Denver Colorado Real Estate

Pending Home Sales Holding Steady

2008-12-10T09:24:26-07:00

This article comes courtesy of the National Association of Realtors.

Pending home sales eased against a deteriorating economic backdrop but remain in a stable range, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in October, slipped 0.7 percent to 88.9 from an upwardly revised reading of 89.5 in September. It is 1 percent below October 2007 when it was 89.8.

“Despite the turmoil in the economy, the overall level of pending home sales has been remarkably stable over the past year, holding in a generally narrow range,” says Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. “We did see a spike in August when mortgage conditions temporarily improved, which underscores two things – there is a pent-up demand, and access to safe, affordable mortgages will bring more buyers into the market.”

Conditions remain uneven around the country, but some areas that are showing healthy gains in pending home sales from a year ago include many Florida and California markets; Providence, R.I.; Lansing, Mich.; Oklahoma City; and Las Vegas.

By the Region

Here's what the PHSI showed across the country:

South: jumped 7.8 percent to 95.9 in October but remains 2.9 percent below a year ago.
Northeast: rose 0.6 percent to 68.1 but is 14.1 percent below October 2007.
Midwest: declined 4.3 percent to 79.7 in October and is 6.8 percent below a year ago.
West: fell 8.7 percent to 103.7 but is 17.4 percent higher than October 2007.

The Economic Forecast

New-home sales: for 2008 should total 486,000 this year, decline to 393,000 in 2009 and then grow to 446,000 in 2010. Housing starts, including multifamily units, are projected at 934,000 units in 2008 and 731,000 next year before rising to 772,000 in 2010.

Existing-home sales: looking at middle-ground assumptions, existing-home sales are forecast to total 4.96 million this year, and then increase to 5.19 million in 2009 and 5.55 million in 2010.

Home prices: “Price projections are challenging in an environment with so many variables and divergent local conditions,” Yun says. “The home price correction to date has brought prices in line with fundamentals, but buyer pessimism could cause prices to overshoot downward, resulting in further economic deterioration.” NAR’s housing affordability index is likely to remain quite favorable, averaging 138 in 2009.

Unemployment rate: is estimated at 7.2 percent in the first quarter, rising to 8.3 percent by the end of 2009.

Inflation: as measured by the Consumer Price Index, is seen at 0.7 percent in 2009. Inflation-adjusted disposable personal income is expected to grow 1.5 percent in 2009.

GDP: Yun expects growth in the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) to contract through the first half of 2009, then stabilize and expand in latter part of the year – lifted by a home sales recovery.

“Given the critical role of housing in an economic recovery, we’re confident sufficient stimulus will be offered to bring more buyers to the market,” he says.

Could a Drop in Interest Rates Help?

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage will probably decline to 5.6 percent in the first quarter, rise slowly to 6 percent by the end of 2009, and average 6.2 percent in 2010.

NAR President Charles McMillan says he’s hopeful about considerations by the U.S. Treasury to help the housing market.

“Efforts to bring down mortgage interest rates demonstrate a clear understanding of the role housing plays in stabilizing the economy,” McMillan says. “We’re very encouraged by all of the proposals getting serious consideration in Washington to help home buyers. More sales will stabilize home prices by bringing down inventory, and would lessen foreclosure pressure.”

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Sean Patrick Reilly

RE/MAX Southeast

303.512.0405

sean@seansellshouses.com
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Double Major - Real Estate & Construction Management - University of Denver '91

FHA Raises Upfront Premiums

2008-08-29T09:50:17-06:00

From James Hagerty w/ the Wall Street Journal -

The Federal Housing Administration announced Tuesday that it is increasing the upfront premiums charged to most borrower to guarantee that a mortgage will be repaid.

Effective Oct. 1, most borrowers will pay 1.75 percent of the loan amount, up from 1.5 percent because the FHA is adopting a “risk-based” pricing system based on borrowers’ credit scores and the amount of their down payment or equity.

On a $300,000 loan, the new upfront premium works out to $5,250, up from $4,500. The annual premiums paid by borrowers would remain at 0.5 percent to 0.55 percent of the loan balance.

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Sean Patrick Reilly

RE/MAX Southeast

303.512.0405

sean@seansellshouses.com
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Double Major - Real Estate & Construction Management - University of Denver '91

Web-Sites That Can Help w/ Decorating Ideas

2008-08-26T10:00:00-06:00

From David Bonetti of the Saint Louis Dispatch -

6 Web Sites That Make Decorating Fun :

For many people, one of the most fun parts about buying a home is redecorating it.

Most of these sites are trying to sell products, but they are free to use and could give you some good ideas.

DesignMyRoom.com- This is a sophisticated and complex site. It opens with a series of brief videos with Robert Verdi, a charming "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy"- style guide to the art of interior decoration. The site allows you to choose furniture, art and accessories for 30 generic rooms.
BHG.com - Choose from Color-a-Room or Color-a-Home (exterior).
AndersonFloors.com- The Image Builder Design Center is a basic program that will change the color of the flooring, walls, ceiling and trim.
WoodFloors.org- From the National Wood Flooring Association, Design a Room is another basic wall and floor site.
Mohawk.Swatchbox.com - Mohawk DreamVision allows you to choose a room type (kitchen, bedroom, bath) and style (traditional, modern, etc.) then start designing.
Corian.com- The My Room Designer offers a good choice of cabinets, wall colors and of course, countertops.

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Sean Patrick Reilly

RE/MAX Southeast

303.512.0405

sean@seansellshouses.com
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Double Major - Real Estate & Construction Management - University of Denver '91

Existing Home Sales Hit 5-Month High

2008-08-25T20:38:49-06:00

This article comes courtesy of the National Association of Realtors -

Existing-home sales rose in July to the highest level in five months, although they continue to be well below the numbers from last year at this time, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

Existing-home sales – including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops – increased 3.1 percent in July to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5 million units from a downwardly revised level of 4.85 million in June. Sales were 13.2 percent lower than the 5.76 million-unit pace in July 2007.

NAR President Richard F. Gaylord, a broker with RE/MAX Real Estate Specialists in Long Beach, Calif., said the up-and-down pattern may break soon.

“We hope the new tools in the hands of home buyers from the recently enacted housing stimulus package will spark a sustained sales uptrend in the months ahead,” he said. “Buyers who’ve been on the sidelines should take a closer look at what’s available to them now in terms of financing and incentives. Given some of the inventory on the market, we also strongly encourage buyers to get a professional home inspection.”

Median Price Down 7.1% from Year Ago

The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $212,400 in July, down 7.1 percent from a year ago when the median was $228,600.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said home prices in some regions could soon increase.

“Sales have picked up significantly in several Florida and California markets. Home prices generally follow sales trends after a few months of lag time,” he said. “Still, inventory remains high in many parts of the country and will require time to fully absorb. We expect more balanced conditions in 2009 and will eventually return to normal long-term appreciation patterns.”

Analysis of NAR price data since 1968 shows home prices normally rise 1 to 2 percentage points above the overall rate of inflation, building wealth over the typical period of homeownership.

11-Month Supply of Homes for Sale

Total housing inventory at the end of July rose 3.9 percent to 4.67 million existing homes available for sale, which represents an 11.2.-month supply at the current sales pace, up from a 11.1-month supply in June. The rise in supply results from a sharp increase in condo inventory; the single family supply declined.

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage rose to 6.43 percent in July from 6.32 percent in June; the rate was 6.70 percent in July 2007.

Single-family home sales rose 3.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.39 million in July from 4.26 million in June, but are 12.4 percent below the 5.01 million-unit level a year ago. The median existing single-family home price was $210,900 in July, down 7.7 percent from July 2007.

Existing condominium and co-op sales increased 3.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 610,000 units in July from 590,000 in June, but are 18.6 percent below the 749,000-unit pace in July 2007. The median existing condo price4 was $223,400 in July, which is 2.7 percent below a year ago.

In Detail: Regional Sales, Prices

West. Regionally, existing-home sales in the West jumped 9.7 percent in July to a level of 1.13 million and are 0.9 percent higher than July 2007. The median price in the West was $273,200, down 22.2 percent from a year ago.

Northeast. In the Northeast, existing-home sales rose 5.9 percent to an annual pace of 900,000 in July, but are 11.8 percent below a year ago. The median price in the Northeast was $278,700, which is 4.9 percent lower than July 2007.

Midwest. Existing-home sales in the Midwest increased 0.9 percent to an annual rate of 1.12 million in July, but are 17.0 percent lower than July 2007. The median price in the Midwest was $175,400, up 1.0 percent from a year ago.

South. In the South, existing-home sales slipped 0.5 percent to an annual pace of 1.85 million in July, and are 18.1 percent below a year ago. The median price in the South was $179,300, down 3.5 percent from June 2007.

