir, Allison Management and Thistle Communities jumped at the opportunity to build a new neighborhood.  The area, just south of Broadway on Lee Hill, will contain 31 single family homes ranging from 1,200 to 2,360 square feet and will be generally priced from $400,000-$600,000.  The builders are leaning towards making six of the homes comply with Boulder's affordable housing program instead of building other affordable unites offsite or paying cash in lieu. Coburn Development will be their design partner, bringing a nice mix of new design to that area. Groundbreaking should begin in March.  If you would like additional information on these, or other new construction, contact me!

Considering Buying A Home? Look at COST not just Price

Keeping Current Matters provides real estate agents with national industry information and statistics that can be valuable in helping to analyze our local market. Their latest blog post offers an interesting perspective on what the cost would be if you waited, even a year, to buy a home. Read more:

We have often talked about the difference between COST and PRICE. As a seller, you will be most concerned about ‘short term price’ – where home values are headed over the next six months. As a buyer, you must be concerned not about price but instead about the ‘long term cost’ of the home. Let us explain.

Last month, the Mortgage Bankers Association(MBA), the National Association of Realtors, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac all projected that mortgage interest rates will increase by about one full percentage over the next twelve months. We also know that many experts are calling for home prices to also increase over the next year.

What Does This Mean to a Buyer?
Here is a simple demonstration of what impact an interest rate increase would have on the mortgage payment of a home selling for approximately $250,000 even if home prices don’t increase:

Where Real Estate Prices are Headed

The Keeping Current Matters reports from a Pulsenomics survey where real estate prices are headed over the next five years:

"Today, many real estate conversations center on housing prices and where they may be headed. That is why we like the Home Price Expectation Survey. Every quarter, Pulsenomics surveys a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists about where prices are headed over the next five years. They then average the projections of all 100+ experts into a single number."

The results of their latest survey

The latest survey was released last week. Here are the results:

• Home values will appreciate by 4.3% in 2014.
• The average annual appreciation will be 4.2% over the next 5 years
• The cumulative appreciation will be 28% by 2018.
• Even the experts making up the most bearish quartile of the survey still are projecting a cumulative appreciation of over 16.8% by 2018.

Individual opinions make headlines. We believe the survey is a fairer depiction of future values.

Denver 's Proactive Approach Proves Successful

Denver weathered the economic recession better than most in the country according to a study released from the Pew Charitable Trust.  Denver's tax base relies primarily on sales and income taxes and less on property taxes, the area felt the economic pain sooner, but recovered quicker.  Cities that relied on property tax didn't feel the economic strain until more than a year later, but at the end of 2011, two-thirds of those cities have yet to recover.  With other tactics like cutting spending, a hiring freeze and encouraging early retirement, Denver positioned itself for long term growth. Read more at the Denver Post.

Aspen Real Estate Sales

Land Title Guarantee Company reports statistics on real estate sales across Colorado, it's our source for the area stats that we post on our website, Chamberlin Investment Group.  In August, they reported that

the Aspen area real estate sales were up 31% over last year, with 162 transactions recorded (compared to just 60 in August 2012).  However, the average sales price and median sales price for single-family-homes were both down.  How is this important to you?  First of all, I've been reporting all year that the real estate market has been strong and increasing from last year.  All across Colorado, home sales are rebounding.  This is  relevant if you have plans to either buy or sell.  Secondly, investing in real estate continues to be a good financial decision.  Adding a second home, rental property or contributing to a real estate investment trust could be a wise portfolio addition before the end of 2013.  If you'd like more information on mountain properties, or other real estate investment options, please contact me.

Why You Should Sell Now

Why You Should Sell Your House Now

Many now realize that it is a great time to buy a home.  It might also be an opportune time to sell your house.  Here are the five reasons we believe now may be a perfect time to put your house on the market.

1. Demand Is High

The most recent Existing Home Sales Reports by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) show a double digit percent increase in sales year-over year; sales have remained above last year’s levels for over 25 months.  There are buyers out there right now and they are serious about purchasing.

2. Supply Is Beginning to Increase

Total housing inventory is again approaching historic norms of a 5 month supply compared with 4.3 months in January.  Many expect inventory to continue to rise as 3.2 million homeowners escaped the shackles of negative equity in the last 12 months and an additional 1.9 million are expected to enter positive equity in the next 12 months.  Selling now while demand is high and before supply increases may garner you your best price.

