Home Ownership is a Blessing, and Your Credit Score Rules! Is the A Team on Your Side?

Posted on July 25, 2013 by Dee & Tom Cryer

HomeownershipDo you know what your credit score is?  Well, don’t you hear that question on TV, Radio or from friends almost everyday?

The Loan Process is something you don’t need to fear.  It is a process you should look squarely in the eye.  Take it on with no self doubt.  Master your inner credit strength.

The link to the loan process above and below was kindly provided by Nancy Alexander.  Your loan officer is more than a guide through the process.  A good loan officer is your teammate; vested in your success every step of the way!  An now more than ever, a good loan officer wants to see you be successful after closing too.  And, that means, there is no need to be house poor to own a home.

  • So, that brings up the point of this post.
  • Is the A Team on your side.
  • Is your Realtor working for you or the transaction?
  • Is your inspector working for you or the transaction.
  • Is your loan officer working for you or the transaction?
  • Is your Title Company insuring a safe transaction?
  • And, I’m here to tell you, a myriad of other potential pitfalls lie just around the bend.

Assemble your team of experts one at a time.  Make sure your bench can handle Game Day!  I tell my first time buyers, you signed one document to get married, but you will sign or initial 50 pages to get a loan.  Home ownership is a commitment to not be taken lightly, but at the same time, it is something you will cherish if completed properly!

Make sure you are in good hands!

The Loan Process

Posted in 2010 Mid Year Denver Market Watch, Buying or Selling Real Estate, Centennial, Colorado, Denver, Denver Housing, Denver Residential Real Estate, Greenwood Village | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Denver Market Watch Mid-Year 2013

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Dee & Tom Cryer

Denver Market Watch Mid-Year 2013.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

10573 Hillrose Street Parker, CO 80134

Posted on June 24, 2013 by Dee & Tom Cryer

10573 Hillrose Street Parker, CO 80134.

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The Friendliest Man in the Title Business Is Back with May’s Report for Denver

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Dee & Tom Cryer
Super Joe Hubert

Super Joe Hubert

Thanks Joe,

You have hit on a topic that is near and dear to my heart.  Home-ownership enhances neighborhoods, improves schools, lowers crime and you are correct.  It creates a sense of civic pride when residents have “skin in the game”.  As you know, we average around 65% of households in the US are owner occupied, but did you know that in the days before WWII, home ownership fell to as low as 33% in Germany?

We hear a lot of debate about the mortgage interest deduction, but this is clearly a social program that enhances the lives of so many, how can it be considered a “loop hole” or a “tax dodge”.  Home ownership is a cornerstone of America’s economic health, and let’s face it, the home sale market is the swizzle stick in the cocktail of America’s Economy!   Thanks for your contribution this month Joe!

Hi Tom,

“Homeownership encourages personal responsibility and the values necessary for strong families. Where homeownership flourishes, neighborhoods are more stable, residents are more civic-minded, schools are better, and crime rates decline.” This was a quote from President George Bush proclamation in 2002 when he proclaimed June as National Homeownership Month.

As the housing market has become a positive note in America’s economy today especially Colorado’s economy, National Homeownership month is a great reminder of the work the real estate industry does to give Americans the opportunity of achieving the American dream of owning a home. With inventory rising, it’s a great time to remind renters the benefits of owning a home of their own.

Land Title provides the tools to help you reach new potential home buyers as well as information on how to protect their most important investment. Contact me today to find out how Land Title can help.

Here’s to making dreams happen in June!

Sincerely,

Joe

May – 2013 Real Estate Market Stats

Entire MLS (All Areas)

Residential Highlights:

  • 20.5% increase in the number of closed sales year-over-year
  • 21.2% increase in the number of closed sales year to date
  • 37.2% decrease in average days on market (49 days in May)
  • 22.6% decrease in active listings
  • 21.9% increase in new listings
  • 9.1% increase in average price – sold ($335,776 in May)

Condo Highlights:

  • 31.3% increase in number of closed sales year-over-year
  • 23.85% increase in number of closed sales year to date
  • 43.2% decrease in average days on market (46 days in May)
  • 21.7% decrease in number of active listings
  • 33% increase in number of new listings
  • 10.8% increase in average price – sold ($198,612 in May)

Click here for Full report of entire MLS

For individual MLS area reports, please scroll to the bottom of the eNewsletter.

