12/1/11 - U.S. Will Remain a Nation of Homeowners  http://www.linkedin.com/news?actionBar=&articleID=908764530&ids=0TcjcTcPkOcjAIcP0NdjwPcz4Vb30PdjgSdPwMeiMTcPwOc3sSc3AIejkQdj0Rc30V&aag=true&freq=weekly&trk=eml-tod2-b-ttl-2&ut=0nlQmzt7FpoB01 

Five Great Things about Homeownership : http://www.linkedin.com/news?actionBar=&articleID=883528767&ids=0SczcOe3oRejwIdP0PcjcOdPwUb3oRej0Sc3oVe2MMdzwRczwQe3wIdPoTe38RcPwU&aag=true&freq=weekly&trk=eml-tod-b-ttle-44&ut=1DzVM0t-1joB01

HAPPY THANKSGIVING. We are thankful for your friendship and support. You are part of the many blessings in our lives. We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family, friends, food, and fond memories. God Bless!

11/11/11 Housing to gradually improve in 2012, NAR economist says http://www.housingwire.com/2011/11/11/housing-to-gradually-improve-in-2012-nar-economist-says?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+housingwire%2FuOVI+%28HousingWire%29

10/28/20211 - Colorado unemployment rate drops to 8.3% from 8.8% a year ago Read article: http://www.ncbr.com/article.asp?id=60469

Colorado Springs named in top 5 great cities... http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/5-great-cities-for-young-adults.html

Springs listed among best housing markets for 2012  Read article: http://www.gazette.com/articles/springs-127343-list-markets.html  

Report Examines Colorado's Strengths Read article: 
http://www.metrodenver.org/news-center/metro-denver-news/metro-denver-edc-releases-annual-competitiveness-report.html

BEFORE YOU...start visiting new home models read our

TOP 10 LIST WHY YOU NEED US TO BE YOUR ADVOCATE BUYING A NEW BUILD 

1. In order to represent you, we MUST register you at the new home model. If you don't let them know up front, in general, builders will not let us NEGOTIATE ON YOUR BEHALF later. Call us first so we can show you the ins and outs of new construction.

2. Our representation does not cost you, we are compensated by the builder. It is a myth that you will save money going it alone. The price of a new build is the same for you whether you use a Realtor or go it alone.  Wouldn't you rather have an advocate in your corner?

3. We save you money because we have information on what you should receive and what "extras" you should get. 

4. New home builders generally don't use state approved forms, builder contracts are prepared by the builder's attorneys and are written to protect the builder.

5. We have a good relationship with builders. Often, we know about things that aren't known to the public. We know how they compare to their competition and can negotiate using that knowledge. 

6. You need strong representation in the event of a dispute with the builder. You deserve and have the right to expect your Realtor is a specialist in the local market and can deliver results.

7. We know what is supposed to happen and when it is supposed to happen. We know what are legitimate delays and what are just excuses.

8. When working with a Realtor, from a number one company like Re/Max, a builder is more willing to agree to our request.

9. Most people don't have the time or experience to baby-sit a new build and track dates and deadlines. We have assembled a full team of specialists for the security and success of your purchase.

10. The smart move is to have an advocate working on your side.  We have experience in negotiating outstanding prices and upgrades for our clients. We have excellent builders in our town with quality homes and terrific communities.  Let's get to work!

Related articles:  10/20/2011 New-Home Building Soars 15% in September  http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2011/10/19/new-home-building-soars-15-in-september

10/20/2011 -What's the Best Day to List a Home? Since you only get one chance to make a first impression, a study says the day you list your home can make a difference 

• Homes listed on Sunday get marginally more online views.
• Homes listed on Friday are toured 19% more.
• Homes listed on Friday or Thursday sell for slightly closer to original list price.
• Homes listed on Friday are 12% more likely to sell in 90 days."
•  http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2011/10/19/whats-best-day-list-home 

10/13/2011 - "Amidst reports of economic woes, fluctuating job growth, and America’s changing housing market research shows the American dream is still very much in tact"...http://pro.truliablog.com/grow-business/the-american-dream-lives-on-whos-dreaming-about-working-with-you/?ecampaign=anews&eurl=pro.truliablog.com%2Fgrow-business%2Fthe-american-dream-lives-on-whos-dreaming-about-working-with-you%2F

Colorado Springs rated a 'best value' city -http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2011/07/26/colorado-springs-rated-a-best-value.html

