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 […]
Last year set the stage for April’s Fair Housing Month
The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) continues to be an industry leader in fair housing. Last year set the stage for a progressive movement in the fair housing world to support equal opportunity and ensure that people are not discriminated against with regard to housing. In fact, the leadership of the National Association of Realtors […]
Home appreciation outpacing capital gains exclusion
It is very tough to “outsave” an appreciating real estate market. The 1997 Taxpay Relief Act allowed for a $250,000 capital gains exclusion for a single person and $500,000 for a married couple when a personal residence was sold. The caveat was that the homeowner needed to live in the home for the last two […]
Second home and retirement home market booming since coronavirus
In the mountain towns of nearby Summit County, home sales surged in 2020. (Photo: Shutterstock). The ability to work from home has changed the behavior of homebuyers. Not only are they searching for floor plans that offer home office and homeschooling spaces, they are no longer tied to a specific location. Many also want to […]
Make your move: Walk, bike and transit scores for homes
Over the past few months with the impact of COVID-19, homebuyers have been trending away from living in downtown areas and have been relocating to the suburbs. (Photo: Emma Bauso, Pexels). Over the past few months with the impact of COVID-19, homebuyers have been trending away from living in downtown areas and have been […]
Coronavirus Financial Relief with a Reverse Mortgage – Part 2
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a global toll on the markets and the retirement accounts of many seniors. Seniors who are homeowners, however, can access to cash for living expenses through a reverse mortgage. The reverse mortgage is a financial tool that has helped many seniors who are over 62 years old. In my previous […]
Coronavirus Financial Relief With a Reverse Mortgage – Part 1
If you are over 62 years of age, you could be a candidate for a reverse mortgage. (Photo: Joe Hepburn, Unsplash). The economic effect of the coronavirus pandemic been global. Retirees have seen their retirement nest eggs shrink over the last couple of months. Yet, as we have seen in the past, markets usually […]
Coronavirus, Senior Housing and Accessory Dwelling Units
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is an extra living space or secondary dwelling, which can help to house multi-generational families and enables seniors to “age-in-place” with their family. (Photo: Kara Eads, Unsplash). Across the nation, senior housing facilities, from independent living to memory care, have been hit hard by the coronavirus. As a result, many […]