February 2012

FHA will increase its annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) by 0.10 percent for loans under $625,500 and by 0.35 percent for loans above that amount.  Upfront premiums (UFMIP) will also increase by 0.75 percent

The UFMIP will be increased from 1 percent to 1.75 percent of the base loan amount.  This increase applies regardless of the amortization term or LTV ratio.  FHA will continue to permit financing of this charge into the mortgage.  This change is effective for case numbers assigned on or after April 1, 2012.
Solutions & Options

Mortgage Options for Colorado Home Buyers & Owners

USDA Mortgage Loans in Colorado is a great loan program, however the property must be located in an eligible area.  USDA offers 100% financing with a 2% upfront

What to Ask When Shopping for Homeowners Insurance

Being an informed consumer means not only reading your homeowners insurance policy closely, but also asking experts what constitutes the right type, and amount, of coverage you need for your home, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

A qualified insurance agent or insurance company representative can guide you in your choices. Here are six basic questions the I.I.I. advises everyone to ask before buying or renewing a homeowners insurance policy:

Your homeowners insurance policy should cover the cost of building a new home from scratch. Your insurance agent or insurance company representative will have knowledge of your neighborhood, and familiarity with the construction

Driving around town the other day, I heard a discussion on a radio show the intrigued me. They were having people call in discussing the many uses of dryer sheets. I always thought dryer sheets were just for the dryer but apparently not. I was able to remember 12 of the top ones, at least the ones that made an impression on me. Try some of these great ideas, you’ll be amazed!!

1. A sheet will repel mosquitoes on your patio. Hang a sheet when outdoors during the mosquito season. Even rubbing it on yourself can keep them away from you.

 

2. Eliminates static electricity from your television and computer screen. Fabric softener sheets are designed to help eliminate static cling, wipe your television and computer screen with a used sheet to keep

Rental homes can be the IDEAL investment in today's market because they offer a much higher rate of return than alternatives without the volatility of ups and downs in the stock market.

Aurora offers many condos and single family homes in the lower price range suitable for investors. Buy now and watch the equity grow as the market turns around.

The inventory in Aurora is limited  because so many investor have taken advantage of the prices.

IDEAL serves as an acronym to identify the advantages of rental properties:

• Income from the monthly rent contributes to paying the expenses and a return on the investment

• Depreciation is a non-cash deduction that contributes a tax shelter

• Equity grows monthly as the

This is a monthly market report for Arvada homes, a small town between Denver and Boulder.

Arvada's real estate market is not the same as Denver or Boulder, but is very similar to Westminster, Broomfield, Lakewood, and Golden. I hope that issuing these reports every month will help give you an idea of the real estate market, in case you want to buy a home or sell a home in one of the best places Denver to Boulder!

Click the underlined text to read the previous report for   Arvada homes December 2011

I've categorized my Arvada homes market reports by price range. You can see the categories below. Clicking on a category will take you to the respective report once it's complete.

I hope this will be helpful, and you will consider calling me -

Where exactly is Colorado's 'front range'? Is it the same as the 'foothills'?  'Western slope' seems pretty obvious, but where do the 'eastern plains' actually start?

I remember hearing all these terms when we first moved to Colorado. Then, when starting my gardening blog I was torn between using the term, 'high plains' (which seems to describe completely flat geography) or 'high country' (which seems to mean 'mountain') to describe the gardening style.

So you see - there's still some confusion after living here for 20 years! If you're new here I'd like you to know there is some overlap, but also some pretty basic definitions of which is which. The Denver to Boulder corridor, where I mostly work helping folks buy and sell houses, is one of those

Colorado FHA mortgage insurance will be increasing again shortly.  Obama’s new budget raises the annual mortgage insurance for all FHA borrowers by 10 basis points to 1.25%.  The increase in FHA mortgage insurance will increase Colorado mortgage payment by $200/year on a $200,000 mortgage.  The increase will only affect home owner’s refinancing to a new FHA mortgage or home buyer’s obtaining a new FHA mortgage. 

While the increase is not significant, FHA annual mortgage insurance in Colorado has already increased 60 basis points (70 basis points once these new mortgage insurance rates are in place) in the last two years.  The rise of FHA mortgage insurance has increased costs for Colorado borrower’s by $116/month or $1,400/year for a

. On the other hand, contribute something extra to your house payment on a regular basis and you'll essentially, earn at the mortgage interest rate which is certain to be more than you're earning in the bank.

Making additional principal contributions on your mortgage will save interest, retire debt and build equity. An extra $100 a month in the example shown will save thousands in interest and short the term of the mortgage as well.

This beautiful Lakewood home has it all. There are 4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms in this all brick ranch style home.

Lots of updating including a totally remodelled kitchen with Corian counter tops. This kitchen is huge and has been extended. You can play basketball in this kitchen. Exposed hardwood floors, new electrical panel, new sewer line, new roof and new 50 gal hot water heater.  All the major pricey items are on the new side so don’t worry about these things.

Exposed easy care hardwood floors, Trex front porch and deck. The full basement is finished and the 2 car garage is attached. Professional landscaping will make things easier when summer finally gets here.

Come see it you won’t be disappointed.