Rate Changes

As of May 20th, some of Land Title’s rates have increased. We have updated the rate cards on our website to reflect these changes as well as our online calculator. Our residential rate calculator is available anytime at www.ltgc.com. It features selection tools reflecting the New 2013 Contract options on Who Pays for the Title Policy, Closing Costs and Owner’s Extended Coverage.

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Inside Real Estate News

Did you know that Land Title is one of the sponsors of one of Denver’s top real estate news sites? Every day you can find breaking news occurring in the Denver real estate market.
Click here to subscribe to weekly emails.

Get a first look at the latest article on Inside Real Estate News featuring a report that Land Title’s account manager Jesse Hamilton put together on the trends in sales on condos in Downtown Denver. Click here for the article.

– – – – –

In The News
Stay on top of the pulse of the real estate market with weekly compilations of local and national news articles concerning the real estate industry.

Click here for a PDF version.

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Topic of the Month: Are You Wildfire Ready?
Last year, almost $450 million dollars in claims were filed due to wildfires across Colorado. Many homeowners do not have a home inventory put together of their personal items in case tragedy does strike. This month’s bulletin gives some helpful hints on what you should do to prepare your household for fire season. Click here for the article.

MLS All Areas:

All Areas in one consolidated report

Aurora North – AUN

Aurora South – AUS

Brighton, Fort Lupton – BFL

Broomfield – BRM

Denver Northeast – DNE

Denver Northwest – DNW

Denver Southeast – DSE

Denver Southwest – DSW
Downtown Denver – DTD

Douglas County West – DCW

(Includes – Castle Rock, Larkspur, Sedalia, Palmer Lake, part of Littleton)

Douglas Elbert Parker – DEP
(Includes – Parker, Elizabeth, Franktown, Kiowa, Elbert, Deer Trail, Simla)

Douglas Highlands Ranch Lone Tree – DHL

(Includes – Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree)

East Suburban North – ESN

East Suburban South – ESS

Jefferson County Central – JFC

Jefferson County North – JFN

Jefferson County Northcentral – JNC

Jefferson County South – JFS

Jefferson County Southcentral – JSC

Jefferson County West – JFW

Lafayette – LAF

Mountain Clear Creek – MCC

Mountain Conifer Pine – MCP

Mountain Evergreen North – MEN

Mountain Evergreen South – MES

Mountain Gilpin County – MGC

Mountain Jefferson County – MJC

Mountain Jefferson North – MJN

Mountain Jefferson South – MJS

Mountain Park County – MPC

Mountain Park East – MPE

North Northeast Suburban – NNE

North Northwest Suburban – NNW

North Suburban Central – NSC

North Suburban East – NSE

North Suburban West – NSW

South Suburban Central – SSC

South Suburban East – SSE
Based on Information from Metrolist, Inc. for the period Jan 2009 through present. Note: This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by Metrolist, Inc. Metrolist, Inc. does not guarantee nor is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by metrolist, Inc. may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

Posted in Buying or Selling Real Estate, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Colorado, Denver, Denver Housing, Denver Residential Real Estate, Greenwood Village | Leave a comment

9 Out of 10 Transferees Prefered Denver, Colorado

Posted on June 4, 2013 by Dee & Tom Cryer

MyTownCryer Denver Real EstateI conducted a straw poll over the last 12 months. The sample group was transferees that had moved at least 4 times within the United States and abroad.

The questions asked was; Are you looking forward to moving to Denver? Did you enjoy your residency in Denver? And, Would you return to Denver if the employment opportunity arose again?

Of the transferees who answered these questions, about 90%+/- answered affirmatively toward Denver.

Now all this being said, if you’ve been putting off your move to Denver, do not stop, do not pass go, but do come to Denver. You won’t regret it, and 9 out of 10 Transferees don’t either!

Posted in Denver, Denver Housing, Denver Residential Real Estate, Denver Transferees | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Thought You Might Enjoy This List of Links Today

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Dee & Tom Cryer

Most Popular Home Owner Articles 2013
 

Make More Room for Your Stuff
 

Home Matters: Dryer Tips
for Efficient Performance
 

Painting Tips of the Pros
 

6 Ways to Be a Good Neighbor
 

Monthly Cleaning Tips
Posted in How to be a good neighbor, Make More Room for Your Stuff, Monthly Cleaning tips, Painting Tips from the pros | Leave a comment

The Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth So Help Me Denver!