10/10/2011- Mortgage rates reached another milestone, with 30-year and 15-year fixed-rate mortgages hitting record lows again http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2011/09/16/big-savings-for-buyers-rates-reach-new-record-lows

9/30/2011 - More growth for Colorado Springs: Agilent agrees to expand data and technology centers, check out this article in the Gazette:  http://www.gazette.com/articles/agilent-125986-agreement-springs.html

08/30/2011 - 11 Fastest Moving Real Estate Markets (Denver tops the list) http://www.linkedin.com/news?actionBar=&articleID=723583934&ids=0QcPAPe3kPczsIdzANdjcMcP8Tb30Qcj8Ue38OdOMPc3gMczAPczsId34Vdj4UcP8T&aag=true&freq=weekly&trk=eml-tod-b-ttle-44

Great article about positive trends in Real Estate that could impact the recovery, also good tips for real estate investors... click on link...
Cash is king for real estate - housingwire.com

08/16/2011 Buying is Cheaper Than Renting in Most U.S. Cities CNN Money: http://money.cnn.com/2011/08/16/real_estate/buy_rent/

07/12/2011 Good News about Colorado Springs: Colorado Springs cost of living is below the national average, 8% below, another great reason to love living in Colorful Colorado Springs! http://www.gazette.com/articles/average-118701-percent-living.html   

How about some more encouraging news... according to recent studies, somewhere between 35%-40% of Americans own their homes free and clear! With all the negative talk about real estate in the news, we are lead to believe that everything in the housing marketing is dismal. However, with that large percentage owning their homes outright, we should revive the almost extinct "mortgage burning party" and make them fashionable again! What about the tax deduction? Here's a great explanation from Dave Ramsey: "Let's do the math. If you have a home with a payment of $900, and the interest portion is $830 per month, you have paid around $10,000 in interest that year, which creates a tax deduction. If, instead, you have a debt-free home, you would in fact lose the tax deduction, so the myth says keep your home mortgaged because of tax advantages. If you don't have a $10,000 tax deduction and you're in a 30% tax bracket, you will have to pay $3,000 in taxes on that $10,000. According to the math, we should send $10,000 in interest to the bank so we don't have to send $3,000 in taxes to the IRS. Personally, I think I will live debt-free and not make a $10,000 trade for $3,000."

07/09/2011   Sell your house faster in a tough market   http://money.cnn.com/2011/06/22/real_estate/sell_your_home.moneymag/index.htm
another interesting article: Where Homes Are Selling in 2 Months Or Less http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2011052502

06/13/2011 Owning a Home Essential to the American Dream, Survey Shows
http://rismedia.com/2011-06-09/owning-a-home-essential-to-the-american-dream-survey-shows/

Housing Shortage Is Likely Coming, Report Says
http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2011060801

40% of underwater borrowers took cash out of homes http://www.linkedin.com/news?actionBar=&articleID=563971522&ids=0Nd3sPe38PdzkId3ARczwVcPoRb3oOc30TczgSdiMOdjcPd3APdzkIcz8RcjsVcPoR&aag=true&freq=weekly&trk=eml-tod-b-ttle-44  

05/18/2011 - This is great read if you're considering buying a bank-owned or short sale home. It is very accurate and will set the proper expectations. http://pro.truliablog.com/buyers/the-5-most-common-complaints-of-short-sale-and-reo-buyers-and-how-to-avoid-them/

Realtor.com has selected Colorado Springs as #7 of #146 as Top Ten early turn around towns:
http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2011/04/27/top-10-early-turnaround-towns-from-realtor-com-part-i/?utm_source=email_marketing_system&utm_medium=email&utm_content=13867801&utm_campaign=REALTORS%3A%20Colorado%20Springs%20Housing%20A%20Best%20Recovery%20Bet

05/10/2011 - Gallup Poll: Americans Say Buy Now
With dropping home values in many markets mixed with interest rates at historical lows, homes are more affordable now than they’ve been in the last 35 years, reports Zillow.com. http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2011050502  

04/18/2011 - Fortune Magazine Cover Story : The Return of Real Estate... The time to buy is back ...the cost of owning compared with renting, should also inspire potential buyers. In 28 out of 54 major markets, it's now cheaper to pay a mortgage and other major costs than to rent the same house. What's most compelling is that in all of the distressed markets, owning now wins by a wide margin -- a stunning reversal from four years ago. It now costs 34% less than renting in Atlanta. In Miami the average rent is now $1,031 a month, vs. the $856 it costs to carry a ranch house or stucco cottage as an owner. http://public.remax.net/public-News/Pages/FortuneCoverStory.aspx

