Colorado Real Estate and Tenant Placement

Heating up in Colorado!

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:46:08 -0500

Can you say "It's Getting Hot!!!!" Over the past few weeks we are starting to see our "Real Summer" with temps in the 90's and High 80's. Along with that there seems to be a lot more activity in the Real Estate Market as well, with many homes under the $200k price point "flying off the shelves" so to speak seeing multiple offers in very short time periods. This is really becoming a popular price range for both the first time buyers as well as the investors that were sitting on the sidelines for the past several months.

Also, 100% financing.......it seems to be back for some. Certain town programs are still offering great down payment assistance as well as the USDA program offering 100% financing in rural areas! However, you may be surprised to see what all is considered "Rural"......you can get very close to Longmont, Loveland, Ft. Collins and more!

If you are considering making a home purchase please give me a call if you want to know more about these types of programs available! FHA even makes it more attainable requiring only 3.5% down. Cant forget the $8000.00 tax credit either!

Enjoy this weather and this beautiful state!

"I've heard there are good deals around, how do you buy a house?"

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:11:34 -0500

Buying this house seems like a good idea but how do I do it?

Having a successful and fun experience on your first purchase is what we strive for.....

To help ensure a great transaction, here are a few steps that will help you along your way, or simply help you understand the process.

1) Find Your Realtor! I use the term Realtor and not Real Estate Agent because as few know, they are not the same thing. Realtors, in order to use this designation must meet a certain level of criteria and are held to a higher code of ethics. More on What is a Realtor? When choosing a broker I would look at two things, referrals from those you trust (friends/family) and of course the most common way is to hit the internet. Nowadays you can find a wealth of information on companies and people like never before. We have Blogs, web pages, reviews, information on companies, valuable tools, etc. You will be able to quickly determine who is a professional in your area. Remember that WE are people too! We like to be involved in activities, have certain beliefs, specialize in certain areas of Real Estate that others do not and so on......basically, look for someone that you see yourself trusting through market knowledge and resources as well as able to share a laugh or similar interests with.....it makes the relationship that much better!

1)/2) I use the 1 or 2 here because you may also start with this, your mortgage broker. This is vital for both you the buyer as well as us the Realtors so that we know exactly what is within your reach from the start. It allows us to help set realistic expectations as well as helps you stay within a budget when comparing property. They will also provide you with a "Pre Qualification Letter" to use when you find the home you wish to put an offer on. Finding your mortgage broker or lender should start once again with those you know, referrals from friends/family and then the Internet. If you chose to find your Realtor before finding your Mortgage Broker, ask your Realtor who they recommend as they will have great local referrals of those they trust as well. Commonly this option may work the best as your Realtor will want to recommend a broker that they can be assured can get the job done with great results.

3) Now you have your Realtor, what do you do? Well this will depend on how you and your Realtor have agreed to work. Basically you are ready to view properties. More than likely your Realtor has given you some options as well as a way to search for listings yourself.

4) Offer and Negotiations Stage. Once you have found your property, your Realtor will work with you on coming to an agreement on what to offer on the property and at what terms. After submission you will either get your offer Accepted, Countered or Rejected. Rejected is fairly self explanatory. Accepted is also in that you are now "under contract" and on your way to home ownership. If the offer gets "countered" this is when negotiations come into play. The seller has looked at your offer and said "Hmm, well how about this instead?" You're Realtor and you will review counters to decide what is appropriate for your situation.

5) Now that you are under contract there are several things to do, I will mention a few of them here.

-Get your Home inspected

-Review the title on the home

-Apply for homeowners insurance

-Optional Inspections for Radon Gas, Sewer pipes, etc

-Review and leases on the property if applicable

-Review the HOA documents and fees and ensure home is in good standing

-Finalize your loan application and/or continue in the loan process to finalize the loan.

There are several other dates and or deadlines that "could" relate to your transaction.

6) Pre Closing will happen when your broker and you deem appropriate. A good Realtor will review what to expect at closing, what you need to bring and answer any other questions that you may have to make sure you are comfortable and understand the process. Dates and times will also be verified.

