Jude's Real Estate Rumblings

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Transform Your Business with 2009 New Year’s ReVolutions

Transform Your Business with 2009 New Year’s ReVolutions, an article from RISMedia.com, explains the difference between a resolution and a reVolution.  A resolution is a solution, accommodation or settling of a problem.  A reVolution is a drastic and far reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving.  For inspiration, consider the following:  Goals are dreams with a deadline.  Combining positive attitude with positive actions produces positive results.  Follow your passion.  Focus on your strengths.  Get organized.  Re-analyze your "to-do list."  Compartmentalize your priorities.  Look at everything in a new way.  Surround yourself with positive people.  And finally reinvent yourself.  Change is cathartic and energizing.
http://rismedia.com/wp/2008-12-28/transform-your-business-with-2009-new-years-revolutions/

www.judesandvall.com
0 comments • Jude Sandvall, ABR, CNE, SFR 720-255-1021 • January 07 2009 03:28PM

Colorado to get $34M for blighted properties

Colorado to get $34M for blighted properties, an article from The Denver Business Journal, reports that HUD has approved Colorado's request for $34 million.  The funds will be used to help communities suffering from especially high foreclosure rates.  "These funds will help Colorado communities recover from the effects of foreclosure and declining property values," stated John Carson, HUD regional director in Denver.  The funds will be used to purchase and upgrade distressed multifamily properties and single-family homes; demolish blighted properties; counsel new homebuyers; cover administrative costs; and help buyers rehab homes.  Additional funds have been requested by: Denver ($6 million), Adams County ($4.6 million), Aurora ($4.5 million) and Colorado Springs ($3.9 million).
http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2008/12/29/daily7.html

www.judesandvall.com
0 comments • Jude Sandvall, ABR, CNE, SFR 720-255-1021 • January 07 2009 03:28PM

What's In, What's Out with Home Buyers in 2009?

What's In, What's Out with Home Buyers in 2009?, an article from Realty Times, examines expected trends for 2009.  Sidelined home buyers will finally get off the fence and purchase a new home that better suits their needs.  Collaborative home pricing will be necessary, with the mortgage lender and their appraiser getting the final say.  Reporting by real estate and personal finance journalists will become more balanced.  Creative home seller financing will become more popular (e.g., installment sale contracts and lease to own).  Real estate agents will act more as a housing resource than a salesperson.  Buyers will be looking for master bedrooms with a luxury-hotel feel.  What's out?  Fix-upper homes will slide in popularity.  Home buyers will tire of endlessly circling prospective short-list properties, realizing that waiting for further price reductions can backfire.  Home staging will also fade in popularity. 
http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20081231_inout.htm

www.judesandvall.com
0 comments • Jude Sandvall, ABR, CNE, SFR 720-255-1021 • January 07 2009 03:26PM

SolarTAC raises our hopes

SolarTAC raises our hopes, an article from The Denver Post, reports that the new energy economy championed by Gov. Bill Ritter has attracted renewable energy companies, along with new jobs, to Colorado.  Vestas, an international company is bringing 2,500 jobs to Windsor, Brighton and Pueblo, where it will manufacture towers, blades and controls for utility-scale turbines.  Also, the 74-acre Solar Technology Acceleration Center (SolarTAC) is expected to open early in the new year. 
http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_11347150

www.judesandvall.com
0 comments • Jude Sandvall, ABR, CNE, SFR 720-255-1021 • January 07 2009 03:25PM

Federal Reserve Drives Rates Even Lower

Federal Reserve Drives Rates Even Lower, an article from Realtor Magazine Online, reports that the Federal Reserve has announced a plan to spend a half-trillion dollars buying up mortgage-backed securities.  While the Fed's action has already driven down interest rates on new mortgages, rates are expected to fall even further.  "The program stands to drive mortgage rates even lower, possibly to 4.5%," stated Derek Chan and Nicholas Strand, strategists at Barclays Capital in a note.
http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2009010504

www.judesandvall.com
0 comments • Jude Sandvall, ABR, CNE, SFR 720-255-1021 • January 07 2009 03:24PM

Picking the next "hot" neighborhood

Picking the next "hot" neighborhood, an article from The Denver Post examines the signs of a hot neighborhood.  You'll notice the emergence of trendy new restaurants, salons and eclectic shops.  The trick is identifying an up-and-coming neighborhood before everyone else does.  If the neighborhoods on either side have already gentrified, it's a good indication.  New projects and renovations are also good indicators.  Walkability is critical.  "Look for neighborhoods that are close to other really great places with amenities and have some room for properties to be improved," said Gretchen Faber, broker manager of the Kentwood Co. in Cherry Creek.  "Baker is a neighborhood that I love, and it's always been sort of a hidden gem.  Jefferson Park is going to be a great neighborhood with the proximity to downtown and the Highlands."
http://www.denverpost.com/economy/ci_11381629

www.judesandvall.com
0 comments • Jude Sandvall, ABR, CNE, SFR 720-255-1021 • January 07 2009 03:23PM

Mortgages: What you need to know in 2009

Mortgages: What you need to know in 2009, an article from MSNBC, reports that now is the time to get a great deal on a 30-year, fixed-rate, conforming loan, if you have a good FICO score, a manageable debt burden and proof of reliable income.  Lenders are all over the map in terms of how much risk they are willing to take on - therefore it's prudent to shop around.  Today, fixed-rate loans are unquestionable the way to go.  Buyers should check their finances.  A FICO score of at least 720 is need to get the best rates.  However, for a big enough fee, Fannie and Freddie will guarantee loans with FICO scores as low as the mid-600s.  A 20% down payment may also be needed.  Debt-to-income ratios also need to be considered.  Before making an offer, a buyer should get pre-qualified for a loan.  This will likely get them a better deal, as sellers will know that deal can get done quickly. 
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28471137/

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www.judesandvallloans.com
0 comments • Jude Sandvall, ABR, CNE, SFR 720-255-1021 • January 07 2009 03:19PM