Monday, December 13, 2010

Economic Snapshot

Economic Snapshot


A look at the current real estate market; provided by RE/MAX ALLIANCE



December/2010



The end is near. Another year is about to hike over the horizon and a new year will magically make its presence known. The years seem to slip by more quickly these days as we try to keep pace with the newest cell phone, computer or television. Technology has made things smaller, more efficient and quicker. We would die of boredom waiting for an old IBM 286 to boot up; all fifty pounds of it.

Despite all the changes in technology over the past couple of decades, the purchase and sale of real estate has remained pretty much the same. It is still a hands-on business. Ultimately, all the final decisions are made by humans, not computers.

The pace of a real estate market isn’t defined by the human element, though. Statistics rule here. How many homes have sold this week, this month, and this year? How does that compare with last year or the year before that? Are home values going up or down? How many homes are on the market for sale? All questions requiring statistical answers.

Here are some area statistics compliments of IRES (Northern Colorado MLS). The year 2005 is used as a benchmark, since that has been the most active year for sales activity for the past six years throughout Northern Colorado.



• Boulder County: In 2005, there were 4,193 single family homes sold. For 2010, there will be approximately 2,560. That equates to about a 39% drop in the number of sales.

• Boulder County: In 2005, there were 1,602 attached units sold. For 2010, there will be approximately 1,030. That equates to about a 36% drop in the number of sales.

• Northern Colorado: Through November/2005 there were 26,239 New Listings. Through November/2010 there were 19,724 New Listings. That equates to about a 25% drop in the number of New Listings.

• Northern Colorado: Through November/2005, the Medium Sales Price was approximately $237,500; Average Sales Price was approximately $296,521. Through November/2010, the Medium Sales Price was approximately $230,000; Average Sales Price was approximately $286,704.



Statistics can be confusing at times. They can also be manipulated to represent a specific position. If looked at solely from the perspective of what the numbers are, they don’t lie. So, what do the numbers above tell us?

1. Sales are down noticeably from 2005. They have trended down every year since 2005 for Boulder County, but the numbers for 2010 will be equal to or slightly above 2009 sales figures.

2. The number of active listings has dropped off significantly since 2005. Sellers have decided to (a) stay where they are and not move; (b) wait for the market to improve and then move; or (c) rented their home and moved.

3. Real estate market values have not improved since 2005. In actuality, they have dropped slightly overall. The upper end of the market i.e. over $600,000 has experienced the greatest negative impact from the economy. The lower end of the market has sustained itself.

4. Finally, the Boulder County single family Absorption Rate for 2005 was 7.5 months. Through November/2010 the Absorption Rate is 7.06 months.



Monday, November 29, 2010

Longmont FREE Holiday events!!

The holidays are upon us!!  Longmont know how to do it right!!  It all starts this weekend with the tree lighting festivities on Friday December 3rd from 6-8

Friday, December Longmont Lights in Roosevelt Park the following events are happening!!
Sounds of the Holidays at the Senior Center, 6:30 to 8 pm. Enjoy the sounds of Longmont's All Star Jazz Band under the direction of Bill Wilkinson.

Holiday Ice Show: 6:30 to 8 pm

As part of the 2010 Longmont Lights celebration, the City's Ice Pavilion hosted a Holiday Ice Show featuring ice skating instructors and professionals from the Denver area performing on Friday, December 10, 2010.


Night Parachute Drop : 8 pm - weather permitting
Mile High Skydiving Club proudly sponsors the pyrotechnic night parachute drop at 8pm in Roosevelt Park.


Santa’s Workshop: 5 to 8 pm
Visit Santa and his workshop on this magical evening. Make holiday ornaments and play in his workshop. This parent/child activity is geared for children ages 10 and under. Be sure to bring your camera. Free.


Hot Cocoa Carts: 5 to 8 pm
Enjoy a free cup of hot cocoa from one of the hot cocoa carts in Roosevelt Park at the Fire Pits. Sponsored by Longmont Meals on Wheels. Free.

Reindeer Visit: 5 to 8 pm
Join us in front of the St Vrain Memorial Building at 700 Longs Peak Avenue to visit with Santa's finest!

Trolley Rides: 5 to 8 pm
Take a horse-drawn carriage ride around Old Town Longmont. Trolley rides begin and end on the east side of the Longmont Senior Center. Free.

