Homes for Sale in Grand Junction and Mesa County

A Brokers Experience counts when buying or selling a home in Grand Junction Co.

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:24:11 -0800

A Brokers Experience counts when buying or selling a home in Grand Junction Co.

Knowledge of the market is the key for your buyers agent finding the right house for your needs. Experienced agents are out in the field, on the MLS, studying,visiting, searching and understanding the workings of the market.

This helps you the buyer see homes already previewd with your needs in mind. We will show you only homes in your price range, homes that meet your needs, we will help you grasp the dynamics of the Grand Junction real estate market. All markets are local. Grand Junction's market is unique and we know it well.

How do we know our market so well? That is where experience comes in to play. Preview,study and intuition are our tools.. We speak with builders,loan,officers, go to zoning and planning meetings,understand taxing matters, attend real estate classes and are aware of any change in our market.

AskforElizabeth.com has up to date information on the Grand Junction real estate market. You can search by price range,categories or though the public MLS. Go online and become an informed buyer,when you see" that" perfect home you will be ready.

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

Christmas in Key West Fl it was 80

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 10:48:48 -0800

Christmas in Key West Fl it was 80

The only way you would know it is Christmas in the keys is that the houses are lit up like well....Christmas. Gaudy is good. The more lights the merrier. Fake snow and blow up Santa Claus' are everywhere. It is Christmas Dinner out side under the Banyan Trees beside the pool.

The white sand is all we have to remind us of snow. We all who live here in the winter are grateful for the perfect weather.

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

Now is the time to buy a home in Grand Junction

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 10:47:43 -0800

Now is the time to buy a home in Grand Junction

It is mistakenly perceived that The Holiday season is a bad time to look at and buy real estate. At this time of years homes look their best and people are happy and cheery.

The holidays present people in good moods. Good moods but people in negotiating mode.

Buy now and avoaid the June rush.

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

Merry Christmas from Grand Junction Colorado

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 10:41:45 -0800

Merry Christmas from Grand Junction Colorado

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.

The Christmas Spirit is alive and well in Palisade and Grand Junction.

The Holiday season is always welcome.

Even though Pilgrim's punished people for celebrating Christmas and the English Kings taxed presents we all rebelled and had a good time.

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

It was in the 50's in Grand Junction Colorado while it snowed in Denver

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 10:35:44 -0800

It was in the 50's in Grand Junction Colorado while it snow in Denver

The weather forecasters have been wrong for days now. I am glad! They said it was going to snow. We have not even had frost.our neighbors to the East and West have had it bad though. Davis County in Utah has been on the news roll showing over turned semi trucks. Denver got hit with lots of snow.

Yesterday when coming back from town (Grand Junction) my car thermometer read 56. I talked to a friend in Key West and it was in the 60's. Not that much of difference. She said she was having a cold spell.

We have been having lots of record highs. I am glad. I hate driving in the snow here. We hardly ever get snow. It freaks people out. I live in Breckenridge and it snowed more on 4th of July in there than here in the winter. Well maybe I exaggerate a bit.

The point is I am glad it is warm in Grand Junction and I am grateful we missed the bad weather.

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

Palisade Colorado Chocolate Walk

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 18:15:28 -0800

Today after eating a huge dinner on Thursday for Thanksgiving you can add another pound or two in Downtown Palisade. Every store has a chocolate treat and a check in Registry. Buy local and support your local economy. The Palisade Chocolate Walk is an annual event.

Cholcolate is always a good draw for most everybody. Hats off to Kathy at the Chamber of Commerce and her trust sidekick Melinda.

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

Black Friday in Grand Junction Colorado

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:24:18 -0800

Black Friday in Grand Junction Colorado

I love a bargain like everyone else but I wait for the prices to come down before I shop. I saw a great deal at Best Buy for a TV for $199.00. The sale was to start at midnight. I was going to friends for Thanksgiving so the chances of leaving their house close to midnight were good. I thought I can do that!. I took a drive to our Best Buy at around 5 to see what was happening. There were at least 100 people at 5 waiting for the store to open. I decided that saving a little money was not worth the hasstle. An article in this morning’s paper stated that a mathematician determined that the best bargains were in the early part of December or after Christmas. I can wait at home where it is warm.

