Buying your home? Need new updates and wish you had the money for them?

admin — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:43:18 +0000

Enter the FHA 203k Streamline loan!

FHA has a wonderful loan program, built to help you take a property needing some TLC, and turning it into your dream home!

What do I mean? Well, lets suppose you are looking for your first home…and want to be cautious on your budget and set a max of say $225k. Well, as most of you know in our market, a lot of times a home in this ballpark may need a little updating if older, possibly new paint and appliances if a short sale or foreclosure, or perhaps you want to update the hardwood floors, add in tile and remodel your kitchen. With the FHA 203k Streamline this is possible!

Here are the basics:

- You cannot exceed $35,000 in repairs/updates, but you must spend at least $5,000. Also, there is a contingency of 10-20% depending on home age, and if there are plumbing repairs to be made. Call me for more on that…

-A general contractor must perform the work. You cannot do it yourselves on the weekends. Since the repair cost is included in your loan, the lender requires that this be done professionally.

-Loan must be within 110% of the AFTER REPAIR VALUE! Meaning we will get TWO appraisals…one for “current value” and one for “after repair value”

-Appraiser wins. This means that if you have a long list of granite, tile, new flooring, new texture and paint, new doors, knobs, and a new patio door…..and the appraiser says “this property needs a new furnace”, that must be added to the list and must not exceed the limits. If it does take it over your budget, you must remove something else.

All in all this is as wonderful opportunity for those looking for a new home to have some great work done before!

Like a house but they smoked inside? How about new paint, primer and install new carpet? Love that 1950′s ranch but dislike that it has not had an update since the builder put in the last brick? No Problem, lets get some new flooring, new appliances, and update the lighting! Sky is “almost” the limit.

The best news is that there is not additional qualification for this program other than applying and being approved for an FHA loan! If you are interested in this program, please give me a call or email and I can talk you through it and put you in contact with a local lender that offers the 203k loan.

Happy House Hunting!

Great Highlights For Real Estate in March!

admin — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:25:16 +0000

March 2012 Sales Highlights

Longmont Single Family Homes:

39.9% Increase in closed March sales year over year!
26.4% Increase in closed sales year to date vs 2011
15.8% DECREASE in active listings (390)
7.1% Increase in Median Sales Price over March 2011

One thing is clear, many of you who have been hearing me say, “it is going to be busy out there this spring” will know that I was right! Look at this…almost a 40% increase in closed sales over last years March, just over 26% YTD!

One important thing that I wanted to point out was the active listings, for a few months my buyers and I have been noticing that “there are just not enough homes to choose from in certain price ranges”. So much so that at times…we would see a home…and have to wait a week or two before something new and similar was available! This caused a few things…more competition and slight price increases! Off the top of my head…in Feb I recall being involved in 3 sales that were all MULTIPLE OFFERS within DAYS of listing. This is something that most of us have not seen in some time on well cared for, ready to sell homes…and not foreclosures or short sales. Sales are up almost 40%, listings are down almost 16%…opportunity.

Well, I have said it before and I will say it again….Buyers and Sellers, interest rates are still incredible, and as you can see from these numbers there is a lot of activity in the market. If you have been considering selling your home…it may be a great time to consider giving me a call to assess your home and its marketability. Buyers…as always….money is cheap and there are many people our shopping so let me know if you need help getting off of the fence. I always offer my time (and a cup of coffee!) for free if you have questions about purchasing or selling. These days, having the knowledge and understanding about how this works and what opportunities to look for are critical.

Have a wonderful week and enjoy this Beautiful Colorado Spring Weather!

Buying Opportunity?

admin — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:37:32 +0000

Have you been considering taking that next big step in life? Or perhaps you have been a homeowner for a while and want to create some wealth and cash flow. Whatever you’re motivation, one thing is true for any situation…the opportunity is in front of you.

