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        <title>Denver Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/tags/home-buyer/</link>
        <description>Denver real estate topics including local metro Denver community news and events.</description>
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            <guid>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/how-to-love-your-new-denver-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/how-to-love-your-new-denver-home.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>How to Love your New Denver Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
One of the most important things to look for when buying a home is the location. Everything else can be changed through renovations, additions and landscaping, but the location is a permanent factor and one that can't be changed unless you move again. Pay attention to things like where on the property the house is located, is it tight up against the neighbors, or do you have some room to breathe. Is it on a hill with a great view, or does it just add more stairs to walk up every day when you get home from work? Don't forget what might be charming now, could be annoying later; you are planning to live there, not just visit.

Also, when noticing the location, notice the neighborhood your house is located in. Are you next to a busy mall or street? Pay attention to things like is there children playing in the nearby park, or in their yards. Even if you do not have children of your own, it is a great indication of how safe the neighborhood is. Drive through the back streets and alleys as well, paying attention to how clean it is, and how many neighbors leave trash lying around. Watching for these kinds of things will help you enjoy your home more in the future. Although a large house is very nice, it may be worth it to buy a slightly smaller house in a better neighborhood.

The next thing to pay attention to is the floor plan. Although you may be able to afford four bathrooms and five bedrooms, think about if you and your cat really need all that space. You will have to pay more for heating, and lighting the larger space, as well as fill all the extra rooms adding to the cost of decorating. Don't forget to factor in hidden costs such as window treatments for every addition room. Make sure also the floor plan reflects you and your lifestyle. If you are a laid back family then eating in a formal dining room every night may feel weird. Perhaps finding an eat-in kitchen floor plan would be more suitable for your family.

Think of your hobbies and what makes you happy. If you've always wanted a home office, or a separate room to do all your scrapbooking and other crafts in, settling for house without room for that is not going to leave you fulfilled. Likewise if you participate in a lot of winter and snow sports, make sure your home has somewhere to keep your skis, boots and snowboards. Making sure everything you love has a place in your home, will help it stay clean and you in love with your purchase.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 07:49:35 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/negotiating-in-multiple-offer-situations.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/negotiating-in-multiple-offer-situations.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Negotiating in Multiple Offer Situations</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Most Realtors would be happy with just one offer to negotiate on their real estate listings. Reality is that Realtors need to be prepared to negotiate multiple offer situations. Unfortunately this skill is something that not every agent has.

A Realtor representing their client who is competing against additional agents and their buyer clients has to understand the intricate nature of this type of negotiation. It happens more than you realize, even in todays market.

Negotiating a multiple offer situation is not the same as when youre the only offer on the table.

Often times in this situation, sellers will respond by asking for the highest and best offers. Home buyers will often ask if the seller is being honest. Realtors are required to practice real estate with honesty and in most cases it does not benefit the seller to mis-represent additional offers. Why? Because there are times being told there are multiple offers will cause a buyer to move on to their second choice without even submitting an offer.

When told there are multiple offers and you still want the home, it is best to accept the multiple offer situation as real.

If you decide to pursue the property it is your Realtors job to get you the home through negotiation.

How does one win? There are several methods depending upon the situation. A quality Realtor will dig to find out what is important to the seller and structure the offer accordingly. Making it stand out from the rest. Offers can be presented in person to allow the buyer to convey their love for the property in person. Provisions and contingencies can be structured in ways to compel a seller to accept. This is often where home buyers find out they have the wrong agent representing them. Only it is too late.

How to determine your highest and best offer.

Highest and best offers are not always about the sales price when the numbers are close however, the sales price is nearly always a top consideration. Sellers in todays market will also weigh heavily the offer that gives them a high probability of actually closing.

Denver home buyers will often ask me advice on their highest and best offer prior to submitting it. I ask them to think about the offer they are making. Think about their dream home they want to purchase. Then compare those and ask how they would feel if they lost their home because the competing offer came in a mere $500 higher. Could you live with that? If you could live with that then you know you have arrived at your highest and best number. Rely on your Realtor to guide you through this process.

