February Continues to Boost Inventory
Inventory levels at the end ofFebruary were 25% higher than last year and 176% higher than two years ago thanks in part to sellers bringing listings to the market. Data shows double-digit increases in the number of New Listings for the second consecutive month as sellers brought 4,267 homes to the market.
Buyer Activity Up and Days on Market Down
Home shoppers were active in February. Throughout the month, they executed contracts on 3,454 home listings. The number of listings pending sale in February was less than 1% higher than last February and 11% higher than last month. Those homes stayed actively available in REcolorado MLS for 25 days, 2 days less than last February and 12 days less than last month.
Median Home Prices on the Rise
February brought both year-to-year and month-to-month increases in home closings. Strong demand pushed closing prices up. February’s median closed price was $575,000, 3% higher than last year at this time.
Commentary:
The housing market is changing by the month. Inventory is way up as you can see and yet home prices are up as well. The Denver market is defying basic economics right now. How long can it continue in this manner? That is the question we all wish we could answer. The Spring market is here and we will have to see what opportunities present themselves with such a large increase in inventory. Buyer’s and Sellers waiting on interest rates to come down is already having an impact on the market. Additionally, recent economic statistics are shining a light on the sticky inflation data that the FED does not like. We will have to wait on those lower rates that were predicted to kick off in March until those numbers begin to change. As always we will be watching for opportunities for our clients and sharing them here every month.
Nar Settlement:
We cannot put out an update without talking about the NAR Settlement. There is a lot of information floating around correct and incorrect. (Click Here to Read More) . The effects of this are unknown and will remain that way until the folks that regulate us (DORA) wrap their brains around what will be required. They have about 10 weeks to do so. There are some facts about Willie and I and the way we approach fees and commissions with our clients that we think we need to make crystal clear. Willie and I use Buyer and Seller Agency Contracts (required by the state) and have since we started in the business (2007/2008). Those contracts explain how and what we get paid. They also disclose what is being paid out to Buyer Agents if we are listing a property for sale. We have always been completely transparent, and always will be.
Our MLS (multiple listing service), ReColorado does not require membership to the National Association of Realtors to post our listings for sale (we do pay a higher monthly fee if we are not a member). There are real estate brokerages that do require membership but it is not the MLS. As an independent brokerage Willie and I made the choice to leave NAR 2 years ago, as it was not advantageous to our business or to our clients. We are independent agents that use our own moral compass to conduct our business and follow the laws of Colorado for each and every transaction. As we know more you will know more. I would count on many updates from many sources as even the lending world will be affected by this settlement. If you would like to speak about this further we are always available.
If you would like to chat about Real Estate or Property Management please Click Here to reach us.
Real estate is more than transactions; it’s about building relationships and helping dreams come true. Your confidence in our services means the world to us, and we are committed to continuing to provide you with the highest level of expertise and service.
Thanks ReColorado for the information/stats
In recent days, the real estate world has been abuzz with discussions surrounding the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement . With significant implications for real estate agents, home buyers, and sellers alike, it’s essential to unravel the complexities of this settlement and understand its broader ramifications. Today, we’ll delve into the details of the NAR settlement, exploring its origins, key components, and the potential effects on the real estate industry.
The NAR settlement stems from 2 lawsuits one class action and one filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the National Association of Realtors, alleging anticompetitive practices that suppress competition in the real estate market. At the core of the lawsuits were NAR’s rules regarding the sharing of property listings among many other things, which the DOJ argued hindered competition and limited consumer choice.
1. Changes to MLS Rules: One of the central aspects of the settlement involves revisions to the rules governing Multiple Listing Services (MLS), the databases used by real estate agents to share property listings. NAR has agreed to make significant changes to these rules, allowing for more transparency and competition in the market.
2. Brokerage Options for Sellers: The settlement also aims to provide sellers with more flexibility in choosing the services they receive from real estate agents. This includes the option to purchase limited services, such as listing a property on an MLS without additional representation.
3. Prohibition of Certain Practices: NAR has agreed to refrain from implementing certain practices that the DOJ deemed anticompetitive. This includes restrictions on the ability of agents to offer rebates and changes to the rules governing lockbox access for non-NAR members.