7) CLOSING! This is a very exciting day for you. If your contract allows, you are able to make one more visual inspection of the property and off to the title company you go! After a series of signatures and explanations or answers to any questions that come up, the sale will be closed and you will be issued keys! (That is of course that your contract states possession at time of closing)

This was not meant to be a full "Step By Step" of the home buying process, rather after several requests I decided to briefly outline what a new buyer should do to "get out and buy a home!"

If you have any questions about the buying or selling process, or need a Realtor, please do not hesitate to call or email me!

Don't forget if you are a first time buyer that your may be entitled to up to $8000.00 credited on your taxes!

Visit us online at http://www.hunterhomescolorado.com

Things to do this weekend! Did I mention that its FREE?

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:13:03 -0500

Few great things happening this weekend in Longmont! Join us!

First things first, tonight ShBang will be playing from 6:30-8pm at the Roosevelt Park Pavilion. This is part of the towns "Summer Concert Series". Bring a lawn chair and relax, meet with friends, hang out with family, meet new friends and enjoy great music on a nice summer evening.

Thursday dont miss the Callahan House tour as previously mentioned.

Friday Night bring the whole family out for another "Second Friday". There will be art openings, live entertainment and retail open houses. These sure are a good time.

Saturday at 10am is the 79th Annual "Pet and Doll Parade" down Main Street! Starting at Roosevelt Park, this great Longmont tradition also features a costume contest that is open to all.

Finally, Sunday feel free to visit Lefthand Brewery on Boston Avenue for some refreshing local brews and live music. This Sunday Kort McCumber will be ther playing American Folk music. 4:30-6:30 and admission is free.

Hope to see you at one of the events!

Interested in what your home is worth? How about what is available in your price range?

Tour the Historic Callahan House

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:05:56 -0500

Tour the Historic Callahan House in June!

Between June and August of 2009, you are invited to take a tour and learn about the history of the Callahan House in West Side Old Town Longmont located at 312 Terry St.

Tour dates & times:

June 11th, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

July 9th, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

August 13th, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

For more information, you may contact the Callahan House at 303-776-5191

This classic Victorian home was given to the City of Longmont in 1938 and is a great place for special events. The beautiful yard and garden features statues, a fountain, large shade trees and many varieties of flowers. Great spot for a picnic on the above days! Enjoy!

Boulder County and Longmont Housing Numbers are out!

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:03:17 -0500

Most of the cities home prices fall.

In an article this morning in the Times Call, Longmont Board of Realtors President as well as the County Assessor commented on Longmont and surrounding areas home prices. Looking at the data it was clear that although Boulder Counties property values decreased, Boulder itself as well as many other towns saw positive growth. Longmonts higher foreclosure rate played a good part in the average price drops.

LBR President stated Longmont's regional housing market includes southern Larimer and southwest Weld counties, as well as Boulder County, and that housing values in Longmont are influenced by what's happening in all three of those counties.

See the map below, Longmont has seen diverse change from neighborhood to neighborhood and it is particularly interesting to see that areas of Old Town and Prospect saw positive growth.

Looking more at Boulder County as a whole, you can see below that many areas also saw positive growth. Longmont, Superior, Erie and Rural Plains being the areas seeing negative numbers. This really puts into perspective that you cannot classify "The Housing Market" as a whole. Each individual neighborhood, town and county all have different stories to tell.

2nd Fridays in Longmont!

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:37:35 -0500

On the second Friday evening of every month, Downtown Longmont comes together for art openings, live entertainment and retailer open houses. Come Downtown from 6 to 9 p.m. to join the fun.

These events are a lot of fun and it is always great to get out, meet your neighbors and enjoy some local food and entertainment.

Schedules and hosts may change so please visit the LDDA website at http://downtownlongmont.com/index.php/site/2ndfridays/

For a flyer of the event please click here!

What is coming up in Longmont this Summer?

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:32:25 -0500

What do you want to do this weekend?

This summer be sure and stay tuned as I will update activities that will be happening in and around the Old Town and Downtown Areas.

Summer Convert Series Starts in June!

