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“Real Estate Today” Columns by Jim Smith |
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Feb. 23, 2012 — Not All Regulation Is Bad — In Some Critical Areas We Need More Regulation Feb. 16, 2012 — Emails Perpetuate Mistruth About a 3.8% Medicare Tax on Real Estate Sales Click here for a detailed explanation of this tax from the American Institute of CPAs Feb. 9, 2012 — Why Owners Who’d Like to Sell Their Homes Aren’t Putting Them on the Market Feb. 2, 2012 — National Press Reports Continue to Mislead & Confuse Local Buyers & Sellers Jan. 26, 2012 — Sen. Bennet’s SAVE Act Will Bring Sense to Valuing Solar-Powered Homes Jan. 19, 2012 — Supply of Homes for Sale Is Being Depleted: We Need More Homes on Market Also: Hiring Interior Designer Can Pay for Itself Also: Arvada Public Mobilizes Against Beltway Jan. 12, 2012 — Mortgage Cost Increase to Pay for 2-Month Extension of Payroll Tax ‘Holiday’ Also: Jeffco Planning Commission Promotes Blight Jan. 5, 2012 — Yes, Virginia, You Can Buy a Home with Less Than 20% Down Payment Dec. 29, 2011 — Real Estate Industry’s Tech Revolution Really Accelerated in 2011 Dec. 22, 2011 — Condo Associations Need to Take Actions So That Members Can Sell Their Units Click here for a print-out of HUD’s approval status for condo projects in all Jeffco ZIP Codes Click here to read Aldo Svaldi’s 1/22/2012 article on this topic in the Denver Post, quoting Norm Lewis Dec. 15, 2011 — Here Are Some Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a New Home vs. Resale Dec. 8, 2011 — Is It Fair to Charge the Same Percentage Commission on High-Priced Homes? Dec. 1, 2011 — Yes, It’s a Hot Market, But Your House Isn’t Selling. So, What Can You Do? Nov. 24, 2011 — Thanksgiving Is a Gift to Ourselves, Reminding Us of How Blessed We Are Nov. 17, 2011 — Here’s Some of What I Learned at Last Weekend’s Realtor Convention in LA Nov. 10, 2011 — All 4 Front Range Cities Rank Among Top 20 Healthiest Housing Markets Nov. 3, 2011 — Newly Devised Real Estate Index Answers the Question, “How’s the Market?” Oct. 27, 2011 — Rental Scams on Craigslist Persist, With a 6th Listing of My Own Targeted Oct. 20, 2011 — Here’s Why the Fluctuation in Average Sold Price Can Be Rather Misleading Oct. 13, 2011 — Buyer Who Terminated Because of EMF From Power Line Got Me Thinking Click here to see my YouTube video measuring EMFs with a gaussmeter Oct. 6, 2011 (Arvada Edition)— Think Traffic Is Bad Now? Wait Until the Toll Road/Beltway Is Built! Click here to see who has given money to elect Marc Williams mayor Oct. 6, 2011 — Real Estate Commission Fails to Adopt Controversial Rule on Competency Sep. 29, 2011 — Realtor Association’s Support of ‘Completing’ the Beltway Doesn’t Make Sense Sep. 22, 2011 — 16th Annual Solar & Green Homes Tour Is This Saturday — Costs Just $10 Click here to visit the Colorado Renewable Energy Society’s web page for this year’s tour Sep. 15, 2011 — Do You Know What a ‘Patient Navigator’ Is? — It Sounds a Lot Like My Job! Sep. 8, 2011 — Choosing the Wrong Inspector Can Really Mess With Your Home Purchase Click here for inspector Jim Camp’s document on how to select the right inspector Click here for engineer Tom Stroud’s comments on structural issues misread by inspectors Sep. 1, 2011 — “If the Buyer’s Agent Sells My House, Why Do I Need a Lazy Listing Agent?” Aug. 25, 2011 — Who “Sold” That Listing? Real Estate Terminology Clouds the Answer Aug. 18, 2011 — Three Realtor Associations, Including Jeffco’s, Vote to Merge Into One Board Aug. 11, 2011 — Buyers Are Snapping Up the Available Inventory, Both in Jeffco & Metrowide Aug. 4, 2011 — The Appraisal Process Has Many Buyers Confused, So Let Me Explain It Click here for comments by an appraisal and three mortgage professionals on this topic July 28, 2011 — Denver MLS Resists Push to Pay Commissions Based on Net Purchase Price July 21, 2011 — Misinformation About the Real Estate Market Is at the Highest Level I Can Recall July 14, 2011 — Sellers Need to Use Common Sense When Putting Their Homes on the Market July 7, 2011 — Negotiation of Purchase Price Is Only the Beginning — There’s More to Follow June 30, 2011 — With All I See Around Me, I Celebrate Being an American & a Coloradan June 23, 2011 — Despite Reports of Declining Sales, an Abrupt Increase Is in the Pipeline June 16, 2011 — Want to Become a Realtor? You’ll Find NAR’s Member Profile Discouraging June 9, 2011 — 50 Million Americans Can’t Qualify for a Loan, But Here’s a Strategy Click here for article explaining how “wraps” work and why they’re preferred to lease/option and contracts for deed. June 2, 2011 — NBC’s “Today” Show Portrays ‘Tricks by Realtors’ to Promote Their Listings May 26, 2011 — Sellers List with Agents They Like, Know and Trust — But Is That Enough? May 19, 2011 — Appealing the Assessor’s Valuation Is Easier Than You and I Thought May 12, 2011 — Don’t Make These Common Mistakes When Appealing Assessor’s Valuation Click here for instructions on how to appeal Jeffco Assessor’s valuation of your home. May 5, 2011 — Jeffco Assessor’s Valuations of Homes Are Surprisingly Inconsistent Apr. 28, 2011 — Realtor Associations Struggle With the Loss of Members to Non-Realtor Firms NOTE: This PDF contains the full column, which was shortened in the Post in order to feature two listings. Apr. 21, 2011 — What Is the Value of Experience, & How Do You Measure It in Real Estate? Apr. 14, 2011 — Agents & Their Brokers Pay Big Bucks for Features That Most Don’t Use Apr. 7, 2011 — Real Estate Commission & MLS at Odds Over ‘Limited Service’ Listings Mar. 31, 2011 — What the Heck Is Going on in the Mortgage Industry, & Should You Care? Click here to watch a video explanation of the Loan Officer Compensation Rule taking effect 4/1/11 Click here to read US Bank’s explanation of the rule to mortgage brokers.. Mar. 24, 2011 — Waiting Until You Have a 20% Down Payment Isn’t Wise — Or Necessary Mar. 17, 2011 — The Real Estate Market Springs to Life—Call It “Day Life Savings” Time! Mar. 10, 2011 — The Good Real Estate Professional Is a Go-Giver, Not Just a Go-Getter Mar. 3, 2011 — For Me, All Relationships, Including in Real Estate, Demand Authenticity Feb. 24, 2011 — Getting Real Estate License May Not Be the Best Advice for the Unemployed Feb. 17, 2011 — The Mortgage Business Keeps Being Tweaked — For Better or Worse Feb. 10, 2011 — Looking for Foreclosures? Here’s How I’d Recast Your Property Search Feb. 3, 2011 — Agents Aren’t Allowed to Put Your House on MLS — And Do Nothing Else Click here to read the Colorado Real Estate Commission’s statement on minimum service requirements. Jan. 27, 2011 — When It Comes to Hiring an Agent, the Best Advice is “Trust, but Verify” Click here to view Jim Smith’s own record for 2009-2010 as an example what to request from an agent. Jan. 20, 2011 — In Today’s Mortgage Market, Raising Your Credit Score Could Help a Lot Click here to view Bruce Gustafson’s PowerPoint presentation from our credit score workshop Jan. 13, 2011 — MLS Changes Make Accepting a Contingent Offer Even Less Attractive Jan. 6, 2011 — The Continued Promotion of Jefferson Parkway Toll Road Defies Logic Click here for a the version printed in the Golden/Evergreen edition of YourHub.. Click here for Mayor Jacob Smith’s and Gwyn Green’s response to the Golden/Evergreen version. Dec. 30, 2010 — Appraisal Is Not the Homebuyer’s Last Hurdle — It’s Lender Underwriting Dec. 23, 2010 — If You Have Decent Credit and Income, You Can Probably Get a Mortgage Dec. 16, 2010 — You Owe It to Yourself & Society to Speak Up When Treated Unethically Click here for a printable PDF of the Realtor Code of Ethics. Click here for info on filing complaints with Realtor Associations and the Real Estate Commission. Dec. 9, 2010 — Denver’s MLS Shifts Into High Gear With Major Changes & Enhancements Dec. 2, 2010 — It Can Make Sense to Put Your Home on the Market During the Holidays Nov. 25, 2010 — Jeffco Homeowners Can Be Thankful for Our Healthy Real Estate Market Click here for additional comments and for input from other professionals on this topic. Nov. 18, 2010 — What Does It Cost to Buy a Home? Here’s a Breakdown of What You Pay Click here for a more detailed breakdown of mortgage-related costs when purchasing a home. Nov. 11, 2010 — What Does It Cost to Sell a Home? Here’s a Breakdown of What You Pay Nov. 4, 2010 — What’s the Difference Between an Appraisal & a Broker’s Price Opinion? Click here to read comments on this column by several mortgage professionals & an appraiser. Oct. 28, 2010 — Realtor Assn. Endorsements in This Year’s Election Cross Party Lines Click here for the explanation of the Colorado Association of Realtors’ endorsement process. Oct. 21, 2010 — New Paperwork Scandal Needn’t Spook Buyers of Colorado Foreclosures Oct. 14, 2010 — 6.1% of Jeffco Homes for Sale Are Foreclosures; 10.3% Are Short Sales Click here for the statistics (by MLS area) for condos/townhomes that are foreclosures or short sales.. Oct. 7, 2010 — Jeffco Foreclosures Far Fewer Than in Eastern Suburbs and National Average Sept. 30, 2010 — Is Your Home Market Ready? Here’s Some Time-Tested, Sensible Advice Sept. 23, 2010 — Inspection Issues Don’t Have to Kill a Contract — If You Prepare Wisely Click here for the pre-inspection checklist