1. With greater transparency and flexibility in MLS rules, the settlement could pave the way for increased competition among real estate agents and brokerages. This could ultimately benefit consumers by providing them with more choices and potentially lower costs.
2. Changes to Brokerage Models: The settlement may also lead to changes in the traditional brokerage model, as sellers increasingly opt for limited services rather than full representation. This could reshape the landscape of the real estate industry, prompting agents and brokerages to adapt to evolving consumer preferences.
3. Consumer Empowerment: By giving sellers more control over the services they receive, the settlement empowers consumers to make informed decisions about their real estate transactions. This shift towards greater transparency and choice aligns with broader trends towards consumer empowerment in various industries.
Consumers that live in the state of Colorado have already been using Buyer and Seller Agency contracts to explain the way commissions are split and paid. The main MLS for the Denver metro area, ReColorado, does not require agents to be members of NAR to post properties for sale. Coloradans will see change for sure, but we think we are already a little ahead of the curve regarding the new rules that will come of this settlement. Make no mistake the NAR settlement represents a significant development in the real estate world and here at home, with far-reaching implications for agents, buyers, and sellers. By addressing anticompetitive practices and promoting greater transparency and choice, the settlement aims to foster a more dynamic and consumer-friendly real estate market. As these changes take effect, stakeholders across the industry will need to adapt to a new landscape characterized by increased competition and consumer empowerment.
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This is a must see! Downtown living at its finest with your own 450sf private terrace! Outdoor space downtown, at this price point, is unheard of. Walk to literally everything that downtown Denver has to offer. The Convention Center, the Pavillions, tons of restaurants. Light rail is across the street! This unit is light & bright. 3 huge windows plus a skylight. Beautiful hardwood floors. Nice sized, very workable kitchen with great updates and appliances. And the patio! Did I mention the patio? It is HUGE. Just imagine evenings enjoying a beverage and watching the sunset. How about New Years Eve fireworks or the 4th of July. Your friends will love to come over. The Denver Dry Goods building is steeped in history. Set your showing today and start living your best urban life.Buyer to verify the accuracy of any information provided in the MLS listing including, but not limited to: square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms, lot size, HOA information, parking, taxes or any other data that provided for marketing purposes.
Broker: Willie Walters (303) 908-2330
MLS#4515131
Click Here for More Information Today
NEW PRICE on this inviting Bungalow nestled in the heart of Denver* Boasting 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 car attached garage and Large Professionally Landscaped Front and Back Yard* The well-appointed Kitchen features Contemporary finishes with Stainless Steel Appliances and Direct Access to the AMAZING back yard* The Open Living Spaces create an ideal environment for both Daily Living and Entertaining*The Basement has Options: The pictures present it as a Large Primary Suite* The Current Owner used it as the Primary and a Prior Owner used it as a Media Space* You cannot forget all the Natural Light, Cherry Flooring and updated Bathrooms*Step outside to discover the large, Meticulously Manicured Backyard, providing a Private Oasis for outdoor Activities and Gatherings* Combined with the Attached Garage there is extra parking available on the extended driveway* With thoughtful Updates throughout, this Home offers the Perfect combination of Modern Living and Loads of Denver Charm* Great South Park Hill location one block to Fiction Brewery, walkable to Oneida Park shops and restaurants, easy access to Central Park and City Park*Don’t miss the opportunity to call this Denver gem your own* Some notable updates: Basement Projector and Screen, Stamped Concrete Patio, Outdoor Shed newly Painted, Newer driveway – 2021, Newer insulation in the attic – 2021, Newer paint throughout 2020-2021, Tankless Hot Water Heater and Newer Sewer Line and water supply line – 2021*
Broker: Willie Walters (303)-908-2330
MLS # 9162727
Bold Predictions Commentary for 2024
“This is not the way it will always be” -Unknown
This Post is filled with predictions/guesses for what you can expect in Real Estate next year. As click-bait fills your inboxes, social media and televisions we want to give you some real data and ideas collected from smarter people than us for what we think is coming in 2024. Let’s get to it!
