Tag Archives: boulder

Did you Know…….?

The price of gold on the day of the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games 8/8/08 was $857.80 an ounce. The day of the opening ceremonies in London the price of gold was $1,617.90. – BTN Research
Housing starts climbed to an annually adjusted 760,000 in July. – Commerce Department
That is a 37% increase from 2009’s 554,000 housing starts. – Treasury Department
It is still way below the 1.1 million housing starts needed to just keep up with our growing population. – Mortgage Daily News
32% of homes are owned free and clear. – Federal Reserve
24% of home owner’s with a mortgage are underwater. – Federal Reserve
In 1880 72% of Americans lived on farms. In 1920 that number dropped to 50%. Today just 2% of Americans live on farms. – Social Security and the EPA
1% of the population accounts for 21.8% of all health care expenditures. 5% of the population accounts for 49.5% of all health care expenditures. – National Institute for Health Care Management
The average American aged 65 or older makes 8 visits per year to a doctor, a hospital and/or an emergency room, that’s once every 1 ½ months. – Center for Disease Control
The cost of living in the US increased by 25% in the decade of the 50s, 28% in the 60s, 103% in the 70s, 64% in the 80s, 33% in the 90s and 28% in 00s. – Department of Labor

Michael is a longtime resident of Boulder and has been in real estate since the mid 90′s and with Sotheby’s International Realty since their inception in Boulder County and along the front range. About Me If you have questions regarding this article or would like information about Boulder real estate not yet on the market, call me or Boulder Luxury Real Estate check out my website. You may also call or TEXT me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes

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Boulder Real Estate On Fire

Figuratively, not literally. In Boulder we have so many great areas to choose from where fire is not a danger. We are buffered by the Flatirons to the west and many of our mountain areas such as Pine Brook Hills have fire hydrants frequently along the road. Call me today if you’re looking for a home in the Boulder area. I have many “quiet” listings of people who are interested in selling however for one reason or another don’t want to be full out on the market.

Michael is a longtime resident of Boulder and has been in real estate since the mid 90′s and with Sotheby’s International Realty since their inception in Boulder County and along the front range. About Me If you have questions regarding this article or would like information about Boulder real estate not yet on the market, call me or Boulder Luxury Real Estate check out my website. You may also call or TEXT me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes

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Boulder real estate not yet on the market

As a buyer, I am sure you know how few listings there are out there if you are pursuing Boulder real estate or Boulder luxury real estate. It can be really frustrating. It is, as one would say “thin.” Also multiple offers are starting to show up running the prices just a bit higher.

I have several homes that will not be on the market for a week or a few weeks. Call me to get first look at these homes I have listed, however are not on the MLS, some in South Boulder and some in Longmont and some in Lafayette. Ranging from around $450,000 to $850,000. Call me today to get a first look.

In this case the early bird does get the worm!

Michael is a longtime resident of Boulder and has been in real estate since the mid 90′s and with Sotheby’s International Realty since their inception in Boulder County and along the front range. About Me If you have questions regarding this article or would like information about Boulder real estate not yet on the market, call me or Boulder Luxury Real Estate check out my website. You may also call or TEXT me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes

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Why the house isn’t selling

Yes there are a few properties still sitting on the Boulder real estate market. Clearly there is something not quite right here.

I have sold luxury homes in Boulder for some time now and I often get calls from upset sellers who are having a tough time selling their property. I get their frustration. Most people start off the conversation with the same question, which is, “Why haven’t we even had an offer on our home?” I have talked about this a lot in my blogs however I think it is worth repeating. It boils down to a few reasons why your house didn’t sell.

  • Did you price it right? All a realtor can do is present the data. It’s your home, and you make the decision on how quickly you want to sell the home. If you ignore good data and price it high, the home will sit, sit, and sit. When you decide to price it right, the home will sell, but the decision is entirely up to you. I provide (data) you decide (the price). I then decide whether or not we are a good fit. I list Boulder real estate to sell not sit.
  • Does your home show well? If it does show well and it is in excellent condition we can move on. I always hire a stager for my sellers, it helps give them an objective eye for the property.
  • Do you have great marketing? Great marketing is multi-pronged with print, internet and creative modes of delivering the property to the market for massive exposure, not only locally but globally. Sotheby’s International Realty is the only true global brand in Boulder.
  •  It’s the first and most important rule of real estate. Location, location, location. If you have a bad location or a challenging location, you may have a difficult time selling your home. The only thing that you can do to fight a rough location is to price the home well below market value. You have to make the price so appealing that a buyer would ignore the setting because the price is so good.