Though all agents should learn the subtle nuances of multiple offer situations, negotiating though them is not a skill every agent has.&nbsp;
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:33:09 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/fha-implements-new-rules-to-help-foreclosures-sell-faster.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/fha-implements-new-rules-to-help-foreclosures-sell-faster.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>FHA implements new rules to help foreclosures sell faster</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
FHA has made recent changes to their rules to help stabilize the home values and improve community distress in places where foreclosure activity is high.&nbsp; A temporary change of policy has been announced which will allow increased and quicker access to FHA mortgage insurance when purchasing some foreclosed properties. 

Through this announcement and the $2 billion stabilization grants announced for non-profit developers and local communities announced to stem the negative effects of abandoned and vacant homes in some communities, the current administration has shown a commitment to addressing these issues.

These changes further open up the credit market to potential home buyers who often run into roadblocks obtaining conventional financing, most home buyers in todays tightened market place frequently find FHA is their only financing option.

In the past FHA has prohibited using FHA mortgages to purchase homes owned by sellers for less than 90 days which kept buyers away from recently foreclosed homes.&nbsp; This waiver will temporarily allow buyers access to a broader range of foreclosure properties while still maintaining stringent control to prevent any predatory practices.

Less time is required today to purchase, restore and sell foreclosure properties to homeowners looking to move in.&nbsp; It typically takes much less than 90 days and home buyers using FHA financing found themselves excluded from trying to purchase these restored homes.&nbsp; Sellers were often unwilling to accept contract offers from buyers using FHA financing because they would incur additional holding costs while waiting for the 90 days to pass.

This temporary change will assist in stabilizing the real estate market and revive communities by allowing buyers to purchase bank owned properties, HUD properties and properties being resold utilizing FHA financing without a 90 day waiting period.&nbsp; This will result in quicker sales, more price stability and less neighborhood vacancies.

With the restrictions lifting home buyers will have more opportunities to buy affordable housing which they were previously unavailable giving buyers more opportunities in the market.

The one year waiver takes effect February 1, 2010 and is designed with protections in place against predatory lending.&nbsp; In that transactions must meet the following general guidelines.


Transactions must be at arms-length.&nbsp; This means the parties to the transaction cannot share an identity of interest.

Additional lender conditions will apply if the sales price of the property exceeds a 20% increase of the acquisition cost.

The waiver does not apply to Home Equity Conversion Mortgage.


HUD provides the specific text for the temporary policy on its website.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:19:19 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/10-deadly-mistakes.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/10-deadly-mistakes.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>10 Deadly Mistakes</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
10 deadly mistakes Denver home buyers make when purchasing a home.

Looking for a home prior to getting prequalified

Prequalification makes your life and home buying process much easier so make sure to take the time needed to speak with a quality lender (contact me and I can refer you).&nbsp; By getting answers to questions on income, debt, etc., the lender can help you determine the price range that you can afford.&nbsp; 

Not getting a home inspection

We understand that saving money is important, but skipping a home inspection to save a little money today could end up costing you a lot of money tomorrow.&nbsp; Qualified home inspectors can inspect a home for issues that many home buyers could easily overlook.&nbsp; We are happy to refer quality home inspectors.

Limiting your home search to ads, open houses or the internet

Most of the homes found in magazines or internet ads have often already been sold.&nbsp; We have the most up to date information on properties and resources which are not available to the general public that allow us to quickly identify the property youre seeking.

Selecting a Denver Real Estate agent that is not committed to exceeding your expectations in a business relationship 

It is crucial to connect with the right Denver Realtor - a real estate professional that will be there before, during and after the sale.

Believing that there is only one perfect home available

When it comes to purchasing a home it is more a process of elimination than selection.&nbsp; Each day brings new properties onto the market as existing properties are sold so a Denver home buyer should be open to all possibilities.&nbsp; When viewing homes ask your Realtor how the value of the home compares to others on the market which have recently sold or are still for sale.