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Sean Patrick Reilly

RE/MAX Southeast

303.512.0405

sean@seansellshouses.com
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Double Major - Real Estate & Construction Management - University of Denver '91

Some Good News....

2008-08-22T13:01:06-06:00

This article comes courtesy of realtor.com :

Daily Real Estate News | August 22, 2008
30-Year Rates Fall Lower This Week

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declined in the week ending Aug. 21, falling to an average of 6.47 percent from last week's 6.52 percent, according to Freddie Mac.

Last year at this time, the 30-year rate averaged 6.52 percent.

"Even with the current historically affordable mortgage rates, news continues to show signs of weakening in the housing sector," said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist. "For example, housing starts fell to 0.965 million units (annualized) in July, the slowest pace since March 1991. As a result, homebuilder confidence remained at an all-time record low in August since the series began in January 1985.

The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage this week averaged 6.00 percent, down from last week when it averaged 6.07 percent, and last year when it averaged 6.18 percent.

Five-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) averaged 5.99 percent this week, down from last week when it averaged 6.02 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 6.34 percent.

One-year Treasury-indexed ARMs averaged 5.29 percent this week with an average 0.5 point, up from last week when it averaged 5.18 percent. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 5.60 percent.

"Next week, market watchers will be looking to the release of house price indices from S&P/Case-Shiller, OFHEO, and Freddie Mac for signs of whether home prices may be slowing their descent as recent monthly indices have shown, or whether the observed deceleration was temporary," Nothaft says.

Source: Freddie Mac

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Sean Patrick Reilly

RE/MAX Southeast

303.512.0405

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Double Major - Real Estate & Construction Management - University of Denver '91

Mortgage Money Wire - 08/22/08

2008-08-22T10:49:09-06:00

Current Trend Direction: Higher

Risks favor: Lock

Current Price of 10 yr Treasury: 3.88%, +.05 (green is bad, interest rates are increasing)

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Friday that the problems in the nation's financial markets persist and still threaten the economy. Bernanke said that the financial woes, coupled with record oil prices and the weakening economy, had created "one of the most challenging economic and policy environments in memory." In prepared remarks at a conference in Jackson Hole, Wyo., Bernanke also said he is encouraged by the recent oil price decline, which may signal that inflationary pressures are on the wane. 10 Year Treasury Bond Information Click here for up-to-date information on the 10 yr Treasury, which is the index used to follow the Bond market.

Rate Center

30 yr Fixed Rate	6.31%

15 yr Fixed Rate	5.81%

30 yr Jumbo Rate	7.40%

5/1 Arm Rate	5.82%

5/1 Jumbo Rate	6.29%

FHA 30 yr Fixed Rate	6.25%

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sean@seansellshouses.com
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Double Major - Real Estate & Construction Management - University of Denver '91

$7,500 Tax Credit - First Time Home Buyers

2008-08-20T10:51:30-06:00

So, there is a new tax credit in town for First Time Home Buyers that is in effect from
April 09, 2008 - June 30, 2009.

At a glance, here is the gist of the program -

1) Available to First Time Home Buyers Only

2) Maximum credit is $7,500

3) Single taxpayers w/ incomes up to $75,000 or married tax payers w/ incomes up to $150,000

4) The tax credit will work like an interest free loan and must be re-paid over a 15 year period.

The catch here is that the tax credit must be re-paid. According to the federal housing tax credit web-site, home buyers will be required to repay the credit to the government, without interest, over 15 years, or when they sell the house, if there is sufficient capital gain from said sale. For example, a home buyer claiming a $7,500 credit would repay the credit at $500 per year. The home owner does not have to begin making repayments on the credit until two years after the credit is claimed. So if the tax credit is claimed on the 2008 tax return, a $500 payment is not due until the 2010 tax return is file. If the homeowner sold the home, then the remaining credit amount would be due from the profit on the home sale. If there was insufficient profit, then the remaining credit payback would be forgiven.

This is just a general outline of the tax credit. Even though this tax credit has to be repaid, it does seem like a good deal in the long run. With any type of offer, though, the potential recipient should weigh all the pro's and con's before pulling the trigger.

Here is another take on the tax credit from Lawrence Yun of NAR (National Association of Realtors) -

"NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, The Housing Stimulus Bill passed in the Senate over the weekend. President Bush said he will sign it into law. That means housing recovery is on its way. There are many components in the bill, but the one that is the most exciting is the homebuyer tax credit. Up to $7,500 will be given to first-time home purchasers as they file their income tax returns. The amount gets phased out above a certain income level and is to be no more than 10 percent of the home purchased price though most people will qualify for the full amount. This is almost like a "credit", which means that the amount is equivalent to cash on tax returns. Example: you do your normal tax return and find that you owe $1,000 next year. You then apply the $7,500 credit and the government will send you a tax refund check for $6,500. This credit has a time window and will not be available from July 9th, 2009 on.

It is not a full credit because you do have to pay back this amount over a 15 year time period from the second year. The payback provisions also have many conditions, which we are further researching. But in the worst case, you would need to pay back the $7,500 over a 15 year time span from 2010. So in your 2010 tax filing, you would need to pay $500.

Even in the worst case scenario of paying back the tax credit fully over a 15 year time span, the tax credit is sitll a huge benefit to homebuyers. First, money today is worth more than money tomorrow - far more than money 15 years from now. Money loses value over time due to inflation and from the interest income one would receive on that money before fully paying it back. A smart consumer could pay off a high-interest credit card debt with the tax credit money and that would be the best winning strategy.

I am excited about the tax credit because it will have the biggest impact in getting the housing market moving again and in lessening the foreclosure pressure. Homeowners across the country will benefit as home prices strengthen. The economy will also improve - with higher aggregate income for U.S. workers and a lower unemployment rate."

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail or call.

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sean@seansellshouses.com
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Double Major - Real Estate & Construction Management - University of Denver '91

Ironman Coeur d'Alene 2008 (The Race)

2008-07-10T13:25:16-06:00

Again, this has nothing to do with Denver Real Estate.

Part 2 of 2 of my experience at the Ironman Coeur d'Alene 2008 - read the prelude here.

Here I was getting into the water for the first time in a triathlon - I knew what to expect, but I had never experienced it before. I felt like I could swim quite well thanks to my training, so I started swimming and made it about 100 yards and ran into a wall of people - where could I go? - there were just a bunch of bodies in front of me and no where to go and they were treading water - I want to friggin swim - move - I couldn't find any open water and I started to panic. The water was relatively calm, but it was still splashing into my face while I was treading, and getting into my lungs. How could I be out of breath at the Ironman and only 2 minutes into the race? I did what I had learned and rolled on my back an relaxed myself. There were people behind me, but they were not pressuring me. I laid there for about 30 seconds and got my composure. Steve (the coach staying with us) had been saying all weekend -KEEP MOVING FORWARD, so I rolled over, saw a little daylight and started slowly. Rather than sight for the buoys, I sighted for open water feeling like a running back trying to shoot the gaps. Soon there was a decent amount of room and I headed for the 1/2 way point of the 1st lap. Thinking I had this figured out, I cut the first turn as close as I could and ran into a cluster of people - no way out of this one, I just treaded water toward the return buoy and was pulled along. I did not swim, but was dragged by the masses to the other turn buoy that would put me on course back to the beach and the turnaround for the 2nd lap. I went wide on the turn and started for the beach. This is where is hit me for the first time of the day - I am doing an Ironman and I started to choke up - the reason I am doing this is because I was able to follow Kathy's plan for me - in my mind I was already an Ironman for sticking so closely to the workout and this event was just the icing on the cake.

Lap 1 almost done. I distinctly remember as I neared shore, hearing Mike Reilly's voice over the PA - I had no idea of what he was saying, but I knew I was getting close. I continued my sighting for open water and was still hit by a few people, but now had built the confidence that I could swim with these people. I hit the beach on the first loop and remember hearing my name over the PA - "Sean Reilly from Littleton, Colorado" and I pumped my fist as I headed out for the 2nd lap. You have a lot of time to think in the water and my strategy for loop 2 was to go wide and try to stay in open water so I wouldn't have to stop. I proabably swam and extra .2 or .3 of a mile, but it was worth it to be able to swim basically uninterrupted. Every once in a while, someone would swim in my path, but it was bearable. I went wide on the turn to avoid the cluster and then I was on the return path - time to start thinking about the bike. I am not cold - the water felt warmer today - no need for the hot tub - just get my shit and go. Closer and closer to the beach until I was standing and walking towards the transition area. Fans lined the beach and the chute to the transition - they were screaming and yelling - it was awesome. 1 Hour 18 Minutes - I beat the cut off by over an hour.