from inspector Kevin Yuran mentioned in this column. Click here for 10 tips from inspector Judi Browne on how to get the most out of your home inspection.. Sept. 16, 2010 — Thinking of Selling? Learn What You Need to Know at a Free Listing Seminar Click here to open a web page with links for the Tour of Solar & Green Homes. Sept. 9, 2010 — This Year’s Solar Tour of Homes Goes Far Beyond Last Year’s Event Click here to open a web page with links to all of this year’s tours and seminars. Sept. 2, 2010 — Today’s Low Interest Rates Save You More Than the Expired Tax Credits Aug. 26, 2010 — Should a Home’s Energy Cost Be a Factor in Approving Your Mortgage? Click here to read the grist.org article about this subject. Aug. 19, 2010 — Uninformed Buyers Make Faulty Assumptions About “Declining” Market Aug. 12, 2010 — Sorry, That $30,000 Lot Premium You Paid Has Little or No Resale Value Aug. 5, 2010 — It’s Amazing How Much Time Realtors Must Spend on Their Computers July 29, 2010 — Don’t Fall for the Claim that the Health Care Bill Includes Tax on Real Estate Click here for the snopes.com refutation of this claim. July 22, 2010 — Come to Buffalo Bill Days & You’ll Want to Move Here. (We Can Help!) July 15, 2010 — How Many Square Feet Is Your Home? Well, It Depends on Where It’s Listed July 8, 2010 — Understanding Foreclosures & Short Sales July 1, 2010 — Things to Consider When Buying a New Home vs. a Resale Home Click here for comments from other real estate professionals. June 24, 2010 — New GPS-Enabled Phone App Makes House Hunting Fun and Easy June 17, 2010 — Local Rental Scams on Craigslist Are Becoming More & More Common Click here for a follow-up on this article with example of an email from an actual craigslist scammer. June 10, 2010 — Ten of the More Common Mistakes Made by Listing and Selling Agents NOTE: This column was originally supposed to be published on June 3, 2010, but wasn’t. Click here for a 2-page flyer with Jim Smith’s current listings (eligible for the $1,500 coupon) May 27, 2010 — Choosing the Right Lender Is as Important as Choosing the Right Realtor Click here to take a 13-minute tour of the Milliron Veterinary Clinic outside Athens, Ohio Click here to watch interviews with about 20 clients of the Milliron Clinic, asking for a new equine vet. Click here to read the minister’s eulogy of Pete Smith May 20, 2010 — Arvada Softens Its Attitude Regarding Unpermitted Work in Homes for Sale May 13, 2010 — It’s Surprising Sometimes How Sellers Select Their Listing Agents May 6, 2010 — Good News for Real Estate: Contracts Down for April, But Still Healthy April 29, 2010 — Homes Went Under Contract in April at ~50% Higher Rate Than in 2009 Click here for a list of Golden Real Estate’s Sustainability Features Click here to view the presentation of the 2010 Sustainability Award to Golden Real Estate April 22, 2010 — Not All Agents Are ‘Realtors’ — Why You Should Care Whether Yours Is April 15, 2010 — Overpriced Listing Are the Agent’s Curse — And the Seller’s Downfall April 8, 2010 — Still More New Listings from Golden Real Estate as Tax Credit Deadline Nears Click here for column: “Little Flaws Made Big Impressions on Buyers — & Are Cheap to Fix” April 1, 2010 — As Expected, New Listings Surge as the April 30 Tax Credit Deadline Nears Click here for column: “Missing: A System for Verifying the Claims of Real Estate Professionals” Mar. 25, 2010 — All Sellers Want to Get Accurate and Useful Feedback on Their Showings Mar. 18, 2010 — “Quiet Zones” Could Reduce the Impact of Train Horns on Neighborhoods Click here for the Federal Railroad Administration web page about “Quiet Zones” Mar. 11, 2010 — Home Sellers Are Suddenly Jumping Into the Market — And So Are Buyers Mar. 4, 2010 — Buyer Beware: Your Inspector May Not Inspect for Energy Efficiency Feb. 25, 2010 — Things I Learned & Observed From Attending the Garden & Home Show The PDF of this column contains links for numerous vendors mentioned in the column Feb. 18, 2010 — The Listing Contract Now Includes Your Broker’s Marketing Commitments Feb. 11, 2010 — Solar Features, Part III: It’s Not All About Economics for Solar Enthusiasts Feb. 4, 2010 — Solar Power Offers Homeowners the Best Operating Return on Investment Jan. 28, 2010 — What You Need to Know Before Investing in Solar for Your Current Home Follow a discussion about this topic on LinkedIn by clicking here. Jan. 21, 2010 — CHFA Loans Make It Possible to Buy a Home With Only $1,000 in Cash Jan. 14, 2010 — A Home Inspector Advises: Know Where All Your Home’s Turn-Offs Are Jan. 7, 2010 — Agents Have Ways of Obscuring How Long a Listing Has Been on the MLS Dec. 31, 2009 — If You