To lock or not to lock, that is the home buyer’s choice. Over the last several years we have enjoyed record-low mortgage rates that have, for the most part, been stable. The most recent peak in interest rates was November 2018 with an average reported rate of 4.81% for 30-year loans. Afterwards, the trend moved […]
Why is there such a shortage of homes to buy? – Part 2
In Part 2 of this two-part series, I discuss the variety of reasons why housing inventory has dropped to such low levels in Boulder County. Work from home Now that people can work remotely, many urban dwellers are choosing to move out of larger cities to suburban areas where they can enjoy more space, high […]
Last year set the stage for April’s Fair Housing Month
The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) continues to be an industry leader in fair housing. Last year set the stage for a progressive movement in the fair housing world to support equal opportunity and ensure that people are not discriminated against with regard to housing. In fact, the leadership of the National Association of Realtors […]
Removing Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) from your mortgage
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 […]
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 […]
Homebuyers gain purchasing power with higher loan limits
It is very tough to “outsave” an appreciating real estate market. As 2021 begins, today’s homebuyers are frustrated with the scarce inventory of homes to choose from across all price ranges. Shrinking inventory has put upward pressure on home prices across the country. In fact, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) determined that the average […]
Owner financing in real estate
Owner financing is an alternative to a using a mortgage lender or bank. (Photo: Pexels). Owner financing is an alternative to a using a mortgage lender or bank. Also known as seller financing, owner financing is when a real estate owner has enough equity to loan all or part of the money for a buyer’s […]
2021 real estate crystal ball
Don’t you wish you had a crystal ball with perfect vision to peer into the future of real estate? (Photo: Artem Podrez, Pexels). Don’t you wish you had a crystal ball with perfect vision to peer into the future of real estate? Last year at the same time the word “COVID-19” did not even […]
It’s time for your annual real estate checkup
Just like visiting your doctor’s office for your annual physical to keep yourself healthy, it is imperative to conduct an annual real estate checkup to be diligent about your financial wellbeing. (Photo: Artem Podrez, Pexels). Just like visiting your doctor’s office for your annual physical to keep yourself healthy, it is imperative to conduct […]