Jan 16, 2017

Denver, CO Hit the Top 10 List of Hottest Housing Markets for 2017


Demand for houses is booming in certain cities. Zillow, a leading real estate and rental marketplace recently announced its predictions for 2017's 10 hottest housing markets. Topping the list this year is Nashville, Tennessee followed by Seattle, a market with home value growth in the double-digits. Denver hit the 9th spot for the hottest housing market in the U.S this 2017.
zillow
Photo Courtesy of Zillow
To determine which markets would heat up over the next 12 months, Zillow looked for places with quickly rising home values, low unemployment rates and strong income growth. According to Zillow Chief Economist, Dr. Svenja Gudell, “Zillow's 2017 list highlights that jobs and opportunities are increasingly growing in smaller markets away from the coasts “. The growth and demand for housing will drive up home prices this year, and these hot markets are experiencing change as more people discover them.
Zillow's Top 10 Housing Markets for 2017:
  1. Nashville, Tenn.
  2. Seattle, WA
  3. Provo, Utah
  4. Orlando, Fla.
  5. Salt Lake City, Utah
  6. Portland, Ore.
  7. Knoxville, Tenn.
  8. Ogden, Utah
  9. Denver, CO
  10. Sacramento, Calif.
Housing experts predict that Portland, Seattle and Denver will continue to outperform the average national home value growth in 2017. Nationally, Zillow expects home values to appreciate 3 percent over the next year.
The Denver, Colorado real estate market is also one of the most stable in the nation, according to a recent ranking by SmartAsset. Based on their analysis, the Denver housing market was ranked as one of the most stable in the nation in 2016, and poised for continued growth. Another prediction this year is that more Millennials, who made up more than half of first-time buyers in 2016, will become homeowners this year, increasing the racial and ethnic diversity of homeowners overall.
If you’re ready to look at getting started on your path to home ownership, contact your local metro Denver real estate professionals, The Bandy Team! Our team will guide you through all phases of the home buying or home selling process in Denver. Let us show you homes in some of the fine communities of Castle Rock, including real estate in Castle Pines, homes in Founder's Village, or property in The Meadows.
We are here to help you find your dream home and will guide you every step of the way!

Until next time,
Marianne Bandy, Team Leader
The Bandy Team
Keller Williams Park Meadows
720-466-3790

