Buyers, Start Your Engines
And... we're back. Governor Polis's Safer at Home order will once again allow in-person real estate showings in Colorado, effective May 1st. We anticipate a flood of new listings to hit the Boulder real estate market between now and next week. Accordingly, 4894 Curie Court is back on the market. For buyers seeking house-like functionality, a great location, and lock and leave lifestyle - it's a great choice. House Einstein's showing protocol: 1. Showings require approval by the listing agent. No automatic approvals. No "go and show." 2. Only prospective buyers who are ready, willing, and able will be approved. [...]
What, Me Worry? [Boulder Fresh Listings]
Believe it or not, new listings are still coming on the market in Boulder. Who are these intrepid buyers and sellers? The game changes and we're changing with it. Almost 80 listings hit the market in Boulder County last week, some of which are refreshed listings. 13 of these listings are already under contract. Let's take a look at the best ones. Sign up for the content HERE Osman Parvez is the Founder and Employing Broker of House Einstein. Originally from the Finger Lakes region of New York, he lives in Boulder with his wife and their Labrador Retriever. He [...]
No Showings Until Further Notice? [Latest update from CAR]
Here's an update on what's happening with real estate and Coronavirus shut-downs in Colorado. 1. Appraisals and closings are critical services. 2. Home inspections and final walk-throughs are allowed, once there is a contract in place. 3. In-person showings and open houses are not essential services, these activities violate public health orders. 4. Activities that encourage non-essential travel or asking residents to leave their homes for showings increases public exposure. Is there a work-around? How long will this continue? If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in Colorado, seek competent advice from your professional Realtor. Osman Parvez is the [...]
Is Boulder Real Estate Headed for a Fall? [Analyze This]
Believe it or not, Governor Polis declared a state of emergency in Colorado almost a month ago. Should I still wait to list my home for sale? Will there be buying opportunities ahead? These are the types of questions we are receiving from our clients every day. Unlike the stock market, the real estate market tends to react slowly to changing conditions. This inefficiency creates opportunity, for buyers who understand the market and have the patience to wait, or for sellers who see what's coming and want to get ahead of the trend. Either way, it's important to have a [...]
Is it Really Open Space? Guess Again [Notable Sales]
"Look at that beautiful open space" - your Realtor For today's Notable Sale, let's take a look at 455 Erie Drive. 455 Erie Drive | $1.15M We saw this six bedroom, four bath, two-story home in Frasier Meadows as soon as it hit the market. Featuring about 3,800 F. SQFT, it sits on a large lot, and with some landscaping work, has a potential view corridor to the Flatirons. Although the home had some weird features (tiny Rapunzel balconies off each bedroom, for example), it was painfully dated and hadn't been updated in decades. A close look revealed it had [...]
Boulder Market Update – April 1, 2020 [Analyze This]
Updates: 1. I know it's April Fools Day, but I don't have any jokes. If you're looking for a laugh, check out Nick Heath's #lifecommentary and Pub Quizes. He is hilarious. 2. You'll find a preliminary Boulder real estate market update in this Twitter thread. In short, closings were up for condos and town homes in March, down for stand alone houses. As we move into April, about 30% of inventory in Boulder is under contract.There were a bunch of broken deals (i.e. back on market) during the last two weeks of March, but it's unclear if it was more than [...]
Are There STILL Bidding Wars? [Notable Sales]
Surprise! Showings in Boulder have fallen to a trickle, but confident buyers are moving forward. As we predicted in our video analysis last week, this seems to be happening at lower price points where demand far outstrips supply of available homes. We anticipate that as the "new normal" continues to develop, the market for homes at higher price points will also start to revitalize. In the interim, there are deals out there. Remember: Intelligent real estate decisions are based on deep market knowledge. There is no substitute. Let's take a look at some recent closings. Sold Listings of Note 3500 [...]
Bungalow or Pied-à-terre? Covidopportunities [Fresh Listings, Get ‘Em Hot]
As everyone knows, the Chinese word for Crisis is composed of two words; danger and opportunity. This week, we talk about some potential opportunities currently on the Boulder real estate market. If you're a subscriber, check your inbox for our review of the best listings to hit the Boulder real estate market, this week. Why subscribe? Because we can't tell you what we really think about listings unless we do so privately. Learn more and subscribe, HERE. This week, I reviewed the following nine properties in detail: 1755 Deer Valley Rd 842 16th Street 2007 Columbine Ave 4128 Clifton Court [...]
