Like a listing contyract, where the Seller employs the REALTOR, the Buyer Agency contract creates an agreement where the Buyer employs the REALTOR to represent. In Part 1 of this two-part series, I discussed the history and evolution of seller agencies, buyer agencies and commissions in real estate. The Division of Real Estate in […]
Evolution of broker agency and commissions in a real estate transaction, Part 1
In 1994, Colorado created new working relationships for the public in working with real estate brokers. In the beginning – before 1994, that is! – life was relatively simple for real estate buyers and sellers concerning their relationships with their real estate brokers. There simply was a Seller Agency. Every broker relationship was a Seller […]
Homebuyers gain some purchasing power through higher loan limits and lower mortgage rates
In response to the in property values, the FHFA has declared an increase in the maximum baseline conforming loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-acquired mortgages for home loans in Colorado for the year 2024. As we enter 2024, prospective homebuyers are facing challenges including relatively stable housing prices and an ongoing shortage of […]
At home at the beach: Ensuring a blissful vacation home purchase experience
Row of beach vacation homes. (Shutterstock). Brrrrrr! When January hits Colorado, thoughts turn to finding warmth! A ten-degree day tends to spark daydreams of basking on the beach. Throughout the years, I’ve guided many clients toward Realtors® in their desired vacation spots. What I’ve noticed is that Coloradans often seek out sunny island or beach […]
Give the gift of homeownership: First-time Homebuyer Savings Accounts (FHSA) this holiday season
As the holiday season approaches, you might be considering a lasting, meaningful gift for a family member or loved one. As the holiday season approaches, you might be considering a lasting, meaningful gift for a family member or loved one. In 2023, you have the opportunity to give up to $17,000 without grappling with gift […]
Hard money lending for real estate
When you hear “hard money loans,” you might picture money changing hands in a dark alley and rough collection techniques when the loan comes due. However, that could not be further from the truth as hard money lending can be a very valuable and useful tool in many real estate transactions. In the “regular” real […]
Options for financing when interest rates go up
The most popular mortgage loan evolved into what is the 30-year amortized loan, which has become one of the primary reasons for increasing the level of homeownership in the United States. Amortizing means some of the principal of the loan amount is paid off each month, allowing homeowners to build equity and avoid a large […]
September 2023 marks the 10-year anniversary of the 2013 flood
When the sun came out and the flood waters receded, many predicted it would take at least 10 years to recover. Now, at the 10-year mark, it is safe to say they were right. Five years ago, if you drove up Boulder Canyon, a sign proclaimed, “Temporary Road Open, Governor Hickenlooper”. Now, a decade post-flood, […]
How to protect the structural integrity of your home’s foundation
The foundation walls of modern homes are designed by an engineer based on the soils report on the site the home is being built upon. A home is often the biggest single expense an individual or family will make during their lifetime so to maintain it well and keep it in good condition is critical. […]
Buying a home? What’s the Walk Score, Bike Score or Transit Score?
Nowadays in 2023, more people are working from home. By working from home, workers can avoid commuting, and along with the increase in the price of cars, many are trying to get along without a car in their day-to-day life. Walkable access to daily needs and public transportation are the keys to selling the car […]