WHAT A DIFFERENCE INTEREST RATES MAKE

WHAT A DIFFERENCE INTEREST RATES MAKE

 

Impact of Rates on Payment

It is important to consider not only the price of thehome but also the cost of financing. The higher themortgage interest rate, the less house you can afford. The lower the interest rate, the more house you can afford.  The chart below shows what happens to your mortgage payment at various interest rates. REMEMBER THERE ARE STILL TAXES AND HOA PAYMENTS TO CONSIDER.

 

 

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

 

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The Marcotte Real Estate Group Has MOVED!

 

The Marcotte Real Estate Group Has MOVED!

ive_moved_postcard_with_dandelion_photograph-r82690acf58dc4bf1b613ce4c6ca5da9c_vgbaq_8byvr_324

Usually, I’m the one helping people make a move. This time, it’s me who’s done it! Because you are such a valued client and friend, I want you to know that I’ve moved my license and started a new company; Marcotte Real Estate Group.

Although the company I’m affiliated with has changed, the level of service I offer to all my clients hasn’t. I’m excited about the possibilities that this change brings for everyone with whom I do business.

I still have the same marketing and technology tools that I have had in the past – I have a more flexibility to list, market, and sell properties, taking my work with both buyers and sellers to the next level.

Things you may not know about me; I am a Boulder native raising my active family in this great community. With over 30 years of real estate and professional home building and home renovating experience, I have the structural expertise, understanding, and appreciation of the area’s unique offerings. I know homes!

You’ll start to see my new Marcotte Real Estate Group signs all over town soon!

Remember, if you know someone thinking of buying or selling real estate, please let them know that I can help make the process virtually pain free.

Sincerely,

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
john@boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte.  I’m never too busy for your referrals.

P.S. Don’t forget to visit my website to search all local properties –www.boulderhomes4u.com You can also contact me to see what your home is worth and of course, stay on top of my  Boulder Real Estate blog!

 

Things To Consider Before Buying a New Home

Things To Consider Before Buying a New Home

 

afo

If you’re considering a move away from the big smoke of London, or are looking to buy your first property, a new build is well worth thinking about. While a large number of people fantasise about a period property and the ‘character’ that comes with it, the fact is that older properties are more expensive both to buy and upkeep, and therefore likely not to be the best investment for your hard earned cash.

They say that buying a house is one of the most stressful things you will do in your life. So, before you make this monumental decision here are some things that you need to consider.

Local Amenities

It’s all very well having a beautiful home, but if you aren’t close to local amenities you might find that your love for it soon turns sour. Having to get in the car and drive for half an hour to reach the nearest shop might suit some people, but for the vast majority of us it would soon turn into a gigantic pain.

Consider realistically how close you need to be to amenities such as schools, shops, post offices and banks. Factors you will need to take into account include whether you have a car, how busy your life is and if you have any kids. Write down every likely journey you will need to do in a week, and then calculate how much of your life will be spent travelling – this should put things into perspective!

It’s also worth considering how close you want to be to friends and family. Although you might think that moving away from them will be fine, you could quickly discover that proximity to them is integral for your quality of life.

Boulder Colorado communities

Can You Add Value?

Your home will probably be the biggest purchase you will ever make, and the smart move is to make sure that whatever you buy can have value added to it. Don’t be blinded by fancy décor, it’s the bare bones of the house and things like space that really matter. This will mean that you can move up the property ladder, and it will also put you in a great financial position for the future.

Some of the best ways to add value include adding an extension, converting a loft or basement or knocking down walls to add light and space. However, there are a number of things that you will need to consider. Firstly, you will need to enquire about planning permission which is usually applied for online.  In the UK the rules regarding local area’s planning permission are slightly different, but local authorities will have a website where information, contact details and relevant documents can be found.

You will also need to get a reputable builder to visit the site and provide you with a quote for the work. The price of this will likely affect how much you can afford to pay for the house. Bear in mind that if you can’t afford to make the changes right away you will have to live with them for some time – will this be practical?

What Will Your Life Be Like in 5 Years?

