Ok, so this may not be as exciting to some people, but I think the tax credit extension to June 2010 AND the additional provision for "repeat buyers" getting up to $6500 is GREAT news! With "repeat buyers" being offered at $6500 tax credit, more people will be encouraged to "upgrade" and thus opening up more "non foreclosure" (aka neglected) homes for sale for fist time buyers! Bring on the buyers! I'm pumped and ready! Senators have AGREED to this extension, but it has not been signed... yet!
Location, Location, Location... Vacant homes are prime locations for vandals, marijuana cultivation, underage drinking, drug use, theft and even meth labs! But complaints to the city seem to go unheard. Actually, it's usually not the city that is the hold up. The bank that owns the home after the foreclosure is the cog in the wheel. Here in Jefferson County, Colorado... I just read an article about abandoned homes and what the counties are trying to do about it. As of now, the cities are the ones that have authority over banks to maintain the bank owned/foreclosed properties. I know a LOT of people at my neighborhood meetings ask how to get the vacant house next door cleaned up. Calls to the city sometimes work... but even their attempts to FORCE the banks to mow the lawn, pick up the trash, and secure the home so that vandals and criminal activity is avoided go to the bottom of the pile for the banks. They have so many properties to maintain, it just takes time. Jefferson County Sherriff Ted Mink is pursuing legislation similar to jurisdictions outside Colorado that requires banks and mortgage lenders to report the address of an abandoned home, maintain the property to neighborhood standards, and have an on-call, 24-hour property manager to respond to complaints and law enforcement problems. Here's the punch... Counties would have the authority to fine banks or lenders that fail to register abandoned properties. Maybe that would cause more urgency with the banks to maintain these homes! (or maybe they just roll it in to the "write off".) The downside... Any legislation would need to go before state legislators, and if approved, would not take effect until late 2010 or early 2011 at the earliest. It's a ugly situation!
This is interesting, I just listed a GREAT buy in Morrison! $247,500 - 2188 sq ft finished + 689 in the unfinished basement. 4 bed, 3 bath, formal living room, formal dining room, EXTRA LARGE master suite with master bath and walk in closet. PLUS new windows, new furnace, new central air conditioning, new granite in kitchen, new carpet, paint, and updated doors and fixtures. Also, this was a first for me, but these sellers have also added a cool play set that sits on an eco-friendly recycled rubber mulch for landing! Great alternative to regular mulch or sand! Check out all the photos on my web site, (more photos of the play area to come!) or of course, give me a call if you have any questions!
I have some people ask me how I know about the Marine Corps birthday, and why? Well, it's not just because I have Marines in my family, but because I respect what they stand for. "Semper Fi" (short for Semper Fidelis) It's Latin for "Always Faithful". They have always been a symbol of honor and protection for me, and I get a little emotional when I think of all that have left their families, and some that have lost their lives, to protect ME... and YOU! I know there are other armed forces that have done the same, and I respect them to, but today... Happy Birthday Marines! AND Thank you!! I appreciate all you Jar Heads do! Oo Rah! And, you look great in those uniforms!
Just in case you didn't know... During the American Revolution, many important political discussions took place in the inns and taverns of Philadelphia, including the founding of the Marine Corps.
A committee of the Continental Congress met at Tun Tavern to draft a resolution calling for two battalions of Marines able to fight for independence at sea and on shore.
The resolution was approved on November 10, 1775, officially forming the Continental Marines.
I know there is a lot of what I call "naysayers" in the media right now about real estate. What I want you to know is that I believe the most powerful thing is KNOWLEDGE... and I want you to KNOW the information below. Even if you are not interested in buying a home, buying an investment property, or selling in today's market, the information below is true and powerful! If you know anyone that I may be able to help, PLEASE do not keep my name a secret. Most of you know I run my business almost 100% by referral, and I welcome yours!
Right now I have some time to work with new clients, and before I do any advertising and get real busy, I wanted to offer you my time, or your friends or your family members, or your neighbors, my time. I'm committed to educating, inspiring, and helping you or your friends and family and welcome an opportunity to serve!! If you have ANY questions, PLEASE do not hesitate to give me a call or email!
This one was new to me... We've all heard about high tech online and email scams that are used by criminals to trick consumers out of their money. But now, some scammers are relying on good old low-tech skills to steal money from consumers... sometimes without being detected for months!
Authorities are reporting increased "credit card shaving" activity. Credit card shaving--or resurfacing--occurs when a criminal essentially creates a duplicate credit card using numbers from other cards.
Here's how it works...
