The northern Colorado real estate market continues to be one of the strongest in the country. Demand for homes, fueled by job growth, continues to outpace supply. Regional job growth in 2017, a leading indicator of the real estate market, was one of the strongest in the last 10 years. Despite more construction, supply has not kept up with demand. The northern Colorado market continues to have less than 3 months of housing supply when 6 months is considered a balanced market. Some thoughts about …
Northern Colorado Real Estate News
Getting It Right–Zillow vs. Agent
We all use Zillow and, depending on what it says, we either love it or hate it. ‘Zestimates’ are based on an algorithm that identifies a home’s unique value by comparing it to other homes that may or may not be similar. The critical component missing is “boots on the ground,” a live human being who has been in that home, and has been in other homes that would be comparable. Computer codes aren’t people. Humans VS. Technology Zillow gets market data from the same resources as real estate …
Senior Property Tax Savings!
Were you 65 prior to January 1, 2017? Have you lived in your present home for more than 10 years? Yes, and yes? Have you applied for the Senior Property Tax Exemption? No? You have until July 15 to apply for the exemption for 2017 taxes. The Colorado General Assembly voted in 2000 to give the ‘homestead exemption’ to seniors over 65 who have lived in their home for over 10 years, taking effect in property tax year 2002. Under the exemption, 50 percent of up to $200,000 of a residential …
Selling and Buying a Home Calls For Respect — and a Little Paint
‘Tis the season. Sellers and buyers are prowling the streets of northern Colorado—sellers are (hopefully) putting their best foot forward to get the best offers and buyers are making a series of offers, optimistic that one of them will be accepted. Some sellers think slapping a price on a house and putting a sign in front will do the trick. It could, but why not guarantee you’ll get a couple of great offers based on how you took the time and a little bit of effort and money to make your home …
24 Tax Property Protests Later…
I spent most of last weekend pulling ‘comps’ for clients looking to protest their 2017 property tax assessments. Larimer County has a nifty feature that allows you to pull up your own comps (sales that are comparable), but they don’t have all the features provided by our local MLS. Has it been remodeled? Was it a hoarder’s paradise? Was it a bi-level or ranch with one bedroom on the main with a weed production facility in the basement? We can’t always tell if someone has been growing pot but …
Protest Your Tax Assessment (maybe)
I’m up to 22 as of this morning. I wish it were 22 running miles but my wrecked knee precludes that. I have 22 requests to help clients protest their tax assessment in Larimer County. I expect that to double as the month progresses. People are asking if it’s worth it and my answer depends on the difference between their 2015 assessment and 2017’s. It seems as if the 2015 assessments were reasonable and I didn’t have many clients asking for help. Most of us shrugged our shoulders and accepted …