Boulder Market Update – March 23, 2020 [Analyze This]
Osman Parvez is the Founder and Employing Broker of House Einstein. Originally from the Finger Lakes region of New York, he lives in Boulder with his wife and their Labrador Retriever. He has been a Realtor since 2005. Osman is the primary author of the House Einstein blog with over 1,200 published articles about Boulder real estate. His work has also appeared in many other blogs about Boulder as well as mainstream newspapers, including the Wall Street Journal and Daily Camera. For more information, click HERE. Fresh Listings | Our review of the most compelling new listings to hit the [...]
Now, What Should I Do? [Coronavirus: Common Questions and What’s Next]
One word describes the prevailing mood: uncertainty. At times like these, it can be difficult to make a major life decision. And make no mistake, buying or selling real estate is a major life decision. Note: This post is specific to real estate transactions. It's based on actual questions we've received from our buyers and sellers in Boulder, Colorado. If you found your way to this post looking for general Coronavirus information, you're in the wrong place. Should I Break-Up the Deal? From an investment perspective, it largely depends on the price point/location of your home and your planned holding period. Your [...]
The Coronavirus in Boulder [We’re in this Together]
Clients, Colleagues, and Friends, As this virus has made clear, we're all in this together. No one is immune. Boulder schools are closed, CU is closed, and soon, it's possible that some U.S. cities will be on lock down. There is a lot of fear and anxiety out there. Our position is that the health of staff, colleagues, and clients come before real estate transactions. We will act accordingly to protect the health and well being of our community. This means some changes to our business practices. At House Einstein, we have a bunch of deals under contract right now. [...]
Boulder Start-Ups, Rogers Farm, Coronavirus Mortgages, and Balfour Senior Living [Weekend Reading]
It's hard sifting through all of the noise, especially with the spring season upon us. We've narrowed down a few quick reads to help you make a smarter real estate decision: 1. Four Reasons Why Boulder is the New Innovation Hub What do you think attracts start-ups to Boulder? 2. New Model Grand Opening at Rogers Farm in Superior, Colorado "Low-maintenance, energy-efficient homes are for all ages – millennials, retirees and families with children." 3. Coronavirus and Mortgage Rates… To Lock or Not? That is the Question! "To lock or not to lock, that is the buyer’s choice. However, buyers need to understand [...]
Ready to Bug Out? [Fresh Listings, Prepper Edition]
In the spirit of the times, we'd thought it would be fun to highlight current Boulder real estate listings that might support your newfound interest in the Prepper lifestyle. Remember: Just because we think they're worth a look, doesn't mean they are worth buying and defending - especially at the asking price. Signup below for the latest Fresh Listings and access to the archive. Fresh Listings Our review of the most compelling new listings to hit the Boulder real estate market.| Subscribe Latest Properties Reviewed 8003 N 63rd Street | $4.0 M 4039 Ogallala Rd | $3.9 M 6600 S Boulder [...]
The Impact of the Coronavirus on Boulder Real Estate [Does Anyone Know How To Fly a Plane?]
In the last few weeks, I've had many private conversations with clients about the impact of the Coronavirus. After yesterday's +1,000 point drop in DJIA, it's time to talk about the potential impact, publicly. 1. As with any market forecast, take it with a grain of salt. Although I have professional training and experience in financial analysis, and some understanding of basic biology, nobody has a crystal ball. There are many elements of this situation. It's also unfolding very quickly, which makes it challenging to make predictions. 2. Early data shows Covid19 may have an R0 of +3 and a CFR of ~2%. [...]
What’s a Square Foot Worth in Downtown Boulder? | 337 Arapahoe #201 [Notable Sales]
337 Arapahoe Ave #201 | $1.15 M Built in the 80's, the Shadow Creek development is nestled against Boulder Creek on the west side of downtown Boulder. The buildings have stood the test of time quite well, with a few obvious signs of deferred maintenance. The primary value driver is the location; it's an easy walk to downtown shops and restaurants, the park, or the creek path. The City Club is just down the street and you can be sipping cocktails with friends on Corrida's spectacular rooftop in minutes. While nearby Eben G. Fine Park is popular with transients and the [...]
