Let’s Find Your Castle [Fresh Listings, Get ‘Em Hot]
by Osman Parvez ---- It might be mid-January, but spring is in the air when it comes to Boulder real estate. Inventory has begun to rise which means more selection. Most buyers haven’t entered the market yet and, for now, competition for the most desirable homes isn't scorching hot. If you’re serious about buying in 2017, now is a good time to begin your home search. We’ve culled the bad locations and the egregiously overpriced. We’ve also pulled out the old-refreshed listings. Here are the 10 best fresh listings on the market, plus a look at notable sales. Remember: to schedule [...]
The TOP Boulder Real Estate Sales of 2016 (Deal #1)
by Osman Parvez ---- Here we go. The highly anticipated top sale of the year. Nearly 5,000 homes traded hands in Boulder County during 2016. Over 400 exceeded prices of $1MM. Almost 100 exceeded $2MM. But only 19 sales were in the lofty $3MM+ category. In this series, we've focused on the most luxurious, over the top real estate that traded hands in Boulder last year, and this one tops them all. It's an estate worthy of magnates, an heirloom for future generations, a setting for a Gatsby party. Welcome to 1002 Mapleton Avenue. Sale price: $7.8MM. Looking for the rest of the series? [...]
The TOP Boulder Real Estate Sales of 2016 (Deal #2)
by Osman Parvez ---- Imagine living minutes from Boulder, surrounded by thousands of acres of protected open space. Neighbors, what neighbors? This epic 5 bedroom, 6 bath home features beautiful, unimpeded views of the Flatirons and back range but is still only a few minutes from downtown Niwot. It was built with contemporary finishes throughout and includes a carriage house, finished barn, an equipment barn and - of course - stables for your purebreds. Situated on 35 acres of agricultural land backing up to 2,000+ of acres of protected open space. 8175 N. 73rd Street is the #2 Top Real Estate Deal [...]
January Starts with a Bang [Fresh Listings, Get ‘Em Hot]
It’s mid-January. As usual, inventory has started to rise. Are you ready to see some houses? This week's fresh listings include high-end luxury homes, curious investment opportunities, and swanky condos with protected views. There were over 60 new listings that hit the Boulder area market. We’ve culled the bad locations, re-freshed old listings, and otherwise uninteresting properties. Here's what's worth seeing. To schedule a private showing, which includes a discussion of valuation, negotiation strategy, market and price trends, call Osman at 303.746.6896. Fresh Listings Boulder 2299 4th Street | $6.25MM | More Details Built in '12, this stunning home is minutes from [...]
The TOP Boulder Real Estate Sales of 2016 (Deal #3)
by Osman Parvez ---- Drive out of town on Lee Hill Road into the foothills, and you'll pass some of the most spectacular and exclusive real estate in Boulder. Wineglass Ranch comprises five large parcels on the north side of the road, each with 5 to 8 acres of land, directly abutting City of Boulder open space. 415 Lee Hill Road was the #3 top deal of 2016. Note: This post is part of a series highlighting the top real estate deals of 2016. Top sale #4 is HERE. 415 Lee Hill Road | $5.9MM Sitting on 5+ acres of [...]
The TOP Boulder Real Estate Sales of 2016 (Deal #4)
by Osman Parvez ---- Who wouldn't want to take a long bubble bath, when you can enjoy it with a view overlooking Boulder? Or perhaps you'd like to dine with a sunset backdrop before snuggling in for a movie in your custom screening room? Ready for some serious eye candy? It's the #4 top Boulder real estate deal of 2016: Note: This post is part of a series. Click here for house #5 19 Arrowleaf Court | $5.4MM 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and over 10,000 finished SQFT in one of the best locations in Boulder. If you haven't heard of [...]
The TOP Boulder Real Estate Sales of 2016 (Deal #5)
by Osman Parvez ---- The buyer of this stunning estate patiently scoured the Boulder real estate market, according to parties knowledgeable about the transaction. After years of searching, he finally found one that checked the boxes. It's the #5 top real estate deal of 2016. 400 Utica Avenue Acquired at a 6.7% premium to the asking price, this $4.8MM trophy parcel comprises a generous 2.1 acres including a protected view corridor overlooking Wonderland Lake and the Flatirons. Most of the +2,800 SQFT on the main floor were designed to highlight the perch. Early 60's vintage construction is of little interest to the [...]
