A Rate-Locking Strategy Ahead Of The Fed’s Meeting Today

Fed Funds Rate (Jan 2007 - Jan 2010)

The Federal Open Market Committee ends a scheduled, 2-day meeting today in Washington. It’s the first of 8 scheduled meetings for the policy-setting group in 2010. The group adjourns at 2:15 PM ET. Here is a rate-locking strategy for you.

Denver Area Real Estate Market Times and Average Prices

The above graphs show the average days a property is on the market before a contract is accepted. The condo graph has a higher date range, reflective of the generally longer times it takes to sell condos.  The low residential average in November of 2009 reflects both the low residential inventory and the strong sales [...]

A Simple Explanation Of The Federal Reserve Statement (January 27, 2010 Edition)

Putting the FOMC statement in plain English

The Federal Open Market Committee voted to leave the Fed Funds Rate within its target range of 0.000-0.250 percent. In its press release, the FOMC noted that the U.S. economy “has continued to strengthen”, that the jobs markets is getting better, and that financial markets are supportive of growth.

Existing Home Sales Plummet In December, But It Was Expected

Existing Home Sales Dec 2008-Dec 2009

Just one month after from blowing away Wall Street, December’s Existing Home Sales hit the skids, shedding nearly 17 percent and falling to a 4-month low. Don’t be alarmed, though. It was expected.

The Right Way To Make Your Bed When Your Home Is Listed For Sale

Well-made beds aren’t just for comfort — they’re for presentation, too. Especially when you’re selling your home. A pristine bed conveys an image of cleanliness and order to potential home buyers and that can help you get more of your asking price at the point of negotiation.

Throw Out Your “Chip Clips”. Get The Banana Seal.

Banana Seal in action

If you’ve ever used a plastic Chip Clip and been miffed that your chips went stale anyway, you have to see the Banana Seal.

Housing Permits Spike For The Second Straight Month

Housing Starts Jan 2008-Dec 2009

After posting a 7 percent gain in November, permits rose by another 8 percent in December. It’s a signal that housing is in recovery. More permits mean that builders plan to bring more homes on the market for what’s expected to be a very busy spring home-shopping season.

Denver Real Estate Price Change Analysis and Influx Index

This graph demonstrates the average sold price per square foot by month during the years 2007 through 2009.  The normal bell curve shown in 2007 was clearly disrupted in 2008 and 2009. The average price per square foot has leveled off in the latter half of 2009 as the market continues to struggle for stability. [...]

Spring 2010 FHA Guidelines Make Borrowing Tougher And More Expensive

New FHA guidelines

In a statement issued Wednesday, the Federal Housing Authority outlined policy changes to its mortgage assistance program. The shift is meant to both reduce the government group’s portfolio risk while strengthening its overall financials. For consumers, the changes mean higher costs.

There’s 100 Days Left To Claim The Homebuyer Tax Credit

100 days remain for the Home Buyer Tax Credit Expiration

November 6, 2009, Congress voted to extend and expand the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit program. There’s 100 days left to claim it.

Highlands Ranch Town Center

Model perfect Highlands Ranch Town Center home with over $43k in upgrades. The gourmet kitchen includes granite counters & stainless appliances highlighted by center island and 42″ cabinets. Extended hardwood floors & custom lighting flow throughout. Designer paint, carpet and custom window treatments are found in every room. Three bedrooms, three baths & full upstairs [...]

Denver Area Real Estate Sales Distribution Graphs

This graph shows the distribution of closed sales by price range.  Note the jump in the lowest category in December of 2008, with many low priced homes being purchased by investors as fix and flip projects.  The very high end showed a bit of recovery in December. This graph clearly demonstrates the decline in low [...]

More People, Less Places

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I read with some interest the 2009 Magnet States Report released by Allied Van Lines.  The report is based on Allied tracking the incoming and outgoing household goods movements of 59,381 such movements using the services of Allied Van Lines in the first 11 months of 2009.  Colorado ranked 10th in inbound moves, and 15th [...]

Denver Real Estate Market Absorption Graph

  The Denver market Absorption Rate calculates the length of time it will take to sell the entire present inventory at the current rate of sales if no new properties are added to the market.  It is generally thought that an absorption rate of 4-5 months or less represents a seller’s market.  Note that in the [...]

RealtyTrac’s 2009 Foreclosure Report Gives Reason For Optimism

Foreclosure deltas for the ten most foreclosure-heavy states of 2009

Versus 2008, foreclosures are up 21 percent nationwide and that’s a big number, but a deeper look at RealtyTrac’s annual reports reveals a more positive undertone on the housing market.