Existing Sales/Transactions
It is wildly thought that next year’s transactions will mimic 2023. We saw the number of transactions fall to levels we have not seen since 1998-1999. Transactions dropped over 22% from 2022 to 2023. In the stock market that would be considered a Bear Market, and you would see stock prices move lower, however home prices have remained mostly the same year over year (supply and demand see below). To say that Real Estate has been all over the place in 2023 is not an exaggeration. While some smarties are predicting home sales to remain the same, some are calling for a 12-18% increase if mortgage rates get below 6%.
Mortgage Rates
Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR, is calling for 4 rate drops next year bringing mortgage rates to 6.5% for a conventional 30 year loan. He believes while our GDP is holding strong for now, that when analysis comes out for Q4-2023 and Q1-2024 we will see a weakened economy. This coupled with a continued reduction in inflation will be the main drivers for the Fed to begin reducing its benchmark rate in 2024. There are others that say by mid year mortgage rates will fall below 6% possibly to 5.75%. If this happens you can expect the housing market to take off again. This theory has been tested time and time again this year by Home Builders. When they buy down the mortgage rate for homebuyers below 6% their inventory disappears. With confidence we think this can be applied to the existing home sales market as well.
Pent Up Buyer Demand
I know we have been talking about Supply and Demand all year, quite frankly for a couple of years now. The graphs we are sharing today will draw a very clear picture of what we are talking about. Millennials, new construction, foreign buyers and those that “love the rate” are the key contributors to our supply and demand issue. The average age a child leaves home in the Millennial Generation is 26 years old. Their household formation average went from 32 years old to 35 years over the last year or so. In 2024 there will be 45 million people 35 years old, the largest amount of people at home buying age ever in our history. What is notable and should not be ignored is the generation coming right behind them. They are every bit as big as the baby boomers in size and will also have an effect on our housing markets for years to come. When we came out of the Covid Era we were 5 million homes short for the amount of buyers that were active in our market. We continue to be short as building homes has become difficult business mainly because of labor (costs and bodies) and supplies continue to be inconsistent. Another weight on our supply issue is the amount of people buying Real Estate from Canada (along with other foreigners) in the US. Canadians buying Real Estate in the US was up 31% in 2022 and another 20% in 2023. Finally, we have commented on repeat month over month about folks with super low mortgage rates sitting on their real estate afraid of moving up or down, in or out. If the predictions are correct and we get below that 6% number you can bet those people will take their appreciation and run into better homes, vacation homes or smaller homes. It is inevitable.
Commentary
We always say that predictions are silly and at our core we believe that. What we have gathered here for you today is something better than blind predictions, it is educated guesses taken from data shared by many industry professionals. These are all national numbers that don’t always apply directly to the Denver Housing Market, but often do because of our quality of lifestyle and age of population (at least over the last 7-10 years). We think that Denver may keep with the National trend in 2024 and 2025- stay tuned. There are more predictions, guesses and information in the full article in our Blog.
Thank you again for supporting our business and our family. As we are rounding year 10 in business with our partner companies we are beyond grateful for awesome clients and awesome employees. Willie and I are excited to see what 2024 brings in for us and for you!
~We wish you and your families, Peace and Health for the Holidays and all the year through~
We wanted to thank Buffini and Company, and The National Association of Realtors for sharing their data and information with us.
In the 11-county Denver Metro area, September brought about a typical seasonal slowdown in the residential real estate market, impacting both buyers and sellers. Here’s a breakdown of the key indicators:
Commentary
If you think The Walters Group can be helpful please don’t hesitate to Contact Us!
-Housing market activity in the 11-county Denver Metro area remained constrained in July. Closings of existing homes were down 14% compared to last year. July typically brings a decrease in closings due to summer vacations and the July 4th holiday. Compared to June, there was a 12% decrease in closings.
