The 411 on Real Estate

New Boston Condos Blog Launched

2007-03-23T11:15:00.000-05:00

The launch of our new Boston Condos Blog is now in full swing!

Subscribe to the new feed to keep up with new blog posts.

Stop by and check out the new blog, with our first official post on the Boston FP3 Seaport Condos.

The Boston Condos Horizon

2007-03-20T21:54:00.000-05:00

Keep your eyes peeled for our new Boston Condos blogging platform. We are in the final stages of launching the new and improved site which will provide users a deeper and richer interface of functionality, live chat, and a more pleasing aesthetic appearance.

Boston South End Condos - Market Statistics

2007-03-19T11:42:00.000-05:00

The past week saw seven (7) South End Condos sell. Here are the details:

Lowest Price: $183,687
Median Price: $685,000
Highest Price: $1,065,000
Average Price: $687,812

Average Days on Market (DOM): 138
Sales Price / Listing Price Ratio: 99%

Start Date: 03/11/2007
End Date: 03/17/2007

West Canton Condos - Boston's South End

2007-03-18T11:00:00.000-05:00

West Canton Street in Boston’s South End is a quiet tree-lined street that has seen a lot of renovation investment over the past few years, and sits at the South End’s entrance to Boston’s Back Bay.

At any one time, the four blocks of West Canton Street that run from Tremont Street on the south, and the Northwest Corridor on the north, have several condos for sale – be that a renovated townhome, an exquisite duplex, or a penthouse floor-though with gorgeous views of the city.

Condos on West Canton give you the neighborhood feel that makes you feel “at home”, while being right on the city’s doorstep in proximity to “big city” life - Boston West Canton Condos.

Boston Penny Savings Bank Condos

2007-03-17T11:38:00.000-05:00

If you're looking to sleep on a bed of money, then the Penny Savings Bank Condos (Penny Place Condominiums) in Boston's South End may hit the spot.

Back in March 2005, the Boston Redevelopment Authority gave the go-ahead to redevelop Boston's Penny Savings Bank in the South End into 23 condominiums, 9,000 square feet of retail space, and a 25car underground garage.

Construction on the Penny Savings Bank complex is nearing completion for the expected May 2007 completion, and Washington Street in the South End is continuing to see positive redevelopment in an area that needs it.

For more information on the this Boston condo development you can navigate to our details page: Boston Penny Savings Bank Condos.

Meads of Commonwealth Condos

2007-03-16T08:43:00.000-05:00

Given that Boston has more millionaires than New York, a developer saw that fact and has built The Meads of Commonwealth Condos, residences that cater to the most demanding buyer.

All 13 of the Meads of Commonwealth Condos are unique in shape and size, but elite craftsmanship and fine finishings were not spared. The Penthouse is truly one of a kind, and the Meads will serve to not only provide an exquisite home to buyers who can afford to purchase a residence, but also to better Boston's Back Bay.

The Meads are currently available for purchase and start at $1.8 million for a 7 room, 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath Brownstone.

Real Estate Investing Advice - How to Make $2,000,000

2007-03-15T11:14:00.000-05:00

Real Estate Investing gives you the opportunity to turn $200,000 into $2,000,000 - check out this new real estate investing article that details out the numbers, the process, and the methods to make money using real estate investing as your vehicle.

If you have been looking for a clear and concise explanation of how real estate investing works, and see supporting numbers and a method to the madness, you now have a great source:

Real Estate Investing Advice

Boston Penmark Condos

2007-03-12T07:50:00.000-05:00

Recently, the South of Washington (SOWA) area of Boston’s South End has seen two new condo developments hit the market, ArtBlock Harrison, and the Penmark Condos. Both are pushing the edge in an area of town that needs revitalization.

The Penmark Condos offer one and two bedroom floor plans, with high-end finishings, as well as a garage parking space with each unit. Most of the windows in the building are towering, and provide good views of the city.

Visit Boston Condo Guy to see more pictures of the Boston Penmark Condos, as well as many other new developments across the city – you can search using unique Google Maps technology too!

Breaking the Sound Barrier

2007-03-08T20:04:00.000-05:00

Have you ever seen photos of an aircraft breaking the sound barrier? It is a strange phenomenon, and interesting how it clings to the aircraft until you can increase your speed to go through that zone.

The photo in this post does a good job of showing how the "barrier" flows around the plane. Typically, the nose, or on some fighter jets the engine nacelle, hits the front of the "barrier" and then slowly leaves the aircraft. When this happens, there is a large "boom" known as "breaking the sound barrier," which some of you may have heard.

The Boom occurs because the plane catches up to, and passes, the sound it already has produced. At that point there is a collision between the vibrating air (sound) it has produced and the current sound it is making. Faster than this point, the plane arrives to strike before the warning of its sound does. This phenomenon only happens at the instant an aircraft breaks the sound barrier, and demonstrated in the photo, it literally appears like the aircraft goes through a wall.

Boston Lead Paint Laws

2007-03-08T07:38:00.000-05:00

Bay State property owners of homes built before 1978 could be subject to increased costs and regulation under new legislation filed on Beacon Hill that seeks to amend the Commonwealth’s lead paint law. Specifically, a measure introduced by state Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville) seeks to require all persons selling properties constructed on or before January 1, 1978 “to conduct an inspection for dangerous levels of lead at their expense prior to the signing of a purchase and sale agreement.” In addition, the bill seeks to require all landlords to perform inspections of all rental units built prior to January 1, 1978 before any change in tenancy or once in a two-year period, whichever is less.

Currently, Massachusetts law requires that prospective purchasers and tenants of residential property built prior to 1978 be provided with a notification form regarding the presence of lead-based paint in the housing. Furthermore, the law allows prospective buyers 10 days in which to have a lead inspection performed and if lead is discovered, the buyer may withdraw from the sales transaction.

Draft language in the bill also would revise existing law to stipulate that de-lead certificates only be good for two years, whereas today a Letter of Compliance is considered to be valid indefinitely (and a Letter of Interim Control is valid for one year with the ability to renew for a second year), provided the property owner makes reasonable efforts to ensure the home is in good repair, principally by making sure there is no chipping or peeling lead paint. Finally, if passed, the bill would require soil and tap water to be tested as part of any lead inspection.

The proposed legislation will create additional hardship and expense for local property owners who already face some of the toughest public health statutes in the U.S. regarding lead paint law enforcement, according to REALTORS® and officials with the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, who intend to oppose the initiative.

The History of Boston’s Back Bay

2007-03-06T21:58:00.000-05:00

If you have ever been interested in learning about the history of the Back Bay, how it went from being part of the Atlantic Ocean to one of the most prestigious places to call home in Boston, you will want to view the timeline (some pictures included) of Bacy Bay history that was recently posted.

5 Cell Phone Secrets

2007-03-05T08:56:00.000-05:00

1. Emergency - The Emergency Number worldwide for mobile phones is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile; network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked.

2. Locked Your Car Keys in the Car - Have you locked your keys in the car? Does your car have remote keyless entry? If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other "remote" for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).

3. Hidden Cell Phone Battery Power - Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370# your cell will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell next time.

4. Disable a Stolen Cell Phone - To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: * # 0 6 # A 15 digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. When your phone gets stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

5. Free 411 Assistance - Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800) FREE 411, or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.

10 Simple Steps to Selling Your Home for Top Dollar

2007-03-02T17:57:00.000-05:00

1. Define your goals, wants, needs and expectations. A good place to begin is by exploring your short and long term goals in life and how selling you home fits in.

2. Determine the best price for what is going on in the market right now. Assess the current state of the market and what comparable homes are actually selling for by reviewing a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) on your home.

3. Prepare you property so that it is in top-selling condition. Most of us do not keep our homes in top-selling condition. Try and see things from a buyer's point of view. Boston Condo Guy can consult with you on what to repair, replace or remove so that your home makes a great first impression.

4. Implement time-proven, researched-based marketing strategies. Your home must be marketed with a plan that has the highest potential for bringing not only the most buyers, but also the most qualified buyers to your doorstep.

5. Showing your property. Always keep your home in top-selling condition. When you leave for work, make sure that your home remains in top-selling condition. You know what they say about first impressions.

6. Receive an offer. When a buyer decides to buy your home, an offer will be presented. Your realtor can advise you on the offer and whether the buyer is qualified to purchase your home.