Those people are nuts who wait out in the cold. They can get a better bargain with out the camping. I was in retail 20 years I know what Black Friday is about. Getting back in the black financially. The loss leaders are what bring people into the stores. I manufactured my merchandise. I made a huge profit because I bought it from myself at a profit, and then sold to my customers at a profit. When I wanted to stimulate sales, I bought from myself an item for a dollar and sold it for two. I only had that one item on sale. When people came in, they found other things to buy. Large retailer’s markup a lot of merchandise during these events and then have these items go on sale the following week. It is all a big game. I do not play! The best shopper is an informed shopper. Research,find out where the real bargains are hiding. The latest Best Buy loss leader was a 40-inch TV that they had manufactured by Sharp for Best Buy’s Black Friday. Every store had ten. The TV was a real bargain. It had a cheap exterior but high quality Sharp components inside. My guess is that TV will be re-issued with a bigger but competitive price and a better exterior. I do look for bargains but I am not sitting outside all night waiting for the stores to open at midnight. -

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

Happy Thanksgiving from Grand Junction Colorado

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:19:32 -0800

Happy Thanksgiving from Grand Junction Colorado

Turkey Day is here.

I love this Holiday more than any other because it is all about being grateful. I am grateful for so many things this year. My 90 year old mother survived brain surgery and my baby sister scheduled for brain surgery was told in pre-op her tumor had disappeared.

I am grateful for my wonderful loyal clients, my neighbors, my family and my old and friends. I am also thankful for my success in selling homes in Grand Junction. When the market went down my goal was to have the best year ever. I worked hard but thankfully it paid off.

ActiveRain has been a great place for me to learn from others. The added bonus is that my writing skills have improved. I am thankful for that.

This year has been full of reasons to be thankful.

Quoting from a line in a Rollimg Stones song " Thank you Jesus.Thank you lord."

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

Grand Junction Homes for Sale:I sell homes by Advertising on the Internet

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:46:57 -0800

Grand Junction Homes for Sale:I sell homes by advertising on the Internet.

The Internet has become the premier spot to advertise listings. Statistics from NAR show most people look online first before calling a real estate agent. Buyers see hundreds of listing online before going inside a prospective home. Buyers we are told drive by first and then contact an agent.

I advertise all my listings on line. I am a member of 3 MLS boards. I enter my listings in all three boards. Every listing entered into a MLS is automatically posted to at least Realtor.com, Trulia and Zillow. Some MLS boards post to 7 or more listing aggregates. When I enter a listing I post to over 21 listing sites just by entering my properties on the MLS. I also have several websites. Each website has the capacity to syndicate listings. One of my websites syndicates to 12 listings spots, others over 7. I have 10 websites. I post my listings to all these websites. They all take those listings and send them out to at least 7 more listing hubs. That is conservatively 70 postings. Total 91 postings. All free (minus MLS Fees).

My paid advertising consists of Trulia,Zillow,Homegain, Google Ads,Yellow pages,Activerain and others. I rarely do print ads. My Internet campaigns have been successful is getting my listings sold and attracting buyers. My buyers data base has dramatically increased due to my consistent advertising my listings. I have also attracted sellers who see my listings online. My business has continued to grow, thanks to the information highway.

In 1970 I got my first real estate license in Florida and 1997 my license in Colorado. I wanted to create a business that accommodates my lifestyle. My home base is Key West, Florida, my second home is Palisade Colorado (15 minutes to Grand Junction). I love both places. I sell real estate in both places. I love travel and commuting. My business model could only be accommodated by technology and great backup staff. I love what I do! I love pushing the envelope and being on the cutting edge. But most of all I love helping my customers achieve their real estate and lifestyle goals.

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

Homes for Sale in Grand Junction Market picks dramatically.

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:09:14 -0800

Homes for Sale in Grand Junction Market picks dramatically. This is the time of year when things are supposed to slow down. It is the time of year to get ahead of Christmas and prepare for Thanksgiving. Not so this year. I have been busier this month than July and August. Other Realtors are experiencing the same movement. Is it because the interest rates are low, property prices are low and we are getting an influx of gas and oil jobs? What ever it is, I love it. I can eat out for Thanksgiving and give out checks for Christmas.

