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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Selling or buying a home with solar
Today, most of the solar panels you see are photovoltaic (PV), which produce electricity for the home or provide power back to the grid. In the 1980s, there was a significant 70% Federal tax credit available if you added solar panels to your home. At the time, we saw solar panels on rooftops popping up […]
Should I co-sign a mortgage for a relative?
Frequently, first-time homebuyers will turn to relatives to help with a down payment or to cosign on the loan. In Boulder County, the prices of homes have risen steadily, and even more so this year with very low inventory and high buyer and investor demand. Due to this, it has been much more difficult for […]
June is home ownership month! Homeownership matters!
NAR’s “Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing” report reveals that homeowners are happier and healthier. They tend to vote more, volunteer more, and contribute more to their neighborhoods. Historically, June is one of the busiest months for real estate activity, so much so that the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) has celebrated June […]