Area Real Estate News & Market Trends

Our blog is a great resource for helpful tips, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. That’s because we care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We’d love to talk with you!

Oct. 24, 2013

REAL ESTATE TRENDS TO WATCH 2013

December 6, 2012

Five years and 16 million foreclosures after the 2008 housing crash, most Americans have not lost faith in real estate. In a survey this summer of more than 2,000 adults by home buyer website Trulia, 61 percent of respondents predicted that prices in their local market would rise next year, 58 percent thought prices would take 10 years or less to get back to their pre-crash peak, and almost 80 percent of current renters said they plan to buy a home someday.

Whether or not that enthusiasm has merit, the signs of a turnaround are hard to ignore. National home prices have been on the uptick for eight straight months and jumped 6.3 percent year-over-year in October – the largest increase since June 2006, according to CoreLogic. In California, one of the hardest-hit states, 57 percent of homes for sale have attracted multiple offers this year. Bidding wars on houses are making a comeback in Florida, and in Phoenix, realtor Marge Peck says that “everything under $150,000 sells in a heartbeat.”

Will that pattern hold in 2013? To find out, we talked to real estate economists and insiders and reviewed industry reports that assess next year’s outlook. Most experts said their predictions depend on the mainstream forecasts of economic growth next year being correct and assume that the economy won’t experience an earthquake from falling off the fiscal cliff. Others emphasized that all markets are local—real estate conditions in coastal metro areas vary wildly from those in mid-sized Midwestern towns. Those caveats aside, here are 10 real estate trends they forecast for next year.

1. Rising home prices. The slow pace of new-home construction is pushing prices up, a pattern that will continue in 2012, according to several sources. Calvin Schnure, an economist at the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, says construction of new homes and apartments needs to be between 1.25 and 1.5 million a year just to keep up with population growth. But since the housing crash, new construction has been at 500,000 units or fewer for 6 years running—that’s actually created a shortfall in available homes. A National Association of Realtors (NAR) report in October showed a 5.4 months’ inventory of homes for sale at the current pace, 22 percent below where it was a year ago and the lowest inventory since February 2006. (A 6-month inventory is generally considered the sign of a healthy market).

Read more at http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2012/12/06/10-Real-Estate-Trends-to-Watch-in-2013.aspx#VYEtxmOVdr5OVMoZ.99
Posted in Market Updates
Sept. 5, 2013

Summer Activity Guide 2013~Enjoy Colorado!

Arts, Festivals, Events and Entertainment:

Botanic Garden Event Calendar
Boulder Area Event Calendar
Cheyenne Frontier Days
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Event Calendar
Colorado Arts & Entertainment
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
Colorado Springs Area Event Calendar
Denver Area Event Calendar
Denver Zoo Event Calendar
Douglas County Fair Grounds and Event Center Calendar
Elbert County Events Calendar
Elizabeth Stampede Pro Rodeo
Evergreen Fine Arts Festival
Evergreen Rodeo
Evergreen Summerfest
Everything Fun in Longmont
Fort Collins Area Event Calendar
Greeley Stampede
High Country Rodeo in Winter Park
Longmont Area Event Calendar
Lyons Area Event Calendar
Parker Days
Parker Events Calendar
Rocky Mountain Bicycle Festival

Concerts and Venues:

Denver Area
Colorado Springs Area 
Fort Collins/Boulder Areas 
Denver's Botanic Garden Concert Series
Comfort Dental Amphitheatre (Fiddlers Green) 
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Shakespeare Festival in Boulder
The Colorado Music Festival at Chautauqua
Hudson Gardens in Littleton

 

Sporting Events:

Colorado Rockies Baseball
Colorado Rapids Soccer
Colorado Springs Sky Sox Baseball
Team USA Olympics
America's Pro Cycling Challenge Race (Colorado)
Denver Browns Baseball Club, Semi-Pro Baseball Team

Have a Safe and Wonderful Summer!

 

Posted in Family First
Aug. 24, 2013

Home For Sale 7338 Grady Circle

 SOLD 

Posted in Buyer Info
July 22, 2013

ONLY 5 DAYS LEFT....WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT.

ONLY 5 Days to go.

The journey to end cancer starts with a single step. Take that step by supporting the global Relay For Life movement.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the largest fundraiser in the world. No matter where you live, you can join the world's largest fight for more birthdays.

Please donate to our fundraising goal.

Let's create a world with less cancer and more birthdays!

July 12, 2013

GO TEAM- HELP SUPPORT KEENAN FOR THE CURE.

Here is my motivation for Relay for the CURE.  Please help support my team!

My Uncle Mike had been diagnosed with cancer a little over a year ago. Seeing the pain, suffering, and heartache it had cause has truly inspired me to be a small part in the big fight for a cure. My family and I have decided to create this team, honoring him and the amazing person that he was.  A few years ago, Uncle Mike helped me organize a race for the cure out in Castle Rock honoring others. This year I'm sadden to say “I’m organizing a race in honor of you, Uncle Mike”.