3. New Construction Is Coming Back

Over the last several years, most homeowners selling their home did not have to compete with a new construction project around the block.  As the market is recovering, more and more builders are jumping back in.  These ‘shiny’ new homes will again become competition as they are an attractive alternative for many purchasers.

4. Interest Rates Will Again Rise

Although Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that interest rates for a 30-year mortgage have softened recently, most experts predict that they will begin to rise later this year.  The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the National Association of Realtors are in unison projecting that rates will be up almost a full percentage point by this time next year.

Whether you are moving up or moving down, your housing expense will be more a year from now if a mortgage is necessary to purchase your next home.

5. It’s Time to Move On with Your Life

Look at the reason you are thinking about selling and decide whether it is worth waiting.  Is the possibility of a few extra dollars more important than being with family; more important than your health; more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should?

You already know the answers to the questions we just asked.  You have the power to take back control of your situation by putting the house on the market today.  The time may have come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire.  That is what is truly important.

reprinted from Keeping Current Matters

New Listing - 745 Wildrose, Louisville

745 Wildrose Way

Louisville, CO

4 Bedroom, 4 Bathroom

3,112 square feet

Map

This dramatic 2-story home is complete with a gourmet kitchen featuring a center island, slab granite counters and stainless Amana appliances. Fully finished basement includes a large education room/office, 4th bedroom, recreation room, and large full bath. This home has been lovingly cared for by the owner since 1995 and includes new paint inside and out. Rich looking, stained trim and six- panel doors. An outdoor oasis awaits in back with a spacious mature yard, large deck and hot tub. Close to schools and open space too! 

You Need A Professional to Buy or Sell A Home

The latest blog post from KCM (Keeping Current Matters) accurately explains the advantages of hiring an experienced real estate agent to navigate the process of buying or selling property:

754 Pope

Many people ask us whether they should hire an agent to sell their home or whether they should first try as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). In today’s market, we believe this is an easy decision: you need an experienced professional!

You need an expert guide if you are traveling a dangerous path

The field of real estate is loaded with land mines. You need a true expert to guide you through the dangerous pitfalls that currently exist. Finding a buyer ready, willing and able to pay fair market value for your home at a time when lending standards are so stringent is not an easy task. Finding reasonable financing can also be tricky when interest rates are volatile like they have been over the last several months.

You need a skilled negotiator

In today’s market, hiring a talented negotiator could save you thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of dollars. Each step of the way – from the original offer, to the possible re-negotiation of that offer after a home inspection, to the possible cancellation of the deal based on a troubled appraisal – you need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes.

Realize that when an agent is negotiating their commission with you, they are negotiating their own salary; the salary that keeps a roof over their family’s head; the salary that puts food on their family’s table. If they are quick to take less when negotiating for themselves and their families, what makes you think they will not act the same way when negotiating for you and your family? If they were Clark Kent when negotiating with you, they will not turn into Superman when negotiating with the buyer or seller in your deal.

Bottom Line

We believe that famous sayings become famous because they are true. You get what you pay for. Just like a good accountant or a good attorney, a good agent will save you money…not cost you money.

Reprinted from the KCM blog

Does Your Credit Score Affect Your Homeowners Insurance

Our post today is from KCM (Keeping Current Matters) about the connection between your credit score and your homeowners insurance payments.  It's widely debated, but quite commonly practiced for an insurance carrier to use a consumer's credit score to determine their insurance premiums.  Read "Does Your Credit Score Affect Your Homeowners Insurance" from Carrie Van-Brunt Wiley, editor of HomeInsurance.com.  Let me know if your thoughts and if you have any questions regarding your homeowners insurance.

Mortgage Rates ... What Will Happen Now?

Last week Ben Bernanke announced the Fed will not scale back their bond purchase program right now to continue the stimulus package geared at bringing back the national economy.  Mortgage rates have been rising in the past few weeks with the assumption this program was going to wind down.  So what will happen with rates now?  Those at bankrate.com explain 'mortgage rates should fall back -- not massively, but to some extent.' Mortgage professionals say that it doesn't mean home buyers should wait for lower rates.  Read more at Mortgages Fall - Will Fed Keep Them Down.  If you have are considering a move this fall, please contact me.

5 Reasons to Sell Your House Now

From Keeping Current Matters, www.kcmblog.com:

Thinking of Selling Your House? 5 Reasons to Do it Now

by THE KCM CREW on SEPTEMBER 10, 2013 

Many now realize that it is a great time to buy a home. Today, we want to look at why it might also be an opportune time to sell your house. Here are the Top 5 Reasons we believe now may be a perfect time to put your house on the market.