7. Negotiate to sell. Most offers require some level of negotiation. Work with your realtor to decide your parameters and have them negotiate on your behalf.

8. Have your home appraised and inspected. We have written previous articles on the idea of getting a home inspection before you sell - it's a wise thing to consider when selling your home.

9. Prepare for closing. Work with your realtor to understand the home selling process.

10. Close! At the closing meeting, ownership of your property is legally transferred to the buyer. Work with your realtor and any appropriate parties (title company, attorney) to understand the process.

Search for Boston Condo Developments

2007-03-01T08:39:00.000-05:00

If you have been looking for an intuitive way to search new Boston Condominium Developments, Boston Condo Guy provides users with a Google Maps based solution that is easy on the eye, and easy to use.

Boston Condo Guy offers listings of the most recent condo developments in Boston proper, with general listing information, as well as photos and floor plans. Your search for Boston Condo Developments just got easier!

Make Your Home Office More Efficient

2007-02-28T08:34:00.000-05:00

“Almost every home office has lousy lighting,” says design consultant Terrence Schlesinger of LightYears2.com in Kauai, Hawaii. To make your office an exception, choose a space with a window or skylight.

You’ll definitely want an overhead light or floor lamp that illuminates the entire room and a bright desk lamp. Schlesinger prefers a halogen desk lamp with an adjustable arm so light can be placed optimally for each task. Don’t forget to position your computer so the monitor is free from glare.

Another mood booster: bright paint colors. “It’s not just paint; it’s energy," says Schlesinger, who specializes in helping clients choose paint colors. "I recommend that you get away from anything traditional. Pick your favorite colors — not just one or two, but many.”

He suggests painting each wall a different shade, although he recognizes that not everyone is ready for such an adventurous approach. "I like to change colors every 90 degrees," he says. "And don’t forget about the door."

Not sure you trust your inner decorator? Luckily, there are plenty of Web sites that allow you to test out color combinations in virtual rooms. Some sites to try: Behr.com, BenjaminMoore.com and Sherwin-Williams.com.

Daily Boston Property Updates via Email

2007-02-27T10:54:00.000-05:00

A great way to keep up with the changes in the Boston real estate market is to receive daily property updates in your email. This gives you the ability to keep up with what is happening with homes that are of interest to you (based on price, square footage, amenities, etc), and if it’s free, you can’t top that! These Boston property updates via email are one convenient feature provided by Boston Condo Guy to help you keep your finger on the pulse of the Boston real estate market.

10 Questions to Ask a Condo Board

2007-02-26T08:49:00.000-05:00

Before you buy a condo, contact the condominium's board with the following questions. By getting these questions answered, you will find out a lot about your potential neighbors, and the building that you are buying into - a valuable step in preparing to buy a home.

1. What percentage of units is owner-occupied? What percentage is tenant-occupied? Generally, the higher the percentage of owner-occupied units, the more marketable the units will be at resale.

2. What covenants, bylaws, and restrictions govern the property? What grandfather clauses are in place? You may find, for instance, that those who buy a property after a certain date can’t rent out their units, but buyers who bought earlier can. Ask for a copy of the bylaws to determine if you can live within them. And have an attorney review property docs, including the master deed, for you.

3. How much does the association keep in reserve? How is that money being invested?

4. Are association assessments keeping pace with the annual rate of inflation? Smart boards raise assessments a certain percentage each year to build reserves to fund future repairs. To determine if the assessment is reasonable, compare the rate to others in the area.

5. What does and doesn’t the assessment cover - common area maintenance, recreational facilities, trash collection, snow removal?

6. What special assessments have been mandated in the past five years? How much was each owner responsible for? Some special assessments are unavoidable. But repeated, expensive assessments could be a red flag about the condition of the building or the board’s fiscal policy.

7. How much turnover occurs in the building?

8. Is the project in litigation? If the builders or homeowners are involved in a lawsuit, reserves can be depleted quickly.

9. Is the developer reputable? Find out what other projects the developer has built and visit one if you can. Ask residents about their perceptions. Request an engineer’s report for developments that have been reconverted from other uses to determine what shape the building is in. If the roof, windows, and bricks aren’t in good repair, they become your problem once you buy.

10. Are multiple associations involved in the property? In very large developments, umbrella associations, as well as the smaller association into which you’re buying, may require separate assessments.

Can Words Sell Your Home?

2007-02-25T10:55:00.000-05:00

In this flush-with-inventory market, Realtors need to be on their toes with the language they use in trying to sell your home. Has your Realtor been doing you justice when “pitching” your home to prospective buyers?

Recent academic studies scrutinized the wording on 20,000 home listings only to produce some interesting results - perhaps some obvious facts on one end, and some “wow, I’m glad I know not to use that” on the other.

Homes described as "beautiful" moved 15 percent faster and for 5 percent more in price than the benchmark. "Good-value" homes sold for 5 percent less than average.

To Sell your Home...

Use These Words:
Handyman special
Curb appeal
Move-in condition
Landscaping
Granite
Gourmet
Golf

Don’t Use These Words:
Motivated seller
Good value
As-is
Clean
Quiet
New paint

Listings where "landscaping" was heralded sold 20 percent faster, and homes in "move-in condition" took 12 percent less time to sell than the benchmark, although the study showed that "move-in condition" had an insignificant effect on the sales price.

Homes with "motivated" sellers stayed on the market 15 percent longer than average and sold for 4 percent less. Perhaps meaning that the home was overpriced to start with and eventually price reductions had to occur, thus, increases in length of time on the market and lower sales prices.

Free Boston MLS Access

2007-02-24T09:19:00.000-05:00

Have you been searching the Internet for a decent website to gain access to the Boston Multiple Listing Service (MLS)? You probably have been searching the Internet like I once did for a website that will provide you quick and easy access. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of websites out there that provide you fast, easy, and free access.

Well, the search is over, we are bringing you Free Boston MLS Access – no gimmicks, forms, or cheesy signups. Get fast and easy access, get the information you want and need, and inquire for further information or a showing at your discretion. We also can provide you with free Boston property updates via email that match your buying criteria – if there are updates to Boston condos that meet your criteria, we’ll send an email to you.

All you want to do is look for properties, and not be bothered with giving away all your personal information unless you find something that you like, now you can do that with free Boston MLS access and free Boston property updates via email.

Mortgage Rates Are Falling

2007-02-23T11:12:00.000-05:00

Mortgage rates have fallen on news of the housing market slowdown - 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declined to 6.22 percent from 6.30 percent, which is on par with rates a year ago.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Mortgage rates fell in the past week as lenders showed concern for the effect the slowing housing market would have on the economy, according to a survey released Thursday.

Disputing a Low Home Appraisal

2007-02-23T09:18:00.000-05:00

Should you ever find yourself in a situation where, during the purchase of a home, the home appraisal comes in low, what do you do? Educate yourself with tips on disputing an appraisal on your home. To have a low appraisal come back from your Lender's Appraiser is somewhat of a rare happening, but it does occur on occasion, so prepare yourself for dealing with a low appraisal.

Rent? Buy? You Do the Math

2007-02-22T09:18:00.000-05:00

Think of the buy-versus-rent relationship as akin to a price-earnings ratio for stocks. The housing ratio rises as rents fall, home prices climb, or both. Some markets sport historically high--maybe dangerously high--ratios. The P/E in Miami, where p is the median mortgage payment and e is the median apartment rent, has spiked from approximately 13.5 in 2001 to 24.3 in the summer of 2006.

Other similar markets: Boston, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C. Until these housing P/E’s revert back to more normal ranges – the national average is 15 – you may find renting a bargain. These types of markets force homebuyers to take a hard look at their motivations for buying.

Bryant on Columbus - Wow...Move in Today!

2007-02-21T22:02:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it, the Bryant on Columbus condos are now built and ready for you to move in! At least that's what this picture is showing, right? Well, unfortunately, there is still a big hole in the ground with a large crane in the middle of it....so, you can't move in just yet, but this picture is a nice mock-up of what the development will look like in a couple of years.

Boston Condos - Is the Worst Over for Sellers?

