Thursday, November 13, 2014

Boulder Valley Real Estate Update


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


November/2014

The days grow shorter. The nights grow longer. We edge toward the end of another year. That sounded a little morbid, didn’t it? All new beginnings must ultimately have an end.
Real estate markets always have a new beginning. When the frigid days of winter give way to the warm days of spring, a renewed optimism in the minds of buyers and sellers begins to blossom. Change is in the air.
It’s like running a marathon. At the starting line (the beginning) there’s a nervous energy prevalent in the participants. Smiles flourish. Good wishes are offered. There’s a loud bang and they’re off. A few hours later (the end) the picture is a little different. A lot of energy has been expended. The participants are tired, but there’s a sense of accomplishment, a sense of purpose. Fulfillment reigns supreme.
When we look at the Boulder Valley real estate market thus far in 2014, from a new beginning to an impending end, we see the various aspects of a marathon.

·         We started the year with home mortgage interest rates around 4.47% for the traditional thirty-year fixed rate loan. At this writing the rate is about 3.93%. No major hills and valleys to be encountered here as we run along.
·         Home values across the Boulder Valley increased on average by about 5.89% when compared to last year ($517,488 vs. $487,008). That’s good stuff. We’re keeping a steady pace, running with the wind at our back.
·         Home sales across Boulder County are down slightly when compared to 2013. Single family sales are off about 8.44% (2,799 vs. 3,057). Attached unit sales are up about 2.04% (1,196 vs. 1,172). The combined market is down about 5.54% (3,995 vs. 4,229). A few hills to traverse here. Need to expend a little more energy, but not a lot of ground to make up.
·         Available inventory continues to be an ongoing issue. New construction has somewhat filled the void with production homes being built in several of the communities to the east of Boulder. Boulder County started the year with 769 single family active listings. At the end of October there were 981 single family active listings. That number will continue to drop by the end of the year to be somewhat comparable to where we started.  We’re on a flat surface now. A gentle breeze carries us along. The finish line is in sight.

As we race toward the end of the year, we can look back with some degree of pride on what has been accomplished. It’s been a long ten months plus thus far, with a steadfast resolve to help buyers and sellers meet their real estate needs. There have been a few transactions that have gone awry, but many more that went as planned, resulting in satisfied buyers and sellers.

Just beyond the horizon sits a new beginning, awaiting its time and opportunity to spring forward and make its presence known. What lies ahead for it is unknown, but as Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “Life is a journey, not a destination.” Take the time to enjoy the run. 

Saturday, September 27, 2014

I received a very nice letter of recommendation from a past client!


To Whom it may Concern:

We lost my father unexpected in the spring of 2013.  Which left my mother alone in the house her and my father shared together for over forty years. 

I was concerned about this situation over the long term, as I lived nearly an hour drive away.  With no other family nearby that was going to leave her a little isolated. 

I wanted her move closer to me, so I could be more available to her.  And I wanted it sooner rather than later.  But since my mother has lived on the same block since she was two years-old, she was not eager to move anytime soon. 

Realistically, I thought it would probably be five, maybe even ten years before she might choose to make that sort of move.  However, I thought if I started having her look at houses near me, occasionally, it would encourage her to move forward sooner. 

This is how we met Kathy, in the spring of this year, 2014.  We were "window shopping" and called Kathy to view a house she was listing in my  own neighborhood. 

The house was very nice, but not my mom's style. However, we both found Kathy to be very personable and enjoyed viewing her listing.  We felt at ease with her, and there was a real "click" between her and my mother, in particular.  

I will tell you that I don't remember wether we contacted Kathy again or, she contacted us.  It was such a natural progression of communication that it doesn't stand out to me.  And I can tell you this is the beauty of Kathy's manner and professionalism.

Kathy really knows how to talk, listen, and respond to her customers.  In fact, she never made us feel as if we were her customers.  She made us feel more like good friends, and she didn't want us in just any old house.  Rather she was determined to help us find the house perfectly suited to our wants and needs.  She is very patient and thoughtful that way.

We felt truly cared for and listened to.  And, amazingly, because of her keen abilities to respond so seamlessly to the conversations we had while house hunting, my mother found her perfect home. 

