August 29, 2011

Labor Day Chill

When I need to get away to relax and forget about Boulder real estate for a few days and just be, I go to New Mexico and hang out at my house that sits on a cliff above thousands of virgin forested acres. I meditate, look at the stars, check out the view, walk, fish, read, hang out with my girlfriend,watch the Rufous Hummingbirds fight over food and basically give a big sigh of relief. Video of night sky around my place in Northern New Mexico where I am able to occasionally escape and collect my thoughts. This is a short term rental property 3 days to 1 month. It can be found at www.homeaway.com property #133630. If you need to get away this might be a good fit for you.

Michael grew up around 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 post 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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August 25, 2011

Bullet Proof Real Estate

Boulder Real Estate on Left

Forbes Magazine says. As the economy seems to unravel around us these cities are bucking the trend as the top 25 Recession-Proof Cities. Bullet proof as it were. These are the 25 metro areas in the U.S.  leading the bull market in real estate. Also Q2 stats are out about the Boulder area in the governmental websites that I track which substantiates what Forbes is saying. The bottom (in Boulder at least) is over, done, finished, adios. What does this mean? It means we will continue to see more and more multiple offers, higher prices and competitive bidding for Boulder real estate and Boulder luxury real estate.  The statistics for the increase in home prices for this story come from Zillow. While I vehemently dislike Zillow as a tool to figure out what your home is worth (they are extremely inaccurate 98% of the time-up or down) they do a good job of tracking price changes in the market. For this list, Zillow poured through home and real estate price data for 499 metro areas, reviewing values for homes both on and off the market using list prices, final sale prices, tax records, and property histories. Three markets in our great state of Colorado made it on to the Forbes 25 Recession Proof list; Boulder, Fort Collins and Pueblo. According to Zillow; Boulder real estate Second Quarter 2011 Price Increase: 1.6% First Quarter 2011 Price Increase: 0.5% Price Plunge Since Peak: 6.7% decline. According to the government website Second Quarter increase: .12% at least Zillow is going in the right direction.   Read the entire story in Forbes.

Michael 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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August 16, 2011

Jazz on 2nd Avenue-Niwot

NIWOT – Several years ago Howard Treppeda started offering live music and especially jazz at his well known restaurant “Treppedas Italian Restaurante.” Howard is bringing world class acts to Niwot, Colorado on August 20th . Jazz on 2nd Avenue is the first of such Jazz events featuring Henry Butler, Conjunto Colores, CU Jazz Ensemble, Don Grusin, Paul Warburton and Brad Good. The festival starts at 11 am and ends at 8:30 pm August 20th Saturday. 2nd Avenue downtown Niwot. The festival is free and being brought to you by Howard Treppeda and numerous sponsors. More information jazzon2ndave.com

Howard Treppeda grew up around jazz. He brought live Jazz to his restaurant and noticed it attracted aficionados from around the area. Coming from as far away as New Orleans Henry Butler will play in the evening, Grammy winning Don Grusin will play later in the afternoon.

A dream, some guts and a lot of chutzpah. The musicians will perform in downtown Niwot on 2nd Avenue on a stage near Treppedas Italian Restaurante. A Belgian beer garden, an Italian wine tent, an oyster bar, margaritas, face painting and of course a “bike valet” will be available. Parking is available at Niwot High School and a shuttle will take people fans to 2nd avenue.

Howard Treppedas’ goal is to make Niwot a Jazz mecca, it looks like Howards’ dream is coming true.

Michael is a longtime resident of Boulder and one of (FSIR’s)Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty. If you have questions regarding this article, Louisville or Superior 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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Filed under Automated Home Search, boulder real estate, Niwot, niwot jazz, Uncategorized

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August 15, 2011

Boulder Real Estate-In Praise of Louisville

WINNER 2011 Top 100 rank: 1
Population: 18,400
Unemployment:6.3%Compare Louisville to Top 10 Best Places

The report highlights small towns across America with populations of 50,000 or less, high job opportunities, fiscal strength, excellent schools, safe streets, great health care, outdoor and cultural activities and 300 days of sunshine (great weather).

The writer says it is a “sunny lively mountain town”; it is not a mountain town. While the views are great of the front range, Louisville is mostly in a valley and is situated on the “plains.”  I agree with “crime rates are among the lowest in Colorado” and the town is “easy to navigate.”  Louisville boasts lots of good jobs in tech, telecom, aerospace, clean energy, alternative energy and health care and many companies are relocating to the area as happy workers are great workers. In addition there are  world-class mountain biking, hiking, and skiing nearby as well as in the close by Rockies. Housing prices are still lower than Boulder real estate and schools rank well and are in the top three academically. Not everyone wants to live in Louisville;  however given the Music Festival, the Farmers Market, Street Faire, the great little mom and pop restaurants that have been here some since the 50′s and Main St. Louisville, what’s not to like? Read Money Magazine article. Ps. Superior Colorado came in at 20/100!

