Monday, March 30, 2020

Colorado In-Person Notary Requirement Suspended

Over the weekend, Governor Polis suspended the requirement that notarial officers be physically present to perform notarizations. This will allow real estate closings to move forward remotely, keeping buyers, sellers, agents and closers safer during this covid-19 crisis.

Right now, the order is temporary, but perhaps this will lead to a permanent change. Colorado is one of the few states in the nation that still closes with all parties at a physical table together; most states close "in escrow" when all of the conditions are fulfilled. I kinda' like table closings, I find that the buyer and seller appreciate meeting one another, seeing who is going to live/has lived in their home. Especially if the transaction has been rather acrimonious, this can be a chance to humanize the other party and leave the experience feeling more peaceful. Even so, having more options for closing is always better. Sometimes people have scheduling issues that can make it difficult to leave work for closing, or even physical challenges that can limit their ability to travel. Either way, the title companies I work with have been on top of this, lobbying for necessary measures and communicating regularly to their clients.

Please stay healthy, and let me know if I can answer any questions for you during this strange time!
  

I would love to help you with your real estate journey. 
Please contact me at 303-917-7143 or robbin@elevatedrealestate.com

Friday, March 20, 2020

How is Real Estate Faring During the Coronavirus?

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Standing Strong With You
Coronavirus and Real Estate Update

Today we’re in uncharted territory. The full impact of the coronavirus pandemic is yet to be known as it surges through our daily lives, schools, workplaces, businesses, and communities.

While the situation unfolds, the plunging stock market and global market volatility are hitting hard – and more swings are expected.

But let’s pause to take stock.

Thinking back to 2008, the financial crisis was sparked in the real estate sector and led to a banking crisis.

However, today, our economy and housing market are far stronger and more resilient. 

Our economic fundamentals are solid, and as a nation, we have seen the longest economic expansion in history since WWII. Moreover, we are not experiencing the same weaknesses in the housing market and lending system as we once were.

According to Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun with the National Association of Realtors (NAR), “Conditions today are very different than the last boom/bust cycle. In 2004 we had a huge oversupply of new homes. In 2019 we still have a huge undersupply of new homes. In fact, we haven’t been building enough new homes to keep up with demand in over a decade. During the last downturn, there was the subprime factor and the variable interest rate. Now there are fewer variable rate mortgages and virtually no sub-prime mortgages.”


Colorado and Boulder County outperform the nation.

Colorado is well-positioned as a top economy nationally. Real GDP growth in Colorado ranked 7th in the nation year-over-year, and the state’s five-year average ranks 5th, reports leading state economist, Dr. Rich Wobbekind, with CU-Boulder’s Leeds School of Business.

Meanwhile, Boulder County’s economy has been outgrowing the state economy, he says, and is uniquely able to weather a recession. Boulder County’s economic vitality is fueled by a highly educated workforce and diverse ecosystem of industries including government research facilities, aerospace, biotechnology, cleantech, and information technology – industries that endure in the long term.

Our strength is local.

Boulder ranks #1 the nation for home value stability and growth for the fifth consecutive year, according to SmartAsset. Based on our extensive data and market analysis, we know that we have a healthy housing market.

Even through the grim days of the Great Recession, home prices only declined by 5% and recovered quickly post-recession. If you held onto your home for at least six years, there is no period when you would have lost money on your investment.



Perspective over panic – a time of opportunity

As challenging as it might seem in these daunting moments, taking a long view can shift our perspective from the current panic to balance. As a stable, long-term asset, real estate tends to generate more wealth over time than other assets and is often more insulated from market shocks.

Here are the latest 10 vital statistics we track to keep our pulse on the market.

  • People are continuing to buy and sell real estate, with over 50% of all homes on the market in Boulder County currently under contract.
  • We are still seeing multiple offers on showings on some properties. Recent decline in the number of showings per available listing may be indicative of impacts from COVID-19 and its effect on the stock market – or it may reflect difficulties for out-of-state buyers to travel to see local properties.
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With interest rates at a record low, for buyers, now may be an excellent opportunity to purchase the home of your dreams. For sellers, lower interest rates increase the pool of buyers for your home.

