BlogBuyers & Sellers May 26, 2021

What is a Seller’s Market?

When the housing market favors sellers, a seller can expect ideal conditions for selling their home. However, that’s not to say that a seller’s market doesn’t come with its own unique set of challenges for parties on both sides of the transaction. That’s why it’s critical for buyers and sellers to work with an agent who not only understands their wants and needs but who can also help them navigate highly competitive market conditions.

What is a Seller’s Market?

A seller’s market occurs when demand exceeds supply. When inventory is limited, competition amongst buyers is fierce. Median sales prices increase, days on market decrease, and homes commonly receive multiple offers, often over their original asking price.

Selling in a Seller’s Market

Though demand is high in a seller’s market, staging and making any necessary repairs are still important steps to take before hitting the market. An agent can help a seller make important decisions about which repairs and updates help add value to the home.

When it comes to offers and negotiations in a seller’s market, sellers have the leverage. It’s common for homes to fetch more than their asking price with multiple offers on the table. Though prices are being driven up by demand, a seller may choose to list their home at or just below fair market value with the hopes of starting a bidding war. Because competition is so high, buyers may be willing to waive an inspection contingency to help make their offer stand out. Agents can help sellers decide whether they should conduct a pre-listing inspection, which sometimes helps the seller get more offers and command a higher price.

With multiple offers on the table, it may be tempting to simply choose the one with the highest figure; however, the best offer is also the one that removes risk and aligns with the seller’s goals. Whether that entails waived contingencies, a shorter closing window, or an all-cash offer, in a seller’s market, the seller has the power to choose. Sellers should fully review each offer with the help of their agent before proceeding.

Buying in a Seller’s Market

Buyers in a seller’s market must act fast. Due to the high level of competition, they must be prepared for a frustrating scenario where their offers may not win out. This emphasizes the importance of working with a buyer’s agent. In a seller’s market, it’s more likely that the buying process will include such factors as seller review dates and escalation clauses. A buyer’s agent will help navigate these challenges while working with their client to make their offer stand out. They will formulate a strategy, comparing their client’s wish list and budget against the limited number of homes available and proceeding accordingly. A buyer’s agent will also set the expectation that, due to the competitive nature of the market, finding the right home may take longer than expected.

In a seller’s market, the buyer is at a disadvantage when it comes to negotiations. The chance of getting a contingent offer is minimal and pushing for certain closing dates and specific repairs may do more harm than good to their offer. A cash offer has significant power in a seller’s market. If a buyer can make a cash-heavy or even all-cash offer, it is likely to stand out to the seller. It gives the buyer more buying power and greatly increases their chances of winning a bidding war.

For more information on the conditions of your local market, visit our website for Quarterly Real Estate Market Updates from our Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner. For assistance planning a home sale or purchase, connect with a Windermere Real Estate agent here: Connect With an Agent

BlogEvans Real EstateVirtual Tour May 22, 2021

North Point Ranch!

3009 Rock Point Dr, Evans is a three bed, two bath, ranch style home in North Point on a corner lot! As you enter the home, you are invited by updated neutral paint colors throughout, and an updated kitchen including new appliances, updated cabinets, flooring, and countertops. Enjoy the master suite complete with a full attached bathroom, and walk in closet! The basement has been framed and plumbed to include 2 additional bedrooms, 1 bathroom, extra laundry room, and a large living space!! Contact Brooke Kern at (970) 980-8349 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

https://windermerewindsor.com/listing/131606443

BlogSheridan Real EstateVirtual Tour May 21, 2021

Sheridan Charmer!

Ready to call this charming home at 4470 S Irving St yours? Among its many special features, this stylish home has elegant laminate hardwood floors throughout the main level as well as high efficiency windows. The kitchen remodel showcases clean lines with a gas range, modern backsplash and quartz countertops – and space for plenty of cooks. The 3 bedrooms are all on the main level for convenience and the full bath has also been completely updated. The basement features a new 3/4 bath and lots of space to finish to suit your style. The front yard is xeriscaped for low maintenance. Enjoy the fully fenced back yard with large patio that is perfect for entertaining guests. Check out the view of the city and elevated garden space. This gem is sure to check all the right boxes. For more information or to schedule your private showing, call Aaron Pearson at (970) 646-3035.

 

BlogFun FactsHome OwnerProperty Tax May 21, 2021

Tax Confusion

Did you know the value of your property according to the County Assessor is not the value of your property today?

Property owners up and down the Front Range recently received a postcard from their local County Assessor’s office with their new valuation.

Colorado properties are reappraised every two years on odd years.  The updated valuations determine how much property tax is paid.

Each County has their own unique processes and models for valuation, however…

All Counties must only consider comparable properties that sold between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2020.

The value on your postcard is what your County thinks your property was worth almost a year ago.

As you are likely aware, the market today is significantly different than it was 11 months ago.  It’s actually quite different than it was 11 weeks ago!

The postcards with the new valuations tend to prompt very reasonable questions like:

  • What do I do if I don’t agree with the Assessor?
  • What is my property really worth?

We are happy to help you with either of these questions.

Our team is well-versed in the tax protest process, can help you research comparable properties and can also show you what your home is worth today. Just reach out to us if we can help you. The deadline to protest your value is June 1st.

BlogVirtual TourWindsor Real Estate May 20, 2021

Move-In Ready Gem!

