“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 […]
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 […]
Buying College Housing Starts Now — Part 2
In my last article, Part 1 of “Buying College Housing Starts Now,” I discussed how purchasing a condo or house for your child to live in while attending college can be a worthwhile investment and can provide financial as well as other benefits for your college student. As you evaluate this decision, here’s a guide […]
Buying college housing starts now – Part 1
A college property purchase can prove to be an astute financial investment as well as a superb learning experience for the student. In college towns across the country every August, college students start returning for the fall semester, generating a torrent of real estate activity. Because the rental housing market tends to be tight in […]
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 […]
Buying a home? You will need insurance
When you buy a homeowners policy, you actually receive much more than protection for your home. When you buy a home, you need insurance protection for what is probably the largest investment you will ever make. But when you buy a homeowners policy, you actually receive much more than protection for your home. Most […]
Financing options for renovation or fix-and-flip
Springtime has arrived and people are thinking about major renovations, repairs, or restorations on their home or even purchasing a home for fix-and-flip. Springtime has arrived and people are thinking about major renovations, repairs, or restorations on their home – or even purchasing a home for fix-and-flip. Here are a few options to consider […]
Property assessments are coming
On May 1, every property owner in Boulder County can expect to receive a notice for the newly assessed value of their property. (Photo: Pexels). On May 1, every property owner in Boulder County can expect to receive a notice for the newly assessed value of their property. State statute requires that every property in […]
Rising mortgage rates: Lock or not?
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 […]