Right now, we are in a time where interest rates on mortgages are still at all time lows. Recently we have been closing on homes with buyers in the 3.5% – 4.5% ranges depending on the type of financing desired. In addition, prices on homes and condos have been slowly decreasing over the past several years creating a unique situation….inexpensive purchases at low, fixed interest rates.

Financing is available right now in all shapes and forms. Investors can benefit from lower interest rates on conventional products, and owner occupants can benefit from low rates, low down payments, and several programs…such as Key Banks community program that will work with Lower credit scores. In addition, for those looking at rural areas such as Mead, Firestone, Frederick, Johnstown, a 100% USDA loan may be a good fit. From 100% financing, zero down payment loans to higher down, lower interest…there is something for everyone.

The market is in a bit of a transformation right now. For instance in Longmont, prices have started to stabilize over the last several months and at the same time….inventory has been decreasing. What does this mean? Well, for right now this means that should be seeing more buyer activity on listings, most likely lowering days on market and slightly increasing offer amounts. I for one have been in several “multiple offer scenarios” sofar this year…something that was much fewer and far between last year.

So think about, mull it over…is it the right decision for you right now? If you are interested in learning more, give me a call and we can chat on the phone or grab a quick cup of coffee on me. Its going to be a busy year in the housing market from current indictors…lets get you a house!

New Listing in Longmont!

admin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:58:30 +0000

Brand New Listing in Longmont!

1132 Lincoln
Longmont, Co 80501
Popular Brick Ranch in Established Neighborhood!

Josh Hunter

Office:	303-682-2828
Mobile:	720-495-5924
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$159,000
Bedrooms	:	3
Bathrooms	:	1
Square Foot	:	954
County	:	Boulder
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	1956
MLS Number	:	673288

click for more information and pictures

Property Description

This all brick ranch is located just a short walk away from THREE schools, grocery, dining and more! Brand New Roof and newly coated hardwood floors throughout! This property features double pane windows, carport, storage shed, large yard, covered patio and alley access! Same owner for many years and very well cared for. Included are all of the blinds/window coverings, all kitchen appliances as well as the washer and dryer! This is not a short sale or a foreclosure, the seller is able to do a quick close! Move In Ready!

Equal Housing Opportunity.

St. Vrain Realty :
2101 Ken Pratt Blvd -
Longmont
CO
80501
: 303-682-2828

Shed a little good light on Longmont Housing Numbers for 2012

admin — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:32:20 +0000

This is a quick post, but a positive and informative one!

January Statistics are out and what a great start we are having!

-Number of Detached (Homes) units sold is up 15.2% over last year

-Number of Active Listings is down -12.7%

-Median Sales Price is up 12.6%

-Average Sales Price is up 15.3%

This is a great start to the year, and with inventory numbers being lower, and buyer activity increasing we may start to see some more positive price pressure and competition on listings. Already this year, I have been in two MULTIPLE OFFER situations with buyers…which is great news for the sellers.

Longmont Association of Realtors installs new officers

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:26:55 +0000

Article below was published and written by the Longmont Times Call Newspaper and is not an original piece from this websites author. Full text found at

About 150 people turned out at the Plaza Conference Center on Friday night for the Longmont Association of Realtors’ annual installation banquet.

Bob Danos of PML Inc. was introduced as the organization’s new president for the coming year. He told the audience how excited he was about the opportunities in real estate, with interest rates at historic lows. He also said how proud he was to be leading the LAR, an organization 400 strong, he said, counting both membership and affiliates.

“I’m just looking forward to the opportunity and the opportunities that are out there for everyone in the real estate market right now,” Danos said Friday.

Along with the induction of the new president came the presentation of several LAR awards:

• Deanna Dyer of Dyer Realty was named Realtor of the Year

• Kim Ranes of Diamond 4 Realty received the Presidential Service Award

• Carin Danos of PML Inc. was named Rookie of the Year

• Stephanie McKay of Heritage Title Co. was named 2011 Affiliate of the Year

Another of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of checks through the Colorado Association of Realtors Housing Opportunity Foundation to local nonprofits the OUR Center, Inn Between of Longmont and Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley.