Not taking into account your long term needs

When considering a home it is important to think ahead.&nbsp; Ask yourself if the home will still suit your needs in 3 to 5 years.

Not taking into account insurance issues

When arranging for home owners insurance make sure to get adequate coverage.&nbsp; Ask advice from the insurance agent and get answers to any concerns you may have.

Not buying a home warranty

This is a mini insurance policy that is usually good for one year from closing.&nbsp; The policy covers basic repairs which may be encountered during the first year.&nbsp; It gives peace of mind against large, unforeseen repair bills and can be purchased for a nominal fee.

Not knowing the total costs involved in the purchase

Early in the process when obtaining your prequalification from the lender make sure to get a prepared estimate of closing costs.&nbsp; Certain costs may be estimated such as fees for Title Company, HOA fees, insurance and attorneys fees if one is engaged.&nbsp; This should then be compared to the settlement statement prior to closing.

Not completing due diligence

Denver home buyers should list any concerns on issues such as neighbors, schools, crime, power lines, environmental conditions, etc.&nbsp; Find the answers to these prior to making your offer so you can be confident in your decision.

Oh, Remember&hellip;&nbsp; When you encounter friends or relatives who are considering buying or selling a home and would appreciate the services I offer, I would love to help them.&nbsp; As these people come to mind, just call me with their name and business number.&nbsp; I will follow up and ensure they receive excellent service.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:15:28 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/beating-the-deadline-for-the-tax-credit.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/beating-the-deadline-for-the-tax-credit.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Beating the Deadline for the Tax Credit</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Here we are on September 25, 2009 in Denver, Colorado and you may be thinking that you are out of luck in taking advantage of the $8000 federal home buyer tax credit that expires on November 30, 2009.

&nbsp;

Well it is not too late to get that Denver home you have always dreamed of and still take advantage of the government incentive.&nbsp; The key is to target homes that can close quickly which is where we can help.

&nbsp;

Wondering what some of the key elements are?&nbsp; 

&nbsp;

Well prescreening the property is an absolute must to find out about deal killing problems before you get deep into the deal.

&nbsp;



Are there going to be extensive repairs needed?



Are the appliances or systems aged?



How is the neighborhood?



Are there health hazards such as mold?



Additional information to know when putting forth an offer:



&nbsp;







How hot are entry level homes in that area?



Has the property been on the market long?



Were there already price reductions?



Are the sellers currently considering competing offers?



Are the sellers on a specific time line?



Yet more:

&nbsp;



Home buyers in Denver need to begin the process right away!



Buyers need to speak with their agent about the structure of the deal.



Be ready to provide a very strong lender letter if you are financing.