I ran to get my wet-suit stripped. Volunteers were awesome and had me out of the suit in seconds. I ran to get my t-1 bag and they yelled my number and someone had my bag for me - volunteers were just phenomenal. I ran to the tent and sat down to get ready. A volunteer came right over and poured my stuff out - what do you want. Since I had just pulled my tri-suit off and was totally naked, I went with the bike pants first, then chamois butter, shirt, etc.... I was good to go All the while that I was getting dressed, the volunteer was packing my wet-suit and swim stuff - volunteers were unreal. A quick stop at a portable urinal in the tent, then to get the bike. A volunteer spotted me and ran me to my bike and I was off. I had put on my Garmin for heart rate purposes and had an issue w/ the watch getting to the right satellites for the first 8 miles, but after that was handled, I was off...the first 30-35 miles were awesome - the crowds screaming, the seamless aid stations, the beauty of the lake. Then, into the rollers and I felt strong, after all, I had trained in the foothills of the Rockies - I was going strong and passing a lot of people. I was also being passed, but I felt like I was passing a lot more people than I was being passed by. I remember the first loop, there was a guy with a tray of shots of beer - I thought about it, but opted against it. I was feeling great and kept motoring on. The only thing that was concerning me was that I was peeing at nearly every aid station - I was feeling good, so I let it slide. I hit the turnaround and saw Teresa about 3 minutes later - she was hauling ass - since we had trained together, I knew what she was capable of and I honestly thought I would have had a better lead at that point. I am a competitive person and always strive to win, but it was funny here because I really wanted to beat Teresa. After I saw how close she was, I started thinking about how I was going to explain to my friends how I got beat by a girl (which I got beat by a lot of them that day), and then I thought how am I going to talk her into doing another Ironman, so I can beat her that day. Anyway, that is exactly what went through my mind at that point. And, if she did beat me, I would have been fine with it, I just try and find ways to motivate myself. I've been competitive my whole life and I have learned to get beat - it happens to everyone.

Lap 1 rocked, but I kept peeing - about 4 times now in 60 miles. Now I'm 70 or so miles into the race and entering the hills again around Hayden Lake (beautiful, as well). My legs are not responding as well on the hills and I am not passing as many people as before...in fact, my legs are feeling dead on some hills. What the hell is going on? Hills are my bread and butter. Another hill and the same deal - now I'm 80 miles and not feeling well. Where are my legs? What the hell is going to happen on the marathon? Shit!!!! I keep peeing and drinking and peeing - mile 90, I puke. What in the hell is going on? I puked in my mouth, spit it out and keep going. There is no fucking way that I am going to stop!!! Then, it dawns on me - I have not been taking my salt tablets - could that be the reason? I started taking enduorlytes from Hammer to deal w/ the heat of running in Colorado. Water seems to just pass through my system, but when I am taking salt, my body retains the water and it keeps me cooler - thanks Kathy. So, I had put a bunch of enduorlytes in my Perpeteum drink, but it was not enough. Thankfully, I have a nice slow downhill, fish the tablets out of my jersey, and start opening them into my water reservoir. Some girl passes me and says something, but I can't hear her. Three tablets later, I take a drink and game on again. Literally, that fast. I am far from perfect, but I feel better. And, now I am out of the hills w/ 15 miles to the finish which is flat / downhill. I pour it on and I am not passed the last 15 miles - in fact I pass 20 - 30 people in this stretch - bike down, marathon to go. The 6:04 on the bike feels like less than 3 hours - I can't explain - the event was surreal. 8 minutes in transition w/ awesome volunteers, a minute getting lathered sunscreen by more awesome volunteers and I go under the RUN START sign.

The run - I thought I would hurt on the start which had been the case on all my bricks (long bike followed by run workout). Kathy (my coach) said I would be ready and I was. I started out and was going to run from aid station to aid station and walk thru the stations - a variation of the 9/1 that I had trained with. 9 minute mile 1 (for me that was great), and it continued. I posted a few solid miles in the beginning, but my puking kind of caught up with me. I get out of the first loop area and am working my way out of town when I hear someone yell my name - it's Steve and Rob (Teresa's husband) - seeing them was just what the doctor ordered. Rob was not going to be able to make it due to a new job, but found a way to fly in that morning and was in Coeur d'Alene by the bike - if you want to talk about a supportive husband, Rob is the man. Back to the run, I was now taking the salt regularly, but was worried about my stomach, so all I was eating were orange slices. I was afraid that I would not be able to hold anything down. Then I had to hit the porta-potty for some #2 business around mile 5. The run still felt good, but I was worried about eating. Keep Moving Forward kept ringing in my head and I did. Aid station after aid station passed, but I had to eat - i needed the calories, or else I would just bonk. I ran up the hill around the 7 mile mark - the biggest of the hills on the run and just continued to do what I was doing - get me to mile 16 and I will gut it out if I have to - I don't care - I've come this far. Then Teresa catching me creeped into my mind again - if she beats me, more power to her, she is the better athlete of the day. On my second lap of the bike, I did put a considerable amount of time on her and estimated that I had about 45 minutes at that point - it was more for motivation than anything. Okay, I'm about 5 miles to the half-way point - get there and we'll talk. I contiued on and took in water, gatorade, and 1 slice of orange at each aid station. Also, I would swallow a salt tab every other aid station. As I get close on my way back to town, I see Teresa with her head down, and shout for her to chunk it out. She looks beat and I'm worried - we had worked out for the last 6 months together and we had a vested interest in getting across the finish line. I think it was mile 11 where I was starting to come back into town to make the loop where they had the course split - if your are heading for your 2nd lap, stay right, if you are finishing, go left. Ouch, close, but no cigar yet.

I hit mile 13 and am making the loop when I hit a downstride and feel two blisters on my toes blow and the ensuing pain. I am in this race, I have choked up no less than 10 times at this point thinking - I am doing an Ironman - thank goodness I was wearing sunglasses - I can't imagine what people would have thought about a grown man riding and running while almost crying. And, I don't cry, except for the Adventures of Yellow Dog - he just had to make it after falling into the shaft.

So, I am in this race, I am vested and two of my toes just exploded. My first and only thought - there in no fucking way that I am not finishing this race, I don't give a shit if I have to run the next 12 miles in pain, there is no way that I am not fucking finishing. 1/2 mile later there was no pain. But, now I really needed to eat - I was hungry, and I still had about 11 or so miles to go. My coach Kathy told me early on about a girl she coached who was having digestive issues and all she did was drink the flat cola they served and drank the chicken broth. I went with the cola, and opted to start slamming power gels at each aid station. It was working - don't get me wrong, I was hurting, but I started feeling some strength. I started running a little faster - not much faster, but a little faster. My stomach felt good - I'd double up on the gels and double up on the soda - I hit the hill at the turn point and tried to run - I just didn't have it - I walked to the top and ran down which was painful itself. Mile 21 - only 5 left and I choked up again. Through the aid station with my new plan and back on the road. Mile 23 - I caught this guy and ran with him for a bit - I told him that I should have blown by him, but I didn't know where my breakaway speed went. Next aid station. I saw Teresa and this time she was in awesome spirits and I could tell by her body language, she was golden. Fear averted, she was going to make it. The last 3 hurt, actually, that last 10 really hurt. I finally saw Trish w/ about 2 to go and she was in good spirits - I knew she was going to make it. Mile 24 1/2, so damn close - why can't my legs move faster. I was running and walking and running and walking. Everyone on the sidewalks were screaming - it was awesome. Then, there was the left/right split and I got to go left this time. C'mon, I'm and Ironman - 1/2 mile left - I've travelled 140.1 of the total 140.6 - I'm there. After a couple of turns, I was on the main drag....I could see the finish....I could hear the screaming....and it was all downhill. The sidewalks were 10 deep on both sides...I couldn't help but run...it was effortless - there was no pain....it was surreal. I remembered what Kathy told me - take off your glasses and hat (I turned it backwards) and make sure you cross the finish line by yourself for the picture. 12 Hours 26 Minutes and 14 Seconds after I started, I crossed the finish line - holy fucking shit, I did it. And, I didn't cry - I definitely choked up, and that was it - I was an Ironman. And, I can say that this was one of the best experiences of my life - worth every ounce of effort and every dollar that I spent to get here.

Teresa ended up finishing in 13:38, and Trish knocked out her 4th Ironman in 14:12.

So, I get my picture taken as a finisher and find my way to the transition area to get my phone. I sit down and call Kathy (my coach) and thank her profusely. There is no way I could have trained myself for this event - it was a great race and the best thing is that I feel as good as one can who just completed and Ironman. I check texts and messages - lots' of people have been tracking me all day long on the computer and a few actually saw me cross the finish line. Every time I went over a timing mat, all I could think about was people back in Denver watching on-line. Hey everyone, I'm still alive and moving forward.

If you actually read this entire blog, thanks. I read a bunch before doing IM CDA '08 and hope this helps inspire you to just keep moving forward.