It took less than 5 months, beginning to end --not years!  I was so astounded.  She really knew how to connect with my mother in a way that helped her make one of the biggest lifestyle changes she's made in a very long time.

I will always be grateful to Kathy for helping my mother find the house of her dreams, so close to my own house.  My mother now lives 10 minutes away, and can enjoy her grandkids daily.  Rather than an hour away, with only the occasional visits she got previously. 

We are all very happy with this new change in our life, and I give Kathy so much credit for that change.  We feel very lucky to have connected with her.  She is so personable, knowledgable, and professional!  I highly recommend her to anyone looking to make a move, she knows her business and is a pleasure to work with! 

Sincerely,

Darla Bradford

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Boulder County economic update

Economic Snapshot
A look at the current real estate market, provided by RE/MAX ALLIANCE

July/2014

              Thus far this year home values continue to rise across the Boulder Valley as demand exceeds supply. New construction throughout the eastern portion of Boulder County has augmented a portion of the increased buyer demand, but resale listing inventory has plateaued, with monthly home sales somewhat mirroring monthly listings entering the market.
              In late June/2013 there were 1,353 active single family home listings in Boulder County. At the end of June/2014 that number stood at 1,284. Sales of single family homes through June/1014 are down 10.40% compared to through June/2013 (1,543 vs. 1,722). Attached unit sales for the same time periods are comparable (645 vs. 648).  
              Below is a brief overview of sales values by locale for single family homes from IRES (the Northern Colorado MLS). 
              
                                           2013 (Thru June)          2014 (Thru June)       
                Area                 Average Sales Value      Average Sales Value    % Change
              Boulder                         $749,116                     $804,668                     +7.41%
              Superior                        $469,584                     $504,825                     +7.50%
              Louisville                      $504,165                     $519,973                     +3.13%
              Lafayette                      $423,943                     $429,902                     +1.40%
              Longmont                     $280,923                     $304,563                     +8.41%
              Suburban Plains            $571,726                     $588,583                     +2.94%
              Suburban Mountains    $427,505                     $510,580                     +19.43%
              Broomfield                   $391,432                     $410,368                     +4.83%
                                                   =======                    =======                    =======
                 Average …               $476,568                     $499,963                     +4.90%       

              For Boulder County, this summer housing season is similar to last year’s. Here are some comparisons.
·            The Absorption Rate (the time it takes for the market to fully turn) for single family homes in June/2013 was 144 days; June/2014 was 150 days.
·            The thirty-year fixed rate mortgage could be had for 4.07% in June/2013; 4.16% in June/2014 … zero discount points on those rates. Thirty years ago (June/1984) the rate was 14.42%, with 2.5% in discount points. Each point lowers the interest rate by one-eighth to one one-quarter of the  interest rate. Zero discount points would have equated out to a rate of around 15% in June/1984.
·            As noted above, the level of available inventory for the two years is very similar. Inventory normally peaks around mid-summer and then begins to slowly drift lower as summer turns to fall and winter makes its presence known. 2013 ended the year with 679 active single family home listings in Boulder County.
·            Through June/2013 there were exactly 100 single family home sales in Boulder County for $1,000,000 (one million) and up. Through June/2014 that number stood at 110 single family homes.

              

Friday, July 4, 2014

YouTube video posted - via Circlepix.com

825 Collyer St Longmont, CO 80501

New listing video just posted:

http://video.circlepix.com/VSJCG5/525/4453

Description: Lovely Old Town home! Walk to downtown and all it offers. You will see this home have been lovingly cared for. Check out the hardwood flooring, crown molding and unique built ins! The kitchen offers abundant cabinet space, title floor and all appliances..jetted tub, storm windows are just some of the offerings...large patio, enclosed front porch, fenced yard shed and carriage house that has been converted to studio or office space. Rare offering! Showings start 6-29-14




Home Information:

Beds: 3

Baths: 2.00

Sqft: 1980

Price: $275000

MLS #: 740451

Saturday, June 28, 2014

825 Collyer St, Longmont, CO

825 Collyer St Longmont, CO 80501

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/VSJCG5

Description: Lovely Old Town home! Walk to downtown and all it offers. You will see this home have been lovingly cared for. Check out the hardwood flooring, crown molding and unique built ins! The kitchen offers abundant cabinet space, title floor and all appliances..jetted tub, storm windows are just some of the offerings...large patio, enclosed front porch, fenced yard shed and carriage house that has been converted to studio or office space. Rare offering! Showings start 6-29-14




