When listing a home with a real estate agent, sellers of psychologically impacted or “stigmatized” homes often ask if a seller needs to disclose a something such as a murder or suicide occurring on the property. The answer is not the same across all states, but luckily, in Colorado, we have some guidance from the […]
Duane's Timely Topics
Duane's compilation of the most relevant topics to real estate today in Boulder.
Relocating? Check the Housing Affordability Index
If you are mulling over the idea of moving and need to compare to a variety of different places you are interested in relocating to, you will no doubt want to assess the cost of housing. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) makes it easy to make comparisons. NAR has been keeping track of the […]
Psychologically impacted or stigmatized homes
When listing a home with a real estate agent, sellers of psychologically impacted or “stigmatized” homes often ask if a seller needs to disclose a something such as a murder or suicide occurring on the property. The answer is not the same across all states, but luckily, in Colorado, we have some guidance from the […]
Minimum Service Requirements for Real Estate Brokers
Homebuyers and home sellers hire real estate brokers to assist them with what is commonly the largest financial transaction in most people’s lives. In today’s real estate world, there is a copious variety of business models seeking to serve the needs of homebuyers and sellers. As markets change, types of real estate business models change […]
Buying or Selling a Home? Consider Using a CRS
In order to earn a real estate license in Colorado, an applicant must complete a total of 168 hours of coursework covering real estate law and practice, Colorado contracts, trust accounts, legal issues, closings, and practical applications. Colorado has much more stringent educational requirements than other states. Therefore, after agents are licensed and can […]
Measuring square footage in single-family homes, condos and townhomes
Single family homes are usually measured using outside measurements, meaning the width of the wall is included in the total square footage number. If you have three different professionals measure a home, you will likely be presented with three slightly different results. Why is that? Different standards, rounding differences, and local customs are just a […]
Co-signing a Mortgage for a Relative — Should I or Should I Not?
As prices of homes have increased steadily, it has been more difficult for first-time home buyers to enter the real estate market. Often first-time home buyers will turn to relatives to help with a down payment or co-signing on the loan. However, all parties involved need to go in with their eyes wide open […]
Alternative Financing When Mortgage Interest Rates Rise – Then and Now
When interest rates on mortgage loans climbed to historic levels in the 1980s, it was very hard for home buyers to sign on to a 16% mortgage loan. Even though it was pretty tough times, the real estate industry had tools to keep the market moving. If a mortgage holder was a Colorado savings […]
What You Need to Know About Homeowners Associations
If you are buying any property, whether it is land, house, condo, or townhome, there might be a Homeowners Association (HOA) involved. Knowing as much as you can about the HOA will help you make a quality decision in the homebuying process. – An HOA will provide a number of services and benefits to the […]
The Voice of Colorado Real Estate: The Colorado Association of Realtors
Knowing the statistics in your market will help you and your Realtor make qualified and informed decisions on what may be the biggest investment of your life. One of the goals of the Colorado Association of Realtors® (CAR) is to be the voice of Colorado real estate. In this capacity, CAR is an invaluable, direct source […]