Vacancy rates just published for Boulder, CO at 4.9% are the lowest in the metro area and explain ever increasing rents, now averaging $961 a month.
If you're having a hard time finding a property to rent in and around Boulder,I know it's not much comfort but you've got a lot of company! Try to get situated before the students come to town in June-July making it even more difficult. And if all else fails, think about buying something. Given the current interest rates, it could be the best deal and your best bet!

Green Light for Boulder Real Estate

Just about everybody I talk to lately has a house to sell or would like to buy but they’re waiting for a green light, you know the one, that means real estate prices are going up from here, we’ve hit bottom and they can be guaranteed appreciation. Just like the good ol’ days! These are the things I know for sure:
• Real estate is always a good long term investment (think 10-15 year time frame).
• Boulder County real estate is about as stable an investment as you’ll find anywhere.
• Owning a home is about much more than a financial investment. It’s about the safety and security of having your own home, a place to create memories and raise a family.
• Home affordability rose to its highest level in a decade during the last quarter of 2010. All of which makes this a great time to move forward with your dreams!

Boulder, Colorado Invesment Property Regulations

If you own rental properties in the city of Boulder, you’ll want to know about the new ‘Smart Regs’ requirements for investment homes. In order to rent property in the city, you already need to have an inspection that shows it meets code and safety standards. With the adoption of Smart Regs, an investment property will also need to demonstrate energy efficiencies and pass an energy audit.For more details on these regulations, please check out the city of Boulder’s website, click on rentals and smart regs.

Welcome to Boulder, CO

Boulder, Colorado was just named ‘the happiest town’ in the country based on a Gallup poll taken recently. It’s easy to see why once you know about the great weather, gorgeous scenery and abundant outdoor opportunities all wrapped up in a small town with big city amenities and cultural opportunities. That’s probably why about 30% of the homes I’ve sold in and around Boulder, Colorado in the past few years have been to folks who are relocating from other parts of the country. Housing in Boulder is considerably more expensive than close by communities, with an average price of $798,649K in the city of Boulder, Co and a median price of $566K. Even in the downturn, Boulder’s market has remained one of the most stable in the country. A quick drive from Boulder you’ll find the towns of Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, Erie, Niwot, Broomfield and Longmont. Each community has its own character, history and housing market and all are a 10-15 minute drive to Boulder, with easy access to DIA and Denver.

Jan Baulsir has been a realtor in Boulder, Colorado as a full time agent with Wright Kingdom for 10 years. For more about Jan, her website and to search for properties please visit her website.

Schools in Erie Colorado

The number of new home sales in Erie has of course brought with it some exciting new schools. Erie’s third elementary school is likely to be constructed two years ahead of schedule due to an unexpected increase in student enrollment. Last August, Black Rock elementary opened in Vista Ridge subdivision and will be at 123 percent of capacity in the fall of 2009. By 2012, both Erie Elementary and Black Rock will be at 128 percent of capacity. Erie received a dedicated school sight from the developer of Canyon Creek subdivision and the town is negotiating terms with the St.Vrain Valley School District prior to deeding the parcel to them. The property is located on the east side of 119th Street, between Erie Parkway and Jasper Road. If agreement is reached in the next few weeks the school could be completed in time to open in the fall of 2011.