Like Buying Low and Have the Means, This is the Time to Buy a Home Dec. 24, 2009 — Golden Real Estate Now Accepting Listings in West Metro & Foothills Area Dec. 17, 2009 — Some Things to Consider Before Buying (or Selling) a Distressed Property Dec. 10, 2009 — Few Buyers or Sellers Fully Understand the Buying & Selling Process Dec. 3, 2009 — Clients Ask: Isn’t It a Conflict of Interest to Represent Both Buyers & Sellers? Nov. 26, 2009 — Am I Thankful? Despite Today’s Challenges, Let Me Count the Ways... Nov. 19, 2009 — Realtor Convention & Expo Report - Drinking From Yet Another Fire Hose Nov. 12, 2009 — Most of the Time, Realtors Work for Free, More Than Most Professionals Nov. 5, 2009 — 18 (or More) Questions to Ask When Interviewing Your Next Listing Agent Oct. 29, 2009 — It’s Fun, Or at Least Interesting, to Watch Real Estate Contracts Evolve Oct. 22, 2009 — Technological Convergence Has Improved the Practice of Real Estate Oct. 15, 2009 — The Job of a Listing Agent Is Not to Sell Your Home, But to Get It Sold Oct. 8, 2009 — Attention 1st-Time Homebuyers: Only 3 Shopping Weeks Left for $8,000 Credit Oct. 1, 2009 — Annual Tour of Solar Homes Is This Saturday, Oct. 3rd, and You’re Invited Sept. 24, 2009 — Regulators Prove the Road to Real Estate Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions Sept. 17, 2009 — Mortgage Issues Exacerbate Already Difficult High-End Real Estate Market Sept. 10, 2009 — Jeffco Is Experiencing a Dramatic Surge in Homes Going Under Contract Sept. 3, 2009 — If House-Hunting in Arvada, Wheat Ridge or Lakewood, Look for Hail Damage August 27, 2009 — It’s a Seller’s Market at the High-End and a Buyer’s Market at the High-End August 20, 2009 — Real Estate Property Taxes Can Vary Significantly by City and Subdivision Click here for a description of how property taxes are calculated August 13, 2009 — There Are Some Corners That a Listing Agent Shouldn’t Cut, Yet Many Do August 6, 2009 — Obama Goal: Incentivize Short Sales & Reduce Foreclosures (Good Luck!) July 30, 2009 — What Is a Seller Concession, And Why Not Just Lower the Purchase Price? July 23, 2009 — Are You in the Midst of a Real Estate Move? Believe Me, I Feel Your Pain! July 16, 2009 — Internet Scammer Hijacks a Golden Listing; Did You Send Him $800 “Rent”? July 2, 2009 — Analysis Reveals a Different Market Dynamic in Each Real Estate Price Range June 25, 2009 — Listors Live to Sell to an Unrepresented Buyer, But Is It Really Best for You? June 18, 2009 — When Does It Serve You to Dump Your Current Listing Agent for a New One? June 11, 2009 — There Are Lots of Resources to Help You Buy a Home — or Keep Your Home Click here for details about June 13th’s Home Ownership Fair in Denver. Click here for a useful “Home-Buyer’s Basics” guide from the National Association of Realtors.. June 4, 2009 — As Residential Real Estate Rebounds, a Crisis Looms for Commercial Sector Click here to read a developer/commercial property owner’s response to this column. May 28, 2009 — Public Undervalues Real Estate Agents Because It Doesn’t Know Our Full Job Click here for Jim Smith’s analysis of the just released March 2009 Case-Shiller survey. May 21, 2009 — For Buying Denver Properties, the $8,000 Tax Credit Is Just the Beginning May 14, 2009 — I Can’t Believe the HVCC Appraisal Rule Has Actually Been Implemented Click here for the National Association of Realtors’ statement against HVCC implementation.. Click here for the National Association of Mortgage Brokers’ statement opposing HVCC. Click here for the Mortgage Bankers Association’s statement opposing HVCC\ Click here for a letter from 14 Members of Congress opposing HVCC implementation. Click here for comments from different readers of this week’s column. May 7, 2009 — State Program Can Still Get You Into a Home with Just $1,000 Cash at Closing Click here to visit CHFA’s homebuyer website. Click here for Jim Smith’s explanation of how to appeal the Assessor’s valuation of your home. April 30, 2009 — Scamming & Scheming to Defraud Each Other Is Bringing Us All Down Click here to read craigslist’s warning about common scams and how to avoid them. April 23, 2009 — Jeffco Has Programs to Rehab Homes of Low and Moderate Income Families Previous columns about hiring the best Realtor® are highlighted in boldface type below. April 16, 2009 — Here’s Why the Assessor’s Valuation of Your Home Isn’t Particularly Useful COUNTY ASSESSOR JIM EVERSON WRITES: Good article. I really appreciate the fact that you got the June 30 date out there, many people are confused about this. April 9, 2009 — Video Tours: A Competitive Advantage I’m Ready to Share With Other Agents April 2, 