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        <title>Denver Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/tags/real-estate/</link>
        <description>Denver real estate topics including local metro Denver community news and events.</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/how-to-react-to-a-low-offer.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/how-to-react-to-a-low-offer.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>How to React to a Low Offer</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
You have waited for what seems like eternity and now, out of the blue an offer comes in to purchase your home. The excitement builds and turns into relief, then you realize that the offer is much lower than your list price. What should you do?


Give every purchase offer for your home due consideration. Is it truely unacceptable? If so, your best response is to propose a counteroffer with price and terms that are acceptable. In this market many home buyers submit an offer to check the motivation level of the seller, expecting a counteroffer if it is unacceptable. Keeping a dialog going with a potential puchaser of your home and keeping them involved often times will result in a sale.


Check your Emotions at the Door


Even a low purchase offer still means that there is someone interested in purchasing your home. It deserves a response so stay calm and talk over the different options you have in responding with your Realtor. 


Prepare a Counter


A counteroffer signals the buyer that you are willing to negotiate. Some buyers have a fear of paying too much for a home and want to test a sellers limits. The best response to unacceptable offers is to counteroffer with a price and terms that you are willing to accept. This is true even in multiple offer situations because in competition a low offer could come back with the best offer in the end.


Be careful in how you counter an offer because you could counter yourself out of a deal by changing some things. It is common practice today for a seller to request closing cost assistance. Often times the purchaser needs this assistance in order to close and countering it out of the offer could kill a deal. Make sure your Realtor discusses what is truely important to buyer with their agent.


Talking Terms


Price is usually the first component of any agreement but it is not the only factor. Other negotiating points include closing dates, posession dates, inclusions. In some cases it may make sense to leave price and remove the refrigerator, change a closing date or possession date. By making one part of a transaction more appealing it can make the entire package more appealing.


Check Comparable Home Prices


Check with your Realtor for any new comparable homes either on the market or sold since you listed your home for sale. If those new market statistics indicate the prices have fallen you may need to lower your expectations to match the marketplace if you truly want to sell.


Check the Buyers Comparables


Many times a purchaser or their agent will submit comparable prices with an offer to convince a seller that the offer is fair. Give any comparables submitted with an offer due consideration. Are they similar and truly comapable? If they are, you may have to adjust your expectations. If those comparables are not valid you may want to include comparables with your counteroffer to the purchaser to validate your own price. If the buyer does not include comparables to try and justify the low purchase offer, your Realtor can ask the buyers agent to provide those comparables.


Talk it Out


In many cases having your Realtor discuss the offer with the buyers agent can help to identify what is truly important to both parties and make a counteroffer more likely to be acceptable.


 
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            <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:36:27 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/sell-your-home-during-the-holidays.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/sell-your-home-during-the-holidays.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Sell Your Home During the Holidays</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you are in the process of selling your home and the holidays are approaching, the question comes up as to whether you should take your home off the market during the holiday season. The answer to that question depends on the seller. There are reasons to take it off the market and reasons to keep it on the market. Sure the seller needs to take into account that from Thanksgiving to New Years potential buyers and the seller themselves will be busy with family obligations and showing their home may not be convenient. On the other side of that coin any buyers out looking at homes during the holidays are serious about finding and buying. There may not be as many buyers out, however the best offers from motivated buyers may come during the holidays.


If you do decide to keep it on the market, here are some things that you should consider:  




You should downsize your Christmas tree and consider decorating a tabletop tree that is around three to four feet tall instead of a six-foot or higher tree. If you have children, they may not like this idea so that is also something to consider when keeping your home on the market during the holidays.   


Keep the presents in the closet or in an out-of-the-way corner   


When you decorate use more red than green because red is a color that is more emotionally appealing   


Use greenery such as rosemary or evergreen garlands instead of banners   


Use centerpieces of wintry pieces of nature such as pine cones   


If you are using candles as decorations make sure that you do not leave them burning and unattended   


If you are having an open house or your real estate agent is showing your house, put out a plate of cookies next to holiday paper napkins for the potential buyers and the real estate agent


You can simmer some spicy apple cider on the stove and set out a ladle and cups for them to enjoy with their cookies.   




Without having all the decorations, large Christmas tree, and presents setting around under the tree, you are making your home seem more spacious. You want the potential buyers to imagine them living in your home with their own furniture and decorations, not yours. Before you do consider keeping your home on the market over the holidays, consider all the advantages and disadvantages prior to making the final decision.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:54:07 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/lines-drawn-in-the-sand-often-lead-to-failed-negotiations.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/lines-drawn-in-the-sand-often-lead-to-failed-negotiations.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Lines Drawn in the Sand Often Lead to Failed Negotiations</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Give and take is part of every successful negotiation. Ego and stubborness are the primary obstacles to achieving your goals of selling your current house or purchasing your dream home because they leave little room for agreement between buyer and seller.