2007-02-21T21:28:00.000-05:00

The worst may be over for the condominium market in greater Boston, as newly released data show that sales of condo units rebounded in the City of Boston during the fourth quarter of 2006, climbing 0.9 percent over the same three-month period the previous year, while condo sales in the 54 cities and towns served by the Greater Boston Real Estate Board fell by just 100 units, or a modest 4.7 percent, in the final quarter of last year compared to the same quarter in 2005. The relatively stable sales pace follows sales declines of 12 percent and 15 percent in Boston during the second and third quarters of 2006 respectively, and decreases of 8 percent and 20 percent throughout the GBREB jurisdictional area in last year’s second and third quarters, an indication that demand is improving and a recovery in prices may not be far off.

Notably, in greater Boston, the median selling price for condominiums slipped 2.7 percent in the fourth quarter to $327,000, but was down just 1.4 percent on an annual basis last year, declining from an all-time high median price of $345,000 in 2005 to $340,000 in 2006. Meanwhile, in Boston proper the median selling price for condos sold in the final three months of the year fell 7.1 percent from the same period a year earlier to $325,000, however the annual median selling price was flat in 2006, at $349,000.

On an annual basis, sales of condominiums declined 7.6 percent in the City of Boston during 2006 from one year earlier, while sales activity dropped 9.5 percent across the larger 54 community GBREB jurisdiction. Nonetheless, the 9.529 condos sold in greater Boston in 2006 is the second highest yearly sales volume on record, topped only the 10,526 units sold in 2005. Statewide, last year, condo sales fell 12.1 percent, from a record 23,536 in 2005 to 20,698. For complete quarterly and annual data on the condominium and single-family home markets in both greater Boston and Massachusetts, visit the Housing & Research Data section of marealtor.com.

Boston Condos - Web Technology Galore

2006-11-29T22:08:00.000-05:00

The Web Innovators Group of Boston held a meeting on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, MA. The evening was kicked off with informal conversation and "side dishes" of innovative start up companies in the Boston Area.

From a real estate perspective, an interesting online service was discussed called Citysquares.com, which is a local Boston company that brings together local businesses and their consumers - and we're talking really local here, as in what's down the block.

You can visit a local Boston South End Condo expert's listing on Citysquares.com, and provide a rating on the Boston Condos Google Maps technology that is available for your viewing and Boston Condo hunting pleasure.

Boston Walking Tours

2006-11-08T14:19:00.000-05:00

How can you get to know the city of Boston? Well, one innovative new way is to hook up an iPod / MP3 audio walking tour of Boston. Audissey Guides has developed high-quality audio walking tours of various cities across the country, including Boston, and have partnered with notable locals and recording artists to make the experience a notable one. Boston walking tours are made fun and hip with Audissey Guides efforts to deliver something unique and interesting to the market.

The Bryant - Boston Condos Making Noise

2006-10-11T22:18:00.000-05:00

The buzz is out on the streets, those being Columbus Avenue and Dartmouth – the site of one of Boston’s newest condo developments in the South End, The Bryant Condos. Local residents to the 50-unit mixed-use complex, which will see unusually large living areas, are perhaps doing more complaining than talking about the new complex.

Demolition and excavation has rendered structural damage for neighbors to The Bryant – imagine coming home only to find a nice crack in your ceramic tile floor…welcome to the neighborhood! Neighbors to the condo complex construction are also on a regimented sleep schedule, with a construction wake-up call beginning at 6:30 am – is breakfast being provided?

Residents in the area may chip in on the weekends to see this complex brought to fruition before its established Spring 2008 completion date. Stay tuned for more breaking news.

Boston Broadluxe Condo Development?

2006-09-29T21:28:00.000-05:00

At the corner of Franklin and Broad in Boston’s Financial District, the Boston Broadluxe Condominium Development Project will go to market with over forty distinctive condo dwellings. The Boston Broadluxe will feature fourteen unique floor plans and a plethora of different options for its Boston inhabitants.

Sell Magazine Subscriptions with Deekins.com

2006-09-17T13:16:00.000-05:00

Deekins.com, a provider of magazine subscriptions, has announced the launch of their magazine sales affiliate program (Sell Magazine Subscriptions), providing a practical entry point into eCommerce for those that are looking for a continuous revenue stream through the sale of magazine subscriptions.

Deekins provides its affiliates the opportunity to generate a constant revenue stream through the sale of magazine subscriptions through different channels. Deekins partners with its affiliates in creating a viable and constant revenue stream through the use of a competitive commission structure, professional marketing materials for promoting pertinent magazine titles based upon website visitor demographics, fully trackable links displaying pertinent cumulative traffic and revenue details, access to a free datafeed of all the magazines Deekins offers, and coupons and promotions provided on a regular basis to drive increased revenue for affiliates.

Deekins is a proven and reputable company, which has provided magazine subscriptions to thousands of individual clients, libraries, business offices, clubs, and organizations. Deekins offers more than 1,000 discount magazine subscriptions. Magazine titles are available at www.Deekins.com in both new and renewal subscriptions.

Broadluxe - Boston Condo Development Project

2006-09-11T11:16:00.000-05:00

The Broadluxe of Boston is a stunning new nine-story residential property in the heart of downtown Boston at the intersection of Franklin and Broad Streets. Designed by the Boston firm of Melton Ferre Associates, Broadluxe artfully combines elements of original 19th-century mercantile architecture with a stylish, new contemporary glass and steel addition. The effect is at once familiar, but intriguing, balanced in scale but set firmly in the 21st century.

Floors 7, 8, and 9 of the Broadluxe are sold as shell units, to be finished by the Buyer. Spaces range anywhere from 540 square feet, up to the 1,800 square foot penthouse. Different ceiling heights impact pricing, whereby the 6th floor units have the most economical pricing based upon 8 foot ceilings. Pre-construction units are available. There are currently possibilities for the combination of some units, which would create a larger living space for the Buyer.

Provided By: Boston Condo Guy - The Authority in Boston Condos. Professionally representing Buyers, Sellers, and Condo Developers in the Boston real estate market.

Rising Mortgage Payments

2006-08-07T10:19:00.000-05:00

No doubt about it, interest rates have been steadily moving up from the once lows that we saw not too long ago. Given the situation, many home owners are faced with increasing loan payments. Look to the following four tips and tricks to aid you in this time of rising interest rates.

1) Think both realistically and creatively on the use of home-equity lines of credit. Typically, borrowers can save interest on a month-to-month basis by moving balances from a home-equity line of credit to, a credit card for instance, oftentimes finding zero percent, or very low, interest rates. A borrower can make this work, however, a borrower must be attentive to detail (i.e. the small print), and moving money around at the proper times given the situation.

2) Consider a fixed-rate second mortgage to replace a large home-equity line of credit. Typically, borrowers can find a lower rate by ferreting out the details on this one., and perhaps remove the possibility that a rate hike will increase your costs, and set a fixed term so you fence in just how long you will be paying for the home improvements, or the condo development project that you took on.

3) Be on the lookout for mortgage brokers who will entice you to come back by offering home-equity credit lines with interest rates of prime plus zero or even below prime. If you do your research, this might allow you to get over that hump.

4) If you have an option loan, consider the idea of using the option to make interest only payments, while you go out and look for a better (longer term or fixed) rate. You won’t build equity while doing this, perhaps one of the main reasons for buying a condo, but you will not hurt your credit by doing this.

Boston Home Sales Are Up This Year

2006-07-26T16:19:00.001-05:00

The roof may have collapsed on the Bay State’s housing boom, but sales in the Back Bay and Beacon Hill so far have exceeded last years levels as prices fell slightly.

While home sales dipped statewide by 6.4% in Massachusetts to 15,381 units this year, down from 16,438 for the same period a year ago, the two downtown neighborhoods saw home sales rise, according to data from the Massachusetts Association of Realtors and the MLS Property Information Network (MLS).

Sales of single-family homes and Boston condos during the first half of this year on Beacon Hill increased to 93 units up from 63 for the same period last year, a 34% increase, according to MLS. The Back Bay saw a more modest increase of 5% as the number of units sold this year reached 197, up from 188 units a year ago.

Despite a sluggish market statewide, Beacon Hill and Back Bay remain among the most popular Boston neighborhoods.

Junk Mail

2006-06-24T08:12:00.000-05:00

Are you tired of the amount of Junk Mail you get at home? Aren't we all? There is an interesting blog post that gives information on how to stop the credit bureaus from selling your information to marketing companies. Take a look at the "Junk Mail" post if you want more information.

Ken Smith is a Arlington Heights real estate agent. Also check out Ken's new blog.

ESPN Magazine Subscription

2006-05-29T14:36:00.000-05:00

Looking for that summer sports fix for your new home? Turn to an ESPN Magazine Subscription to cure the fix.

