Impact of The Rental Market

A recent survey showed that rents in Boulder are the most expensive in the state and increased 5.6% over last year. Zillow reports the breakeven horizon (the number of years a renter must live in a home before ownership becomes a better financial proposition) is 2.5 years in the Boulder market. The national average for breakeven horizon is 1.7 years and the most expensive markets in the country have breakeven horizons of 3.6 years. Because of Boulder's high rental rates and relatively reasonable breakeven horizon, purchasing a home in Boulder County is still attractive and continues to contribute to price increases. 

Based on these stats and the fact that interest rates are 1/2 percent lower than a year ago, it's no wonder the market remains hot with more buyers than sellers. Now is obviously a great time to be a seller, but buyers (homeowners and investors) who act sooner rather than later can derive enormous value from this market too.

The Slowdown That Wasn't

Year after year the Boulder Valley marketplace seems to come off the busy summer season, settling into a fall lull that continues to steadily slow through the holidays. So far this year, that lull hasn't really materialized. Yes there was an August slowdown, but it looked more a cat nap than the regular reset. The market has ramped right back up in the last week or so, and continues to be very challenging for buyers.

I'm advising my buyers to continue to pursue good value in our market, because it is certainly there to be had. Finding the right place for the right price just takes more time, flexibility and perseverance.  If you or anyone you know is looking for a seasoned advocate to help them enter the Boulder market or make a move within it, please pass along my name. Thank you!

Market Stability

For the second year in a row, analysts at SmartAsset.com pegged Boulder as the #1 real estate market for growth and stability in the U.S.  Their research shows that since 1991, home prices grew 308%.  During that time, home prices never once saw a decline of more than 5% in Boulder - not even during the national foreclosure crisis. That stability means homeowners in Boulder have been spared the stress of depreciation, while reaping the benefits of price appreciation. Colorado's Front Range showed strength across the board, with Fort Collins moving from #11 to #6 since last year, and Denver going from #18 to #9.   Read the full report.

Once again, the housing market in Boulder takes the No. 1 spot on the list, with a 308% overall growth rate since 1991.