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Jan 10, 2017

Your New Denver Home Should Be The Best Buy of Your Life


In our lives, everyone dreams of having a brand new house.  There is nothing quite like taking possession of a home where no one has lived before!  Your kids' pictures require the first nail holes to be put in the wall.  You get the first shot at landscaping and decorating the way you want without having to undo someone else's questionable taste. And everything in a new house sparkles and dazzles you.
There are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that your new home buying experience is a great one.
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First, before you start seriously looking, get pre-approved for a loan. This will tell you how much the lender thinks you can afford and will be a good benchmark against the builder’s lender. Think about how the payment at different interest rates will impact your lifestyle. When you go looking at homes, have a max price in mind and stick to your price range. Don't set yourself up to be a foreclosure statistic!  If you have a $100,000 income, looking at $1 million homes might be an entertaining way to spend an afternoon (for you, not the realtor), but homes that are way out of your price range pose a risk for you.  It's easy to be seduced by a beautiful home. Model homes are set up to be appealing, while the sales people are always convincing when they tell you that you and the house are made for each other!  Having a realtor represent you with the builder is good advice and will help make sure you get the best deal possible. A realtor can represent your interests at no cost to you, because the builder pays the fees.
Before committing to buy the property, it's a great idea to get a few good faith estimates (GFE's) of the mortgage costs, including the APR (annual percentage rate), as well as the terms.  Builders usually offer financing that might at first glance appear to be the best deal, but having some other lenders lined up for comparison might reveal hidden fees and give you some negotiating power.
Often, builders will include upgrades to use their lenders.  Shrewd but polite buyers who have a realtor representing them can often negotiate an even better deal.
Though the model home may look flawless, it is a good idea to ask the neighbors about their experiences with the builder.  It's important to know what kind of problems they’ve had and even more important to know how the builder has responded and how long it took them to respond.  If you see too many red flags, it's time to reconsider.  If you're in love with the house, breaking up is hard to do - but your love could quickly turn to hate if you are stuck in a house with lots of problems and poor support system.  Here again your realtor can offer advice.
Once you've made an offer on the house, make sure to pay for a home inspection from an independent firm.  Just because the home is new doesn't mean it's perfect.  The builder may say he will stand behind certain types of problems that come up in the first year, but an inspection will bring them to light.  Fifty perfect of new home inspections uncover a flaw in design, materials, or workmanship, which could prove costly to the homeowner later on.
If you have bought a partially completed home or one you picked from a plan, you will probably drive by occasionally to observe the progress.  It's a good idea to take some pictures of the progress that might later document problems in construction.  (They will also serve as a memory of your largest purchase)  Some excited friends who stalked the site of their new home noticed that something did not seem right when the foundation was laid.  They weren't engineers, so they didn't know what.  Their photos helped the builder troubleshoot a problem with the concrete and later alerted the home inspector to test for leaks in the foundation.
Before you close on the home, walk through the home with the builder and develop a punch list of problems that need to be fixed.  The builder will mark these items with tape so that his crew will know what to fix.  Once the repairs are complete, it's a good idea to have another walk through.  The builder may pressure you to close before everything is fixed but once you've closed, you lose leverage, so don't give in.
If you have any questions about real estate, feel free to contact your local metro Denver real estate professionals, The Bandy Team! Our team will guide you through all phases of the home buying and home selling process in Denver.  Let us show you homes in some of the fine communities of Aurora, including real estate in Saddle Rock,  homes in Heritage Eagle Bend,  or property in Tallyns Reach.  
We are here to help you find your dream home and will guide you every step of the way!

Until next time,
Marianne Bandy, Team Leader
The Bandy Team
 Keller Williams Park Meadows
720-466-3790
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Jan 5, 2017

Saddle Rock in Aurora CO –A Premium Golf Course Community


If you enjoy golf, or just enjoy looking at the lush green fairways, then living in the sprawling golf community of Saddle Rock located in Aurora, Colorado is the place for you. Saddle Rock golf course is owned by the city of Aurora and is the former home of the Colorado Open, and has held numerous statewide amateur and professional events over the years.
It has become a preferred destination for a higher-end golf experience in the metro area. The high-plains, links style course combines extensive native areas with significant elevation changes to create a memorable round of golf. The professionally designed 18-hole golf course was ranked as one of America’s Top 10 best New Courses in 1998.
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The community of Saddle Rock has a home style for everyone from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. The beautiful properties are set among the hills and trees of southeast Aurora. Nearly 34% of this community is devoted to trails, parks and green areas. Don’t be surprised if you see wildlife adding to the beauty of the golf course from time to time.
The master-planned community offers many family activities such as an indoor pool, kiddie pool, tennis and basketball courts, playgrounds, and many picnic facilities. Children of the community attend the highly rated Cherry Creek School District. Home prices start at $200,000 and go up to $1 million. The community allows for easy access to the E-470 toll way. Shopping at the Southlands Town Center shopping district is only a short distance away. The Aurora Reservoir is also nearby offering swimming, fishing and non-motorized watercraft.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact your local metro Denver real estate professionals, The Bandy Team! Our team will guide you through all phases of the home buying and home selling process in Denver.  Let us show you homes in the different fine communities of Aurora, including real estate in Saddle Rock, homes in Tallyn's Reach or property in Heritage Eagle Bend.
We are here to help you find your dream home and will guide you every step of the way!

