Mary & Dick's Blog

Loveland CO Short Sale Homes For Sale- May 2013

Dick Greenberg (Elevations Real Estate - Fort Collins, CO) — Mon, 20 May 2013 07:52:13 -0700

This is the May 2013 Market Segment Report for

Short Sale Houses in Loveland CO.

Buying a short sale home isn't for everyone - the process can be very difficult. Short sales can take a long time to close, with a lot of uncertainty throughout the process. But a buyer who is not in a hurry and is looking for a good bargain may find these worth the effort. If you think that you might be interested in one of these opportunities, check out the Available Inventory of short sale homes in Loveland CO - it's possible that you could find something worth pursuing.

There are few short sales on the market at this time, with only 26 short sale homes for sale, ranging in price from $130,000 to $500,000, providing a limited range of choice in location, size and style.

Short sale homes have sold reasonably well so far in 2013 for a relatively small market segment – there have been 20 sales, with prices ranging from a low of $122,000 to a high of $460,000, with a median price of $187,500, and an average price of $220,683. Average days to get an offer for the homes that sold has been 106 days, with an average days on the market of 179. These 20 homes sold for an average of 98.9% of listing price.

Because the inventory of short sale homes changes fairly often, if you would like to track what's going on, we can help - we'll set up an on-going search especially for you, with your own customized web site - you'll be notified as soon as new listings are posted. Buying a Short Sale House is a unique process - we have the expertise to help you through it. Give us a call and we'll explain how it works, and if you’d like to look at any of these homes, we’d be pleased to show them to you.

Mary & Dick Greenberg
Elevations Real Estate LLC
106 East Oak St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-689-4663
www.maryanddick.com

Puppy Report - May 19, 2013

Dick Greenberg (Elevations Real Estate - Fort Collins, CO) — Sun, 19 May 2013 19:28:41 -0700

There's lots going on with the Criminal Element this weekend.

Our friends Mark & Anne Miller arrived from Olympia, WA yesterday, along with their dogs Brenna and Ty. Brenna is our lab Moose's sister, a litter-mate from 11 years ago, and Ty is the father of the Criminal Element. They're all here to pick out their new puppy.

There has been lots of playing with the dogs, big and small, and everyone is on the edge of exhaustion.

Here are some scenes from today's fun:

Warning: The video contains a couple of scenes of intense savagery - the Criminal Element eating their dinner. They're animals! We feed Amy, our runt, separately, because she's a bit too small to compete in the melee, but as soon as she's done with hers, she's over there cleaning up with the rest.

And the final scene is Lulu and Ty, who in spite of just officially making each other's acquaintance, are obviously in love.

We're in our final week with the pups, and it's going to be hard to say goodbye.

Mary & Dick Greenberg
Elevations Real Estate LLC
106 East Oak St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-689-4663
www.maryanddick.com

The Foreclosed Home Market in Loveland CO - May 2013

Dick Greenberg (Elevations Real Estate - Fort Collins, CO) — Sun, 19 May 2013 12:15:42 -0700

This is the May 2013 Market Segment Report for

Foreclosed Homes in Loveland CO.

If you have an interest in purchasing a foreclosed home, you'll find that it is a fairly straight-forward and simple process, much like the purchase of any resale property. However, prices for these homes are now closer to fair market level - it's harder to find the great bargains that used to characterize this category of homes.

If you'd like to check out What's Available in foreclosed homes in Loveland CO, there are still some good deals out there, particularly if you are willing to invest some time and effort in repairs and upgrades. Foreclosures are usually sold in as-is condition - exceptions are possible, but usually only if there are major problems. As with all purchases, a professional home inspection is a must for due diligence.

The current inventory provides a limited range of choice, with only 29 homes on the market. These are priced from a low of $94,900 to a high of $699,900, with the majority priced between $100,000 to $200,000. There are some nice homes in this category - it's worth taking a look.

For such a relatively small segment of the overall Loveland CO market, foreclosure sales have been strong thus far this year, - there have been 50 sales, with prices ranging between $50,000 to $771,150, with a median price of $165,357, and an average price of $189,736. Average days to get an offer for the homes that sold has been 48 days, with an average days on the market of 68. These 50 homes sold for an average of 100% of listing price.

Since the inventory of foreclosed homes is subject to frequent change, if you would like to track this market segment, we can help. Give us a call and we'll set up an on-going search especially for you, with your own customized web site - you'll be notified as soon as new listings are posted. And if you’d like to take a look at any of these homes, please let us know – we’d be happy to show them to you.

