Forbes Ranks Boulder #1 Mid-size City For Job Growth

Job growth drives the real estate market like no other factor.Forbes recently ranked Boulder its #1 midsize city for job growth, noting 175,000 jobs in 2013, and 7% job growth in the last seven years.The magazine also ranked the 66 largest metros with more than 450,000 jobs to determine which ones are most likely to have the most employment growth this year. Denver-Aurora-Broomfield ranked No. 10 while California claimed the top two slots and Texas claimed three places - No. 3, No. 5 and No. 9. Using employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics from November 2002 through January 2014, rankings are based on recent growth trends and each region's employment momentum.

Read my MAY 2014 e-newsletter.

How High Can Values Go?

In the current climate of low supply, high demand and increasing values, many of you are asking: How high can values go?

In my 20 years of full-time real estate experience, I've concluded that the important thing to know about Boulder Valley is this: values almost never significantly decline. The right time to buy is always last year -- and if that didn't happen, right now. 

Our market regularly sees prolonged "surges" (what we're experiencing now) sometimes followed by periods of flat appreciation (think 2008). A robust business environment and the outstanding lifestyle we enjoy beckons successful people, and thus, greater demand. I've just helped two business owners -- one from Silicon Valley and another from New York City -- relocate to Boulder, purchase homes, and re-establish their business base from here. 

The big Colorado story right now may be marijuana legalization, but don't be fooled.

Our reputation is much more interesting and exciting to enterprising individuals. In his illuminating article How Boulder Became A Start Up Capital, Burt Helm wrote "Boulder is an entrepreneurial powerhouse like no other." 

I don't see demand for Boulder Valley real estate curtailing anytime soon. Give me a call to discuss how to make our market work for you.

Read my APRIL 2014 e-newsletter.

The Year Ahead: 2014

The Boulder County real estate market ended strong in 2013 and all signs point to this year's market looking a lot like last year's: low inventory coupled with low interest rates resulting in a competitive buying environment and more appreciation. 

Even though the market will be competitive for buyers, excellent conditions persist and it's worth your while to take advantage of them - either by making a move or investing. Interest rates continue to be historically low, so now is a good time to buy or refinance. Also, low inventory conditions will continue for the foreseeable future and may just be the "new normal."  So waiting to buy may only result in a higher price down the road.

For sellers, getting on the market now -- instead of waiting for the traditional spring selling rush -- will likely net a better price. The ratio of listings to buyers is lower in the first quarter, and this generally results in a higher sense of urgency for buyers and thus a better environment for sellers.

Read my JAN 2104 e-newsletter.