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Dee & Tom Cryer
8 MLS Areas with More Than $200M in Sales YTD

8 MLS Areas with More Than $200M in Sales YTD

As we close out May, 2013 in the Denver Residential Market, what have we learned? Quite frankly, on the “idiot end of the tape measure” where I spend most of my time, we’ve been so busy chopping wood fast and furiously, we’ve not had time to sharpen our ax!

So, I thought I take some time, I would make some observations about the Denver Market, and I thought I would share them with you.  So, here goes something…

There are 8 MLS Areas in the MetroList system already at or above $200M in sales YTD. Of those 8 areas, all have had more than 400 closings YTD. With a range of 411 closings in SSE to a monster year so far, we have Aurora South with 968 closings YTD!

Being analytical as I am, I highlighted these 8 areas on the MetroList Map (Attached). All 8 areas are without exception within an “easy” commute to the Denver Tech Center. All 8 areas are adjacent to either I-25 or I-225 which means there must be some influence from Light Rail. And, except Aurora South, they are close to or do enjoy some of the highest average prices in the city.  Additionally, they either serve the DTC, Denver CBD, Mid-Town or Cherry Creek markets almost directly.

So, What’s it all about, alfie? In a word; Jobs! The DTC and its surrounds are experiencing positive job growth, and if rumor has it right, it now enjoys more jobs than the Denver CBD, but wait, the Denver CBD is experiencing job growth too!  So, don’t rule the Suburbs out quite yet!

This will be fun to follow up with toward the 4th quarter to see how, jobs, rates, access, fuel prices, etc. have impacted Denver’s Residential Market changes.  Stay Tuned!

Posted in Buying or Selling Real Estate, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Denver, Denver Housing, Denver Residential Real Estate, Greenwood Village, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Water, Water Everywhere but…

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Dee & Tom Cryer
I Confess, I Have Wasted Water!

I Confess, I Have Wasted Water!

In the world of the ancient mariner, water was a priceless commodity.  Water was everywhere, but it was salt water from the sea.  We live in a world where water is used over and over again.  As a community, we have to be vigilant to protect an increasingly scarce resource.  Along the Front Range, we are constantly in or around water restrictions.  We can’t do much about that, but we can control what happens in our own homes.  Here are some great ideas from one of Denver key employers and the American Water Works Association.

Some of these ideas are already on your best practices list, but I found a few that I will be adding to my list.

Water protection at home
CH2M HILL works hard to meet regulations for clean water set by state, province and national regulators. While clean water leaves the plant and is sent through community water systems, the state of pipes in customers’ homes affects the final quality of the water.As part of Drinking Water Week, we encourage you to share these tips with customers to help ensure water quality in their homes.

  1. Clean faucets and aerators regularly.
  2. Clean and disinfect sinks and drains regularly.
  3. Keep drains clear and unclogged.
  4. Use cold water for drinking and preparing food.
  5. Replace old plumbing and install certified “lead free” fixtures.
  6. Flush cold water taps after household plumbing work or when the water hasn’t been used for several days.
  7. Drain and flush your hot water heater annually.
  8. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the water heater, filters, treatment devices, softeners and any other products attached to the water system.
  9. Do not connect hoses or other devices intended for non-drinking purposes to household drinking water faucets.
  10. Keep hazardous chemicals and unsanitary materials away from drinking water faucets.

(Tips courtesy of American Water Works Association)

Share your Drinking Water Week events with co-workers, clients and friends by submitting your stories and photos to Julie Kauffman. We’ll post them on Facebook, Twitter and in Of Mutual Interest.
Posted in Clean Water, Denver Housing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Super Joe Hubert Is Back with His Monthly Denver Market Update.