Home Information:

Beds: 3

Baths: 2.00

Sqft: 1980

Price: $275000

MLS #: 740451

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

YouTube video posted - via Circlepix.com

1825-1827 Antero Dr Longmont, CO 80504

New listing video just posted:

http://video.circlepix.com/Z9N6KL/525/1834

Description: Got cash flow??? Well maintained 2 story duplex that has has upgrades such and newer windows, paint, flooring. Each unit has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, laundry, attached garages and fenced yards. Leased through September and October.




Home Information:

Beds: 0

Baths: 0.00

Sqft: 2304

Price: $265000

MLS #: 732622

YouTube video posted - via Circlepix.com

1825-1827 Antero Dr Longmont, CO 80504

New listing video just posted:

http://video.circlepix.com/Z9N6KL/525/1791

Description: Got cash flow??? Well maintained 2 story duplex that has has upgrades such and newer windows, paint, flooring. Each unit has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, laundry, attached garages and fenced yards. Leased through September and October.




Home Information:

Beds: 0

Baths: 0.00

Sqft: 2304

Price: $265000

MLS #: 732622

1825-1827 Antero Dr, Longmont, CO

1825-1827 Antero Dr Longmont, CO 80504

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/Z9N6KL

Description: Got cash flow??? Well maintained 2 story duplex that has has upgrades such and newer windows, paint, flooring. Each unit has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, laundry, attached garages and fenced yards. Leased through September and October.




Home Information:

Beds: 0

Baths: 0.00

Sqft: 2304

Price: $265000

MLS #: 732622

Monday, April 14, 2014

YouTube video posted - via Circlepix.com

1220 S Pratt Pkwy Longmont, CO 80501

New listing video just posted:

http://video.circlepix.com/39UBYW/525/1834

Description: Brick ranch with full finished basement, 4th bedroom in basement is conforming. Some hardwood flooring, some newer windows, huge family room. Nice sized fenced yard with covered deck and sprinkler system. New hot water heater (with 12 year warranty). One block to Burlington Elem, Kanemoto Park and bike path.




Home Information:

Beds: 4

Baths: 2.00

Sqft: 2128

Price: $219000

MLS #: 730810

YouTube video posted - via Circlepix.com

1220 S Pratt Pkwy Longmont, CO 80501

New listing video just posted:

http://video.circlepix.com/39UBYW/525/1791

Description: Brick ranch with full finished basement, 4th bedroom in basement is conforming. Some hardwood flooring, some newer windows, huge family room. Nice sized fenced yard with covered deck and sprinkler system. New hot water heater (with 12 year warranty). One block to Burlington Elem, Kanemoto Park and bike path.




Home Information:

Beds: 4

Baths: 2.00

Sqft: 2128

Price: $219000

MLS #: 730810

Friday, April 11, 2014

Real Estate Market Update for the Boulder County Area.

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

April/2014

            “Go west, young man” was a popular phrase in the 1800’s advocating the westward expansion of the country.  The phrase symbolized the idea that agriculture could solve many of the nation’s problems of poverty and unemployment characteristic of the big cities of the East.
            In the Boulder Valley, since the early 1970’s, there has been an on-going expansion of the bedroom communities east of Boulder. It started with new home construction in Louisville and Lafayette, then progressed to Superior, and now has found its momentum in Erie. Retail and commercial development followed in the footsteps of new home construction – you need to have rooftops to support business development.
            The most apt phrase today would be “Go east, home buyers!” There are several reasons for this: (1) New construction, at reasonable prices, continues to populate the landscape. (2) Resale homes, although at a low level (364 active single family home listings, with 150 of those under contract. 68 active attached unit listings, with 36 of those under contract.), are a good value. (3) Open space and recreational facilities have been a key component of growth throughout these communities, with quality of life being a major focus. Biking and jogging trails stretch from one community to the next. For young families, these are fantastic areas to raise children. Did I mention the awesome mountain views?  

With all this talk about going east, below are some sold numbers for single-family homes for various geographic areas throughout the Boulder Valley. Information is courtesy of IRES (the Northern Colorado MLS).

