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 […]
Wondering if you’re too old to buy a home?
There are certainly few things in life we’re too old to do. However, when it comes to buying a home, you’re never too old. Many baby boomers never bought a home in their younger years and some baby boomers lost their home in the 2007 to 2012 recession. Baby boomers were born between 1944 and […]
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 […]
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 […]
May is Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month in Boulder
Boulder County has a rich history and residents actively want to preserve aspects of that past. Every May, Boulder County’s legacy is honored during Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month. In 1974, the City of Boulder created the Historic Preservation Program in response to a citizen-driven effort to recognize and protect buildings and sites important to […]
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 […]
Get a CLUE when buying a home
Most Americans have never heard of the CLUE database, but if you are a home buyer or home seller, it’s probably a good idea to get a CLUE! If you don’t have a CLUE, don’t be embarrassed! Most Americans are CLUE-less and have never heard of the CLUE database, but if you are a home […]
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 […]