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Dee & Tom Cryer
Super Joe Hubert is back with his monthly market update for March, 2013.  His report provides affirmation to previous posts I’ve provided also expressing the rapid market velocity we are experiencing in Denver.I think you will enjoy what Joe has to say.  As always, if you need additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact me…tc

Super Joe Hubert

Super Joe Hubert

Hi Tom,

“A funny thing happens in real estate. When it comes back, it comes back up like gangbusters.”
~ Barbara Corcoran

This sentiment definitely rings true in the Colorado real estate market this spring. Despite the numerous snowstorms, homes are staying on the market on average less than 60 days. The pressure is on to find the right home for a growing number of buyers with limited inventory.

Land Title is here to help give you the extra energy boost you need during these “gangbuster” times. We are here to cheer you on, supply you with statistical information, and help you with marketing support and more! Contact me today to find out more information on how Land Title can help.

Wishing you a Gangbuster May!

Sincerely,

Joe

April – 2013 Real Estate Market Stats

Entire MLS (All Areas)

Residential Highlights:

  • 21.2% increase in the number of closed sales year-over-year
  • 21.4% increase in the number of closed sales year to date
  • 37.8% decrease in average days on market (56 days in April)
  • 32.2% decrease in active listings
  • 11.9% increase in new listings
  • 12.5% increase in average price – sold ($336,123 in April)

Condo Highlights:

  • 20.8% increase in number of closed sales year-over-year
  • 21.1% increase in number of closed sales year to date
  • 42.9% decrease in average days on market (52 days in April)
  • 32.5% decrease in number of active listings
  • 30.2% increase in number of new listings
  • 10.5% increase in average price – sold ($196,966 in April)

Click here for Full report of entire MLS
For individual MLS area reports, please scroll to the bottom of the eNewsletter.

New Look to LTGC.com

Have you had a chance to check out the new look and feel of LTGC.com? We’ve added for more content and tools for your use. Contact your local sales rep for a guided tour.

Inside Real Estate News

Did you know that Land Title is one of the sponsors of one of Denver’s top real estate news sites? Every day you can find breaking news occurring in the Denver real estate market.
Click here to subscribe to weekly emails.

In The News
Stay on top of the pulse of the real estate market with weekly compilations of local and national news articles concerning the real estate industry.

Click here for a PDF version.

– – – – –

Topic of the Month: ALTA Best Practices
Recently, ALTA (American Land Title Association) decided to develop best practices to demonstrate the policies and procedures the title insurance industry exercises to protect lenders and consumers in their real estate transactions. This month’s Topic of the Month defines what these practices are and how they can be followed.

Referral Marketing – Fun in the Backyard
After months of snow, it’s finally time to get some use out of one of Colorado residents’ favorite features of their home – their backyard.  This month’s referral marketing card gives some fun ideas on how you can transform your backyard into a planetarium, movie theater, and more.

We would be happy to help you personalize your mailer including logo, photo and contact information.
Printing or emailing your own? LTMS can personalize your referral marketing card for a $10.00 fee. Or, download our JPG to email to your clients. You can also visit Land Title’s Facebook page, where you can click “share” to post to your own page.

Click here to see a sample of the personalized Referral Marketing mailer.
Click here for this month’s Referral Marketing mailer as a JPG.

For archives of past referral marketing mailers, articles by our sales reps, and even more information to help you with your marketing, be sure to check out LandTitleMarketingSolutions.com.

MLS All Areas:

All Areas in one consolidated report

Aurora North – AUN

Aurora South – AUS

Brighton, Fort Lupton – BFL

Broomfield – BRM

Denver Northeast – DNE

Denver Northwest – DNW

Denver Southeast – DSE

Denver Southwest – DSW
Downtown Denver – DTD

Douglas County West – DCW

(Includes – Castle Rock, Larkspur, Sedalia, Palmer Lake, part of Littleton)

Douglas Elbert Parker – DEP
(Includes – Parker, Elizabeth, Franktown, Kiowa, Elbert, Deer Trail, Simla)

Douglas Highlands Ranch Lone Tree – DHL

(Includes – Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree)

