In this episode, we uncover the history of Boulder’s beloved Holiday Star, discuss whether you can fire your agent, and dive into withdrawn and expired listings. Plus, we take a closer look at November’s market data and what it means for buyers and sellers.

The House Einstein Podcast is available wherever you podcast. Hosted by Osman Parvez and Hamish Crabb.

Recorded Date: 12/11/2024

Published Date: 12/13/2024

Intro: 

The Monkey Wrench Gang, a group of “concerned citizens”, today admitted the weekend theft of light bulbs from the star on Flagstaff Mountain and left the bulbs at the Daily Camera. – Daily Camera March 10th 1980

Topics:

• WELCOME

• • Declare Mission: Entertain, Discuss Real Estate, Help You Better the Market
  • Bios (who we are)
  • Disclaimer
  • Call to Action (Contact Us)
  • Review Topics Du Jour

• THE CLOSING TABLE 
  

• • The REAL History of the Boulder Star

• • • • 1938: First idea came about in response to Palmer Lake’s star on Sundance Mountain

      • 1947: Founded as a Holiday Star. First laid out with Toilet Paper.  First Lit December 22, 1947.  230 sockets each containing a 25 watt incandescent bulb.

      • 1948: Easter Cross created. 230’ by 104’

      • 1951:  New stringers were made and permanently attached to guy wires so that all that needed to be done each year was put in the globes. The new installation contained 500 sockets.

      • A History of Vandalism: Most of the cost in those early years was damage caused by vandals.

      • 1960’s:  Revealed that more than 400 individuals and organizations supported the funding.

      • 1970:  City Council tried to ban all lighted displays on Flagstaff Mountain but disappointed “star lovers” protested so vigorously that a compromise was reached to allow the star to be turned on each Christmas season. The cross was banned as a religious symbol but the star was allowed to continue. More than 300 people attended the City Council meeting. The crowd overflowed into the municipal courtroom, halls, and down the stairs outside the doors of the chamber. Charles Haertling was one of the council members who voted against the ban.

      • 1979:  Boulder vowed to keep the star lit until the Iran hostages were brought home. A group calling itself “Boulder Falls” chopped down the star completely, calling it an “eyesore” and “a waste of energy.”  The Boulder chamber raised the money in just 10 days to replace it.

      • In March 1980, a group calling itself the “Monkey Wrench Gang” removed all the bulbs and accused the chamber of ignoring deer and wildlife.

• What the Boulder Star Means Today

• • Osman and Hamish Commentary
    

• Can You Fire Your Agent or Client?

• • • Agent/Client Feedback (Story)
      • Actionable vs ?
      • If opportunity to address feedback is provided.
    • Meeting Expectations
    • Importance of Trust
    • Ending Relationships (Rare)
      

• MARKET CONDITIONS

• • Withdrawn and Expired Analysis
    • 114 W/E in Boulder County last year (attached and detached) in Nov
    • 294  W/E this year. That’s 158% increase YoY
    •  November Total inventory: 1069 properties are on market in Boulder, up 26% YoY
    • November Pending: 302. UP 17.1%
    • November Median Price: $334/SQFT, down 2.1%

• SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION

• • 3707 Telluride Circle

• SALES OF THE WEEK

• • 621 Maxwell Ave | $2.45
  • 4731 McKinley Dr | $1.1M
  • 455 S 41st Street | $935K

• IN THE NEWS (REAL ESTATE NEWS)

• • Officials Postpone Rezoning East Boulder
  • Boulder Judge Upholds Camping Ban

• CARVE OUTS

• • Carveout: Farewell to a Local Holiday Light Favorite | Hamish
  • Family and the Holidays | Osman

• WRAP UP

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