1.) Demand Is High

The most recent Existing Home Sales Report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) showed a 17.2 percent increase in sales over July 2012; sales have remained above year-ago levels for 25 months. There are buyers out there right now and they are serious about purchasing.

2.) Supply Is Beginning to Increase

Total housing inventory last month rose 5.6% to 2.28 million homes for sale. This represents a 5.1-month supply at the current sales pace, compared with 4.3 months in January. Many expect inventory to continue to rise as 3.2 million homeowners escaped the shackles of negative equity in the last 12 months and an additional 1.9 million are expected to enter positive equity in the next 12 months. Selling now while demand is high and before supply increases may garner you your best price.

3.) New Construction Is Coming Back

Over the last several years, most homeowners selling their home did not have to compete with a new construction project around the block. As the market is recovering, more and more builders are jumping back in. These ‘shiny’ new homes will again become competition as they are an attractive alternative for many purchasers.

4.) Interest Rates Are Rising

According to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, interest rates for a 30-year mortgage have shot up to 4.57% which represents a jump of more than a full point since the beginning of the year. The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the National Association of Realtors are in unison projecting that rates will continue to climb.

Whether you are moving up or moving down, your housing expense will be more a year from now if a mortgage is necessary to purchase your next home.

5.) It’s Time to Move On with Your Life

Look at the reason you are thinking about selling and decide whether it is worth waiting. Is the possibility of a few extra dollars more important than being with family; more important than your health; more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should?

You already know the answers to the questions we just asked. You have the power to take back control of your situation by putting the house on the market today. The time may have come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire. That is what is truly important

Depot Square Groundbreaking

The mixed-use project, Depot Square, at the northeast corner of 30th and Pearl, had their groundbreaking ceremony on August 19th.  The area has been eyed by the city for the past two decades with the final project looking very different from original plans.  As part of the larger Boulder Junction, the new bus station will be a six-bay station located completely underground in the Depot Square development below the parking structure.  Also included will be a 140-room Hyatt Place hotel, 71 permanently affordable apartments and a five-level parking structure built around the historic depot building which will house a restaurant.

A rendering depicts the front of the
Depot Square development in central Boulder,
which will include an underground Regional Transportation District
bus rapid transit station.

Top 10 Reasons To Hire A Real Estate Agent

Top 10 Reasons To Hire A Real Estate Agent

New downtown for Westminster

"This is a bold plan that lines up with the vision for a new downtown that our community has been calling for," said city manager Brent McFall. "At the end of this process, we will have a development opportunity that is unique not just in Colorado but in the country."

That's a bold statement for developing a new downtown in Westminster, but as the towns between Denver and Boulder continue to grow and receive recognition, it will be a welcome development. The area under renovation will be the 105-acre site including the previous Westminster Mall area.   Check out the plans on their website and a map of the plan.  We wish the community luck in this ongoing project and would be happy to help anyone looking for rental property or a new home in Westminster.

House Pricing is Still about Supply and Demand

A recent blog from Keeping Current Matters outlines the national pricing effects based on inventory.  Their research from the National Association of Realtors, the National Housing Trend Report, states:

The recovery is entering a new phase where inventory shortfalls are no longer the driving force behind changes in housing prices in many markets. Larger inventories, especially in the hotter markets that experienced rapid price increases in the spring, are expanding buyers’ choices and helping to moderate price increases.

Read the complete blog at KCM or contact me for information on pricing in the Boulder area market.

Broomfield Job Growth tops in Money Magazine

Money Magazine's recent poll of job growth ranked Broomfield 15th due to it's 9.7 percent job growth between 2010 and 2012.  The poll touted Broomfield-based businesses ranging from start-up organic kitchen cooperatives to frozen yogurt companies.  Craft brewing makes another part of Broomfield's job growth sector as well as The National Archives, who moved their headquarters to the area from Lakewood in 2012.  The CNN Money poll indicated that Broomfield also is an ideal workplace for relocation or new job growth because of its location near the University of Colorado and 16 federal science, research and engineering centers, such as Ball Aerospace.  Read more about Broomfield's growing businesses at CNN Money.

  

Kudos to Lucky's Market

Lucky's Market, now with two locations, has pledged to buy at least 10% of the products from local farms.  We love the commitment to the Boulder community, their customers and providing locally sourced food.  Check out one of their locations, Boulder and now Longmont.