Like the industry leader in sports television that created it, ESPN The Magazine is big, bold, and brash, using its oversize format to show off striking full-page images and splashy sidebars. It's not all flash, though: the magazine also gets contributions from familiar on-air talent such as Dan Patrick, Chris Berman, Stuart Scott, Peter Gammons, and John Clayton as well as the athletes themselves.

Get your ESPN Magazine Subscription at Deekins, your online provider of cheap magazine subscriptions!

Boulder Listings

2006-05-19T10:49:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for premier Boulder Listings, stop by Boulder Colorado’s number one real estate website. Trust a Boulder Colorado Real Estate Expert, and get started in finding the right Boulder Listing for you!

Exposure – Is the Word Getting Out About Your Home?

2006-04-29T22:50:00.000-05:00

Tracking the amount of interest you’re getting is more than counting how many buyers have visited your home. Today, most real estate agents can provide you with detailed information on:

• The number of agents that have hit your listing page
• The number of private party hits to your listing page
• The number of flyers removed from your listing box
• The number of showings or previews you home has received
• The places and frequency that your home has been advertised
• The number of phone calls to the office or hotline on your home

As with anything you attempt to sell, having “eyes” on your product is key. If your agent can demonstrate people know about your home, but it’s still not getting traffic or an offer(s), it probably is a pricing, not an exposure issue.

Finding A Home That Is Right For You

2006-04-17T16:05:00.000-05:00

Buying a new home or real estate is exciting, but it can also be a bit stressful because it is a big step, especially if you’ve never purchased a home or real estate before. Before you contract a realtor there are several things that you should really consider so that the search for your new home will be a lot more fun and a lot less stressful. When you know what you want and need you can then direct your realtor of choice to help you find the house that is out there waiting for you.

Determine Your Needs

The first thing you need to do is determine what you personally need from a home. For instance, if you have a family of six you probably aren’t looking for a one or two bedroom home. Decide how many bedrooms you need as well as how many bathrooms would be desirable. Consider whether you can deal with more or less of either bedrooms or bathrooms. Also think about what type of yard you’ll want around your house. If you have a big dog, you may consider a big yard a necessity. Do you desire a specific type of floor plan? If you don’t want stairs or you do want that second story that you have been dreaming of these are all things that you should write down on a list. You should also consider overall square footage. Many families simply need more space to spread out, and that’s understandable, while others are looking to decrease the size of their homes after the kids leave! Really determine what your needs are so that you will be able to convey them to your realtor.

Pick Your Location

It can be difficult to determine where you want to live if you are relocating to a new area, but if you have an area of town picked out where you absolutely know you want to live, that will help your realtor do his or her job much more efficiently by searching for your needs and wants in a specific area of town. Location can also be important from a resale point of view because you want a home that will gain value, not lose value. It’s a good idea to not only consider how close a certain neighborhood is to work and school and the grocery store, but how wise of an investment it is as well. If you aren’t sure about location, a good realtor can always help you determine where the best place in town will be for you.

Know Your Finances

Now that you have determined your needs and where you want to live, you need to take a close look at your finances. Of course, this may seem like it should be the first step, but unless you know what you need it will be hard to determine if it will fit into your budget. Look at what you are paying now and determine if you want that to stay the same, be reduced, or if you can afford to pay more. Now, will the dollar amount that you want or need to pay each month for your mortgage mesh well with what you want from a home and where you want it? If so, you might want to look into getting pre-qualified for a home loan to streamline your house hunting process.

What You Want

Now is the fun part, you can think about what you want. Do you really want air conditioning? Do you want a pool? A fireplace? A wet bar? An upgraded kitchen? A spa tub in the bathroom? Make a wish list of the things that you would be thrilled to find in a home that is the right price, has the appropriate number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and is in the right part of town. This will help your realtor show you homes that you will enjoy seeing and could really see yourself in.

Get a Realtor

Now it’s time to find yourself a realtor and give him or her a list of all the things that you really want and need from a home. All of your planning will make your realtor’s job much easier and will also ensure that you are on the same page and make sure your time looking at homes is very well spent.

Buying a home is something that takes some planning, so try to be patient as you put all the pieces of the puzzle together for yourself and your realtor. The more you know what you want or need, the more smoothly the process will run, getting you into your new home sooner.

- Written by Ken Smith of the Suburban House Hunters Team and Web News for Us.

Visit these other blogs for Chicago area real estate information; Arlington Heights, Palatine, and Schaumburg blogs.

The Boulder Benchmark - New Listing!

2006-04-10T11:58:00.001-05:00

Simple exterior meets exquisite interior. You will not believe it until you walk in the front door - a simply incredible downtown Boulder home. The standard upgrades are all here, including stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and hardwood floors. What sets this property apart is the meticulous finishing's that, bottom line, you will not find on the market in this price range - mosaic tile and steam shower, pedestal sink, marble flooring, Maytag Neptune Washer & Dryer, glass & wooden cupboards, VELUX skylights, dual zone thermostat, custom closet systems, cat 5 wired, Hurd windows, decorative cutouts, and a flagstone patio with flatiron views.

Priced to Sell!

Showings will begin Monday, April 10, 2006, and an open house will take place from 1:00-3:00pm on Sunday, April 16, 2006.

Denver Live Music

2006-03-31T19:50:00.000-05:00

Denver's hottest up and coming musical artist - Carey Pearsall. Songs such as 'Night Life', 'Where Have You Gone', and 'Wanted You to Know', are drawing crowds and reviews.

Get the scoop on Denver Live Music, and sign up for Carey's newsletter to get inside information on shows and events to the hottest rising star in the Dever Music Scene.

Keys to Perfect Pricing #4

2006-03-31T19:46:00.000-05:00

Don’t Rely Upon a Refinance Appraisal to Set Your Price. The purpose of the appraisal often affects the outcome. Appraisals are typically done for many reasons including fire loss, divorce, insurance reassessment, taxation reassessment, replacement cost, and mortgage refinancing. None of these may relate directly to your need to sell. Your purpose is to establish market value not replacement value. Remember, market value is the value that would appeal to many people and result in a sale in a reasonable amount of time, value represents typically what one person might be willing to pay for a home, or in the case of an appraisal, what one person thinks is the value.

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If you are looking for a Boulder Colorado Home, Boulder Condo, Boulder Colorado Condo, or Downtown Boulder Condo investment property, contact your Downtown Boulder Colorado Real Estate Expert today!

Keys to Perfect Pricing #3

2006-03-23T21:53:00.000-05:00

Don’t choose your selling price based upon what you paid for your home. There is no relationship between acquisition cost and current market value. If you received your home in an inheritance at no cost to you, you would certainly hope to sell it for current market value, not the price you paid which was zero. Conversely, if you paid $500,000 and today’s market reflects a price less than that, you still would sell your home for current market value, not what you paid for it.

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If you are looking for a Boulder Colorado Home, Boulder Condo, Boulder Colorado Condo, or Downtown Boulder Condo investment property, contact your Downtown Boulder Colorado Real Estate Expert today!

Keys to Perfect Pricing #2

2006-03-21T16:34:00.000-05:00

Don’t attempt to build in bargaining room when you set your list price. There’s a common belief amongst home sellers that all buyers will come in somewhat lower than the asking price. Therefore, they have to price their homes higher as sellers to work towards a negotiated price that is representative of market value. But in reality, bargaining room is often results in fewer showings and lower priced or no offers. This mentality often has the affect of causing a seller to overprice their home. Sellers don’t lose buyers as much in the negotiation phase as they do in the showing phase, because when you overprice your home, the buyers may not even see it, and if they don’t see it they won’t buy it.

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If you are looking for a Boulder Colorado Home, Boulder Condo, Boulder Colorado Condo, or Downtown Boulder Condo investment property, contact your Downtown Boulder Colorado Real Estate Expert today!

Keys to Perfect Pricing #1

2006-03-20T01:17:00.000-05:00

Don’t Factor in Selling Costs When Setting Your List Price. Cost of sale has no bearing on market value. If you sold your home without paying real estate fees it adds profits to your net proceeds, just as paying fees would subtract from your net. In either case, what it costs to sell a home doesn’t add or subtract from it true market value, only the profits a seller realizes at closing.

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If you are looking for a Boulder Colorado Home, Boulder Condo, Boulder Colorado Condo, or Downtown Boulder Condo investment property, contact your Downtown Boulder Colorado Real Estate Expert today!

