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