* Interested in Searching the Metro Denver Area MLS for Free? => Go to http://www.seanreilly.myhomecards.com and sign up for a Homecard *

* Important Information Regarding Buying a New Home => http://www.denvernewhomebuyers.com *

* Metro Denver Real Estate News => http://www.seansellshouses.typepad.com *

* Interested in Knowing the Value of your Home? => http://www.seansellshouses.com/freecma.htm *

* Read what Past Buyers and Sellers have said about Sean Reilly. => http://www.seansellshouses.com/testimonials.htm *

Sean Patrick Reilly
RE/MAX Southeast
Double Major - Real Estate & Construction Management – University of Denver
sean@seansellshouses.com
http://www.seansellshouses.com
303.512.0405

Ironman Coeur d'Alene 2008 (Prelude)

2008-07-10T12:45:07-06:00

I know this has nothing to do with Denver Real Estate - Part 1 of 2

So...I just completed my first Ironman Triathlon last June 20th (2008) in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. In fact, it was my first triathlon ever....

I can remember being a kid and for whatever reason I would always catch the Ironman Hawaii on the television. I would sit down some random Saturday to watch Wide World of Sports (the one w/ the ski jumper) and for whatever reason, the hour or hour and 1/2 broadcast of Ironman Hawaii would be on and I remember saying to myself how cool it would be to do that one day. Well, one day turned out to be 28 years later, and Hawaii turned out to be Idaho, but the distance was the same and the feeling of accomplishment was second to none.

I have a few friends who participate in triathlons regularly and whenever the subject of triathlons would come up, I would half jokingly say that when you are ready to do an Ironman, give me a call and I'll do it with you. Well, my bluff got called in June of 2007 - my friend Teresa gave me a call and told me that she would be up for doing the Ironman in Coeur d'Alene and wanted to see if I still had interest? She continued by saying that Ironman events sold out quickly and that we would have to sign up about 1 year in advance to assure that we could participate. This was on a Friday and she said we had to sign up around 11 am the next Monday. Even though the event was a year out, it might have been the next day because the nerves that I was feeling were as real as ever - truly, who was I kidding by attempting one of these - I hadn't swam since I was a kid, I knew I could do the bike, and my only marathon attempt was an agonizing 4:45 in San Diego, and it was agonizing (I had to use the handrails on stairs for 4 days after the race and every step I took was painful).

Monday came and I felt like a high school kid trying to call a girl for the first time - I had all the information filled out, but I just couldn't click on the submit button. I was on the phone w/ Teresa and she finally hit submit, and I followed suit - holy shit - what did I just commit to?

Now it was real - 1 year out and I had a lot to learn, let alone train for. I was in the process of training for the Triple Bypass (120 miles from Evergreen to Avon, Colorado over 3 mountain passes) which was about 3 weeks out. I felt good about my ability to get into shape for the bike. I had the Denver Marathon in October '07 which I had not started or even thought about training for, and I had not been in a pool in about 20 years (other than on vacation, etc...)

The Triple Bypass comes and goes - 9 Hours and 42 Miutes of riding and I felt pretty good at the finish, but the question that I ask myself as I finish is - can I run a marathon? The answer was "No".

Fast forward a month and now I'm 45 days or so out from the Denver Marathon. As always, I have grandiose plans of how I am going to train like an animal for these events and voila, I'm close to the race wondering if I am going to be able to make it. I'm doing the Ironman w/ my friend Teresa who is also a coach for CWW, so I ask her to tell me what to do and I promise to do it. For my previous marathon, I ran 15 miles once and that was the only time I ran over 10 - most of my training runs were 9.5 miles and that was it. Now, I was told that I would have to run 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and then 12 again before the marathon. Painful as it sounded, I agreed to it. Also, she would have me do 9 / 1 (9 miunutes running, followed by 1 minute of walking) - fair enough even though I thought it was a cop out. Running a marathon is supposed to be just that running, not walking, but I promised to follow the plan. So, all the runs hurt, especially the extra 2 miles that was tacked on to each run until I got back to the 12 - I flew (for me) on this run and actually turned it into a 1/2 marathon which I did in just about 2 hours - wow this marathon things could be pretty cool.

Race day comes and it's mid 40's and rainy and windy. Do I stay in shorts, or opt for something longer? Jacket or not? Yikes, it's friggin cold out. I opted for shorts and even though, by mile 18, I was having a tough time opening gels due to numbness in my hands, I persevere. By Mile 20, I see the clock at 3:20 and think to myself that all I have to do is run the next 6 in an hour and I will have destroyed my previous marathon time. Sure enough, I cross the line in 4:20 and change and set a pr for myself. There is something to this following a plan thing. As much as I was against the 9/1 run, it worked wonders for me - I was still in some pain, but I did manage a sprint to the finish which was not available to me in San Diego.

So, here we are in mid-October and I feel good about my biking and just set a marathon pr, but have yet to get into the pool. Oddly, enough, even though I am psyched about the marathon, I just can't get out and run - I think I ran once between October and the end of December. I biked a few times, but I am just burnt and with the Ironman looming, I just don't have it in me to train.

Around Christmas, I ask Teresa to give me plan for the Ironman - you gave me a great plan for that marathon, so give me something that will work for the Ironman, please. I am still dumbfounded that I just can't motivate to train - I'm in the ballpark of 6 months out till the Ironman - who am I trying to kid - if I don't get started soon, there will be absolutely no way that I am going to finish this race - I still haven't even swam in the pool, let alone open water.

So, Teresa gets back to me and tells me that the Ironman training is a little out of her league, but gives me the names of Pete and Kathy Alfino w/ Mile High Multi Sport ( www.milehighmultisport.com ). she tells me to give them a call and then to tell her what they say. Both Pete and Kathy have completed several Ironmans, so who better to coach you. So, how many triathlons have your done - um, none. How's your swimming? I was on swim team when I was 11 & 12. How much have you swam? Maybe 10 lengths total. Looking back, I can't believe that Kathy was willing to even coach me. She went on to tell me how she qualified for Kona and I could just see how tenacious this woman was. Done, train me. Sure enough, she wanted me to workout on January 01 - with a name like Sean Patrick Reilly, I am used to taking many January 1st's off, but this one I did not - I think I hit the treadmill for an hour or so. Workout 1 down, only who knows how many left. I was so impressed with Kathy that Teresa decided to sign up w/ Kathy as well.

My first swim was that Friday and Pete and Kathy were going to assess where I was at. Needless to say, I was quite nervous about this. I really did not want to hear that I was not going to be able to do this based off a swim. I ended up getting a lot of good pointers, was taught some invauable drills, and was given my first workout - 10 x 25 yards (25 yards is one lenght of the pool - I think I was going to have to do 174 lengths to get to the 2.4 miles necessary), 10 x 50 yards, and another 10 x 25 yards as a cool down.

So, here we go - 30 of 31 days in January I am working out 1-2 times per day, and I am not hating it. I am scheduling my real estate work around my work out schedule and while it's tiring, it is going well. I can now swim 8 lengths in the pool without stopping and have been running on the treadmill and riding the stationary bike.

February, March come and go - things are ramping up and I am seeing progress everywhere. I am so much stronger in the pool, runs are still fairly short, but don't seem tough and I am itching for warmer weather to really be able to bike outside on a regular basis.

April comes and so do the workouts. Here is where it was awesome to have a training partner. Rides were getting to be 5 hours w/ 45 minute runs right after and runs were getting in excess of 2 hours, so it was just nice to be able to do this w/ someone else.

May comes and one day I get out of bed and bam - holy shit am I in phenomenal shape - bring this Ironman on - I am ready. Mind you, I still have not swam in open water, but I was having some seriously good pool workouts. And then, mid May comes and I have a long, but terrible ride and I'm like there is no way that I am going to be able to do this. Then the next week it's back to bring it on and so on and so forth.

About the end of May was the first time I got to swim open water. I bought my first wet-suit ever and was ready to take my pool skills to the Chatfield gravel pond and bring it. I did for the first 1 minute and then I was out of breath and freaking out - this wet-suit was so constrictive, I could not breath. I've got to stop - how far have I gone - there is no way I am going to finish the swim. Teresa is swimming with me and she stops an smiles - you'll get used to it - the first time is the hardest. And, I'm thinking about all the miles on the bike and run and the endless laps in the pool and here I am 1 minute into a swim and I am toast. Take it slow is what Teresa tells me and I start again - slowly. I stop a minute later and float on my back - another minute of swimming and it is starting to get a little better. I think we end up doing about 1/2 mile that Satuday morning and I am back to how in the hell am I going to be an Ironman if I can't swim.