Upcoming Real Estate Season

2006-03-07T12:56:00.000-05:00

As the final remnants of winter are replaced by the promise of a new spring, two things seem to be apparent this time of year…for the farmers it is growing season, and for real estate buyers and sellers it is the buying and selling season. Historically speaking, the upcoming months will be the peak of the yearly real estate market as the inventory of available properties grows and the number of prospective buyers increases.

If you are selling your home, here are a few things to consider for the spring/summer real estate market.

As the inventory level of available properties increases, buyers “naturally” have a wider selection of options to choose from
New homebuilders are becoming more aggressive in their marketing, offering discounted prices, appliance packages, home entertainment centers, mortgage incentives, landscaping packages, etc. to attract buyers.
Unless your home is the “deal of the century”, homebuyers are normally taking longer to make decisions. They are “comparison shopping”, looking for the best value for their money. Buyers have a tendency to want to negotiate more.
Market values are shifting more quickly. It is important to keep abreast of what is happening in the marketplace, not just in your neighborhood or community, but also in the localized region. Buyers are looking in a wider geographic area these days.
Location, condition, and value are the three considerations buyers are focusing on when making a decision. Value, what the seller is offering the home for sale at, can often offset poor location and/or condition. More simply said, “Price often overcomes all objections.”

If you are buying a home, here are points to consider when purchasing a home during the spring/summer real estate market.

Mortgage interest rates have trended up slightly over the past months, as the national economy appears to have stabilized. There is no indication rates will be going back down in the immediate future. Thus, this may be a good time to buy.
There is a variety of alternative financing options available. Interest only loans are popular for two reasons, first, their interest rate is normally less than comparable fixed-rate mortgages, and second, principle reductions can be made at anytime, which immediately reduces the monthly payment.
As a prospective buyer, do your due diligence when deciding to purchase a home. Inspections, schools, access to shopping and medical facilities, neighborhood functions, and don’t forget about environmental concerns, such as, radon gas, mold, and lead based paint.
Finally, as noted above, the geographic area for buyers looking at homes has expanded significantly in the past decade throughout the country, which provides prospective buyers many new options.

Advances in technology have resulted in buyers and sellers having more timely access to information regarding real estate. As such, from a seller’s perspective, it is important to price your home competitively. Buyers normally are aware of how long a property has been on the market and whether it is priced competitively.

Therefore, when you plant that Boulder Colorado Real Estate for sale sign in your yard, make sure it still isn’t there later this year when the final remnants of fall give way to the promise of a cold and snowy winter.

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If you are looking for a Boulder Colorado Home, Boulder Condo, Boulder Colorado Condo, or Downtown Boulder Condo investment property, contact your Downtown Boulder Colorado Real Estate Expert today!

Garages: The New Home Frontier

2006-03-06T16:26:00.000-05:00

First-floor laundry and mud rooms have become the new front door for many families. But there's another part of the house that's competing for this role: the garage.

Nobody's writing off the garage anymore. After all, it's often the largest space in (or next to) the house. A two-car garage typically measures 20 feet by 20 feet. That's 400 square feet, larger than most living or family rooms. For years homeowners have used the garage not just to house cars, but to store everything from garden tools and sports gear to holiday decorations and grown children's old toys. And Barbara Butensky of GarageTek Inc., in Syosset, N.Y., a garage organization and storage systems company, says the garage is now becoming an extra room to pursue a hobby, particularly for homeowners who don't have basements and attics. “They're making them climate-controlled and an additional living space,” says Butensky.

In fact, the garage is on its way to becoming a feature that can help sell a house, along with a good location, curb appeal and the other rooms' condition.

Taking advantage of the trend, a growing number of closet organization companies recognized a golden opportunity to clean up these spaces and garage-specialist companies soon emerged. PremierGarage in Phoenix, for instance, has seen a 200 percent growth rate over the last few years and has 65 locations, says CEO and founder Mark Loberg.

How much homeowners spend varies, from about $600 to have a professional clean and de-clutter to thousands of dollars for design and installation of custom systems.

Many homeowners like panelized or grid wall systems with hooks to hang rakes, tennis racquets, ladders, bicycles and cabinetry, plus counters, shelves and storage lofts of different sizes and materials to store everything from bicycles to canoes. GarageTek, for example, offers 100 options for shelves, cabinets, hooks and more, says Butensky.

But such components often are only part of the overhaul. Allen R. Frechter's The Great Garage Co. in Needham, Mass., designs lighting to improve illumination in the often dark spaces. Other companies install colorful, patterned floors over the typical gray concrete. Loberg's company uses a hybrid, proprietary polymer coating that is impervious to freezing, stain resistant to fluids and slip resistant. GarageTek uses interlocking plastic tiles. More owners are heating floors to create a year-round hobby space.

Some owners are installing plasma TVs, CD players, potting sinks with running water, and cabinetry that's as good as the kind used in upscale kitchens, says Butensky. Frechter set up a wine cellar for one client.

Homeowner Richard E. Hamlin air-conditioned the garage in his home in Bonita Springs, Fla., to protect his collectible cars, including his 1931 Ford Model A roadster. The large garage also has two windows, a trophy case for his awards from car meets, a TV and treadmill. He loves to show guests the room when he and his wife entertain, he says.

Here are ways to make your garage the best it can be:

Clean and organize. Throw out stuff you rarely or never use. Dana Korey, co-owner of Away with Clutter in San Diego, recommends going through what you have and organizing items into similar categories. “When you see that you have 30 umbrellas, it's easier to edit. If paint is dried up, get rid of it,” she says. You also need a system to organize what you keep, she says. Separate sports balls for golf, tennis, football since you don't want to throw them into one container because you won't be able to find them. Before you hire a company to do the organizing, ask about hourly charges. Tom Anderson of Clutterboy in northern California charges $100 an hour. He says the average garage takes between six and twelve hours to clean and organize.

Pick good storage. Most companies suggest high quality wood or steel cabinets that are weather resistant. Units should be installed a few inches off the ground to eliminate water damage or pest infiltration, says Loberg of PremierGarage. While many closet and garage companies offer distinct lines, homeowners can also choose their own at storage companies' retail or online sources such as The Stanley Works. A useful planning tool is ClosetMaid's questionnaire and planner, which helps homeowners determine what they need. For $15, a homeowner gets two design versions for a garage or any room.

Plan a new garage. If starting from scratch, make it roomy with an extra garage bay or even a half-bay, says Frechter of The Great Garage Co. Also make the ceiling high enough - 10 feet to 14 feet.

Consider a security system. To protect all that you will keep in the garage, put it on your alarm system or add a surveillance system.

By Barbara Ballinger, Content That Works

Buy A Boulder Colorado Condo

2006-02-28T11:41:00.000-05:00

With the Spring and Summer selling seasons approaching, have you been thinking about stepping out to buy a Boulder Colorado Condo? Your Downtown Boulder Colorado Real Estate Expert can help you find the Boulder Condo of your dreams.

Read up on the 7 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a Condo, and don’t get left in the dust when making your Downtown Boulder Colorado Condo purchasing decisions.

Downtown Boulder Condos

2006-02-26T20:43:00.000-05:00

Whether you are looking for a new Boulder Condo, an investment property, or that elusive downtown Boulder condo, your Downtown Boulder Colorado Real Estate Expert is the right choice for you!

Visit the growing Boulder Condos and Boulder Colorado Condos homepage of information, which is helping you make more educated decisions on how to buy and sell your next Downtown Boulder Condo.

Rental Property Investment Basics

2006-02-26T15:17:00.000-05:00

Your guide to investment and/or rental property basics. Learn the four basic principles of investment and rental property before you begin. Rental Property Investment Basics.

Are you looking for a Boulder Colorado Condo, or Downtown Boulder Condo investment property, contact your Downtown Boulder Colorado Real Estate Expert today!

Home Buyer & Seller Survey

2006-02-24T11:20:00.000-05:00

Technology is transforming how Americans buy and sell homes in unexpected ways, including how they work with real estate agents and brokers, according to one of the largest surveys of real estate consumers ever conducted - both home sellers and home buyers. The study was released today by the National Association of Realtors®.

Nine out of 10 home buyers use a real estate agent in the search process, but use of the Internet to search for a home has risen dramatically over time, increasing from only 2 percent of buyers in 1995 to 77 percent in 2005; it was 74 percent in 2004. The next largest source of information for buyers is a yard sign, mentioned by 71 percent of buyers.

