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        <title>Denver Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/the-metro-denver-market/</link>
        <description>Denver real estate topics including local metro Denver community news and events.</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/colorado-foreclosure-hotline.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/colorado-foreclosure-hotline.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Colorado Foreclosure Hotline</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Colorado Foreclosure Hotline was originally created in 2006 to form a central hub of agencies to combat a growing foreclosure problem in a public and private partnership. Within the Call center are networked 26 independent HUD approved counseling agencies to help distressed homeowners in danger of foreclosure.


Counselors sit down with distressed homeowners in a face to face setting to analyze their situation, income, loan and budget. Armed with this information the counselor puts together a mitigation packet, which can be utilized to bring the lender and borrower to a resolution that makes the most sense for both parties. Having assisted tens of thousands or distressed homeowners over the years, the Colorado Foreclosure Hotline is an excellent resource for homeowners looking for options in their time of need.


Their toll free number is 877-601-HOPE and they can be found online at Colorado Foreclosure Hotline.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:31:46 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/real-estate-urban-sprawl.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/real-estate-urban-sprawl.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Real Estate Urban Sprawl</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The concept of urban sprawl is based on the outward growth of a city into its outlying areas (suburbs) and subsequent expansion of rural areas. Design of these suburban developments cause increased dependence on automobiles as well as many other issues, such as long commutes for city workers, racial segregation, rising rates of obesity, and higher costs for public transportation. Urban sprawl also has some distinct advantages, such as larger lots for single-family residences and lower prices for land.

There are continual debates as to the benefits and disadvantages of urban sprawl, and the term typically is used in a negative fashion. The perception of urban sprawl is somewhat accurate when one considers that rates of pollution per person is higher in large neighborhoods and these residents suffer traffic fatalities more frequently as well. Supporters of urban sprawl state that most people prefer to live in lower density areas rather than compact arrangements within the city. On either side of the debate is much controversy as cities across the nation continue to spread out into the outskirts of town.

Several situations lead to urban sprawl, such as zoning areas being established for specific purposes. Commercial districts are thereby separated from residential zones, and industrial areas are separated as well. This causes large blocks of land to be allotted for each unique use, creating barriers of space that are impossible to trek by foot or bicycle, requiring the use of automobiles and public transportation to travel from work to shops to home.

Zoning laws for suburban developments typically require low-density lot sizes, which means they are quite a bit larger than urban developments. With the new housing subdivisions often separated further by expansive spaces of open area, the suburban area is essentially growing at a substantially faster rate than urban areas. With urban sprawl comes increased dependency on cars. Walking is not a practical means of transportation; so many neighborhoods do not even have sidewalks.

Job sprawl is another side-effect of urban sprawl, as many workers desire a shorter commute to work and employers desire a more affordable location with room for expansion. The answer to both wishes is a move to low-density areas, but this of course leads to a vacuum of available jobs to the people left in the urban areas who are often left without many options for entry-level employment. Many cities across the U.S. are responding to the issue of urban sprawl with growth boundaries for their cities that advocate land conservation and better urban planning initiatives to combat the negative impact of unregulated growth into the rural landscape.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jun 2011 07:46:56 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/real-estate-blockbusting.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/real-estate-blockbusting.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Real Estate Blockbusting</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Blockbusting is term in real estate that refers to the outdated and outlawed practice of developers and real estate agents who worked to reduce property values by lying to white homeowners about minorities moving into their neighborhoods. Many such homeowners in racially segregated neighborhoods did sell their homes for well less than market value. Property values continued to decline as developers would buy the homes at a great discount and then leave them abandoned in further effort to give the neighborhoods the look of a slum.

Nefarious real estate agents would hire non-white people to pretend they were looking to buy a home in a white neighborhood in order to scare the homeowners into selling their homes at discounted prices. The practice of selling a home to a black family at a cheap price in a white neighborhood would often set off the chain of 'white flight', in which white people would flee their homes and sell them for significant losses to developers and real estate agents so as to avoid their fear of declining property values and increased crime.