04/08/2011 -  The government shutdown will hurt housing in regards to FHA loans. Although the government has shut down five times in the past, this time it would be felt much larger because it accounts for roughly three times the market it did in 1995 when under the Clinton administration it shutdown for 21 days. Currently the FHA accounts for about 30% of the mortgage market. The shutdown would mean that the Federal Housing Administration would limit government-guaranteed mortgages.   http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2011040703 

Since this shutdown effects so many, from the military, our National Parks to those in the housing/lending market, it easy to lose sight of the big picture and just hope for any resolution. The fact is our nation is in a spending free-fall and we need to encourage our representatives to cut spending and take entitlement reform seriously.

03/31/2011- Colorado Springs made the list at #4! In an article in Forbes 2011 Retirement Guide, Colorado Springs ranked 4th on the list of best places to retire. Check out the article @  http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/42256087/ns/business-your_retirement/

On Mortgage Rates: This week, the Fed’s gauge of inflation – the Personal Consumption Expenditures Index – was reported higher in February than January. This report had a negative impact on Bonds and in turn, hurt home loan rates because home loan rates are tied to Mortgage Backed Securities, which are a type of Bond. As Bonds improve, home loan rates improve. We are hoping if consumers see that home loan rates are rising, that will spur them to take action. Higher home loan rates can translate into tens of thousands of dollars paid in interest over the course of a loan. So taking action and getting a lower rate will save a buyer tens of thousands of dollars.

Year-end sales data for 2010 are in: Re/Max - ABOVE THE CROWD is more than just a slogan For the 13th consecutive year, RE/MAX sold more real estate than any competitor. And RE/MAX agents average more transaction sides than agents with any other national brand ... in most cases twice as many. As your local Real Estate experts, we take seriously the Re/Max brand that puts you ahead of the competition and helps market your home.

03/16/2011 - Although foreclosures remain a serious problem, a U.S. real estate recovery could happen more quickly than most economists predict, Dave Liniger told over 5,000 attendees at the RE/MAX R4 Opening General Session in Las Vegas Monday afternoon. Citing pent-up demand and key indicators in retail sales, consumer confidence, productivity and more, Liniger said U.S. housing may finally be "coming around" after the worst downturn in decades. And a U.S. rebound would in turn improve real estate conditions around the world, he added. That's good news... Full article:  http://public.remax.net/public-news/Pages/R4OGS.aspx

03/02/2011 -  Here is an article about the future of real estate this year from WSJ / SmartMoney.... Housing is the most affordable it's been in decades and why the crash may end in 2011 ... full story: http://www.smartmoney.com/personal-finance/real-estate/why-the-housing-crash-may-end-in-2011-1298910211595/ 

02/10/2011 - Here are the four stories this week that we think are of the most interest:

The Colorado Division of Housing closed the books on 2010 yesterday. Foreclosures were down in 2010 by almost 12%. In 2009 there were 5,470 foreclosures, in 2010 there were 4,828.

30 year mortgages have gone up for the first time since last April. The average rate rose to just over 5.00%, according to Freddie Mac. http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2011-02-10-mortgage-rates_N.htm 
And speaking of Freddie Mac... According to an article in the WSJ the White House has plans to remake the mortgage market by suggesting the finance giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae be phased out. Full article:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703989504576128403630694340.html?mod=WSJ_RealEstate_LeftTopNews

S&P: 4 More Years to Fully Clear the nation's inventory of distressed homes, according to S&P Report.   “Our recent estimates of months to clear have increased primarily because of the deceleration of the distressed property liquidation rate rather than a rise in overall distressed property levels,” according to the S&P report.  http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2011020302  
 
LOCAL: Housing markets: Best recovery markets - CNNMoney.com ranked Colorado Springs #8 on its list of housing markets that are a best bet for recovery. This article says that the Colorado Springs economy has been steady and demand for housing has grown. Check out the full article @:  http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2011/real_estate/1102/gallery.best_recovery_bets/8.html

 

01/28/2011 - Yesterday, Vectra Bank held its annual Economic Forum at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort to report and forecast the local economy. In regards to the local housing market, Tom Zwirlein, director of the Southern Colorado Economic Forum, said that although foreclosures are still high, they were lower in 2010 than in 2009. He went on to say that local unemployment, personal income and population growth should improve in 2011.