Mary & Dick Greenberg
Elevations Real Estate LLC
106 East Oak St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-689-4663
www.maryanddick.com

South Mesa Veterinary Hospital - Theriogenology

Dick Greenberg (Elevations Real Estate - Fort Collins, CO) — Sat, 18 May 2013 06:19:25 -0700

Dr. Greg Burns at South Mesa Veterinary Hospital in Fort Collins, CO has been our choice for pet health care for the last 15 years. He has treated our pets for a variety of common - and not so common - ailments, including torn ears & cuts, hypothyroidism, allergies, and things that never should have been swallowed, among other more routine stuff. But we recently had the opportunity to work with Dr. Burns in his area of specialization, Theriogenology, which is a fancy, downtown word for animal reproduction.

Lulu's current litter wasn't routine. The sire, Hunter's Black Ty And Tails, better known as Ty, is owned by our friends Mark & Anne Miller of Olympia Washington, so getting Lulu "with puppy" required artificial insemination. That was a surprisingly complicated process, but Dr. Burns counseled us all along the way. The timing had to be spot on - there is a very short window, and we were doing progesterone testing every other day (although Moose, our older Lab, let us know at the exact same time the tests came back positive). FedEx absolutely, positively had to get the shipment to us overnight. And the actual insemination process was transcervical, involving some pretty cool equipment, a tiny TV camera, and minimal discomfort to Lulu. The process was a huge success - 8 beautiful puppies.

Yesterday, the little guys went in for their first shots and exams, and they are all in excellent health. The above photo shows Dr. Greg Burns and his veterinary technician, Stacey Cooper, examining one of our pups.

Next week, the pups start their new lives with their new owners. None of this adventure would have been possible with Dr. Burns and the staff at South Mesa - when it comes to animal reproduction, they are simply the best. Their range of services includes:

In-house quantitative progesterone analyzer, providing results within two hours
BAER Testing
Infertility Consultation
Pregnancy Nutrition Counseling
Semen Collection/Evaluation
Inseminations
Semen Freezing - Complete International Storage Facility
CERF Examinations - Performed by a Board Certified Ophthalmologist
MSU/OFA Thyroid Certification
OFA Certification
PennHip Certified
Pregnancy Diagnosis
Semen Shipping - Fresh Chilled, Frozen
LH Testing
Vaginal Cytology
Cesarean Section

In addition to Theriogenology, South Mesa provides complete general medical care, comprehensive puppy and kitten care, surgery, dentistry, radiology and laboratory diagnostics, as well as Come-Play-Stay - a complete day care, boarding and training center.

For health care for our animals, we want the very best available, and that's what we have always found at South Mesa Veterinary Hospital. Trusting them with our little furry guys is the strongest possible recommendation we could give.

Mary & Dick Greenberg
Elevations Real Estate LLC
106 East Oak St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-689-4663
www.maryanddick.com

New Listing - 1637 Westbridge Dr. #J4 Fort Collins CO 80526 MLS#707978

Dick Greenberg (Elevations Real Estate - Fort Collins, CO) — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:18:23 -0700

New Listing

1637 Westbridge Dr. #J4 Fort Collins CO 80526 MLS#707978

This lovely Summerhill end unit town home has 4 bedroom; 3 & 1/2 baths; a bright living room with gas fireplace and wood laminate floor; a dining room with wood laminate floor; a kitchen with wood laminate floor; a finished basement with a large bedroom, 3/4 bath and study; an attached 1-car garage; a patio; central A/C; all appliances including washer & dryer; and more. This home is in excellent condition, and is offered for sale at $207,900.

If you'd like to see this home, please give us a call - we'd be pleased to show it to you. And if you'd like, check out the other Condos & Town Homes in Fort Collins CO. If you see something interesting, let us know - we're always available to set up showings at your convenience.

Mary & Dick Greenberg
Elevations Real Estate LLC
106 East Oak St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-689-4663
www.maryanddick.com

FAQ #2 - The Inspection: What Can I Ask The Seller To Fix?

Dick Greenberg (Elevations Real Estate - Fort Collins, CO) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 06:15:06 -0700

The inspection is done, we've read through the report, and now we have to talk about our inspection objection. As we do that, here's a couple of things to keep in mind:

The inspection clause of the contract is heavily weighted in favor of you, the buyer. If the property isn't satisfactory, in your subjective discretion, you may request the seller to correct any deficiencies, or alternatively, you have the option to cancel the contract.

If you choose to cancel, there is a simple form to fill out, and that's it. No reason or explanation is necessary.

If you choose to request repairs or adjustments, the seller may agree or not. If we can't reach an agreement with the seller by your resolution deadline, the contract will automatically terminate. So, essentially, we're going to be negotiating again with the seller (and I'll bet you thought we were done with that).