Search the MLS for Louisville or surrounding area

Michael is a longtime resident of Boulder and one of (FSIR’s)Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty. If you have questions regarding this article, Louisville or Superior 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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Filed under real estate, lower living costs, Fuller Sothebys International Realty, best place to live, relocating to boulder, Real Estate Investing, buy home boulder, Buying a Home in Boulder, buying a home in Boulder CO, relocating to boulder county, sell home boulder, sell house boulder, Sotheby's International Realty, luxury real estate, Louisville, sell boulder home, sell boulder house

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August 9, 2011

Superior Heat

Posted by Michael Hughes

They’ll be turning up the heat at Community Park  in Superior Saturday September 10th from 3-7pm as the 11th Annual Chili Fest blows off the top of your palate for Green Chili, Red Chili, Salsa and Guacamole Competition. This is the perfect event to meet your neighbors and watch as the local Chili Chefs cook their secret recipes to concoct the best array of Chili’s ever. Their hopes; to win the coveted Top Choice Award in 4 different categories. The 11th Annual Chili Fest includes live music, Chili samples to taste (get there early as they go fast, fast, fast), inflatables for the kiddies, lots of booths and lots of great food. A great way to get to know your neighborhood. Something for the entire family. Viva Chili!

Michael is a longtime resident of Boulder and one of FSIR’s most successful Realtors with Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty. If you have questions regarding this article Superior, Rock Creek or have any questions about the Chili Fest 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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Filed under best place to live, Buying a Home in Boulder, chili, Chili Fest, Fuller Sothebys International Realty, hot, hot food, relocating to boulder, superior

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July 31, 2011

Boulder Real Estate

Posted by Michael Hughes

The summer heat permeates my being and my morning runs. I think about what was over there, years ago or what has changed in Boulder. Here,  historically the lowest interest rates & home prices Boulder has ever seen, make now the best time ever to buy. Opportunities available today will not last forever… Much like the stock market you can’t choose the bottom however if the bottom has not already occurred it is near it. John Paulson has repeated over and over ‘buy.’ Who is JP? He is the hedge fund leader who anticipated the coming collapse of the subprime mortgages, shorted them and several billion dollars later he has evolved as the pinnacle of wisdom on housing and mortgages and timing.

I remember coming to Boulder in the late 70’s and thinking how outrageous I thought it was to have to pay $189,000 for 5 acres and a 2400sf ranch surrounded by open space. Brilliant? No. Time after time real estate in Boulder has proven to be a great investment. It is a time tested theory and over time it will test out again and again and again. As long as you’re not using your house as an ATM utilizing HELOC’s or refinancing and removing equity every other year you’re, if not already, going to be golden. Boulder real estate, stronger than ever and becoming more and more extraordinary every day.

Michael is a longtime resident of Boulder and one of FSIR’s most successful Realtors with Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty. 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 is a Certified Negotiation Expert and full time Realtor at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO. 

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Filed under #1 place to thrive, buy a home in Boulder, buy home boulder, Buying a Home in Boulder, buying a home in Boulder CO, Fuller Sothebys International Realty, relocating to boulder

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July 20, 2011

When should you pay more than asking for Boulder Real Estate?

Posted by Michael Hughes

Home sales in most of the country are floundering yet in Colorado and particularly Boulder, Boulder real estate is hanging in there. Unlike Detroit or some other areas,  I won’t mention, people actually ‘want’ to live here. We see the healthy lifestyle, coffee, world class dining, convenience, outdoor sports, 300 days of sunshine and a lifestyle to love. Boulder; home to the happiest people on the planet.

Couple that with low interest rates and now you have multiple offers with prices surpassing asking price. This of course will occur when a great listing comes on the market and it’s priced at or under market (did you know you can never price a property too low-the market will bring multiple offers and push it up, often past where the price should be-the market is a force and it is never wrong-I have used this as a strategy and it does work).

Paying over the offer price for Boulder real estate can be a good idea if the property has all the bells and whistles you want and as long as it appraises unless you are offering cash without an appraisal. Make sure it will appraise and that the price can be justified by recent sales activity in the area. Your Realtor can pull all this data together to see if it makes sense.

*Fair market value is the price a willing and able buyer will pay and seller will accept with neither party under undue pressure to act.

The decision of how much to offer should be based on a sound knowledge of market data/values in the area, your personal financial situation and lifestyle goals. If you do choose to pay more than the local comparable sales indicate, recognize that you may not be able to sell for the price you paid right away.

Michael is a longtime resident of Boulder and a Realtor with Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty. 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 is a Certified Negotiation Expert and full time Realtor at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO. 