2009 — Conservative Appraisals Beg the Question: How Can Home Values Ever Rise? Click here to read additional comments by three readers who are mortgage professionals Mar. 26, 2009 — What Does “Full Service Realtor” Mean to You? Here’s My Definition Mar. 19, 2009 — Buyers & Sellers Would Both Benefit From Making Greater Use of Google Mar. 12, 2009 — Finding My Real Estate Soul Mate: Here’s a Book Agents Can Take to Heart Click here to read chapter 1 of Sell With Soul from Jennifer Allan’s website, SellwithSoul.com. Mar. 5, 2009 — If You’re Waiting for Further Price Declines, You May Miss a Good Deal THANKS FOR WRITING THIS! I think it is prudent to manage your assets and investments wisely, but lots of potential buyers are going to miss out all together. I have a buyer who kept waiting “for prices to hit bottom,” and is now unable to qualify (because of higher down payment requirements on investment purchases) and will probably miss out completely on his opportunity to purchase in this market! —Shelley Ervin, Mortgage Banker, Clarion Mortgage Capital Feb. 26, 2009 — Here’s Some Practical Advice on Interviewing an Agent to List Your House Feb. 19, 2009 — For the Individual Home Seller, Values Continue to Rise, Especially in Jeffco Feb. 12, 2009 — Bargain Hunting — Advice on Short Sales vs. Foreclosures vs. Bank-Owned Feb. 5, 2009 — Mortgage Rates Are Low, But You’ll Pay More Points for Credit Scores Under 740 Click here for a chart showing the higher closing costs for those with credit scores under 740. Click here for information from MyFICO.com on how to raise your FICO score. Click here for more information about stucco exteriors and how to evaluate them. Jan. 29, 2009 — Plan Ahead: Buying With an FHA Loan Now May Help You Sell Later On Click here to read comments by two licensed mortgage brokers regarding FHA loans. Click here for Ted Jones’ PowerPoint presentation (in PDF form) mentioned in this column. Click here for another economist’s 2009 economic forecast for the Denver housing market. Click here for an explanation of “hanging walls” and how to recognize them. Jan. 22, 2009 — The War Against Appraisal Fraud Is Producing Mixed Results, Not All Good Click here to read comments by three licensed mortgage brokers and an appraiser on this topic. Click here to read NAR’s “Appraisal Insight” blog Click here for an explanation of what’s involved in getting quicker hot water to your master bath. Jan. 15, 2009 — Showings Are Up Dramatically, But Buyers Aren’t Finding What They Want Jan. 8, 2009 — Study Reveals That Private Resales of Jeffco Home Are Doing Rather Well Click here for a copy of the spreadsheet referred to in this week’s column. Jan. 1, 2009 — Buyers Are Getting off the Fence as Mortgage Rates Level Off at Around 5% Dec. 25, 2008 — Analysis Reveals Varying Effect of Foreclosed Properties on the Jeffco Market Click here for spreadsheet with figures for all Jeffco areas and for an MLS area map to go with it. Dec. 18, 2008 — Plunging Interest Rates Create Surge of Activity at Usually Quiet Time of Year Dec. 11, 2008 — Public Is Understandably Confused About Current Situation With Mortgages Dec. 4, 2008 — This Week’s Energy Star Summit Taught Me Much About Energy Efficiency Nov. 27, 2008 — We Can Be Thankful Today That We Live in Jefferson County, Colorado Nov. 20, 2008 — Want to Sell a Lot of Art or Other Property Without Sales Tax? Here’s How... Nov. 13, 2008 — Listing Agents Who Only Put Homes on MLS Hurt Other Agents’ Reputation Nov. 6, 2008 — Realty Times: Western U.S. Leads in Apparent Real Estate Turnaround Oct. 30, 2008 — Realtors’ Challenge: Representing Buyers & Sellers Without Conflict of Interest Oct. 23, 2008 — Can You Believe It? The World Wide Web Is Barely 14 Years (5200 Days) Old! Oct. 16, 2008 — Realtors Shouldn’t Have to Check Their Political Opinions at the Door Also: One Realtor’s Bush-Bashing Mailer and her email describing the response she got. Oct. 9, 2008 — Year-to-Date MLS Statistics Suggest That the Worst May Be Behind Us Oct. 2, 2008 — Solar Home Tour & Environmental Film Festival Happening This Weekend Also: New Environmental Content on GoldenRealEstate.com Sept. 25, 2008 — Here Are Some Things That Are NOT Being Said About the Financial Crisis Sept. 18, 2008 — News Begs the Question: How Many Shocks Can Our Economy Absorb? Sept. 11, 2008 — Reverse Mortgage Can Rescue Some Elderly Homeowners Facing Foreclosure Sept. 4, 2008 — Incentives to Buyers’ Agents Can Constitute an Invitation to Cross Ethical Line Aug. 28, 2008 — Soliciting Testimonials Not My Strong Point; Plans for New Golden Newspaper Aug. 21, 2008 — Fees Charged by HOA Management Companies Profit