For Buyers

Blog Does the Federal Reserve affect Mortgage Rates? The federal funds rate and mortgage rates are both types of interest rates, but they operate differently. The Fed directly controls the federal funds rate, which primarily influences short-term interest rates, while mortgage rates are determined by lenders based on long-term bond yields and various economic factors like inflation and market demand. This means that […]
For Buyers Renting vs Buying: Which is better for you? Deciding whether to rent or buy can be a difficult decision, but with the right analysis, you can determine which is best for you. Knowing whether it’s the right time to rent or buy depends on your buying power, what you’re looking for in a home, your local market conditions, your plans for you and your household, […]
Blog Rate Perspective Given the recent increase in mortgage interest rates, we think a little perspective is in order. The average 30-year rate for the last 40+ years is 7.5% Rates are now back within the range where they were between April 2018 and February 2019 Between January 2000 and December 2009, the high was 8.15% and the […]
Blog New Construction: Why Work with a Buyer’s Agent? If you’re a buyer, you may have considered purchasing a new construction home. After touring the model home and talking to the builder’s sales representatives, you begin to wonder if it’s necessary to work with a buyer’s agent. Although it’s possible to move forward with the purchase of a new construction home without a buyer’s […]
Blog Simple Tips to Make Your Move Easier Your needs as a homeowner change over time, and you need the right home to fit those needs. Accordingly, it’s highly likely that at some point in your future you will experience another moving day. While moving can be challenging, there are resources to make it easier. If you are remaining in your current area, […]
Blog 7 Signs You’re Ready to Buy a Home Making the leap from renter to homeowner doesn’t happen overnight; it requires steady planning to put yourself in a good position to buy your first home. Prospective first-time home buyers can often feel like they’re waiting for a sign to indicate they’re ready to start making offers, when really, it’s a combination of factors. Here […]
Blog Do You Need a Realtor to Buy a Home? Buying a home is a major investment, and it comes with a lot of variables. From finding the right neighborhood to determining how much home your budget allows, it is a complicated task. Because of the difficulties involved, many prospective homebuyers decide to work with a full-service realtor. However, if you decide to go on […]
For Buyers 2 to 3 Along the Front Range we have gone from two weeks of inventory to three weeks. For much of the Spring, there was only two weeks of inventory on the market in most areas. Meaning, it would only take 14 days to sell all of the homes currently for sale. Now, because the pace of sales has slightly […]
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Blog Working with a Buyer’s Agent What is a Buyer’s Agent? A typical real estate transaction involves a buyer’s agent representing the buyer and a listing agent representing the seller. A buyer’s agent helps the buyer identify potential homes to pursue, advises them on negotiations, and helps navigate any hurdles during the buying process. Once they are under contract, the buyer’s […]
Blog 96 Weeks Mortgage rates have been below 4% for 96 weeks in a row. Today, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate sits at 3.17%. This is 0.5% lower than January and exactly 1.0% lower than March 2020. Rates recently ended a 31-week streak of being under 3%. Over the last 5 years, rates have averaged 3.8%. Most […]
Blog The Importance of Pre-Approval To set yourself up for a smooth and successful home purchase, getting pre-approved is perhaps the most productive first step you can take. It strengthens your buying credibility, informs your home search, and speeds up the closing process. The Pre-Approval Process  There is an important distinction to made between two important steps of your mortgage application process: pre-qualification […]
Blog Double Lumber The price of lumber has doubled in three months. Lumber is just one of several examples of skyrocketing materials costs which are impacting both home builders and home buyers. The cost of lumber is now at a record-level $1000 per 1000 board feet. These rising costs not only add to the sales price of a […]
Blog Million Plussing The luxury market is very active right now.  Buyers in the high-end are taking advantage of low interest rates and the equity they have built in their prior homes. Closings of million-plus single family homes are up significantly along the Front Range. When compared to this same time last year, sales of properties in this […]
For Buyers Affordability Housing affordability is a hot topic especially after the strong price appreciation that has occurred in our market over the last 7 years. Here’s some interesting research on affordability… Each quarter the National Association of Home Builders measures affordability in hundreds of markets across the Country. Their method is to count the number of homes in […]
Blog Is the Condominium Lifestyle Right for You?   Condominium homes are a great, low-maintenance choice for a primary residence, second home, or investment property. This alternative to the traditional single-family home has unique issues to consider before buying, as well as unique benefits. Increasingly, condos are not just for first-time homebuyers looking for a less expensive entry into the housing market. Empty-nesters […]
For Buyers So you bought an investment property, now what? Investing in a home is a great way to build passive income but earning from your investment will take a little groundwork to become a well-oiled machine. This is your beginner’s guide to owning an investment property so you can set up that foundation properly to avoid future headaches. Make sure it’s livable It’s important […]
Blog 5 Deal Breakers That Can Blindside Home Buyers Purchasing a home can be a complex endeavor for even the most well-prepared home buyer.  You’ve diligently saved for your down payment, followed the market, researched agents and now you are ready to make an offer on your dream home.  Don’t let these 5 “Deal Breakers” come between you and your new home.   Big […]
Blog Your Beginner’s Guide to Home Appraisals Appraisals are used as a reliable, independent valuation of a tract of land and the structure on it, whether it’s a house or a skyscraper. Designed to protect buyers, sellers, and lending institutions, appraisals are an important part of the buying/selling process. Below, you will find information about the appraisal process, what goes into them, […]
Blog How to Cover Unexpected Costs with a Personal Loan Owning a home comes with its rewards — it’s an investment, a cozy haven to kick-up your feet after a long day of work, and a welcoming place to bring family and friends together. Although all of this makes homeownership fulfilling, owning a home also opens the door for unexpected (but necessary) expenses. If you’ve […]
For Buyers Benefits, Risks and Things to Consider Before You Add an Accessory Dwelling Unit to Your Home   Have you ever rented the unit in someone’s basement? Maybe your spouse’s mother moved into your “Mother-In-Law Unit” above your garage? Or have you ever traveled and stayed in a pool house for your stay? Commonly referred to as “Mother-In-Law” units, homeowners use these as a way to fill the space in their home […]