Saturday, December 11th is the Parade of Lights!!  With firepits, and fireworks after!!


click here for all the details!!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

RE/MAX Alliance Market Updates: Boulder Valley Economic Snapshot - November '10

RE/MAX Alliance Market Updates: Boulder Valley Economic Snapshot - November '10: "Real estate markets and economies are trend oriented. They have a tendency to follow specific paths. Sometimes those paths ar..."

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

RE/MAX Alliance supports Operation Christmas Child

Our office is helping with Operation Christmas Child.  We have boxes at our office at 900 S Main or you can use a shoebox of your own.  These simple boxes go to needy children in some of our planets most impoverished countries.  They make a huge impact on the children and are much needed.  If you would like to fill a box or 3, please drop them off at my office before November 16th. Please include $7.00 for each box for shipping.   Please contact me if you have any questions.For more information click here.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Economic Snapshot For Boulder, Weld and Larimer Counites



A look at the current real estate market; provided by RE/MAX ALLIANCE



October/2010



Over the course of the past eighteen months, the Federal Government implemented the Homeowner Tax Credit Program. The Federal Reserve lowered the Federal Funds Rate for member banks to borrow funds to nearly zero percent. Home mortgage interest rates have fallen to the lowest level in more than fifty years. Now, members of the banking industry are taking a sabbatical by not foreclosing on homes. All of these factors were/are designed to stabilize and stimulate the housing industry. Despite all these efforts, the housing market continues to quietly drift along.

There have been spurts of activity. The Boulder Valley real estate market was UP in sales activity at the end of June/2010 as compared to the end of June/2009 for both single family homes (+36%) and attached units (+34.5%). But those numbers have dropped since the Homeowner Tax Credit Program ended in late April/2010. Through September/2010, single family home sales are UP 13.5% Y.T.D. compared to Y.T.D. 2009; and are comparable for attached units. Thus, the Boulder Valley real estate market hasn’t sustained itself.

One of the best indicators of real estate market activity is the time it takes for the market to absorb itself. A healthy real estate market is thought to be around six months of available inventory. That time frame provides buyers with an adequate selection of homes and sellers with a reasonable amount of time to sell. The “absorption rate” for the Boulder Valley real estate market has vacillated between nine and ten months for most of 2010. Through September/2010, the absorption rate stands at 270 days; nearly nine months. As we enter the fall and winter, the absorption rate should remain around the same level as both inventory levels and sales dwindle.

The question now becomes, “What’s next?” What magic elixir can the Federal Government and banking community pull out of their proverbial hat? The answer isn’t putting more lipstick on the pig, because you still have a pig. The answer always comes back to one four-letter word; the word that drives the economy and fosters the housing industry. That word is “jobs”. Jobs are the Holy Grail; the path to redemption; the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Without them, you have a stagnant economy, which naturally leads to a declining housing market.

Below is a brief overview of the absorption rates for single family homes in a number of the Boulder Valley areas through September/2010. Thanks to IRES, the Northern Colorado MLS, for all their magic numbers.




Area                          Active Listings                     Solds Y.T.D.                                Absorption Rate


Boulder County              1946                                     2054                                    8.5 Months
Larimer County               2777                                    3066                                     8.1 Months 
Weld County                  1836                                     2341                                    7.0 Months

====================================

Boulder                           652                                         646                                    9.0 Months

Lafayette                         169                                         187                                    8.2 Months

Longmont                        601                                         720                                    7.5 Months

Louisville                         105                                         157                                     6.0 Months

Suburban Mountains        380                                         182                                   18.7 Months

Suburban Plains              455                                          347                                   11.8 Months

Superior                           52                                            82                                     5.7 Months

======= ======= =========

Community Totals:           2414                                       2321                                   9.4 Months

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Boulder County Real Estate absorption rate



The number shows the rate at which the inventory of homes for sale are being sold. A declining figure indicates people the inventory is decreasing as more homes are being sold than are coming onto the market. A rising absorption rate implies that there are more homes coming onto the market than there are buyers willing to buy at the market prices.



The absorption rate lets you know how well the market is absorbing the current inventory of listings

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Some push for foreclosure freeze in Colorado

Moves by three major mortgage companies to halt foreclosures while they examine their procedures haven't affected homeowners in Colorado, but some in the state would like to see the foreclosure moratoriums extended here.




