buy a house colorado: Do Mortgage Loan Underwriters Blog? Please Help Me Understand Them!
- 11/01/12 01:45 AM
I'm wondering if mortgage loan underwriters blog, because I really would love to understand the process more fully. Maybe then, I can have a better attitude about underwriters. So often, it seems like their job is to look for ways NOT to approve a loan, or to torture the applicant. Especially when they say they are worried about some detail, but they don't seem to have any idea how their concern can be satisfied. They put the loan application 'on hold' - don't deny it, but just can't quite approve it either. So the lender and buyer work together to gather … (2 comments)
buy a house colorado: Denver to Boulder - What Past Clients Said About Joetta Fort, Realtor
- 08/03/12 05:02 AM
I am honored to have assisted all the folks I've helped buy a home and/or sell a home in the beautiful towns between Denver and Boulder since I received my real estate license in 2001. Each opportunity was more than a 'transaction' to me, but they were all adventures in one way or another. I remember each and every one, and I love it when I get to keep in touch and hear about your lives as the years go by. It is with my deepest appreciation for the trust and confidence you placed in me that I share the feedback … (1 comments)
buy a house colorado: 950 Willow Dr. In Lochbuie CO (Sold)
- 06/11/12 01:45 AM
950 Willow Dr. is a nearly-new ranch-style home that features many custom touches and a rare full basement. Stylishly appointed with quality carpet and classy paint colors, it’s move-in ready. Even the front and back landscaping are complete, with sprinkler systems and plant/shrub drip irrigation system, gorgeous landscape lighting, and two raised garden beds.
Come home to a quiet cul-de-sac and relax on the fantastic low-maintenance back deck in the afternoon and evening shade, enjoying the view of the community park behind. The split-rail fence has galvanized wire fencing installed to keep your pup from wandering off. Main floor features light-filled kitchen with island, pantry, and color-matched appliances; dining room, sliding door to huge, composite … (2 comments)
buy a house colorado: Should I Buy a House That Needs Work, or One That's Move-in Ready?
- 06/05/12 09:35 AM
When someone asks me whether they should buy a house that needs work or one that's move-in ready, I am well aware of the fact that I can't really answer it for them. But I can guide them in their thinking. I start off telling them that, if they're thinking of sweat equity (doing home improvements as a way to add value to the home), they are 100% right. But that's dependent on the renovations being done right (not in such a way that the next buyer's going to have to rip them out - see an example ot the right!), … (5 comments)
buy a house colorado: How Can a Homebuyer Gain an Advantage?
- 05/29/12 01:20 AM
You may think this question is odd, considering most people believe that with today's market, homebuyers have 'the world by the tail'. But if you've been trying to find that just-right home here between Denver and Boulder, you may find yourself writing more than one offer. Why? Because - surprise! - the *best homes are going F-A-S-T!, and often with multiple offers. (*'Best' means in good condition and priced right, with no negatives such as backing up to a freeway.)
One way to gain an advantage is to get in there early. Many agents don't seem interested in creating … (4 comments)
buy a house colorado: American Idol Winner Sings About Home
- 05/28/12 05:41 AM
I usually don't go crazy enough about American Idol to actually write a post about it. But that's because in past years my favorites got voted out some time after making it into the top 10. But this year, one of those I chose as a favorite in the beginning actually won. I loved Phillip Phillips unique style, and his seeming humbleness. He didn't have the 'spark' and 'polish' of Jessica Sanchez, but he's someone whose album I will buy. And I loved his song, 'Home'. I wanted to post the lyrics but I don't want to get into trouble. So … (2 comments)
This home is now under contract, but there are plenty of others I can show you. Contact me today! joetta.fort@gmail.com or 720-353-8031. 8536 W. 84th Circle has been lovingly cared for and updated by folks who intended to stay for a long time to come. But life changes plans, and now you can benefit from all that has been done to this ranch-style home with full, finished basement. The list of improvements is extensive, you'll find the details below. But, let's start with the kitchen - The kitchen renovation was an $80,000 investment.
Beauty and function … (0 comments)
buy a house colorado: Do You Have a Limit on the Distance You Would Travel to Show a House?
- 05/20/12 09:52 AM
Just got this question in my email: Do you have a limit on the distance you would travel to show a house? I didn't know where this young man was coming from, what he had experienced or was planning, but I jumped right in with my answer. Because I do, in fact, have pretty strong feelings on this subject. The answer is yes, I do have a limit on the distance I would travel to show a house - usually! I have shown houses as far south as Littleton, east to Parker, north to Lafayette, and west to some mountain … (10 comments)
buy a house colorado: How Many Homebuyers and Sellers I Work With at a Time, and Why
- 05/19/12 11:58 AM
Early in my career, as I got busier and busier, I realized there was a point beyond which I didn't feel I'd be able to give my clients the kind of attention they deserved. So I made a committment at that time to limit the number of clients I work with at one time. I always tell people this, and they rarely seem to understand what a big deal it is. That is, unless they've worked with an agent who always seemed frenzied and couldn't schedule them into their day with reasonable notice. THEN they DO get it, and appreciate it. … (10 comments)
buy a house colorado: Open Houses - That's How We'll Find Our New Home!
- 04/01/12 08:23 AM
While visiting open houses unrepresented by an agent can be fun for folks just beginning to think about buying a home, or for curious neighbors who wonder how their home would stack up against the one for sale, it's not a good idea for the serious home buyer. Why not? First - the friendly agent at the open house is working for the seller, not you. They are looking out for the seller's best interests, not yours. Second - it's a very inefficient use of your time. Why visit a bunch of homes that don't meet your needs, on someone else's … (2 comments)
buy a house colorado: I've Just Experienced a Bidding War - On a Short Sale?!?!?!