Save the Dates:
June 25, July 9, 16, 23, 30 and August 13, 2009

The LDDA and the City of Longmont Recreation Services will be hosting a six week summer concert series in downtown Longmont.
The event will run from 5:30-8:30pm with music being played from 6-8pm
The concerts will be performed on 4th avenue between Main and Kimbark Streets.
The concerts are free yet food, beverages and alcohol will be sold on site.
Please see the dates below for performer information:

June 25 - Delta Sonics
July 9 - 8Trac
July 16 - Atoll
July 23 - Beloved Invaders
July 30 - Chris Daniels
August 13 - Hazel Miller

Dates, times and Performers MAY change.

Wow Colorado, Thanks for the Shower!

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:24:54 -0500

Drip Drip Drop Little April Shower!

What a great state we live in huh? See well over 300 days of sun a year, ridiculous several feet high blizzards, record breaking high temps, ice fishing and water skiing! All within 3-4 months of each other!

Well once again mother nature kissed us with 2 days of rainy Seattle Style storms, cold weather, and slush. Monday-Saturday? High 70's and low 80's full of sun.

The grass and flowers on your listings will hopefully look great now! Have fun enjoying this great state!

Thinking of buying a home now? Use your First Time Tax Credit to help make that dream reality!

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:38:30 -0500

The following information was taken from the Denver Business Journal and CAR Homepage and is being used in this blog for information disbursement only. I am not representing this as my own writing.

The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority and U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter Tuesday announced "CHFA JumpStart," a program under the federal stimulus package to offer a tax credit to first-time homebuyers.

The credit of up to $8,000 -- authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act -- would go to qualifying first-time homebuyers who purchase and close on a home between Jan. 1 and Dec. 1, 2009.

"Through the CHFA JumpStart program, we are bringing the benefits of the economic stimulus plan to Colorado," Perlmutter, D-Golden, said in a statement Tuesday. "First-time homebuyers will be able to leverage the future benefit of the federal tax credit by working with CHFA to access the dollars needed to buy a home today."

According to details released Tuesday by Perlmutter's office, CHFA JumpStart offers first-time homebuyers a 30-year fixed-interest first mortgage as well as a zero-interest second mortgage for $6,000 or 3.5 percent of the home, whichever is less, to be used for down payment and closing costs.

There are no payments due on the second mortgage through June 30, 2010.

Borrowers could use their tax credit under the program to pay off the second mortgage before the June 30, 2010, deadline.

Those eligible for the program can claim 10 percent of the price of their home, up to the $8,000 maximum, against their 2008 federal tax returns due this year, or their 2009 federal tax returns due next year.

The credit begins to phase out at a modified adjusted gross income of more than $75,000, or $150,000 for joint filers, Perlmutter's office said.

The tax credit can be used with CHFA's home finance programs.

Great News Huh? There is much more info on this product here: http://www.ncsha.org/uploads/CHFA_JumpStart_Tax_Credit_Program_Fact_Sheet%20_2_.pdf

Twitter Interview with a Managing Broker

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:51:06 -0500

One of our managing brokers just did an interview with Denver's Channel 7 news about the use of twitter and other social networking sites. I found it very interesting how creative some business's are getting. Realtors all know it is a great way to spread the word about a new listing, and open house, and even a killer price reduction. But interestingly enough you can even get notified when your local bakery "just took your favorite treat out of the oven!"

Social networking has come a HUGE way in the professional world, but we are still in the beginning stages of where technology will not only take our business, but business in general.

Here is a link to the article if interested!

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/19194223/detail.html

The 2009 Guide to Colorado Real Estate Investing Released! Check this out!

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:33:43 -0500

The 2009 Guide to Colorado Real Estate Investing

The first of several new books to be published, this book focuses on the basics of Colorado Real Estate Investing. But don't take "basics" to literally, it provides much detail into many subjects. The authors Lon Welsh, Charles Roberts, Michael Cannon and Mike Welk put some great detail into this. Taken from the introduction "There's no shortage off RE Investing books on the market. Most of them do a good job on the "academic" perspective of how to invest, but they don't get their hands dirty and tell you the specifics of how to do it, and how to do it successfully. They miss the common traps many investors fall into. They also tell you what you WANT to hear instead of what you NEED to know."

