Grand Junction Real Estate Blog

New federal rule: Make sure borrower can pay loan

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 01:02:00 +0000

The good news is that lenders have been doing this on their own already! If you are thinking about buying a home it is best to talk to a lender and pre-qualify. This will make your home buying experience a much smoother and enjoyable experience. Check out the following link!

New federal rule: Make sure borrower can pay loan

Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks!Becky Behrens

2012 1st Quarter Real Estate Trend

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:04:00 +0000

Here are some interesting Statistics for the 1st Quarter Homes sales in Mesa County.

This graph was provided by Advances Title Company as a preview to their newsletter coming out next week.

Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks! Becky Behrens

908 Kaley Street -- Open Today 10-2

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:49:00 +0000

Square Footage Galore! You won't believe the room inside this home. This Beautiful home has a nice open floor plan with the split bedroom design. From the large living room with vaulted ceilings to the easy to work in kitchen with plenty of storage, it feels airy and bright. There is a fourth bedroom and a full bath upstairs off of the HUGE bonus room that could, also, be used as a mother-in-law setup. Don't forget about the awesome views of the monument! There is nothing behind you to block your view from the back patio. This home is completely landscaped, is move in ready, and just waiting for your personal touch.

Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks! Becky Behrens

Put Your Best Features Forward: Simple Staging Solutions

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:55:00 +0000

The following link has a few GREAT and EASY ideas that sellers can do to make their home appeal to buyers. The before and after pictures speek for themselves!

Put Your Best Features Forward: Simple Staging Solutions

Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks!Becky Behrens

619 Panorama - Just Reduced!!

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 21:12:00 +0000

Just reduced to $180,000!!!

This beautiful home in the Redlands is a 4 bedroom, 3 bath home and is a ranch with a full basement and over 2600 square feet. Three of the bedrooms are on the main level.

THE HOME YOU DESERVE....with hardwood floors throughout the main level, newer Accent windows, beautiful fireplace, newer roof, bay window in the living room, and a roomy open floor plan that is great for entertaining. You will enjoy the large kitchen with plenty of counter space. There is A LOT of home for your money in this ranch style home with a full finished basement. You can decide the best place for your grill in the big park like yard with wonderful views and the feeling of privacy. There is no HOA, more than enough RV parking, a dog run, and room for your toys. This home is ready to go and just waiting for your personal touch! The 1361 Sq Ft in the basement is finished and heated, but non-conforming. Buyer(s) to verify; all information subject to change/error.

Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks! Becky Behrens

Some Local Statistics for The New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:54:00 +0000

I thought you would enjoy some statistics from last year! It has been VERY interesting to see how real estate sales are trending. Right now the inventory is low only 932 residential listings and we as agents are scrambling for good homes to list. Pricing is very important right now! Also, the average list price is $306,065.00 and they are on the market for an average of 194 days. We sold more homes in 2011, in 2011 we sold 2,394 homes and that is up from 1750 in 2010. Although that doesn't mean that the prices are increasing, in fact the average sales price is down from $210,512 in 2010 to $177,727 in 2011. The following are some more statistics by area. Thanks!

Area Listings in 2011 Sold Listings in Average Sales

Active Sold 12/2011 $ in 12/2011

City 94 275 22 $124,935

North 121 297 20 $173,257

Northeast 77 291 20 $155,373

Southeast 45 304 15 $109,922

Redlands 119 248 21 $287,112

Orchard

Mesa 76 217 14 $154,260

Fruita 84 306 29 $212,996

Clifton 48 161 17 $93,515

Palisade/

East OM 33 60 1 $373,600

Our brokers gave us the following statistics in our meeting this week.

Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks!Becky Behrens

Housing market improves, but foreclosures spoil the party

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:47:00 +0000

We are seeing the same trend here in Grand Junction. Our inventory is down and home sales are up, however the average price of recently sold homes is down slightly. Housing market improves, but foreclosures spoil the party Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks!Becky Behrens

10 remodeling projects that pay back most

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:45:00 +0000

Every year Remodeling Magazine puts out a report on what remodeling projects have the most payoff. They take the price of the project versus the added value to the home, if you were to sell it now. The project htat suprised me the most was a new garage door. It isn't a very expensive project. I will testify that numurous times I have had clients comment on the older garage door that isn't moving smoothly and it beat up. It is like your front door and it makes a big impression.

10 remodeling projects that pay back most - MSN Real Estate

Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks! Becky Behrens

Congress Restores FHA Loan Limits to NAR-Backed Levels

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:31:00 +0000

It looks like this should happen in the near future and the report states that we should go back to the previous loan limit we had prior to October of 2011. The FHA loan limit is currently $271,000 after the limit dropped from $371,000 in October of this year. This is GREAT news and will make financing easier for many of the home buyers in Mesa County. Currently our inventory is lower than is has been in 18 months.

Congress Restores FHA Loan Limits to NAR-Backed Levels

Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks! Becky Behrens

Wedding Registries for Home Downpayments?

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 03:49:00 +0000

This is a GREAT idea, but you definitely want to talk to your lender prior to doing this. Just to make sure you document your gifts correctly.

Wedding Registries for Home Downpayments?

Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks!Becky Behrens

Red neck closing gift......

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 21:07:00 +0000

Oh Yeah! Ice Ice Baby --'90s Pop Icon Offers Up Real Estate Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 18:04:00 +0000

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-'90s Pop Icon Offers Up Real Estate Tips

Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks!Becky Behrens

HUD Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program (EHLP)

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 20:22:00 +0000

If you are struggling with your monthly mortgage payments this may be a great program for you. You can apply at the Grand Junction Housing Authority here in town.

Just be aware that this program will affect your credit score, but not as badly as a foreclosure. Also, when they quote their success rate with homeowners, it is the percentage of people who didn't lose their homes to foreclosure. If the homeowner participated in a short sale or deed in lieu program it is considered a success to the Grand Junction Housing Authority. However, if you are running out of options there is no cost involved and it doesn't hurt to find out more about the program. Don't be afraid to ask questions on how this will affect you.

HUD Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program (EHLP)

Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks!Becky Behrens

As Close to a Crystal Ball as I can Get!

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:56:00 +0000

The following article is the closest thing I've seen to a crystal ball for the future real estate economy. I found this article very encouraging and interesting. I hope you do, as well. Just click on the following link to learn more.

Real estate price declines overshooting fundamentals?

Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks!Becky Behrens

Bull or Bear??---Predictions for Housing in 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 17:46:00 +0000

So are you a bull or a bear??? Click on the following link to find out.

I tend more to the bull side. There is a lot of inventory out there, but folks are buying homes and gettiing some GREAT deals!

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Predictions for Housing in 2011

Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks!Becky Behrens

Thanks to all the Veterans Out There!

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:23:00 +0000

I just want to thank all those Veterans out there for all the sacrifices they have made on behalf of me and my country. THANKS!!!!

If you are an active military person or a Veteran, there are a few places in in Grand Junction that want to show their thanks. Today you can get a free meal at Applebee's or Texas Roadhouse, you can get your car washed at no charge at the Redlands Car Wash, and Cabela's is offering special deals and discounts throughout the day.

Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks! Becky Behrens

Coldwell Banker in "ON Location"

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 21:24:00 +0000

Coldwell Banker has it's own YouTube channel called On Location. Now our Grand Junction office has put a video on there explaining who we are. I think our brokers did a pretty good job! Check it out!

Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks!Becky Behrens

10% Jump in September Existing-Home Sales

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 18:09:00 +0000

This is good news! Between the super low prices and super low interest rates, you can get into a home more affordable than ever. If you have been thinking about buying a home, give me a call. I'd love to share some of these good deals I've been seeing with you!

