No matter when you’re planning to retire, the earlier you take action the better. (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels). No matter when you’re planning to retire, the earlier you take action the better. The sooner in your life you start saving, the more time there is to grow your retirement nest egg. In addition to financial investments, […]
Buying or refinancing your home with an interest-only loan
Another tool to help buyers in an accelerating market is the interest-only mortgage. (Photo: Karolina Grabowska/Pexels). The 30-year fully amortized loan has been the mainstay of real estate financing in the U.S. for decades, yet market conditions often bring about different types of mortgages to help buyers get into a home. At one time, there […]
Homeowner wealth vs. renter wealth
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]