This book will be great for Consumers, Newer Investors, Experienced Investors, Realtors wanting to work with investors as well as Managing Brokers that want to be better prepared.

A few of the chapters include:

-How successful investors build their team

-Where the Pros get the money

-How to manage the buying process

-Rental Property Fundamentals

In addition, the book also has 5 unique features:

1) Maps - Road Maps of where you are and where you want to go. Looking in to your finances, time and skill to help best fit you with an investment type.

2) Case Study- Rather than simply telling you what to do, the case study icon will give you lots of real world case studies that worked well.

3) Best Practice - Short list of best practices from years of experience.

4) Sample Checklists and Guides that may help new to experienced investors.

5) Analytical Templates to aid in examining your investments.

If you are interested in a copy of this book, please email or call me for details! Happy Investing!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:16:42 -0500

Incase you happen to have the day off and are just getting up...... High 60's to almost a foot of snow! I love this place!

Longmont so far has received over 9 inches of snow according to the Times Call. Snow plows are busy clearing the streets and the forecast? More Snow!

The snow started at about 4am and turned into quite a snowfall shortly after. At some times in the mid to late morning visibility was very low, concentrating on the car in front of you was a challenge!

Currently only major roads are getting plowed, if the snowfall exceeds 15 inches crews will begin to plow residential streets. Since more snow is expected, the city recommends waiting until the snow stops before clearing snow from driveways and sidewalks. Of course, this is up to you....(I have already done mine twice)

If you are looking for something fun to do (drive safely of course), I would bet that several of the popular hills around town are full of sledding! Skyline High School, Sunset Middle School's hill, and several others! However, staying inside may be just the ticket as well.

Enjoy the snow day and be safe!

Search the Northern Colorado MLS for Free!

Longmont Open House in Westlake Manor

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:35:56 -0500

Crocs Warehouse Sale in Longmont (maybe other places too!)

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:36:21 -0500

CROCS!

Well if you like them, come and get them. Appearantly in Longmont at the Crocs Warehouse which is located on the NE corner of Nelson Rd and Sunset Ave, they are having a blowout sale Thurs-Sun. At the time their website only had info on the California sale.

My guess would be that much of everything is at least 50% off? I heard shoes from $5-$15 May have something to do with the recent newspaper articles?

I took this picture at about 2pm today, line was moving fairly quickly and the sale is said to go until Sunday. I would park in the lot across from the Flower Bin on Nelson Rd. Enjoy!

Old Town Longmont, What to do? Where to go? Where is it? Why Should I go?

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:19:46 -0600

Old Town Longmont!

What a beautiful place, with tree lined streets, turn of century homes, large parks and wildlife, fantastic community atmosphere, rich history and of course shopping and food!

In the summer Old Town Longmont is a very popular place. Much of the parks are host to many events great for the whole family! Fourth of July celebrations, Oktoberfest, Concerts, Small Business Functions, Parades, the Legendary "Art Walk", Bicycle Rides sponsored by local bike shops and late summer evening BBQ's with friends!

Downtown Longmont, within walking distance from both Eastside and Westside Old Town is a great place to dine, shop and play! Whether you are looking for a family friendly activity, business meeting, or just a night on the town you will not have a hard time finding a great place to be!

Here are a few places to visit-

Mike O'shays - 512 Main Street. Great Irish Pub featuring a Top Notch menu with amazing daily specials. Simple fried treats all the way to elegant culinary dish's featuring fantastic ingredients can be found here. An experience not to be missed, once in the door you will be met by smiling faces, great food, great beer and a great time! Not to mention this is the longest running independent restaurant in town!

Terroir - 246 Main Street. An upscale eatery that focuses on the use of local, organic ingredients. Land and Sea menu items featured. A fantastic place to have your favorite beverage and enjoy a great culinary experience.

Abbondanza Pizza -461 Main Street. Locally owned pizza shop that features some unique combinations and tastes excellent! Enjoy a wonderful assortment of table games from "Sorry" to "Rock'Em Sock'Em Robots" at your table while you wait! Abbondanza also features locally brewed beer.

