Top Ten Sales - Boulder/Broomfield Counties - Sept 19-25, 2010

Our area's real estate market is still somewhat flat (yes, even in Boulder/Broomfield) but homeowners are bombarded by conflicting national news reports and statistics that make it difficult to discern what is really happening in OUR area. At Colorado Landmark, Realtors we are committed to knowing the local market and giving our clients and friends the most up-to-date and accurate information possible.

To that end, about every other week Colorado Landmark provides detailed information on the real estate actvity in Boulder and Broomfield Counties from the prior week. What is selling, at what prices, how long these properties are taking to sell, and other relevant information about what's going on in OUR local area.

For the week of September 19-25, 2010 here are the numbers:

•63 properties sold (up from from 58 properties 2 weeks ago)
•Price range of properties sold during this period: $46,000 - $1,019,000
•Median price: $310,000 (down from $290,000)
•Average price: $348,849 (down from $364,332)
•$0-199k = 15 sold this week
•$200-299K = 16 sold
•$300-399k = 11 sold
•$400-499k = 10 sold (up from 5 last period)
•$500-599k = 2 sold
•$600-699k = 5 sold (up from 2 last period)
•$700-799k = 1 sold
•$800-899k = 1 sold
•$900-999k = 1 sold
•$1.0-1.9M = 1 sold
•$2.0M+ = 0 sold

Top Ten Listings Sold during this period:

Information obtained from MLS and public record.

This week's statistics illustrate a depressing fact - today's selling prices have reverted to 2000-2001 levels in many cases.  And homeowners who purchased later than 2006 may not break even selling in today's market.  With transaction costs and seller concessions, this means that some sellers may even have to bring a check to the closing table - ugh! Activity in the upper echelon of the market has slowed down, after a fairly decent summer of sales in the $1.0-1.9 million range.  And as reported last time, if your home is priced in the $700-999k range, be prepared for a tough go. Homes in this "move up" price range are a difficult sell.  Consumers concerned about unemployment may not be willing to risk a leap now, despite the lowest interest rates in history.

The statistics illustrate the glaringly obvious fact that overpricing your home can be a devastating financial mistake.  The three properties above with the highest days on market are also the ones with the most drastic price reductions.  The property on today's list that was on the market for over 1900 days sold for 43% of the original list price.

Pricing is THE only way to compete in this market.  Sellers should consult no fewer than three real estate professionals for price opinions ... and list with the one who tells the hard, honest truth.  This is not a time to let anyone blow sunshine in your face about the price of your home.  Sorry Gordon Gecko, but in this market greed is NOT good.  The only explanation for 1900 days of market time is greed and a very poor pricing strategy.

Here's your takeaway for the week - price positioning.  Set a market price for your home and it will sell.  Case in point - the second property on the above list.  The seller knew they were not going to be able to sell for the price they purchased the property for in 2007, so they didn't even try.  They priced it to sell, and it did ... in 5 days.  Be that seller - realistic, brave, and smart.

Pam Metzger
Director of Relocation and Business Development
Colorado Landmark, Realtors
800-737-MOVE
www.coloradolandmark.com
www.facebook.com/COLandmark
www.facebook.com/365ThingsBoulder

Moved to the Boulder Area Recently? Get Used to your New Location This Fall

As the days become shorter and the leaves begin to change color, there are so many great ways to enjoy your new location – outdoors and in.  We are so lucky to live in such a wonderful climate with four relatively mild but distinct seasons.

Many areas in and around Boulder have wonderful displays of autumn colour, usually starting in late September and going through to November, depending on where you are.

Fall is also a great time to buy in the Boulder/Broomfield area.  Sellers whose homes have been on the market all summer are getting anxious.  Interest rates are at record lows.  And with school already started and fewer families moving into the area this time of year, buyers are in the driver's seat!  Check out the Flatirons Tour of Homes this weekend Sept 25-26, or access all homes on the market on our website ColoradoLandmark.com.


