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 […]
Duane's Timely Topics
Duane's compilation of the most relevant topics to real estate today in Boulder.
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 […]
What It Takes to Fix-and-Flip – Part 1
The time and money it requires to renovate a property and the time it will take to sell the property are critical factors in whether or not you make a profit in your fix-up venture. (Photo: Rene Asmussen/Pexels). With the innumerable “fix-and-flip” shows that make home renovations look so easy, many people think purchasing […]
Is COVID-19 Causing a Housing Inventory Shortage?
COVID-19 is only one of the reasons why housing inventory remains low. (Photo: Bigstock). If you have been searching for a home recently, you will observe that there is a shortage of homes for sale. Demand for homes remains high, and with limited inventory, there has been pressure pushing prices upwards. COVID-19 does factor […]
Protect Yourself from Wire Fraud
In 2017 there was a barrage of scams and attacks on real estate transactions by cybercriminals attempting to steal funds from wire transfers. Yes, even right here in Boulder! Cybercriminals have stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars by re-directing wiring instructions in the middle of a real estate transaction. For many victims, their entire life […]
Coronavirus and Buying a College Condo – Part 2
In my last article, Part 1 of “Coronavirus and Buying a College Condo” I discussed how buying a condo or house for your child to live in when going to college can be a worthwhile investment and can also have financial as well as other benefits for your college student. As you evaluate this decision, […]