Richards on 3rd Ave -1283 3rd Ave. Lunch features amazing salads and tasty sandwiches! Richards offers a wonderful Southwest Menu, beautiful heated patio and a true "neighborhood eating experience" as its location is right off of 3rd Ave, in the heart of Westside Old Towns Residential area.

Crackpots -501 Main Street. A unique pottery store where YOU are the artist! At Crackpots you can enjoy creating your own masterpiece from pre designed pottery! Anything from a coffee cup, flower pot, tea kettle.....even a dog bowl! This place makes for a great night with the family, a wonderful date spot, getting together with friends....the reasons to visit Crackpots are almost limitless!

Dickens Opera House- 300 Main Street. This property located on the corner of 3^rd Avenue and Main Street is very rich in history. Beautiful woodwork, tall ceilings and more. This building has been host to several restaurants and the upstairs is currently used as a music hall and pool hall with a full service bar and food. Great for private parties or a night out on the town.

Jesters Theatre- 224 Main Street- Located in Lower Downtown, Jesters is a great dinner theater featuring local talent and a great variety of shows. Priced very well to accommodate all who are interested!

Thompson Park - 4^thAvenue and Bross St. Thompson Park is one of the three parks designed into the original Chicago-Colorado Colony town plat. This large park features many mature trees, a playground for the young, covered picnic areas and a newly constructed bathroom facility.

Roosevelt Park- Longs Peak Ave and Bross St. Presumably named after President Franklin D. Roosevelt, this park spans over 3 city blocks and has an abundance of features! A well kept rose garden, playground, larger covered picnic benches, pavilion which features ice skating in the winter, and a large walking path that passes by some of Longmont's "Art in Public Places".

Collyer Park- 6^thAve and Collyer. Situated in the Historic East Side Neighborhood, this park hosts many neighborhood activities. Its mature trees offer relaxing shade and respite from summer heat. An "Art in Public Places" sculpture called Front Range was carved from a dead silver maple tree, found in the northwest corner of the park in 2007.

Walking Tour - Please visit http://www.stvrainhistoricalsociety.org/Walking%20tour.htmfor a map of the St Vrain Historical Societies map and descriptions of Old Town Longmont's walking tour. Please do not enter any private residence on the tour.

This is a very small list of activities and places to visit in this wonderful part of town. There is no doubt that there is something to offer almost anyone in Old Town and Downtown Longmont.

Localism Sponsor Page Visits??

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:21:27 -0600

Do any of you know if there is a way to track page visits to certain Localism towns and neighborhoods? I started to sponsor a few and wanted to see if AR has a way to see what kind of activity the page see's. Thanks!

Breaking the silence, thoughts on stimulus

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:17:53 -0600

This blog was posted by another AR'r, thought i would share this.

Via Matt Heaton (Timu Corp - CEO, ActiveRain - Co-founder):

So I haven't written a blog post in what pretty much seems forever, after my massive barrage this fall on the bank bailouts and economic issues. Many people are surprised I haven't chimed in on the massive "stimulus" bill that every-bodies been talking about. Part of the reason is I've been way getting things ready to launch with Timu and haven't followed all the details as closely as I have in the past but also because I just got burned out, frustrated and cynical with everything, particularly anything that involves Congress.

But, ok here's a few quick thoughts...

First of all and this one is gonna strike a nerve with a lot of ActiveRainer's, housing is not the core problem. Housing is a symptom of the core problem. True, it's a massive symptom that is causing pain for most Americans but because it's not the core problem, so we won't solve our economic issues by trying to fix housing alone. It won't lead us out of the mess like some claim, never has, never will. The core problem was/is massive amounts of cheap credit that caused people, corporations and even the government to take on a unsustainable debt load while at the same time not creating much of anything productive. Look at the LBO (leveraged buy out) boom that occurred at the exact same time as a prime example. Due to cheap credit corporate raiders bought out and literally destroyed thousands of productive companies for a short term gain. Enron should have been a warning, but it became a model.

Are amazing recovery after the .COM crash was a mirage, masked by financial wizardry, that attempted to create money out of nothing, and distorted the true state of the economy. Simply put we were looking for a quick fix but didn't create sustainable growth (thank you Greenspan and the financial industry).