                                                           2013 Sales                2014 Sales
                                                          1st Quarter               1st Quarter          
                         Area                        Single Family          Single Family       % Change
              Boulder                                        143                           117                  -18.19%       
              Erie                                              70                             106                  +51.42%
              Superior                                       23                             18                    -21.74%                   
              Louisville                                     30                             27                    -10.00%
              Lafayette                                     51                             50                    -1.97%         
              Longmont                                    235                           181                  -22.98%       
              Suburban Plains                           96                             93                    -3.13%
              Suburban Mountains                   42                             43                    +2.38%        
                                                                   ===                          ===                 ====
                  TOTAL                                  690                           635                  -7.98%


            As various communities reach a build-out stage, the natural tendency of home builders is to search for virgin ground. Over the course of the past forty plus years that ground has been found east of Boulder. These small bedroom communities have grown over time and created their own identities. If you’re considering a move, take the time to “Go east!” and you’ll find a multitude of housing and family/retirement oriented opportunities.

Really? Homebuyers still gaga for granite countertops | Inman News

Really? Homebuyers still gaga for granite countertops | Inman News

Friday, March 28, 2014

YouTube video posted - via Circlepix.com

1220 S Pratt Pkwy Longmont, CO 80501

New listing video just posted:

http://video.circlepix.com/39UBYW/525/1834

Description: Brick ranch with full finished basement, 4th bedroom in basement is conforming. Some hardwood flooring, some newer windows, huge family room. Nice sized fenced yard with covered deck and sprinkler system. New hot water heater (with 12 year warranty). One block to Burlington Elem, Kanemoto Park and bike path.




Home Information:

Beds: 4

Baths: 2.00

Sqft: 2128

Price: $219000

MLS #: 730810

YouTube video posted - via Circlepix.com

1220 S Pratt Pkwy Longmont, CO 80501

New listing video just posted:

http://video.circlepix.com/39UBYW/525/1791

Description: Brick ranch with full finished basement, 4th bedroom in basement is conforming. Some hardwood flooring, some newer windows, huge family room. Nice sized fenced yard with covered deck and sprinkler system. New hot water heater (with 12 year warranty). One block to Burlington Elem, Kanemoto Park and bike path.




Home Information:

Beds: 4

Baths: 2.00

Sqft: 2128

Price: $219000

MLS #: 730810

Thursday, March 27, 2014

1220 S Pratt Pkwy, Longmont, CO

1220 S Pratt Pkwy Longmont, CO 80501

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/39UBYW

Description: Brick ranch with full finished basement, 4th bedroom in basement is conforming. Some hardwood flooring, some newer windows, huge family room. Nice sized fenced yard with covered deck and sprinkler system. New hot water heater (with 12 year warranty). One block to Burlington Elem, Kanemoto Park and bike path.




Home Information:

Beds: 4

Baths: 2.00

Sqft: 2128

Price: $219000

MLS #: 730810

Sunday, February 16, 2014

YouTube video posted - via Circlepix.com

12809 Hillcrest Dr Longmont, CO 80504

New listing video just posted:

http://video.circlepix.com/8VHFWC/525/1834

Description: Got views! Spacious, all brick, ranch style home on estate size lot offers tremendous mountain views! Nearly 2400 sq ft of living on one level. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, spacious, updated kitchen with custom pantry and hardwood flooring. Formal dining, living and family room with moss rock fireplace! large covered patio to soak in those views! Huge attached garage and additional detached for storage or workshop. Rare offering!




Home Information:

Beds: 4

Baths: 3.00

Sqft: 2386

Price: $395000

MLS #: 727690

YouTube video posted - via Circlepix.com

12809 Hillcrest Dr Longmont, CO 80504

New listing video just posted:

http://video.circlepix.com/8VHFWC/525/1791

Description: Got views! Spacious, all brick, ranch style home on estate size lot offers tremendous mountain views! Nearly 2400 sq ft of living on one level. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, spacious, updated kitchen with custom pantry and hardwood flooring. Formal dining, living and family room with moss rock fireplace! large covered patio to soak in those views! Huge attached garage and additional detached for storage or workshop. Rare offering!