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

Real Estate in Grand Junction picks up momentum.

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:48:09 -0700

Article from our local Grand Junction newspaper the Daily Sentinel

Real estate sales pick up momentum

More sold, at higher prices, than same period last year

By Mike Wiggins
Friday, October 28, 2011

The Mesa County real estate market continued to show signs of stabilizing and improving in the third quarter, as the number of real estate sales surged over the same time past year while sales prices flattened following a steady decline the last two years.

There were 789 sales of all types of real estate in July, August and September, a 28 percent increase over the same three months in 2010, according to data from Real Data LLC, a Grand Junction company that tracks all real-estate transactions in the county. Residential sales, which accounted for 85 percent of the transactions, climbed 29 percent over the third quarter of last year. September marked the 10th consecutive month that sales were up year-over-year.

Industry observers say while foreclosures still are dragging down prices, a combination of a drop in foreclosure rates, a steady climb in sales and less available inventory offers reasons to believe the beleaguered market is turning around.

“Right now, we’re really cautiously optimistic with what happened in the third quarter, and hopefully we saw bottom as far as the median price,” said Adam Hochevar, vice president of Real Data. “We hope that sales uptick continues.”

The 29 percent boost in residential sales for the third quarter was the highest year-over-year since the recession hit the Grand Valley. As a result, active listings of single family homes dropped from 1,384 at the end of June to 1,116 at the end of September, according to Real Data.

“Eating away at that inventory is going to be really big. The lower the inventory, the higher the price will go,” Hochevar said.

Ron Sechrist, a real estate broker with Bray Real Estate, said new home sales are part of that sales increase, a reversal from the last few years when new home construction and sales screeched to a halt. He said he recently sold two new homes and knows of a developer who has sold all homes in a still-under-construction, 25-lot subdivision.

“There is some movement of new product,” he said.

Home-sales prices remain at their lowest levels in years. The median price of $154,250 in the third quarter fell 16 percent from $184,000 in the third quarter of last year. But it held steady compared to the median price of $154,900 in the previous quarter, according to Real Data.

“It’s been a downward spiral, really, for the last couple of years,” Hochevar said. “This was the first time in a while we’ve seen the median level. I’m hoping it’s the bottom. I don’t know if that’s the case or not. It’s way too early to tell.”

The latest news on foreclosures, which drag down sales prices, is mixed. Foreclosure filings inched up from 257 in the second quarter to 297 in the third quarter, although that’s far less than the 451 filings in the third quarter of last year. The 222 foreclosure sales, meanwhile, were off 19 percent from last quarter and the third quarter of 2010, according to Real Data.

The bump in foreclosure filings means the county could see an increase in sales at the beginning of next year. But Hochevar said it would take a lot for foreclosure rates to approach the levels they reached at the end of 2009 and throughout 2010.

For more information, visit http://www.realdatallc.com.

Wow did this article make my day. I have felt the momentum but it is nice to have my feelings confirmed. I have had lots of interest in real estate. Leads are good and sales have been steady. Hope this is here to stay. This is unusual for this time of year. We usually start slowing down not picking up.

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

Professional Baseball comes to Grand Junction Colorado

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 10:51:23 -0700

Grand Junction is a baseball town. We host JUCO the college world series. Supluzio Statium has been the venue for years. This year the statium is being renovated. The renovation will add a new pressbox and hospitility suites and add new seats. The $8.3 million is exspected to completed in May, in time for the Alpine Bank Junior College World Series.

Grand Junctions support of JUCO spurred the Munforts co owners of the Colorado Rockies to move their minor league team from Casper Wyoming to Grand Junction. There will be 30 games played at home. The schudule has been arrange to accomodate, local high school games, JUCO and CMU games. The stadium will hold 10,000 fans.

Having a professional team here will be a great addition to the town and the economy. The team's name changed from the Casper Ghoasts to the Grand Junction Rockies. The Rockies minor league system has produced many Colorado Rocky starters. The Pioneer League team was bought by the Monfort Investment Group, headed by Colorado Rockies general partners Charlie and Dick Monfort. They bought the team in January with intentions of bring the team to Grand Junction.

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

Key West Florida prepares for a big party Fantasy Fest

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:57:15 -0700

October 21 to 30 is when Key West Florida puts on or takes off party clothes! Fantasy Fest is not your kids Halloween Parade. Key West is at it's rowdiest. People dance in the streets and party hardy. This was not always the case. The end of October was a slow time for merchants. In 1978 I had a clothing store on Front St. across from the main Conch Train Station. Business was bad in September but by the time October rolled around merchants were broke and hungry. A bunch of us merchants got together and thought up this public relations event, a big costume party and parade. Money was collected for advertising and off we went. Fantasy Fest was a success from the inception.
We had "big" business behind us, Sloppy Joe's, Key West Aloe, Key West Hand Print, Fast Buck Freddie's and Onyin Skins. My store was Onyin Skins. All our staff dressed up in rented Disney Characters suits and pushed grocery baskets from Faustos Food Palace full of huge onions. The onions had srickers on them that said "Put an Onyin in your Life". We gave them out to the crowd (the crowd was different back then). They ate them up!

As the years went by Fantasy Fest became an adult event. It has grown from a small time event to an internationally famous party.

Fantasy Fest has become a way not only to promote tourism and support local business but also a way of supporting many charitable organizations. One close to me is the Key West Woman's Club "Bar" and paid seating on Duval Street (up front and center for viewing the Parade). As a club member I work my tail off serving drinks to the masses. It is fun but a lot of work. People watching is worth the hard work.

The parade is not just the floats is the people, (dressed or undressed as the case may be) in fantastic, gross,clever,beautiful, silly,and plain costumes. In other words it is people watching at its finest. I can not possibly describe this event. Event should be plural. There are many different types of events going on all week. Some of my favorite are the Pet Parade at the Casa Marina Hotel (pets and their owners are dressed up in some incredible costumes) and the Masquerade March. The Masquerade March is hosted by the some of the guest houses in old town. IT happens to come down my street and stop in front of my house in Old Town Key West. I watch from my balcony.

I can take credit for having the first air brush face painting booth. An employee Glenda's husband Ralph painted faces in front on Onyin Skins. Face and body painting has become an event The 11th annual living art airbrush expo). Some of the body painting is risque to say the least and has made the event adults only. A well it started out on the stoop of my store as extra money for Glenda and Ralph.

Enough reminising. 40 years of living and being in Key West I have seen a lot of changes. Most are good some are iffy.

Fantasy Fest is the best and worst of Key West, Florida, but It is MY KEY WEST and I have had a love affair with the town since I came to visit from Miami, Florida as a child. I can not imagine my life without the Key West infusion. Come join the madness, the perfect weather, the creative people, the wonderful restaurants, the Historic Architecture, my town Key West Florida.

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

People ask me how I do it! Sell Real Estate in Key West Florida and Grand Junction Colorado o

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 13:04:09 -0700

The real Estate business is fun for me. I made my business to suit me. I have always lived in Florida for 6 months and somewhere cool for 6 months. Somewhere "cool" is a double endendre (duel meaning). The two meanings are "cool" being temperature and the second being well "cool".

Thus a life style unique to most but common to a few. I love to work! I always have. Real Estate was the solution to the boredom of early retirement. I could work in Colorado and in Florida. Both places I love and know well.

The Internet and the mobile phone made my business life possible.

I have all my files in the cloud or or disk. My multiple MLS boards have all the properties for sale listed online. I know the areas in which I practice. My contacts are on line and divided into states. My websites are client focused and are informative. My clients are sent property listings as the come on the market. I have connecting phones. I have a well trained and valuable assistants.
I have credit card and mobile phone will travel!

To sum up: Technology, technology, technology.

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

Buyer frustrated over the mortgage process in Key West Florida.

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 17:39:45 -0700

Buyers are becoming frustrated with the mortgage process. Many buyers cannot get credit because of the tight credit market. Over 2 million people were turned down last year according to the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council.

The most common reasons for rejection are:

1. Bad Credit scores are now between 620 and 660. The bank usually says no to thee buyers automatically.

2. Not enough income. This is a no brainer and will never change.

3. Paperwork glitches. Missing forms, incomplete information on the application can slow or stop the process. 15% of of application are slowed down because the buyer did not complete the application correctly or provide proper documentation.

4. Homeowner Association issues.

5. Problems in the neighborhood. If the neighborhood is in decline. broken into distressed homes with major repairs needed are often a black mark on the appraisal.

6. Appraisals. If the home doe not appraise the banks won't lend.

7. Bank Conditions. Underwriters all want something different. Each bank has a different set of rules and documentation requirements.

8. Gaps in employment history can wreck havoc on a buyers chance of getting a mortgage. Overtime income must be consistent and documented. Even rental income is scrutinized.

9. Discrepancies in tile work, contracts or name inconsistencies. Paperwork

These are all obstacles that can be overcome in time. When getting ready to buy a house you must seer a lender as soon as possible. Going into see a lender prepared with 2 years of tax returns, 2 months of bank statements, 2 pay period pay-stubs and a willingness to get what is necessary for your lender.

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

Don't take glamor shots of your listings.

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:03:33 -0700

I read a featured post today showing some really bad pictures from their mls. It is true bad pictures can be a real turn off. The opposite can also be true. I have a knack for photography. I am not a professional but I have been published. I can make a shack look like a nice house. When digital cameras ame out I was in 7th heaven. I took great pictures of ugly properties. I found that I was not getting offers on thee properties. When asking for agent feedback I was told that the buyers were disappointed because the house did not look like the pictures. This was a revelation. I retook these glamor shots and made the pictures true to life. I took the bad parts from far away but included them so the buyers would not be disappointed. My listings started to sell and my feed back was normal.

When listing a home in Key West Florida, Grand Junction Co or anywhere it is important to make sure the pictures are representative of your home.

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

Key West Florida Real Estate is up!

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 14:22:39 -0700

Need proof that Fla. home sales are up?

WASHINGTON – Sept. 28, 2011 – The value of home sales in Florida has gone up. For proof, look no further than doc stamp taxes, which are paid on all home sales. According to U.S. Census Bureau reports, doc stamp revenue rose 9.8% in the second quarter of 2011 compared to the same quarter in 2010.

Other state taxes also rose, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Tuesday as part of a national study that showed continued revenue gains nationwide.

Florida sales tax collections climbed 5.4 percent; Florida corporate income tax collections rose 5.4 percent year to year for the quarter ending June 30.

Nationally, corporate income tax collections shot up 20.4 percent while sales tax increases increased by 4.7 percent. Income tax collections were 16.3 percent higher in the quarter compared to 2010.

Stagnant property values continued to take a toll, however. Nationally, local governments collected $85.9 billion of total property tax revenue, a decrease of 1.0 percent from the same quarter in 2010.

Source: News Service of Florida

The Florida Realtors are a very proactive association. I am please to be involved as a member. I can sell a house most anywhere in the state. Real estate in Florida and especially in Key West, Florida has been desirable because of the weather. Property prices fell because there are a lot of second homes in the Florida/ Key West Market. First to fall first to rise. The future looks bright for Florida. Time to start looking at the Key West, Florida Market again.

I know the Key West Market well. I have owned property in Key West, Florida since 1970. I bought in Key West when the market was low. Even with the dip in prices I have had huge appreciation. Come get you piece of the "rock"

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

Radon. Mill Tailings and Mitigation.

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:38:19 -0700

I had my first experience with radon levels over the normal limit. It was scary. The house was in Colorado where there are a few Uranium mines. Apparently in the time period from 1940 to 1980 uranium mill taiings were given away free to the public to use for back fill, cement making, gardening, sand boxes for children and whatever other uses people could think of to do with the sand.

In 1970 the EPA figured out that this was dangerous and started a program to remediate the area. A free government program allowed any homeowner to have an inspection to detect the presence of mill tailings. There were more than 100,000 notice sent to homeowners. 70,000 responded. The other 30,000 were not inspected. Any home or property that had dangerous levels of radiation was re-mediated. They dug out basements, scraped the soil from around homes, cleared lots and in general cleaned up all they could find. The other 30,000 homes are still out there radiating away. That is scary. The government program is no longer available. Home owners with radiation/mill tailings are on their own. A a Realtor our job is to protect the public from harm. In Colorado a mill tailing report is available from the county free of charge. The report is very detailed. Radiation levels are mapped out numerically. Each section of the property has a before and after report.

My buyers were given the mill tailing reports for the property along with the other standard disclosures. The report stated high levels around the garage and under the house. During inspection a radon detector was set. The radon report indicated radon levels of 14. The normal acceptable levels are 4.

My buyer cried. I wrote an inspection resolution amendment. Yesterday the county inspector came to inspect the ground. He was very informative. He explained that the radon produced Gamma Rays (very science fiction sounding) and these little guys are the dangerous parts that cause cancer. The ground the garage and the upstairs of the house were at acceptable levels. The pad on which the furnace sat was "hot". Remediation was a simple fix. Ventilate the air from the basement out side. It was not unreasonably expensive. All ended well.

The tailing reports I pull have thus far been negative but what about the 30,000 homes that were not inspected? My buyers will now be encouraged to have a radon test even if it is not "standard" in our area. I want my buyers protected.

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

Now is the time to buy in Florida and especially Key West and the Keys.

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:25:01 -0700

Yesterday I posted an email from the Florida Realtors. It took me a while to digest the good news. I have included it again. Florida cities dominate the the price increase list, based on data from 2.2 million listings in 146 markets. That is wonderful news for our state.This is good news for sellers, relatives, friends and business people. We are coming back after being hit very hard. This is good news for everyone including buyers. If you want to live in Florida your purchase is likely to increase in value. Buy now while the market is just starting to rise.

One thing I have learned after being in Real Estate so many years. When Florida booms it is with atomic power not dynamite. It is not to late to get a deal and chances are your property will appreciate. Key West has always been a little pricier than most of the state yet there are still deals. Great time to invest!

Home listing prices rising in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. – Sept. 26, 2011 – Prices are rising in Florida.

Florida cities have had the largest year-over-year increases in average list prices, according to the latest real estate data from Realtor.com. Based on August data of 2.2 million listings in 146 markets, Florida cities make up nine of the top 10 places for highest year-over-year list price spikes.

Nationwide, the average list price is $320,325, up 2.36 percent year-over-year.

Here are the top 15 cities boasting the highest percentage of year-over-year increases in average list prices.

1. Miami
Average list price: $640,332
Year-over-year increase: 27.4%

2. Fort Myers-Cape Coral, Fla.
Average list price: $443,570
Year-over-year increase: 26.27%

3. Central-Fla. rural service area
Average list price: $405,809
Year-over-year increase: 19.41%

4. Punta Gorda, Fla.
Average list price: $267,066
Year-over-year increase: 16.37%

5. Macon, Ga.
Average list price: $193,520
Year-over-year increase: 15.98%

6. Sarasota-Bradenton, Fla.
Average list price: $466,785
Year-over-year increase: 15.86%

7. Naples, Fla.
Average list price: $713,087
Year-over-year increase: 15.13%

8. West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Fla.
Average list price: $591,895
Year-over-year increase: 14.68%

9. Ocala, Fla.
Average list price: $193,360
Year-over-year increase: 12.07%

10. Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla.
Average list price: $181,409
Year-over-year increase: 11.48%

11. Orlando, Fla.
Average list price: $319,419
Year-over-year increase: 10.56%

12. Portland-Vancouver, Ore.-Wash.
Average list price: $314,537
Year-over-year increase: 10.52%

13. Boise City, Idaho
Average list price: $212,588
Year-over-year increase: 10.43%

14. Springfield, Illinois
Average list price: $174,537
Year-over-year increase: 9.12%

15. Shreveport-Bossier City, La.
Average list price: $211,414
Year-over-year increase: 8.34%

Source: Melissa Dittmann Tracey, Realtor® Magazine Daily News

© 2011 Florida Realtors®

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

AR has recordings in ActiveRain University. Yea!

