Want to know your home's value? Why your local agent is MUCH more reliable than your real estate website. Finally! I just read this article: 4 ways online real estate valuations fail.  I will add this to my library for refuting the monthly conversation of off-based website property values.  I know Realtors are not the only ones putting out this fire, mortgage brokers and appraisers have the same objection:  But ***** says my home is worth $270,000!   Here's their list of ways consumers could get bad comps: if your home is older and has had a lot of improvements and even additions that are not in the county records, you're likely to get bad comps; if homes in your area are very different from each other, you might get bad comps; if you live in a neighborhood very nearby another neighborh... 07/27/2011

Short sale questions and answers: What is the priority of offers? Must knows for buyers. I found this article today regarding how realtor's handle offers in short-sale situations.  There are many mis-conceptions and confusion about how short-sale protocol flows.  Remember, there is a third party involved that requires "approval" outside of the two signing parties: the Lender.  Banks often have addendum's and protocol that super cede your contract/offer and will pursue the best "net" offer. That means your contract is not approved until the lender signs off on it.  Only then are you under contract. "Ultimately, the short-sale addenda prevents the contract from being finalized so as to prohibit the seller from considering or accepting other offers until after the bank(s) and other lien ho... 03/29/2011

4 Top reasons to buy Denver Colorado real estate before April.   For those still contemplating taking the plunge and whether it's the right time to buy:  Some top reasons for the metro Denver consumer to buy right now. 1.  99 days left in the extended tax credit time frame.  There are no expectations this program will be extended again. 2.  Fed estimates rates will rise to 6%, a three quarter raise, April 1st.  The first time the strained mortgage market will run unsupported without the Fed debt purchase program. 3.  The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is raising fees and tightening lending standards to shore up its strapped finances and avoid a taxpayer bailout. 4. Current metro Denver market is saturated with foreclosures, REO's, HUD's, and auctions. These can take some time to g... 01/20/2010