Criminals obtain valid credit card numbers (either by purchasing a list of numbers from a black market dealer or by stealing numbers from other sources, such as financial paperwork). Then, criminals use a razor blade to shave the raised numbers off of expired credit cards or gift cards. Once the numbers are off, criminals re-arrange those numbers into the order of a valid credit card number and glue them back onto a clean-shaven card. Finally, the criminals use a knife or a pen to scratch the magnetic strip on the back of the newly created card, so that store clerks have to enter the number manually rather than swipe the card.
It's all very low-tech, but very effective! Especially, when you consider that the victims have no idea they're even being robbed. And why should they? Their actual credit cards haven't been stolen... they're safe and sound in a wallet or purse.
So what can you do to protect yourself?
First, spread the word about this type of crime. That means telling your friends, family members, and even your local merchants. Experts agree that the best line of defense is at the store register. After all, these card numbers need to be entered manually by a store clerk. If the clerk is perceptive and takes a minute to inspect cards for evidence of mismatched and crooked numbers or even traces of glue, many of these types of crimes could be stopped before they begin.
Second, monitor your accounts. All too often, people file their credit card bills or check card statements without really inspecting them. To help protect yourself, make sure you take a few minutes to examine what charges are listed. If anything looks remotely suspicious, look into it. You can start by checking it against your recent purchases, and if anything looks suspect, get in touch with your credit card company and the merchant for help in tracking down the issue.
Hi there friends, I just wanted to pass along some encouragement to anyone you know that may be thinking about buying a new home, but are concerned about the market, and all the activity going on. I know a lot of people are scared, worried, or confused about the market, buying a home, and what the consequences would be. I would LOVE to talk to anyone you know that may be thinking of buying a home.
It is actually a very good time to buy right now!!! REALLY! Prices are low, there are a lot of homes to choose from, rates are actually pretty low and there ARE still some assistance programs out there for buyers! There is even a $7500 tax credit (loan) for buyers that have not owned a home in the last 3 years. For people who want to sell, and move up, this really is the time to look at that option. Selling at a "lower" time also means buying at a "lower" time, and I would be happy to show you how it could actually be better than in an "upper" market. Really.
There is so much more I could say, but to keep this short... what I want you to know is that I am really committed to educating anyone that is thinking of buying a home. If you know of anyone that I can serve, please let me know. I'm honored to help.
Hope you are well! And remember, if there is anything I can do for you, please... do not hesitate to give me a call!
Stacey Alyk | Son And Sea Realty, LLC | stacey@sonandsearealty.com | 303-667-6639
3295 Blake Street, #303, Denver, CO
Priced to Sell! Great Location! City Views!
1BR/1.5BA Condo
offered at $230,000
Year Built
2001
Sq Footage
813
Bedrooms
1
Bathrooms
1 full, 1 partial
Floors
2
Parking
1 Covered spaces
Lot Size
Unspecified
HOA/Maint
$138 per month
DESCRIPTION
A sleek & contemporary loft in LoDo, just blocks from Coors Field. 815 square feet of elegance! Bamboo floors greet you at the front door and continue throughout the main floor. The great room is light & bright and open the stunning kitchen. Eye-catching granite counter-tops, Cherry cabinets, and black appliances make this room beautiful as well as functional! A half-bath completes the main floor. Upstairs you find the master suite, with a custom walk-in closet and a full bath. The balcony offers a great view of the Denver skyline. The garage is gated, has an opener, and you have your own parking space and storage unit. You will love the convenience of this location and enjoy the beauty of this wonderful loft!
Additional details at 888-208-2638 ext 2003
“All the adversity I’ve had in my life has strengthened me. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”
Walt Disney (1901-1966)
I really think this one of my favorite quotes of all time! It just recently struck me as a great quote for this market of real estate we are in as well as personal life experiences. The real estate market has really seen some interesting activity with the “down payment assistance” programs over the last few years. Now that most of them are being eliminated, I hear many people say, “oh, now it’s really bad”, or just have a doomsday attitude about it all around. My thought is… we needed this kick in the teeth! And now, we have a chance to learn and grow from it! My opinion is that the market is not bad… we are just learning from yet one more lesson needed to be learned! There are still people who need to sell, people who need to buy, and real estate professionals who can help it happen!
I'm sure as most of you would agree, I'm SO ready for Spring!! Long days, sunshine, blue skies, green grass, flowers blooming, and a sure sign of spring................... Rockies Home Opener! The Rocks play against the Arizona Diamondbacks today at Coors Field. Game time is 2:05! Let's see if the Rocks can pull it out this season and win the World Series!! They came SO very close last year... (like spring time flowers), we could all smell it!!
In case YOU are a die-hard baseball fan, or know someone who is, check out the loft for sale just blocks from Coors Field, at 3295 Blake St #303!! 815 square feet, 2 baths, extra storage, granite countertops and bamboo floors, this loft built in 2001 even has covered and secure parking!! Check it out on the right!! Or click here
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.