Until next time,
Marianne Bandy, Team Leader
The Bandy Team
 Keller Williams Park Meadows
720-466-3790
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Jan 2, 2017

Millennials - A Generation of Denver Homebuyers That Will Dominate in 2017


If you're a Denver homeowner who's been wondering where the next generation of homebuyers will come from, look no further than the "Millennials." Born between 1979 and 1991, these young adults came of age during the new millennium and are now starting to think about buying a home. According to a recent study from Wells Fargo, this generation represents some 51.5 million potential first-time homebuyers! What better place is there to begin the next phase of their lives than right here in beautiful Denver?
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Like most generations, the Millennials share certain characteristics that set them apart from their predecessors. They're confident, self-expressive, upbeat, educated and technologically savvy. Their entry into careers and first jobs might have been set back by the economy, but they remain upbeat and optimistic about their economic futures. In fact, the Wells Fargo survey said they still want to own a home despite the possibility that they might have to meet more rigorous credit requirements. Once they buy, they plan on staying in their new homes for quite some time.
If you're a Millennial who's thinking about moving to the Denver area, welcome to our great state! You're going to like everything Denver has to offer. Our economy is diverse and growing - in fact, MoneyRates.com ranked Colorado as one of the "10 Best States for Making a Living." You'll find plenty of urban lifestyle housing, over 2000 acres of parks, great skiing, sunny weather and a thriving nightlife. And we're sure you'll find a great first-time home that you'll want to stay in for years to come.
Whether you're looking for an exciting city life, a ranch where you can raise horses, or breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, you can find it all in Denver. When the time comes to think about family, you'll be thrilled to know that Denver area schools include some of the best.
If you’re ready to look at getting started on your path to home ownership, contact your local metro Denver real estate professionals, The Bandy Team! Our team will guide you through all phases of the home buying or home selling process in Denver. Let us show you homes in some of the fine communities of Castle Rock, including real estate in Castle Pines, homes in Founder's Village, or property in The Meadows.
We are here to help you find your dream home and will guide you every step of the way!

Until next time,
Marianne Bandy, Team Leader
The Bandy Team
 Keller Williams Park Meadows
720-466-3790

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Dec 27, 2016

Great Reasons to Sell Your Denver Home In Winter


Selling your Denver home in this winter season might seem like a bad idea but waiting until spring to list your property could be a mistake. This year, mid- to late-winter could be a great time to sell.
Normally, the inventory of homes for sale in Denver dwindles in December as people focus on the holidays. Sellers who market their homes early in the year often find little competition from other sellers, and this year we are predicting that sales will peak earlier than in the past. We recommend that in order to avoid competition, that the best time to get your home on the market will be January, February or early March.
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For sellers, listing in the next several weeks will ensure that their property will have far less competition - most people wait to put their home on the market in the spring months.  Since there is less inventory in the winter than at other times of the year (especially this year), we will be able to make your home stand out with a comprehensive marketing program.  And, by selling your home during the winter, you may benefit by being able to more easily achieve your moving goals and priorities (you were going to sell your home anyway, right?).
Additionally, the buyers who do look at homes at this time of year may be fewer, but they are usually much more serious about making a purchase. People willing to brave the cold weather and snow are serious about finding a home. You will probably have fewer showings but the people who come through will be more qualified.
January is typically a month with a lot of corporate transfers, and many people have to buy a home as soon as possible because of this. By starting to market your home early, you may be able to secure a higher price because of the decrease in supply.
Because there are fewer homes for sale, if you market your home right, you have the potential to get top dollar. Sellers definitely have the upper hand in a winter transaction. In the summer months, buyers might have 30 homes to choose from.
But in the winter, there may only be 10 or less that fit the same criteria. You have a much greater chance of someone submitting an offer on your home in the winter.
If you have any questions about real estate, feel free to contact your local metro Denver real estate professionals, The Bandy Team! Our team will guide you through all phases of the home buying and home selling process in Denver. Let us show you homes in some of the fine communities of Aurora, including real estate in Saddle Rock,  homes in Heritage Eagle Bend,  or property in Tallyns Reach.  
We are here to help you find your dream home and will guide you every step of the way!

