There are many times in life when it makes sense to rent the place you live in, such as for a temporary job assignment. However, over the years, owning real estate has proven to be the greatest wealth builder for most Americans. Advantages of renting • More mobile in the event of a job or […]
Buying a ski country home – Part 2
There are quite a few things to consider in order to make the vacation home buying experience a happy one. (Photo: Ian Keefe/Unsplash). Have you been thinking about buying a vacation home in ski country for you and your family to enjoy? There are quite a few things to consider in order to make the […]
At Home in Ski Country – Part 1
Summer has gone by fast! In Summit County, our ski country playground, there is already a hit of yellow in the aspen trees. If you are thinking of purchasing a second home in ski country, now is the perfect time to get started, before the snow starts falling. Over the years, I have found that […]
Grow your real estate wealth one owner-occupied home at a time
Most people start investing real estate by buying their personal residence. Yet the majority of Americans will stop there in terms of building their real estate portfolio. This is because when people are motivated to buy their first investment property, they are often told they will need a 20- or 25-percent down payment. Finding it […]
Should I buy my first home with a friend?
Rising home prices have made homeownership prohibitive for many across the county, and first-time buyers are turning to an alternative path to homeownership. That path is purchasing a property with a friend. (Photo: Gary Barnes/Pexels). In many housing markets, it is difficult to buy your first home. In Boulder County, this is certainly the […]
What’s so special about Special Tax Districts (and Metro Districts)?
Special tax districts and metro districts have been in the news again. As new subdivisions pop up along Colorado’s Front Range, it is prudent for today’s new home buyer to do some research. First of all, what is a special tax district or metro district? It is a tool that has been around for years […]
New home construction purchases
Owning a home is still a key facet of the American Dream. Owning a home, built specifically for you, with the opportunity to choose colors, floorplan, appliances, and every detail, is quite special! Real estate markets go through cycles – they always have, always will. Since I started selling real estate in 1978, I have […]
Wondering if you’re too old to buy a home?
There are certainly few things in life we’re too old to do. However, when it comes to buying a home, you’re never too old. Many baby boomers never bought a home in their younger years and some baby boomers lost their home in the 2007 to 2012 recession. Baby boomers were born between 1944 and […]
Living with the threat of wildfire
The fires in recent weeks in Routt County and western states bringing haze to the Front Range are a huge wake-up call to be prepared, especially for those who live in the mountains and foothills where wildfire is an ongoing hazard. (Photo: Pexels). Boulder County has seen its share of wildfires in recent years. […]
Appraisals and appraisal gaps on a home purchase
“Appraisal gap” is the current buzzy catchphrase in today’s hot housing market. An appraisal gap is the difference between what a home buyer is willing to offer and what the bank’s appraiser says the property is worth, based on the most recent sales of similar homes. Appraisers use sales that have closed in the past […]