#1 Market for Appreciation & Stability

For the 5th consecutive year, analysts at SmartAsset.com named Boulder County the #1 real estate market for growth and stability in the U.S. Their research shows that the average home has grown 268% in value over the past 25 years. Over that same time period, they estimate there was a 0% chance that a homeowner saw a 5% loss in home value within 10 years from the purchase date. 

Colorado's Front Range showed strength across the board, with Fort Collins ranking at #4 for the second year in a row and Denver moving up to #8 this year (from #9 last year). Read the full report.

Introducing 27 PINE

I am excited to partner with my friend John McElveen at RE/MAX of Boulder to introduce an outstanding new condominium project at 2718 Pine Street, by Coburn Development. 

Nestled in the East Whittier neighborhood, 27 PINE will feature just 13 residential condominium homes with single level floor plans. This boutique 3-story building will include an elevator and covered parking. It will be located in an established & quiet residential district, just away from Pearl Street and a short stroll from great amenities like Whole Foods, the 29th Street Mall, and The Dairy Center for the Arts. Sleek designs will feature a covered deck for each unit, and a common gathering patio on Pine Street. Light filled open floor plans will feature 9' ceiling heights, large windows for views to the foothills and Flatirons, and comfortable modern finish materials of Caesarstone, wood, and steel. Homes include one- and two-bedroom floorplans, with flex space options for an office, guest area, or gear room for bikes, skis, etc.

We're offering terrific pre-market purchase options, so if you are interested in this opportunity to own a one-of-a kind condo in central Boulder, please contact me. - Rich

New Property Tax Assessments Coming

In Colorado, property taxes are re-assessed every odd numbered year and next week you will receive an updated 2019 tax assessment, which establishes the value of your property as of June 30, 2018. Because property values in our market have increased over the last few years, it's likely you'll see an increase in your tax assessment.

During the study period for tracking values (June 30, 2016 to June 30, 2018), the average sales price of single family homes in Boulder County increased 16.6%, and the average sales price of attached dwellings increased 20%. 

The new tax valuation you'll receive is the starting point for calculating property tax over the next two years. If you think your assessment is inaccurate, you have until June 1st to appeal. Take these steps first:

1. Make sure the assessor's objective information is accurate. Check the square footage, the number of bedrooms and the number of bathrooms.

2. Examine the details of the comparable properties the assessor used to establish your property value. It's not uncommon for the assessor to base value on unsuitable comparables. If you think this may be the case, call me. We can look for more appropriate properties to compare, and discuss specific reasons (such as deferred maintenance and location issues) that actually make your value lower than the assessment. 

3. Come to this no-cost lunch-and-learn session on property taxes with Boulder County Assessor Cynthia Braddock, at RE/MAX of Boulder on May 13.   

Rising property taxes are the downside of rapid appreciation. Most of your property tax dollars fund public schools, which is a good thing, but if you feel the Boulder County tax assessor is trying to get too much of a good thing, I am happy to help with your appeal. Call or email me anytime to discuss. Best,  Rich