You want to get it right straight out of the gate so all of the above must be in place to super saturate the market with your property. It must be everywhere so that the guy in California who is up at 2am and is nervous about where he and his family are going to live, sees it over and over and over on site after site.

Michael is a longtime resident of Boulder and has been in real estate since the mid 90′s and with Sotheby’s International Realty since their inception in Boulder County and along the front range. About Me If you have questions regarding this article or would like information about Boulder real estate or Boulder Luxury Real Estate check out my website. You may also call or TEXT me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes

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Time to Sell

It’s spring and homes show better in the spring than at any other time of year. Seasons are becoming less of an issue. January, February and March were some of my best months thus far since 1998.

Buyers for Boulder real estate are psyched to buy now. Buyers have taken to stealthing out sellers in neighborhoods, where nothing is for sale and at parties, ears perk at the merest hint of anyone thinking of selling.

Negative economic news continued to play a big part in the sluggish home sales during most of last year. People have pent up demand. The stock market has come back and buyers are feeling flush.

Bad economic news and massive uncertainty lowers consumer confidence. With all the negative economic news it tailspins buyers in to feeling little to no confidence. That is over in Boulder where buyers are abundant and houses for sale are few, driving prices up and bringing multiple offers on homes properly priced.

With consumer confidence on the upswing; interest rates historically low and unemployment decreasing; we have the perfect storm for Sellers. High-demand, low-inventory market gives sellers an edge.

These positive indicators combined with a drop in homes for sale at the end of 2011 and a decrease in unemployment may provide huge opportunities for sellers in 2012, provided their homes are priced right for the market.

Any major surprise on the economic front could change the picture, but regardless of the economic indicators, the best time to sell is when the time is right for you, the Seller.

Michael is a longtime resident of Boulder and has been in real estate since the mid 90′s and with Sotheby’s International Realty since their inception in Boulder County and along the front range. About Me If you have questions regarding this article or would like information about Boulder real estate or Boulder Luxury Real Estate check out my website. You may also call or TEXT me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes

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12 Great Reasons To Sell Your Boulder Real Estate In 2012

  1. The Denver/Boulder area is the #1 place to invest in real estate. Boulder real estate being the tops. View the video from CEO-Greg Rand-OwnAmerica.com
  2. The average rate on a 30 year fixed mortgage has dropped significantly to a low 3.87%.—Associated Press
  3.  The Denver /Boulder real estate home inventory has not been this low since 1999.—Denver Metro Association of Realtors
  4. The number of homes on the market dropped some 30% in November from a year earlier, likely the greatest year-over-year drop in metro area’s history—Inside Real Estate News
  5. Dow at a 4 year high; Nasdaq hits 11 year high—CNN Money.com 2/3/2012
  6. Boulders apartment vacancy rate hit its lowest fourth-quarter level in over a decade at the end of 2011—Denver Post
  7. Inventory available of single family homes in Boulder County in February, 2012 is 69% lower than at the same time 2 years ago; meanwhile luxury home inventory is down 42% in the Boulder area—Inside Real Estate News
  8. Denver/Boulders median list price is higher than the national average—Realtor.com
  9. The Denver/Boulder area has the lowest average days on market of 146 national statistical metro areas—Inside Real Estate News
  10. Denver/Boulder area ranked #1 by Case-Shiller Index and S & P
  11. Denver/Boulder’s population will grow at a faster-than-average rate in 2012, and combined with a tight inventory of existing homes and job growth will boost housing construction—Denver Metro EDC
  12. Low interest rates + low home inventory = Highest price for your Boulder Real Estate.

Low Interest Rates + Low Home Inventory = Highest Price For Your Boulder Real Estate

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in the coming year, allow me to extend my full range of premium services toward your real estate success.

Call 303-359-6627 or visit Boulder Real Estate

Michael grew up near Santa Fe and is a longtime resident of Boulderand has been with Sotheby’s International Realty since their inception in Boulder County and along the front range. About Me If you have questions regarding this article or would like information about Boulder real estate or Boulder Luxury Real Estate check out my website. You may also call or TEXT me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes

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Psych-Boulder Real Estate

Buying a home is the largest purchase most people will ever undertake. What takes people from desire to final purchase?

If you listen to the news day after day after day. There is unsettling news; higher gas prices, housing crisis, wars, politics; in other words sometimes staying put in the property you are living in seems much safer than moving.

Home buyers are beginning to hear positive messages about Boulder real estate and feel hopeful about the future and are excited about buying a new home and possibly selling their home. Humans are social beings and feel more secure taking a chance if lots of other people are doing the same. If the property market is busy with lots of turnover, it encourages others to follow suit. The Level of Confidence pushes us humans forward or makes us hesitate

The need for shelter is one of the most basic human needs. A guy by the name of Maslow came up with a very cool pyramid that he called the Hierarchy of Needs. His theory is that the lower levels of the pyramids have to be met before you can move up the needs pyramid. Property comes in on the second level after things like food, water, breathing and sex. Underlying this is the fact that there may even be a need for a stable environment for the most basic of these needs.