Here is a list of some Fall area activities you and your family might enjoy:
Elk Bugling in Estes Park - September/October
If you want a National Geographic experience, head up the highway to Estes Park to catch elk antics during their annual mating season.  The characteristic rutting call of bulls can be heard from just before dusk to dawn. Head into Rocky Mountain National Park and stop at Horseshoe Park. In the early evening, local volunteer guides called the Bugle Corp are on hand to give interpretive information. Find a good place to camp out for a while, take a picnic lunch or dinner, some folding chairs and blankets, and watch this unique animal activity!

Drive the Peak to Peak Scenie Byway - September/October
Explore one of Colorado's most scenic byways during this glorious time of fall foliage.  Less than an hour from Denver, Boulder, or Fort Collins, this 55-mile-long route provides matchless views of the Continental Divide and its timbered approaches.  The Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway also traverses an area rich in early Colorado history. The area was once a mining belt of valuable gold and silver deposits.  Plenty to see and places to stop along the way!

Fall Festival - Sept 24 (5-10pm) Sept 25 (11am-10pm) Sept 26 (11am-6pm)
This has been one of the most beloved community events in Boulder for over 20 years!  This 3-day autumn festival features food, brews and music as well as a Children’s Carnival and many regional artisan booths.

Guided Nature Hikes and Programs - various dates in September
Boulder Open Space Mountain Parks division has a number of great Fall programs, including night hikes, wheelchair outings, kids animal talks, and star and planet gazing.

See Fall Foliage Colors - on your own!
Check out this local hiking guide for some great places to enjoy our natural surroundings and the beautiful fall colors.

Anderson Farms Fall Festival and Corn Maze - Sept 25-Oct 31, 2010
Home of Colorado's Oldest Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch. They offer many activities at their Fall Festival, including pumpkin patch, wagon hay rides, pedal karts, pumpkin launching, barrel train, mine cars, farm animals, kiddie korral, hay bale maze, and terror in the corn!  Enjoy spectacular views of the Front Range, Longs Peak and the serenity of this country farm as the beautiful backdrop for a fun fall day.  Check website for prices.

Other Pumpkin Patch Options - various, through October 31, 2010
Check out this HUGE list of area pumpkin patches!  These farms range from the low-key pumpkin and vegetable patches, to carnival-style festivals. Close in our area are Munson Farms, Cottonwood Farm, and Rock Creek Farm.  Call ahead to find out if the pumpkin patch you've chosen is offering wagons to transport pumpkins from the field or whether you should BYOW - Bring Your Own Wagon. At the same time, find out if the pumpkins are actually in the field or in a big pile (it may differ during the week). Prices vary greatly, so be sure to inquire about the price of a 10-lb and 15-lb pumpkin before you leave home.  Of course, the carnival-style farms will charge admission fees and tickets for rides.


Boulder Farmers Market - Wednesdays thru Oct 7 (4-8pm), Saturdays thru Nov 7, 2010 (8am-2pm)
The quintessential event in Boulder EACH week!  The Boulder County Farmers' Market brings you locally grown organic and conventionally grown vegetables and fruits, meats, flowers, plants, gourmet cheeses and wines sold by the area farmers that produce them. Local bakeries and chefs will have delicious confections and savory treats for your culinary enjoyment too! 

Louisville Farmers Market - Saturdays thru Oct 16 (9am-2pm)
Enjoy quaint downtown Louisville and the weekly Farmers Market there.  Fresh produce, local artisans, area restaurants, market meals, live performances and activities for kids. 

Pearl Street Stampede - Fridays, before CU home football games, 7pm
Start at 13th Street and stroll down Pearl Street cheering on your favorite University of Colorado Buffaloes and listen to the traditional sounds of the Golden Buffalo Marching Band.  A big community pep rally and great family fun!

CU Football Games - Saturdays, October 2, 16, 23 and November 13, 30 - times TBA
After the pep rally make your way to the Coors Field at CU to watch our very own Colorado Buffalo football team own the field!  Watching college football is a staple of most everyone's fall activity list - since CU is in our backyard, why not go to a game and enjoy a fall day outside?

Open Studios Fall Studio Tour - October 2-3, and 9-10, 2010, noon-6pm
Drive around Boulder's various neighborhoods and look at the fall colors between your stops at dozens of artists' studios.  Once a year, the private studios of Boulder's best artists are open for you and your family! Enjoy a fall day with friends while you experience the world of creation and imagination. Everyone is welcome at this FREE event.