01/21/2011 - Our sources are telling us that we have a lot of bank owned inventory and that it is going to come out at about a rate 4-5 times more than it did last year. If it does, we are anticipating a little softening in the prices, probably 4-5%. Average sales price is trending up from mid-last year, it took a dip in the third quarter but is moving up. Prices of 2007 won't be seen for a very long time. Consumer confidence is starting to pick back up, we saw it in Christmas sales this year. In addition to that the investors are starting to see this trend and thinking now's the time to come back in to the market place. Active listing inventory is a little more than we'd like to see right now, what that means is we've got a lot of supply out there. If consumer confidence picks up, investors get back in, and move-up buyers take action we could see the inventory come back down. On active listings we have a little bit above a six month supply (this is for the entire MLS). Interest rates are starting to come back up. If rates move up .5% or as much as 1.5% this could spur buyers that understand that saving a few thousand dollars on the purchase price of a home would be less of a benefit than saving as much as 50,000 over the course of a 30 year loan with a better interest rate. Our expert advice to buyers - take action while rates are low because the savings is greater than a lower home purchase price.  Our recommendation to sellers- don't chase the market down, you've got to price your home right because you are going to be competing against those bank owned homes that are predicted to flood the market soon.


RECAP 2009 vs. 2010
Residential units sold down 7%
Number of listings up 6%
Inventory levels down 1%
Average price up 6%
Median price up 4%
Foreclosures down 12%

01/12/2011 - Good article in WSJ on Housing Statistics http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704739504576067822437434618.html  Basically, the article talks about the overblown stats reported by the media in the area of underwater homes (an underwater home is one where the mortgage is more than the home is worth)  Five states (CA, NV, AZ, FL, MI) skew the stats for the rest of the nation. Here locally in Colorado, and more specifically, Colorado Springs, homeowners are in good shape.    What we are personally seeing 12 days into the new year: buyers are looking and ready, showings have picked up dramatically in the last two weeks and are remaining strong.

01/03/2011 - I was reading one of the trade papers this morning and the headline said Strong Rebound in Pending Home Sales. I'll give you the highlights of the article: housing affordability is drawing in buyers, the market is in a recovery phase - it will be uneven at times, but the improving job market and loan standards could help in the housing and economic recovery.

What we know:  Word on the street is that bank owned inventory will increase at least in the first part of the new year, buyers will notice a slight increase in interest rates and that will drawn them to buy because rates will still be very low. Lack of new construction will also improve the existing home sales segment. Of course, we'll keep you posted with expert information on the local and national market trends.
 
JANUARY 2011  - Happy New Year!   "Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." - Martin Luther King, Jr.  What a great quote to start the year. It's probably safe to say that 2010 had many challenges for most and with a new year in front of us, we have to set our goals and then take that first step. When buying or selling you want to work with an expert, we understand how important it is for your security and success, especially in this current economic enviroment. Here's a snapshot of real estate in the first quarter of 2011...

REMEMBER - Chris is a Certified Distress Property Expert! That designation is known as CDPE.
A distressed property is a home that is more than 30 days behind on the mortgage.
Let your friends and family know we can provide expert information so they can make decisions.

                                        5 REASONS to AVOID FORECLOSURE:
  1. A homeowner will always have to disclose a foreclosure on any mortgage application.
  2. Credit scores can be lowered by 300+ points affecting the ability to get a car, apartment, etc.
  3. Military and government security clearance could be at risk with foreclosure.
  4. Many employers run credit checks on prospective employees, foreclosure is a top item
      that will put a potential new hire in jeopardy.
  5. There is a HUGE difference between life after foreclosure and life WITHOUT foreclosure

DECEMBER 2010 ........ MERRY CHRISTMAS!

NOVEMBER 2010... Equity...Profit... and the current market...

It was only earlier this decade that so many buyers jumped on the investment bandwagon. They bought and sold within incredibly short time frames, and walked away with profits. But as the booms busted, many sellers found they had bought at the top of the market and as prices corrected, they lost more than just dollars. Foreclosure rates skyrocketed. Historically, however, homeownership is a long term investment, and one that brings many rewards.  "Sellers who purchased at the top of the market and had to sell in a short time frame were hurt by the price correction, but the vast majority who are able to stay for a normal period of home ownership generally built enough equity to make a trade-up purchase," NAR 2010 President Vicki Cox Golder said. "Despite swings in the housing market in recent years, the fact is most long-term owners see healthy gains in the value of their property." ....