The lenders have temporarily stopped processing foreclosures as they investigate whether information included in foreclosure documents was properly verified.



Colorado hasn't been affected so far because of the unique process that foreclosures go through here.



"We are the only state that operates through a public trustee," said Stephanie Riggi, manager of the Colorado Foreclosure Hotline. "In other states, a lot of these (foreclosures) were handled through a court proceeding. It may not impact our homeowners who have gone through foreclosures."



But many in the legal community think the moratoriums in place in other states should be extended to Colorado because the foreclosure process is so complex that it's difficult to determine whether the cases have been handled improperly.



Attorney General John Suthers asked Ally Financial to extend the freeze by its GMAC Mortgage unit to Colorado and is considering asking other banks to do the same.



"It's possible that there could be home owners that could be affected here," said Mike Saccone, spokesman for the attorney general's office. "We're still in the exploratory phase. We're still trying to determine if these processes could have affected Colorado consumers."



Other lenders that have suspended foreclosures are JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Bank of America Corp. Separately, news came out this week that a Wells Fargo executive said he verified only the dates on up to 150 foreclosure documents he signed daily. He said he trusted co-workers to make sure other information in the documents was accurate.



Wells Fargo has said it has no plans to stop foreclosures, because the bank is sure that its documents are correct.



Real-estate attorney Robert Goodbinder said the bulk of foreclosures in Colorado are never challenged, because most people don't hire an attorney to help them.



"Because they're not challenged, they just sail through," he said. "We've got a huge number of foreclosures, and the borrowers aren't qualified to determine whether there's a problem. Judges don't set these for a hearing unless somebody files an appropriate response. Virtually no one who is a borrower would know what to look for."



Foreclosures in Colorado rose from July to August but are running lower than last year, according to a report last month from the Colorado Division of Housing.



Statewide foreclosure filings in August totaled 3,142, up from July's 2,718 but down from 3,496 in August 2009.



Ryan McMaken, who tracks foreclosure numbers for the Colorado Division of Housing, said that even if the banks do halt foreclosures here, it's not likely to make a difference in how the local housing market is perceived.



"I think people will know it's a policy change and will proceed with the normal level of caution," he said.



Margaret Jackson: 303-954-1473 or mjackson@denverpost.com







--------------------------------------------------------------------------------





Read more: Some push for foreclosure freeze in Colorado - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_16253886#ixzz11V5nsJ4Q

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Million Dollar Views in Mead, Colorado

17635 Silver Fox Court in Mead Colorado has just been reduced to $429,950!!!!!  This home has some amazing features and breathtaking views.   Situated on just over 2 acres, you have room to breath and enjoy the views inside through the floor to ceiling windows, or on the deck!  This property is priced to SELL!!Check out the virtual tour!

Contact Kathy for more information or for your private tour of the unique and special property!



Monday, September 20, 2010

Homeownership is still a great investment!!!

This is a great article about home ownership....and addresses all the doom and gloom that some publications are printing. 



http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703376504575492023471133674.html?mod=WSJ_RealEstate_

Monday, August 9, 2010

Country Living with Incredible Mountain Views!!




17635 Silver Fox Ct, in Mead Colorado is a unique home with the WOW factor!!  Not your typical two story home, this contemporary home was custom built with high quality finishes and energy efficient features.   Value priced at $469,900!

Monday, August 2, 2010

Other reason we LOVE Longmont and Colorado!

Not only is Longmont the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, it also is home to some great local beers, like Oskar Blues and Lefthand!!


http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/ct-trav-0801-denver-beer-road-trip-20100730,0,761116.story

Saturday, July 24, 2010

620 Matthews #305, Fort Collins CO $69,990!!!!

http://www.homesincolorado.com/mls=627638

This condo just steps from Old Town Fort Collins and close to CSU is a great buy.  One bedroom, one bath. The complex offers an indoor, year round pool and recreation rooms.  Just reduced to $69,900, you won't find a better buy in Fort Collins!  Interest rates are great!  Why rent?

