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

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.

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.

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.

Boulder Neighborhoods 102

By Michael Hughes-Sotheby’s International Realty-Boulder

The Mapleton Hill areas’ border to the north is Alpine with Broadway on the east, Pearl on the south and the foothills to the west. Big historic tree lined streets, great location, near trails. Great for the dog friendly Sanitas Trail.  The genesis of Boulder neighborhoods with about 500 homes. It’s an easy walk to downtown Boulder. If you like historic homes or renovating this is the area for you. Whittier International Elementary with its’ International Baccalaureate designation is a draw for high achievers. Whittier school is attended by students from 29 different countries and speaking 19 different languages!

Schools in the area Whittier International Elementary and the newly renovated Casey Middle School.

The Hillcrest area is in central Boulder. The neighborhood lies north of the Whittier Neighborhood or Bluff St. to the south, 19^th to the west Folsom St. on the east and edgewood  to the north. Some of the best views in the city. It’s a quiet area with just a hint of seclusion. Way above the floodplain with awesome views but not jam packed. Views abound from city, to foothills to Flatirons. A great neighborhood to live in. Homes originally built in the early 1950’s. Lot sizes are somewhat larger than other Boulder neighborhood and I have one friend who lives on an acre! Unheard of in Boulder. What’s happening? Scrapers and rebuilds, modern big with views to the south and the north. It feels miles away from Boulder but in reality you are a quick bike to anywhere on Pearl or the downtown area. Values in the Hillcrest area continue to rise year after year. Value and equity solid.

Schools in the area are Columbine Elementary and the newly renovated Casey Middle School.

Knollwood is a micro-area just outside the city limits however within walking distance of pearl down a short path. Backed to the west by “Red Rocks” to the north by Sanitas Trailhead. It is a wonderful neighborhood with great Flatirons views and many new homes after scrapes and renovations. Very quiet in this neighborhood. Much like a giant cul-de-sac right across the street from the dog friendly Sanitas Trail.

Schools in the area Whittier International Elementary and the newly renovated Casey Middle School.

Whittier areas’ border is Canyon, 26^th(Folsom), Bluff and Broadway.  Located in the heart of Boulder. A short walk to downtown Pearl St.  Walking is easy to anywhere “Boulder.” Big trees, amenities, parks and central Boulder. Charisma and maturity of the area with great schools. Close to all things Boulder, including local coffee shops, world class restaurants, Chan’s Automotive operating out of an old gas station and home to Whittier International Elementary.

Schools in the area Whittier International Elementary and the newly renovated Casey Middle School.

If you have questions regarding this article any of the neighborhoods or have any questions about Boulder or would like information about Boulder Luxury Real Estate check out my website. You may also call or TEXT me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO.

Boulder Neighborhoods 101

Boulder Neighborhoods 101

People choose Boulder real estate because of its proximity to the mountains, the views, the clean air, world-class trails, outdoor sports and a great place to meet people and raise a family. The neighborhoods; Dakota Ridge, Holiday, Wonderland Hill, Crestview, Silver Maple, Newlands, Whittier, University Hill, Martin Acres, South Boulder, Rock Creek (Superior), Louisville and Lafayette.

Dakota Ridge is bordered on the east by Broadway jogs northward from Lee Hill Road along the western border (the foothills open space) and goes north until it hits the open space plateau.

Dakota Ridge boasts good values in Boulder real estate, it offers a high quality of life and access to open space trails and road bike access. Only a short distance from the Uptown Broadway Shops and Restaurants. This part of town was a little dicey but has had a nice turnaround. The new shops, coffee shops and restaurants have added to the eclectic mix in this neighborhood. Can you say outdoor sports; Mountain biking, Road cycling, Trail running or go for a hike. Then settle in at Amante’s for an authentic Italian Espresso.

Schools in the area are Foothill Elementary and Centennial Middle.