When you’re buying a house you need to consider what your life is going to be like in the future. It might be convenient to live in a city centre apartment now, but if you’re imminently planning to have kids you’re going to grow out it pretty quickly. Not only is moving again in a hurry a massive hassle, but it won’t make financial sense if you haven’t had time to add value or pay off much of the mortgage.

The five year rule is a good ballpark guideline – this basically stipulates that if you don’t want to take a hit financially you need to live in a house for around five years. Try sitting down with whoever you’re moving in with and brainstorming your future goals. This way you can establish a rough idea of how you want your life to look, and therefore the kind of house and area that will suit this vision.

Written by 

 

 

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

 

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10 REAL ESTATE MARKET TRENDS TO WATCH FOR IN 2014

10 REAL ESTATE MARKET TRENDS TO WATCH FOR IN 2014

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Photo Seattle, Washington

The US real estate market was the comeback kid in 2013. Low inventory, historically low interest rates, increasing home values, and consumer confidence spurred the housing recovery in 2013.

In 2014, the continued recovery is expected to be slow and steady. Robert Denk, the assistant VP for forecasting and analysis of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), states that we are “past the point where we are digging out of holes and repairing the carnage of the housing markets. It’s no longer about the boom and the bust. Now it’s about the underlying (state and regional) economies and how that is supporting the housing recovery.”

So what’s in store for 2014?

Here are 10 real estate market trends to watch for in 2014!

1) Home Prices Increase: Most markets are already seeing home prices normalize close to pre-recession prices. Moderate home price increases are expected in 2014 with increases averaging 3-5%.

2) Mortgage Rates Increase: NAR is forecasting 30-year fixed mortgage rates to hit 5.4% by the end of 2014. While rates are on the rise, homebuyers are more likely to secure a mortgage next year.

3) The “Renter Nation” Persists: The “renter nation” will continue its reign in 2014. Millennials will still struggle to become homeowners in 2014. Burdened with substantial student loan debts, this generation will continue to represent a large portion of the multifamily and single-family rental markets.

4) Millennial Move: Austin, Seattle, Portland, and the Twin Cities in Minneapolis are seeing all real estate sectors influenced by this generation.

5) Inventory Returns: More homes will be entering the market in 2014. Projected declines in negative equity rates and increasing home prices are freeing more homeowners to sell.

6) Distressed Property Sales Decline: NAR expects distressed property sales will fall to about 8% of the housing market by the end of 2014.

7) Sluggish Job Growth Continues: Cities with low unemployment rates will experience stronger housing recoveries than those areas still struggling with slow job growth.

8) “Smile Investing” Returns: Investors will begin in the Northeast, move south to Florida, Texas, and Arizona, then move back up to the Northwest. Expect more housing activity in these areas and less in the Midwest.

9) New Condo Development Put Off: The condo market hasn’t seen the same recovery as the single-family market. Investors are developing rental apartment buildings with the option to convert to condos depending on market conditions.

10) The Seller’s Market Rules: Sellers are in a prime position early 2014 before mortgage rates and home prices rise to their projected amounts by the end of the year.

Do you agree with these trends?

What do you expect to see in your local market?

For more real estate trends for 2014 click on the links below:

CBS News

Emerging Trends in Real Estate: Urban Land Institute 

First Option

MSN Real Estate

NABH

 

 

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

Boulder Neighborhood Guide: Hillcrest

 

Boulder Neighborhood Guide: Hillcrest

boulder neighborhood hillcrest

Sandwiched in between Whittier and Old North Boulder neighborhoods, Boulder’s exclusive Hillcrest neighborhood is perched high on a hill above Boulder’s floodplain. This translates to the centrally-located neighborhood being very small and exclusive. There are wide winding roads, homes featuring modern design, and expansive views that sweep from the foothills to the Flatirons. Anyone lucky enough to call this area of Boulder home can (literally) look down on the rest of Boulder.

History: This neighborhood was started in the beginning of the 1950’s, when Boulder’s population was booming and homes were expanding towards the north. Land on a hill can be difficult to divide but that did not stop the early developers from doing it. They measured out generous lots and the subdivision of Hillcrest/Panorama Heights was born.