Uncle Mike had a smile that would light up any room he entered. With his warm and caring personality, his jolly old laugh, any one that was around him knew he was your friend. For life.

He was the perfect Dad/Uncle. There are so many things I miss about him: his smile, his advice and his unconditional support and love. He taught me many things, and the irony is, in his death, he taught me the most important lesson -- to live each day because you never know when it will be taken away from you. Any one who knew Uncle Mike still feels the pain of his absents. So let’s do something he would be proud of. Let’s honor him by getting together for this race for a cure and show this nasty disease that we are putting up a fight!

Feel free to join us at the race in Parker?  It should be a great day. Please join our team or make a small donation.  We are coming in as late starters. But since today was Uncle Mikes 62 birthday I felt it was time to get off my butt and reach out to all of you who have the desire to make a difference and fight for a cure.

Please support us in our cancer relay here at KEENAN FOR THE CURE

Relay For Life of Parker Colorado

  Date:  July 12, 2014
  Location: Lutheran High School
9200 N. Motsenbocker Rd, Parker
  Map:  Link to Directions
  Time:  3:00PM
June 11, 2013

Parker Festival Days are just around the corner.

Kids, adults and I alike are counting the days until Parker’s most prominent summer blowout.  My family looks forward to this great event every year, and we are never disappointed.

Now in its 36th year, the Parker Days Festival is known for delivering memorable days and nights filled with your typical carnival rides, fun venders of all types, great food and plenty of music.  This happens to be my favorite part of the festivities the live music and dancing.  Love it, love it , love it.

We sure hope to see you there. 

CLICK HERE FOR ALL EVENTS

Entertainment Line-up

    MAIN STAGE

 

FRIDAY, JUNE 14  
5:30 - 6:45 PM CLAY McCLINTON
7:15 - 8:45 PM SOUL SCHOOL
9:30 - 11:00 PM

KYGO PRESENTS: TYLER FARR 

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

 
12:00 - 1:15 PM BLUZINATORS
1:45 - 3:00 PM THE LONG RUN
3:30 - 4:45 PM BLINKER FLUID
5:15 - 6:30 PM FIVE 13
7:00 - 8:30 PM SOMETHING UNDERGROUND
9:00 - 11:00 PM HOT LUNCH

 

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

 

 

8:30 - 10:00 AM

 

10:00 - 11:00 AM

PANCAKE BREAKFAST; BRING CANNED GOOD

FOR PARKER TASK FORCE FOOD BANK

 

CHURCH SERVICE - BY PEPC CHURCH

12:00 - 1:00 PM FOREVER FAB
1:30 - 2:30 PM SOUL SACRIFICE
2:30 - 4:00 PM HOMESLICE
4:30 - 6:00 PM MARGARITA BROTHERS
6:30 - 8:00 PM FUNKIPHINO
   
   
                                            PIKES PEAK STAGE

 

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

 
6:30 - 7:00 PM SHIMMY WITH SHEIKHA
7:00 - 7:20 PM BELLY DANCING LESSONS
7:20 - 8:00 PM SHIMMY WITH SHEIKHA
8:00 - 8:20 PM INTERACTIVE STAGE
8:30 - 10:00 PM URBAN DANCE THEORY

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

 
11:00 - 12:30 PM THE BUDDY PROJECT BIG BAND
12:30 - 1:00 PM INTERACTIVE STAGE
1:00 - 2:00 PM FIESTA COLORADO & MARIACHI SOL DE MI TIERRA
2:00 - 2:30 PM INTERACTIVE STAGE
2:30 - 4:00 PM KENNY PERKINS BAND
4:00 - 4:30 PM INTERACTIVE STAGE
4:30 - 5:30 PM THE JULIUS SHOW
5:30 - 6:00 PM COUNTRY LINE DANCE LESSONS
6:00 - 7:30 PM TRIPLE NICKEL
7:30 - 8:00 PM COUNTRY LINE DANCE LESSONS
8:00 - 10:00 PM HONKY TONK VOODOO

 

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

 
12:00 - 12:30 PM INTERACTIVE STAGE
12:30 - 2:00 PM DIXIE LEADFOOT & THE CHROME STRUTS
2:00 - 2:30 PM INTERACTIVE STAGE
2:30 - 3:30 PM PARTY CRASHERS
4:00 - 4:30 PM INTERACTIVE STAGE
4:30 - 6:00 PM DOTSERO
Posted in Family First
May 20, 2013

PARKER WINE WALKS

Enjoy a Spring/Fall evening in beautiful Old Town Parker with your spouse, friends, family, neighbors, co-workers anyone you'd like to spend some time with.

