Why would I want to be a homeowner?

There has been a lot of tough news coming out this week about the real estate market and overall economy in general. Everywhere you look you see dismal statistics and talk about things like depreciation, record housing inventory levels, foreclosures, shadow inventory, and many experts questioning if buying a house is still a good investment.

Unfortunately, the recent real estate boom (and resulting bust) has skewed our perception about what owning a home really means. Sure - we would all love it if we could continue to experience huge appreciation and growing equity just by paying our mortgage each month. But what about the less tangible benefits of homeownership?

An August 2010 report by the National Association of Realtors discussed the Social Benefits of Housing. Some of the findings include statistics that show that family units in houses with homeowners (versus houses with renters) experience:

- A higher rate of teens staying in school
- A lower rate of teen pregnancy
- Higher educational achievement (and higher earnings as a result)
- Higher civic participation in the local community

Of course there is an even more personal side to our homes. In our homes we build our lives with our partners, raise our children, play with our pets. We celebrate holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and all those major life milestones. We cook, garden, entertain, decorate, and relax. Our homes are our sanctuary - the place we can go to feel safety, security, and unconditional love. We make memories in those little moments of our everyday lives: in the meals and laundry and homework.

So maybe you aren't going to experience double-digit appreciation on your home in the future. Maybe you won't be able to refinance and take out a new loan that is 105% of the value to buy a shiny new car or take a a European vacation. But that doesn't mean that we should all give up on homeownership. Let's not forget all the other benefits that we experience as homeowners every single day.

Jennifer Fly

Colorado Landmark, Realtors
303-443-3377
jenniferfly@coloradolandmark.com
Twitter: @jenflycolorado

Top Ten Sales - Boulder/Broomfield Counties - Aug 9-15, 2010

There is volatility in the real estate market right now, and an abundance of conflicting news reports and statistics that may be confusing to buyers and sellers.  At Colorado Landmark, Realtors we are committed to knowing OUR local market and giving our clients and friends the most up-to-date and accurate information possible.

To that end, periodically we will highlight the week's real estate actvity in Boulder and Broomfield Counties, and let you know what is selling, at what prices, and how long these properties are taking to sell.

For the week of August 9-15, 2010 here are the numbers:

• 83 properties sold
• Price range of properties sold during this period: $110,000 - $875,000
• Median price: $360,000
• Average price: $386,986

 Top Ten Listings Sold during this period:

  

Information obtained from MLS and public record.

Clearly the high end of the market is taking a beating.  Bad news for sellers, but great news for qualified buyers looking for bargains.  

Takeaway for this Week - DON'T overprice your home!  Of course neither you or your realtor want to leave money on the table, but the Kelly Road property is a perfect example of what happens when you make the mistake of overpricing.  Your property sits and sits, and gets stigmatized.  When and IF it finally sells, it will sell FAR below what it might have if it was priced correctly to begin with.  My guess on this one is that it might have sold in the high $700's or even low $800's if priced appropriately in 2008.

Action Items, Do's and Don'ts -  Sellers: interview several listing agents, and tell them to give you the honest truth about what your property is worth.  And DON'T make them feel bad for being honest!  If you need to sell now, you can't afford to have someone blowing cherry smoke in your face.  DON'T list with the realtor who tells you what you hoped to hear (i.e. the highest price); instead DO list with the realtor who gives you the most concrete set of facts, has the most effective marketing plan, and sets realistic expectations.  Agree with your realtor to price position your property to obtain a sale in 90 days or less.

Pam Metzger
Director of Business Development and Relocation
Colorado Landmark, Realtors
@pmcolorado
@COLandmark
@365Boulder
www.facebook.com/COLandmark
www.facebook.com/365ThingsBoulder

Colorado Landmark Relocation Director Earns CRP Designation

Congratulations to our Director of Relocation and Business Development, Pam Metzger, who recently received her Certified Relocation Professional designation!

This prestigious designation includes training in the following areas: Corporate Relocation Policies and Procedures, Residential Real Estate, Relocation Appraising, Relocation Tax and Legal Issues, Family Mobility Issues, and Mobility Strategies. With this extensive training, Colorado Landmark, Realtors will better be able to serve our clients, whether they are relocating to or from the Boulder area.