As we do that, we'll want to try to categorize the problems into major and minor issues, and you and the seller may not agree with how the issues fall into those categories. But let's start with the big ones - health & safety issues, structural issues, mechanical issues, etc. These can be considered material defects in the property, and if we request that they be repaired, and the seller refuses, he will be obligated to disclose their existence to any future buyers if your contract should fall. So we have an advantage in asking for these to be repaired. But if they are pricey, be prepared for the seller to try to negotiate some participation from you. In some cases, that may make sense - in others, not so much. We'll ask and see what happens.

The next category of things will be stuff that is broken or damaged, but doesn't really constitute a defect. Maybe we're talking about a minor plumbing leak, or a missing fixture, or a non-functioning feature. This is going to be a gray area, and the seller's response will be based in part on what else you're asking for. So let's keep these in that same perspective - it's the big things we should really be concerned about first.

Finally, there may be some condition items - worn carpeting, discolored paint, scratches, etc. The general practice regarding this stuff is that they really aren't inspection issues, and that since they were, usually, in evidence when you made the offer, your offer should have accounted for them. Don't expect a lot of positive response on these issues.

As we make our list of what to ask for, let's try to get inside the seller's head a bit. Whatever we ask for, the seller is going to think about what you're paying for the property. If we really beat him up on the price negotiation, he's going to be a lot less enthusiastic about doing the requested work than if you made a full-price, or close to it, offer.

Okay, now let's get to that list. The answer to your original question - What can I ask the seller to fix - is literally, anything at all. But practically, let's talk about what is really important to you. Obviously, you're going to want the major issues addressed, and if there are only one or two, we can throw some other stuff - maybe the ones that would be the most hassle for you to take care of. But let's leave out the little things that a trip to Home Depot and 15 minutes with a wrench and a screwdriver would cover.

Once we have our list, let's do a little research. If we spend time getting some preliminary estimates on prices for these items, we'll have a much better idea how the seller may react, and we may decide to modify the list. We'll also want to think about how we structure the request - will we need to require that the work be done by licensed contractors? Are there specific contractors we want to do the work? Specific materials or products? If there are upgrades from standard quality, will you be willing to cover the difference in cost? (Hint: the answer to that last one is "yes".)

I think we're ready now. Let's write up your objection notice, get it to the listing agent, and see how it goes. And don't worry - everyone involved wants to see this settled. Let's keep that in mind as we work through it.

Mary & Dick Greenberg
Elevations Real Estate LLC
106 East Oak St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-689-4663
www.maryanddick.com

Mom & The Kids

Dick Greenberg (Elevations Real Estate - Fort Collins, CO) — Wed, 15 May 2013 09:28:47 -0700

It's time for some mid-week puppy fun.

Over the last week, since they were weaned, the Criminal Element's time with Lulu has been a bit limited - she needed to be away from them for a while so she could, uh, get back to normal. Now that they're back together, and have mostly figured out that the nursing thing doesn't work so well anymore, they're enjoying themselves learning how to play. Lulu loves her time with them - they all play until they drop, which is about 45 minutes.

We only have about 10 more days with them, and we're really going to miss them. It's a good thing we're keeping Grover - Lulu, as you see, clearly agrees.

Mary & Dick Greenberg
Elevations Real Estate LLC
106 East Oak St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-689-4663
www.maryanddick.com

Houses with 1+ Acres for Sale in Loveland CO - May 2013

Dick Greenberg (Elevations Real Estate - Fort Collins, CO) — Tue, 14 May 2013 07:19:59 -0700

Here is the May 2013 Market Segment Report for

Houses with 1 Plus Acres for Sale in Loveland CO.

Buyers who are looking for some peace and quiet, away from the crowd with a bit more elbow room, perhaps with a few horses or room for a 4-H project for their kids, will be interested in checking out the Current Inventory of homes on 1 or more acres in Loveland CO.

Loveland CO has a large number of acreage properties, with 148 homes currently on the market, ranging in price from a low of $159,900 to a high of $10,000,000. There is a wide selection to choose from in location, size and style, and 77 of these homes - slightly more than half - are identified as horse property.

These homes with acreage have sold well thus far in 2013 – there have been 50 sales of Houses with 1 Plus Acres, with prices ranging from a low of $188,000 to a high of $1,150,000, with a median price of $529,200, and an average price of $507,400. Average days to get an offer for the homes that sold has been 79 days, with an average days on the market of 121. These 50 homes sold for an average of 96.0% of listing price.

Since the inventory of these homes changes frequently, if you're interested in following this market segment, give us a call and we'll set up an on-going search especially for you, with your own customized web site - you'll be notified as soon as any new listing is posted. And if you’d like to look at any of these properties, please let us know – we’d be happy to show them to you at your convenience.

