Weld County Tops Oil and Gas Production in Colorado

Great article about oil production in Weld County from a newsletter published by The Group, a Ft Collins Real Estate company. According to the article, Colorado oil producers collected 49.1 million barrels of crude, the most in the state since 1957. And next door Weld County accounted for approximately 75% of all production in Colorado last year. The figures were provided by the Coloardo Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. Last year Weld County producers reached 36.58 million barrels, and during the first three months of 2012 they've already eclipsed 7 million barrels.

Louisville, CO: New Market Reality

We are now in a new market reality, according to the widely followed and respected KCM blog. On a local level, nothing brought this home more clearly than my latest listing in Louisville, Colorado. The inventory in Louisville is very limited, as it is throughout much of Boulder County. The home I listed is a well maintained and upated, 3 bed, 3 bath 2 story in a nice neighorhood. It went under contract the day showings started with multiple offers, for over list price. There are as many challenges in this kind of market as in a buyers market, they are just different from what we have become used to. Check out my next blog for what to watch out for, whether you are a buyer or seller. And check here for homes for sale in Louisville, CO.

Getting Your Home Ready To Sell in 4 Weeks

Ready, Set, Sell: 4 weeks to Getting Your Home Ready to Sell  

If you’re like me, you’re plenty busy without adding a giant project to your ‘to do’ list. Getting a home ready for sale can be a monumental undertaking and we all know folks who put off moving for years because it’s so daunting. But break it down and tackle it one step at a time and you’ll get there. Just commit to one task a day and 1 short month, your house will sparkle. The first 8 tasks on the list involve the exterior, creating curb appeal. Before a prospective buyer comes to see your home, they will most likely drive by so making a good first impression is critical. Then comes the sorting, organizing, decluttering so once they get inside they will find a home that is appealing, well maintained, spacious and move-in ready.So check out the definitive list of tasks to get your home ready to sell. And even if you're not preparing your home for sale, it makes a great spring cleaning list!

9 Reasons for Moving

9 Reasons for Moving: Looking toward 2013 and thinking about moving? These are the reasons people most often give. Did I miss anything?

·         More space

·         Less space

·         Smart investment

·         Put down roots

·         Simplify my life

·         Closer to family

·         Further from family

·         Reduce my mortgage expense

·         Relocate for work

The Best Time to Sell

Generally, the highest number of sales is during the summer which is why the number of listings picks up in the spring and tapers off after October. So for many, the best time to sell a home is in the summer. But what about listing in the ‘off season’, particularly in mid-winter? This could be the best time to sell because the people who are out there looking are serious buyers. Also, because the homes for sale are few and far between, in fact In Boulder, Colorado and the surrounding communities, we have one of the lowest inventories on record! You will have almost no competition, so prepare it well and get it on the market now! Check back here for more info on a great place to call home in Boulder, Colorado. In conclusion, remember that all real estate is local and rely on an agent who understands your market and how that will affect your best time to sell.

Canyon Center Condos in Boulder, Colorado

If you're looking for the quintessential Boulder, Colorado lifestyle, close to the Pearl Street Mall with its cafes, restaurants, bars and boutiques so well known and frequented by Boulder residents and out of towners as well, then look no further than the Canyon Center Condos in Boulder, CO. This is a complex of approximately 45 condos between Canyon and Walnut, 1 block west of 9th Street. These condos were built in the mid 1980's and have been well maintained by a strong HOA. The best location are those on the exterior, facing Canyon but set back from  the street and buffered by lawn and trees. They also have great southern exposure and views of the Boulder Creek path park and trees. Prices range between $320,000 and $850,000 for the penthouse, largest model. These condos are a great value when compared with the newer million dollar+ condos at One Boulder Plaza, built in 2002.
If you're interested, keep reading for more details. Also, please check out my listing in the complex: 824 Walnut A. Or visit my website to contact me.

There have been 13 sales in the complex of approximately 45 condos in the last 2 years. I went back to January 1, 2010. The prices range between $320,00 on the low end to $850,000 as the most expensive penthouse unit on the top floor with 1691 square feet, 2 bed and 2 bath and includes a garage. The units in the center of the complex and the smaller models are at the lower end of the price range.
I have selected these 6 sales as being the most relevant comps. There are 2 that have exactly the same square footage as 824 A, which is 959'. This model is a one bedroom + 1 non-conforming bedroom that can be used as an office or guest room (or converted to a 2nd bed).
in 2010:
854 Walnut B (2nd floor) sold for $370,000 in Oct. 2010 after 7 days on the market.
856 Walnut A (main level) sold for $390,000 in Nov. 2010 after 24 days on t he market.
812 Walnut D (4th floor) sold for $462.00 in Nov. 2010, is slightly larger (49 sq ft) and has an extra bath.
854 Walnut D (4th floor) sold for 462,500 and also is larger with 2 beds, 2 baths.

2011 was a slower year due to lack of inventory. There were 3 sales, between $348,000 for a smaller 1 bed. in the center (no guest room) to 854E on the top level with 1360 sq ft and 3 beds, 3 baths which sold for $527.000. The best comp is 790 Walnut D, which was 49 sq ft larger and is listed as 3 bedrooms, 1 bath.

Housing Prediction 2013

Housing Prediction 2013

The pick up in demand for housing in Boulder, Colorado and surrounding areas which we saw in 2012 will continue in 2013. New household formation is expected to rise at an even faster rate this year than it did in 2012, creating increased demand for housing in 2013. The National Association of Realtors reports that some 93% of generation X and Y who are now renting, plan to buy a home in the near future. If even a small portion of that prediction is correct, it will contribute to rising demand in housing in Boulder, Colorado. In fact, the lack of homes for sale will be one of the biggest problems in the Housing Industry in 2013. This increase in demand and lack of supply will continue to push prices higher. With mortgage rates at historic lows and likely to continue throughout 2013, now’s the time to find your own piece of the American Dream. Contact me today if you’re ready to get started and let me know how I can help.

Winter Weatherizing Tip

I’ve had the furnace checked, installed new filters, blown out the sprinklers, rolled up the hoses but this simple suggestion is one I haven’t tried before and it works. Reverse the direction on your ceiling fans. During winter, the warm air generated by your heating system naturally rises to the ceiling while cooler air sinks. By switching the direction that your fan blades turn, that cooler air is drawn upwards, which forces the warmer air near the ceiling back down into the space. This is especially effective if you have high ceilings like mine. How does this save energy? Keeping the warm air low where it’s needed means you can turn the temperature down a few notches and still stay warm. Et voila!