When asked where they first learned about the home purchased, 24 percent of buyers identified the Internet, up strongly from 15 percent in 2004 and only 2 percent in 1997. Although most buyers use an agent to complete the transaction, 36 first learn about the home they buy from a real estate agent and 15 percent from yard signs; five other categories were 7 percent or less.

For the full article, click here.

The Latest Thing: Condo-Hotels

2006-02-21T16:13:00.000-05:00

The word on the street is that condo-hotels are the latest trend in lodging. Get the basics on this new hotel hybrid, read investment tips, investigate condo-hotel projects nationwide and much more. Learn more about this trend at www.realtor.org.

If you're sticking with rock solid Boulder Colorado Real Estate, don't hesitate to contact your Downtown Boulder Colorado Real Estate Expert.

Staged to Sell: Part 4 of 4

2006-02-17T12:56:00.000-05:00

A four part series on staging your home to sell faster, by your Boulder Colorado Real Estate Expert.

Focus on Subtle Changes

Some improvements may seem subtle, but they impress buyers nonetheless. Updating hardware is an example.

Some buyers are really big on what is called the “jewelry” of the house. A tarnished or rusted porch light gives the buyer an immediate bad impression of the house as a whole. Replace it with a shiny new lamp.

And consider replacing switchplate covers, choosing either white or ivory, and making sure all in the home match. This will give the home a more uniform and appealing look.

This staging is not deceptive, but simply helping the house put its best foot forward. And there is always the idea that a homeowner in Colorado had with keeping a batch of cookie dough in the refrigerator, and baking cookies whenever prospects were scheduled to hour the house. The homeowner would put the cookies out for the visitors to munch on while there looking. Plus, the delicious aroma made her visitors feel right at home – including the couple that quickly decided to buy it.

Staged to Sell: Part 3 of 4

2006-02-15T14:27:00.000-05:00

A four part series on staging your home to sell faster, by your Boulder Colorado Real Estate Expert.

Lighten and Brighten

Make improvements that pay. When spending money on improvements, concentrate on return on investment or ROI. Painting to lighten and brighten is a good value. Some experts suggest white for interiors, although some experts disagree, preferring neutral colored – like a soft, buttery tan – to make the house feel warm and welcoming, rather then cold and stark. A bold accent colored could be used sparingly to draw attention to a unique feature.

According to a survey of 2,000 real estate agents by HomeGain, an Internet-based firm, lightening and brightening a house in any way is the most cost effective improvement. That might mean replacing heavy draperies with sheers and pruning shrubs away from windows, as well as putting lighter paint on the walls. It might cost about $100, if you do the painting yourself, but it will raise the selling price of a $200,000 house by nearly $1,000, an ROI of 1,000 percent.

Other valued improvements, according to the survey include manicuring the landscape and trim (266 percent return), fixing plumbing and electrical (196 percent), and some kitchen and bath upgrades (138 percent).

Stay away from these upgrades with low POI: painting interior walls any odd color (63 percent return), repairing flooring (50 percent), replacing carpeting (39 percent), and painting exterior walls (34 percent).

Staged to Sell: Part 2 of 4

2006-02-12T19:35:00.000-05:00

A four part series on staging your home to sell faster, by your Boulder Colorado Real Estate Expert.

Make Needed Repairs

Getting a house ready to sell is a chore, because a lot of people who are selling have emotionally checked out of the house. They’d rather focus their time and efforts on their next home instead of the one they’re leaving.

But this could be a mistake. There are cost-effective ways to make a house more attractive to buyers. The first suggestion is basic, repair what is broken.

A house in disrepair will receive a lower price, and the cost to fix items will often be deducted anyway. By getting the house in good repair, sellers take away the opportunity for buyers to haggle.

A thorough cleaning is suggest, and ridding the house of the clutter that homeowners learn to not see after a while. You know that area in the kitchen where you toss the mail and the kids’ lunch boxes and the recycling? When potential buyers come into a home, that’s the first thing they notice.

Cluttered closets are also a big turnoff for prospective buyers, who think: How am I going to put all my stuff in here?

One solution is to start packing early, before the house is sold, and then stow the boxes in a temporary storage locker. By packing up closets and clearing out the garage, sellers create a felling of openness in the house that’s attractive to buyers.

Staged to Sell: Part 1 of 4

2006-02-08T09:46:00.000-05:00

A four part series on staging your home to sell faster, by your Boulder Colorado Real Estate.

Clean up the Clutter

“Staging” a house to get it sold fast, rather than simply lowering the price, is becoming more popular of late, thanks in part to such television shows as Sell This House on the A&E channel, and Designed to Sell on HGTV.

And no wonder. In 2001 the average home sold after four weeks on the market, but by 2003, that figure had jumped 23 percent. In a world that moves faster all the time, most homeowners would like their home to sell more quickly. Staging a home for sales, which has long been a tool in the high-end housing market, is now becoming popular with more modest properties.

To clean up the clutter, a recent client, Charles, removed clutter from a hallway, took down his art collection so potential buyers could imagine their own pieces hanging on the walls and put away family photos to de-personalize the space.

Outside, he planted red flowers near the curb to make the house easier to find, and kept the front-yard fountain running all the time.

He also had a small bedroom repainted to make it look more like a child’s room, which would have broader appeal

Pending Home Sales Index Down, But Expectations Up

2006-02-06T10:30:00.000-05:00

Pending home sales continue to decline but are expected to recover in the months ahead, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). Get the low-down from this recent article from NAR.

If you're looking to buy or sell real estate in the Boulder Colorado Real Estate market, contact your Downtown Boulder Colorado Real Estate Expert.

Most Expensive Housing Markets

2006-01-29T13:12:00.000-05:00

Are you living in one of the most expensive housing markets in the country? Perhaps you are thinking of moving, and you’d like to gauge where your new city fits in with your old, this CNN article on housing markets can help you get a feel for what you are getting into.

If you are thinking of relocation to the Boulder Colorado area, don’t hesitate to contact your downtown Boulder Colorado Real Estate expert, providing a wealth of Boulder Relocation information.

Stay Out of Lending Trouble

2006-01-19T13:46:00.000-05:00

The swift housing market of the recent past led to the invention of unique mortgage products - some of which can hurt a home buyer's financial health, home equity, and neighborhood stability. Your Boulder Colorado Real Estate expert brings you a free Web site developed by Freddie Mac that can educate you about abusive lending practices.

Should Banks Stay Out of Real Estate?

2006-01-18T14:13:00.000-05:00

A December 2005 survey by Bankrate.com showed banks are boosting their fees faster than the interest rates they offer customers. The National Association of Realtors points to this trend as illustrating why banks should not be allowed to broker real estate.

No need to fret, you've got a solid contact for Boulder Colorado Real Estate.

Mortgage Rates Down for Fifth Consecutive Week

2006-01-17T12:23:00.000-05:00

What has been happening in the mortgage market lately, especially considering the change in the Federal Reserve Board leadership, is quite interesting. Mortgage rates have leveled, and have actually decreased over the past five weeks. Couple this with slowing seasonal markets in the Boulder Colorado Real Estate area, some price reductions, and educated buyers, the first quarter of 2006 is shaping up to be a solid buyer’s market.

Read more detail on the five-week mortgage decline here.

Tax Deductions for your Home?

2006-01-15T12:07:00.000-05:00

Tax time is approaching, and H&R Block's DeductionPro can help you save on tax deductions for your home, family, and life. If you enjoy this download, please visit our Google Ad sponsors located above. Thank you.

Deduction Pro Download

Selling Your Home?

2006-01-15T11:05:00.000-05:00

Before you put your home on the market, there are some things you can do to differentiate your house among the competitors. What are some tips for selling your home, visit the forerunner of Boulder Colorado Real Estate experts to find out today!

How Much Rent to Charge?

2006-01-13T15:49:00.000-05:00

Do you have investment property that you need some advice on how to handle in regards to how much to charge for rent each month? This article will provide the information you need on how much rent to charge.

HOA Impact on Home Prices

2006-01-09T11:54:00.000-05:00

The CATO Institute put together a recent study looking at the impact of a home being located within a Home Owner’s Association (HOA), and its impact on value. The conclusion? On average, homes within an HOA are worth 5% more than similar homes not within an HOA. Many question still remain, however, this empirical study proves why HOA’s are more becoming more accepted.