- 03/28/12 12:41 AM
Yes, it's true - my buyer clients made an offer on a short sale that had been on the market less than a week, and found themselves in a multiple-offer situation. The listing agent advised, to be competitive my clients needed to offer above asking. And they did offer above asking. And they didn't get the house, because someone offered more. !!! Now, you might think this was one of those short sales where the agent listed it below market value to get a quick offer, knowing the short sale will never accepted at that price. But I did my … (2 comments)
buy a house colorado: Whaddaya Mean, You Wanna Buy a House That's in Decent Shape?
- 02/05/12 05:38 AM
I recently read a post complaining that young, first-time home buyers want to buy homes that don't need a lot of work. The author spoke about the days when she and her husband bought a little wreck of a house, fixed it up themselves, and sold it for a profit. Many of the commenters shared the same experiences, and opinions. Hmmm. So, todays' homebuyers, who have watched the real estate market collapse in a dramatic way, impacting the lives of many of their own family and friends, AND who realize no one can guarantee we're out of the woods yet, don't … (2 comments)
buy a house colorado: Home Loan with $500 Down
- 01/09/12 12:21 PM
If you'd like to buy a house but don't have a hefty down payment, you'll be interested in this. I happened to be chatting with a rep at my local Key Bank and they said, "You might be interested to know we offer home loans with $0 down." I said, "Sure you do, but I'm sure the interest rates are higher." And she said, "The rates are close to those being offered on FHA rates, but with NO mortgage insurance." How does that sound, ladies and gentlemen? Mortgage insurance can add hundreds of dollars to a home loan with a small … (4 comments)
buy a house colorado: Another Real Estate Myth: Lenders Aren't Lending?
- 12/12/11 06:11 AM
I keep seeing the statements in blog posts and elsewhere, 'lenders aren't lending', and 'banks need to get back to the business of banking', which may leave you wondering how to buy a house. But over the course of my life, I've come to realize that often time, often-repeated 'truisms' are often wrong. And in this case, it doesn't seem true to me that 'lenders aren't lending'. It IS true that home buyers between Denver and Boulder need to do more than 'fog a mirror', as they did in the past. But I worked almost exclusively with buyers this year, and … (2 comments)
buy a house colorado: December Blogging Challenge - Day 5 to More Business in 2011
- 12/05/11 02:49 AM
NOTE: If you're not an Active Rain member reading this, I want to assure you I have a lot more interesting posts available to folks thinking about buying a house or selling a house. This post is written for a contest for a networking site fore real estate professionals. Please click one of the links below to see if I'm telling the truth! Days 3 & 4 what I did to bring in business, was continue to post the market update series I completed on days 2 and 3. I'll post the last one of that series today. And now, to … (3 comments)
buy a house colorado: What Does 'This House Has Been Winterized' Mean?
- 11/20/11 07:40 AM
If you're looking to buy a house these days you may see many vacant ones, especially in the lower price ranges. Often, you will see signs at the sinks and toilets, warning you not to use them because the water has been shut off. Signs like the one in the photo. (The name of the 'winterizers' has been blurred for reasons you'll understand if you look closely.) Here between Denver and Boulder, as in most parts of the country, winter temps get cold enough to freeze pipes. To avoid that, property managers 'winterize' the property by turning the water off at … (6 comments)
buy a house colorado: How Long Until I Can Buy a Home?
- 11/07/11 03:33 AM
If you've experienced bankruptcy, foreclosure, or short sale, you may wonder how long is the waiting period until you can buy a home? Check out the chart below, provided by The Mortgage Experts at America's Mortgage LLC. NOTE: For all loans, the borrower must have “re-established credit” after the bankruptcy, foreclosure, or short sale. That means no late payments of any kind for 12 months. Make sure you check out their web site: www.mtgsupportservices.com And check out all their tips at: http://TheMortgageExperts.blogspot.com They also have classes, like "How not to get Ripped off when … (2 comments)
buy a house colorado: Viewing Homes for Sale Between Denver and Boulder -
- 09/07/11 03:56 AM
If you're thinking of buying a home in one of the friendly small towns between Denver and Boulder, you might like to know something about the process of setting up showings. This is a sample of what your agent will do each time before you go 'on tour'. If you're selling a home between Denver and Boulder reading through this might help you understand why, if you get a request for a showing at a certain time, and you ask them to come at another time, they likely will not come at all. Many people seem to believe that agents stack … (2 comments)
buy a house colorado: Updating My Denver to Boulder Blog Posts
- 08/19/11 07:22 AM
I'm trying to get back into the habit of blogging, after having to take some time off to be available for family needs. I thought I'd look through old posts for ideas, and came across a few that could use some updating. I'll start with, Moving to Denver - Insider Info. This post is basically a transcript of an onlline conversation between myself and an un-named gentleman. Most of what I said in there is still true, but I did come up with a couple of things I'd like to update.
First - the Conoco Phillips facility that I mentioned … (3 comments)
Hello, Friends & Neighbors! Hope you’re having a great summer!
It seems we’ve turned the corner on summer, and even though some days are still hot, we’ve got our lovely cool evenings back. A welcome relief! Unfortunately, other fun things about summer are wrapping up too. Arvada’s concerts in the park are over, Flicks in the Square will be over soon. Public pools are closing in a couple of weeks, but we still have the dog swim day to look forward to! So if your summer has ‘buzzed by’ like mine did, be sure … (4 comments)
I'm wondering if mortgage loan underwriters blog, because I really would love to understand the process more fully. Maybe then, I can have a better attitude about underwriters.
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