Archive for August, 2008
Photosynth. Is It The Newest Trend In Real Estate?
August 28th, 2008 Categories: Buyer's Corner, Selling Thoughts, Trends
Personnally, I haven’t seen it used by very many agents in Boulder Colorado, but I’m sure it’s out there and will progress quickly. I read more and more about it each day. 
Photosynth or photo tourism is a collection of high resolution images displayed dramatically in 3D! Hundreds of pictures can be uploaded, virtually walking you through a home. Will this benefit sellers when listing their real estate? Could this be the advantage an agent needs when interviewing for a listing appointment? Or will it keep buyers from viewing properties since they can see everything without even entering the house? Is it affordable and easy? Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Julie Johnson | Discussion: No Comments »
Wonderland Hills in Boulder, Co - Sales Statistics for Aug. 2008
August 26th, 2008 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, Market Conditions, Wonderland Hills
Click the link below to view the current sales statistics for Wonderland Hills in Boulder, Co.
Wonderland Hills Sales Statistics
Written by Ro Troia | Discussion: No Comments »
Dakota Ridge Village - Residential Market Data - Aug. 2008, Boulder Co
August 26th, 2008 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, Dakota Ridge Village, Market Conditions
Click the link below to see the latest sales information for Dakota Ridge Village Residential, single family homes in Boulder, Colorado.
Dakota Ridge Village Residential Homes, Aug 2008
Written by Ro Troia | Discussion: No Comments »
Dakota Ridge Village Statistics - Attached Dwellings for Aug. 2008
August 26th, 2008 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, Dakota Ridge Village, Market Conditions
Click the link below to see the latest sales information for Dakota Ridge Village attached dwellings in Boulder, Colorado.
Dakota Ridge Village Attached Dwellings
Written by Ro Troia | Discussion: No Comments »
IRS taking a bite out of Real Estate exchanges
August 25th, 2008 Categories: Market Conditions, Real Estate Tales, Selling Thoughts
Ever feel like yo
u can’t win for losing? Beware, the IRS is closing loopholes on Capital Gains for 1031 real estate exchanges. Here we go again - the IRS is changing the status of what constitutes capital gains on investment property. As if we don’t already have enough to think about as a real estate investor. The reason I bring this up is because we are in a super “investor” real estate market right now. I live and work in Boulder Colorado where we have people moving here from all over the world, not only because of the beautiful scenery, but because it’s still a good place to invest and that appreciation of the homes are still above average. I recently picked up a buyer that was looking at one of my foreclosure listings and she was thinking about buying it as an investment and then moving into it themselves in the next few years. Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Karen Cifala | Discussion: No Comments »
Uncle Sam Passes Housing Stimulu$ Bill
August 25th, 2008 Categories: REO and HUD Talk
The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 was made official on July 30, 2008. This housing stimulus bill passed the House and Senate by overwhelming numbers and President Bush was quick to follow suit. Hopefully these changes will help jump start the slumping housing market but some feel it is too little too late. Regardless, there are still many home buyers who need affordable homes and FHA financing is one of the most popular means to obtain a mortgage loan.
If you are wondering what an FHA loan is it is a loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and made by an approved lender in accordance with the FHA’s regulations. FHA requires that the property being purchased meets certain minimum standards. This mortgage may be easier to qualify for than a conventional mortgage, but it also has a lower maximum loan limit that varies depending on the average cost of housing in a given region. FHA loans require the borrower to pay mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) if the down payment is less than 20%. Fixed and adjustable rates are available with FHA loans.
If you are considering an FHA loan, please remember FHA loans do take longer to process than conventional loans and the current average days to close is 35+ days. Also, FHA inspectors are more finicky when it comes appraisal time and there may be two inspections required for the property. This may be an important factor if you plan to buy a bank owned property which may have one or more inspection issues which could define if the property is considered habitable.
What does this mean for you if you plan to obtain FHA financing? Read the rest of this entry »
Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: No Comments »
Power From the Sun Puts Money in Your Pocket
August 23rd, 2008 Categories: Selling Thoughts, Trends
Amendment 37 passed in Colorado in 2005 requiring major utility companies to obtain electricity production from renewable sources. This amendment allows Colorado homeowners to make money and support a green environment.
Xcel energy created a very generous incentive program for homeowners willing to install a solar electric system. The plan pays $4.50 per watt of solar electric power, but what is this translated? An average home uses 5000 watts to supply their needs, Xcel will pay a homeowner $22,500 towards a solar system. Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Ro Troia | Discussion: No Comments »
Don’t Let the Cat out of the bag
August 21st, 2008 Categories: Buyer's Corner, First Time Buyers, Home Inspections and Maintenance, Market Conditions, REO and HUD Talk
When purchasing a home it is very important to have the home inspected for possible issues that might come up in the future. Many people do not realize the importance of a home inspection until it is too late. But there are other reasons to have a home inspection done especially when you are dealing with REO or Foreclosure properties or properties that are being sold “as is”. Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Chris Boyers | Discussion: No Comments »
Sellers and Tenants, Please find something to do for an hour!
August 15th, 2008 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, Focus on Boulder, Real Estate Tales, Selling Thoughts
I have been selling real estate in Boulder, CO and Denver since 2001. I have shown thousands of homes to potential buyers, and in an area that is highly 
student populated, you never know what kind of mess you might walk into. Not only do tenants and sellers leave their homes in shambles for showings, but they also sometimes feel the need to reveal a little too much about what goes on in those homes that we, the Realtors, need to try to help sell. And why can they just not find a park to hang out in or coffee shop to read at during showings? Especially in Boulder and Denver. There are tons of parks and coffe shops all over the place! Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Brody Stinson | Discussion: 1 Comment »
Pearl Street Mall - A People Watching Experience
August 13th, 2008 Categories: Colorado Round Up, Focus on Boulder, Relocating
There’s nothing
more fun to do than to go to the Pearl Street Mall when you’re in Boulder Colorado. It doesn’t matter what time of the year it is either. The parade of quirky buskers (street performers) and Boulderites, the beautiful flowers (or holiday lights), the enormous variety of shops and restaurants make for a delightful open air stroll, in one of the nations most successful outdoor walking malls. Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Karen Cifala | Discussion: 1 Comment »
