Client Preview: 1003 9th Street [Video]
--- by Osman Parvez A potential client recently contacted me to ask about 1003 9th Street, a listing we featured about a week ago. I went ahead and created a video preview for them (below), a service we offer buyers who are relocating from other markets or otherwise can't easily be on the ground to see the property. It's not likely a great fit for this client, so I'm going to go ahead and share the video with you. In short, 1003 9th Street is a very attractive house given its generous size, elegant historical design and significance, plus a [...]
The Boulder Market Heats Up [Watch This]
- by Osman Parvez 45% of house sales in the City of Boulder sold for more than asking last month. Meanwhile, inventory of detached single family homes is currently down 22%, year over year. Buyers and sellers in this environment are under high pressure. Not having deep market knowledge on comparable sales, negotiation techniques, and deal norms can be costly. We've seen buyers grossly overpay for marginal property. We've also seen them not even get a seat at the bidding table. We've watched sellers of luxury homes leave hundreds of thousands on the table because they were given the wrong advice [...]
How to Protest Your Boulder Property Tax Assessment
by Osman Parvez ---- Property tax assessments have arrived and many are shocked at their new home values. I even got a few phone calls over the weekend from clients looking for advice on how to protest. If you're a past or current client, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'm happy to provide appropriate comparable sales and guidance. A few years ago, I asked the Boulder County tax assessor to present at the Boulder Real Estate Meetup. If you have some time, this video will help you understand your tax assessment and how to best protest the [...]
Economy Slumps, Experts Predict Rate Rise in September
by Osman Parvez ---- Good news! GDP came in at 0.2% in the first quarter, far slower than the 1% consensus forecast. Why is that good news? Because the inventory shortage has been relentless on the front range, everywhere from Denver to Ft. Collins. Low supply and high demand has been driving up prices at very high rates, an unsustainable pace in my opinion. It's impossible to call the top of a economic cycle, but bad news might encourage some owners to sell into this still rising market. Am I cheering economic softness? You bet. Maybe we'll [...]
State of the City | Boulder [Watch It]
by Osman Parvez ---- Boulder unveiled it's State of the City video yesterday. Even if you've lived in Boulder for decades, it's worth watching to get a sense of our accomplishments, initiatives and future trajectory. My only comment is that the city seems to put a lot of effort into managing the message on issues such as municipalization and affordable housing. It's telling. -- The next Boulder Real Estate Meetup is TONIGHT January 22nd. Our topic is Best Practices for Bidding Wars. Learn more and RSVP HERE. --- Like this analysis? Subscribe to our client research report. [...]
Hitler Learns the Truth about Zillow
by Osman Parvez --- Funny, this reminds me of a conversation I had earlier this week.
Why We Live Here
by Osman Parvez Here's Balcony Nine Media with a glimpse of Summer in Boulder. It was produced for the 2014 TEDx Boulder conference. THIS is why we live here. A Boulder Summer ...Up next? A Boulder Autumn
Goodbye Oliver Frascona, You Will Be Missed
by Osman Parvez By all accounts, the real estate community suffered a great loss this evening. Although not yet confirmed, it appears that Oliver Frascona died in an aircraft accident. Oliver's classes were among the best I've ever had, in any setting. He was a true educator, relentlessly focused on raising the bar, and he helped Realtors understand complex issues with humor and humility. He also cared a great deal about giving back to the community. Ironically, the last conversation I had with him was about flying. I brought it up casually and [...]
All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy
by Osman Parvez A friend shared this with me the other day. As I sit crunching numbers for the next House Einstein report, it reminds me of why I chose to live here. The video is for Yosemite but the landscapes shown are very much like the high country in Colorado. The video is best viewed on full screen. p.s. Last year I got so busy with real estate during the summer that I didn't hike a single 14er. I've climbed 10, which leaves 48 left to go. Clients always come first but this [...]
Coming Out [Authenticity]
by Osman Parvez This post has nothing to do with real estate. I wouldn't share it except it's about many things I care about. Recorded at TEDxBoulder - watch the video below to see a gifted story teller share her experience with being authentic. It's about the power of sharing your truth, having tough conversations, and being honest. It also happens to feature one of my favorite restaurants in Boulder, the South Side Walnut Cafe - a place that makes a point about being a safe harbor for diversity. I'm grateful that people like Ash and [...]
My Favorite Flood Evacuation Video
by Osman Parvez This is what it looked like when three Boulder residents evacuated from Four Mile Canyon. My favorite flood video by far. Thank you Connor Wall, Will Adams, and Knutzen Hoff. --- Like this analysis? Subscribe to my research. Want to meet me in person? Attend a Boulder Real Estate Meetup. Ready to buy or sell? Call me at 303.746.6896.
10 Reasons People Are Homeless and What You Can Do About It (Video)
by Osman Parvez ---- There are many reasons I love living in Boulder, but just like other towns and cities, we struggle with challenges. If you've walked around the Pearl Street Mall or nearby parks, you know that homelessness is a problem here. At last month's Boulder Real Estate Meetup, I asked Joy Eckstine, Executive Director of the Carriage House Community Table to talk to us. She presented 10 reasons People are Homeless and 10 Things You Can Do About It. About the Carriage House Community Table: The Carriage House Community Table provides a safe, supportive community for the homeless [...]
Opportunities and Misconceptions in Residential Lending (Video)
by Osman Parvez ---- From last month's Boulder Real Estate Meetup, here's Dan Spiegler of Premier Mortgage Group with Opportunities and Misconceptions in Residential Lending. --- The next Boulder Real Estate Meetup is this Monday, May 4th. We have a great lineup of presenters scheduled. We'll also discuss current market conditions. Come meet other people interested in Boulder real estate and enjoy short presentations on key real estate related issues. The MEETUP is at 1942 Broadway, 3rd Floor (Follow Signs). RSVP HERE ---- Want to get blog updates via email? Click HERE. Ready to buy or sell? [...]
How to Choose Your Home Inspector
by Osman Parvez ---- How do you pick a home inspector? A home is probably one of your largest financial investments. When you're getting ready to buy, pick an inspector who not only knows his stuff, but will give you an unbiased inspection. Certifications are minimal at the state level. Virtually anyone can be a home inspector and over the years, we've seen some poor examples (one memorable inspector couldn't operate a window latch). At the March Boulder Real Estate Meetup, I invited Phil Gage of Homefront Inspection to tell us how to go about choosing a home inspector. It [...]
Home Improvements – Neighbors Helping Neighbors
by Osman Parvez ---- Would you like to make home improvements and save some money? At the April Boulder Real Estate Meetup, urban planner and local resident Eric Stonebraker talked to us about his "Do It Yourself" efforts to update his Boulder house. With the support of neighbors and friends, he's been steadily making improvements and repairs, and sharing what he's learned. As it turns out... having a great neighborhood (with an email list) has many benefits. Here's "Affordable Do It Yourself Home Improvements - Neighbors Helping Neighbors" ---- Want to get blog updates via email? Click HERE. [...]
