Owning a home is integral to the American Dream. Owning a home, built specifically for you, with the opportunity to choose colors, floor plan, appliances, and every detail, is truly unique and special! Real estate markets experience cyclical patterns – they always have and they always will. Since I embarked on a career in real […]
Buying a 4-unit apartment for your first home
In response to the increase in property values, the FHFA has declared an increase in the maximum baseline conforming loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-acquired mortgages for home loans in Colorado for the year 2024. Typically, when individuals embark on their journey as first-time home buyers, their initial considerations often revolve around condominiums, […]
Evolution of broker agency and commissions in a real estate transaction, Part 2
Like a listing contyract, where the Seller employs the REALTOR, the Buyer Agency contract creates an agreement where the Buyer employs the REALTOR to represent. In Part 1 of this two-part series, I discussed the history and evolution of seller agencies, buyer agencies and commissions in real estate. The Division of Real Estate in […]
Evolution of broker agency and commissions in a real estate transaction, Part 1
In 1994, Colorado created new working relationships for the public in working with real estate brokers. In the beginning – before 1994, that is! – life was relatively simple for real estate buyers and sellers concerning their relationships with their real estate brokers. There simply was a Seller Agency. Every broker relationship was a Seller […]
Variations of 1031 Real Estate Exchanges
If you own investment real estate and aim to advance your position on the investment ladder, a 1031 Exchange could be an ideal strategy. When people hear the term “1031 Exchange,” they often perceive it as challenging due to the assumption that finding a direct exchange partner might be difficult. However, Section 1031 of the […]
Homebuyers gain some purchasing power through higher loan limits and lower mortgage rates
In response to the in property values, the FHFA has declared an increase in the maximum baseline conforming loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-acquired mortgages for home loans in Colorado for the year 2024. As we enter 2024, prospective homebuyers are facing challenges including relatively stable housing prices and an ongoing shortage of […]
Give the gift of homeownership: First-time Homebuyer Savings Accounts (FHSA) this holiday season
As the holiday season approaches, you might be considering a lasting, meaningful gift for a family member or loved one. As the holiday season approaches, you might be considering a lasting, meaningful gift for a family member or loved one. In 2023, you have the opportunity to give up to $17,000 without grappling with gift […]
Veterans at home with Knock Knock Angels
Scott Matthias, who leads the Colorado chapter of Knock Knock Angels, is second from the left side, pictured with volunteers from the nonprofit. (Photo courtesy: Duane Duggan). November serves as an important time for remembering our Veterans of the Armed Forces and thanking them for their tremendous service to our country. Many of those veterans […]
Hard money lending for real estate
When you hear “hard money loans,” you might picture money changing hands in a dark alley and rough collection techniques when the loan comes due. However, that could not be further from the truth as hard money lending can be a very valuable and useful tool in many real estate transactions. In the “regular” real […]
Options for financing when interest rates go up
The most popular mortgage loan evolved into what is the 30-year amortized loan, which has become one of the primary reasons for increasing the level of homeownership in the United States. Amortizing means some of the principal of the loan amount is paid off each month, allowing homeowners to build equity and avoid a large […]