Welcome to your new home at 819 Cliffrose Way, Severance! This like new, beautiful property has main floor living, 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, granite counter tops, laundry on the main floor and an open concept. Large completed back yard with sprinkler system. 2018 received new flooring, roof and exterior paint. 2019 received a new furnace and hot water heater. 2020 received a new A/C and kitchen appliances. All you must do is in move in. This home is in a great community and will not last long. Showings start Thursday 5/20. Contact Suzanne Ekeler at (970) 590-4841 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

https://windermerewindsor.com/listing/132740642

BlogBuyers & SellersColorado HousingEconomyFort Collins Real EstateGreeley Real EstateLoveland Real EstateMarket NewsTimnath Real EstateWindsor Real Estate May 18, 2021

Want a house in Fort Collins? Grab $500,000, get in line and join the housing Hunger Games

“Buying a house in Fort Collins these days can feel like a combat sport. Maybe more like the

‘Hunger Games.’ Or Charlie Brown and the football — every time you get close to the ball,

Lucy whisks it away…”

 

Pat Ferrier at the Fort Collins Coloradoan breaks down the housing market in Northern Colorado with the help real estate professionals across the front range. Click the link below to read on!

 

Fort Collins real estate_ Average home price near $500K in market

BlogBuyers & SellersFun FactsHousing Trends May 14, 2021

5.5 Million Short

New home construction is behind by 5.5 million homes over the last 14 years.

Since 2007, new home starts have lagged significantly behind the long-term average.

The Census Bureau started tracking National new home starts in 1958.

Between 1958 and 2007, an average of 1,102,938 new homes were started each year.

Between 2007 and 2020 the average fell to 708,186 which represents a shortfall of 394,752 per year.

That adds up to a total shortfall of 5,526,525.

The under-supply of new homes is of course a significant reason why the market is under-supplied overall.

credit Inman News as the source of this story

BlogOrchard Real EstateVirtual Tour May 11, 2021

Single-Family Home in Orchard!

2581 Highway 144 is an available horse property in Orchard! Don’t miss this opportunity to own 1 acre horse property near Jackson Reservoir. This home features an open floor plan complete with a cozy fireplace in the living room, large kitchen island, updated appliances, 3 bedrooms 2 large bathrooms and many updates throughout. The 48×30 outbuilding has a ton of parking/storage space, but also an additional bedroom/man cave with heating and cooling! Contact Brooke Kern at (970)980-8349 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

https://windermerewindsor.com/listing/132194932

BlogColorado HousingHome ImprovementHome OwnerRental May 10, 2021

Renovating Your Short-Term Rental

Renovating your short-term rental property will not only keep it in peak condition but will also help it stand out to potential renters. Completing remodeling projects with the goal of increasing the return on your investment is a matter of identifying which renovations make sense for the home, putting together a plan, and taking steps to minimize the risk of the projects going over budget.

 

Start with Repairs

Because rental properties are by nature a source of income, it’s worth your while as the homeowner to reduce maintenance costs wherever possible. This can often mean spending money in the short term on repairs and replacements in order to save money down the road. Furthermore, by upgrading your appliances, fixing leaks, and updating any outdated features, you will provide the most accommodating environment for your renters. Making these improvements can also help set your rental apart from other properties, giving you a competitive advantage in the market. As you go about making repairs, don’t forget to check the working condition of all faucets, electrical outlets, and lights.

 

Renovating Your Rental

Understanding the scope of your renovations and the motivation behind them before you get started will help formulate your plan moving forward. Are you looking to upgrade the home to sell it in the future? Are you renovating to increase rent? Or are you simply looking to be more competitive in the local rental market? Knowing the answers to these questions won’t necessarily change your renovation plans, but it will provide guidance as you enter the remodeling phase. Consider talking to your Windermere agent about how different projects may affect the value of the property.

Even a small-scale renovation can make a big difference in the minds of renters. To create the best first impression from the get-go, consider boosting your home’s curb appeal. Projects like exterior painting, refinishing a deck, and power washing your siding and walkways will help provide an inviting outdoor setting for your renters.

When it comes to interior renovations, kitchens are a great place to start. Thankfully, kitchen makeovers can be simple. Identify the areas of your kitchen that need repair first, then expand your project list from there. Next, consider upgrading the bathroom. Begin by checking your pipes, drains, and p-traps for any signs of wear and tear. Simple things like painting the vanity and updating the bathroom hardware can also make a big impact.

Last but not least, if you decide to hire a professional to renovate your rental property, be sure to gather multiple bids and compare prices before making your final decision.

Learn more about the pros and cons of investing in vacation rentals here: Vacation Home or Income-Producing Investment. You can also read about vacation home renovations by season here: Renovating Your Vacation Home.

BlogBuyersFun FactsMarket News May 7, 2021

Drastically Different

Recently it seems there are many attempted comparisons being made between today’s real estate market and the 2006-2007 market.

It seems that people fear a repeat of what happened to the market in 2008 and 2009.

Buyers, understandably, want to make smart decisions and don’t want to buy in advance of any downturn.

The reality is this.  There are some similarities between now and the pre-bubble market of 15 years ago.  Namely, prices are appreciating quickly.

However, there is one massive difference.

The inventory of homes for sale right now is drastically different than 15 years ago.

The rules of economics tell us that, in order for prices to crash, demand needs to diminish, supply needs to swell, or some combination of the two.

Here’s the deal.  Supply today is a fraction of what is was 15 years ago.

Homes for sale today:

  • Larimer County = 238
  • Weld County = 226
  • Metro Denver = 2,594

Homes for sale 15 years ago:

  • Larimer County = 2,998
  • Weld County = 1,113
  • Metro Denver = 29,045

The reason why prices flattened and decreased slightly along the Front Range in 2009 is because the National economy had a meltdown and there was a glut of supply.

We do not have anything similar to those same dynamics today.

We are watching the market closely every single day.  While we don’t expect the current pace of appreciation to keep up, we believe inventory levels keep us insulated from any kind of crash.