We also just found out that Worldwide ERC - The Workforce MOBILITY Association announced her as the winner of a random drawing of all participants who sat for the CRP exam in April. She gets her $285 exam fee refunded to her, and there will be a little blurb in the August issue of MOBILITY Magazine too.

YAY Pam - we are so proud and blessed to have you as a part of our organization.

If you have any questions about Boulder area real estate or relocation services, please feel free to contact us at (303) 443-3377 or http://www.coloradolandmark.com/

Check us out on Twitter and Facebook:

www.twitter.com/COlandmark

www.facebook.com/COlandmark

2010 Fireworks Shows - Boulder and Beyond

Looking for ideas for the 4th of July?

Look no further!


Colorado Landmark, Realtors in Boulder, along with our friends at Perry & Co. in Denver have compiled the below list of what's happening on the Front Range on July 3rd and 4th, 2010.

Arvada: July 4 3pm-10pm Contact: 720-898-7000 North Jeffco Park & Recreation District 13150 W. 72nd Ave. Arvada, CO Various activities, events for children, food, live music, and more. 25 mins of Fireworks at 9pm.

Aurora: July 4 starting at 6pm Contact: 303-739-7756 Aurora Municipal Center 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy. Aurora , CO 80012 U.S. Army Ivy Band performance – Huge fireworks display (25 minutes) on Great lawn (west side of Aurora Municipal Center) with patriotic simulcast provided by KEZW radio. Food and beverage booths.

Boulder: July 4 8:30pm Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast! Folsom Field Boulder, CO Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra followed by Fireworks display at 9:30pm

Broomfield: July 4 7pm Contact: 303-464-5509 Broomfield County Commons Park 13200 Sheridan Blvd. Broomfield, CO 80020 Various family activities, free concert by Funkiphino at 7pm. Fireworks around 9:15

Brighton: July 4 9pm Friendship Park S. 8th St. & Southern St. Brighton, CO. Concert & Fireworks around 9pm

Castle Rock: July 4 6pm-11pm Enjoy a concert in the park, food and beverage vendors and beer sales prior to an intense fireworks show at the Metzler Ranch Community Park, 4175 Trail Boss Road.

Commerce City: July 4 7pm-10pm Colorado Rapids game Contact: 303-727-3500 Dick’s Sporting Goods Park 6000 Victory Way Commerce City, CO 80022 Fireworks following the home Rapids vs New York Red Bulls soccer game

Denver – Coors Field: July 2 & 3 6pm-10pm Contact: 303-292-0200 Coors Field Neighborhood Lodo 2001 Blake St Denver , CO 80205 Fireworks after the Rockies vs San Francisco Giants games both nights.

Denver – Denver Country Club July 4 9:30pm Historically the DCC opens their east gate across from Bed, Bath & Beyond about 8:30 to allow friends to watch the fireworks show from the fairway. If not, the best place to watch is north of the Country Club along 1st Ave.

Denver – Invesco Field: July 4 7pm Denver Outlaws game Contact: 720-258-3000 Invesco Field at Mile High 1701 Bryant St. Denver, CO 80204 Fireworks after Outlaws vs Bayhawks lacrosse game.

Edgewater: July 3 4pm-10pm Contact: 303-238-7803 x. 28 Citizens Park 2431 Chase St. Edgewater, CO Fireworks start around 8:45pm

Englewood: July 4 3pm-10pm Contact: 303-762-2300 Belleview Park (near the corner of Windermere and Belleview) 5001 S. Inca Dr., CO 80110 Field games, activities, and live entertainment from 3 – 9 pm. The grand finale is Fireworks at 9:30 pm.

Estes Park: July 4 Lake Estes. Grab front-row seats early on the lake shore and enjoy free music until the fireworks begin. The show starts about 9:30pm, weather permitting. Festivities earlier in the day include a pancake breakfast, a patriotic concert and a classic car show. 970-577-6400.

Glendale: July 3 9:30-11pm Infinity Park 950 S. Birch St. Glendale, CO 80246 Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 PM. There will be at least two big festivals in the city that day – one at Whole Foods; and the other, the Sam Taylor’s Brew ‘n’ Que, at Infinity Park (please note that fireworks viewing will be limited at the Infinity Park site).

