Thanksgiving week has passed. 2021 is drawing to a close with just over a month to go. It has been a tough year with COVID-19 still being a part of day-to-day life, but we still have so much to be thankful for. It’s a perfect time to reflect on how fortunate we are to be living in Colorado’s Front Range. With the majestic Rockies as a backdrop to all our Front Range cities, this is one of the most stunning places to live on the planet.
We are thankful for:
Vaccines, masks, plexiglass and hand sanitizer
Vaccines have allowed us to get mostly back to a normal life in 2021. Vaccines, masks and hand sanitizer have helped us to continue to show homes to prospective buyers, allowing Realtors to continue to meet the housing needs of our clients. All these precautions have even helped slow the spread of colds and flu, too!
Stable real estate market
During my 40-year career of selling homes in the Boulder area, we have certainly experienced up and down cycles in our market. Nevertheless, our peaks have always exceeded our valleys, creating a strong growth in home values over the past four decades. Throughout the pandemic, the real estate market was resilient in Colorado and across the country. There will continue to be a shortage of the inventory of homes as builders are still trying to catch up. There haven’t been enough new homes built to meet population growth since the start of the recession in 2007. The only downside is that it has made it difficult for first-time homebuyers to enter the market.
Low interest rates
We have enjoyed historically low interest rates for homebuyers over the past few months. Low interest rates help to fuel a real estate market. The Boulder Valley real estate market was certainly slower in the 1980s when interest rates hit 16%, but it remained resilient with alternative forms of financing carrying us through. Low interest rates in 2021 continued to fuel the market.
Strong employment
Most businesses suffered during the pandemic, while some businesses thrived more than ever. The retail and restaurant industries have suffered the most during the pandemic. Now, businesses are struggling to find employees. I don’t remember a time where there were so many “now hiring” signs everywhere you look. Yet, Boulder County has a strong local economy consisting of a unique and diverse mix of industries. A strong employment base is the main ingredient for a strong real estate market. Jobs attract people, and then people need a place to live. The University of Colorado, a cornerstone of our employment base, has been around for over 100 years!
Water
Snow falling in the mountains to the west provides us with one of the freshest water supplies in the country. Every time I take a drink of water, I’m thankful!
Open space
Our city’s green spaces and mountain parks were preserved by visionary city leaders of the past. More recently, Boulder residents voted to tax themselves to purchase open space for the benefit of all and preserve our splendid natural surroundings.
Access to outdoor recreation
It has been said the only thing Boulder is missing is an ocean. While that’s true, we can delight in skiing 20 miles to the west, water skiing at Boulder Reservoir, mountain biking and road biking right on our doorsteps in glorious mountain parks. The city has one of the most extensive recreational trail and bike path systems in the country. And don’t forget kayaking and tubing down Boulder Creek! We truly live in a wonderland for outdoor recreation!
Chautauqua
I remember all the concerts, meals, and the hikes that have taken place at Chautauqua. A Boulder tradition since 1898, Chautauqua offers timeless entertainment, relaxation, and breathtaking mountain and city views.
Flagstaff Mountain
There is nothing like a drive or bike ride up Flagstaff Mountain to bring peace to your soul. Top it off with dinner at the Flagstaff House where you can delight in picturesque sunsets, city lights, and moon rise.
Downtown and the Pearl Street Mall
Almost every out-of-town guest we have ever hosted has raved about the ambiance of our unique downtown and iconic Pearl Street Mall. With a distinctive selection of retail shops, top restaurants, art galleries, and more, it’s a treasure.
Access to Denver International Airport
If you need a break from home, a mere hour-long drive to top-ranked Denver International Airport will take you anywhere on the planet within 36 hours.
Reflect!
Over the Thanksgiving weekend, sit back and reflect on what you are thankful for, including our paradise here at the base of the mountains in Colorado!
By Duane Duggan. Duane has been a Realtor for RE/MAX of Boulder in Colorado since 1982 and has facilitated over 2,500 transactions over his career, the vast majority from repeat and referred clients. He has been awarded two of the highest honors bestowed by RE/MAX International: The Lifetime Achievement Award and the Circle of Legends Award. Living the life of a Realtor and being immersed in real estate led to the inception of his book, Realtor for Life. For questions, email DuaneDuggan@boulderco.com, call 303.441.5611 or visit BoulderPropertyNetwork.com.