Now I am pissed - I have put all this work into getting ready and I am less than 1 month out and I can't hardly swim open water - what is the cut-off - 2:20 for the swim - I might be able to make that, but I feel like I deserve a better time because I've worked so friggin hard at the swim. Okay, I've got a month - get in open water whenever you can and just work on it. Chatfield is open on Monday afternoon and I go for it again w/ similar results - damn. Tuesday night, Pete Alfino and a buddy of his Matt have the Grant Ranch Lake open ( www.openwatercolorado.blogspot.com - awesome course ) - I go there and I am as far away from shore as possible and I freak out big time. I am totally alone out there and can see shore, but there is no way to get their attention. Every time I put my head in the water, I think I see sharks, alligators, beavers - you name it, I think I've seen it. I roll on my back and start trying to catch my breath. Why are you on your back - if a shark is in the water, you are toast. How am I going to make it back to shore? I was freaked and yes, I was in a lake in Colorado (not even 1 mile long or 1/2 mile wide). So I just start kicking and tell myself - just get to shore - slowly. I putter along and get to shore and share my story - I remember 2 kids being at the beach area who just start laughing their heads off. I guess this happens - Pete gives me a couple pointers and I head back out to do another lap. This time I am more relaxed and comfortable - I stop a few times, but get 1/2 mile done in a decent amount of time. Progress.

My last open water swim was the Tuesday before the Ironman - I only swam 1.5 miles, but I kept increasing the pace and basically sprinted the last 500 meters. I am ready.

I leave Thursday morning w/ Teresa and another friend doing Coeur d'Alene - Trish. We land in Spokane, get our rental car and head to Coeur d'Alene where we find out rental home (thanks Char). It's about 15 blocks to Ironman Beach - we walk down there after getting settled, get registered and do some shopping. The only thing I really want from the event is a round 140.6 sticker to put on the car, but I am superstitious and won't touch the sticker till I am done. I do get a hat and a couple coffe mugs, though.

After that, we head back to the houe where we meet up w/ Steve (another coach w/ Mile High Multi Sport) - he had driven our bikes from Denver to Idaho and tuned them as well. That done, we nap, head to the supermarket and start getting our transition bags ready. It's Teresa's birthday, so we head to Outback for some steaks only to find out that the manager had a medical emergency which left 2 rookie chefs in the kitchen. Steaks were 45 minutes late and way overdone, but the Hot Fudge sunday for dessert was perfect.

Friday was a day to get acclimated - we headed to the swim beach to test the water. Due to the heavy snows in the Bitterroot Mountains, snow pack levels were at an almost all time high - water temps in the lake were in the low to mid 50's all of June. This was our chance to see how truly cold the lake was. Indeed, it was chilly - I ended up doing 1 lap (1.2 miles) and was surprised how numb my hands and feet were. I opted not to wear the neoprene cap and booties they recommended, so I was a little concerned, but I figured the adrenaline of the day would offset any numbness. The race officials had rented 3 hot tubs in the transition area for anyone who needed after the swim. I didn't want to waste time in a hot tub, but I knew it was there if needed.

We got out of the water and I have to give a nod to Gatorade here - they had an area where we could store our stuff while swimming and retrieve it when we were done - no charge and they gave us a bottle of gatorade after pick up. Thanks Gatorade - a class act - one of many at the Ironman.

We hit Ironman village again, then headed home to drive the bike course w/ Steve. Steve suggested we drive 40 miles of it and ride the first 16 which we were all for. The course is 2 - 56 mile loops, so what we drove, we would ride twice. I'm guessing about the first 10 - 15 miles were awesome - flat and easy, the next 25 were beautiful, but hilly - nothing huge, but consistent rollers. That done, I felt pretty good about the biking portion. We jumped on our bikes for the first 16 - a nice spin around Lake Coeur d'Alene w/one hill. Dinner and more preparation for Sunday and bed.

Saturday, we finished packing our transition bags, our special needs bags, and brought the bikes to the transition area. It was now getting real - 6 months ago, I was nervous, and now I was one day out - nervous, but eerily calm - I really can't explain that. With the bikes safely in the transition area, we were basically done. I was told to just sit around all day which is what I did. We went to dinner at Tito Maccaroni's - I had spaghetti bolognese and a glass of wine and felt good to go. Went to bed around 9 in anticipation of getting up at 3:30 am. I woke about 1 to some powerful thunderstorms and pouring rain - I remember thinking how cool would it be if they cancelled the race. Trish forgot to reset her watch off of Denver time, so she was up at 2:30 - I figured what the hell - I'll get up and get an early start. That is, till Teresa came out of her room and made everyone go back to bed for an hour. I slept and I didn't - in and out trying to visualize the race and transition areas. Now it was 3:30 and I was up - big doing for breakfast as I was going to do eggs, bacon, hash browns - the whole 9 yards. Steve told us to get about 1000 calories in our systems before the swim, so I planned on pigging out. I don't know if it was the nerves, but I sucked at cooking breakfast - I burned the bacon, almost set the house on fire by putting the oil in the pan too late - breakfast was cooked and ate, but it was not my best work.

Now it's 4:45 and time to go - all the pacing back and forth and trying to remember if I had everything was over. Also over was heading into the bathroom every 5 minutes - Steve kept reminding us - poop twice, poop twice.

We got to the beach around 5 am and it was quite light out - thanks summer solstice. We got marked, headed to drop off a couple bags, pose for a couple of pictures and then around 6:15, we started getting the wet-suits put on, the body glide, the ankle chip, the goggles, etc.... Off to the beach for more pics and then to wait for the start. I remember seeing the hordes of people and just being astonished at how many people were doing this race. Listening to Mike Reilly over the p.a. system, though I don't remember hearing what he was saying, listening to the national anthem, and hearing Bitterweet Symphony being played. There was no countdown that I was aware of - then, bang went the cannon signalling the start of Ironman Coeur d'Alene 2008. I hugged Teresa and Trish, wished them well and started strolling to the water....

Continued @ Ironman Coeur d'Alene 2008 (The Race - Part 2)

* Interested in Searching the Metro Denver Area MLS for Free? => Go to http://www.seanreilly.myhomecards.com and sign up for a Homecard *

* Important Information Regarding Buying a New Home => http://www.denvernewhomebuyers.com *

* Metro Denver Real Estate News => http://www.seansellshouses.typepad.com *

* Interested in Knowing the Value of your Home? => http://www.seansellshouses.com/freecma.htm *

* Read what Past Buyers and Sellers have said about Sean Reilly. => http://www.seansellshouses.com/testimonials.htm *

Sean Patrick Reilly
RE/MAX Southeast
Double Major - Real Estate & Construction Management – University of Denver
sean@seansellshouses.com
http://www.seansellshouses.com
303.512.0405

So, The Good News Keeps on Coming

2007-07-26T10:25:32-06:00

This article comes courtesy of the Denver Post and is written by Joe Richter of Bloomberg News -

Home resales continue slump
Purchases at slowest pace since Nov. '02

Washington - Sales of existing homes in the U.S. fell more than forecast last month, a sign that residential real estate remains mired in its worst recession in 16 years.

Purchases declined 3.8 percent to an annual rate of 5.75 million, the slowest pace since November 2002, from a revised 5.98 million in May, the National Association of Realtors said Wednesday. At the same time, the supply of homes for sale dropped for the first time this year and the median price rose for the first time in 11 months.

The housing slump, which slowed economic growth in the first quarter to the lowest level since 2002, is the biggest risk to the six-year economic expansion, according to Federal Reserve policymakers.

"There's no evidence we've hit bottom yet," said James O'Sullivan, senior economist at UBS Securities LLC in Stamford, Conn., who correctly forecast the drop in sales.

While "the inventory numbers are encouraging," he added, "I wouldn't celebrate yet."

Resales were projected to fall 2.1 percent to a 5.86 million annual rate from a previously reported 5.99 million in May, according to the median estimate of 73 economists in a Bloomberg News survey.

The market "is bumping along the bottom," Wachovia Corp. chief economist John Silvia said.

All this negative news and yet the housing market is still chugging along. I can tell you that the housing market is not as strong as it once was, but there are still a bunch of buyers out there. For example, I am working with some buyers and we found a home that was priced very well. We determined that it was a good buy and made an offer, only to find out that we were 1 of 15 offers on the same home. My point is that there are still buyers out there - people just can't be to aggressive with their pricing right now because the buyers are waiting for the seller's to come to them And, they will wait.

Looking to buy a new home? Read this article first - it provides deep insight into the process of buying a new home and offers many thought provoking questions regarding this purchase. Go to www.denvernewhomebuyers.com - Vital Information about the Process, Plus Tips on Maximizing the Purchase.

Interested in Searching the Metro Denver Area MLS for Free? => Go to www.seanreilly.myhomecards.com and sign up for a Homecard.