Thursday, June 24, 2010

3101 Almeria Way, Longmont CO 80503

New listing in The Shores.  3101 Almeria Way is a former model home and offers many upgraded features.  This home has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a full basement. Hardwood flooring,gas  fireplace,  in a wonderful open floor plan that will delight you!  Main floor hosts 2 bedrooms, living room, family room and main floor laundry. Upstairs has an open loft area that has many uses and also the Master Suite.  The Master Suite has a huge walk in closet and private bath is separate shower and tub.  The basement is nearly finished and has a set up perfect for another kitchen and a spa!! Just step from the large, heated pool, tennis courts and Macintosh lake.  Macintosh lake has a 4 mile trail around it with amazing Mountain Views and offers many recreational opportunities!!

This home is priced at $249,900

Tour 3101 Almeria Way

Monday, June 21, 2010

Interesting interactive map to see the movement of people across the USA

More than 10 million Americans moved from one county to another during 2008. The map below visualizes those moves. Click on any county to see comings and goings: black lines indicate net inward movement, red lines net outward movement.



Click here to view this interactive map

Monday, June 14, 2010

Denver is 'most improved' U.S. housing market, Businessweek says - Denver Business Journal

Denver is 'most improved' U.S. housing market, Businessweek says - Denver Business Journal

Great news.....As our area never saw the intense highs live other areas, and with some great business's coming to the area, our outlook is great! If you are thinking of making a move...either buying that first home, or moving to a home more suitable for your lifestyle, now is the time. Interest rates are great and prices are still good. Yes, you may have to take a hit when you sell, but you have advantages of being a buyer in this market to make that change you have been wanting to. Contact Kathy if you would like to discuss your situation in detail. 22 years of experience selling real estate in the  Longmont area is an asset and will help guide you in your real estate transaction.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Longmont Real Estate Market Update

Here are the statistics for the real estate market in Longmont for the last 6 months.  This includes single family homes and attached dwellings.  As you can see, inventory (home on the market for sale) is up 15%.  The amount of properties that are under-contract is up 45%!!  Look at the properties that have sold, up 128%!!  Of course, this is based on the last 6 months, so is taking data from December on.  The winter months were not stellar for real estate sales, but this is a great indicator that the market is improving.  A big swing was the home buyer tax credit, which has expired, but interest rates are low and home prices appear to have bottomed out.  Now is the time....if you are a first time home buyer, or looking to move up, down or sideways...take advantage of the great prices and great interest rates!
Contact me if you would like more information.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

How to sell your home in today's market

Want to sell your home in today’s real estate market? Let me give you some advice on how to do that, in a timely manner netting you the best price. First of all, find a good experienced Realtor who understands today’s market. (Yes, this would be me!!)


It’s important to have your home show the best it can. This means some good old cleaning….cleaning closets, getting rid or boxing up any extra items that are not essential. You are going to be moving anyway, so pack it up. This also mean going through the kitchen cabinets and organizing. Wash the windows; make the bathrooms sparkle and shine. Don’t forget the garage and basement.

Look at your home from the buyer’s eye. Make it sparkle and shine. Start with the entry way. Buyers need to find the home appealing from the first look, so clean the patio, weed, mow and make the yard look good. If buyers see weeds and a yard that needs cared for, they think of the work it will take. If buyers are interested in a fix up project, then they will be looking at distressed properties and you don’t want that to be your competition.

Here are some good links for staging ideas.
http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/13-home-staging-secrets/pictures/index.html
http://www.realtor.org/library/library/fg303

Price it right….it does not matter what the neighbor’s house is on the market for…what matters is what has SOLD. In today’s market, getting a buyer to write an offer on your house is one part of the sale, the other is making sure it will appraise. Appraisers only use the most resent sales….and it must appraise or the buyer will not be able to get their financing.

Look at homes you are in competition with…spend a few hours with your Realtor and preview these homes. This is your competition and in this market….you must want to stand out.

Remember, Realtors do not get paid until the house is sold and closed. Any Realtor that is willing to negotiate their fee will have the same negotiation skills when negotiating for you!

If you are considering making a move, contact me and I will be happy to provide you with all the information you will need to understand what the market is in your neighborhood.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

2019 Terry #2, Longmont CO 80501

New listing and short sale opportunity!!! Ranch style townhouse with main floor laundry, master bedroom has private bath. Full unfinished basement with rough in for 3rd bathroom and future expansion. Private, HOA maintained backyard with additonal storage. 1 car detached garage. Priced at 149,900


http://www.kathycrowder.com/

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Longmont real estate market update!