Despite formidable economic headwinds, through federal stimulus, supportive measures, and proactive coronavirus containment, the uncertainty and panic will subside.This global pandemic is temporary. 


Standing strong with you. 

Our Realtors here at RE/MAX Elevate have seen slowdowns and shutdowns, fast-changing market flux, and recessions. With seasoned backgrounds and expert knowledge, our unrivaled Realtors have been guiding and advising our clients through thick and thin.

When we tell you that the Boulder Valley real estate market is the best market in the country, the most resilient, and that we will all get through this with our largest investments – our homes – in better financial shape than before, we are speaking from hard-earned experience that no one else has.

The coronavirus is our crucible, but we been here for you, we are here for you now, and we will be here for you in the future.

To safeguard your health and that of all our friends, family, and the community, our Realtors have implemented new policies and practices to keep everyone safe and healthy while continuing to serve you and your real estate needs.

More people in Boulder County have put their trust in RE/MAX Elevate, and we are honored to continue to be your source of real estate information in turbulent times.

Please reach out to me with any questions or if I can serve you in any way.

We may be social distancing and staying home, but I am here by your side – and I will always have your back.

We all wish you and your loved ones care, comfort, and health.



RE/MAX Elevate Office:

724 Main Street
Louisville CO 80027

Phone: (303) 974-5005

  

I would love to help you with your real estate journey. 
Please contact me at 303-917-7143 or robbin@elevatedrealestate.com

Friday, March 13, 2020

Broomfield Heights Market Pulse

Last year I did a ton of research on my neighborhood, Broomfield Heights, with the idea of buying a rental property. The city is still planning to construct a civic center near the city buildings so it seemed a smart place to invest. Like most Denver areas priced under $450, this mid-century modern neighborhood  has appreciated quite a bit in the past few years. 



Those who are trying to become homeowners can purchase a fixer-upper in Broomfield Heights with good bones for the mid-$300s and live in the desirable Boulder Valley School District. Broomfield also makes open space preservation a priority, and the trail connectivity throughout the area and into other cities is invaluable. 

This March we are seeing multiple-offer situations again, with buyers waiving contract contingencies to make their offers more competitive. Buyers need to have started the pre-qualification process with their lender and review the contracts with their Realtor so they are ready to move quickly when the right property pops up.



You can see the seasonal cycles in the chart above, where sales go down in the winter and increase in the spring and summer. Property moves all year, as people still need to move for reasons they can't control. Properties that are in good shape and priced appropriately will sell during any month, so if an agent tells you they can't sell in the winter, move on!
  

I would love to help you with your real estate journey. 
Please contact me at 303-917-7143 or robbin@elevatedrealestate.com

Friday, March 6, 2020

FOR SALE: 2214 W 101st Circle, Thornton

If you want less exterior maintenance but also some elbow room, this Hunter's Chase 2-story is for you. The HOA maintains the front landscaping and the snow shoveling and leaves you to enjoy your lovely back patio and fire pit. With over 2800 sqft, it's one of the largest in the neighborhood. When you need a little more space, head to the end of the block to the park and playground and get your frisbee on!

Four bedrooms upstairs keeps kids close to you, or provides plenty of space for guest rooms and offices. The master suite has an updated bathroom with natural slate tile and a space for quietly reading a book or binging the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in private. The finished basement has room for a theater, pool table or the hundreds of stuffed animals and puzzles you somehow accumulated over the years. Don't worry - when the children get older their toys get smaller. And more expensive.

 The main living space has wood floors, a gas fireplace and separate dining room. The kitchen has granite counters and new stainless steel appliances. The furnace and roof are new and the water heater is just 3 years old, so you don't have to worry about those large expenses for a long while. 

Minutes to both US-36 and I-25, you can work, eat or play in Denver or Boulder. Take a walk on the nearby Northwest Open Space trails or enjoy a date night at the Adventure Golf and Raceway in the beautiful Colorado weather.

Listing price is If you'd like to see it in person, don't hesitate to text me for your private showing!
  

I would love to help you with your real estate journey. 
Please contact me at 303-917-7143 or robbin@elevatedrealestate.com