Housing: In Boulder’s Hillcrest, renovation is the name of the game. It’s about buying the midcentury ranch houses and then tearing them down or remodeling them. Many of the lots are larger than the average Boulder home which means that many of the house prices are higher than average Boulder home. You definitely pay for the seclusion and gorgeous panoramas. Houses in Hillcrest start in the $500,000 range and it’s easy to spend a million or more for the opportunity to live in this neighborhood. There’s no need to panic about earning money; you can simply enjoy the option of betting on 카지노 to potentially increase your earnings. However, it’s important to gamble responsibly and within your means.

newlands ideal market shopping center

Restaurants and Shopping: Hillcrest is a small and mostly residential neighborhood. Fortunately, the midtown location means that Pearl Street anddowntown Boulder are just a short bike ride down the hill. This neighborhood is also only a few blocks away from Ideal Market and the various shops there (Breadworks, Marie’s Restaurant,Boulder Wine Merchant and Pharmaca, among others) provide many different options for shopping or dining. Additionally, RTD bus routes service the neighborhood frequently via Folsom street and connect you with wherever you want to go in town.

Family and Fitness: The neighborhood elementary and middle school are inwalking distance and there are obvious signs of family life all over Hillcrest. While there aren’t any parks proper in this neighborhood, Casey Middle School is right down the hill with soccer fields aplenty for outdoor recreation. There are also two different parks, Columbine and Salberg, that are within a four-block walking radius of the neighborhood.

Schools: Columbine Elementary, Casey Middle, Boulder High

Quirks: This Boulder neighborhood was featured in the New York Times as an example of what $1.3 million can buy you in the Boulder real estate market. If that’s not affirmation enough for Hillcrest, I don’t know what is.

Find homes in this area for sale here: North Boulder Homes For Sale

 

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

D.R. Horton home sales rise in October as mortgage rates ease

D.R. Horton home sales rise in October as mortgage rates ease

BY SAGARIKA JAISINGHANI

 

The sign for a development built by D.R. Horton is seen in Arvada, Colorado November 19, 2009. REUTERS/Rick Wilking

(Reuters) – D.R. Horton Inc (DHI.N) said home sales picked up in October as mortgage rates eased from two-year highs and the effects of policy paralysis in Washington faded.

Shares of the largest U.S. homebuilder, which also reported a better-than-expected 40 percent jump in quarterly revenue, rose 2 percent before the bell.

“Since D.R. Horton … did not cut prices or raise consumer incentives to drive volumes, we view today’s beat as enough of a catalyst to continue buying the shares,” Sterne Agee & Leach analyst Jay McCanless wrote in a note to clients.

Orders booked by homebuilders slowed this year – the second full year of the U.S. housing market recovery – as mortgage rates hit a two-year high in July and the Federal Reserve started talking about easing the stimulus launched during the financial crisis.

However, industry experts expect demand to recover once buyers adjust to the elevated mortgage rates.

While interest rates in October remained above those a year earlier, they were down from the high of 4.8 percent touched in September.

“The interest rate headwinds obviously are having some short term impact, but we remain convinced it is more of a pause and not a structural change in the strength of the underlying fundamentals of housing demand,” Williams Financial Group analyst David Williams said.

D.R. Horton, which reported a 2 percent fall in orders for the fourth quarter ended September 30, said sales in October rose from a year earlier.

PulteGroup Inc (PHM.N), the second-largest U.S. builder, reported a 17 percent fall in quarterly orders last month but said it expected the fall in demand to be “short-lived”.

Orders are a key indicator of the performance of builders as their revenue is recognized only after a house is handed over to the buyer.

D.R. Horton, faced with a shortage of developed land, is also building fewer homes and raising prices. The company said on Tuesday that the value of its orders rose 14 percent to $1.43 billion in the latest quarter.

Net income jumped 39 percent to $139.5 million, or 40 cents per share, from $100.1 million, or 30 cents per share, a year earlier.

Homebuilding revenue rose 40 percent to $1.80 billion.

Analysts on average had expected earnings of 40 cents per share on revenue of $1.78 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

D.R. Horton shares were up at $18.50 before the bell. They had dropped by about a third to Monday’s close since interest rates started rising in May.

(Reporting by Sagarika Jaisinghani and Mridhula Raghavan in Bangalore; Editing by Kirti Pandey)

 

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

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How to Save Money at the Farmers Market

How to Save Money at the Farmers Market
Follow these seven tips to cut the cost of buying fresh
produce and other farm goods.