Fort Collins: July 4 11am – 10pm Live music, a beer garden and good ole American fun in the Town Square. Fireworks shot over City Park Lake at 9:35pm.

Glendale – Four Mile Historic Park: July 4 10am-4pm Four Mile Historic Park 715 S. Forest St. Denver, CO 80246 Various activities, games, music, etc. but no fireworks show.

Golden: July 4 12pm-10pm Lions Park 1300 10th St & Maple St. Golden, CO 80401 Children’s activities, free rides, food, music Fireworks at 9:30pm

Greeley: July 4 10pm Fireworks following the concerts at Island Grove Park.

Green Valley Ranch: July 4 8-9:30pm Green Valley Ranch Amphitheatre 4890 Argonne Way Denver, CO 80249 At Amphilitheater & Place Concert, etc

Highlands Ranch: July 4 11am-10pm Directly across from Town Center, at the intersection of Highlands Ranch Parkway & Blake Dr. Highlands Ranch Town Center, and Civic Green Park are great locations to watch the show. Balloon Twisters, Face Painters, Vern’s Mini Train, Hayrack Rides, Games & Inflatables, Eurobungee, parades, 5k and 3 live bands. Fireworks around 9:30pm

Lakewood: July 3 1pm-10pm at Jefferson County Sports Stadium located at 500 Kipling St & 6th Ave. Art Activities, Games and Rides for the kids. Live Music, Arts & Crafts, Entertainment, and a Beer Garden for the adults. Fireworks at 9:30pm

Littleton: July 4 3pm-10pm Contact: 303-762-2300 Belleview Park (near the corner of Windermere and Belleview) 5001 S. Inca Dr., CO 80110 Field games, activities, and live entertainment from 3 – 9 pm. The grand finale is Fireworks at 9:30 pm.

Lone Tree: July 4 3pm-10pm Sweetwater Park 8300 1/2 Sweetwater Rd. Lone Tree, CO 5K run, parade, children’s activities, etc. Fireworks at 9:15pm

Longmont: July 4 9:30pm Boulder County Fairgrounds located at Hover & Boston. Fireworks at 9:30pm.

Loveland: July 4 8pm Contact: (970) 962-2727 Celebrations at North Lake Park located at the corner of Taft Ave & 29th St. An 80+ member band will play many patriotic favorites culminating with the fireworks show at 9:17pm.

Morrison: July 2 & 3 3pm-10pm Bandimere Speedway 3051 S. Rooney Rd Morrison, CO Fireworks * Jet Cars * Drag Racing * Troop Salute * Games * Rides * Music * Contests * Magicians *Food * Show * Car Toys Aftershock Stage with live entertainment * More! Fireworks at 9:30pm both nights.

Nederland: July 4: This scenic mountain town celebrates a midsummer rite with a noon parade in downtown Nederland; fireworks at dusk over Barker Reservoir; and live music in the evening. 303-258-3266, ext. 23.

Northglenn: July 4 6-10:30pm Contact: 303-450-8800 EB Rains Jr. Memorial Park 11801 Community Center Dr. Northglenn, CO 80233 Numerous activities. Fireworks at 9:30pm

Parker: July 3 6-10pm Contact: 303-841-0353 Salisbury Park, 9200 Motsenbocker Rd in Parker. Live music, food vendors and children’s activities. The fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m.

Westminster: July 4 7pm Contact: 303-430-2400 ext. 2223 Westminster City Park 10455 Sheridan Blvd. Westminster, CO Concert by the Nacho Men, food vendors Fireworks at 9:15pm.
A HUGE thanks to our wonderful friends at Perry & Co. for compiling this list. Perry & Co. is a Denver tradition, specializing in Denver residential, commercial, land, and investment properties.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July holiday from Colorado Landmark, Realtors!

365 Things to do in Boulder

Have you seen our new Facebook Page, 365 Things to do in Boulder? Sponsored by Colorado Landmark, Realtors, this page is updated daily with great ideas for fun in our amazing town.

We are always striving to provide exceptional service and valuable information to our clients.

Check it out and let us know what you think.