CAR directors Terry Lee and Reid Williams were recognized, as was Dyer, the brokers’ forum representative; LAR executive vice president Amy Aschenbrenner; and North East governmental affairs director Barbara Koelzer.

Keith Kanemoto of Prudential Rocky Mountain Realtors presented the 2012 officers: Bob Danos, president; Dave Wagner of ERA Tradewind Real Estate, immediate past president; Dene Yarwood of Wright Kingdom Real Estate, president-elect; Damian Wise of Keller Williams 1st Realty, secretary; Tara Boston of Keller Williams 1st Realty, treasurer; and directors Claudia Archuleta of ERA Tradewind Real Estate; Regina Cheyney of RMG Realty; Josh Hunter of MB Longmont Real Estate; Vicky Marchino of ERA Tradewind Real Estate; Kim Ranes of Diamond 4 Realty; and Ed Regel of Regel & Associates.

Kyle Snyder of Land Title Guaranty Co. served as master of ceremonies for Friday’s event.

100% Financing…Really?

admin — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 19:42:41 +0000

Lately I have been getting alot of questions from people…mainly first time buyers asking about 100% financing and if it is still possible. For a while, there was really only an FHA loan that requires 3.5% down or USDA Financing which although does offer 100% LTV, has area restrictions….and Longmont is not in the area. However…good news! Key Bank is offering a 100% LTV mortgage that requires only $500.00 from you the buyer! The best part is that this is a conventional product!

Here are some basics:

$500.00 buyer contribution

NO PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) = Lower Payment!

Alternative Credit is Acceptable

Up to a 3% seller contribution for closing costs and fees

Funds needed to close can me a gift or a grant

Flexible Credit Decisions

This loan program has helped many people achieve the dream of home ownership! I recently closed a Key Community loan and it was a seamless process that went well for the buyer! Now, the PROPERTY OR the BUYER need to qualify for this program, but more people qualify than you would think!

If you are interested in seeing if this is a viable option for you, please give me a call or send me an email. I will be able to help out and educate you on if this program will work very quickly!

2308 Dillon Way – Great new Listing in Longmont, Colorado

admin — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:38:29 +0000

2308 Dillon Way in Beautiful Longmont, Colorado

Bedrooms:	4	Bathrooms:	3
Home Size:	2,185 sq.ft.	Garage:	3
County:	Boulder	Property Type:	Single Family Detached
Year Built:	2002

Property Description

Rich Hardwood Flooring throughout the main level of this beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom Ranch Home. Over 2100 square feet of finished space provides ample room and a great flow.The main level of this property features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, rich hardwood flooring, newer paint and great natural light. In addition, a main floor laundry area includes a washer and dryer! The kitchen features tile flooring, plenty of counter and cabinet space as well as all appliances including a Gas Range!Downstairs you will find a professionally finished basement featuring a great living room, nice sized bedroom and additional bathroom with shower! This basement also features great storage spaces and a wash basin. Stepping out back, you enter a beautifully covered wood porch complete with recessed can lighting and shutters for sun! Being located on a Cul-De-Sac lot, each side of the yard is very spacious. To the right, you find an additional concrete patio, large grassy area and a garden with lush greens and raised beds as well as access to the garage. We hope you enjoyed the photos and tour of this property. Please call Josh Hunter at 720.495.5924 to schedule a private viewing. Multi Room Virtual Tour Here!

Longmont Homes Sales Down – Less about market and more about prior incentives

admin — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 17:04:38 +0000

This Article was written and published by the Daily Times Call in Longmont.

Longmont home sales down

But Realtors say it’s less about the market and more about last year’s incentives

By Tony Kindelspire Longmont Times-Call

LONGMONT — Despite numbers that are down compared with a year ago, local real estate agents say they’re pleased with the way 2011 is shaping up in terms of residential home sales. In fact, they say, after years of turmoil the market seems to be getting back to a pre-recession normal.