Even with several years of price declines, the typical seller who purchased a home eight years ago experienced a median equity gain of $33,000, a 24 percent increase, while sellers who were in their homes for 11 to 15 years saw a median gain of 40 percent. So, once again buying for the long-term is steering its way back into value.   http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20101109_value.htm


OCTOBER 2010 ...
Existing home sales on the rise
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Existing home sales climbed for the second month in a row in September, fueling some hope that a housing recovery is underway. http://money.cnn.com/2010/10/25/news/economy/existing_home_sales/index.htm


SEPTEMBER 2010 ...
New-home prices reach historic low ~ Further study of the Census Bureau’s American Housing Survey reveals that new-home sales prices have reached an historic low dating back to at least 1963.  http://csbj.com/2010/09/13/new-home-prices-reach-historic-low
Home Buying and Selling Tips for Fall   http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2010091706

AUGUST 2010 ... We are reading/studying the books The Way We're Working Isn't Working: The Four Forgotten Needs That Energize Great Performance by Tony Schwartz and Tribes: We Need You To Lead Us by Seth Godin. Energy, optimism, focus, recovery, new paradigms are what people are seeking. We are going to apply the strategies in these books to being servant leaders in real estate, and every aspect of our lives. When we're finished reading/studying these books, as the professional you trust for all your real estate needs, we will blog about how this new information benefits you. Stay tuned.....

Now for some local headlines:

Fewer Springs homeowners upside-down on mortgages, new study says ~ Zillow.com reports that 28.8% of Colorado Springs homeowners owed more on their mortgages than what their properties were worth during the second quarter of this year, down from 34.4% in the previous quarter and 29.7% in the second quarter a year ago.  Also, Zillow estimates that our area’s median single-family home value declined 1.9% from the same month last year, while the Pikes Peak Association of Realtors puts it at a 5.3% year-over-year increase. http://www.gazette.com/articles/colorado-102727-released-mixed.html#ixzz0wEWiZ300

Real Estate Outlook: Modest Recovery ~ The real estate market posted positive numbers in quarterly sales and price reports issued last week.  Compared with the second quarter of 2009, this year's numbers show how far housing has improved year-over year, according to the National Association of Realtors' second quarter results.  In two-thirds of the major local markets, median prices were higher at the end of the second quarter than they were at the same time the year before.  Nationwide, the median price of houses was up by 1.5%.  Also, home sales were up 17% during the second quarter compared with 2009, and overall sales were higher in 47 states plus the District of Columbia.  http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20100816_realestateoutlook.htm 
 
JULY 2010 ... Re/Max Agents Taking Action (read):   http://public.remax.net/marketing/downloads/Lists/Downloads_Library/RISMediaCoverStory2010.pdf

Happy Independence Day!
Mortgage loan rates fall to new low ~ Mortgage rates again fell to a modern-day low this week, as investors favored American bonds over those of other, riskier, countries - meaning there was more money to lend to Americans.  Fixed-rate mortgages fell 6 basis points this week, according to the Bankrate.com national survey of large lenders (a basis point is one-hundredth of 1 percentage point).  Unfortunately, there are not enough borrowers ready to refinance again, along with others that might not qualify now.  "In the old days, if you had new all-time lows, you would see a doubling or tripling of volume; now, you're talking about a 20 percent pickup, maybe 30 (percent)," said Brian Koss, executive vice president of Mortgage Network. http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-loan-rates-fall-to-new-low.aspx

JUNE 2010 ...  Five area high schools on Newsweek's best list ~ Newsweek's annual list of America's Best High Schools compiled from more than 1,600 schools - nearly 6% of the nation's public high schools - includes five Colorado Springs schools (three from District 20): Rampart High School (#368); Cheyenne Mountain High School (#384); Liberty High School (#616); Palmer High School (#1,142); and, Pine Creek High School (#1,384).  Click the link to see the full list and a report on each school: http://www.gazette.com/articles/school-100348-high-schools.html   
 
MAY 2010 BLOG...
Let's make is our best summer yet! Here is some good real estate news to kick it off...