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            <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:04:01 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/when-price-is-not-the-primary-factor-for-buying-the-right-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/when-price-is-not-the-primary-factor-for-buying-the-right-home.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>When Price is not the Primary Factor for Buying the Right Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Make no mistake that price is a critical factor in any home purchase that takes place in metro Denver.&nbsp; Something we see happening however is the obsession with price which some Denver home buyers are developing to the extent that it works in detriment to their own best interests.&nbsp; Price is one factor, but not the only factor to consider when purchasing a home.
&nbsp; 
A Buyers and Sellers View of Value.&nbsp; Some of the places sellers derive value from the price they feel needs to be achieved for their perceived value while taking into account many upgrades, memories of family moments, and features which separate their home from the rest in the community.&nbsp; Buyers will look to the value they place on their future enjoyment of the property.&nbsp; They dream of what could be without yet having that personal connection to the home.
&nbsp; 
Factors Affecting Price. &nbsp;Most see location as a pricing factor, though not all agree on where that ideal location is.&nbsp; What is ideal for one can be no deal for others.&nbsp; Some may find the low maintenance of condo living ideal&hellip; if they dont have 4 dogs.&nbsp; Living close to parks can be ideal&hellip; if you can put up with the crowds that parks attract.&nbsp; City life can be convenient for childrens activities&hellip; if you dont have horses.
&nbsp; 
Those who enjoy traveling look for places with low maintenance landscaping.&nbsp; Outdoor recreation aficionados typically enjoy living near public lands.&nbsp; Those with a classic car, boat or other toys look to three car garages.&nbsp; Horse owners look for horse properties.
&nbsp; 
Factors within Homes Make a Difference.&nbsp; Those who entertain may enjoy a gourmet kitchen.&nbsp; Large families need many bathrooms.&nbsp; Are you a granite person or Formica?&nbsp; Do you like open design or compartmentalized spaces?&nbsp; For those who enjoy the scenery there is nothing like a mountain view.&nbsp; Gardening - RV parking - Fixer uppers?
&nbsp; 
The best approach in most instances may be to weigh the overall pros and cons of the entire transaction.&nbsp; Ask yourself, if there is a better home available on the market why arent you in negotiations for that home.
&nbsp; 
The answer may be that you have already found the perfect home for you.&nbsp; If that is the case then you should make an offer to negotiate the best terms and price that can be reached.&nbsp; From that point what remains is to buy it and enjoy it.&nbsp; Consider the emotional benefits of purchasing and living in your own home, then you will understand that though price may be important, it is not the only important factor.&nbsp; It certainly does not benefit anyone to get hung up on negotiating the final $50 out of a $200,000 transaction.
&nbsp; 
The right home rewards in many ways so dont get overstressed over minor details and dont overpay.&nbsp; On the other hand, do not miss out on the enjoyment that the right home brings over a dollar.&nbsp; That dollar may be what prevents you from the happiness the right home could bring.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:17:31 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/first-time-homebuyer-tax-credit-alert.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/first-time-homebuyer-tax-credit-alert.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Alert</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) included a new $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit for 2009 home purchases. Taxpayers who have recently purchased a home or are considering buying a home, have several different ways that they can receive this tax credit  even if they have already filed their tax return.

Qualifying taxpayers who purchase a home between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 1, 2009 can claim up to $8,000 or $4,000 for married individuals filing separately. Taxpayers can claim the credit either on your 2008 tax returns or 2009 tax returns next year. The credit begins to phase out at a modified adjusted gross income of more than $75,000, or $150,000 for joint filers. Taxpayers can claim 10% of the purchase price up to maximum credit.

The filing options to consider are listed below:


File an extension. Taxpayers who havent yet filed their 2008 returns but are buying a home soon can request a six-month extension to October 15. This step would be faster than waiting until next year to claim it on the 2009 tax return. Even with an extension, taxpayers could still file electronically, receiving their refund in as few as 10 days with direct deposit.

File now, amend later. Taxpayers due a sizable refund for their 2008 tax return but who also are considering buying a house in the next few months can file their return now and claim the credit later. Taxpayers would file their 2008 tax forms as usual, then follow up with an amended return later this year to claim the homebuyer credit.

Amend the 2008 tax return. Taxpayers buying a home in the near future who have already filed their 2008 tax return can consider filing an amended tax return. The amended tax return will allow them to claim the homebuyer credit on the 2008 return without waiting until next year to claim it on the 2009 return.

Claim the credit in 2009 rather than 2008. For some taxpayers, it may make more financial sense to wait and claim the homebuyer credit next year when they file the 2009 tax return rather than claiming it now on the 2008 tax return. This could benefit taxpayers who might qualify for a higher credit on the 2009 tax return. This could include people who have less income in 2009 than 2008 because of factors such as a job loss or drop in investment income.


In addition to the first-time homebuyer tax credit included in the ARRA, taxpayers who purchased a house between 04/08/08 and 12/31/08 qualify for a $7,500/3,750 tax credit that will need to be repaid over 15 years. For more information, visit: Here.