Here is the latest information about the housing market in Longmont Colorado for the past year, single family homes. This graph shows improvements in the market….Inventory is up a little, but look at the properties that have sold, up 72% from a year ago and properties under contract are up 69%. These increases have been driven by the Homebuyer tax credit, which expired the end of April. As the year progresses, we will see if this upward swing will continue. I certainly hope it does!!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

17635 Silver Fox Ct, Mead CO, 80542

Just listed, a fabulous home on just over 2 acres, 4-5 bedrooms, energy efficient home is priced well at $499,900. High tech wiring throughout. 2X6 construction, Radiant heat in all floors. Open, inviting floor plan with elegant features. Gourmet kitchen with high quality appliances, Cherry cabinets. Master suite offers luxury features such as vessel sinks in master bath, custom shower surround, large walk in closet and washer dryer hook-ups.
Over sized 3 car garage, walk out basement and just amazing views of lake and mountains.
This is a home not to miss!!


Tour 17635 Silver Fox Ct, Mead CO 80542 here.!!
www,kathycrowder.com

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Louisville leaders approve initial ConocoPhillips plans

Amy Bounds Camera Staff Writer
Posted: 04/20/2010 10:39:10 PM MDT


LOUISVILLE -- The City Council erupted into applause Tuesday night after unanimously approving ConocoPhillips' preliminary plans for a 2.5 million-square-foot campus off U.S. 36.

"It's just great," said Mayor Chuck Sisk, a self-described "cheerleader" for the project. "It's an important issue for the city of Louisville, the county of Boulder and the Denver metro area."

The Houston-based energy company is expected to submit final plans in July for its 432-acre property at the former StorageTek site.

While Tuesday's approval gave the green light to the overall concept, the final plans will provide details on everything from the exact locations of buildings to traffic impacts to building renderings.

"There will be a lot of details," said City Manager Malcolm Fleming. "Everybody can understand exactly what it will look like."

ConocoPhillips plans to build a global training center, research and development facilities and accessory developments in phases over the next 22 years, opening its first phase in 2013.

Tuesday's approval included an initial OK of the company's request to build 95-foot-tall research and development building -- which would be the tallest in the city -- and 65-foot-tall buildings in the office areas. Commercial buildings now are capped at 35 feet, so taller buildings require an exemption.

To have its 95-foot and 65-foot heights guaranteed, ConocoPhillips would need to submit a request for the city to grant the company a "vested rights" agreement. Otherwise, the council will make the decision on building heights when it approves the final plans.

The taller buildings are necessary to keep the site compact and to spur collaboration and innovation among employees, officials for ConocoPhillips have said.

The development is expected to take up 120 acres of the 432-acre site. About half of the campus is designated as private open space. Public use areas are on the perimeter.

The final plans are expected to include more details about trail connections and the company's public land dedication. The company's current plans involve dedicating nearly 39 acres of open space along the perimeter of the campus, plus a 40-acre parcel in Broomfield.






Read more: Louisville leaders approve initial ConocoPhillips plans - Boulder Daily Camera http://www.dailycamera.com/ci_14925510?source=most_viewed#ixzz0lkPrv28J

Monday, April 19, 2010

1349 Gay St, Longmont CO 80501

1347 Gay slide show

Great old town location with spacious master suite!! Priced at $205,000

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Time is running out for the Homebuyer Tax Credit!!

It’s the last push for the Homebuyer Tax Credit. Buyers must be under contract with a home by the end of April and close by the end of June. We are seeing a lot of activity in the lower price range, as first time homebuyers have this last opportunity to take advantage of the $8000 tax credit. Homebuyers that have owned a home for the last five years are also eligible for at $6500 tax credit with the same time perimeters.




Word is that this credit will NOT be extended again. If you are interested in taking advantage of this tax credit, do not delay. Contact me if you would like more information

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Google Fiber may come to Longmont!

One of the great things about Longmont Colorado is the talent we have in our community!!  Congratulations to all the finalists that submitted videos for the contest.  Here they are Check them out here!!

Thursday, April 1, 2010

How is the real estate market in your area?

Click here to see what locations all over the USA are doing in the following areas:


•• The health of the local job market
•• Foreclosure rates
•• Housing inventory
•• Debt-to-income and mortgage-servicing-costs-to-income ratios


This information is from the National Assoication of Realtors and interesting to see how different the markets are across the nation.  I would love your feedback...do you like the content I put in this blog or is there other things you would like me to blog about...thanks for your input!

