Real Estate Tips and Information

How Do I Get The Money To Fix Up That Home?

March 6, 2012 by Steve Scheer

Have you been looking at homes out there that, let’s just say, need some TLC? Maybe even a bit more than that? There are many, many opportunities for home purchases in the Denver real estate market that may need some cash put into renovation to get the home in a more acceptable condition or in some cases, just improved upon to make it more the dream home.

When I’m working with Denver real estate buyers and investors, I come across the dilemma often. The home may be perfect as a rental, fix and flip or dream home but it needs some work and the buyer just doesn’ have the cash flow to do it or the desire to take out additional loans for the cash. Can you see yourself in this situation?

The solution may be renovation financing. There are many benefits to this type of financing that can enable you to make repairs, add a bath, remodel the kitchen or even add rooms or extend the home in some cases. The possibilities are extensive and the benefits as well. In fact, here are a few of the benefits you might consider:

Lower payments – the purchase and improvements are financed together so renovation costs are spread out over the term of the loan
Speed – renovation may be possible to begin immediately after closing
Flexibility – There’s no required improvements or restrictions, in fact some luxury items may be included
Finance Options – fixed and adjustable programs available
Tax – interest on the renovation costs included in the first mortgage, so there may be deductions
Finance more – the loan amount is based on the after improved value
Simplicity – one loan application, one set of fees, one closing and one payment

If you have been considering a real estate purchase in the Denver market and may have been concerned with cash flow for improvements, let me help you find the way to make this happen. Not all lenders have this valuable financing available. I have the resources, let me help you make this your reality. Feel free to search the site for homes and when you’re ready to go look and negotiate I would love to help.

Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Common License of iluvcocacola

Considering Renting? | Watch This First

February 24, 2012 by Steve Scheer

Interest rates are still very low which makes homes more affordable and owning versus renting something to seriously consider. In this video I’ve put together a scenerio calculating a rent vs buy situation on a starter level price. There are fewer homes in inventory in the Denver real estate market now and homes in the lower price ranges do tend to sell quick. If you may be considering a home purchase in any price range, I can help you understand the costs and values in the market.

Please call, text or email and I’ll be happy to help you with your real estate needs either buying, selling or investing.

Douglas County Year End Market Data

January 16, 2012 by Steve Scheer

Here are the real estate statistics for Douglas County, CO, which includes Highlands Ranch. These numbers are for December 2011 and year to date for 2011.

Above information in the video is based on Information from Metrolist, Inc. Note: This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by Metrolist, Inc. Metrolist,Inc. does not guarantee nor is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by Metrolist, Inc. may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

Douglas County Real Estate Data | September 2011

October 26, 2011 by Steve Scheer

In the video below, I take you through the real estate statistics for Douglas County, CO through the end of Q3 2011 as well as a comparison for the month versus last year.

Key Real Estate Market Metrics | Regional Statistics

October 21, 2011 by Steve Scheer

In the video below, I’ll show you some of the key real estate market metrics for the region over the last 5 years, ending in 2010.

Above information in the video is based on Information from Metrolist, Inc. for the period Jan 1, 2006 through December 31, 2010. Note: This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by Metrolist, Inc. Metrolist,Inc. does not guarantee nor is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by Metrolist, Inc. may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

Denver Area Home Owner Tips | PRV Valves

October 4, 2011 by Steve Scheer

Have you had water pressure changes in your home? Maybe a rattling of the pipes, or in my case a hammering of the pipes when the sprinkler system turned on. That can mean plenty of things happening in the plumbing and it can lead to big repairs later on if you don’t take care of it. Or it can just be a fairly simple problem with an easy fix.

Highlands Ranch homes as well as many homes in many areas of Denver may be equipped with pressure reducing valves. The Centennial Water District has written an article on pressure reducing valves, or PRV valves. The article is very informative and helps with an understanding of why they are there and signs that they may need to be replaced or adjusted.

I really didn’t know the pressure reducing valve was my problem. I had to have a hot water heater replaced and I asked the plumber what it could be at the time. He immediately checked the pressure, discovered that it was way too high for the home and once he replaced the valve, everything is working as it should now. I really haven’t noticed any change in the pressure from the sinks or showers at all, which I thought would happen.

Take time to maintain your home, it is a very valuable investment. There are plenty of things that you may be able to handle yourself with a few trips to the home improvement store. If it is a job that requires more experience and expertise, get in touch with a handyman of contractor to have it done. In any case, don’t neglect your home since little problems can often turn into huge, costly problems later on. If you need referrals for different contractors, plumbers, electricians, handyman, etc…just let me know and I’ll be happy to point you to a proven professional.