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-10% Jump in September Existing-Home Sales

Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks!Becky Behrens

GOOD NEWS!!! -10% Jump in September Existing-Home Sales

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 02:55:00 +0000

This is the kind of news I like to hear! I hope this trend continues and we can get rid of some of our inventory!

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-10% Jump in September Existing-Home Sales

Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks!Becky Behrens

Houses Get Smaller but Furniture Remains Big

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 17:21:00 +0000

So...Are you a baby boomer or an echo boomer child? The following article says that the baby boomers like large overstuffed furniture, but their children like smaller furniture with clean lines. It makes sense if we are buying smaller homes that we would, also, buy smaller furniture to make our space look bigger.

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Houses Get Smaller but Furniture Remains Big

Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks!Becky Behrens

Bring The Fall Season Indoors

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 19:10:00 +0000

The following link will take you to a great article about selling your home during the fall season. These are some great tips!

http://www.frontdoor.com/2UPQ03

Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks! Becky Behrens

Mesa County foreclosure filings, sales, up year-over-year | GJSentinel.com

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 17:14:00 +0000

The fact that sales are up is a good thing. Just Remember that an increase in sales doesn't mean that the sales prices have increased. If you compare the first half of this year to the first half of last year the prices have decreased, some areas more than others.

Mesa County foreclosure filings, sales, up year-over-year | GJSentinel.com

Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks!Becky Behrens

Foreclosure - Strategic Defaults' Can Damage Credit for Years

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:03:00 +0000

This is a tender subject. I know some folks feel that they have no other option, but I think it is important to know the repercussions. I'm a firm believer that the more information we have the better decisions we can make. If you are struggling to make your mortgage payments or you are already behind, it is easy to think that maybe you should just walk away. However, there are a few options out there and it is best to stay in contact with your mortgage company. You may be eligible for a loan modification or a good canidate for a short sale. Yes, both of these options will affect your credit, but not as badly or for as long as a foreclosure. Both of these options require work and diligence on your part. It is easy to feel very overwhelmed and just want to quit. Trust me during this process you will feel like throwing in the towel, but the reward for sticking with it is worth it. The Rewards are that your credit won't take as big of a hit. I know some of you feel it can't get any worse, but it can. The big picture of your credit score is that anyone who asks for your SSN can and probaly is running a credit check on you. If you refuse to give them your SSN them the various companies assign you as a person with low credit. Now, think carefully who already has or request your SSN. I can name a few - health and auto insurance, credit card companies, auto loans, banks, physicians, colleges, and employers. Not all of these entities order a credit check on you, but some do and based on your credit score they are increasing your interest rates, reducing your line of credit, cancelling you card, and increasing your insurance rates. The one that most folks don't think about is employers, depending on their parameters, low credit can hurt you from getting security clearance for some positions(especially for government positions). If you are applying for a job and you are in the running, but you have a low credit score it can hurt you. In general, all of these entities feel that if you have low credit score you are a bigger risk to them. I'm not saying this is right, however it does happen.

I know that there are a couple of you reading this now and you have tried these options, but for whatever reason these options didn't work out for you. They key is that you tried and gave it your best.

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-'Strategic Defaults' Can Damage Credit for Years

Save Money...Plant a Tree or 3

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:48:00 +0000

According to the US Department of Energy, three properly placed trees could save homeowners between $100-$250 a year in energy costs. Their shade cuts cooling costs in the summer and in the winter they serve as a windbreak and help hold down heating costs.

Check out the National Tree Calculator and it will tell you what each tree will save you annually by area.

You can contact your local nursery to see which trees grow best in your area.

Feel free to give me a call, send an email, or a text with any questions. Thanks!Becky Behrens

What to Look for in an Outdoor Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Behrens) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:16:00 +0000

In Grand Junction we have a wonderful climate that allows us to utilize our outdoor kitchens most of the year. They can be great for entertaining and adding additional living space. The following article gives us some useful tips when planning an outdoor kitchen.

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-What to Look for in an Outdoor Kitchen