Lucky's Market owners Trish and Bo Sharon pose for a portrait on Tuesday in their new Longmont store at 700 Ken Pratt Blvd. (Matthew Jonas/Times-Call)

New Listing! 725 S. 44th Street

Enter this recently renovated ranch style home and be amazed by its bright open floor plan complete with skylights, a redesigned kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances. You'll find new carpet, vinyl clad windows and custom lighting.  The basement sound room is perfect for musicians. Huge backyard! Hurry as this home will go fast!

725 S. 44th St.

Gorgeous Remodeled Gold Run Condo For Rent

For Rent!  2992 Shadow Creek Drive in the Gold Run Condominiums has been beautifully remodeled with granite countertops, stainless appliances, pergo floor and trim and a jetted tub.  The complex has a  fitness center, pool, tennis courts, sand volleyball court and is conveniently located near Scott Carpenter Park and the 29th Street Mall.  Available early September, call for a showing today!

How To Make Gorgeous Landscape Work For You!

Attractive landscaping is of course wonderful to enjoy as you drive up to your house or from your patio, but did you know that all that work can increase value to your home considerably?  According to landscape economist John Harris, good landscaping can increase your overall property value by up to 28% and can cut time on the market 10% to 15%.  Landscape for your enjoyment, knowing it will add to your homes investment down the road. The essential elements - trees, native plans and outdoor lighting can be improved upon by adding fencing, attractive walkways, retaining walls and terracing.  Read about these great landscaping ideas at House Logic.  

Additional ideas for flowering plants in the shade and walkways that lead to curb appeal should have your yard looking gorgeous.   If this is more than you want to do on your own, let me know and I can recommend a landscape architect for you.

Economic Outlook? All good.

The news lately in Colorado economy has been all positive.  CNBC ranked Colorado a top state for business, placing 7th (up from 8th last year), showing the greatest improvement in the strength of its economy.  The rankings are determined by 51 metrics including business friendliness, cost of doing business and access to capital.  Colorado improved slightly in education and was consistent in technology and innovation, as well as infrastructure and transportation.  Additionally, the Boulder County Business Report recently indicated the Colorado economy continues to grow at magnitude that exceeds previous forecasts.  Sectors seeing the largest growth include construction, professional and business services and leisure and hospitality, according to economist Richard Wobbekind, University of Colorado-Boulder's Leeds School of Business.

As job growth and economy optimism continues in our area, confidence remains in the real estate market.  It is still a good time to buy or sell, please contact me if you'd like information on the Boulder area market.

Economic Confidence Spikes

The Boulder County Business Report indicated a strong survey response on both economic confidence and capital expenditures.  Confidence in the state economy, which spiked from 62.1 to 64.6, is the highest it's been in more than a year and outpaces that of the national economy for the 33rd straight quarter.

Employment and consumer spending continue to rise which adds to the strong real estate market we've been experiencing in the Boulder market.  Although interest rates rose last week, they have paused at the current levels and indications are conflicting as to their direction moving forward.  It's a great time to buy a home or investment property.  Let me know if you'd like to see what's currently on the market.

Shred Event a Success

Thank you to everyone who showed up for our Shred-A-Thon event on Friday.  We look forward to our next event, check on our website under events for Boulder and Chamberlin Investment Group events.  If you have an idea for us, please contact me!

Porch Ideas

Colorado is blessed with sunny days and we love to enjoy our outdoor living spaces.  House Logic provides 5 budget-friendly ideas to remodel your front porch to add value and get more enjoyment from the great outdoors.  From adding architectural elements to creative ideas like painting the floor, you'll be inspired to make a few updates for your enjoyment, or to create curb appeal to sell your home.  Read Five Porch Ideas Under $500, and please let me know if you have some ideas to share!

Renovate or Relocate?

A popular question at one time or another for homeowners, do you fix up your current home, or move into a new one.  As your life changes, your needs from your home can change too.  CNN Money suggest five key questions to ask before making this decision.  The real estate market is hot, as is the remodeling market.  Is selling a realistic option?  You can answer this question by assessing the prospects in the market.  I can help you with this one.  Consider what you need from a new home and how your neighborhood compares to others in the area.  Then determine if renovating is an option and if you could get the home you want from remodeling your current home.  Read the article Renovate or Relocate at CNN Money and contact me if you'd like any advice on your home.