The Holiday area is where the Holiday drive in theater used to be. The marquee still exists to this day just off of 28^th St (Highway 36). Holiday is hip. Numerous green built homes, condos and mixed use dot the landscape. It’s a newer community so the landscaping is not extremely mature and lush.  Similar to Dakota Ridge for Amenities. New urban near Amantes and trail heads.  Outdoor lights are energy efficient low level emitting so the stars are numerous.

Schools in the area are Foothill Elementary and Centennial Middle.

The Wonderland Hill area is bordered to the west by the foothills and Broadway is the eastern boundary. The southern boundary is Linden. The north boundary is Wonderland Lake where the trailhead is located. Big lush trees, winding wide streets. Many older homes ripe for remodeling.  Many hidden trails and paths in Wonderland. Many homes built in the 70’s are being updated.

Schools in the area are Crestview Elementary and Centennial Middle.

Crestview area is east of Broadway east to 28^th (Highway 36) Violet is the north boundary and Sumac to the south. Crestview typically has larger lots and mature lush landscaping. Older homes and some great renovations happening. Opportunity knocks with a larger lot. A quieter neighborhood with larger lots.

Schools in the area are Crestview Elementary and Centennial Middle.

Newlands is bordered a little north of Hawthorn on the north and extends all the way to Alpine to the south. Broadway is the eastern border and the western border is the foothills around 3^rd and 4^th Street.  Newlands remains one of the most popular areas and the prices show it. It’s a quick walk to Community Shopping Plaza, Ideal Market, Vic’s Coffee (don’t miss the Sunday afternoon live jazz), Radda Trattoria, Breadworks’ and many more shops and restaurants. North Boulder Park is great for winter time cross country. A path quickly forms when the snow flys.

Schools in the area Foothill Elementary and (Newly Renovated) Casey Middle.

If you have questions regarding this article any of the neighborhoods or have any questions about Boulder 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 at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO.

Boulder Real Estate Housing Shortage

Posted by Michael Hughes-Sotheby’s International Realty-Boulder, CO

Everyone is focusing on the fact that there are foreclosures and cheap housing to be had; all things being relative that doesn’t really relate to Boulder real estate because we have so few foreclosures. Ok yes we have some foreclosures and some short sales. But everyone is looking “over there” and not looking at the impact of what may likely be the biggest housing shortage of all time.  The thought right now is with fires, teardowns, lack of new builds and worn out properties, we need at least 1.6 million new homes (in the U.S.) right now to just keep up with the population growth. Housing starts are down. The population is growing. When we have job growth; Lookout!

According to RealtyTrac 315,716 properties had foreclosure filings last month. The filings included default notices, auctions and bank repo’s. Mortgage rates are very low. Mortgages are not difficult to find if you have a solid job and good credit. Investors and savvy buyers are snapping these properties up to add to their portfolios. Smart buyers are buying now. When you think of vineyards you think of micro-climates. Boulder is one such micro-climate in the U.S. real estate market. Boulder is the beacon of value and prices staying at a good and sustainable level. Once the job creation is back in place we will have some double digit years of appreciation coming in the Boulder real estate and the Boulder luxury real estate market.

If you have questions regarding this article or have any questions about Boulder or would like information about Boulder Luxury Real Estate check out my website. You may also call or TEXT me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO.

Buy a Home in Boulder or It’s Over

Posted by Michael Hughes    April 16, 2010

Time is running out to buy a home in Boulder. The Federal Home Buyer Tax Credit ends in less than 14 days, call me today there is still time!

With the tax credit first time home buyers can receive $8,000 and current home owners can get $6,500 toward an upgrade.

It’s important to be under contract by April 30th and close by June 30th in order to take advantage of the federal homebuyer tax credit.

Check out my featured listings . Call me today to take advantage of the Federal Home Buyer Tax Credit or buy a home in Boulder.

If you have questions regarding this article or are thinking you will Buy A Home In Boulder please call me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO