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"February is here already! (Wow, hard to imagine that January is already over and only 11 more more months to Christmas again....) Did any of you notice the new logo above for "CHRE" Most of you are probably wondering what "CHRE" means anyway. It stands for "Certified Home Rescue Expert." Given the on-going challenging economic times, it has become increasingly important to me to be educated and well-prepared to offer clients options and choices, when they find them selves in an unfortunate, yet sometime unavoidable situation where continuting to make their current mortgage payment every month is no longer an option. If you know of anyone who might benefit in knowing what kinds of options are available to them, please have them give me a call. The earlier they become educated in available choices, the more choices there will be for them to choose from. With the beginning of the new year, I have a renewed level of energy and enthusiasm about our market and our incredible team here at Keller Williams, Front Range Properties, LLC, in Boulder. I am delighted and honored to be working with such an incredible group of professionals, who are dedicated to providing the highest level of service to each and every client. The tax credit of up to $8,000 for first time home buyers (including anyone who has not owned a home for at least 3 years) has been extended and a new provision of $6,500 for repeat home buyers who have been in their home for at least five of the last eight years has been added. This tax credit is calculated at 10% of the purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000 (or $6,500 for repeat buyers). Income limits have been increased from $75,000 to $125,000 for individuals and from $150,000 to $225,000 for couples. The new extended provision became active on November 7th, 2009. To qualify you must have an active contract signed no later than April 30, 2010 and must close by June 30, 2010 and you must reside in the new property as your primary residence for at least 3 years (or you will have to repay the tax credit). Interests rates have been fluctuating up and down but remain at HISTORICALLY low levels. Depending upon your selected loan program, FICO scores, LTV ratio, etc. rates have recently climbed into the mid 5's (5.25% - 5.875%) for a conforming 30-year fixed-rate loan. Call me for more details or if you need a reputable mortgage professional to talk to. Opportunities are available for many of you who are having difficulty meeting your mortgage obligations to reduce your mortgage payment to 31% of your income. Call me for further information on how you can determine if you are eligible for this assistance. If you are facing foreclosure, call me --- there are other resources that may be of help to you. It has often been said "all real estate is local" and that has never been more true than it is today in Boulder County. Foreclosures increased at a record pace in Boulder country during the period of January through November; increasing a whopping 39% as compared to the same time period in 2008. Broomfield County foreclosures also increased for the same period by 23%! Our unemployment rate in Colorado decreased slightly in November to 6.9% which continues to be much lower than the national average of over 10%. Boulder County's unemployment increased slightly from October to 5.4% in November. Broomfield County's unemployment decreased slightly for a rate of 6.4% in October to 6.2% in November. Inventory levels in November increased slightly in Boulder, while decreasing modestly in Broomfield, Lafayette, Louisville, Longmont Erie and Superior. Now is a GREAT time to buy, invest, or refinance. Keep in mind, however, loan requirements are more stringent, and a good credit rating is more important than ever. If you need financial advice or help with improving your credit rating, call me and I'll refer you to a qualified financial planner. Want more information about our local markets? Download the new housing stats for November (Under the Buying tab). Thinking of selling your home? Give me a call and I'll provide a FREE Home Evaluation, in writing. I specialize in helping home owners ready their homes for market, ensuring each is "parade-ready" before ever being marketed for sale. This, in conjunction with my aggressive marketing and FREE video tour, ensures your home will sell in the shortest amount of time and for the highest price possible in your market. Whether you are buying or selling a home, consider hiring a professional Realtor, like me. Someone who wants to earn your business and who values being entrusted with such a huge responsibility. In fact, I'll treat your transaction as if it were my very own." |
Rest assured I'll deliver the utmost in customer service throughout each step of your real estate transaction, making sure every detail is attended to. Not only do I want to earn your business, I want to earn your trust, friendship, and your referrals. |