Monday, March 29, 2010

8 Tips to Take Advantage of the Home Buyer Tax Credit before Time Runs Out

RISMEDIA, March 27, 2010-RE/MAX agents report that the home buyer tax credit currently can deliver meaningful savings, but only for those who, at a minimum, have a binding contract to purchase a home in place on April 30, 2010. With that deadline bearing down, potential buyers who want to capture the tax credit had better get serious about home shopping.



"It is certainly possible to find a great home and get it under contract in a month or less, but doing it requires intense focus on the part of both the buyer and the buyer's real estate agent," said Jim Merrion, regional director of the RE/MAX Northern Illinois real estate network.



Two versions of the tax credit are still being offered: a maximum credit of $8,000 for first-time buyers (and those who last owned a home 3 or more years ago), as well as a $6,500 credit for current homeowners. Either way, the credit applies only to the purchase of a new principal residence costing $800,000 or less, and there are income restrictions and other limitations, including a requirement to close the sale before July 1.



How can buyers eager to capture the tax credit streamline their home shopping?

Here are some suggestions:

1. Get to Know Your Market: Buyers can do that using Internet sites that permit you to see the homes currently on the market, and by finding a good real estate agent who is ready to expedite the shopping process. "A capable agent can guide buyers through the home search process and save them a lot of time," contends Debbie Laskowski of RE/MAX Select in Chicago. "New listings can be emailed to buyers as they are posted, and buyers should stay on top of the market on a daily basis, seeing what properties are coming onto the market and which ones have sold."



2. Line Up Your Financing: Talk to a reputable lender right away and go through the pre-approval process. That will tell buyers quickly how much they can borrow. At today's extremely low interest rates, that amount may be more than many buyers imagined. But either way, the process will help buyers determine how much they are willing and able to spend on the home.



3. Start Narrowing Your Search: With a large inventory of homes to choose from in the current market, buyers won't have time to look at everything in their price range. By establishing specific criteria of the home they want, buyers can screen out homes that won't fit their needs. "If you can give your real estate agent answers to two questions: Where do you want to live, and how much can you invest, you should be well on your way to a successful home search," said Merl Carberry of RE/MAX Suburban in Arlington Heights, Ill.



"When it comes to geography, buyers should factor in their daily commute. Few of us want to be more than 45 minutes from work. If buyers need access to public transit, then that also shapes their choice, and if they have children, schools are going to be a factor. Ideally, you can narrow you search to one or two communities rather quickly."



4.Separate Needs from Wants: Buyers can look at fewer homes if they can tell their agent what features the home they buy must have and what features would be nice but aren't required. "When it comes to must haves, start with the basics," recommends Dan Bundy of RE/MAX Center in Grayslake, Ill. "How many bedrooms are needed? Is a separate home office essential or just desirable? Do you require a basement? Will a two-car garage be sufficient, or do you need something larger? And don't forget to consider the type of home. Are you interested only in a traditional two-story single-family detached dwelling, or would a ranch plan work just as well? And what about a townhouse?"



5. Consider Condition: In today's market, many of the best values are foreclosed homes that aren't in perfect condition. Buyers should decide up front if they are willing to tackle a home that needs work, and if so, how much.



"Buyers often have a hard time articulating what they will accept when it comes to condition," explained Jim Hannigan of RE/MAX Properties in Western Springs, Ill. "That's why it is important for a buyer to get out and walk through some properties with their agent as soon as possible. Buyers' reactions give an agent the clearest picture of their priorities."



6. Keep Things in Perspective: As nice as it may be to get the tax credit, don't let the desire to do so completely control your home search. "Some buyers are quick decision makers, and others aren't," noted Debbie Laskowski. "If you like to mull over important decisions, take the time you need. The tax credit is a great incentive, but an $8,000 credit equals just 2.5% of the price of a $320,000 home. Buying the wrong home can end up costing you a lot more."



7. Leave Time to Handle Standard Contingencies: The typical purchase contract may have several contingency clauses, for such things as a home inspection, attorney's approval, obtaining financing and even the sale of the buyer's current residence. Fortunately, standard contingencies in a contract won't prevent it from qualifying for the tax credit, according to Dan Bundy of RE/MAX Center.



