Denver Real Estate Market Update

"Jeff, How's The Real Estate Market?"

I get asked that question almost daily. So, what's the truth about today's market conditions? Here's the scoop:

Comparatively, the Denver market is WAY better than others that were hit harder by the bursting bubble, i.e., California, Arizona, Nevada, and Florida. We didn't have the huge upswings and so we won't have the corrective downswing in the same degree.

That said, the Denver market really depends on the price range and location. Homes priced under $300,000(ish) are selling quite well and actually tend to favor the Seller. Homes between $300k - $500k, the inventory is fairly balance and the location and/or city can make or break that deal. And the high end market over $500,000 tends to favor the buyer as there is more inventory. However, as of the fourth quarter in 2010, the luxury market saw a 20% increase over 2009.


UPDATE: September 2011

The real estate market in 2010 was mediocre at best. Many brokers, myself included, experienced a dreadfully slow summer but picked up noticeably in the fourth quarter through 2Q 2011. Realtors were all aglow because of this uptick through the spring of 2011. We're not completely out of the water yet, though.

The demand for homes is lackluster at best. In some locations it is difficult to tell that the market has improved at all.

Interest rates are CRAZY low and while prices are holding steady. The trend for renting continues, however, rents are going up! With interest rates below 4%, it now makes sense for most people to buy instead. 2012 will reflect consumer confidence and jobs.

Buying A Home

Today's Epic Opportunity

It's the "perfect storm" for home buyers. Extremely low interest rates, rising rent rates, and a slew of motivated sellers -- all coming together to form a significant opportunity to purchase a home.

If you haven't lived in Denver for long, you may not recognize the true rarity of this occasion. If you have lived here, can you recall the last time the market favored the buyer to this degree? After all, Colorado is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. and there is always a high demand for homes. Right now, it's an amazing window of opportunity.

If you are renting it is time to compare it to owning a home. You may be shocked at how much home you can afford for the same money you're paying in rent. How long the buyer's conditions will stay like this is anyone's guess. It won't be forever, so take advantage while you still can.

The Idea of Moving Stressing You Out?

I don't know about you but personally, I HATE moving. I HATE packing up the house. I HATE looking for good movers. I HATE leaving behind friends and family. I HATE that it is so expensive.

If you are in the process of moving, I sympathize with you. Moving can be a tough time. Hang in there, though, you're going to get through it. This too shall pass.

Moving: Fear Of The Unknown

I know moving isn't always bad. Usually, the end justify the means. However, it can really be a stressful time for many people. I've thought a lot about the process of moving and I have concluded that fear of the unknown is at the top of the stress-o-meter:

How do I know if I'm buying in a good area?
What about the safety of the neighborhood?
What are the schools really like?
How bad will traffic be on my way to work?
What if I'm let down don't like living there?
How can I spot a good home deal from a bad one?
What's the local market like? Is their asking price too high?
How do I know if I am getting ripped off?

Real Estate Agents Can Be Great Stress Relievers

My wife and I have moved many times. (In fact, we moved back to Colorado for the second time not long ago.) We have left friends and family behind. We have moved to areas where we didn't know anyone. We have navigated through the fear of the unknown and we have helped many others do the same. We are sensitive to your situation and we work hard making sure you are well taken care of.

We have spent many hours with homebuyers answering questions, helping them get familiar with different neighborhoods, teaching them what to look for in a new home, researching the market, getting the inside scoop on the schools, and connecting our clients with good people who can help in other areas of their lives.

Looking For A Job? Maybe I Can Help.

While my job description says I'm a real estate and mortgage broker, I really network with other people for a living. I meet new people all the time. Here's one of my business philosophies, "Life and opportunity is about who you know. The more people you meet, the opportunities are available to you".

I have had clients send me their resume and I have forwarded it to people I know. I'll never promise anything more than that but in some cases I have been able to get them past the general recruiter and in front of the department head. If you need a job in Denver and you're looking to buy a home, contact me. Perhaps we can help each other.

While I can't promise that relocating will be 100% stress free, I can promise that I can help reduce the stress and alleviate many of your fears.

Focus On What Really Matters

If you are relocating anywhere to the Denver area I would love the opportunity to meet with you and help you through the process. Connecting with a good real estate agent is one of the best relationships you can have.

By the way, my services are free and I am confident that you will be glad you called.

Social Media Management

Fans, Followers, LinkedIn and Liking It

If Facebook were a country, it would be the third largest in population -- only behind China and India. Crazy, huh? The numbers alone make it worth the time/money investment for almost every business.

The thing is, from a business ROI perspective it's time consuming, tedious, and still unproven. What are you to do? Should you jump in and spend precious time and countless man hours? Or ignore it at your peril? Perhaps social media is one of those tasks best suited for outsourcing. Coincidentally, that's where I come in.

Here's the secret to social media: you must build a following... a community. The operative word being, "social". That takes a pretty hefty paradigm shift for most businesses. Therefore, traditional marketing tactics via social media are a waste of resources better spent elsewhere. Instead, it takes time to develop a consistent level of interaction and trust before socializing online users are willing to become your followers or click the all-important "like" button.

If you're looking for a guide, a consultant or even a social media manager, I can help with both the set up as well as building your community.

Search Engine Optimization

SEO - Rank and File

Having a website is like having your name in the phone book. If people know you, they know where to find you.

If you own a business, though, you need to be in the yellow pages. That way new customers who don't know you can find you too. If customers are searching, then you need to be found.

That is the process of search engine optimization -- implementing best practices as well as a few tips and tricks that methodically moves your website to the front page of Google search results. By the way, over 80% of internet users visit the top 3 listings on Google's search results page.

SEO is not always easy and requires a little patience and forethought. The payoff is worth it.

You can read more about my SEO services here »

Personal Interests

So, What Makes Me Happy?

I'm a simple man: my wife, my mountain bike, the mountains, and a good cup of coffee (or TEN) make my world go around.

I'm a student of theology and politics. I'm a former church pastor and youth minister and still have a heart to serve others.

I'm in my 40's and still looking for a mentor. If you get to know me you'll see I'm an open book.