The TOP Boulder Real Estate Sales of 2016 (Deal #6)
by Osman Parvez ---- Perfectly placed between Sanitas and Boulder downtown, this historic Craftsman style gem was comprehensively and tastefully updated. Why wait and build when you can have it all now? 2241 4th Street is the #6 top real estate sale of 2016. Note: this post is part of a series on the top real estate deals of 2016. #7 is HERE. 2241 4th Street Open timber framing against warm, exposed brick highlight the living areas of this beautiful home. On warm summer evenings, the new owner will want to open the garage door and invite dinner guests to [...]
The TOP Boulder Real Estate Sales of 2016 (Deal #7)
by Osman Parvez ---- Drive north on Broadway, just past Newlands, and the street will begin to climb. Look to either side, and you'll see a half-dozen or so spectacular homes with glass windows framing the view. Have you ever wondered what it looks like from up there? 1225 Meadow Place is the #7 top real estate deal of 2016. --- note: This article is part of a series highlighting the top real estate transactions of 2016. Here are #8, #9, and #10. --- 1225 Meadow Place 5 luxurious bedrooms (each with ensuite bath), a library with dramatic, dark stained bookcases [...]
The TOP Boulder Real Estate Sales of 2016 (Deal #8)
by Osman Parvez ---- Most buyers love the modern trophy home in the back. Now focus your eyes on the historic house in front. It's become a mudroom and represents an end-run around Boulder's historic preservation codes, a text-book example of the limits of our excessive rule-based regulatory environment. Sources tell me that staff actually drive new employees past it to discuss how the rules don't work. A home this unusual takes a very unique buyer. After many months on market, 517 5th Street finally sold. It's the #8 top real estate deal of 2016. -- Note: This post is [...]
The TOP Boulder Real Estate Sales of 2016 (Deal #9)
by Osman Parvez ---- Originally a 1920's historic Boulder home, the property exchanged hands several times during the past few years before a developer acquired it in 2014. Despite the pre-war historic status, it was completely scraped and rebuilt as a modern house with 2.5x the original square footage. 441 Arapahoe is the #9 top real estate deal of 2016. 441 Arapahoe Ave 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms on two levels on about 5,000 beautifully finished square feet. The value comes the contemporary turn-key design, large south facing lot, proximity to downtown, backing to Boulder Creek, and likely protected views [...]
The TOP Boulder Real Estate Sales of 2016
by Osman Parvez ----Ready for some real estate eye candy? There were nearly 5,000 sales in Boulder County last year. By all accounts, it was a strong year - especially for the very high-end of the market. Join me on a journey. Let's take a peek through the looking glass. Boulder sales by the numbers: 440 were over $1MM 78 exceeded $2MM Just 19 sales were in the lofty $3MM+ category Here are the top 10 high-end sales of the year, the most luxurious residential real estate that traded hands in Boulder during 2016 - plus the usual [...]
T’is the Season for a New Home? [Fresh Listings, Get ‘Em Hot]
Ready to cuddle up with that special someone next to the roaring fire? Before you get too deep into the eggnog, let's take a look at recent notable sales and fresh listings to hit the market this weekend. Maybe you'll find a new home in your stocking. As usual, I've sifted through the most recent listings in Boulder and surrounding areas to bring you property worth considering. I've also included a discussion of notable sales to help educate you on market conditions. Remember: Intelligent real estate investments are based on deep market knowledge. As for me, I'm heading into the mountains [...]
Fresh Baked Cookies and Other Hidden Investment Returns in Boulder
by Osman Parvez ---- A couple of weeks ago, Leah and I bought another house in Boulder. In the long-run, it should be a well-timed execution of an investment thesis, but we don't have to wait for the long run. We're already discovering hidden returns. The Investment Thesis It's no surprise. Houses in Martin Acres are in high demand: The ranch-style works well for a variety of tenants and buyers: Young professionals appreciate the easy commuting to downtown Boulder, to job centers along US 36, and into Denver. Older folks looking to downsize love the main floor bedrooms and easy walkability. [...]
To Scrape, or Not to Scrape. That is the Question
by Osman Parvez ---- The Grape Street Curse Strikes Again Earlier this week, I dropped everything and sprinted to see a new listing for one of my relocation buyers. My client is looking for a property that will be a good project to renovate. Adding square footage is expected. They're on the prowl for a home with so called good bones (with or without a basement) in North Boulder. This particular property in north central Boulder checked a lot of boxes: - Larger than typical lot, allowing more flexibility for expansion - South facing (better for passive and active [...]