For the entire article discussing HOA impacts on home prices, click here.

Things to Consider When Purchasing Real Estate

2006-01-07T16:19:00.000-05:00

The real estate market is currently booming nationwide and for this reason more and more individuals are looking into buying a home. As the purchase of a home is a major decision and the largest purchase you may ever make there are a few things that prospective homebuyers should look for in their journey to finding the perfect home.

Area Where the Home Is Located
Perhaps one of the main factors that should be considered when purchasing a home is location, location, location. Where the home is located is an extremely important aspect to the home and whether you want to make an offer. Various factors such as safety, adequacy of schools and location of nearby amenities are all things which relate to the location aspect. For this reason, it is best to start the search for potential real estate by narrowing down a specific area where you would like to buy a home. This will also help to narrow down one’s options with regard to homes for sale.

Price of the Home
As many individuals have a set amount of money they are able to spend for the purchase of a home, it is beneficial to know exactly what price range their potential real estate purchase will fall into. By having a set number in mind, the prospective homebuyer can narrow down their options and only look at those homes which they can afford. Looking at homes out of one’s price range is not only a waste of time but it is a bit of a temptation as well. When buying a home, one wants to be sure that they will be able to afford the mortgage payments once the house is purchased. Because of this potential homebuyers might consider getting a pre-approved mortgage so they know for sure their budget and the price of homes to shop for.

Size of the Home
Another way to narrow down the choices which one faces when it comes to home buying is to have a specific size in mind when it comes to the home. For example, if an individual is looking for a house that has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, there is no need to waste time looking at 1 bedroom condominiums. Having an approximate size in mind when looking for a home is a wonderful way to specify one’s desired options when it comes to square footage and number of rooms.

How Long the House Has Been On the Market
A great indicator to look at when viewing homes for possible purchase is how long they have been on the real estate market. This will tell the prospective homebuyer a few different things including condition of the home, price of the home and flexibility of the current owners with regard to the sale. This is a great way to get a feel for the overall situation surrounding the house.

Buying a new house is a wonderful and exciting adventure to embark on. Frequently one will get overwhelmed with all of the details that go into this somewhat arduous task. However, by keeping the previously mentioned factors in mind, one may be better able to prepare themselves for the journey which lies ahead in the great world of real estate purchase.

Written by Ken Smith. Ken Smith is the owner and team leader of the Suburban House Hunters Team and also has started a blog of resources for REALTORS.

What to Expect in the 2006 Real Estate Market

2006-01-07T12:31:00.000-05:00

The trends that have formed in late 2005 appear as though they will spill into 2006, a market of evolution. We’re already seeing home inventory levels rise, approaching a four to six month market supply. If you are selling your home, be prepared for a longer wait time, perhaps 60-90 days – ensure that you select your agent carefully, challenge them on their marketing plan for your home, and talk to them about their track record in your area.

May it be a prosperous new year for all – should you need real estate or downtown Boulder Colorado Real Estate assistance, we are your source.

First-Time Homebuyers

2006-01-06T10:16:00.000-05:00

First-time homebuyers are educated and informed in the homebuying process, as a result of Internet resources. However, the leap from renter to homeowner is, at times, overwhelming and most rely on their agent for professional direction and expertise. Use the resources, tips, statistics and links in the National Association of Realtor’s Field Guide to get the inside scoop on what agents should be doing to help you out!

What's Up with the Housing Market?

2006-01-03T13:49:00.000-05:00

The housing market has been giving off mixed signals lately, mostly favoring buyers over sellers. November saw sales fall 21 percent and there was mounting evidence of at least intermittent declines in home values.

Inventory is key for sellers – November saw a 4.4 percent decline in the number of homes for sale compared with October, marking the first inventory decline from one month to the next since February of 2005, with listings continuing to erode somewhat

There will always be demand for homes that are priced right. Ensure that when working with your REALTOR on the listing side; pay particular attention to your CMA, and the price at which your home will hit the market. On the buy side, your REALTOR should have a good feel for what buyers are saying “yes” to in the market for comparable homes, which will aid you in making a strong offer.

Housing Bubble

2005-12-26T16:35:00.000-05:00

There is so much talk about the “housing bubble”. Most of the people talking about the bubble have no idea what they are talking about and have done little to no research into the topic. They seem to think that houses are like stocks…what a laugh. There are only a few things that a person HAS to have and housing is one of them, stocks aren’t even close to the top of the list.

There have been “experts” calling for a bust in the bubble for a few years now and so far they have been wrong. A burst would mean that nationwide there would be a drastic reduction in housing prices yet that almost never could happen. Heres why, real estate is a local product that is effected by local events more than national ones. Yes rising interest rates will slow many markets, but that will not crush the market. People still bought homes when the rates got around 20%.

Jobs effect the market so drasticly that even in these “boom” years there have been many towns that have been flat or even lost value over the last 5 years. There are some major metro areas that haven’t had a huge rise in values, while others that have had large gains also had huge job booms. Now I know it will be easy to dismiss one rambling from a real estate agent, but if you want some facts take a look at NAR’s research into the topic.

Keep an open mind and read the facts. Most people will be surprised at what is predicted for their local market. Some areas are in for a correction, most will fair much better.

Written by Ken Smith of the Suburban House Hunters Team

Home Sales on the Rise!

2005-11-29T12:51:00.001-05:00

Sources are hitting the street stating that USA home sales have reached new records during the month of October. Read more about this here, and here.

We're your Boulder Colorado Real Estate experts!

Real Estate Taxes Changing?

2005-11-01T22:12:00.000-05:00

The president's tax-reform advisory panel submitted two final proposals Tuesday morning to the Treasury Department, both of which offer significant changes to your tax breaks.

Nothing has been signed into law yet, but of significant interest to home owner's is the panel recommended lowering the mortgage interest cap, which is the amount of a loan on which home owners would receive a tax break for interest paid, from $1 million to the average regional housing price in the range of $227,000 to $412,000.

Generally speaking, if said recommendation was to be included in the tax law, the higher your mortgage loan and the higher your tax bracket, the more likely it is that you'll see less of a tax break than you would under the current system.

Talk to your Boulder Colorado Real Estate expert for further information on how these changes might impact you.

Good Funds at Closing

2005-10-30T17:38:00.000-05:00

Ensuring that a Lender provides good funds at the time of closing is imperative to the success of a real estate transaction. A recent published article sheds light on how to ensure that there are no issues on the day of your real estate closing.

Read this recent real estate article here: Good Funds at Closing

Researching Schools When Making a Real Estate Decision

2005-10-21T10:19:00.000-05:00

Out of any location’s amenities that have the possibility of influencing a buyer's decision to purchase a home, closeness to excellent schools is one of the most significant.

Whether you are looking for a Boulder Colorado Catholic School, or you are researching Boulder Colorado Schools, you’re best served to start your school search early on in the game. Give yourself, and your child, plenty of time to conduct the proper interviews and visits that a school selection decision warrants.

30 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Trending Up

2005-10-19T10:49:00.000-05:00

It appears that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been trending up since early September, after it dropped from a peak of 5.50 in mid August. Many speculations can be made about rates, and how they impact buying decisions, so speak with your Lender about what it would mean to lock in now versus in another three months.

Average rates on 30-year fixed mortgages in Boulder Colorado rose 3 basis points to 5.58 on Wednesday. A basis point is one-hundredth of a percent. The mortgages in the survey had an average of 0.60 discount and origination points.

Boulder Colorado - Best Small City

2005-10-11T12:21:00.000-05:00

MSN recently released an article citing Boulder Colorado as one of "The Best Small Cities" in which to reside. My home, Boulder Colorado, has been ranked as the number one small city in which to live numerous times in the past years, by numerous sources. I will have to say that Boulder Colorado is a hip place to live. Boulder is a town of 100,000 residents, and with the university, the small town attracts big city events and culture - it's a really nice mix. You can "get out" within minutes into some of the most beautiful scenery around, or stay downtown with great restaurants and solid nightlife.

Boulder Colorado Real Estate Website Design Award

2005-10-10T12:07:00.000-05:00

After intense competition over the period of several weeks, Boulder Colorado's number 1 real estate estate website, Boulder Colorado Real Estate, has been awarded the PURE GOLD real estate web design award - it has been said that "Success leaves clues", nowhere is this more apparent than on the Internet. The decision to award our Boulder Colorado Real Estate website with the PURE GOLD award was based on design, interactivity, and most importantly, on real estate content.