Interested in knowing the Value of your Home? => www.seansellshouses.com/freecma.htm

Interested in knowing what people have said about me being a Realtor? => www.seansellshouses.com/testimonials.htm

Sean Patrick Reilly

RE/MAX Southeast

303.512.0405

sean@seansellshouses.com

Double Major - Real Estate & Construction Management - University of Denver '91

9 Home Staging Tips for a Faster Sale

2007-07-25T16:42:54-06:00

Here are some ideas that comes from an article Lowe's e-mailed to me earlier today. There is certainly more to staging a home, but this will give you the nuts & bolts of what needs to be done.

Click here for the article.

Here is a synopsis of what they recommend:

1) First Impressions Count
2) Sell Space, not your Stuff
3) Paint and Elbow Grease Work Wonders
4) Go with the Flow
5) See the Light
6) Go Green
7) Don't Forget the Outdoors
8) Make the Kitchen Sparkle
9) Warm up an Empty Home

Interested in Searching the Metro Denver Area MLS for Free? => Go to www.seanreilly.myhomecards.com and sign up for a Homecard.

Interested in knowing the Value of your Home? => www.seansellshouses.com/freecma.htm

Interested in knowing what people have said about me being a Realtor? => www.seansellshouses.com/testimonials.htm

Sean Patrick Reilly

RE/MAX Southeast

303.512.0405

sean@seansellshouses.com

Double Major - Real Estate & Construction Management - University of Denver '91

6 Ways to Quickly Boost Credit Scores

2007-07-23T10:30:10-06:00

This article comes courtesy of Realtor.org -

As lenders tighten their underwriting guidelines, borrowers are wise to raise their credit scores to qualify for loans, secure better loan terms, and receive lower interest rates.

"Individuals can positively affect their credit scores in as little as three weeks," says Edward Jamison, a Los Angeles-based credit attorney. "It's just a matter of getting educated and focused on the best, fastest, and most reliable course of action."

Jamison, who you may know as a credit expert on the NBC show, “Starting Over,” offers these six tips for improving credit strength quickly.

1. Know your limits. Borrowers should first check their credit limits and evenly distribute the balances they're carrying to help increase their credit scores, or better yet, pay them off in full to get the highest score increase. "Make sure your maximum limit is reported," Jamison says. "When no limit is reported, credit scoring software presumes the account is maxed out."

2. Bring the balances near zero. The credit scoring software scores more favorably to those with a closer balance to zero. Balances over 70 percent damage credit the most, followed by the next tier of 50 percent and then 30 percent of the maximum credit limit. "Rather than carrying a large balance in an unfavorable tier, redistribute outstanding balances over several credit cards," advises Jamison.

3. Don’t cancel your cards. "Closing credit card accounts can hurt your score unless the accounts were opened less than two years ago, and you have over six credit cards," Jamison says. Fair Isaac's credit scoring software assumes that people who have had credit for a longer time are at less risk of defaulting on payments.

4. Eliminate late payments (but ask nice). Get rid of late payments listed on the credit report. "Contact the creditors that report late payments and request a good faith adjustment that removes the late payments reported on your account," Jamison says. The creditor may work with you, but it may require more than one phone call; patience is required. Your odds of success will dwindle if you're rude or unclear about your request, he adds.

5. Get rid of collection accounts. But only if the collection agency agrees to delete them in return. Paying them off can otherwise actually lead to a decreased credit score due to the date of last activity getting updated to the current date when you pay. The consumer should contact the collector and request a letter explicitly stating the agreement to delete the account upon receipt or clearance of the payment, Jamison says. Not all collection agencies will delete reporting, but it's certainly worth the effort.

6. Pay off past due amounts on accounts that are not in charge-off status. After that, Jamison advises getting rid of charge-offs and liens that are less than two years old. "Charge-offs and liens that are older than 24 months do not affect your credit score nearly as much as ones under 24 months," says Jamison. "But if they're newer than 24 months, they can seriously damage your credit." If you have both charge-offs and collection accounts, but have limited funds, pay off the past due balances first, then pay collection accounts as long as the collectors agree to remove all references to credit bureaus.

To read the article in it's entirety, click here.

Interested in Searching the Metro Denver Area MLS for Free? => Go to www.seanreilly.myhomecards.com and sign up for a Homecard.

Interested in knowing the Value of your Home? => www.seansellshouses.com/freecma.htm

Interested in knowing what people have said about me being a Realtor? => www.seansellshouses.com/testimonials.htm

Sean Patrick Reilly

RE/MAX Southeast

303.512.0405

sean@seansellshouses.com

Double Major - Real Estate & Construction Management - University of Denver '91

Effective Incentives to Woo Buyers and Sell your Home

2007-07-19T10:52:40-06:00

After reading this article, I agree with just about everything said. Where I do differ is in the Multi-million dollar sales - a nice Mercedes or BMW in the garage is quite a tempting carrot.

This article comes from Amy Hoak w/ Marketwatch -

Flashy incentives like a new car parked in the driveway or a flat-panel television hanging in the den might sound like a good way for home sellers to woo buyers in a dismal real-estate market. But when it comes to actually enticing someone to buy a home, it's the more practical perks that count, real-estate professionals say.

"Serious buyers are looking for a place to buy a home, not a trip to Tahiti," says Dave Ledebuhr, owner of Musselman Realty in East Lansing, Mich. Moreover, lenders are leery of gimmicky incentives, fearing that they're built into the price of the home and that loan dollars are being used to pay for that tropical trip, he adds.

Instead, effective incentives address what's on the minds of potential buyers -- the overall cost of the home and the monthly payments they'll have to manage, he says.

Click here for the entire article.

Interested in Searching the Metro Denver Area MLS for Free? => Go to www.seanreilly.myhomecards.com and sign up for a Homecard.

Interested in knowing the Value of your Home? => www.seansellshouses.com/freecma.htm

Interested in knowing what people have said about me being a Realtor? => www.seansellshouses.com/testimonials.htm

Sean Patrick Reilly

RE/MAX Southeast

303.512.0405

sean@seansellshouses.com

Double Major - Real Estate & Construction Management - University of Denver '91

Trends in Building Green

2007-07-12T11:04:41-06:00

This article comes courtesy of the National Association of Realtors and Barbara Ballinger.

What’s New on the Green Scene?

Consumers’ interest in being green has never been so high. We bring you up to date on 15 eco-friendly home trends and must-know terminology so you can serve their needs.

Click here for the entire article.

Interested in Searching the Metro Denver Area MLS for Free? => Go to www.seanreilly.myhomecards.com and sign up for a Homecard.

Interested in knowing the Value of your Home? => www.seansellshouses.com/freecma.htm

Interested in knowing what people have said about me being a Realtor? => www.seansellshouses.com/testimonials.htm

Sean Patrick Reilly

RE/MAX Southeast

303.512.0405

sean@seansellshouses.com

Double Major - Real Estate & Construction Management - University of Denver '91

Can Staging a Home Make a Difference?

2007-07-11T09:24:54-06:00

You be the judge.

From Realtor Magazine Online (Christina Hoffman Spira) comes this gem of an article showcasing how rooms in a home can be transformed on a small budget and in a relatively small amount of time. This article contains a lot of helpful information as well as video of some transformed rooms.

To read the article in it's entirety, click here.

Interested in Searching the Metro Denver Area MLS for Free? => Go to www.seanreilly.myhomecards.com and sign up for a Homecard.

Interested in knowing the Value of your Home? => www.seansellshouses.com/freecma.htm

Interested in knowing what people have said about me being a Realtor? => www.seansellshouses.com/testimonials.htm

Sean Patrick Reilly

RE/MAX Southeast

303.512.0405

sean@seansellshouses.com

Double Major - Real Estate & Construction Management - University of Denver '91

July 2007 Denver Trends Report

2007-07-10T16:41:59-06:00

This information comes courtesy of Security Title Guaranty Company. If you are looking for someone to provide title insurance on your home whether it be for a home sale, or refinance, contact Kerry Tyrell w/ Security Title @ 720.529.5088.

Click here for Security Title's summarization of residential/condo sale through July '07.

Interested in Searching the Metro Denver Area MLS for Free? => Go to www.seanreilly.myhomecards.com and sign up for a Homecard.

Interested in knowing the Value of your Home? => www.seansellshouses.com/freecma.htm

Interested in knowing what people have said about me being a Realtor? => www.seansellshouses.com/testimonials.htm

Sean Patrick Reilly

RE/MAX Southeast

303.512.0405

sean@seansellshouses.com

Double Major - Real Estate & Construction Management - University of Denver '91

Triple Bypass – Champions for Children Cycling Team

2007-07-03T15:47:30-06:00

I am writing this post to ask for your support in an important undertaking. I am riding the Triple Bypass on July 14^th to help raise funds for the Rocky Mountain Children's Law Center, an extraordinary nonprofit organization that saves the lives of Colorado's abused and neglected children by ensuring that each child rescued from the brutality of child abuse is safe and offered a loving, healthy alternative.