Blockbusting was a common practice in Chicago, Illinois as well as many other American cities after the real estate laws were changed after World War II and the previously racially segregated neighborhoods were disassembled. Until this time, many cities had blatantly racial statutes that prevented blacks from moving to neighborhoods where whites lived. Even after certain racially restrictive laws were overturned, the practice of segregation continued. While there were many court cases that upheld the racial segregation policies as outside the scope of the U.S. Constitution amendment Fourteen, finally, the Supreme Court removed the restrictions and homes could now be sold to anyone who wanted to buy them.

On the outside of this change in regulation it seems as though this was for the benefit of black Americans, but unfortunately, real estate agents hoping to profit from racism, aggravated the situation by pretending black people were wanting to move into white neighborhoods, thereby scaring white homeowners into selling their homes to the agents at significant losses. The real estate agents would then sell those homes to black families at overly inflated prices, earning the scandalous estate agent a hefty profit. In addition, lending practices of the time were not generous to black Americans and they therefore were forced into expensive and racist installment contracts that often led to foreclosure.

In the early 1960s, the profiting from racially charged real estate practices was exposed and many governmental regulations were set up to prevent the practice of blockbusting. Real estate agents found guilty of this practice were stripped of their licenses and sued for fraud. By 1968, the United States government established the Fair Housing Act, but it was not until the 1980s that America finally rescinded blockbusting statutes across the country on a local level.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jun 2011 09:13:24 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/real-estate-foreclosure.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/real-estate-foreclosure.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Real Estate Foreclosure</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The word foreclosure is not a pleasant word in the world of real estate for either the lender or the mortgage holder. Foreclosure essentially means the mortgage is being terminated, typically because of lack of payment of the part of the mortgage holder. Foreclosure proceedings can also refer to the process of the government foreclosing on the property owner for unpaid taxes.

Most mortgages, whether for commercial or residential real estate, operate on the basic principle of borrowing money from a bank or other lending institution for the purchase of property. The bank needs to secure the money they have lent, so this requires security, which is often the property itself. The lending institution is then relatively safe in the event the mortgage holder reneges on the mortgage in any way.

Foreclosure is a process which varies by jurisdiction. In some areas it is a very quick and process, and in others it is quite lengthy and arduous. In most cases there are other alternatives that have been offered to the mortgage holder such as refinancing or bankruptcy. In the event that proceedings are necessary, the bank requests the deed or note for the property in satisfaction of the debt. This is a legal, court action whereby the lender sues the borrower. In most cases the lending institution will be awarded the property and they will immediately put the property back on the market. Sometimes the bank will attempt to sell it by means of an auction. In this event, the sheriff of the local county sells the property on the courthouse steps and the deed is awarded to the highest bidder.

In most cases, foreclosure is not only a negative impact upon the borrower's credit rating, but also has negative impact upon the bank in many situations when the full amount of money cannot be recovered on the foreclosed property. For example, if the housing prices of an area drop, a bank will not want to foreclose on a property simply because they will not be able to recoup the money they lent for the original purchase. For this reason, many lending institutions require lenders to purchase Private Mortgage Insurance. PMI guarantees the lender will receive a majority of their loan value in the event of foreclosure.

In some jurisdictions a bank or lending institution can sue the lender after foreclosure proceedings have completed in the event they cannot recoup their entire investment from the sale or auction of the property. There are many rules and exceptions to this policy however, and the laws vary by state.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2011 06:38:18 -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.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 18 May 2011 07:20:39 -0600</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <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.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 17 May 2011 13:22:27 -0600</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.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:18:27 -0700</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/denver-real-estate-sales-data-september-2010.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/denver-real-estate-sales-data-september-2010.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Denver Real Estate Sales Data - September 2010</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Denver Real Estate Sales data for the metro region should be of interest to you whether you are buying or selling a home. It will give you a measure of where the market was, is and is trending. These numbers were provided by Metrolist and reflect combined stats for residential, condos, income and land designated properties.