Commentary
When we examined stats for the last couple months and compared them with 2019. We are well below 2019 activity in every way except for interest rates. Interest rates were in the 5% range and the housing market was starting to look like it was headed to a more balanced place. We go back to 2019 because that was the last time the market was not influenced by the pandemic and non-sustainable interest rates. What does this mean for us now? We don’t really know. Everything we know about our housing market feels upside down. Lower inventory usually means higher prices (prices are starting to dip again) and reduced inflation usually means lower interest rates (rates are the same or higher). We are facilitating more cash transactions than ever, and we are seeing more and more buyers being priced out of the market because of interest rates. The road ahead is too hard to predict but we are working hard to keep our clients up to date with all that we know.
In Other News
The Colorado General Assembly recently passed a new radon bill, effective now, requiring more transparency about radon during real estate transactions. The law requires further disclosure from Agents and Sellers about the gas similar to the lead based paint disclosure we use. Our contracts now give Agents and Sellers a formal way to address radon. If you would like to know about the bill that has been passed please click here to read more.
Solar Panel Removal
Some folks are experiencing difficulty getting their Solar Panels removed and put back on while getting their roofs replaced. If this is happening to you please give us a call we have some ideas that might get that new roof on sooner than later!
Coming Soon Listings
We have several listings coming on in the coming weeks, Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock, Aurora. We will be sending a coming soon blast early next week. If you know some looking for some opportunities please send them our way!
9510 E Florida Ave. Denver, Colorado 80247
Location and Price make this Denver 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Condo a Great Deal!
Awesome Room-Mate and/or House Hack 2 Bedroom and 2 Bath Condo; Enjoy the open and spacious Living room/Dining room with Fireplace and Mantel* Primary Bedroom has it’s own Bathroom and Large Walk-In Closet* There is a covered Balcony and Storage Closet too*Kitchen has a full size Pantry and ample Granite Counters* There is a good amount of Closets throughout the unit* Full size Washer and Dryer come with this home*Furnace, AC & Water Heater all less than 1 year old*2 Use Only parking spaces are right outside*Don’t forget the lovely Outdoor Pool that is ready for Summer*Easy Access to DTC, Denver and Cherry Creek making a commute, if you have one, easy* Within 5 minutes from grocery shopping, major highways and public transportation* For the outdoor enthusiasts, the Highline Canal and Cherry Creek State Park are just minutes away, offering endless opportunities for hiking, biking, sailing, dog parks and other outdoor activities. This Condo offers the perfect blend of style, convenience, and location; This is one you won’t want to miss*
In 2023 there may be added benefits to inquiring about both options if you are in the market to buy a home. Often times in our more recent markets FHA financing has been frowned upon by listing agents, but that does not mean you shouldn’t explore your options. Below are some benefits of each type of financing:
It’s important to note that the specific benefits of FHA loans versus conventional loans can vary depending on individual circumstances, such as credit score, down payment amount, and financial goals. Consulting with a mortgage professional can help you understand which loan option is best suited for your specific situation in 2023.
We are happy to share our Lender List with you anytime! Click Here to Chat Today!
This seems to be the subject of the Month. We have had so many folks reach out to us about appealing their property taxes and in the meantime we have gone on a mission to learn all we could about what a successful appeal looks like.
1) Assessment Rate from State Statute
2) Tax Rate (Mill Levy) based on Taxing Authorities in your Taxing District
3) Assessor’s Actual Property Value based on
Sales in the Study Period: July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2022
The only one you can appeal is the Assessor’s Actual Property Value. The Assessor’s office uses a Mass Appraisal Model which cannot differentiate details. We need to remember that in most cases it comes close but there are valuations that are not correct.
-visit your county website and get the process and any forms you need
-find comparables- solds to your home – remember APPLES to APPLES not APPLES to ORANGES
-when using the study period try to get homes sold as close to June 2022 as possible
-when writing your appeal remember to be concise, be clear and be kind (the sugary type)
-need help? Call Willie or Lizz
-If you have an appraisal during the study period (as close to June 2022) that shows a lower value submit that with your appeal
-3 to 5 comparable sales
-Highlight what you don’t like about your house – remember big things: Bathroom count, finished square footage, etc
-If the county shared the comparables they used make sure to verify them
-townhomes and condos rarely are successful on appeal
Finally, the assessor will take your file and now do an individual appraisal on your home using the data and information you submitted and their own. Appeals can cause an inflated value as well so make sure you really feel like yours is overstated. Values that miss by 10K or less are most likely not worth the appeal. The window is closing most counties you have until June 8th some counties you have longer. This process is easy, don’t be intimidated.