My cousin is heading up this fund-raising effort, so I know it is a worthwhile cause. I also know that you probably receive a bunch of charitable requests throughout the year, as do I, but please take a moment and see what kind of work they do at the Children's Law Center. They have been around for 25 years - to read their Mission Statement - http://www.rockymountainchildrenslawcenter.org/about.html . Or, read about some of the children that they have helped - http://www.rockymountainchildrenslawcenter.org/about_clients.html

Many consider the Triple Bypass to be the most difficult single-day ride in North America. It takes cyclists 120 miles, 10,000 vertical feet and over Squaw, Loveland and Vail passes. Basically, we start in Evergreen in the morning and hope to be in Avon/Vail by nightfall, or at least, that is my hope. I started riding/training about 1 year ago after getting an offer from friends to go over to Girona, Spain and spend a week of riding throughout the countryside and the Pyrenees Mountains. I ended up enjoying riding so much that I just could not pass up this opportunity, and also the ability to help out a great cause.

This is the 2nd-annual Champions for Children Cycling Team. We're 40 cyclists strong and hoping to raise more than $100,000 for the Children's Law Center.

Please help us help the kids who need it most by making a tax-deductible donation today. Just visit http://cfccycling.com/cyclistsinfo.cfm?cyclistid=104 or mail a check made out to Rocky Mountain Children's Law Center with "Sean Reilly" in the memo line to:

Rocky Mountain Children's Law Center

1325 S. Colorado Blvd., #308

Denver, CO 80222

Thank you so much for your support,

Sean Reilly

Fed Leaves Key Interest Rate Untouched

2007-07-03T09:12:00-06:00

This article comes courtesy of USA Today - Barbara Hagen Baugh (06/29/07):

Federal Reserve policymakers voted unanimously last week to leave the key short-term interest rate at 5.25 percent, which is the highest in 6 ½ years, but unchanged since June 2006.

In the post-meeting statement, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said the economy is expected to continue to grow at a moderate pace during the rest of the year. He suggested that growth isn’t strong enough to warrant a rate increase to slow it.

"Some market participants may have been holding out for a signal that (the Fed) will cut rates, and they didn't get that," says chief economist Scott Brown of Raymond James & Associates. He says he expects the Fed to leave rates unchanged for the rest of 2007, but isn't sure where rates will be headed after that. "The next move is as likely to be higher as it is to be lower."

This short-term interest rate drives mortgage and other sorts of consumer loan rates.

Interested in Searching the Metro Denver Area MLS for Free? => Go to www.seanreilly.myhomecards.com and sign up for a Homecard.

Interested in knowing the Value of your Home? => www.seansellshouses.com/freecma.htm

Interested in knowing what people have said about me being a Realtor? => www.seansellshouses.com/testimonials.htm

Sean Patrick Reilly

RE/MAX Southeast

303.512.0405

sean@seansellshouses.com

Helpful Consumer Mortgage Information

2007-07-02T09:15:46-06:00

The following information comes courtesy of the National Association of Realtors.

They have a new brochure - "How to Avoid Foreclosure and Keep your Home" - this provides outstanding information for existing homeowners who may not be able to afford their current mortgage, including phone numbers, counseling services and just plain good advice - take a look here. (This opens as a .pdf in a web-page - remember, you can change the size of what you are viewing by adjusting the % size)

They have another brochure - "How to Avoid Predatory Lending" - it's aim is to help prospective homeowners avoid unfair lending practices - take a look here. Also, keep in mind that a Realtor can be integral in helping you avoid becoming a victim of predatory lending - share your good faith estimates w/ your Real Estate Agent - they will be able to tell you if the fees being charged are fair or not.

And, visit this web-site for more information regarding subprime lending.

Interested in Searching the Metro Denver Area MLS for Free? => Go to www.seanreilly.myhomecards.com and sign up for a Homecard.

Interested in knowing the Value of your Home? => www.seansellshouses.com/freecma.htm

Interested in knowing what people have said about me being a Realtor? => www.seansellshouses.com/testimonials.htm

Sean Patrick Reilly

RE/MAX Southeast

303.512.0405

sean@seansellshouses.com

Double Major - Real Estate & Construction Management - University of Denver

DU / DeBoer Park - New Listing - Stylish Custom New Build

2007-07-01T22:29:02-06:00

To View More Information about this Listing and View Room by Room Pictures, Go to http://www.2585vine.com , Scroll to the Bottom of the Page and “Enter Gallery”.

To View where this Home is Located: http://maps.yahoo.com/#mvt=m&q1=2585%20S.%20Vine%20Street%2080210&trf=0&lon=-104.9631&lat=39.66972&mag=3

* Stylish Custom New Build * $699,000 * 2,400 Finished Square Feet * Additional 1,250 Unfinished in Basement * 3 Bedrooms * 3 Bathrooms - 5 Piece, Full and Half * Oversized 2 Car Attached Garage * 9 Foot Ceilings on Main Level and Basement * Go to www.2585vine.com , Scroll to the Bottom of the Page and "Enter Gallery" for a Detailed Room by Room Description of this Home * Instant Hot Water to any Faucet * High Efficiency Gas Forced Air Furnace * Rough-in Plumbing in Basement * Kitchen Featuring Slab Granite Counters, Designer Knotty Alder Cabinets, Hardwood Flooring and Stainless GE Appliances * Large Pantry * Bright, Open, Vaulted Family Room w/ Gas Fireplace * 5 Piece Master Bathroom w/ Custom Tiling and Jetted Tub * Panel Molding Wainscot in Dining Room * 5" Oak Hardwood Flooring Thru-out Main Level * Nicely Carpeted Upstairs * Low E Glass Thru-out * Fully Landscaped w/ Cedar Fence and Sprinkler System * Pre-wired for Surround Sound & Security System * Cat 5 Wiring - Cable, Computer Network, Satellite, and Phone * Covered Front Porch * Covered and Open Back Patio * Mature Trees * Crown Molding Thru-out Main Floor * Custom Light Fixtures Thru-out Entire Home * Eating Space Off Kitchen * Formal Dining Room * Garage Door Opener w/ Garage Door Minder Light @ Kitchen & Master Bedroom * Open, Bright Flowing Floorplan * Walk to DeBoer Park (1 Block) * Walk to DU Campus * Close (+/-1.5 Miles) to University Station Light Rail * 15 Minutes to Downtown or the Tech Center * Close to All Shopping * Call Sean Reilly @ 303.512.0405, or your Realtor for a Private Showing *

* Interested in Searching the Metro Denver Area MLS for Free? => Go to http://www.seanreilly.myhomecards.com and sign up for a Homecard *

* Important Information Regarding Buying a New Home => http://www.denvernewhomebuyers.com *

* Metro Denver Real Estate News => http://www.seansellshouses.typepad.com *

* Interested in Knowing the Value of your Home? => http://www.seansellshouses.com/freecma.htm *

* Read what Past Buyers and Sellers have said about Sean Reilly. => http://www.seansellshouses.com/testimonials.htm *

Sean Patrick Reilly
RE/MAX Southeast
Double Major - Real Estate & Construction Management – University of Denver
sean@seansellshouses.com
http://www.seansellshouses.com
303.512.0405

Daylight Savings - Is Your Computer Ready?

2007-03-09T08:47:43-07:00

Beginning in 2007, daylight saving time (DST) will be extended in the United States. DST will start on March 11, 2007, which is three weeks earlier than usual, and it will end on November 4, 2007, which is one week later than usual. This results in a new DST period that is four weeks longer than in previous years. Unless certain updates are applied to your computer, the time zone settings for your computer's system clock may be incorrect during this four-week period. In particular, you must make sure that both your Windows operating system and your calendar programs are updated.

Click the link below to be directed to Microsoft's Help Center:

Daylight Saving Time Help and Support Center

Now is also a great time to replace all of the batteries in your smoke detectors, or at least check to see that they are all working. Enjoy the extra daylight.

I have put together an article that explicitly details what to think about and what happens during the New Home buying process. If you like what you read, please keep me in mind when you are looking for Real Estate Agent – thanks.

http://www.denvernewhomebuyers.com

* Interested in Searching the Metro Denver Area MLS for Free? => Go to http://www.seanreilly.myhomecards.com and sign up for a Homecard *

* Metro Denver Real Estate News => http://www.seansellshouses.typepad.com *

* Interested in Knowing the Value of your Home? => http://www.seansellshouses.com/freecma.htm *

* Read what Past Buyers and Sellers have said about Sean Reilly. => http://www.seansellshouses.com/testimonials.htm *

Sean Patrick Reilly
RE/MAX Southeast
Real Estate & Construction Management – University of Denver
sean@seansellshouses.com
http://www.seansellshouses.com
303.512.0405

Pending Home Sales Cool in January

2007-03-07T08:36:40-07:00

This article comes courtesy of the National Association of Realtors - www.realtor.org

Pending home sales declined 4.1 percent in January following a strong upturn in December because of unfavorable weather patterns, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a leading indicator for the housing sector based on contracts signed in January, fell to an index of 108.7 from an upwardly revised reading of 112.3 in December, and is 8.9 percent lower than January 2006.