By Cameron Huddleston, Kiplinger.com

How to Save Money at the Farmers Market -   Follow these seven tips to cut the cost of buying freshproduce and other farm goods. By Cameron Huddleston, Kiplinger.com

Shopping at the Boulder farmers market can be a great way to get locally grown fresh produce and other farm goods such as meat, cheese and honey. You already know this if you shop at one in your community. But if you’ve shied away from this sort of market because you think it’s too pricey, perhaps you should reconsider. If you know how to shop at a farmers market, you probably won’t spend any more than you would at the supermarket. In fact, you might even spend less. These tips can help.

Comparison shop. Prices can vary greatly from market to market and from farmer to farmer. For example, I found on a recent trip to the farmers market that the price of a pint of blackberries ranged from $3.50 to $5. So spend some time checking prices from several sellers before buying anything. Also, markets in many communities accept vouchers and EBT cards from government nutrition assistance programs. So if you participate in one of these programs, look for markets in your community that accept this form of payment.

Get to know farmers. Developing a relationship with the person from whom you buy foodcan pay off, says Michelle Howell, who owns Need More Acres Farm in Kentucky along with her husband, Nathan, and sells produce at a community farmers market. She says that farmers may throw in extra produce for free if you buy multiple items from them or set aside things they know you like.

Buy at the peak of the season. You likely know that you can save money at the grocery by buying fruits and vegetables when they’re in season. The same holds true for the farmers market. You’re probably thinking that if a fruit or vegetable is at the market, it is in season. That’s true, but prices vary throughout the season. At the peak of a growing season, when there’s an abundance, prices will be lower (sometimes substantially lower) than at the beginning and end of the season, when there are fewer of an item.

Buy in bulk. Howell says that farmers often sell items in bulk at peak season. You just might have to ask ahead because they don’t always bring big boxes for bulk purchases to the market. When you buy in bulk, not only do you get the best price of the season but sometimes you get a discount for your large purchase. You can either juice, freeze or can fruits and vegetables so they don’t go bad, or divvy up the bounty with friends. Safely freeze ground meat for 3 to 4 months, steaks for 6 to 12 months and poultry for 9 months, according to Foodsafety.gov. Eggs last 3 to 5 weeks in the refrigerator.

Buy at the end of the market. You’ve probably heard that farmers lower their prices at the end of the day so nothing goes unsold. But Howell says that this really depends on the farmer. Some sell their produce to other outlets, such as restaurants. This is another reason why it’s important to befriend farmers so you know which ones are more likely to offer a discount at the end of the day — or on a rainy day when there aren’t many shoppers.

Join a CSA. A CSA, short for Community Supported Agriculture, is another way to buy food directly from a farmer. When you join, you share in the bounty and risk of the farm, says Howell, who operates a CSA. You pay a set amount to receive a weekly assortment of farm products. Exactly what and how much depends on the time of year and the success of the farmer. Some weeks you’ll receive more than you are paying for if the farmer has an abundance. Other weeks you may receive less if the crop is limited by weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Buy less at the grocery store. If you’re shopping at the farmers market, your list of grocery items should dwindle. That is, make sure you cross everything off your regular grocery list that you’ve bought at the farmers market so you don’t waste money buying what you already have. You might find that you need to buy very little at the grocery store if you make meals entirely with purchases from the farmers market.

Reprinted with permission. All Contents ©2013 The Kiplinger Washington Editors.Kiplinger.com.

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

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Fee for Disposable Grocery Bags Takes Effect in Boulder Today

Fee for Disposable Grocery Bags Takes Effect in Boulder Today

boulder shopping bag fee

Heads up, Boulderites — today’s the day to grab that pile ofreusable grocery bags piling up on top of your fridge and move them to your car. Why? Because effective today, grocery stores in Boulder will be charging you 10 cents for every disposable grocery bag in the checkout lanes.

Now, before you get all in a huff that you’re actually going to have to pay for the bags you scoop the litter box and dog poo into, Boulder’s got your back. The City will be doing giveaways throughout the summer at various shopping locations (details below), offering up free reusable shopping bags to the Boulder public. The ones featured in the video below are pretty sweet — I’m personally a fan of the canvas ones over the funky fabric ones.

