Pretend you have been driving on the Interstate at 100 miles per hour. 

Also, pretend you have been doing that for a long time.

Now pretend you slow down to 83 miles per hour.

How would that feel?

It would probably feel slow, right?

83 miles per hour is a 17% decrease from 100. It may feel slow, but it’s still pretty fast.

How does this relate to real estate?

Well, the market has been moving fast for a long time.

It’s been going 100 miles per hour for at least two years (some would argue even longer).

We’ve recently seen a 17% change in terms of number of transactions that are occurring.

There were 17% fewer sales in October 2018 versus October 2017 in Metro Denver.

It feels slow because we’ve been driving so fast for so long. But, our market is still moving.

For example, prices are still up. So, remember, that it’s all relative.

Here’s some good news for buyers who have been waiting for more selection…

No need to wait any more because the numbers show that more new listings are hitting the market compared to the recent past.

In Metro Denver, the number of homes for sale is up 14.42% compared to last year. 

That equates to 800 more homes to choose from.

Start spreading the news!

In times of change (like now), it’s valuable to look at the fundamentals of our market.

Let’s have some fun with fundamentals…

1.  Our economy is healthy – since 1990, the unemployment rate in Colorado has never been higher than the U.S. unemployment rate.  Ever.  Unemployment in Colorado sits at 2.7% today while the rate across the U.S. is 4.0%.

2.  People keep moving here – since 2005 our population has grown by just over a million people which is roughly 77,000 per year (about the size of Mile High Stadium).

3.  Our real estate outperforms other places – according the Federal Housing Finance Authority, Colorado is the #1 state for home price appreciation since 1990.

One of the most common questions we hear from clients is “Where do you think interest rates are going?”

Virtually all of the experts we follow put rates above 5% going into next year and some see rates approaching 5.5% by the middle of 2019. What’s certain is that there are economic forces at work that are pushing rates higher.

So, how about a little history lesson? How do today’s 30- year mortgage rates compare to this same date in history going all the way back to 1990?

• Today = 4.85%
• 2017 = 3.94%
• 2015 = 3.82%
• 2010 = 4.27%
• 2005 = 5.98%
• 2000 = 7.84%
• 1995 = 7.75%
• 1990 = 10.22%

While today’s rates feel high only because they are higher than 2017, they are quite a bit lower than at many times in history.

This sweet bungalow at 420 Park Ave located in picturesque Eaton! Much updating has already been done, with fresh paint and newly refinished original hardwoods in living room and front bedroom. All new quality stainless appliances await a kitchen update which has already been started. Storage is abundant with vintage built-ins in the converted entry/office and cabinets in the mudroom and enclosed porch. Great landscaping with alley access, no HOA! Treasure the joy of old town living at an affordable price! Contact Casey Brown for more information or click below to view the photos and details, including price.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/87272051

This beautiful end unit condo at 3201 W County Road 54G is located in a quiet, scenic location, yet close to Old Town Fort Collins. Vaulted ceilings, and large deck overlooking green belt. Walking distance to Cache La Poudre schools, Laporte Pizza, Swing Station and bike trails. New flooring, washer/ dryer, light fixtures, updated bath. A 2 year high efficiency hot water and radiant floor heat means there is no furnace to maintain! Don’t miss this beautiful condominium in charming Laporte! Contact Julie Maxwell for more information or click below to view the photos and details, including price.

https://www.windermere.com/listing/CO/Laporte/3201-W-County-Road-54G-F-3-80535/85044394

Here’s how the largest Colorado cities rank on the most recent Federal Housing Finance Authority’s quarterly report.  They study the appreciation rate in 245 metropolitan areas all over the country.

City                        Rank                Appreciation

Boulder                        65th                   8.76%

Colorado Springs      15th                    11.54%

Denver                        30th                    10.16%

Fort Collins                85th                    7.51%

Grand Junction         58th                   9.01%

Greeley                        45th                    9.51%