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:08:34 -0700

I got this in my email today. I am so happy. I can catch up on my University Studies late at night.

Now catch ALL of RainCamp Online!

Last week we sent you an email with a recording of Ben Kinney's presentation 'Real Estate Tweakers'. Today, we bring you recording's of Katerina Gasset's presentation 'Secrets To Blogging For Listings In The Rain' and Chris Alston's presentation 'Using Facebook To Grow Your Real Estate Business'.

Whether you weren't able to join us for the live event or were listening in and need a rehash, we now have recordings of all our RainCamp Online speakers available.

Click on the video below or head to our ActiveRain University Blog to view the webinar recordings now!

Thanks again for all your support with our inaugural RainCamp Online! See you next time!

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

Home Listing Prices Rising in Florida

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 20:13:39 -0700

Home listing prices rising in Florida

This is from the Florida Realtors newsletter. Good news for sellers. Buyers better take note. Call me to find you a property NOW!

ORLANDO, Fla. – Sept. 26, 2011 – Prices are rising in Florida.

Florida cities have had the largest year-over-year increases in average list prices, according to the latest real estate data from Realtor.com. Based on August data of 2.2 million listings in 146 markets, Florida cities make up nine of the top 10 places for highest year-over-year list price spikes.

Nationwide, the average list price is $320,325, up 2.36 percent year-over-year.

Here are the top 15 cities boasting the highest percentage of year-over-year increases in average list prices.

1. Miami
Average list price: $640,332
Year-over-year increase: 27.4%

2. Fort Myers-Cape Coral, Fla.
Average list price: $443,570
Year-over-year increase: 26.27%

3. Central-Fla. rural service area
Average list price: $405,809
Year-over-year increase: 19.41%

4. Punta Gorda, Fla.
Average list price: $267,066
Year-over-year increase: 16.37%

5. Macon, Ga.
Average list price: $193,520
Year-over-year increase: 15.98%

6. Sarasota-Bradenton, Fla.
Average list price: $466,785
Year-over-year increase: 15.86%

7. Naples, Fla.
Average list price: $713,087
Year-over-year increase: 15.13%

8. West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Fla.
Average list price: $591,895
Year-over-year increase: 14.68%

9. Ocala, Fla.
Average list price: $193,360
Year-over-year increase: 12.07%

10. Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla.
Average list price: $181,409
Year-over-year increase: 11.48%

11. Orlando, Fla.
Average list price: $319,419
Year-over-year increase: 10.56%

12. Portland-Vancouver, Ore.-Wash.
Average list price: $314,537
Year-over-year increase: 10.52%

13. Boise City, Idaho
Average list price: $212,588
Year-over-year increase: 10.43%

14. Springfield, Illinois
Average list price: $174,537
Year-over-year increase: 9.12%

15. Shreveport-Bossier City, La.
Average list price: $211,414
Year-over-year increase: 8.34%

Source: Melissa Dittmann Tracey, Realtor® Magazine Daily News

© 2011 Florida Realtors®

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

Automatic Feedback Programs

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 09:51:16 -0700

As an active Broker in Colorado and Florida I have limited time. I am very resentful getting auto requests for feed back on a listing. These programs are useless. I have responded enough to know that they are not being monitored. After filling out the online form I continue to get requests over and over. Lately I have been putting questions in the response section to see if anyone is paying attention. No one does. Yesterday I got the third request from a property on which I put an offer. I now relegate these auto responders to spam. I will happily give my candid opinion to a Broker/Agent who calls me personally. These programs are a waste of my time and clutter up my email box.

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

Time to buy in Key West. Bargains drying up!

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:31:11 -0700

Properties are selling well in the Keys and Key West. Foreclosed properties are drying up. There are some bargains left but they are being snapped up almost instantly. I have been watching the market very closely for some clients wanting a bargain. They have missed several bargains because they made low balled offers. At this point properties are priced correctly by the banks and Realtors to assure a quick sale. My customers get emailed as soon as a new property comes on the market. This puts them ahead of the pack of those looking for a bargain. Often times multi offers are made and a bidding war ensues. I have a strategy for that and it puts my clients in a better position to make a successful offer.