Metrolist Sales Data&nbsp;

&nbsp;August 2010

&nbsp;September 2010

&nbsp;Active

&nbsp;27676

&nbsp;27433

&nbsp;Pending

&nbsp;480

&nbsp;465

&nbsp;Under Contract

&nbsp;4086

&nbsp;3727

&nbsp;Sold

&nbsp;3156

&nbsp;3039

&nbsp;Expired

&nbsp;1265

&nbsp;1481


As can be seen the active listings have decreased by 243 and the number of pendings have also decreased by 15. The number of properties under contract has fallen off by 359 and the number of sold homes in September fell by 117 from August to September. The number of listings expiring in September increased by 216.

&nbsp;

These numbers are typical of the fall off from August to September that one would normally see this time of year.


&nbsp;

 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 08 Oct 2010 14:56:56 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/august-2010-market-statistics-for-highlands-ranch.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/august-2010-market-statistics-for-highlands-ranch.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>August 2010 Market Statistics for Highlands Ranch</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Overall the August numbers for Highlands Ranch are fairly consistent of those from July. For the year through August Highlands Ranch has seen 1,238 homes go under contract with 1,010 of those resulting in sales. Condo Sales for the year through August are 227 under contract resulting in 167 sales.

Residential Sales for August are:&nbsp;


Active listings 769

Avg List Price $431,226

Pending 7

Under Contract 135

Sold 112

Average Days on Market 82

Average Sale Price $364,835

% of List Price 97%

% of Original Price 94%&nbsp;


Condo Sales for August are:&nbsp;


Active listings 159

Avg List Price $245,702

Pending 2

Under Contract 25

Sold 18

Average Days on Market 94

Average Sale Price $210,685

% of List Price 97%

% of Original Price 93%

 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:45:00 -0600</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/bruce-swedal-earns-prestigious-designation-to-help-homeowners-in-danger-of-foreclosure.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/bruce-swedal-earns-prestigious-designation-to-help-homeowners-in-danger-of-foreclosure.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Bruce Swedal Earns Prestigious Designation to Help Homeowners in Danger of Foreclosure</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
BRUCE SWEDAL EARNS PRESTIGIOUS DESIGNATION TO HELP HOMEOWNERS IN DANGER OF FORECLOSURE

BRUCE SWEDAL of RE/MAX SOUTHEAST, INC. 3600 S YOSEMITE ST. SUITE 150, DENVER, CO 80237 has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. This is invaluable expertise to offer at a time when the area is ravaged by &ldquo;distressed&rdquo; homes in the foreclosure process.

Short sales allow the cash-strapped seller to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even though it is lower than what is owed on the property. With plummeting property values, this can save many people from foreclosure and even bankruptcy. More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than foreclosures.

In Colorado, more than 30,177 homes are in some stage of foreclosure. It is happening in all price ranges. Local experts say that even high-priced homes are not immune.

&ldquo;This CDPE designation has been invaluable as I work with sellers and lenders on complicated short sales,&rdquo; said Swedal. &ldquo;It is so rewarding to be able to help sellers save their homes from foreclosure.&rdquo;

Alex Charfen, founder of the Distressed Property Institute in Boca Raton, Fla., said that Realtors such as Bruce Swedal with the CDPE designation have valuable training in short sales that can offer the homeowner much better alternatives to foreclosure, which virtually destroys the credit rating. These experts also may better understand market conditions and can help sellers through the emotional experience, he said. 

The Distressed Property Institute opened in January 2008 and provides training on-site and online. The CDPE is the premier designation for Realtors helping homeowners in distress and handling short sales.

&ldquo;Our goal is to educate as many people as possible so we can help as many homeowners as possible,&rdquo; Charfen said.

For more information about CDPE designation, please visit CDPE.com.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 20:02:46 -0600</pubDate>
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