If you want to score one of those free shopping bags, today just happens to be the day! Here’s a list of times and locations where you can build your ownreusable shopping bag stash all around the Boulder area (information courtesy of the City of Boulder):

  • 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: All Boulder Safeway & King Soopers locations
  • 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.: Alfalfa’s Market, 1651 Broadway (Alfalfa’s resuable bags will be distributed during this time)
  • 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: All Boulder Safeway & King Soopers locations
  • 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Ideal Market, 1275 Alpine Ave.
  • 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Alfalfa’s Market, 1651 Broadway

For more information on the fee for disposable bags going into effect today, check out this handy page from the City of Boulder (www.broughtitboulder.com). Happy shopping!

 

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John Marcotte

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Boulder’s Dakota Ridge

Boulder’s Dakota Ridge

North Boulder’s Dakota Ridge’s strong sense of community, energy efficient homes, and nearby hiking make it a popular location for families.’

Boulder mountain living at its finest, Dakota Ridge is a community that offers a great deal of fun, excitement, relaxation, and exploration opportunities. It’s easy to say that a town has a little something for everyone but with Dakota Ridge, that statement has never been more true.

Dakota Ridge Neighborhood Overview

Located at the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, Dakota Ridge is close enough to the large city to offer plenty of cultural events and cuisine options, but it’s far enough away that you won’t feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle. Nestled in the foothills with access to hiking and biking trails, there is a strong sense of community within this subdivision.

With plenty of playgrounds, foot trails, and well-reviewed schools, Dakota Ridge is a great place to raise a family.

Dakota Ridge has a great variety of homes for sale and rent. You can find condos, apartment, townhouses, small family houses, and even million-dollar mansions in this neighborhood.

Compiled from last quarter’s statistics, the median sale price of a house in Dakota Ridge was $650,000, though there are certainly homes to be found in a lower price range.

The average listing price of a new house in Dakota Ridge is currently around $603,000, but that price has been dropping weekly. If this trend continues, you can look to buy a new home in Dakota Ridge for an excellent price over the next year or two.

Dakota Ridge is a community with something for everyone–and everyone’s budget–that offers plenty of opportunity for fun, calm, relaxation, and adventure.

Courtesy of denverandboulderrealestate.com

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

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Boulder Neighborhoods

Boulder Neighborhoods

Some Boulder Neighborhood Highlights:
Mapleton Hill – Arguably Boulder’s most prestigious neighborhood, close to open space and the Pearl Street Mall downtown.

Newlands – Arguably Boulder’s hottest neighborhood with new custom homes and North Boulder Park.

Dakota Ridge– New homes on the northwest side of Boulder, just steps from open space and NoBo.

University Hill– “The Hill” is home to the University of Colorado, the Sommer-Bausch Observatory and Fox Theater.


Table Mesa– Nestled in the foothills to the west, Table Mesa is home to the National Center for Atmospheric Research’s hilltop laboratory in the famous I.M. Pei building along with acres of nature trails.


Martin Acres- Boulder home shopping for the price-conscious is a little easier in Martin Acres. Buyers looking for nice 3 bedroom 2 bath homes and tri-levels will find them here at a median price in the mid $300s.


Four Mile Creek– A typical home in this family-friendly subdivision at the northeast edge of town usually offers over 3,000 square feet of newer construction, and is perfect for commuters who use the Foothills Freeway/Diagonal Highway.


Chautauqua Heights– Still popular with artisans, culture buffs and intellectuals, home buyers will find a charming mix of old and new homes flanked by Boulder’s world-famous flatirons.


Holiday– Urbanites, entrepreneurs and the community-minded find the Holiday neighborhood an ideal place to live, work, play, and learn in Boulder. With its seamless mix of neighborhood businesses, public parks and private front porches, it’s a neighborhood with all of its goodies well appointed and always within reach.


Boulder Heights– Mountain living just minutes from town, anyone? Boulder Heights is the place for those who want the best of both worlds. Here you’ll find mountain homes sitting on one or several acres of land at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 feet.

Courtesy of 8Z

 

John Marcotte

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