Old Town Parker Wine Walks are the last Friday of every month, May through October. Several local businesses~restaurants and shops~will open their doors to meet, greet and pour! It's a wonderful way to learn about the businesses that line Main Street.

This is a Parker Chamber of Commerce Signature Event that benefits local non-profit businesses in Parker, Colorado.

  Tickets can be purchased HERE

~$15 Per Participant (must be 21+ years of age)
~Tickets on sale at the Parker Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Center located on the corner of   Mainstreet and Pikes Peak Drive
~Participants will receive a FREE wine glass, 10 tasting coupons and specials from sponsors
~May through October on the last Friday of the month, 5-8 pm (Please note the time change forOlde Town Parker Wine Walks 2013)

*May 31st ~ Benefiting Parker Arts Council
*June 28th ~ Benefiting Parker Arts Guild
*July 26th ~ Benefiting Beta Sigma Fi
*August 30th ~ Benefiting Parker Historical Society
*September 27th ~ Benefiting Rotary Club of Parker
*October 25th ~ Benefiting Cherry Creek Valley Rotary

Posted in Family First
April 24, 2013

Douglas County School District receives Green Ribbon District Award

Article from Community Relations Douglas County School District. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan honored Douglas County School District (DCSD) with the first ever U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools District Sustainability Award.

“DCSD has long been a model of excellence in the area of sustainability,” said Lee Smit, DCSD Sustainability Manager. “This is an incredible honor for our students, our staff, and our district leaders.” 

According to Smit, sustainability efforts have saved DCSD over $15 million in the last six years.  “We could only achieve this level of success with students, staff, and administrators working together.” 
 
Smit credits DCSD students for leading the charge on education efforts and intelligent management of resources.  “More than 7,000 students are running sustainability projects in their schools.  They have developed school-specific marketing and education campaigns, challenged their peers and their staff, and worked hard to save money that can be directed back to the classroom.” 
 
“Each department in our District has an impact on what we achieve,” continued Smit.  “In DCSD, all of our departments are focusing on how we can improve and this award reflects on their efforts.  From Operations to Transportation, Human Resources, Nutrition Services and more – we are surrounded by talented people that do a wonderful job.”
 
DCSD was nominated for the Green Ribbon School District Sustainability Award by the Colorado Department of Education. The award acknowledges DCSD’s achievements in taking a comprehensive approach to sustainability.  The areas encompassed by the award include reduced environmental impact and costs, improved health and wellness, and effective environmental and sustainability education.
 
Out of 15,000 school districts nationwide, only 14 were selected for their exemplary efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, promote better health, and ensure effective environmental education, including civics, STEM and green career pathways. 
 
Duncan announced the award this morning along with the Chair of White House Council on Environmental Quality Nancy Sutley and Acting Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency Bob Persiacepe.
 
“Today’s honorees are modeling a comprehensive approach to being green,” said Secretary Duncan. “They are demonstrating ways schools can simultaneously cut costs; improve health, performance and equity; and provide an education geared toward the jobs of the future. In fact, the selected districts are saving millions of dollars as a result of their greening efforts. And the great thing is that the resources these honorees are using are available for free to all schools."
 
“Preparing students for success in the 21st century economy begins in our schools. The schools and districts being honored today are modeling the best practices in reducing environmental impact and cutting costs, creating a healthier learning environment, and providing students with an education geared toward the jobs of the future,” said Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality Nancy Sutley.
 
"EPA is proud to join the Department of Education in recognizing our nation's U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools for their remarkable efforts to create healthier learning spaces and educate students on the importance of environmental protection," said EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe. "U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools are not only cutting costs thanks to energy-saving practices and use of more efficient technology, but they're also reducing instances of pollution-related illnesses like asthma, a leading cause of student absence. The students who attend these schools are better prepared than ever to become the next generation of environmental stewards and bring about a healthier, more sustainable future."
 
The U.S. Department of Education is looking forward to a third year of the program, and will be publishing updated competition criteria this summer, once again working closely with participating states, who nominate both schools and districts to the federal agency.  State education agencies are encouraged to indicate their intent to nominate schools and districts within their jurisdiction in 2014 by August 1, 2013.
 
More information on the federal recognition award can be found at www2.ed.gov/pgreen-ribbon-schools.  Resources for all schools to move toward the three Pillars in which the 2013 honorees are exemplary can be found at www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/green-strides/index.html.

 

Tags: Green facilities,Sustainability,

Posted in Family First
April 11, 2013

WHAT IS THE NUMBER ONE OBSTABLE MOST FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS FACE?

The number-one obstacle most first-time home buyers face is simply a lack of knowledge. Below, we’ve listed some of the most common hurdles you’re likely to face — and how to overcome them.