Aside from December, which got a lift from mild weather, the January index was the highest since last August. More There has been a narrowing trend from year-ago levels since last July when the index was 14.7 percent lower than a year earlier.

“We’re seeing temporary near-term weather disruptions in much of the country, but there is an underlying pattern of stabilization in the housing market,” says David Lereah, NAR’s chief economist. “As a result of these weather disruptions, it may take a couple months for the picture to fully clarify, but a modest recovery is likely.”

As reported last month, the PHSI for December got a boost from mild weather and showed the largest monthly gain in nearly three years. December’s index rose 4.5 percent, the largest increase since a 6.1 percent jump in March 2004.

Read the rest of the article here - http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2007030601?OpenDocument

If you lived in the Denver metro area in January, then you know how much it snowed. I've lived here for 20 years and can't remember a snowier January.

* Interested in Searching the Metro Denver Area MLS for Free? => Go to http://www.seanreilly.myhomecards.com and sign up for a Homecard *

* Important Information Regarding Buying a New Home => http://www.denvernewhomebuyers.com *

* Metro Denver Real Estate News => http://www.seansellshouses.typepad.com *

* Interested in Knowing the Value of your Home? => http://www.seansellshouses.com/freecma.htm *

* Read what Past Buyers and Sellers have said about Sean Reilly. => http://www.seansellshouses.com/testimonials.htm *

Sean Patrick Reilly
RE/MAX Southeast
Real Estate & Construction Management Degree – University of Denver
sean@seansellshouses.com
303.512.0405

Another Huge Price Reduction - New Construction - Wash Park - 2,636 Fin Sq Ft

2007-03-06T12:22:26-07:00

* To View Multiple Pictures of these Homes, Go to http://www.635logan.com or http://www.637logan.com , Scroll to the Bottom of the Page and “Enter Gallery” *

* Follow this link for a Map - http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps.py?Pyt=Tmap&addr=635+S+Logan+Street+&csz=Denver+CO+80209&Get%A0Map=Get+Map *

* Another Huge Price Reduction – 635 S. Logan Now $529,900, 637 S. Logan Now $534,900 * Owner Motivated * Brand New Construction mere Blocks from Wash Park * Over 2,600 Finished Square Feet * 4 Large Bedrooms + Study, or 5 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, 9’ Main Floor Ceiling Height * 3 Large Bedrooms Upstairs, 1 Good Size Bedroom / Study on the Main Floor and 1 Large Bedroom in the Basement * The Master Bath Features a Nicely Tiled Double Headed Shower and Cherry Cabinets; Another Full Bath Services the Secondary Bedrooms Upstairs; The Main Floor features another exquisite 3/4 Shower Bathroom, and the Basement is also Equipped w/ a Full Bath - All Baths have Generous amounts of Tile and Satin Nickel Fixtures * The Kitchen is sure to be the Focal Point of the Home w/ 42” Cherry Cabinets, Stainless Steel Dishwasher, Smooth-top Stove/Oven, and Hood - Also in the Kitchen, Slab Granite Counters, Hardwood Flooring, an Eating Area and Panty * The Upstairs Family / Living Room has a TV Niche w/ Cat-5 Wiring (Thru-out Home) and a Gas Fireplace * The Basement Features Tall Ceilings, another Family/Living Room, a Large Bedroom, Storage, Laundry and a Full Bath * Designer Fixtures and Colors can be found Thru-out this Home * Outside, you will Find a Large 2 - Car Detached Garage and a Grassed, Sprinklered, Fenced Backyard - a Cozy Retreat in the City * Along w/ Wash Park, the Louisiana/Pearl Light Rail Station is a Few Blocks Away * Be sure to Visit www.635Logan.com or www.637Logan.com to View Multiple Pictures - Scroll to Bottom and “Enter Gallery” to View All Pictures * Close to Cherry Creek, Downtown, and the Tech Center * Walk to a Convenience Store, Einstein Bagels, Blockbuster, Chipotle and more!! * To Set a Private Showing, Call Your Realtor, or Sean Reilly @ 303.512.0405 *

* Interested in Searching the Metro Denver Area MLS for Free? => Go to http://www.seanreilly.myhomecards.com and sign up for a Homecard *

* Important Information Regarding Buying a New Home => http://www.denvernewhomebuyers.com *

* Metro Denver Real Estate News => http://www.seansellshouses.typepad.com *

* Interested in Knowing the Value of your Home? => http://www.seansellshouses.com/freecma.htm *

* Read what Past Buyers and Sellers have said about Sean Reilly. => http://www.seansellshouses.com/testimonials.htm *

Sean Patrick Reilly
RE/MAX Southeast
Real Estate & Construction Management Degree – University of Denver
sean@seansellshouses.com
303.512.0405

Looking to Buy a Newly Constructed Home?

2006-12-15T09:07:26-07:00

Have you been looking for a brand new home in the Metro Denver and/or surrounding Areas?

Been thinking about DR Horton, Village, Lennar, Richmond, Ryland, Centex, US Home, Pulte, KB, Toll Brothers, Beazer, Del Webb, Berkeley. Engle, Concert, Standard Pacific, John Laing, Sheffield, Meritage, Shea, Morrison, Remington, etc…..?

How does the New Home Buying process work? What should you be on the look out for?

http://www.denvernewhomebuyers.com

Where are the new developments? What is the difference between having a structural slab versus slab-on-grade construction? What should I upgrade in a home and why? Do homes on Open Space/Golf Courses really hold their value? Are their any hidden costs when buying new home? What are the advantages/disadvantages to buying standing inventory versus a dirt start?

Buying a New Home is an intricate and involved process. I am an expert in helping people buy New Construction all throughout the Metro Denver Area.

http://www.denvernewhomebuyers.com

* Interested in Searching the Metro Denver Area MLS for Free? => Go to http://www.seanreilly.myhomecards.com and sign up for a Homecard *

* Important Information Regarding Buying a New Home => http://www.denvernewhomebuyers.com *

* Metro Denver Real Estate News => http://www.seansellshouses.typepad.com *

* Interested in Knowing the Value of your Home? => http://www.seansellshouses.com/freecma.htm *

* Read what Past Buyers and Sellers have said about Sean Reilly. => http://www.seansellshouses.com/testimonials.htm *

Sean Patrick Reilly
RE/MAX Southeast
sean@seansellshouses.com
http://www.seansellshouses.com
303.512.0405

New Construction - Wash Park - 4 Large Beds + Study - 2,636 Fin Sq Ft

2006-12-15T08:42:27-07:00

* To View Multiple Pictures of these Homes, Go to www.635logan.com or www.637logan.com , Scroll to the Bottom of the Page and “Enter Gallery” *

* To View Location of Properties - http://maps.yahoo.com/maps.py?&addr=635+S+Logan+St&csz=Denver,CO+80209 *

* Refer to Web-site for Floor-plans
* $569,000 per Side (Side by Side Duplex)
* New Construction (Nov '06)
* Walk (Blocks) to Wash Park
* Close to New Light-Rail (Louisiana/Pearl Station)
* 4 Beds + Study (or 5 Beds) – Check out 3 Large Bedrooms Upstairs
* 4 Baths
* Large 2 Car Detached Garage
* Fenced Backyard - Great for Entertaining
* 1,926 Square Feet on Main Living Levels
* 880 Square Feet in Basement - 710 Impeccably Finished
* Over 2,600 Finished Square Feet
* Professionally Designed Interior Colors/ Finishes
* Slab Granite, Cherry Cabinets in Kitchen
* Stainless Steel Appliances
* Dual Shower Heads in Master Bath
* Exquisite Tile in Bathrooms
* 9' Ceilings on Main Floor
* Satin Nickel Finishes
* Loads of Storage
* Close to All Shopping
* Walk to Einstein Bagels, Blockbuster, and Chipotle
* 5 Minute Drive to Heart of Downtown
* To Set a Private Showing, Call Sean Reilly @ 303.512.0405

* Interested in Searching the Metro Denver Area MLS for Free? => Go to www.seanreilly.myhomecards.com and sign up for a Homecard *

* Important Information Regarding Buying a New Home => www.denvernewhomebuyers.com *

* Metro Denver Real Estate News => www.seansellshouses.typepad.com *

* Interested in Knowing the Value of your Home? => www.seansellshouses.com/freecma.htm *

* Read what Past Buyers and Sellers have said about Sean Reilly. => www.seansellshouses.com/testimonials.htm *

Sean Patrick Reilly
RE/MAX Southeast
sean@seansellshouses.com
303.512.0405