East Suburban North – ESN

East Suburban South – ESS

Jefferson County Central – JFC

Jefferson County North – JFN

Jefferson County Northcentral – JNC

Jefferson County South – JFS

Jefferson County Southcentral – JSC

Jefferson County West – JFW

Lafayette – LAF

Mountain Clear Creek – MCC

Mountain Conifer Pine – MCP

Mountain Evergreen North – MEN

Mountain Evergreen South – MES

Mountain Gilpin County – MGC

Mountain Jefferson County – MJC

Mountain Jefferson North – MJN

Mountain Jefferson South – MJS

Mountain Park County – MPC

Mountain Park East – MPE

North Northeast Suburban – NNE

North Northwest Suburban – NNW

North Suburban Central – NSC

North Suburban East – NSE

North Suburban West – NSW

South Suburban Central – SSC

South Suburban East – SSE
Based on Information from Metrolist, Inc. for the period Jan 2009 through present. Note: This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by Metrolist, Inc. Metrolist, Inc. does not guarantee nor is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by metrolist, Inc. may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.
Posted in Buying or Selling Real Estate, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Colorado, Denver, Denver Housing, Denver Residential Real Estate, Greenwood Village | 1 Comment

#Westin Hotel Planned for Greenwood Village First 5-Star Hotel in South #Denver Area

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Dee & Tom Cryer

City of Greenwood Village
6060 South Quebec Street
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
http://www.greenwoodvillage.com

For Immediate Release
April 16, 2013

Contact: Melissa Gallegos, Public Information Officer
303-486-5749; Cell: 720-849-9910
mgallegos@greenwoodvillage.com.

Westin Hotel Planned for Greenwood Village First 5-Star Hotel in South Denver Area

The City of Greenwood Village has been selected by Greenwood Village Hotel, LLC, a developer group consisting of Waveland Ventures, Jackson Street holdings, and Arrival Partners, as the exclusive location for a Westin Hotel franchise expected to begin construction in the fourth quarter of 2013 at the Arapahoe at Village Center Station.

“We are ecstatic that our city has been selected for construction of the first 5-Star hotel for the south Denver area,” said Mayor Ron Rakowsky. “This luxury hotel chain will be the catalyst for continued development of our Village Center and will provide high quality services to the residents, businesses and large corporate presence we have in our Village and the region.”

The Agreement between the Village and the Developer
On Monday, April 15, the Greenwood Village City Council approved an agreement to sell 3.54 acres of property the Village owns at the Arapahoe at Village Center Station (on the east side of I-25) to the developer for construction of the hotel.

As part of the real estate purchase agreement, the sale of property will be contingent upon the developer receiving the requisite approvals by Village officials and other agencies for the project and a building permit acquired prior to the closing of the deal.

“It was an agreement that will protect both the Village and the developer,” said Jim Sanderson, City Manager. “Essentially, the developer will not have to buy the property unless they get all the approvals to build a hotel on the site, and the Village does not have to sell the land until the plans for the hotel are finalized and approved.”

Village staff is working with the developer on a development schedule to accommodate the developer’s goal to begin construction in the fall. In addition to an extensive review process by Village staff, neighborhood input meetings and an application review by the Village Planning and Zoning Commission will be scheduled over the next few months, with a public hearing on the project by the City Council tentatively scheduled for the fall of 2013. A formal application for the project is expected to be submitted by the developer in the second quarter of 2013.

The Hotel
Preliminary plans for the hotel include 200 spacious guestrooms and suites; a signature restaurant and bar welcoming both hotel guests and the Greenwood Village neighborhood; conference and banquet space comprising a grand ballroom, meeting rooms, and reception space; and a fitness center that includes a swimming pool. The hotel is positioned to offer expansive views north towards the Denver Tech Center and south towards Pikes Peak. This transit-oriented development is located steps from the pedestrian bridge and parking structure serving the RTD Arapahoe at Village Center light-rail station and the Village Center retail and office buildings. The hotel will be highly visible and convenient to I-25.

“We have chosen Greenwood Village as the premier location for a Westin Hotel because of the density of Fortune 500 companies that are headquartered here, and the ability to leverage the infrastructure investments that are already in place,” said Rick Hayes, CEO of Waveland Ventures. “We commend Greenwood Village’s leadership for embracing this investment. The development of this project is a demonstration of the market demand that exists in Greenwood Village for the type of hospitality experience a Westin Hotel provides.”

###

Proposed Concept Design of Westin Hotel at I-25 and Arapahoe at Village Center Station

Posted in Greenwood Village, Real Estate Residential Denver | Tagged | Leave a comment