PMI is usually required on conventional home loans for which the down payment is less than 20 percent. When one thinks of “mortgage insurance” some will think of a type of life insurance that if you die, the mortgage on your house is paid off for the benefit of the survivors. Private Mortgage Insurance, known […]
Duane's Timely Topics
Duane's compilation of the most relevant topics to real estate today in Boulder.
Why is there such a shortage of homes to buy?, Part 1
According to RE/MAX of Boulder Managing Broker Todd Gullette, 2021 is starting off with a record-low number of homes available to buy. As of January 2021, there are only a total of 334 single family homes showing as available in the IRES Multiple Listing System (MLS) in all of Boulder County. For many home buyers, […]
Investing in real estate using retirement plan funds, Part 2
Anyone can use their retirement plan to invest in real estate you just need to have the proper plan in place. (Photo: Pexels). Retirement plans such as IRAs, SEPs, and 401ks are often thought of as limited to investments in stocks or mutual funds. However, if you open a self-directed IRA account (SDIRA), your […]
Investing in real estate using retirement plan funds, Part 1
Anyone can use their retirement plan to invest in real estate you just need to have the proper plan in place. (Photo: Pexels). When most people think of IRAs, SEPs, and 401ks, they usually think of investing in the stock market or mutual funds. However, if you set up a self-directed IRA account (SDIRA), […]
Home appreciation outpacing capital gains exclusion
It is very tough to “outsave” an appreciating real estate market. The 1997 Taxpay Relief Act allowed for a $250,000 capital gains exclusion for a single person and $500,000 for a married couple when a personal residence was sold. The caveat was that the homeowner needed to live in the home for the last two […]
Keep your home safe! January is Radon Action Month
Preparatory stage for the construction of a ventilated crawl space in a brick building. (Photo: Francesco Scatena, Shutterstock). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated January as National Radon Action Month. According to the EPA, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon gas is emitted from decaying uranium naturally occurring […]
Find out if you qualify for the Senior Homestead Property Tax Exemption
Owner financing is an alternative to a using a mortgage lender or bank. (Photo: Pexels). In 2000, Colorado voters approved a property tax exemption for qualified seniors (also known as the Senior Homestead Exemption) as a state constitutional amendment. The Colorado legislature makes a determination each year to see if the state budget allows […]
A special holiday gift for first-time home buyers
A Colorado First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account (FHSA) is a great way to speed up a homebuyer’s ability to purchase their first home. (Photo: Ben White/Unsplash). If you’re searching for an enduring gift for your loved ones, which will be treasured for a lifetime, during an especially challenging year, you can consider giving up to […]
Fixer Uppers to Live In
Fix-and-flips are all the rage, but have you ever considered a fix-up to live in? (Photo: Pexels). Fix-and-flips are all the rage, but have you ever considered a fix-up to live in? You might be able to find the perfect location an older home that may need more renovation than your budget allows. The answer […]
Realtor for Life: What It Takes To Fix-and-Flip – Part 2
Fix-and-flips are beloved home show staples, and they make these ventures look easy and highly profitable – but are they? In my previous article,What It takes To Fix-and-Flip – Part 1 I discussed building a team of experts, which you will need as you move forward with any property renovation. I also provided a Cost […]