Where do I start looking for a Realtor and how do I choose one? Don't let these questions stop you from following your dreams of buying or selling a home. Yes, there are many, many agents to choose from and it can be tricky to know what to look for. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1.)   Ask friends and family who they would recommend.

2.)   Write down your goals for your real estate transaction - price, area, time-frame, amenities, etc.

3.)   Call the recommended agent to introduce yourself and discuss your needs.
          If the agent answers right away or returns your call promptly, you're off to a good start.
          Talk about your needs and see how the agent responds.

4.)   Set up an initial meeting to discuss your needs and desires in person. This is a great opportunity
          to ask the agent how they do business and other questions pertaining to the transaction process.

5.)  If you feel comfortable, then go out to look at houses or list your house, if not, call
          some different agents.

Using a professional in the real estate field is highly recommended. It's easy to find a house with all the wonderful Internet and digital information, but there are more factors involved in a real estate transaction which are best handled by an experienced professional. Correct contract writing, due diligence, negotiation, financial considerations, title insurance, settlement statements and other factors all come together to make a successful transaction.

Another way to find a good Realtor is to use a professional referral service. The service can be a no-cost, no-obligation way to help match you with an agent who will best suit your personality and who specializes in the areas you need. For referral help, please call me - Chrissy Harrison. I am a licensed agent who specializes in agent referrals. I have the experience and referral network to assist you in finding the best agent for your needs. I have a nationwide database and will help you not only find the best agent, but other services such as mortgage brokers, movers, contractors, and other professionals as well.

However you choose a Realtor, make sure it's the best fit for you and your needs and congratulations on moving forward with your real estate transaction!

To contact Chrissy, the Real Estate Matchmaker, please call (720) 205-7546 or email RealEstateMatchmaker@comcast.net

Always use a broker you know and trust. According to Renee McGaw of the Denver Business Journal, as of today, the Colorado Division of Real Estate has deactivated "4,560 mortgage broker licenses." Back in 2008, the state instituted licensing of mortgage brokers and all of the state's brokers were given licenses with the understanding that within 1 year, they would complete the state's mandatory licensing tasks of continuing education, a licensing test and a criminal background check. Many brokers rose to the challenge and fulfilled the requirements by the January 1, 2009 deadline. According to McGaw, the state extended the deadline and gave numerous warnings of the looming new deadline, but as of August 31st, those who had not completed the requirements had their licenses deactivated.

Erin Toll, Director of CODORA said in the article (Denver Business Journal, 2009), "We are left with less than half the number we had Friday."  That number is down to 4,252, licensed brokers.

Why so many dropped? It could be simply a matter of attrition - with the changing lending regulations, credit freezes and harsh economic times, many brokers could have left the game and therefore not completed the licensing requirements. Hopefully, those out there still in operation are licensed, but that may not be the case.

 What does this mean for consumers? Theory would suggest that those brokers operating in CO are licensed and have fulfilled the state requirements. Reality might suggest otherwise. Consumers should double-check with their mortgage broker to make sure he or she is actually licensed. One way to veritfy is to visit the state's online database to search for licensed mortgage brokers, real estate brokers and appraisers: Search Here

Real estate agents - it may be time to check the database yourself to see if your mortgage broker made the cut - always work with a licensed, trusted broker.

To read the full article, please visit the Denver Business Journal Online (click the link or visit www.bizjournals.com/denver). Thanks to Renee McGaw for reporting on this important information.

Hot Air Balloon Festival over the Rocky Mountains - Erie, Colorado - Summer 2009

Image Copyright 2009, Chrissy Harrison

Real Estate 'Matchmaker' you ask? Yes, I say! Where do you start to look for a good real estate agent when you don't know one personally? I invite you to start here.

The real estate "matchmaker" is what I've been called!

I can help you find the best real estate agent to assist with all your real estate needs. Let me be the first person you contact so we can talk about the area you are interested in, your family and career goals as well as what type of home you like and I can help match you with an agent who specializes in the area to fit your needs.

As a fully licensed agent in Colorado, I have worked actively in the business. I've worked with many agents during my time as a Relocation Director for a local firm as well as through transactions with my own customers. I will make a match based on your personality and the agent's personality so you can feel comfortable throughout the buying and selling process. I will also match you based on the geographic location in which you desire with an agent who specializes in that area.