Foothills Mall Redevelopment Passes

Northern Colorado seems to be creating a trend with redevelopment of shopping centers.  First, the 29th Street Mall, plans were recently approved for Longmont's Twin Peaks Mall and now Fort Collins has stepped in passing developer's plans for a $312 million redevelopment of the Foothills Mall.  Approval includes many environmental considerations and guidelines.  From the Coloradoan:  "Their plan to tear down most of the building to add green space and new entertainment options creates a new way to reuse that central land instead of sprawling out over greener pastures.  A new Youth Activity Center will replaces the old facility. Apartments and townhomes placed around the edges of the property will help make for a more walkable community. And, of course, there’s the fact that shopping options will undoubtedly improve." 

We look forward to seeing the redevelopment and growth in our neighbor Northern Colorado town.  

iPad Seminar and Shred-A-Thon

Join us!  Friends and family are free, call for details!

Property Flipping Is Still Profitable

Denver is still a profitable market for property flippers (buying, rehabbing and reselling homes for a profit, usually within 90 days), ranking 25th in the country according to RealtyTrac.  Typical investors gained about a 10% gross profit in the sale of their property.  Flipping homes will continue to be favorable for investors in 2013 as home prices continue to rise.  While buying rental properties still offer a solid rate of return, even buy-and-hold investors typically flip properties periodically to fund their ongoing rental purchases.   The Boulder market is a unique real estate market, but there are still opportunities for rental investment properties and flipping, but like any area, you need to do your homework.

Chamberlin Investment Group specializes in these investment strategies.  If you'd like to learn more about investing, rental market or rehabbing homes for selling, or properties that we currently have, please contact me.  I love working with new and experienced real estate investors.

Apartment Rental Rates - It's All Supply and Demand

Apartment rates in the Denver metropolitan area have reached an all-time high in the first quarter of 2013, proving the supply and demand lessons we learned in our Economics 101 class.  The apartment vacancy rate has declined, falling to 4.6 percent (first quarter of 2013), the second lowest vacancy rate in any quarter since 2001.  Vacancy rates continue to decline in Boulder County as well.  Although there has been new apartment construction, it is not keeping up with the demand.  Boulder is known for its low vacancy and higher rental rates, and strong real estate market, based on many factors including the student population from the University of Colorado.

Specific figures can be found at the Denver Post, or contact me for information on the rental market and investment property opportunities in the Boulder area.

Regional Transportation Study

Alternative transportation is a common way of life for many Boulder residents.  Using public transportation provides improvement to our air quality, reduced costs to you, reduces gasoline consumption and reduces our carbon footprint.  According to the American Public Transportation Association, public transportation ridership increased nationally by 34% from 1995 to 2012—a growth rate higher than the 17% increase in U.S. population and higher than the 22% growth in the use of the nation’s highways over the same period.  

A $175,000 transit study commissioned in 2011 has recommended increased bus service in Northern Colorado along the Interstate 25, U.S. 34 and U.S. 287.  It determined that some aspects of the transit systems in Larimer County, City of Loveland and Berthoud should be combined to efficiently grow with the 60% population growth predicted by 2035.  Officials will discuss future plans at a series of public meetings.

Boulder RTD currently connects to a variety of these areas, as well as local routes and connections to Denver.  Check out rates, schedules and a transit map to see if public transportation is a solution for you.

Another resource for finding transportation options is Boulder Transportation Connections.  They provide assistance in incorporating alternative transportation for you or your business.  

Smart Strategies for Buyers, Sellers and Owners

The housing market has definitely rebounded and if you have plans to sell, you have the upper hand.  But you still need to do some homework -- competitive pricing, marketing and preparing your home to sell are key to get the price you want.

Pricing strategies are determined by market values, neighborhood comparisons, your motivation and needs for selling as well as your homes readiness for listing.  An experienced real estate professional is truly the best resource and objective authority on helping you balance these factors to determine the best price for your home.

Marketing strategies start with taking professional photographs of your home, writing compelling descriptions, using appropriate social media, and advertising your property to potential buyers.

Preparing your home to sell can be as simple as cleaning, decluttering, staging or painting to more involved projects such as fixing leaky roofs, electrical problems or renovating an aging kitchen or bath.

Make sure your experience of selling or buying a home is a successful and smooth one.  "Selling your home? The cards are in your favor" by CNN Money has relevant information, or contact me for details on how Chamberlin Investment Group can help you navigate the current real estate market.

7217 Paint Brush Trail

Boulder's Conference on World Affairs

The University of Colorado's 65th Annual Conference on World Affairs began Monday morning with a slate of panels, a student brunch and the ceremonial and colorful procession of international flags along Norlin Quad.    The week-long CWA is packed with more than 200 free events and roughly 100 panelists, who come from all over the world.

