Home Buying Tips

Homebuyers and homeowners: new FHA plan could bring savings
There is good news for the 850,000 homebuyers and homeowners with new FHA-insured mortgages. FHA recently announced a reduction in its annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP). The plan will cut mortgage insurance costs by 30% for buyers who take out Federal Housing...

Comparing real estate investments
When an attractive investment property comes up, there will often be multiple offers in the first few days on the market. Therefore, as an investor, you need to be able to analyze the investment as quickly as possible to determine if it is right for you.

Home for the holidays – gift giving to first-time home buyers – Part 2
An exceptional gift idea is helping your relative or loved one with an interest rate or mortgage buydown

Home for the holidays – gift giving to first-time home buyers – Part 1
In this season of giving, why not get someone started with a gift and then help create a plan for monthly contributions to an FHSA to save up for a specific down payment by a specific date.

The season for gratitude in Boulder County real estate
Boulder County homeowners have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season. Despite the highest interest rates in decades causing downward pressure on purchasing power, annual statistics show that much of Boulder County still holds double-digit gains in single-family homes median prices.

I’m calling it: We’re now in a buyer’s market
I’ve been watching the real estate market hover between a seller’s and buyer’s market for months now. But after reviewing recent data, I’m ready to call it: it’s now officially a buyer’s market.

Housing market trends: Signs nationwide show upside for buyers
The housing market continues to be challenging for home buyers and sellers alike, especially in Boulder County where price increase and low inventory exceed national averages. Experts suggest patience and a knowledgeable Realtor help navigate these unprecedented market challenges.

Psychologically impacted or stigmatized homes
Halloween is just around the corner and it’s the time of year for haunted houses – or even downright spooky homes where strange, unusual or disturbing events have taken place.

Marry the house, date the rate
If you have found your dream home, don’t let the interest rate scare you away. Marry that house. Date the rate.

Do falling home prices offset higher interest rates?
Now that interest rates have risen from the 3.5% range to the 7% range, will home prices decline to balance out the purchasing power?
Don’t Be Spooked
With a well-executed strategy and a big-picture outlook, purchasing in our current market can be far from ghoulish — and actually a positive experience.

Finding the Sun: Knowing Where the Sun is Relative to a Home
When buying a home, many of our homebuyers will ask, “Where is the sun?” The immediate answer is “look up and see!” However, it is a bit more complicated than that.

Boulder and Fort Collins rank highly in best places to live for quality of life
Many factors makeup “quality of life” and at least two Colorado metros deliver them in abundance. Boulder ranks as No. 2 across U.S. metros while Fort Collins shines in the eighth position, according to the 2022-2023 U.S. News & World Report’s Quality of Life Index.

Is Buying a New Home Now Financially Savvy?
Given today’s market, is it better to wait to buy that new house, sidelining the lifestyle you crave, or is it financially wiser to take advantage of the equity you have now?

Colorado home equity gains exceed U.S. average
Even with nationwide home price increases beginning to slow, homeowners continued to gain near-record equity in their homes.

The best time to buy a home is the week of Sept. 25, according to Realtor.com
Realtor.com® analyzed the numbers in its fourth annual Best Time to Buy Report and found the best time to buy a home across the nation is the week of Sept. 25 to Oct. 1.

Tenant in Common (TIC) real estate investments
For a real estate investor nearing retirement, the thought of continuing to manage property can seem burdensome. A Tenant-In-Common (TIC) investment could be just the ticket to feeling less strained.

“Real” estate is back…
The return to almost real estate normalcy affords savvy buyers the opportunity to get their foot in Boulder’s door, live its coveted lifestyle, and watch their home’s value appreciate in the process.

Rising interest rates decrease purchasing power
Today’s market is tough on first time buyers. The inventory of homes and condos purchased by first-time buyers continues to be low, and along with inflation, home prices are being pushed upward in most markets.

Signs that you may need to downsize
Just like the home-preferences of single adults are different than those of families with young children, so are the home needs and wants of retirees.

Reasons for the shortage of homes to buy, Part 1
For many home buyers, the most common question has been, “Why is there such a shortage of homes to buy?”

Building generational wealth
Having generational wealth is when a person’s accumulated assets are passed down, and the assets continue to grow or remain stable over the years.

Part 2: Buying College Housing Now Is The Time
In my last article, Part 1 of “Buying College Housing – Now Is The Time,” I discussed how purchasing a condo or house for your child to live in while attending college can be a worthwhile investment and can provide financial as well as other benefits for your college student. As you evaluate this decision, here’s a guide to help you.

Buying college housing Now is the time, Part 1
A college property purchase can prove to be an astute financial investment as well as a superb learning experience for the student.

June is Homeownership Month because homeownership matters
Studies have shown for years that the net worth of homeowners has always surpassed that of renters. All that being said, it is more important to own your own home than ever before.

Buying a home to save for college?
When it comes to saving for their child’s college education, most parents automatically think of the Colorado College Invest 529 accounts. However, buying a home to save for college could be an alternative to consider.

The difference between discount brokers and bespoke brokerages
Discount brokers are growing in popularity, pitting them against traditional Realtors in the race for listings. But are discount brokers too good to be true?

Millennials Are On The Move Across the Front Range
To get insight, WK Real Etate’s emerging and established real estate professionals, who themselves are millennials or Generation Z, give us their take.

5 reasons to move to Chautauqua Park neighborhood in Boulder
Known for its vibrant community, boundless outdoor activities, and architecturally appealing houses, here are five reasons to consider Chautauqua Park for your next move.

Oakwood Homes Plans Hometown Community in Reunion
By Linda Thorsen Bond forAt Home Northern Colorado Photos courtesy Oakwood Homes If you made a list of everything you dreamed of in a new home, what would you include? Would “location, location, location” be at the top of your list? Or great community, great...