Ok, now back to the stimulus, the problem is we are attempting to do the exact same thing, and I think it was Einstein that said the definition of insanity is "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results" The stimulus no matter what it is used for is no free lunch. It's simply the government taking on more debt which will come out of our pockets at a later date either via taxes or the government finally needing to start of the printing presses to not just inflate but hyper-inflate. Unless that stimulus is being used efficiently to create long term growth (which it's not) then it's a net negative for us, plus it masks the true problems a little bit longer allowing them to grow. I've read economics paper layout how similar attempts during the 1930's actually lengthened the great depression rather than saved the US, yet for some reason most economists seem to be gung hoe about it this time around.

But, but everybody is screaming about how the government HAS TO DO SOMETHING NOW. The problem is unless you do the right thing we've actually make the problem worse, and we've been stuck in this loop now for years. We have to get out of this near term thinking where we are just reacting to short term problems and kicking the can a little farther down the road.

If the government is going to use stimulus it has to be done very efficiently to make sure that you are creating more long term value with each dollar spent than is being spent. Think of it like taking out a loan to build a business or an investment. Unless you can use that money to make more money it's just a bad idea because YOU will have to pay it back. The stimulus roughly works out to $7,500 per tax payer before interest (and yes it's debt, there is interest), so ask yourself, is your $7,500 being invested wisely or are you just buying $7,500 of stock in the next Enron?

Local Ad Link- Worth It?

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:16:48 -0600

I was approached by a Local Ad Link reseller and it looks very interesting! Has anyone tried this? What has your response been?

My big question left unanswered is saturation. What happens when everyone "jumps on board" does this force you to just increase your spending eventually to stay on top? I would not even want to resell to agents because of this.

Any info or experiences are appreciated!

Longmont Rental Trends

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:55:46 -0600

Attention Agents and Investors!

I wanted to get some feedback on what you are experiencing in terms of DOM and Incentives offered (reduced rent, reduced deposits, free half month's etc) in your investments and those of your clients.

I am pending a write up and would like some more "local" information from others.

I have several 2/2 and 3/2 properties that are experiencing "about" 30 days or so longer vacancy periods and a small reduction in rent from previous years. Rent reductions are not drastic but effect bottom line. $1350-$1300, $1050-$975, $2300-$2100 and so on. Our feedback from other cities has been that many landlords with tenants that are at least paying on time is that they are offering them a small incentive to stay and re lease to avoid a potentially larger cash flow loss and extra time on market. I would love to hear your thoughts as well.

If you are commenting on an area OTHER than Boulder County, please state so.

Must Check This Out! Stream Video from your Phone! Virtual Tour Time?

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:58:09 -0600

"Can you show me more of that house? I wont be in town for a week"

Recently I stumbled upon this AWESOME website that lets your stream video from your PHONE! That's right, we are really headed in a new direction in the coming years. This amazing program lets you set videos to Private or Public and is uploaded in REAL TIME! I currently use this for both business and personal.

It is great for touring homes for clients, although it is not HD Quality it is extremely powerful and easy! I have used it for documenting damage, giving a quick tour, showing my wife "options at home depot" and much more. We also have a 16 month old and this will be used regularly to keep the family updated with more than photos.

How easy is this? Very. You just have to have a video capable phone supported by this company. They support over 100 models currently. You just need to open the program on your phone and press "stream". Then you are done! Point and shoot! You can add tags, titles, privacy, etc right from your phone. I am excited to see how this is used in the industry in the coming months!

Share your thoughts and feedback please!!!!!

Visit www.qik.com for all the info!

Rental Activity

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:42:23 -0600

I am working on a longer writeup on the rental activity in the Colorado Front Range. Many of us have noticed one or more of the following things:

Decrease in "qualified" tenant calls/leads
Decrease in rental rates of SFR
Increase in DOM
Increased incentives from years past (free rent, low deposit, ipods, cash, etc)

Overall, what we are seeing can be related to the following (in no specific order)

Economy - Layoffs, pay cuts, news headlines, etc
Saturation - Large amount of new rentals in any given neighborhood, specifically lower priced areas with a higher volume of foreclosures.
Re signing of leases at current residence - They know another place may cost more and the owners do not want a vacancy
Tenant reduction of "needs" - Upgrades such as granite, hardwood, and high levels of trim becoming less important therefore shooting your home out of the running

There are more things to consider here but this is what I wanted to touch on right now.......rather than an informational blog I want to see what kind of feedback this generates and what others are experiencing.

