New Listing: 4065 Longhorn

Lafayette County Gem in Brownsville! Luxury home on a short acre + Left hand water. Kitchen has Gorgeous bamboo flooring w/new cabinets, granite counter tops, an eat-in bar, designer pendant lights, and new stainless steel appliances. Very open floor plan, 5 bedrooms but 3 & 4 bedrooms are non-conforming. 3 parking spaces + RV. Gorgeously finished basement. Flat field and pasture area for farm animals. Additional features include under cabinet lights, airlock mudroom to backyard, abuts to ditch with trickling calming water.

4065 Longhorn, 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2410 sq. ft.

$499,000

Contact me for details or to visit this home!

Why You Need a Real Estate Agent

With the market heating up, you may think the need for a real estate agent becomes less. However, the infographic here (courtesy of Keeping Current Matters) will show you what can be saved by using an experienced agent.

Buying a Home is Less Expensive than Renting -- by 43%!

Trulia released their Rent vs. Buy Report last week. The report explained that homeownership remains cheaper than renting in all of the 100 largest metro areas by an average of 38%, but in Denver it's 43% cheaper to buy!

The other interesting findings in the report include:

• Even though prices increased sharply in many markets over the past year, low mortgage rates have kept homeownership from becoming more expensive than renting.
• Some markets might tip in favor of renting this year as prices continue to rise faster than rents and if – as most economists expect – mortgage rates rise, due both to the strengthening economy and Fed tapering.
• Nationally, rates would have to rise to 10.6% for renting to be cheaper than buying – and rates haven’t been that high since 1989.

Buying a home now makes sense. You can lock in a mortgage payment before home prices and mortgage rates rise as experts expect they will. If you rent, your housing expense will only continue to increase.

To look at figures specific to your situation, check out the rent vs. buy calculator on our website. Or contact me, I can walk you through the details of your current rent and a home purchase. 

Source: Keeping Current Matters

Should I Rent My House If I Can't Sell?

We get asked this question now and again. The answer for Boulder County may have different considerations than this general look at housing nationally, but these are certainly great factors to consider. The most accurate look can be found by analyzing your specific home and location. I'm happy to look at your home and determine the best course of action for you, both from a financial and timing perspective.

Should I Rent My House If I Can't Sell It?

by The KCM Crew on March 4, 2014

A recent study has concluded that 39% of buyers prefer to rent out their last residence rather than sell it when purchasing their next home.

The study cites that many homeowners were able to refinance and “locked in a very low mortgage rate in recent years. That low rate, combined with a strong rental market, means they can charge more in rent than they pay in mortgage each month, so they are going for it.”

This logic makes sense in some cases. We at KCM believe strongly that residential real estate is a great investment right now. However, if you have no desire to actually become an educated investor in this sector, you may be headed for more trouble than you were looking for. Are you ready to be a landlord?

Before renting your home, you should answer the following questions to make sure this is the right course of action for you and your family.

10 Questions to Ask BEFORE Renting Your Home

1.) How will you respond if your tenant says they can't afford to pay the rent this month because of more pressing obligations? (This happens most often during holiday season and back-to-school time when families with children have extra expenses).

2.) Because of the economy, many homeowners can no longer make their mortgage payment. What percent of tenants do you think can no longer afford to pay their rent?

3.) Have you interviewed a few experienced eviction attorneys in case a challenge does arise?

4.) Have you talked to your insurance company about a possible increase in premiums as liability is greater in a non-owner occupied home?

5.) Will you allow pets? Cats? Dogs? How big a dog?

6.) How will you actually collect the rent? By mail? In person?

7.) Repairs are part of being a landlord. Who will take tenant calls when necessary repairs arise?

8.) Do you have a list of craftspeople readily available to handle these repairs?

9.) How often will you do a physical inspection of the property?

10.) Will you alert your current neighbors that you are renting the house?

Bottom Line

Again, renting out residential real estate historically is a great investment. However, it is not without its challenges. Make sure you have decided to rent the house because you want to be an investor, not because you are hoping to get a few extra dollars by postponing a sale.

Source: www.KeepingCurrentMatters.com

Average Commute Times for the Front Range

Do you commute to work? The national average for getting to work is 25.7 minutes. Lucky for us, Boulder, Longmont and Fort Collins residents all have times below this, but Denver is slightly higher at 26.9 minutes. Maybe this will influence where you buy your next home! Read more.

Buying A Home? Should You Do It Now or Later?

Last month, the Federal Reserve, in a unanimous vote, decided to further decrease its bond purchasing. The bond purchases were the government’s stimulus package created to keep long term mortgage interest rates artificially low in order to help drive the housing market. Most experts believe that tapering will cause interest rates to increase as we move through the year.