Erie Harvest Fest - October 2, 2010 (10am-5pm)
The Erie Chamber of Commerce hosts this wonderful harvest festival.  The event features live entertainment all day. While enjoying these performances, try the Turkey Legs, Roasted Nuts, German Brats, Polish Sausage, Cabbage Rolls, Pretzels, Funnel Cakes, Curley Fries, Giant Pretzels and more.  Chili Cook Off and Pie Baking Contest!  And ...new this year- Talent Contest! 

CU Family Weekend - October 15-17, 2010 - check website for times
For families of CU students - CU invites you to join other CU-Boulder parents and families for a special weekend on campus during one of Boulder’s most beautiful seasons. This annual fall event provides an opportunity for you to visit your student’s campus home, talk with university faculty and staff, attend classes and presentations, tour the campus and Boulder, cheer the Colorado Buffaloes to a Big 12 football victory over the Baylor Bears, and meet other CU-Boulder families.

Meet the Spirits at the Columbia Cemetary - October 17, 2010 - 12-5pm
Columbia Cemetery (also known as “Pioneer Cemetery”) has been an important part of Boulder’s heritage since its establishment in 1870.  Come and meet some of Boulder’s most dearly departed! Costumed “spirits” will rise from their graves in Columbia Cemetery for just one afternoon to tell their stories. Get into the Halloween spirit with Victorian mourners, funeral music, vintage hearses, and a reenactment of a solemn Masonic burial service.  $10 adults, $5 kids.

Broomfield Spooktacular - October 23, 2010 - 11am-2pm
You’ll have an unhauntingly good time at Broomfield Recreation Services Great Broomfield Pumpkin Festival. The Festival is held at the 1STBANK Center this year. Come in costume! They will have carnival games, prizes, wagon rides, crafts, and a trick or treat street. The $5.00 fee is for one series of carnival games and treat street, an additional visit cost an additional fee. This Halloween party is guaranteed to be a treat for kids of all ages!

Trunk or Treat and Spooky Fest - October 30, 2010, 4:30pm
You have heard of going door to door, why not consider going trunk to trunk? Vehicles decorated by volunteers and area businesses will line the parking lot of the Erie Community Center for this year's 5th Annual Trunk or Treat and Spooky Fest. This spooktacular event should prove to be SAFE and plenty of fun with and indoor haunted house, spooky games, treats, and of course trunk or treating. Prizes will be awarded for Best Trunk!

World of Wonder WOW! Halloween Event - October 30, 2010 (10am-6pm)
Fun and spooky Halloween crafts and pumpkin decorating at this terrific children's museum in Lafayette!  Wear your costume and receive a special Halloween treat! All Halloween activities are included with Museum admission.  $7 children, FREE for adults

Longmont Halloween Parade followed by Trick or Treat Street - October 30, 2010 (10am)
Come in Costume!!!  NEW Route!! Route will be lengthy: wagons and strollers recommended. No motorized children's cars. Trick or Treat Street by participating Downtown Merchants will immediately follow the parade. Streets will remain closed during this time.

Munchkin Masquerade - October 31, 201 - 2-5pm
Each Halloween Downtown Boulder is invaded by 2,000+ tiny ghosts & goblins, dinosaurs & dragons, fairies & princes, super heroesand animals of every size trick­or­treating along Pearl Street.

Safe Halloween Night - Longmont Rec Center - October 31, 2010 (6-8:30pm)
Longmont Recreation Services offers a Safe Halloween Night geared for youth ages 10 and under that is full of carnival games, boat rides, and Halloween fun!

Check our Facebook page "365 Things to do in Boulder" for daily updates of things to do this fall!  And follow us on Twitter!

If you have suggestions for other fall events that you would like to see on this list please leave a comment and let us know!

Pam Metzger
Director of Relocation and Business Development
Colorado Landmark, Realtors

Colorado Landmark, Realtors is proudly sponsoring the 2010 Flatirons Tour of Homes

We at Colorado Landmark, Realtors are very proud to be sponsoring the 2010 Flatirons Tour of Homes!

We are the featured sponsor of this fantastic free event, hosted by the Home Builders Association.