An adversary in negotiations is rarely inclined to capitulate to lines drawn in the sand. Negotiating with lines drawn in the sand raises defense mechanisms that most often leads to failure and feelings that prevent the negotiation process from moving forward.


Small accomodations and compromises will often keep lines of communication open and move both sides closer to an agreement. These compromises show a willingness and interest in continuing to talk in order to keep negotiations moving forward.


Believe it or not, it is not always about the money. Time after time a simple accomodation can bring the two sides together for a done deal.
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            <pubDate>Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:24:42 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/why-should-i-use-a-real-estate-agent-to-sell-my-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/why-should-i-use-a-real-estate-agent-to-sell-my-home.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Why Should I Use a Real Estate Agent to Sell My Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 








&nbsp;

Some people decide to sell their own homes to save on real estate agent fees, but there are many good reasons why you should use an agent. One good reason is pricing your home. A Denver Realtor would know just where to price your home and would not overprice it, as you might do if you were selling it yourself. Overpricing is one of the reasons that homes stay on the market so long.


Another reason to use an real estate agent is that they have more ways to market your home than just using &quot;For Sale&quot; signs, ads in the newspapers, and word of mouth. Real estate agents can put your home on Multiple Listing Services plus other high visibility websites such as Realtor.com. If you do go with an agent, make sure that they have a large network to work with because with a large network you will have more potential buyers.


If you are trying to sell your home yourself, you might not be very objective when you are looking at your home. You might not see the improvements that are needed to add value to your home. A real estate agent will look your home over carefully and give you hints on what you should do to increase the value of your home. It may as simple as painting a room or cleaning the carpet to replacing the kitchen counter top.


Real estate agents are also better at negotiations and they will make sure that your home sells for a nice profit. There is quite a lot involved with selling a home such as making sure your home is kept clean, getting it ready for showings, talking to potential buyers plus getting yourself ready to move. When you have a real estate agent they can take care of all the details that are involved with selling your home while you concentrate on getting ready to make the big move.


In addition, real estate agents know all the laws and what has to be done plus they will make sure that your home is appraised at the right price and not too low. They will also help you find the right home inspector, take care of all the details getting everything ready for closing, and more.


Yes, you will have to pay a real estate fee, but when you consider all that they do the extra fee is worth it. If you do decide to sell your home yourself, if your home does not sell within a few months, get a real estate agent.

&nbsp;
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            <pubDate>Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:55:48 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/how-landscaping-adds-value-to-your-denver-property.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/how-landscaping-adds-value-to-your-denver-property.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>How Landscaping Adds Value to Your Denver Property</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Experts say that a well-manicured lawn will help increase the value of your home. A home that has trees, flowers, and a well maintained lawn can increase the chance of selling your metro Denver property by ten percent. Any well-established real-estate agent will tell you if your yard looks unkempt then nobody is going to buy it. Landscaping is not very expensive and can be fun. When landscaping your yard make sure to use colorful flowers that stand out and give your yard a wow factor. You could even put in a pond if that is the look that you want for your yard.

Landscape lights can help extend that hard work into the night for everyone to enjoy. They also can make the yard look magical at night if done right. Landscaping lights will enhance the vibrant colors of the fresh flowers and make the lawn furniture stick out at night. Yard lights are also important because it makes the house safer which in turns makes the value go up and beside who wants to trip in their backyard anyway. Although appraisers inspect the railings other safety stuff in your home, home buyers look for lighted pathways or walkways so they make sure to get a safe yard.

The biggest problem that a homeowner faces when he or she decides to landscape is that they usually have too many ideas and cannot decide on which idea to act on. The thing to do so you will not get overwhelmed is to start small. Pick a small spot of your yard, start there, and work your way up. The goal of landscaping to add value to your home is to wow buyers and make them comfortable so they will want to buy your home at a greater value and to make you feel better about your property.

If you do not have time or are not able to landscape and you want to increase the value of your home then you could hire a professional. Make sure that if you do hire a professional landscaper that they are licensed and have good references. They can help you with bringing your idea to life and it will be fun and add value to your property. Landscaping can be hard work, but it will be worth it whether are planning on selling your home or just making it beautiful. Remember that landscaping can add twenty to fifty thousand dollars to the value price, so it is definitely worth the work.
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            <pubDate>Sat, 21 May 2011 20:34:29 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/life-estates-in-real-estate.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/life-estates-in-real-estate.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Life Estates in Real Estate</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
In the realm of real estate, a life estate is a limited ownership for a period of time. Specifically, a life estate lasts for the lifetime of the tenant who is allowed to enjoy all of the rights of ownership until their death. A life tenant is allowed to live in the home or rent it out for money or any other use they can conceive of.