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Filed under 300+ days of sunshine, Be Happy, boulder, boulder listing agent, Boulder MLS, buy a home in Boulder, buy home boulder, buy house boulder, Buying a Home in Boulder, buying a home in Boulder CO, Fuller Sothebys International Realty, Great Real Estate Agent, home for sale in boulder, homes in boulder, sell boulder home, sell boulder house, sell home boulder, sell house boulder, selling boulder, selling home boulder, Sotheby's International Realty

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July 12, 2011

The “S” Word is much less impacting than the “F” Word!

Posted by Michael Hughes

“The sclerotic process of short sales will become streamlined in the future. Streamlined meaning will take only 2-5 months.”

Are you late on your mortgage payement(s)? Do you have a hardship? Either medical, divorce, loss of job, family issues or any of the multiple others? Why do a Short Sale? That’s easy because it is 5-8 years less (credit) impacting than a foreclosure. Do you qualify? Call me;  in about 20 minutes I will know whether you have a great chance of qualifying or not. Regular Boulder real estate or Luxury Boulder real estate many are in danger of foreclosing because of financial and other hardship.Do you think this will impact the market for sellers and buyers?

A Short Sale as opposed to a Foreclosure is much more advantageous for the Seller. Credit reports typically show it as “settled.” Any tax implications to the seller/home owner should be reviewed by their independent real estate attorney or accountant. A 1099C may be issued for the short fall and is handled somewhat differently than a 1099. Pre-foreclosure or short sale involves the sale of the property by the borrower to a third party for less than the amount owed (short sale) to satisfy the delinquent mortgage, as agreed to by the lender, investor and the mortgage insurer. I underline investor as this is where most of the delay happens. While this is getting better all the time due to delegated authority to the lender. Short sales are getting faster and there is no reason to go into foreclosure. Together we can explore all options to foreclosure: Refinance, Financial Counseling, Modification, Short Sale, Deed in Lieu and lastly the “F” word Foreclosure.

If you or anyone you know are 30 days or more late on your/their mortgage payment call me or give them my name and number lets see if we’re a good fit.

If you have questions regarding this article or have any questions about Boulder, Boulder real estate 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. 

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Filed under bad credit, Boulder Short Sale, foreclosure, Loan Modification, Uncategorized

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July 11, 2011

Boulder Real Estate-Photography-Visuals-The Basics

Posted by Michael Hughes

It’s clear I am not an expert photographer (which is precisely why I hire a professional photographer, just after I schedule the professional stager for my Boulder real estate listings-visuals are often why they sell faster than the average listing), but if the situation dictated that I had to take the DIY path, I am reasonably certain I would remember to close the lid, move the trash can, and relocate, at least temporarily, the couch potato and his dog (not shown for reasons of privacy). The lighting and the content are so poor in these photos.

Clearly this is a discounted broker doing their own photos of this property. I pity the sellers. Talk about taking the band-aid off one hair at a time!

Call me I can help and if you would like to comment or need help buying or selling Boulder Real Estate or if you are interested in Listing and Selling your Boulder Real Estate in a professional manner, please, TEXT, call or email me. You can also visit me at my Website. Thanks for reading. Michael Hughes at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty-Boulder, CO

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Filed under Fuller Sothebys International Realty, relocating to boulder, selling your house, visuals

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July 8, 2011

Boulder Real Estate Negotiation

Posted by Michael Hughes

Negotiation: (Ne goshee aysh n) The reaching of agreement by means of competitive, collaborative or compliant negotiation. The goal to win and control, influence and persuade. The biggest fear of Boulder real estate negotiations by buyers or sellers is that you will be taken advantage of, be rejected or criticized. In other words you will pay too much or sell for too little, give too much or get too little. The trust level in negotiations can be from zero to willing to build, to eager to trust (not recommended). Power can be abused, shared or given away (once again not recommended). The tactics can be intimidation, broken record, take it or leave it, what if and asking why. I always use a combination of competitive and collaborative. Typically gathering information for using or adopting solutions and options. Primary emotions can range from anger, optimism or fear. I come from a firmly grounded desire for my clients, never fear and always emotionally detached. The main method of influencing is self interest (of my clients), sound logic, exchanges, uniqueness, sameness and contrast. The way you create value affects how it gets divided. Focus on the right brain then bridge to the left logic bound side. When you persuade, speak of interest, not reason.

I am a Certified Negotiation Expert in the Boulder real estate market. Always bringing my clients the best of what they want. If you have any questions about negotiation, would like to comment or need help buying or selling Boulder Real Estate or if you are interested in Listing your Boulder Real Estate please, TEXT, call or email me. You can also visit me at my Website. Thanks for reading. Michael Hughes at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty-Boulder, CO

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