Again, if you or anyone you know need some help, advice etc. we are here to help!
Colorado’s beautiful landscapes are home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the humble Miller Moth. While their annual arrival may be met with mixed feelings by residents, the humankind, it is important to recognize the ecological value of these insects and understand why they should not be indiscriminately killed. In this article, we will explore the significance of Miller Moths in Colorado’s ecosystem and highlight the benefits of coexisting with these fascinating creatures.
One of the crucial roles Miller Moths play in Colorado’s ecosystem is their contribution as natural pollinators. These moths, known scientifically as Euxoa Auxiliaris, are important agents in the pollination of various flowering plants. As they flit from flower to flower, they inadvertently transfer pollen, enabling plant reproduction and the production of fruits and seeds. By allowing Miller Moths to carry out their pollination activities, we can help maintain the delicate balance of Colorado’s plant life.
Miller Moths are valuable food source for many native animals in Colorado. They serve as an important link in the food chain, being consumed by birds, bats, and other insect-eating wildlife. By eliminating Miller Moths, we disrupt this crucial food supply, potentially impacting the survival and reproduction of species dependent on them.
Miller Moths have become a cultural phenomenon in Colorado, with their annual migration drawing attention and fascination from residents. They serve as an opportunity to educate the public especially children, about the natural world and the importance of biodiversity. By observing and learning about Miller Moths, we can foster a sense of appreciation of the interconnectedness of ecosystems and inspire stewardship for the environment.
Let us celebrate the beauty and value of the Miller Moths by coexisting with them, respecting their role in the web of life, and embracing the lessons they offer about our interconnectedness with nature. And in case you are still wondering….No they don’t eat human clothing or food if they get inside your home.
As we head closer to the much-anticipated Spring Real Estate Market we are seeing a split view. Our client’s stories vary, on one hand they are seeing homes under 400K selling for less than asking price with lots of contract contingencies. The other hand in the luxury market (above 1 million) experiencing multiple CASH offers with no contract contingencies accepted (The stats say otherwise by the way: Homes under 1 million getting 100% of asking price and homes selling over 1 million getting 99.23% of asking price). In most cases these stats do not support what our active clients are seeing. We know you are getting mixed messages. Our best advice is that you can’t look at the market with a wide lens; you have to drill down to the specifics of each transaction to get a clear picture.
Active inventory was up, closed homes sales were down, average close price and average median close price were up month over month. Year over year we are down somewhere between 3%-6% in appreciation, a softening that is totally expected with the historical interest rate hikes we have seen this year. In addition, days on market are down big time again. April saw the lowest number of closed homes since 2011. It is also the first time since 2008 that closed home sales dropped from March to April.
April 2023 Housing Market Update
Active Inventory: 4,620 up 2.3%
Closed Sales: 3,701 down 7.91%
Average Close Price: $682,061 up 2.56%
Days On Market: 29 down 21.62% (This is another big drop)
(Stats Reflected here are MoM March to April)
According to a recent Denver Post article written by Aldo Svaldi, homeowners across the state will need to set aside more money to cover their property taxes next year — significantly more money — based on the higher property values that county assessors have calculated and will notify them about early next month. Nine county assessors along the Front Range on Wednesday revealed the median increases in residential properties, which are valued on a two-year cycle in Colorado. The two-year increases are “historic” and “unprecedented” assessors said, ranging from 33% in Denver County to 47% in Douglas County. If you would like to read more of this article click here. To protest your home valuation call or visit your county’s website for directions on how to file your complaint. There are also companies that offer this service for a fee.
The Federal Reserve raised its fund rate by .25% today. Chairman Powell’s speech included different language than we have heard since they began their historic hikes. He said, “what we need to focus on are the words maybe and some as opposed to ongoing”. He also repeated that we can count on the Fed doing what they need to do to get inflation down to 2 percent.