The life tenant is however unable to sell the real estate or leave the property to their heirs, as the ownership reverts to whoever was designated in the agreement of the life estate, normally called a remainder man. During the life of the tenant, he or she is responsible for the maintenance of the property as well as the right to either live in the home or rent it out. The life tenant is not allowed to damage or devalue the real estate as they are only temporary owners of the property. In the event another person wishes to purchase the property, it must be by the express consent of the remainder man.

The reason most people set up life estates are as a part of estate planning. By setting up a legal life estate, a person can avoid the headaches of probate in the event of their death. Occasionally, when a property enters probate, the intended heir either does not receive the property at all or it takes several years to clear the title for the heir to own the real estate outright.

There are many benefits of establishing a life estate in the United States when a person needs protection against Medicaid recovery in their particular state. In the case of a person who is elderly and their biggest financial asset is their home, they would likely be more willing to establish a life estate for their heirs in the event of their declining health and need for Medicaid to cover the medical expenses. As Medicaid coverage would require the elderly person to sell their home to cover some of the medical expenses, the person would be without a home as well as have nothing to pass on to their family.

Of course life estates aren't for every situation, as people with large estates will be facing considerable estate taxes and there are many other options to consider when planning your estate and asset protection. Discussing the options with your attorney in regard to every aspect such as real estate taxes, Medicaid, and applicable laws of your area is an important first step in adequate estate planning.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 18 May 2011 07:20:39 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/most-common-real-estate-categories.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/most-common-real-estate-categories.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Most Common Real Estate Categories</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
In many areas of the world, real estate refers to a piece of land and any type of improvement attached to it. Real estate is often synonymous with real property or realty, while personal property refers to any other possession that is not a fixed or immovable part of the real estate. It is disputed as to the meaning of the word 'real' as it refers to property, with the main argument since it refers to the reality of matter. The other side of the case states that 'real' refers to the French meaning of the word - royal in which feudal ruler owned all of the land and his or her subjects paid rent to live upon the land.

The laws of real estate differ across the globe, but there are main categories throughout. Within the realm of residential real estate, there are subcategories such as attached or multi-unit housing, whereby the owner of the property rents or leases out individual space, in terms of an apartment building or duplex to each tenant for a specific amount of rent per month. Condominiums are also multi-unit housing complexes, but the individual units are sold outright and the community areas and grounds are shared ownership.

There are a few more subcategories of residential real estate such as single-family homes, portable homes (mobile homes, tents, and boats), and semi-detached homes. Within each subcategory, there are specific laws and regulations that differ from region to region. In some areas of the world, the size of living space is measured only in terms of actual &quot;living&quot; space, and in other areas the measurement might include garage space and other non-&quot;living&quot; space.

Commercial property is identified as any structure in which business is conducted. This can be a retail store, a manufacturing facility, a service business, or even a school. Commercial property is essentially any type of real estate that is used for the purpose of making a profit. Subcategories of commercial real estate include retail, industrial, office, and multifamily housing units.

In both residential and commercial real estate categories there are specific legal regulations that have been established to constitute the use of mortgage loans in order to buy real estate. As most real estate is more expensive than people can afford to pay outright, mortgage are required in order to own property and the legal regulations set forth guidelines of the commercial and residential real estate for the benefit of both owner and lender.
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            <pubDate>Tue, 17 May 2011 13:22:27 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/why-is-location-so-important-when-buying-or-selling-a-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/why-is-location-so-important-when-buying-or-selling-a-home.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Why Is Location So Important When Buying Or Selling A Home?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Has your real estate agent preached 'location, location, location' to you yet? If they haven't, they probably will sometime during your hunt for a new home. Your home will be exactly what you are looking for when it comes to the layout, the size, the yard, and the interior fixings. But location is just as important, especially if you have school age children still at home.

Location is actually a factor in how the house is appraised and valued. This is not something that is about to change any time soon. Some homes are more desired than others and if you are looking towards future resale value, you need to take the location of the house into consideration when you purchase it.

A good example of how location is important is the difference between two identical houses on the same street. One of the houses is on the corner and the street crosses a busy thoroughfare. The other house is nestled in the middle of the street. The house in the center of the street is going to be worth more because it is quieter and there is no busy cross street to worry about. However, if the busy road is not a main concern and you can get an extra bedroom in the corner house that you can't in the house in the middle of the street, the corner house may actually be a bargain for you. Corners are just naturally busier and have heavier traffic.

The same concept goes for a single family home in an area where there are other single family homes as compared to a mixed area of apartments, condos and houses. Single family areas in a traditional neighborhood will hold its value better because it is surrounded by other single family homes. If you are looking for a steal, once again, look at the single family home that is in a neighborhood of mixed housing options.