Those Companies, not HOAs Aug. 14, 2008 — The Eyes of the World Will Soon Be on Colorado, And They’ll Like What They See Aug. 7, 2008 — Do You Know Who the Registered Sex Offenders Are in Your Neighborhood? July 31, 2008 — All Those Foreclosures Have Produced a Windfall for Some Local Newspapers Email from publisher of Jeffco weeklies (including Golden Transcript) July 24, 2008 — Come By Anytime for a Tour & Explanation of Our Solar Powered Office July 17, 2008 — ‘Penny Wise & Pound Foolish’ Comes to Mind When I See ‘For Sale by Owner’ July 10, 2008 — Statistics for 1st Half 2008 Reflect Well on Jeffco vs. Metro Area or Nation July 3, 2008 — Promoting and Modeling Environmental Responsibility Is a Core Value Here June 26, 2008 — Short Sales & Lender Owned Listings Present Different Challenges for Buyers June 12, 2008 — Is Completing the Beltway Good for Arvada & Jefferson County? Maybe Not Click Here to view CDOT’s “White Paper” about abandoning their beltway effort. May 29, 2008 — Beware of Mortgage Scam Letters You’ll Receive After Closing on a House May 22, 2008 — Confucius: Concentrate on Giving, and the Getting Will Take Care of Itself May 15, 2008 — Are FHA Loans Filling the Need Once Filled by Subprime Loans? Yes and No... May 1, 2008 — Are Open Houses Worthwhile? My Experience Tells Me, “Yes, Absolutely!” April 24, 2008 — Regrettably, You Can’t Verify Many Claims Made in a Listing Presentation April 17, 2008 — Jeffco Real Estate Market Continues to Heat Up, Defying National Downturn April 10, 2008 — Agent vs. Transaction Broker — It’s Important to Know the Difference April 3, 2008 — Why Is the Real Estate Market Heating Up So Much Right Now? Mar. 27, 2008 — A Code of Ethics and State Laws Make Home Buying Different From Car Buying Mar. 20, 2008 — St. Patrick’s Day Seems Like a Great Time to Write About “Going Green” Mar. 13, 2008 — Spring Break Brings the Usual Surge of Parents Buying Homes for Students Mar. 6, 2008 — Buyers of New Homes: Beware of Losing Deposits if Builder Goes Belly-Up Feb. 28, 2008 — Should You Worry About Flooding? Some Useful Information for Homeowners Feb. 21, 2008 — There Is No Better Feeling Than Serving a Client Well, Like I Did This Week... Feb. 14, 2008 — A Valentine’s Card for Some Special Real Estate Friends & Colleagues Feb. 7, 2008 — Data Sharing by Front Range MLS’s Is Good for Both Agents & Consumers Jan. 31, 2008 — Agents Who List Bank-Owned Properties Operate Quite Differently Jan. 24, 2008 — What I Learned at Last Week’s Presentation by NAR’s Chief Economist (Click here for Dr. Yun’s PowerPoint presentation; Click here for it as a PDF document) Jan. 17, 2008 — Buying a Foreclosed Property Could Entail “Unconscionable” Addendum (Click here to read the addendum referred to in this column) Jan. 10, 2008 — Flood of Foreclosures Is Depressing Home Prices, But Causing Rents to Rise Jan. 3, 2008 — Real Estate Offers an Uneven Income Stream — But Don’t Focus on That! Dec. 27, 2007 — Habitat Builds Its First Solar Powered Homes Without NREL Sponsorship Dec. 20, 2007 — Rocky Tech Loses Credibility With a Couple of Its Recent Lead Stories Dec. 13, 2007 — Newly Required Forms Introduce Degree of Integrity to Mortgage Business Dec. 6, 2007 — ‘Penny Wise and Pound Foolish’ Applies to Real Estate as Much as Elsewhere Nov. 29, 2007 — Are We Moving Toward “Paperless” Transactions? I’m Not Optimistic... Nov. 22, 2007 — Real Estate Agents Are Slow to Implement Video Tours of Their Listings Nov. 15, 2007 — HOA Restrictions on “For Sale” Signage Are an Assault on Property Rights Nov. 8, 2007 — Northern Colorado’s MLS, IRES, Puts Denver’s Metrolist to Shame Nov. 1, 2007 — How Are Foreclosures Impacting Sales? Should You Be Concerned? Oct. 25, 2007 — House Hunting? Take Advantage of New “Search by Map” Technology Oct. 18, 2007 — What is the Job of the Listing Agent, & How to Identify the Best One (2 Pages) Oct. 11, 2007 — One Never Knows What Will Sell a House, So I Try to Do It All Oct. 4, 2007 — Understanding How Market Forces Affect Mortgage Rates Isn’t That Easy Sept. 20, 2007 — Mortgage Rates & Guidelines Are Still Evolving in Wake of Crisis Sept. 13, 2007 — We Investigate Those Below-Market Mortgage Offers You Hear Advertised Sept. 6, 2007 — There’s No “Perfect” Time to Sell a Home If You’re Also Buying a New One Aug. 30, 2007 — Running My Own Brokerage is Both Challenging and Satisfying Aug. 23, 2007 — Is the Sharp Decline in Real Estate Closings Caused by Mortgage Crisis? Aug. 16, 2007 — Mortgage Chaos Was Predictable; Proper Lending Practices Return Aug. 9, 2007 — Distress in Low-End Homes Creates False Impression of Market Aug. 2, 2007 — Reducing One’s “Carbon Footprint” Can Make Good Financial Sense July 26, 2007 — Thinking of Selling Your Home? Here’s Your Sign (Introducing Golden Real Estate, Inc.) July 19, 2007 — Considering “For Sale By Owner”? Here Are the Considerations July 5, 2007 — Jeffco’s Most Outrageous Real Estate Transactions Revealed June 28, 2007 — Denver’s MLS Sought to Be ‘Best of Breed’ — It’s Not Even Close... June 21, 2007 — Sellers Do Have Options When a Listing Relationship Turns Sour June 14, 2007 — Finding Accessible Homes Is Not As Easy As It Could Be June 7, 2007 — How to Avoid Being Ripped Off by Your Mortgage/Refinance Person May 31, 2007 — House-Hunting Using “Search by Map” Can Save Lots of Gasoline May 24, 2007 — Data Integrity Poses Problems in Pricing Homes, Challenging Assessor May 17, 2007 — “I’m Not Using a Buyer’s Agent So That I Can Get a Better Deal” May 10, 2007 — How You Can Tell Whether the Jeffco Assessor Over-Valued Your Home May 3, 2007 — “If I Were a Legislator, Here Are Some Mortgage Laws I’d Introduce…” Apr. 26, 2007 — Negotiation: The #1 Skill for Which You Hire a Real Estate Professional Apr. 19, 2007 — “But the Mortgage Broker Was My Friend and Did the Loan for Free!” Apr. 12, 2007 — As Lawns Green Up and Trees Blossom, Take Pictures of Your Home Apr. 5, 2007 — Am I the Best Agent to List Your Home? Maybe Not, and Here’s Why Mar. 29, 2007 — Metrolist Returns to Old Square Footage Rules, With a Twist Mar. 15, 2007 — In Real Estate, Market Statistics Can Mislead Instead of Inform Mar. 1, 2007 — It’s Not That Hard to Do an Excellent Job of Marketing One’s Listings Feb. 22, 2007 — When Setting Listing Price, Consider Realtor.com’s Price Brackets Feb. 15, 2007 — In Real Estate, Don’t Confuse “Referral” with “Recommendation” Feb. 8, 2007 — How Important Is Experience in the Practice of Real Estate? Feb. 1, 2007 — “Search by Map” Makes Online Home Searching Much Easier Jan. 11, 2007 — Jeffco’s 2006 Slump in Home Sales Worse than the Metro Average Jan. 4, 2007 — A New Year — And a Renewed Sense of Gratitude Dec. 28, 2006 — Real Estate Is More or Less Seasonal — But Not Predictable; Broker Must Keep Oral & Written Promises; Some New Year’s Resolutions for Agents Dec. 14, 2006 — ‘Pride of Workmanship’ Can Apply to the Real Estate Industry Dec. 7, 2006 — Foreclosure Sales Are Dragging Down Metro Home Values Nov. 30, 2006 — Real Estate Attracting More & More Scammers & Schemers Nov. 16, 2006 — Faulty Data Can Distort Local MLS Statistical Analysis Nov. 2, 2006 — ‘One-Stop Shopping’ Might Not Be in Your Best Interest Oct. 26, 2006 — Integrity & Full Disclosure Is a Core Value in Real Estate Oct. 19, 2006 — Media Should Accept Its Share of Responsibility for Misleading Ads Oct. 12, 2006 — Catching an Error at Closing Saved My Client About $600 Sep. 21, 2006 — Broker ‘Teams’ Both Allowed & Cautioned by Real Estate Commission Sep. 14, 2006 — When & Why Realtors Refer Buyers and/or Sellers to Each Other Sep. 7, 2006 — Technology Keeps Testing Agents’ Ability to Keep Up With It Aug. 31, 2006 — Customer Service: A New Focus Among Savvy Agents Aug. 24, 2006 — Is There a “Best Time of Year” to Put a Home on the Market? Aug. 17, 2006 — How Important Is the Extent of Your Agent’s Experience? Aug. 10, 2006 — Everything Is Negotiable in a Contract to Buy & Sell Real Estate Aug. 3, 2006 — Yes, Some Agents Are Better Than Others at Giving/Getting Feedback July 27, 2006 — The Smart Seller Thinks Ahead to the Inspection by the Buyer July 20, 2006 — I Always Prefer to Deal With a Realtor — & You Should, Too! July 13, 2006 — Here’s a Checklist for Selecting the Best Listing Agent for You Click here for printable checklist referred to in the above column. July 6, 2006 — How Much Do Title Insurance and Closing Fees Vary? Let See... June 29, 2006 — We Listing Agents Could Do a Better Job of MLS Data Entry June 22, 2006 — ‘Buyer Registry Service’ Is for Buyers What the MLS Is for Sellers June 15, 2006 — Metrolist Faces Big Challenge as www.DenverMLS.com Surfaces June 8, 2006 — What’s a Virtual Tour, And How Do the Different Vendors Stack Up Against Each Other? June 1, 2006 — Why a Hot Water Recirculation Line Is My Favorite Home Upgrade May 25, 2006 — What Impact Will Certain Home Improvements Have on Resale Value? May 18, 2006 — You, Too, Could Be a Victim of ‘Predatory Lending’ Practices May 11, 2006 — Jeffco Home Sales Statistics Reflect the Metrowide “Housing Glut” (With Statistical Table & Map) May 4, 2006 — Be Thankful for Our Balanced Colorado Real Estate Market; Need a Contractor or Other Vendor? April 27, 2006 — When Choosing One Agent for Both Buying & Selling April 27, 2006 — Buyer Can Jeopardize Closing by