Mortgage rates sink to lowest this year ~ The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has fallen to 4.78%, the lowest level since a record 4.71% in early December, and the average 15-year fixed-rate mortgage was at 4.21%, the lowest it's been since at least August 1991.  But these rates are not expected to last long.  Refinances have already spiked to their highest level since last October; however, applications for home purchases have dropped to their lowest level since April 1997.  http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_MORTGAGE_RATES?SITE=COCOL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT       
      

 

Experts predict worst is over as existing home sales rise ~ According to the chief economist of the National Association of Realtors, the “price correction” in the housing market that caused the economy to falter badly appears to be “essentially over.”  Its President also adds, “Many buyers remain in the market even without the tax credit … entering the market now as a result of improved conditions, while others are welcoming a slowdown from frantic market conditions in recent months.”  Of homes purchased in April, 49% were bought by first-time buyers, 15% were bought by investors, and the remaining sales were to repeat buyers.  http://www.thetitlereport.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=8DEFBE0F07E5467499E3D34AB784520D&nm=Daily&type=news&mod=News&mid=1264522F87E648A787659798A5710AA1&tier=3&nid=10B25879693F475AB81D82F8424EB61F&AudID=79E26C8E55214F01B2E53D08594FE264&utm_source=vwTTRget&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TTR_Wed_Enews   

APRIL 2010 BLOG...
Chris is now a Certified Distress Property Expert! That designation is known as CDPE.
A distressed property is a home that is more than 30 days behind on the mortgage.
We can help your friends and family figure out their options if they are in need.

                                        5 REASONS to AVOID FORECLOSURE:
  1. A homeowner will always have to disclose a foreclosure on any mortgage application.
  2. Credit scores can be lowered by 300+ points affecting the ability to get a car, apartment, etc.
  3. Military and government security clearance could be at risk with foreclosure.
  4. Many employers run credit checks on prospective employees, foreclosure is a top item
      that will put a potential new hire in jeopardy.
  5. There is a HUGE difference between life after foreclosure and life WITHOUT foreclosure.

Federal Program to Encourage Short Sales ~ Beginning April 5, the latest federal program will encourage delinquent borrowers to avoid foreclosure and instead give up their homes in short sales.  The program will offer a cash payment to the home owner, as well as to the servicer and second-lien holder; and protect borrowers from future lender lawsuits for the unpaid mortgage balance. http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2010030803

ReMax hopes to stir up property interest at auction ~ On April 10 at the Denver Tech Center Doubletree hotel, 33 local listings – with values ranging from $124,000 to $1.2 million - will be auctioned among a total of 170 located between here and Denver. Pre-register at the link in the attached article. http://csbj.com/2010/04/03/remax-hopes-to-stir-up-property-interest-at-auction  

Classic to auction 10 upscale homes at its Flying Horse development ~ On May 23, Classic Cos. will be auctioning off some of its unsold inventory: 10 upscale homes in the Flying Horse development with minimum bids significantly reduced from their original sales prices. One of the custom properties is a 10,000 square-foot home with a beginning bid of $2.6 million - 41% less than its original $4.4 million list price. http://www.gazette.com/articles/classic-96688-homes-years.html 

New rebates coming for appliances, home improvements Recharge Colorado, an $18 million program, being launched on April 19 http://www.gazette.com/articles/rebates-96683-appliances-weeks.html
 
Taxpayers Seeking Homebuyer Tax Credits, Refunds Must File Paper ~ As reported by Realty Times, electronic filing will not be allowed for homeowners filing for the home buyer tax credit. The new filing rules are an effort to ward off a repeat of 90,000 taxpayers who fraudulently claimed the credit, according to the U.S. Treasury. All taxpayers (first-time and move-up buyers) seeking a credit or refund must use the new IRS Form 5405 and submit it with additional closing documents as listed on the Form 5405. http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20100225_taxcredit.htm

Move-Down Buyers Can Be Eligible For Tax Credit Too ~ Move up, move down, move sideways; it just doesn't matter - buyers may still qualify for the new tax credit available to current homeowners. It is unfortunate that the credit has too often been characterized as a credit for "move-up" homeowners; the credit is equally available to homeowners who are moving down, cost-wise. The move-down homebuyer is not an unusual phenomenon. For years, retirees have been known to move from a larger home to one that is smaller and often less expensive. Moreover, it is reasonable to think that current economic conditions may lead to even more move-down buyers. The same requirements for the tax credit apply to both move-down and move-up buyers. http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20091222_movedown.htm