Problem: ”I don’t have enough cash for the down payment.”
Solution: Some common mortgage programs require down payments as low as 3%. If you have a strong income and excellent credit, you may qualify.

The Federal Housing Administration accepts down payments as low as 3.5%. Conventional loans require minimum down payments of 3% to 5%.

You might even consider borrowing your down payment from yourself. As long as the extra debt would not adversely affect your buying power, your current assets, such as a car, boat or life insurance policy, could be resources to draw upon. In addition, first-time buyers can withdraw from their Individual Retirement Accounts to purchase a home, without an early withdrawal penalty. (Restrictions apply.)

Problem: ”I don’t have enough money for — or I don’t want to pay for — up-front fees and points.”
Solution: Look for no-cost programs. These days, lenders offer finance packages that require no points and no fees. A point equals 1% of the loan amount and, in essence, is pre-paid interest to give you a lower interest rate. While you may have to pay a slightly higher interest rate (and therefore a higher monthly payment), a no-points/no-fees loan can get a buyer into a house when there’s just not enough cash left after the down payment.

Problem: ”After making my down payment and closing costs, I don’t have money left for up-front mortgage insurance.”
Solution: Buyers who put down less than 20% must purchase private mortgage insurance to protect the lender in case of default. In today’s market, however, some insurance companies will let buyers finance the up-front mortgage insurance over time.

There are also “self-insure” programs available to you if you are able to handle paying a higher interest rate.

Problem: ”I want to buy a home, but I have a bad credit record.”
Solution: What seems like bad credit to you may actually be sufficient to get you into your next house. If you know for certain your credit is blemished, but with good reason — such as illness or loss of job — a letter of explanation could go a long way with the underwriter.

For those who have bad credit with no explanation, all is not lost! Change your credit habits, consolidate debt and pay your bills on time. It’s going to take 12 to 24 months of good credit history to clean up your record, but the benefits of homeownership are worth it.

Problem: ”I have a special situation that would prevent me from getting a loan.”
Solution: The bottom line in qualifying for a home mortgage includes a combination of income, debt ratios and credit ratings. Anything outside those three can usually be explained or documented. Below are some special situations and how to work around them.

  • Self-employed or commission-paid borrowers must provide federal tax forms for the past two years, along with a current year-to-date profit and loss statement.
  • Divorced or separated borrowers will need to provide a copy of the divorce decree and separation agreement, plus documentation of any alimony or child support payments they are required to make. If alimony or child support payments are to be considered as income, proof of this income (such as the clerk of court’s history of payments or canceled checks for the past 12 months) must be included.
  • Retired borrowers and others receiving pension, disability, Social Security or any form of public assistance benefits as income will need to provide a copy of an award certificate or a check from the issuing agency.
  • Bad-credit borrowers who have bankruptcy, foreclosure or other judgments against them in the past seven years should provide information on the proceedings. Information on bankruptcies should include a copy of the bankruptcy discharge and a schedule of both debts and assets. Judgments against the borrower should include an attorney’s letter that discusses the outcome of the proceedings.

If you are interest in more information we have great lenders who would love to help, just give us a call. 720-515-0248



 

Posted in Buyer Info
March 19, 2013

3. Great Natural Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring is just around the corner, and it's about time to begin doing that seasonal cleaning. You’re probably dreading it, I know I do, but there is something you can do to make it a bit better. Going green and natural can help you avoid the dangers that many chemicals in cleansers can bring into your home. If you want to get your home freshened up and looking clean, here are some wonderful spring cleaning tips that are all natural.

Tip #1 –

Get the Clean Smell the Natural Way

After having the house all closed up through the winter, you may want to find a way to make the house smell clean. Do not resort to using those air fresheners that end up putting chemicals into the air of your home. One of the best things you can do is to simply open windows. Doing this will bring in fresh air, get rid of impurities, and eliminate those stale odors.

Here is a great Homemade Air Freshener if you find opening the windows is just doing it for you.
To naturally get rid of odors, make a simple air freshener with 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 3 drops essential oil (I like lavender), and pour in 2 cups of hot water. Mix well, pour into a spray bottle, and have fun!

Tip #2 – Hang Items Outside

Instead of throwing curtains and towels in the dryer with softener sheets, which also include chemicals, you can get a great smell by hanging them outside. The fresh air will dry them for you and make them smell great so when you bring them back inside, they’ll add to the clean smell of your home.

Tip #3 – Look for Natural Products

In some cases you may need more than just the products you can create at home to clean your house. Try looking for natural products that do not include chemicals in them. Often you’ll find that even your local supermarket has leaning towards products that are all natural and plant based so you can clean your home this spring without worrying about breathing in chemicals and furthering pollution and global warming.

Happy Cleaning

For more great Spring Cleaning ideas visit http://www.homecleaningblog.com/

Posted in Around the House