Not only can I help make that perfect match with an agent,but I can match you with mortgage professionals, movers, contractors, and other resources in the area!

Becoming a homeowner is a great accomplishment and let's admit it, can be scary at times. I'm here to help you find that perfect match in an agent who will help you every step of the way. I want you to feel confident, secure and happy with your investment and your agent!

Call me - let's talk! (720) 205-7546

My background is in Real Estate, Music Education (Kindermusik) and Construction (owner, Harrison Fence & Deck).

I'm a Boulder, CO native and love living here - in fact, there's nowhere else I'd like to be!

I've got an extensive network of all types of professionals in the Boulder County area as well as all over this great state of Colorado and I can pull from that pool to make a great match for you!

I'm a mother of two, and I love to get out into the great outdoors with my husband, my kids and my dog. We enjoy golfing, camping, swimming and spending time with our extended family who still reside in the area.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to helping you make your real estate match!

If you or someone you know are having trouble making house payments, or are facing a foreclosure situation, HELP is available. The Colorado Foreclosure Hotline can be reached at 1-877-601-HOPE (4673).

This is a FREE counseling line provided by the State of Colorado's Foreclosure Prevention Taskforce to help residents who are in need. A highly trained team of counselors is available to offer guidance and help.

If you are not late on your payments, but feel you may be in the near future, this is a good place to start to seek acvice on how to handle the situation.

If you are behind on your payments and are not sure what to do, call the hotline.

If you  have received a notice of foreclosure for your property, it might not be too late.

If you are having difficulty communicating with your mortgage company, the counselors can help.

Please contact the counselors at the Colorado Foreclosure Hotline. The counselors will give guidance and in some cases, work with the mortgage companies to come to a resolution so you can keep your home.

                           COLORADO FORECLOSURE HOTLINE                1-877-601-HOPE

Good News for City of Longmont Residents.

The City Council of Longmont has extended an invitation to the public for an open forum session with the council.

This will give residents the opportunity to have their voices heard regarding issues, concerns and questions about the community.

While every city council meeting has a public comments section, there is often not enough time to hear all concerns. By opening the entire meeting to public comments, the residents of Longmont will have ample time to be heard and responded to.

The council will host a reception beginning at 6pm on Tuesday January 15th, 2008 in the City Council chambers at 350 Kimbark St. 

Refreshments will be provided. 

According to the city website, "This is an opportunity for Longmont residents to engage in a positive, informal dialogue with members of the City Council about any current issues or future opportunities they see for Longmont." (City of Longmont, 1/8/08)

Visit the City of Longmont Website for more information. Click HERE to go to the webpage.

Dont' miss this great opportunity to meet with your elected officials.

Greetings and Happy New Year!                                                         

I hope you enjoyed a restful and joyful holiday season. 2008 is shaping up to be a great year. Inevitably over the past year you have heard the media's negative portrayal of the housing market. The truth is, the market has always experienced highs and lows and we have been in a period of market correction in Boulder County.

Over the past few years we have experienced the lows of a typical 7-year market cycle. We are at the end of the 7 year cycle and we are excited about the prospects of an improving market in 2008. What does that mean for you? It's a great time to think about investing in the real estate market while inventory is high and interest rates and sales prices are low.

As a quick example, there are currently 52 homes with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 2 car garages for sale in the City of Longmont under $200,000. If you've ever thought of investing in an income property, now is the time to do it. The rental market is strong with properties typically renting within 1-2 weeks of listing. Current rental rates on a single-family home in Longmont are averaging $1,250.00/month.

With mortgage rates currently below 6% (as of 1/9/08), there are many financing options available to investors which do not require a large down payment.

I am excited about the investment market. I would like to share my ideas about this opportune time in the Boulder County real estate market with you. If this is not the time for you, please think of who you know that would benefit from this amazing time in the market as I would be happy to compensate you for the referral.  I look forward to hearing from you so we can speak further about these exciting opportunities.

With best wishes for a prosperous 2008,

Christiane "Chrissy" Harrison
ERA Tradewind Real Estate
601 S. Bowen St.                 4999 Pearl East Circle Suite 101
Longmont, CO 80501          Boulder, CO 80303
(303) 684-7734