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!