Mortgage Rates - Will They Impact Boulder Colorado Real Estate?

2005-10-09T17:33:00.000-05:00

Alan Greenspan, poised to be replaced in approximately four months as Federal Reserve Chairman, has raised interest rates 11 times since June 2001 - last week's decision by the Federal Open Market Committee to hike the rate banks charge each other for overnight loans by a quarter percentage point to 3.75 percent is steadily becoming a common phenomenon.

Mortgage rates have been fluctuating lately, and we aren't seeing the 4% rates that we could have gotten 3 years ago, but we've been staying under 6% for the most part. The Boulder Colorado market has not stepped off course from a steady rate of appreciation, and despite the natural disasters lately, there is no sign that it will.

Stay tuned to see how Boulder Colorado Investment Property, as well as overall residential sales (Boulder Colorado Real Estate) are impacted by President George Bush's decision on a Federal Reserve Chairman replacement.

Boulder Real Estate Press

2005-10-04T22:05:00.000-05:00

We seem to be getting some notice from property talk, check us out over there - they have done a fine job of collecting articles from across the globe for the knowledge and betterment of the real estate community.

For your hip real estate news, and Boulder Colorado Real Estate advice, keep it locked to the 411.

Real Estate Yard Signs?

2005-10-03T10:55:00.001-05:00

The city of Boulder Colorado has been cracking down on the use of Boulder Real Estate signs over the past year, is it the same in your area? We all know that a real estate sign located in the public right of way is illegal, and in Boulder Colorado, could warrant you a $1,000 fine and/or 90 days in jail.

The Boulder Colorado sign code states:

“With respect to real estate signs, the council finds that a small “for sale” or “for rent” sign is an important means of advertising real estate and does not create a traffic hazard…”

The code goes on to state:

“…One temporary, non-illuminated real estate sign per property or per dwelling unit street frontage, set back at least eighteen inches from the nearest public sidewalk, that does not exceed 6 square feet per face in area and a total of 12 square feet in area and four feet in height in the RR, RR1, ER, LR, MR, MX, HZ, MXR, HR, HZ, and MH zones or 16 square feet per face and a total of 32 square feet in area and seven feet in height in any other zone, but only if the sign remains in place no more than seven days after sale or rental of the subject property. The area of such a sign shall not be deducted from the allowable sign area or number of freestanding signs for the building or business unit. If the property owner or tenant is not using this real estate sign allowance, such person in possession of the property may place a non-commercial sign conforming with these limitations in lieu of such a real estate sign.”

The code is quite a mouthful to handle (and covers all the bases, including 'non-illuminated' signs). LetÂ’s give the Realtors a break out there for those Sunday open house signs, temporarily providing a means to promote and drive traffic to their listing, for the benefit of the Seller. I completely respect the intent of the sign code in Boulder Colorado (and there are some choice spots, specifically on Broadway, where small conglomerates of condos are riddled with signs), but much like anything in our lives, letÂ’s use some common sense on where to place signs, and for how long they should be placed.

Existing Home Sales Rise

2005-09-27T14:28:00.000-05:00

The National Association of Realtors released information yesterday stating that existing home sales rose 2.0% over levels in July, to 7.29 million units. August’s number is just behind June’s 7.35 million-unit record.

Interesting to note, inventory levels rose 3.5% at the end of August to 2.8 million existing homes for sale, which is approximately a 4.7-month supply of homes. Historically speaking, a supply of approximately six months reflects a market that is in balance between buyers and sellers.

Boulder Colorado saw 212 homes sold in the month of August, while inventory stood at 942 homes – Boulder Colorado Real Estate Market Statistics.

It will be interesting to see how the market statistics play out for the remainder of the year, given the recent natural disasters in the Southeast, and the Fed’s raising of interest rates. Stay tuned for more real estate information.

Stylish Boulder Colorado Living

2005-09-24T15:28:00.001-05:00

Downtown Boulder Colorado convenience, class, and style are yours in this rarely available sunny downtown loft condo. Revel in your less than five-minute walk to Boulder Creek, Wild Oats, Boulder Public Library, and Pearl Street. This is truly stylish Boulder living at its finest!

Showings will begin Monday, September 26, 2005, and an open house will take place from 1:00-4:00pm on Sunday, October 2, 2005.

Dealing with a Low Appraisal?

2005-09-22T18:21:00.001-05:00

My Dealing with a Low Appraisal article was recently published at PropertyTalk.com (in addition to the Sunday edition of Boulder's largest newspaper, The Daily Camera). You can take a peek at it by clicking on the above link. I will be writing articles for them moving into the future, so stay tuned for more content to come.

PropertyTalk.com has also featured the article in one of their USA Investment Property forums, what an honor!

Dept. of Justice files suit against NAR

2005-09-12T12:01:00.000-05:00

The Department of Justice has filed suit against the National Association of Realtors (NAR) over a real estate industry rule that it considers unfair to online real estate agents and consumers.

It appears this lawsuit is more about limiting the access of listings taken by "traditional" brokerages, so that the customers of non full-service brokerages would not have ready access to those listings that are taken by full-service brokerages; the latter having more costs associated with the operation of their business, and obvious benefits that come with a full-service brokerage.

You can read about the new NAR policy by clicking here.

You can read more about the lawsuit at the following sites:

The Chicago Tribune
The Register

FREE McAfee Software

2005-09-12T08:39:00.000-05:00

Comcast offers McAfee Security Downloads including virus protection, firewall and parental controls at no additional cost to Comcast High-Speed Internet customers.

Navigate to http://www.comcast.net/security/mcafee/ to take advantage of this offering.

What does it mean to be a REALTOR®?

2005-09-07T09:13:00.000-05:00

Why the capital letters? Why the trademark? Aren't you just a real estate agent?

I have received the question "What does it mean to be a REALTOR®" from several different people. The answer is relatively simple. As a Boulder Colorado REALTOR®, I am held to a higher level of scrutiny around the way in which I conduct my business. Simply holding a real estate license in a particular state, and becoming a REALTOR® are two different things (for instance, not all licensed real estate agents are REALTORS®).

Let's take a look at the history around the word REALTOR® itself, the major distinguishing factor of holding the title, and try and boil down what the trademarked REALTOR® term actually implies. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) was founded as the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges on May 12, 1908 at the YMCA Auditorium in Chicago, IL. The term "Realtor" identifying real estate agents as members of the National Association of Real Estate Boards and subscribers to its strict Code of Ethics, was devised by Charles N. Chadbourn, a past president of the Minneapolis Real Estate Board, and was first used to designate members of the Minneapolis organization. The Minneapolis Board gave all rights to the word "Realtor" to the National Association in 1916. In 1949 and 1950 respectively, the Patent and Trademark Office registrations for the term REALTOR® and the REALTOR® emblem were approved. Dictionary publishers began to list the definition of "REALTOR" as a member of the National Association in 1967. In 1974, the name of the National Association of Real Estate Boards was changed to the National Association of REALTORS®.

Now that we know where the name came from, what does it mean to be a Boulder Real Estate REALTOR®?

A REALTOR® subscribes and pledges oneself to a strict code of ethics that not all real estate agents put themselves through. You can view the current code of ethics at NAR's website here: Code of Ethics. Essentially, the code is made up of rules and regulations, above and beyond common law, by which a REALTOR® must abide. Speaking honestly, these rules and regulations are fair, and are centered on honesty and integrity - rules around disclosure, accounting, competency, and equal services.

In Boulder Colorado, it's somewhat difficult to be in the real estate business with a major provider (Coldwell Banker, Remax, etc.) without being a REALTOR®. Colorado Real Estate Commission rules stipulate that you must work for a minimum of two years under a Broker (such as Coldwell Banker) before you are allowed to work for yourself, however, after that two years, if you are working with someone who runs their own firm, you should look into what kind of ship they are running.

Bottom line, when working with a REALTOR®, you're working with someone who has voluntarily dedicated himself or herself to conducting their real estate business in a fair, honest, and sincere manner.

Welcome!

2005-09-07T09:11:00.000-05:00

Everyone wants to be in the know, be on top of things, have that one liner of information to throw out when the time is appropriate, and now with www.The411onRealEstate.blogspot.com, you've got the resource to make that happen.