Home Information:

Beds: 4

Baths: 3.00

Sqft: 2386

Price: $395000

MLS #: 727690

12809 Hillcrest Dr, Longmont, CO

12809 Hillcrest Dr Longmont, CO 80504

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/8VHFWC

Description: Got views! Spacious, all brick, ranch style home on estate size lot offers tremendous mountain views! Nearly 2400 sq ft of living on one level. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, spacious, updated kitchen with custom pantry and hardwood flooring. Formal dining, living and family room with moss rock fireplace! large covered patio to soak in those views! Huge attached garage and additional detached for storage or workshop. Rare offering!




Home Information:

Beds: 4

Baths: 3.00

Sqft: 2386

Price: $395000

MLS #: 727690

Friday, January 17, 2014

YouTube video posted - via Circlepix.com

3694 Wittaker Cir Johnstown, CO 80534

New listing video just posted:

http://video.circlepix.com/YASFMX/525/1834

Description: Opportunity knocks! Spacious, open two story home filled with light! Enjoy the large kitchen with island, open to the family room and offers abundant windows, formal living room can serve as a formal dining area. Main floor laundry/mud room and a 928 sq ft garage. Large master suite with 5 piece master bath and walk in closet. Basement is unfinished for expansion. Great neighborhood offering a private pool, walking trails and park areas.




Home Information:

Beds: 3

Baths: 3.00

Sqft: 3316

Price: $260000

MLS #: 725422

YouTube video posted - via Circlepix.com

3694 Wittaker Cir Johnstown, CO 80534

New listing video just posted:

http://video.circlepix.com/YASFMX/525/1791

Description: Opportunity knocks! Spacious, open two story home filled with light! Enjoy the large kitchen with island, open to the family room and offers abundant windows, formal living room can serve as a formal dining area. Main floor laundry/mud room and a 928 sq ft garage. Large master suite with 5 piece master bath and walk in closet. Basement is unfinished for expansion. Great neighborhood offering a private pool, walking trails and park areas.




Home Information:

Beds: 3

Baths: 3.00

Sqft: 3316

Price: $260000

MLS #: 725422

YouTube video posted - via Circlepix.com

3020 McIntosh Dr Longmont, CO 80503

New listing video just posted:

http://video.circlepix.com/W3MLXD/525/1834

Description: Rare opportunity. Spacious ranch style home with walk out basement 1/2 block from McIntosh lake. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 fireplaces. Huge screened in deck (14x22) with views of Long Peak and McIntosh lake. Walk out basement is finished with large rec room 3/4 bath, workshop area and 3rd fireplace. Master suite offers 3/4 bath, 2 closets and access to deck. McIntosh lake area offers miles of trails, fishing, wakeless boating, playground and breathtaking views. Home warranty included!




Home Information:

Beds: 3

Baths: 3.00

Sqft: 3962

Price: $329900

MLS #: 723852

YouTube video posted - via Circlepix.com

3020 McIntosh Dr Longmont, CO 80503

New listing video just posted:

http://video.circlepix.com/W3MLXD/525/1791

Description: Rare opportunity. Spacious ranch style home with walk out basement 1/2 block from McIntosh lake. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 fireplaces. Huge screened in deck (14x22) with views of Long Peak and McIntosh lake. Walk out basement is finished with large rec room 3/4 bath, workshop area and 3rd fireplace. Master suite offers 3/4 bath, 2 closets and access to deck. McIntosh lake area offers miles of trails, fishing, wakeless boating, playground and breathtaking views. Home warranty included!




Home Information:

Beds: 3

Baths: 3.00

Sqft: 3962

Price: $329900

MLS #: 723852

Saturday, January 11, 2014

3694 Wittaker Cir, Johnstown, CO

3694 Wittaker Cir Johnstown, CO 80534

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/YASFMX

Description: Opportunity knocks! Spacious, open two story home filled with light! Enjoy the large kitchen with island, open to the family room and offers abundant windows, formal living room can serve as a formal dining area. Main floor laundry/mud room and a 928 sq ft garage. Large master suite with 5 piece master bath and walk in closet. Basement is unfinished for expansion. Great neighborhood offering a private pool, walking trails and park areas.




Home Information:

Beds: 3

Baths: 3.00

Sqft: 3316

Price: $260000

MLS #: 725422