The tour runs for two weekends, September 18-19 and September 25-26, from 10 am - 4 pm each day. Homes throughout Boulder, Broomfield, Longmont, Niwot, and Lafayette will be featured. Whether you are in the market for a new property or seeking inspiration for your current home, this is a great opportunity to see the latest innovations in architecture, construction, and interior design.

For more information, including a map and details of each home, please click here.

Hope to see you there!

Colorado Landmark, Realtors

303-443-3377

http://www.coloradolandmark.com/

Twitter: @COLandmark

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/COLandmark

Top Ten Sales - Boulder/Broomfield Counties - Sept 5-11, 2010

There is volatility in the real estate market right now (yes, even in Boulder/Broomfield), and an abundance of conflicting news reports and statistics that maare potentially 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, about every other week we will give you detailed information about the prior week's real estate actvity in Boulder and Broomfield Counties.  What is selling, at what prices, how long these properties are taking to sell, and other relevant information about what's going on in OUR area.

For the week of September 5-11, 2010 here are the numbers:

•58 properties sold (down from 81 properties 2 weeks ago)
•Price range of properties sold during this period: $114,900 - $1,500,000
•Median price: $265,000 (down from $290,000)
•Average price: $364,332 (down from $432,480)
•$0-199k = 13 sold this week
•$200-299K = 18 sold
•$300-399k = 10 sold
•$400-499k = 5 sold
•$500-599k = 5 sold
•$600-699k = 2 sold
•$700-799k = 2 sold
•$800-899k = 0 sold
•$900-999k = 1 sold
•$1.0-1.9M = 2 sold
•$2.0M+ = 0 sold

Top Ten Listings Sold during this period:
Information obtained from MLS and public record.

Looking over the last two reports of Top Ten on this blog, there are a couple of obvious conclusions. One, if you have priced your home in the $700-999k range, be prepared for a tough go.  If you are in the $800's it is especially rough.  Homes in this price range are difficult to sell right now.  For the Boulder area this is typically a "move up" price range.  It has historically been a tough price point to sell anyway, but with consumers concerned about unemployment it's even tougher for buyers to make that leap to "movin' on up" now.

The other obvious conclusion is that sellers still haven't gotten the message about overpricing their homes.  You can hire the best realtor in the area, with affluent connections, the most innovative and comprehensive marketing, and biggest web presence.  You can stage your house beautifully, keep it spotlessly clean for showings and open houses, and make it look like an HGTV showcase home.  But all that means nothing if you insist on overpricing it!  You don't need to give your home away, but you DO need to be realistic and toss both your ego and emotional attachments aside.

I am going to sound like a real broken record here, but again ... it doesn't take a rocket scientist to look at the chart and see that the five homes with the longest DOM are the five homes with the most drastic price reductions, from 21.8% all the way up to 62.3% off original list price.  Hellooooo ..... anyone listening?

Here's your takeaway for the week - It's time for tough love.  Instead of beating your realtor up about why your home hasn't sold, get their honest opinion (or one from their managing broker) about what it will take to price your home to sell in the next 90 days.  Listen, bite down on that leather strap, and just do it.

Pam Metzger
Director of Relocation and Busienss Development
Colorado Landmark, Realtors
800-737-MOVE
www.coloradolandmark.com
www.facebook.com/COLandmark
www.facebook.com/365ThingsBoulder

Boulder Four-Mile Fire Information and Resources

Here is a list of some websites that have good information on the Boulder Four-Mile Fire:

Boulder Office of Emergency Management - main page for emergency status, updated throughout the day
American Red Cross Disaster Update - day-by-day update of services that are being offered and what to do and what NOT to do in terms of volunteering, dropping off donation items, etc...
Boulder County Government Update Page - daily update of general affected areas, resources, map
Radio Frequencies for Emergency Services -  professional rescuer and amatuer listener radio frequencies used in Boulder County and surrounding areas are provided here.  Law enforcement frequencies are NOT provided.   Also on Radio Reference.
Updated Map of the burn area - provided by Boulder County
Updated List of Homes Damaged or Destroyed - provided by Boulder County
Official Drop Off Site for Donations - provided by Boulder County, plus list of items needed and what items will NOT be accepted
Public Information Resources - provided by Boulder County, information on services offered at the victim assistance center, numbers to call for evacuees, volunteers, etc ...
Information on Air Quality in Boulder County - health information for area residents on air quality issues as a result of the fires
Boulder Daily Camera Fire Coverage - links to all news stories from Boulder's local newspaper, links to live audio feeds, photos, photo submissions, #Boulderfire twitter feed, map
News Report on Fire - story on the fire, with list of links down the left hand side of the article to other other articles, resources, photos, etc...
Photos of Fire Area - Fox News Photo Gallery
Full Fire Coverage - Colorado Daily's coverage page, links to stories, photo galleries, videos, maps