For more information on the $8,000 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit included in the ARRA, visit: Here.&nbsp;
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            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:18:15 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/five-things-youll-love-about-moving-to-denver-colorado.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/five-things-youll-love-about-moving-to-denver-colorado.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Five Things You'll Love About Moving To Denver, Colorado</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
When it comes to evaluating potential cities to move to, no one looking for an exciting place with a great deal of attractions should overlook the city of Denver, Colorado.&nbsp; Denver, as one of the few Midwest mountain region cities of decent size, is a truly unique place to live or visit.&nbsp; The city combines most of the things you would find in a major city with the charm you find in less populated areas.&nbsp; The region is famous for the great outdoors, from the Rocky Mountains to the nearby plains, Denver sits among some of the best natural scenery available in the entire country.&nbsp; The city is not only located near many things to do and see, but many attractions reside within the city's boundaries as well.&nbsp; Denver has some of the best shopping, cultural, sports, and outdoor attractions that can be found any where.

Shopping, Eating and Attractions

Like most cities, Denver has a good deal of fantastic eating, drinking and shopping opportunities, as well as other types of urban attractions.&nbsp; Denver stands out from what you will find in other cities because a great deal of what makes Denver special is the city's ties to both the local history and the natural surroundings.&nbsp; Some of the most famous attractions in the city of Denver include the 16th Street Mall, the LoDo area, the Breckenridge Brewery, the Neighborhood Flix Cinema &amp; Cafe, Northfield Stapleton, Denver Pavilions, and Venice on the Creek. 

Parks

Denver has the advantage of having had forward thinking city founders who very early on in the city's history took the steps to set aside land to be used as parks.&nbsp; The parks in the city of Denver stand out as some of the best urban parks any where.&nbsp; There are a number of high quality parks that are must visit places in Denver including the Denver Zoo, the Downtown Aquarium, the Denver Botanic Gardens, Lakeside Amusement Park, the Rock Bottom Brewery, Ruby Hill Park, Washington Park, Cheesman Park, and City Park.

Historical and Cultural Opportunities

When it comes to historical and cultural experiences, most people don't realize that Denver ranks right up there with some of the most famous cities in the country.&nbsp; From general attractions that appeal to kids and adults alike, to specific niche museums or galleries that cater to a select few, the city of Denver has plenty of indoor entertainment possibilities for both visitors and residents to enjoy.&nbsp; Some of the better museum and cultural attractions in Denver include the Museo de las Americas, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, the Denver Museum of Nature &amp; Science, the Black American West Museum and Heritage Center, the Denver Art Museum, the Colorado History Museum, the Four Mile House Historic Park, the Forney Transportation Museum, the Colorado State Capitol, the Denver Museum of Miniatures Dolls and Toys, the United States Mint, the Denver Firefighters Museum, and Union Station.

Professional Sports

One of the many things to do in the city of Denver is watch a variety of professional level sports teams compete.&nbsp; Though a relatively young city when compared to other major cities in the United States, Denver is represented in all four major professional sports leagues.&nbsp; The professional sports teams of Denver have attracted a great deal of their fans from the entire Rocky Mountain region.&nbsp; Some of the professional sports watching opportunities in Denver include the Denver Broncos professional football team, Denver Nuggets professional basketball team, the Colorado Rockies professional baseball team, the Colorado Avalanche professional hockey team, the Colorado Crush Arena Football team, the Colorado Rapids professional soccer team, and the Colorado Mammoth and Denver Outlaws professional lacrosse teams.

The Outdoors

Colorado is known as a state that is famous for its outdoor recreation attractions and Denver has their fair share of them including the Ski Train, Platte River Greenway, Mount Goliath, Rabbit Mountain, Denver Mountain Parks, Winter Park Resort, and the South Platte River.

A visit to Denver is all it takes for someone to decide that it just may be the perfect place to relocate to.&nbsp; The city truly has everything that a resident cold want including some of the best indoor and outdoor recreational pursuits in the region.&nbsp; Denver offers something for everyone and certainly offers enough things to do that would make it a great place for any individual, couple or family to move to.
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            <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:31:27 -0700</pubDate>
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