I want to add a disclaimer that the above statements are only observations and we are not seeing this slowdown in every town on every kind of home.....trying to avoid the "What are you talking about? The rental market is great" comments. If you have noticed a slowdown or change in your clients or your investment properties, please share.

Is Re Inspecting Sewers before close a good idea?

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:37:36 -0600

I want to tell you a quick story about a client I just closed.

Short Sale in Colorado with owners still residing in the home and moving out day of closing. Question comes up "how clean do you want the home?" keeping in mind this place has had little attention to things like clenliness in the last 5 months. "Well, clean things up if you can, we would all appreciate it". Long story short, with no trash cans in the home after move out...where do you throw clorox wipes? Appearantly down the toilet drain. In a 55 year old home with a cottonwood tree in the front the sewer was scoped and cleaned out, but like always it still has a few rough ends that can hang onto debris.

After a sewer plug up and several loads of laundry and dishes.......it took very little time for the basement to flood and sewage to back up through the drains. Upon the plumbers visit, he extracts about a whole container of disinfectant wipes about 30 feet down the line stating "these are about the worst things you could flush!"

A disaster recovery team and insurance claim later, things flow fine.

Is it worth bartering with your sewer inspector to come back out? It may be worth it! He gets a fair price for the initial scope, paid to rooter the line.....see what he would offer to come back out and double check the line right before closing.....you may be surprised. If not, offer to pay him 50% (or whatever you think is fair as you know your inspectors).

Interest Free Loan Avail! First Timers, take a serious look at this!

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:13:58 -0600

On July 30th 2008, Bush signed a bill that will provide first time home buyers with a temporary tax incentive of up to $7500! But, you only have until July 1st 2009 to qualify for this incentive! Combine this with current financing options and the many homes of great value, this is definitely an investment in your future you want to look at!

Here is a link to some additional information provided by the National Association of Realtors

FAQ on First Time Buyer Tax Incentive

New BLog, New Account, New World

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 17:00:40 -0600

Active Rain. Those words have hit my ears many times in the past. From passers by at a coffee shop to networking with local professionals. Little did I know the power it seems to hold. I recenty logged on and created an account and was glad to see that it appears to be moderated well and stays on topic! (Of course it has areas to have fun off topic too!)

I will start this first blog (first ever for me) just briefly explaining who we are and what we do. I have seen many pages and blogs here and have noticed one thing......it really seems to be a great resource for networking, information and most of all, different peoples opinions and thoughts.

Hunter Investments, a local tenant placement and leasing company in Longmont, Colorado. We specialize in the listing of investment property for lease or lease to own. We work to help connect quality tenants with quality landlords and take most of the work out of it for the owner. We have services ranging from lead generation to full service placement including showings/app review/ lease signing and much more! Many of our clients are out of state and we help to ensure that the leasing process runs smoothly for owner managed and professionally managed properties. Although we do not manage properties, we are a free service to start and are a great addition to property managers as well as a helping hand to managers that would like assistance or more leads on tenant location! Our goal is simple, to help you reduce your vacancies!

Although tenant placement is the core of our company, we also aid in the selling of investment property and wholesaling of larger, multi home deals mainly from builders. We have the relationships set in place to structure sales of properties of almost any number - 2 homes or 60. If the deal is solid, we can usually perform.

For local agents, keep in mind we do pay referral fees if you have someone interested in one of our properties as well as if you have a listing that is not going so well, we can list it for rent and you can still handle the listing down the road!

Thanks for taking the time to read this and once I get the hang of blogging, check back for helpful (hopefull) information!

New to Group

Josh Hunter (Hunter Investments) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 13:19:41 -0600

Hello! I recently got an active rain profile for my blog for clients but turned out to offer much more! Being 24 this seemed like the perfect group to join first!