For Evacuees and Victims:
Victim Assistance Center - provided  by Boulder County.  Address and list of services offered
Safe and Well website - site provided by the Red Cross to register yourself, search for family and friends
YMCA of Boulder Valley - page on the shelter set up at the Mapleton YMCA
Offers of Help - posed on the Daily Camera website, many people are offering housing, pet help, etc...
Boulder Humane Society - offering assistance for those with displaced pets - this is their page dedicated to info about that
Longmont Humane Society - also offering assistance for those with displaced pets, main page
How to Get Help - comprehensive list from Daily Camera
Forum for People Needing/Offering Help - from Sparkplace.com, a clearinghouse of offerings


Facebook Pages
Boulder County
Red Cross Mile High Chapter
Boulder Office of Emergency Management

Twitter Links - also check for posts using the hashtag #Boulderfire
Boulder County
Red Cross Denver
Boulder Office of Emergency Management
Colorado Division of Emergency Management
EPIC Colorado - CU research effort in emergency information
Boulder Police Department

How to help/donate:
Call 211 - this will connect you to the United Way's central clearinghouse for donations.  United Way is supporting the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.  Most likely they will take down your name, contact info and details about what you would like to donate rather than give you specific instructions. 
Salvation Army - currently providing meals to the firefighters via a mobile kitchen and cold truck

American Red Cross - currently helping evacuees and victims by providing shelter, meals, needed items.  They are currently stating on their Twitter page that people should bring donation items to 3111 28th Street in Boulder, NOT the Mapleton YMCA.

Boulder County Volunteer Connection - volunteer information and referral center for Boulder County

Fight the Boulder Fire - central site for volunteer and donation information, plus live Twitter feed on everyone posting about #Boulderfire

Daily Camera posting site - post what help you can offer here in the comments section of this article

Citizen Action Team Relief Database - list of many organizations collecting donations, items, drop off sites, items needed

How to Help - comprehensive list from Boulder Daily Camera on ways to assist

Forum for People Needing/Offering Help - from Sparkplace.com, a clearinghouse of offerings

This is only the tip of the iceburg for resources and information.  As soon as we identify and additional set of resources we will post and update.

Colorado Landmark Offers FREE Facebook Class for Boulder Realtors - Friday October 1st

This class is FREE to local Boulder/Broomfield area REALTORS who are members of the Boulder Area Realtor Association, Longmont Realtor Association, or North Metro Realtor Association.  (membership will be verified) 

If you have been wanting to get on Facebook and don’t know how to get started, have an account but don’t know what to do with it, or want to utilize more of Facebook’s features and options then this class is for YOU!  Light snacks will be provided.

Friday, October 1, 2010 – NOON – Boulder office

Colorado Landmark's own Marissa Cannady will be leading this class. Topics covered include:

• How to set up a Facebook page for anyone that does not already have one set up.
• How to find other friends that are on Facebook/add friends/remove friends/block lists
• Wall post overview/photo comments
• How to create and manage lists of friends
• Privacy overview
• Using the search bar in Facebook
• Privacy settings
• Application settings
• Hiding people in your news feed
• Difference between Personal Profile and Facebook Business Page/CO Landmark Page
• How to set up Facebook Pages (aka Fan Pages)
• Promoting your Facebook Page (suggest to friends, etc)

Bring your laptop if you would like and you can get up and running DURING the class!

Please RSVP to pam@coloradolandmark.com by Tuesday, September 28th.

Twitter class … coming soon – stay tuned!