What about homes in depressed area where industry has left and the infrastructure of the neighborhood is failing? These homes usually go for a lower price; however, this is one time where location may really make a difference in your decision. Depressed areas tend to have declining schools and roads that are not in the best of conditions. These also can become troubled areas where crime is on the rise and the element hanging out in the neighborhood is not what you are looking for. In this case, you would do better looking for a home in a more suitable location if you are going for future resale value.
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            <pubDate>Fri, 11 Mar 2011 22:05:47 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/the-difference-between-a-house-and-a-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/the-difference-between-a-house-and-a-home.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>The Difference Between A House And A Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Did you know that the terms 'house' and 'home' are not interchangeable in the real estate community? Pay close attention to how your real estate agent refers to the home you're selling or buying. While it may seem silly to you and that there is no discernable difference between the words, there actually is when it comes to real estate. It's actually a matter of perspective.

In the real estate world, the agent working on getting a buyer for your home will refer to as a 'house'. The word house simply represents a structure that the new owner will be turning into their own domain. The real estate agent is actually helping you understand this without actually saying it. By referring to your home as a house during the sale, you are able to let go of the personal feelings you have to structure. This will ultimately allow you to look at critically and without the emotion that tempts you to drive up the price.

The real estate agent will then refer to the house you are buying as a 'home'. They want you to see your new place of residence as the place you raise your family and the place you come home to every night. The new address is where you will make new memories and the real estate agent wants you to see it as being a part of your life, just like the old house is leaving your life.

Your 'home' is where you feel safe. It's where you sleep at night, it's where you sit down for family meals, and it's the place that has the cool back yard for those summer time family games. In order to successfully sell your home and move to a new one, there is some emotional separation that has to take place. Once you do that, you will be able to look at your new house as your new home.

To help with this emotional separation and to move on, consider removing everything that makes your house a home when you put it up for sale. Take all of the personal items off of shelving, mantelpieces and the walls. Clean the junk out of the basement and attic. Clean out the linen closet and only keep what you need in the kitchen. Put all of these items in storage until you move into your new home. Not only will this help you separate from the old home, it will help the buyer see you house as their new home.
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            <pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:18:27 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/first-time-homebuyer-tips.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/first-time-homebuyer-tips.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>First-time Homebuyer Tips</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Buying a first home can be an exciting experience or a nightmare, depending on whom you ask. However, it also is a matter of perspective, and of how well-prepared a first time buyer is and how well-informed. These days, many first time home buyers are better informed thanks to the advances in technology, internet, and online Real Estate sites, which are full of great information for starters. They are more knowledgeable about the process than other generations that preceded them. However, expectations for first time buyers are driven by likes, dislikes, and emotions. Many times, first time buyers are a bit disappointed that they cannot get into the home of their dreams. This happens to a great amount of first time buyers, and should not be viewed as a disappointment, but as a learning experience.

Whether for not having a big down payment, or a matter of a different financial situation, not getting into your dream home should be viewed as a step towards a goal. One of the benefits of becoming a first time homeowner is that you learned a lot in the process, stopped paying rent, and are now building equity in your favor, and that the equity will one day, get you into the home of your dreams. In the process, you will learn to better balance a new type of budget, and enjoy the &quot;new experiences&quot; that owning a home will bring (no more calling the landlord to fix things). If anything, it will make you a stronger and better second time around buyer - you can view it as &quot;dream home boot camp.&quot;

First time buyers should keep a few things in mind before buying a home.&nbsp;


Budget - Can you realistically afford to own a home? This will take an honest view at your lifestyle spending, bills, and other costs of owning a home.

Needs and Wants - Learning to separate the two. This is important to have in mind before looking for a home, otherwise, buyers who are being unrealistic, may pass on a good first time home opportunity.

Education - Learning as much as you can about the process. This will give you a better understanding and reduce the stress associated with buying a home for the first time. There is plenty of information online, at Real Estate agents/agencies websites or even lender sites. A Real Estate professional will be more than happy to explain the process as well.

Area - Have a target area in mind. Where do you see yourself living? Match the area to your budget.

Lending - Compare different lenders, and get pre-approved before starting to look. Knowing how much you can borrow will save you some time and disappointment.

Start thinking about a home inspector and a buyer's agent. These are professionals that you will have to deal with for your closing and during the entire transaction. Your RE agent can also be a source of information on this area.

Be mindful of your agents time. He/she has other clients as well and is trying to please all of them at once.

Relax and enjoy the process. This should be an exciting time and you should feel good about the fact that soon you will become a homeowner, and be proud of your accomplishments.&nbsp;


These are just a few important points to consider when thinking of buying your first home.
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            <pubDate>Mon, 17 Jan 2011 18:54:37 -0700</pubDate>
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