Interest rates have remained relatively stable since the onset of the tapering in December. This is probably because the first round of increases had already been ‘priced into’ the equation last summer when rates skyrocketed by over a full percentage point just on the speculation that tapering would take place later in 2013.

However, as we move forward, most analysts believe rates will start to rise culminating in a rate close to a full percentage point higher than current rates by this time next year. For example, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, The Mortgage Bankers’ Association and the National Association of Realtors have all recently projected rates to be between 5-5.4% at this time next year.

Bottom Line

If you are a first time buyer or a move-up buyer, the cost of the mortgage on your new home will probably increase as we move through the year. If the timing makes sense, buying sooner rather than later may save you a substantial amount of money over the long term in lower mortgage payments.

Source: Keeping Current Matters

Top 10 Reasons To Hire A Real Estate Agent

Top 10 Reasons To Hire A Real Estate Agent [INFOGRAPHIC]

Boulder is #9 for Highest-Paid Women

The city of Boulder ranks ninth in Forbes magazines list of top ten best paying cities for women in the U.S with a median salary of $46,800. Read the complete list and how women's salaries compare to men's here.

Not surprising, San Jose/Santa Clara/Sunnyvale ranks number #1 with a median salary of $56,000.

King to head business-growth program | Today's News | Boulder County Business Report

If you have a Colorado business, this advanced program by the Small Business Development Center could be a game changer for you. Check it out!



King to head business-growth program | Today's News | Boulder County Business Report

"Productivity Secrets of Top Women CEO's"

After enjoying this article in Inc., I thought it would be a nice topic to share. How do top women CEO's keep their productivity high? Here are a few

• Start the day with quick, 15-min huddles with top C-level executives, then your leadership team; run through any obstacles and remove them.
• Reach out to your employees - be approachable.
• Have a 'closed-door time' that employees can work uninterrupted.
• Resolve problems, both big and small, right away.
• Don't micromanage.
• Follow strict daily routines.
• Schedule your social media.
• Delegate!

Read more at the Productivity Secrets of Top Women CEO's. And keep in touch, sharing ideas is a key way to learn and grow your business.

Super Bowl Sunday

Yes, we're almost to Super Bowl Sunday and unless you live under a rock, you know the Denver Broncos are playing in New York this weekend. If you are heading out to watch the game, here are a few great spots in Boulder to watch:

1. The Lazy Dog Sports Bar & Grill, downtown Boulder at 1346 Pearl Street; Enter their Hot Wing Contest (the Unsportsmanlike Wings!) and win a Kindle Fire, beer, or gift certificate
2. The Attic Bar and Bistro, downtown Boulder at 949 Walnut
3. West End Tavern, 926 Pearl Street, Drink specials and Market Style BBQ
4. Fate Brewing Company, 1600 38th Street, craft beer and inspired comfort food

If you're heading to Denver to join the crowds, check out these top spots to watch the game:

http://denver.cbslocal.com/top-lists/top-bars-in-denver-to-experience-the-2013-super-bowl/

Whether you're heading out, or hosting a party at home, enjoy Super Bowl Sunday and Go Broncos!

Try this delicious alternative to traditional chicken noodle soup.

Thai Chicken Coconut Soup

Often called tom kha gai, this coconut milk-based soup is a rich and flavorful alternative to traditional chicken soup.

Yield: Serves 4

Total: 20 Minutes

Ingredients
1 can (14 oz.) coconut milk
1 can (14 oz.) reduced-sodium chicken broth
6 quarter-size slices fresh ginger
1 stalk fresh lemongrass, cut in 1-in. pieces
1 pound boned, skinned chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-in. chunks
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon Thai or Vietnamese fish sauce (nuoc mam or nam pla)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon Thai chili paste
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup fresh cilantro

Preparation
In a medium saucepan, combine coconut milk, broth, ginger, and lemongrass and bring to boil over high heat. Add chicken, mushrooms, lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili paste. Reduce heat and simmer until chicken is firm and opaque, 5 to 10 minutes. Discard lemongrass. Garnish servings with basil and cilantro.

Note: Nutritional analysis is per 1 1/2-cup serving.

Nutritional Information
Amount per serving
Calories: 357
Calories from fat: 63%
Protein: 29g
Fat: 25g
Saturated fat: 19g
Carbohydrate: 7.2g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sodium: 484mg
Cholesterol: 79mg

Under Contract!

393 Montezuma, Brighton CO

5 bedroom, 3.5 bath

3,969 square feet

The nicest Ryland Cabernet model with finished basement on the largest walkout lot in the subdivision backing to rural land & HOA trail. Gourmet kitchen with slab granite counters, center island, stainless appliances, & hardwood floors. Large, open floor plan with soaring ceilings & windows, & gas fireplace in family room, main floor study + 5 bdrms. Finished walkout basement features huge rec. room & kitchenette for mother-in-law retreat.

Looking for something similar?  Contact me for information on current listings.

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