Fourmile Fire - Information and Links

We are devastated about the fire that is burning in Boulder today. Stories are coming in about clients and friends who have lost their homes, and many more who have been evacuated and now just have to wait. The entire downtown area of Boulder is set in a dark, smoky haze. We are all feeling the effects.

Many people are looking for current information and asking what they can do to help. Below are a few links with up-t0-date information:

Boulder Office of Emergency Management - This site seems to display the most current updates coming from the City and County of Boulder

Fourmile Fire: How to get help / How to help - Good resource with ideas of how to help, including donations being accepted at the Northern Colorado Red Cross and the Longmont Humane Society

BoulderPage Blog - A good compilation of stories and photos about the fire.

We will also be updating our Colorado Landmark, Realtors Facebook Page as we have more information.

If you have additional links or resources, please feel free to post them in the comments.

Colorado Landmark, Realtors

Twitter: @COLandmark

Facebook: Colorado Landmark, Realtors Facebook Page

2010 CU Buffs' Football Schedule

We can't believe it is already time for football! But it's true - the kids are back in school, the mornings are feeling pretty crisp and cool, and the Rocky Mountain Showdown is this weekend!

In our opinion, there is nowhere better to watch a college game than Folsom Field. And now that the University of Colorado has joined the Pac-10, it's going to be a very interesting season.

Here's the University of Colorado Buffaloes' game schedule for the 2010-2011 season, brought to you by Colorado Landmark, Realtors.

DATE/TIME	LOCATION	OPPONENT
September 4: 12:00	Invesco Field at Mile High	Colorado State
September 11: 1:30	Berkeley, CA	California
September 18: 1:30	Folsom Field	Hawaii
October 2: 5:00	Folsom Field	Georgia
October 9: TBA	at Columbia, MO	Missouri
October 16: TBA	Folsom Field	Baylor
October 23: TBA	Folsom Field	Texas Tech
October 30: TBA	Norman, OK	Oklahoma
November 30: TBA	Lawrence, KS	Kansas
November 13: TBA	Folsom Field	Iowa State
November 20: TBA	Folsom Field	Kansas State
November 26: 1:30	Lincoln, NE	Nebraska

Go CU! Make it a great season.

Colorado Landmark, Realtors

Twitter: @COLandmark

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/COlandmark

Top Ten Sales - Boulder/Broomfield Counties - Aug 22-28, 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 are highlighting the week's real estate actvity in Boulder and Broomfield Counties, to let you know what is selling, at what prices, and how long these properties are taking to sell.

For the week of August 22-28, 2010 here are the numbers:

• 81 properties sold
• Price range of properties sold during this period: $89,500 - $2,495,000
• Median price: $290,000
• Average price: $432,480
• $0-199k = 19 sold this week
• $200-299K = 21 sold
• $300-399k = 12 sold
• $40-499k = 9 sold
• $500-599k = 5 sold
• $600-699k = 5 sold
• $700-799k = 1 sold
• $800-899k = 0 sold
• $900-999k = 2 sold
• $1.0-1.9M = 4 sold
• $2.0M+ = 2 sold

Top Ten Listings Sold during this period:

Information obtained from MLS and public record.





The message this week is pretty obvious - if your home is priced over $1 million and not priced correctly for the market, it is going to take a REALLY long time to sell!  The average days on market (DOM) for homes in this category for this week is 596 days, with 565 days to offer.  That is astounding in itself, but what is even more astounding are the drastic price reductions off of original list price.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to look at the chart and see that the five homes with the longest DOM are the five homes with the most drastic price reductions, from 30% all the way up to 61% off original list price.  If that is not a call to action for sellers, I don't know what is!!

There is only one way to make sure that your luxury home doesn't take 600 days to sell and that is by employing what is called Price Positioning.  Take a look at other relevant active listings and price your home competitively as close to the bottom of that range as you can tolerate.  This plainly is not the time to be greedy.  Be the first home that a buyer in your home's category wants to look at.  If your price is compelling the buyer won't want to leave the house without making an offer for fear that someone else will buy it first.  Here's your takeaway for the week - Be THAT seller.

Pam Metzger
Director of Relocation and Business Development
Colorado Landmark, Realtors
303-443-3377
@pmcolorado
www.facebook.com/COLandmark