The Outlook From Here

For the second year in a row, I found myself very busy in December.The market took off early in 2010 with the extension of the tax credit. There was a bit of a lull after the tax credit expired, but in the fall many buyers sized up the market and decided to take advantage of low interest rates and great prices.  The Boulder County real estate market improved in 2010 over 2009. The number of sales increased slightly in 2010 and the median price increased a bit in most areas of the county. The largest increase was in Louisville where the median price was up 11%.

I'm optimistic about continued market recovery in 2011. Excellent market conditions continue to exist for buyers and it's well worth your while to consider taking advantage of these conditions to make a move or to make an investment in real estate. Interest rates continue to be historically low, but have started to rise slightly, so now is a good time to buy or refinance. 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 a better environment for sellers.

Successful deals in this market take time, knowledge, patience and persistence. Thankfully, this is the kind of real estate I've been practicing my entire career.  I've never hurried anyone into a deal or pushed a sale that didn't make absolute sense. If you or any of your family or friends want a trusted advisor who always will keep your best interests at the forefront, give me a call. As always, I appreciate your referrals. - Rich

Read my JAN 2011 e-newsletter

Staying Positive, Seeing Results

Our real estate market in 2010 improved over 2009 with the number of sales up across most areas of Boulder County. The biggest improvement is in the number of single family homes sold in the city of Boulder, where sales through August 2010 are up 24% compared to the same period in 2009.  The next three months are a great time to buy. Why? First, the market is cooling seasonally -- there are less active buyers, and sellers who haven't yet closed the deal are becoming more motivated. Next, interest rates continue to be historically low. And finally, sales traditionally pick up after the holidays, and this creates a more competitive situation among buyers. These factors present buyers with an exceptional opportunity now.

Read my September 2010 e-newsletter.

Thoughts On The Year Ahead (2010)

For the first time in many years, I found myself very busy in December. The market picked up steam at the end of the 2009. The extension of the tax credit stimulated more buyer action. Even more than that, many buyers sized up the market and decided to take advantage of low interest rates and great prices, especially at the high end. I think these opportunities continue to exist now, but won't last.  

I'm optimistic about continued market recovery in 2010. If you're in a position to buy with access to credit or cash, now is the best time. Low interest rates, discounted prices and the extension of the buyer tax credit through April are all in your favor. 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 a better environment for sellers.

I'm optimistic but also realistic. Low interest rates are going to increase. Jumbo loans are challenging to secure. Job growth is key to recovery and not yet clearly on the horizon. 

Successful deals in this market take time, knowledge, patience and persistence. Thankfully, this is the kind of real estate I've been practicing my entire career. I've never hurried anyone into a deal or pushed a sale that didn't make absolute sense. If you or any of your family or friends want a trusted advisor who always will keep your best interests at the forefront, give me a call. As always, thank you.

Read my DEC 2010 e-newsletter.