Making Innocent Mistakes; Some Title Insurance Advice April 20, 2006 — Be Sure to Read & Understand Your Settlement Statement at Closing April 13, 2006 — Real Estate’s “Cooperation & Compensation” Model Is Quite Unlike Other Industries April 6, 2006 — Do You Know How Your Loan Officer Is Compensated? All Real Estate Is Local Mar. 30, 2006 — It Is Both Easy & Common to Get Ripped Off — Here’s Some Advice Mar. 23, 2006 — At Last, Colorado Is Taking Action Against Mortgage Fraud Mar. 16, 2006 (Arvada Edition, YourHub.com) — Don’t Be Misled About the Proposed Beltway/Toll Road Mar. 16, 2006 — Some Real Estate Topics Not Worth an Entire Column — How to clean oil stains from your driveway or garage / Keeping your house warmer and saving heating costs / Know when your garage door is open / Condo/Townhome HOA fees may actually be a bargain / FHA guidelines have changed / Another staging class is scheduled for Monday Mar. 2, 2006 — Another Class on Staging Your Home Will Be Held Mar. 6th; Morrison Speed Traps Feb. 23, 2006 — The Feb. 11th Staging Workshop Was Well Attended; Special Offer from Jim Feb. 16, 2006 — Beginning Your Home Search? Internet Searches Are Limited Feb. 2, 2006 — Do You Know How to “Stage” Your House to Sell Quicker? Jan. 26, 2006 — Statistical Reporting of Sales by MLS Can Be Misleading / Should I Renovate? Jan. 5, 2006 — Jeffco’s Foothills Out-Perform Rest of County in 2005 Residential Sales Dec. 22, 2005 — Timing the Buy-Sell Decision — When is the Best Time? Dec. 15, 2005 — “Price Per Square Foot” Is Now More Meaningless Than Ever Dec. 15, 2005 — CDOT Admits Toll Road Plan Depends on Continued Local Congestion Dec. 8, 2005 — Habitat for Humanity Breaks the Cycle of Poverty, One Family at a Time Nov. 17, 2005 — Thinking of a Career in Real Estate? Here Are Some Facts to Consider Nov. 10, 2005 — Don’t Let Yourself Fall Victim to Real Estate-Related Con Artists Oct. 27, 2005 — The MLS People Must Be Reading This Column… Sept. 22, 2005 — Ah, the Joys of Moving… And Other Half Truths Aug. 25, 2005 — Effort to “Complete the Beltway” Isn’t Good for Arvada, Either July 28, 2005 — Buyers of New Homes Should Consider Hiring a Good Real Estate Lawyer July 7, 2005 — Different Approaches to Succeeding in Real Estate June 23, 2005 — Making the “For Sale by Owner” vs. Listing Agent Decision May 26, 2005 — Beltway Push Is About Development, Not Traffic May 5, 2005 — Is a Mortgage Broker Better Than a Mortgage Banker? Mar. 23, 2005 — What Are Real Estate’s ‘Leading Indicators’? Mar. 16, 2005 — Advice on Selecting the Best Buyer’s Agent to Represent You Mar. 9, 2005 — Advice on Selecting the Best Listing Agent for Your House Feb. 23, 2005 — Denver’s MLS (Metrolist) Aspires to Be “Best of Breed” Jan. 26, 2005 — You Deserve to Know if Your Agent Has a Criminal Record Dec. 29, 2004 — Some New Year’s Resolutions for the Real Estate Industry Dec. 1, 2004 — Latest Industry Buzz Is About Creating Professional Standards for Realtors Nov. 3, 2004 — Here’s a Scary Halloween Story About Real Estate Oct. 6, 2004 — How to Time a Home Sale to Match Your Home Purchase; Shake Roofs Sept. 8, 2004 — Here Are Some Upgrades That Make a House Special August 25, 2004 — Should You Call the Listing Agent or Use a Buyer’s Agent? August 11, 2004 — Here’s Some ‘Staging’ Advice So Your Home Will Sell Better July 28, 2004 — New Real Estate Contracts Require More Information on HOA’s June 16, 2004 — Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver Celebrates 25th Anniversary June 2, 2004 — Myths & Misconceptions About Realtors & Their Profession May 19, 2004 — Your Realtor’s Choice of Title Company Can Save You Money May 5, 2004 — There Are a Multitude of Ways Realtors Can Market Your Listing April 7, 2004 — Even Seasoned Realtors Can Learn Something New February 25, 2004 — Inspection Issues Can Kill Contract to Sell Your Home February 11, 2004 — Title Insurance Cost Can Vary Greatly — Shop Around! January 28, 2004 — Staging: New Trend That Helps Homes Sell Quicker January 14, 2004 — Good Realtors Knows About Unlisted Homes for Sale December 31, 2003 — Before Pricing Your Home, Tour the Competition December 17, 2003 — Testimonials Can Help You Select a Good Realtor October 8, 2003 — Habitat for Humanity Turns Pumpkins Into... Houses! August 27, 2003 — ‘For Sale by Owner’ Is Very Tempting — But Will It Work? August 13, 2003 — Choosing a Mortgage That Meets Your Specific Needs July 30, 2003 — Pricing Your Home — The Most Important Element |
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Published every Thursday in the Jeffco editions of the Denver Post |
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