Until next time,
Marianne Bandy, Team Leader
The Bandy Team
 Keller Williams Park Meadows
720-466-3790

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Dec 22, 2016

New Year’s Checklist for First Time Home Buyers in Denver


If you’re making a resolution to take the leap from renting to buying in 2017, you need to know a few things to make sure this New Year’s resolution succeeds. If you plan to make 2017 the year to own your first home, here is a checklist of the things you should start doing to make your goal a lot less stressful.
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Make sure you’re ready- Ask yourself questions like if your job is stable or do you see yourself living in that place for the next five to 10 years? You will get the best interest rate if you have at least 20 percent of the home’s purchase price saved as a down payment. But there are first time buyer programs available that only require you to have a few thousand dollars for the earnest money deposit. Also, make sure you are prepared for all the extra work that comes with homeownership. Owning a home entails more maintenance than renting. Being certain about these questions will help you decide if you’re ready or not.
Create a list of “must haves”- It’s important to know which features you are willing to compromise on and which are deal breakers. Buying a home always involves compromises. You must also gather documents like collecting your proof of employment, such as pay stubs or copies of the past two years of tax returns if you’re self-employed. You will also need to have copies of your bank and investment account statements from the past 30 days.
Figure out what you can afford- get prequalified or pre-approved with a lender. Keep in mind that your mortgage payments aren’t the only cost you will need to consider. You’ll also want to make sure you’re financially able to handle other expenses like utility costs, yard maintenance, pest control, and any repairs and maintenance that will pop up in the future. Tax rates will vary in different communities, of course, but your lender will factor in an average rate with your pre-equal amount.
Buying your first home is one of life's major milestones. It's easy to get caught up in the euphoria of the decision and overlook the reality that it costs a significant amount of money not only to buy a home, but also to keep it and maintain it. But most homeowners will quickly agree that it’s all worth it. They love the financial advantages and the certainty of controlling their destiny with regard to housing location and costs.
If you’re ready to look at getting started on your path to home ownership, contact your local metro Denver real estate professionals, The Bandy Team! Our team will guide you through all phases of the home buying or home selling process in Denver. Let us show you homes in some of the fine communities of Castle Rock, including real estate in Castle Pines, homes in Founder's Village, or property in The Meadows.
We are here to help you find your dream home and will guide you every step of the way!

Until next time,
Marianne Bandy, Team Leader
The Bandy Team
 Keller Williams Park Meadows
720-466-3790

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Dec 16, 2016

Metro Denver Real Estate Market Update December 2016


Colorado Front Range Home Sales See Strongest November in 12 years

According to the latest data from REcolorado, monthly home sales reached near-record levels in November, while inventory levels remained low.
Last month, the Denver Front Range real estate market saw the second-most sales of any November in the 26-year history of the REcolorado market report. During the month, 4,400 homes sold, 10 percent more than November of last year.  As compared to last month, sales saw a seasonal decrease of six percent.
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Strong sales kept weeks of inventory steady at just seven weeks.
Due to a growing population, strong job market, and steady holding interest rates through November, there continues to be a high demand for single family homes in Metro Denver. This indicates that 2017 will continue to be very active.
Continued strong demand kept inventory levels low in November. The month ended with 6,767 active listings of homes for sale in the Denver area, down 15 percent as compared to last month and three percent lower than November of last year.  Additionally, sellers brought fewer new listings to the market in November, which is typical as the holiday season gets underway. Last month, 4,055 new listings came on the market, 23 percent fewer than last month, but 10 percent higher than this time last year.
Home values inched up a bit in November, once again surpassing the $400,000 mark. The average sale price for a single family home in the Denver Metro area last month was $400,349, a two percent month-over-month increase and ten percent higher than this time last year. At $437,231, the average sale price of a detached single family home was up ten percent as compared to last year.  The average sale price for a condo/townhome was $297,398 in November, a year-over-year increase of eight percent.
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If you have any questions, feel free to contact your local metro Denver real estate professionals, The Bandy Team! Our team will guide you through all phases of the home buying and home selling process in Denver. Let us show you homes in some of the fine communities of Parker, including real estate in The Pinery , homes in Canterberry, or property in Stonegate.
We are here to help you find your dream home and will guide you every step of the way!

Until next time,
Marianne Bandy, Team Leader
The Bandy Team
 Keller Williams Park Meadows
720-466-3790
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