Year-to-date through the end of June, 421 single-family homes had been sold in Longmont, a nearly 23 percent drop from a year ago. But last year was unusual because of the federal homebuyer tax credit that was put in effect in late 2009 and extended into the second quarter of 2010.

Dave Wagner, president of the Longmont Association of Realtors, said the tax credit skewed the numbers for the first part of last year and feels like the market is returning to a more normal cycle of buying and selling.

Wagner said he’s predicting that by the end of 2011, sales figures for Longmont will be off by about 3 percent when compared with 2010.

“The stimulus may have added 10 percent to our business and we’re only down 3 percent?” said Wagner, a sales associate with ERA Tradewind Real Estate in Longmont. Then I’d say we’re in a recovering market.”

Kim Ranes of Diamond 4 Realty, who’s been in the business since 1996, agrees with Wagner’s assessment.

“I think that it’s generally doing OK,” said Ranes, who operates all over the northern Front Range. “It think it’s kind of holding its own. The listings that are selling are some of the better ones on the market, and some of them are selling quite quickly. Others sit for a while.”

The average days on the market has dropped this year in Longmont to 91, from 111 last year.

Ranes said that from the seller’s perspective, price continues to be key.

“No matter what, for the entire time I’ve been in the business, pricing has always been the most important. I think no matter what, pricing has to be number one. But staging and cleaning and updating (your home to sell) is very close,” she said. The median home price in Longmont year-to-date through June was $216,800, a 13 percent decline from the $249,900 of a year ago. Part of that is due to buyers being more cautious, which is forcing sellers, in many cases, to ask less than they might want to, Ranes said.

“Right now, because of what’s happened in the economy the last few years, the buyers seem to be weighing their decisions a little bit more,” Ranes said. “They’re being a little more cautious.”

Dene Yarwood, a broker associate with Wright Kingdom Real Estate’s Longmont office, said that the market is in a bit of a summer lull at the moment, but she expects that to change in about a month, once back-to-school season comes around again.

“The numbers show (the market) to be down, but I’m not necessarily feeling that,” said Yarwood, who’s been in real estate for 8 1/2 years. “I’m feeling that there’s a lot of activity.”

Yarwood said that for buyers, the fact that interest rates continue to be at a 30-year low definitely works in their favor.

“If you’re a seller and you’re moving up in the same market that you’re selling in, now’s a great time to be doing that because your money’s going to buy more. If you’re downsizing, it’s not going to be as fruitful for you,” Yarwood said.

That’s particularly true for higher end homes, she said, explaining that it’s typical for a $400,000 home in Longmont to have an actual market value of about $365,000.

Wagner agreed with that assessment.

“The bigger houses have lost more value as a percentage,” Wagner said.

ArtWalk Returns to Longmont!

admin — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:13:03 +0000

Welcome to ArtWalk 2011
Art that’s worth walking for. On a night worth getting out for.

July Featured Artist: Heather Rogers
Friday, July 15th, 6:30-9 p.m.

Heather Lynn Rogers has always had a fascination with expression through creativity. Little did she know her passion for photography would grow from landscapes and historical sites to the abstract and other facets that it is today. Now her art has morphed into photographs with texture and depth. She creates art, then captures it with her lens. In the age of computer programming sometimes digital enhancement isn’t enough to satisfy her muse. In those instances she uses acrylic paint to bring her vision to life. Visit her at www.vestranded.com

We are pleased to announce the dates for 2011:: Friday, May 20; Friday, July 15; Friday, September 16
Time:: 6:30-9 pm
Where:: In historic downtown Longmont with over 20 venues on Main Street between 3rd Avenue and 6th Avenue.
ArtWalk is:: A free evening of art exhibitions, music, live theatre, dance and children’s activities. The ArtWalk event transforms downtown Longmont businesses into galleries and promotes cultural arts for three fabulous evenings each year.; This activity is very fun for the whole family! See you there!; Information provided from Artwalk Longmont.