Houses provide shelter from the elements and security at the most basic level, but as each level of needs is met, property begins also to meet other needs. The need for self esteem, confidence, achievement, respect by others and near the top of the pyramid, property can also express creativity, problem solving, and provide an environment for spirituality and self actualization.

No two home hunting people are alike in their desire, motivation or needs. Getting to the bottom of this is when it is helpful to have a great agent, someone who will focus on your needs and wants and your timeline.

Many things can trigger home buying or selling. The birth of a baby, a marriage, a death or divorce, a loss of money,job or health, the kids having nowhere else to play when dad wants to watch the March Madness.

Buying or selling more often than not starts with the woman. It may be that they care more about the finer points or maybe they have more endurance to see the process out when often the male has given up and will settle for any home as long as it meets minimum requirements.

Great questions to ask yourselves are; What are my/our needs? What do I/we want? What can I/we afford? Why am I/are we feeling the need to move? To tell you the truth it may not even be a conscious desire.

In the early stages buyers prefer the internet and anonymity. The more information the buyer or seller has the more confident they feel making them able to move to the next step. Open houses usually are next and gives a great feel for equivalent value. Two things. Buyers typically think that their money can buy more house than it can and sellers typically think their house is worth more than it is. The value of a house is dictated by how much someone is willing to sell it for and how much someone is willing to pay for it. The getting real part can take a few days or months.

In an effort to work faster and more efficiently and see new properties on the market as quickly as possible buyers will phone their agent contact to view as many properties as p.ossible. This is the most efficient way to work.

If you’re purchase is more about balance, spirituality, quietude, please read this blog about The 7 Chakrasof buying Boulder real estate.

People eventually get to the point where they are tired of viewing houses, sometimes emotionally drained and despondent from missing out on one great or numerous great properties and are ready to buy. Usually these people are ready, focused and somewhat done with the house hunting portion and ready to make an offer.

When you are ready to search for or sell your fine property call Michael at 303-359-6627

Michael grew up near Santa Fe and is a longtime resident of Boulder and has been with Sotheby’s International Realty since their inception in Boulder County and along the front range.  If you have questions regarding this article or would like information about Boulder real estate or Boulder Luxury Real Estate check out my website. You may also call or TEXT me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes. Michael is a (CNE) Certified Negotiation Expert and full time Realtor at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO. What’s your lifestyle? I take great pride in my in-depth knowledge of Colorado luxury home market trends, utilizing research-based pricing strategies, having a powerful network of qualified Boulder real estate buyers and first-hand Boulder real estate insight. With a proven 16 year track record of selling unique Boulder real estate.

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Jobs Equal Healthy Boulder Real Estate

Boulder County is the most educated county in United States. There’s a high percentage of highly intelligent residents, which is its greatest asset for attracting and retaining strong employers and employees. Boulder real estate is healthy, a sure sign of good times coming. It’s all about jobs. Strong jobs equal strong Boulder real estate.

Numerous high tech businesses in the Boulder Valley Corridor are starting to hire. When I asked a local head hunter if there were going to be a lot of out of town people coming in she said “there seems to be a robust amount of talent available in the area right now.” Of course as time goes by the tech area will need more and more talent to feed the demand.

Many high schools in Boulder County offer special programs such as Skyline High School in Longmont that offers the Scientific Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program, a magnet component that prepares students to excel in science and math related fields. Also with the onset of the International Baccalaureate Program in numerous schools in the Boulder Valley; Boulder schools could help “grow” their own work force and provide opportunities for our children’s future by implementing similar programs in all schools.

Boulder offers a quality of life that attracts and keeps people here. It’s a life that can’t be beat. We love our Boulder real estate and we often come up on lists for a very high quality of life. A lifestyle robust in fitness, with running trails right out our office door,  world class organic food, home grown brews, entertainment, high intelligence, happy people, entrepreneur heaven, skiing and snowshoeing nearby, dog friendly areas and many opportunities to enhance our lifestyle.

Michael grew up near Santa Fe and is a longtime resident of Boulder and has been with Sotheby’s International Realty since their inception in Boulder County and along the front range.  If you have questions regarding this article or would like information about Boulder real estate or Boulder Luxury Real Estate check out my website. You may also call or TEXT me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes is a (CNE) Certified Negotiation Expert and full time Realtor at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO. What’s your lifestyle? I take great pride in my in-depth knowledge of Colorado luxury home market trends, research-based pricing strategies, having a powerful network of qualified luxury home buyers, first-hand Boulder real estate insight and proven 16 year track record of selling unique Denver and Boulder luxury real estate.