Expect the multifaceted market to continue throughout 2023. Our appreciation outlook is positive because of continuing inventory pressures. We predict you will see a small gain in year over year appreciation by the end of 2023. Mortgage rates will be higher in the short term and may begin to come down by the second half of the year. Thank you all again for supporting our businesses we are grateful.
Data represents Attached and Detached Homes in the 7-county metro area.
We would like to thank DMAR, Yahoo and The Denver Post for information and statistics used in crafting this article.
4973 S DILLON ST. #130 AURORA COLORADO
For More Information Contact Us Today!
If you thought the basketball version of March Madness was Mad hold on to your nets because it clearly bounced into the Real Estate Industry as well. Between Mortgage Rates, CPI, the Fed, lack of inventory and of course bank failures we were all over the place nationally and regionally last month. Active inventory is up, closed homes sales are up, average close price is up and days on market are down (see stats below for exact numbers). All of that speaks to a very active Metro Denver Real Estate market for the month of March. Last month’s pending homes sales climbed 22% and closed homes sales jumped 32% from February. We can’t fail to mention that part of March’s housing activity is also because of seasonality.
Active Inventory: 4,516 up 19.53%
Closed Sales: 3,790 up 32.29%
Average Close Price: $665,390 up 1.44%
Days On Market: 37 up 22.92% (This is a big drop)
(Stats Reflected here are MoM February to March)
Homes which sold without a price reduction are out selling homes sold with a price reduction by 2 ¾ percent. When out showing, making offers and listing homes in this market condition and location are key. What we are seeing is homes that are in ready to sell condition, cleaned, well taken care of, yard work done and staged are selling for over ask with multiple offers no matter what the price point. Add to that a slightly below list price and you can count on a high scoring weekend regarding showing numbers and offers received.
This idea that credit tightening could bring on the recession and crush the housing market has been floating around for months. According to many sources credit tightening is mainly affecting Car, Commercial and Personal Loans. Several lenders confirm that home loans are less restrictive now than they have been. The loosening of restrictions is part of this administration’s commitment to those people who have missed the opportunity to buy a home because of pricing and lending over the past couple of years.
On March 2nd of this year Goldman Sachs was quoted in a Fortune article on Yahoo that 99% of all home loans nationally are under 6% or current market rates. They also stated that 28% of those are under 3%. The article says, “Think about it like this, if you took on a $600,000 mortgage and your rate is 7%, your monthly principal and interest payment would be $3,992. But with the same size loan and a rate of 3%, your monthly payment is slightly over $2,530 a month.” This mathematical equation equates to people not moving and this may influence our housing market for years to come.
There is another story in this article about a gentleman that purchased his home in California at a 3.68% mortgage rate in 2016 and refinanced in 2021 to 2.42%. He’s splitting his time between California and Portland, Oregon, after getting a new job. Instead of losing his low rate that he’s locked into and selling his home, he’s renting an apartment in Portland and traveling between the two states for work—which he says is cheaper because of how reasonable his mortgage payments are.“I can’t afford to sell because I don’t want to lose that rate,” he told Fortune. “If I ever want to move back to California, it’s going to be impossible because I’ll never get a rate lower [than that]. So I am scared as hell to let go of the house at that rate, and I also can’t afford to buy in Portland because the pricing and the rates are too high.” If rates weren’t so high, he said, he’d sell the home and purchase in Portland.
Yet another reason and win for Investing in Real Estate. Across the board and over time real estate scores points.
It appears that the spring market is beginning to show its colors not only in our gardens but in our housing market too. Mortgage rates are settling in, folks have grown used to them and inventory remains lighter than demand. Without change to inventory home prices will remain flat or will slightly rise over the next couple of months. What happens if the Fed stops raising rates and inflation starts to slow at a faster rate at the same time? More Madness for our housing market for sure. Thank you all again for supporting our businesses we are grateful.
Data represents Attached and Detached Homes in the 7-county metro area.
We would like to thank DMAR and Yahoo for information and statistics used in crafting this article.