This blog was inspired by the Homegain Survey for the 20011 third quarter. Below is the link to the article.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/9/prweb8784144.htm

When I read the article from Homegain I was very happy for myself and fellow realtors but conflicted because my buyers are going to have to step up to get a bargain property. Good news for regular sellers! Their competition is being eaten up. When the foreclosures and shorts sales are weeded out we will start the climb out of our real estate recession.

Start putting away cash, clean up any credit issues, and start searching. The market it beginning to turn.

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

Chinese Dry Wall

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 11:44:00 -0700

The following is an article from the Florida Realtors Newsletter.

Feds release final guide for toxic Chinese drywall

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sept. 16, 2011 – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released their final remediation guidance for homeowners with toxic Chinese drywall.

The guidance calls for the replacement of all problem drywall; smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms; electrical distribution components, including receptacles, switches and circuit breakers – but not necessarily wiring and fusible-type fire sprinkler heads. The update is based on a final study of long-term corrosion effects from problem drywall.

Key findings

• None of the studies performed on smoke alarms, fire sprinkler heads or gas service piping found corrosion associated with problem drywall as defined by the Consumer Product Safety Act. Some smoke alarms and fire sprinkler heads showed small changes generally within accepted industry standards. As a result, CPSC and HUD no longer recommend the removal of gas service piping in homes with problem drywall. This change may reduce the cost of remediation for many homes.

However, the report continues to recommend that homeowners replace smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms as part of remediation.

• The agencies recommend replacing all fusible-type fire sprinkler heads, because one fusible-type sprinkler head sample that had been exposed to accelerated corrosion did not activate when tested. However, this type of sprinkler head is generally found in commercial, rather than residential, applications.

For additional findings from the Interagency Drywall Task Force’s investigation, visit www.DrywallResponse.gov.

© 2011 Florida Realtors®

This article reinforces my pledge to buy only American Products. Every dollar I spend at homes helps a a fellow American.

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado

Multiple Offers.

Elizabeth Birmingham (EB Realty) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:47:10 -0700

As Realtors we have often been in multi offer situations The goal of a listing agent is to get multi buyers vying for their listings. Usually houses that get multiple offers are priced competitively. Another type is an overpriced home reduced to so many times that the price is finally desirable. Suddenly buyers become interested because this once overpriced property is a bargain. There is a rush to see the property and spontaneously multi offers are generated. Great for the listing agent. The buyer is left with jaw open. Usually a call for the highest and best is given to the buyers agents. To us this is normal. We have seen it happen before.

My buyers recently put an offer on a property.The agent called later to let me know another offer had come in after mine. My buyers instructions were to stay firm on the price. The sellers agent called to tell me they were going to take our offer and counter our offer. They countered on Friday with acceptance deadline on Monday.

Monday morning the sellers agent calls and said over the weekend he had received 3 more offers. He said the seller was calling for highest and best offers. I was in the mist of constructing another offer. Not thinking clearly I called my clients to relay the information. My client said their highest and best was what the sellers countered. Then it hit me. We had a counter. There could be no other offers considered until our offer had expired. I called the sellers agent and reminded him that we were still in the acceptance period. With mud on his face he said 'Oh yeah you are right".

My client called me angry with the other agent. He thought the sellers agent Realtor who was trying to get us to bid up the property. I tried to explain that it happened on occasion and more than likely the inexperience of the Realtor was to blame for letting us know of the other offers.

I talked my client down and got him laughing but I started having doubts. I know we have people in our business who use tactics that are not honorable. Was this guy one of them? Was he smart or stupid? Crafty or inexperienced. I will always have doubts about this guy.

So how do we as a body of professionsals deal with these situations to clear the clients doubts. We can't show the other offers. That could compromise the sellers position. Fannie Mae/Hud/Freddie Mac have multiple offer form, maybe states should adopt something similar.

Elizabeth Birmingham

Grand Junction Homes www.AskforElizabeth.com

Selling Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado

970 464 1000 in Colorado