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Boulder Luxury Real Estate-Ranches

Boulder Luxury Real Estate-Ranches

Sotheby’s International Realty-Boulder, represents clients in the rarified air of Boulder Luxury Real Estate. Prime opportunities. We pride ourselves in our global reach to clientele with the capability to procure high end properties. While several of our ranches and view properties in the Boulder area are actively listed, certain properties are available yet not actively listed. Quiet listings as it were. Call me today

Stapp Lakes Ranch located 25 miles from downtown Boulder, is a truly one of a kind opportunity.Infinite views and quiet. Known as Colorado’s first Guest Ranch. Sited on eight crystal blue lakes, stocked with rainbows and cutthroat. First homesteaded in 1893. An historic assemblage of Lodges, Cabins and Outbuildings and meticulously restored in the midst of 328 Rocky Mountain acres. Offered at $22.5 M.

Dollaghan Ranch on Rozena Road. A classic Victorian residence on over 114 acres with two reservoirs, pond with waterfall, panoramic Rocky Mountain Views, World class fishing. Boulder Luxury Real Estate at its finest. Well maintained and ready for a family, entertaining or just gracious living. A wildlife sanctuary visited by fox, coyote, deer, elk and eagles. The site contains 7 residential building sites and 2 more sites for caretakers quarters. Valuable water and mineral rights. Call me today. Offered at $12 M.

Steele Ranch in Niwot. A gentlemen’s ranch on over 5 acres. An English Country Equestrian property in the Niwot area. Sweeping open lawns, pond and mountain views. The flawless design and the meticulous attention to detail beckon even the most discerning home buyer. Main house, carriage house and 6 car garage await the collector of horses or horsepower. Call me today. Offered at $2.1 M.

If you are interested in buying or selling Boulder Luxury Real Estate discretely, call me today at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty-Boulder.

Michael grew up near Santa Fe and is a longtime resident of Boulder and has been with Sotheby’s International Realty since their inception in Boulder County and along the front range. If you have questions regarding this article or would like information about Boulder real estate or Boulder Luxury Real Estate check out my website. You may also call or TEXT me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes.  Michael is a Certified Negotiation Expert and full time Realtor at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO.

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Sell Your Boulder Home-11 Tips

1. Hire a Professional Realtor. This is no time to be navigating the rough waters of the Boulder real estate market on your own. You want someone who can help you truly price your home, bring in potential buyers, handle contracts, and market your home to the global masses. You can check to see if there have been any infractions with a Realtor by checking DORA (Department of Regulatory Agencies-Colorado/Search Licensees ).

2. Fully Disclose. Are you selling your Boulder home because it needs more work than you can handle? Are there infestation problems you’d rather not talk about? Whatever you disclose, the Realtor will have knowledge of and must disclose to a potential buyer.

3. Price it Right. Your Boulder home may sell the first week if priced properly and if you have to drop the price the result may be lower in the long run. The longer it’s on the market, the lower the price will be in the long run.

4 . Detach Emotions. This is a business transaction. Keep emotions in check.

5. Be Involved. Hire a local Boulder agent who will communicate with you at least one time per week and gives you regular feedback. Utilize that feedback to make changes or adjustments. Talk it over with your Realtor.

6. Stage your Home. Staging is a perfect way to help buyers see the true potential of each room. Buyers have to understand the purpose of each room and staging can help clarify that. Tone down your own style and pack away any clutter or extraneous decor.

7. Don’t Hang out. During showings or an open house. Resist the urge. This will make it very uncomfortable for buyers. Leave the premises.

8. The Next Step. Get ready because here comes the offer. Renting or buying what is your best option at this point? Start early!

9. Be Flexible. It’s no secret that today’s Boulder luxury and Boulder real estate market can be challenging for many sellers. Don’t compromise on your bottom line, but understand that you must be willing to negotiate.

10. Understand your Marketing Plan. Understand what you are getting for your money. What kind of internet exposure, media coverage and global presence will you get? A marketing plan should be clean, clear and will drive the buyers to your property’s website.

11. Positivity. Don’t get discouraged. A buyer will come.

Michael grew up near Santa Fe and is a longtime resident of Boulder and has been with Sotheby’s International Realty since their inception in Boulder County and along the front range.  If you have questions regarding this article or would like information about Boulder real estate or Boulder Luxury Real Estate check out my website. You may also call or TEXT me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes is a Certified Negotiation Expert and full time Realtor at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO.

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