Several tribute events are planned to honor Roger Ebert, who attended nearly every CWA between 1970 and 2010 except 1995, when there was no conference, and in years when he was recovering from surgeries related to illness.  "He had the ability to be addressing 1,000 people and make it seem like he was speaking to each one of them individually," recalled CWA Director Jim Palmer.

Ebert attended every CWA between 1970 and 2010 except 1995, when there was no conference, and in years when he was recovering from surgeries related to illness. 

Events include talks on subjects ranging from social media, immigration, and economic growth in America to climate change and arts and education.  For a complete schedule, see the University of Colorado's Conference of World Affairs.

Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival

It's April and officially springtime in Boulder.  The Boulder County Farmer's Market opens on Saturday, April 6th and the Tulip Fairy and Elf Festival on Pearl Street Mall is Saturday, April 27th from 3pm - 6pm.  Enjoy the 15,000 plus tulips that adorn the pedestrian mall brought to life by the Tulip Fairy and her many junior elves and fairies.  There are performances and activities for the kids including foam sword dueling, crafts and more.

The Real Estate Market is Hot

Local news and realtors have been reporting how fast houses are selling and the lack of inventory.  It's definitely a great time to sell.  If you'd like more information on listing your home, the local real estate market or a market analysis for your neighborhood, please contact me.  The Denver Post recently reported the market is hot and they are witnessing 24-hour sales.  Maybe it's time for you to make a change!

Twin Peaks Mall Theater Coming Soon

The Twin Peaks Mall in Longmont has reached an agreement with Regal Theater to build a new, free standing, 12-screen theater complex in the northeast corner of the property.  This is great news for the redevelopment project that is slated to be completed in Fall 2014.  NewMark Merrill bought the existing mall for $8 million last year and has an unnamed 100,000 square-foot retail tenant already on board.  The new mall should provide an economic boost to Longmont and will certainly provide much needed retail, restaurant and movie theater to the west side of town.  Read more in the BCBR article.

What Do Home Buyers Want?

There is an increase in home sales, the outlook continues to be optimistic and you're considering selling your home.   What are buyers looking for in today's market and what can help "move" your home quickly?  According to "What Home Buyers Want" on CNBC, Energy-Star rated appliances in the kitchen and laundry room tops the list of desired features.   Consumers prefer energy-efficient features in their home to lower utility costs.  And they want high-end amenities more than larger space.  Think double sinks in the kitchen, french doors, garage storage, technology, wireless features.  But not as far as outdoor kitchens, golf course communities or wine cooler refrigerators.  Those are all nice, but cost conscious buyers may not want to stretch that far.

What do home buyers buy?  Check out this video.

How To Select a Real Estate Agent

The Boulder real estate market is quickly moving into its busiest season and we are seeing many optimistic signs for increased growth in sales for 2013.  As the market gets competitive, it is very important to work with a real estate agent with experience in the area, knowledge of real estate and the skills to negotiate in your best interests.  In the recent article by Fox Business, "How To Choose a Real Estate Professional", a few of the important qualifications of an ideal agent are represented.  John and I have been in the real estate industry for a combined 50 years averaging more 30 transactions per year.  What does this mean for you?  We have the experience, the knowledge and the skills to help you buy, sell or invest in real estate in the Boulder/Denver area.

Boulder Women Executives

A recent study of the U.S. Census Bureau found that Boulder County topped the nation in concentration of female executives with 17.7 female top executive for every 1000 female workers in 2012.  Although the disparity of women executives to men executives in the United States is still significant, the 2012 ranking of the 500 largest corporations in the United States includes a record 18 firms helmed by female CEOs, up from 12 companies in 2011.  

The Boulder area's concentration of female executives should come as no surprise to anyone who follow's the region's economy and business community.  Some of the local women executives who have inspired us can be found in the article, Boulder Tops For Female Executives.  

As a business owner in Boulder, I am grateful to live and work, in a community that supports women who own and lead organizations.  

It's Becoming a Seller's Market

The National Association of Realtors said this week what I've been predicting for a few months now, it's becoming a seller's market.  Inventory is fairly low and there are a number of buyers looking for homes, if the trend continues, home prices will also rise. The lack of choice is good news for homeowners who have watched prices drop over the past few years, but not so much for buyers.  Read the Wall Street Journal Reports, Housing:  It's Becoming a Seller's Market, and Is It Safe to Sell Your House Now?  The WSJ recommends assessing conditions in your local market if you're thinking of making a move.  I'm happy to assist you, please contact me for advice on buying or selling in the current Boulder market.