Archive for February, 2009
Boulder Colorado ClimateSmart Loan Program
February 22nd, 2009 Categories: Focus on Boulder, Trends
The ClimateSmart Loan Program, which is being considered by the Boulder County Commissioners, is a groundbreaking program that will allow homeowners to make energy efficient improvements to their home with an innovative financing mechanism. The citizens of Boulder County Colorado approved (of course they did) Ballot Measure 1A which established a “Clean Energy Options Local Improvement District” and gave permission to Boulder County’s program to administer the loans made possible through this special district. Keep reading and learn more… Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Julie Johnson | Discussion: 3 Comments »
The New First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
February 22nd, 2009 Categories: Buyer's Corner, First Time Buyers
A tax credit of up to $8,000 is now available for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. Unlike the tax credit enacted in 2008, the new credit does not have to be repaid.
I have put together a matrix (click on the link at the end of this post) that compares the old first time buyer tax credit of 2008 with the revised credit for home purchases after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. Some of the highlights are:
- Maximum credit allowed is $8000
- Purchasers who utilize revenue bond financing can use the credit
- No repayment for purchases between January 1 and December 1, 2009
- If the home is sold within 3 years of the purchase, the entire amount of the credit is recaptured with the sale. This applies only to homes purchased in 2009.
Written by Ro Troia | Discussion: No Comments »
Stimulus or Depressant – What Do You Think?
February 20th, 2009 Categories: Buyer's Corner, Market Conditions, REO and HUD Talk, Trends
We have all been reading and hearing about all the bail out bills and the latest $75 billion to aid homeowners at risk of losing their homes.
I found this clip on CNBC which is entertaining and might be right on. Watch and tell me how you feel. See Rick Santelli take down Cramer!
Written by Ro Troia | Discussion: 2 Comments »
Aid Coming to 9 Million Homeowners
February 18th, 2009 Categories: Buyer's Corner, Colorado Round Up, Market Conditions, Trends
A 75 billion $ plan is in the works that would subsidize rates and insure servicers against falling home prices. How will this work, well 
supposedly, the plan will make it easier for homeowners to modify their current mortgage to make monthly payments affordable. Obama’s bill is focusing on homeowners who are current on the mortgage but at the risk of default. He also plans to put billions of federal funds to entice loan servicers to modify the loans for the homeowners who have stopped paying.
The proposed program would give loan servicers $1,000 for each modified loan and another $1,000 each year for 3 years only if the borrower stays current. The bill would also give $500 to servicers and $1,500 to mortgage holders if they modify the loans at risk before the homeowner falls behind in payments. Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Ro Troia | Discussion: 1 Comment »
6111 Reserve Dr. – Boulder, Co
February 14th, 2009 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, Buyer's Corner, Focus on Boulder, Relocating, Trends
Boulder’s Premier Location, this home sits on .38 acre lot. A 5+ bedroom 4 bath home with over 5300 sq. ft. has a great floor plan, huge kitchen, family room with fireplace, office on the main floor and hardwood floors throughout. The basement is 100% finished with two recreation rooms, a 2nd family room and 2 more bedrooms or bonus rooms. The yard is fenced with a large two tiered deck and a hot tub.
I present you with a video walk through: Take the tour
To schedule a showing for this home or any home currently listed click here to contact me.
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Written by Ro Troia | Discussion: 1 Comment »
How Will The Stimulus Package Affect Us
February 11th, 2009 Categories: Buyer's Corner, First Time Buyers
Today, rates are below 5% again!
Go buy a bigger wallet because Congress appears to be close to putting the final touches on the economic recovery plan. Some of the likely provisions are:
- Make Work Pay Credit: The bill provides a $500 credit per worker and a $1,000 credit per dual-earner couple. The full credit would be paid to people making $70,000 or less ($140,000 per dual-earner couple). It would also be refundable, which means that even very low-income families who don’t make enough to owe income tax would be able to claim it.
- One-time payments to those who don’t work: For seniors who don’t work, as well as disabled veterans and retired railroad workers, the bill provides a one-time $300 payment.
- Break for higher income families: The bill includes a one-year provision to protect middle- and upper-middle-income families from having to pay the Alternative Minimum Tax. The AMT was intended primarily for high-income taxpayers but has in recent years threatened to engulf those lower down the income scale. Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Ro Troia | Discussion: 4 Comments »
Boulder Colorado Celebrates 150 years!
February 8th, 2009 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, Focus on Boulder, Mountain Living
For it’s sesquicentennial birthday, Boulder Colorado is literally “ringing in” its big day. According to The Boulder Daily Camera, the city of Boulder is invited to meet downtown near the Boulder County Courthouse by noon, bells in hand to ring one time for each of Boulder’s 150 years. The event happens this Tuesday and the group bell-ringing is expected to last about 15 minutes. It will be followed by the carillons of four buildings around town.
These include Macky Auditorium, St. Johns Episcopal Church, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, and St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church. 
Read more about this event and the history of Boulder Colorado.
Written by Julie Johnson | Discussion: 2 Comments »
RATES FLAT DESPITE MORE NEGATIVE ECONOMIC DATA
February 6th, 2009 Categories: Buyer's Corner, First Time Buyers, Market Conditions, Real Estate Tales, Relocating, Selling Thoughts, Trends
Mortgage interest rates were mostly flat this past week despite continued negative economic data. Today’s January employment report showed that the unemployment rate jumped from 7.2% in December to 7.6% in January. This is the highest unemployment rate in 16 years. Non-Farm Payrolls declined 598,000 on expectations that they 
would decline by 500,000. This is the largest monthly decline since December of 1974. Weekly jobless claims increased 35,000 on expectations that they would increase only 4,000. December Personal Income was down 0.2% and Spending was down 1.0%. The ISM Manufacturing and Services Sector indices were slightly better than expected but both indices still showed contraction within their respective sectors.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is currently at 8,221, up over 200 points on the week. Crude oil futures are currently trading at just over $39 per barrel, down over $2 per barrel on the week. The Senate may vote on the stimulus package today.
Next week look toward Wednesday’s International Trade Report, Thursday’s Retail Sales and weekly jobless claims, and Friday’s Consumer Sentiment Index as potential market moving events.
Written by Ro Troia | Discussion: No Comments »