However, "the more contingencies you have in a contract, the greater the risk that it won't close," said Bundy. For example, if an issue arises in the home inspection, and it can't be resolved, the buyer may want to find another house, but doing that after April 30 will mean losing the tax credit. Allowing time to work through the contingencies before the deadline reduces that risk.



8. Be Careful of Short Sales: If the home you want to buy is offered as a short sale, qualifying for the tax credit may become more difficult. "Short sales require that purchase offers be approved by both the seller and the sellers' lender, and lenders often are slow about responding," said Merl Carberry of RE/MAX Suburban. "Waiting for lender approval could leave you without a binding contract on April 30."

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Google Fiber is considering Longmont!!

Google is considering Longmont for Google Fiber....we have amazing talent in Longmont, this video was make by a local high school student!!

Please vote for Longmont..for more information and to vote click here!!

Friday, March 19, 2010

Open houses this weekend!!

Saturday, March 20

 11:oo to1 :00 I will be holding this great patio home open 2990 Bellmeade Way, Longmont CO 80503 This home is located in The Shores close to Macintosh Lake and Boulder County Open space.  It is immaculate and has been very loved and cared for.  Priced at 349,900

1:30 to 3:00 another open house at 1339 Gay St, Longmont, CO 80501  This bungalow has been updated with a newer kitchen, bath, paint and carpet....HUGE detached garage with alley access.  Price at $142,500 and perfect for the first time home buyer wanting to take advantage of the $8000 tax credit.


Stop by and take a look!!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Tax credit for home buyers ending soon!

If you are interested in taking opportunity of the homebuyer tax credit, time is runnning out!!  You must be undercontract by the end of April to be eligiable for this tax credit.  Contact Kathy if you would like to take advantage of this great credit AND the low interest rates.  Buying a home has never been more afforable!!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Housing market snapshot from Colorado Association of Realtors

  Nearly three quarters of 4.9 million Colorado residents are homeowners.

 
 Housing costs are a primary factor in determining whether a state can effectively attract and retain  employees and businesses.

 
When a home is Colorado is sold...

 
  •  Income generated from real estate related industries is $21,429
  •  Additional expenditures on consumer items such as furniture, appliances and paint services is $5,311
  •  It generates economic multipliers impact; there is a greater spending at restaurants, sports games and charity events. The size of this multiplier effect is estimated at $12,845

 
Homes sold by Colorado Realtors in 2009

 
  •  59,156 single family units were sold in 209, a decrease of 12 percent compared to 2008. 13,258 Condo/Townhomes in 2009, a decrease of 13 percent compared to 2008.
  • The median price for a single family home was $ 214,584, a decrease of 12 percent compared to 2008, for condos/townhomes was $150, 333 in 2009, and 18 percent decrease from 2008

 
Who were the buyers?

 
  •  Thirty-nine percent of recent home buyers were first time home buyers.
  •  The typical first time buyer was 29 years old, while the typical repeat buyer was 47 years old.
  •  The median income was $58,200 among first time buyers and $83,900 among repeat buyers
  •  Twenty-one percent of recent home buyers were single women, 9 percent were single males.
  •  When considering the purchase of a home, commuting costs were considered a very or somewhat  important by 77 percent of buyers.

 
Foreclosures

 
  • The foreclosure rate has been a major issue in Colorado for the past five years. Blighted properties, lost tax revenues and displaced families have left both physical and emotional scars across the state
  •   Colorado foreclosure filings dropped from 39,607 in 2007 to 39,143 in 2008. The preliminary numbers for 2009 foreclosures filings are up 2.39 percent, reaching 40,070 according to Realty Track. Many are anticipating 2010 to rise slightly.
  •  Colorado Association of Realtors in conjunction with CBS4 and the Colorado Foreclosure hotline has started a Foreclosure Prevention Campaign to educate and help consumers choose the best option for their families when faced with this issue. The campaign also includes useful home buying and selling tips. Information can be found at http://cbs4denver.com/homehelp

Contact Kathy Crowder for all your Real Estate needs

 

Monday, February 1, 2010

Longmont Colorado 2009 Sales Statistics

Tax Credit for homebuyers is a great opportunity!!

If you are thinking of buying your first home, or moving up, this tax credit can help.  Click here for more information. or call Kathy at 303-775-0206