Mary & Dick Greenberg
Elevations Real Estate LLC
106 East Oak St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-689-4663
www.maryanddick.com

Loveland CO Affordable Homes - May 2013

Dick Greenberg (Elevations Real Estate - Fort Collins, CO) — Mon, 13 May 2013 06:59:14 -0700

Here is the May 2013 Market Segment Report for

Loveland CO Affordable Homes

First time home buyers, renters who are starting to think that home ownership is a better deal than paying rent, or those on a limited budget will want to take a close look at the Available Inventory of affordable homes in Loveland CO - there are some nice possibilities for owning a home at a great price.

Loveland CO has a very good supply of affordable homes, with 131 homes on the market, ranging in price from a low of $94,900 to a high of $200,000. There is broad range of choice in location, size, condition and style, so it should be possible to find a good fit for most needs.

Affordable home sales have been vigorous thus far in 2012 – there have been 173 sales, with prices ranging from $50,000 to $200,000, with a median price of $173,000 and an average price of $162,961. Average days to get an offer for the homes that sold has been 50 days, with an average days on the market of 85. These 173 homes sold for an average of 94.8% of listing price.

Because there are frequent changes in the supply of affordable homes, if you would like to track this market, we can help - give us a call and we'll set up an on-going search especially for you, with your own customized web site - you'll be notified as soon as new listings are posted. And we’d be pleased to show you any of these homes that might meet your needs, so give us a call to set up a showing at your convenience.

Mary & Dick Greenberg
Elevations Real Estate LLC
106 East Oak St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-689-4663
www.maryanddick.com

Puppy Report - May 12, 2013

Dick Greenberg (Elevations Real Estate - Fort Collins, CO) — Sun, 12 May 2013 15:24:31 -0700

This week was a great week for the Criminal Element. They spent many hours a day outside of their enclosure, practicing property damage - a Labrador core knowledge skill - and playing and wrestling. They figured out that balls and squeaky toys and throw rugs are fun, and they even got their first taste of romping around in the yard. Napping on our laps remains a favored activity, for the puppies and for us, and Mary has figured out how to stack them so she can have all 8 sleeping comfortably in her lap at once.

These are happy times for all of us.

Mary & Dick Greenberg
Elevations Real Estate LLC
106 East Oak St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-689-4663
www.maryanddick.com

Condos and Town Homes in Loveland CO - May 2013

Dick Greenberg (Elevations Real Estate - Fort Collins, CO) — Sat, 11 May 2013 06:49:02 -0700

Here is the May 2013 Market Segment Report for

Loveland CO Condo Real Estate

Buyers looking for an opportunity to downsize to a more easily managed home featuring low-maintenance living, or first-time home-buyers on a limited budget will find it useful to check out the Current Inventory of town homes and 1/2 duplexes for sale now in Loveland CO.

There are currently 97 condos, townhomes and 1/2 duplexes on the market in Loveland CO, ranging in price from a low of $89,900 to a high of $534,900, providing a nice of choice in size, location, style and amenities. About 75% of these are priced between $100,000 to $200,000.

Sales of these homes have performed strongly so far this year - there have been 93 sales of Loveland CO condos, townhomes and 1/2 duplexes, ranging in price from a low of $82,723 to a high of $578,943, with a median price of $165,560, and an average price of $183,145. Average days to get an offer was 55, and average days on the market was 99. These 93 homes sold for an average of 99.9% of list price.

Since there are frequent changes in the inventory of these homes, if you want to track what is going on, we can help - let us know and we'll set up an on-going search especially for you, with your own customized web site - you'll be notified as soon as new listings are posted. And if you'd like to see any of these homes, please give us a call - we'd be pleased to set up a showing at your convenience.

Mary & Dick Greenberg
Elevations Real Estate LLC
106 East Oak St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-689-4663
www.maryanddick.com

5-Bedroom Homes for Sale in Loveland CO - May 2013

Dick Greenberg (Elevations Real Estate - Fort Collins, CO) — Fri, 10 May 2013 07:15:29 -0700

This is the May 2013 Market Segment Report for

5-Bedroom Homes for Sale in Loveland CO.

Buyers searching for a home large enough to accommodate a growing family, a home office or craft room, or more space for guests will find it useful to take a look at the Current Inventory of 5-Bedroom Homes for Sale in Loveland CO. They will discover that the additional bedrooms will answer a wide variety of needs for more space.

Loveland CO has a substantial number of 5-bedroom or larger homes for sale, with 137 on the market, ranging in price from $175,000 to $10,000,000. 69 of these homes - slightly over half - are 1-story ranches, most of which will have finished basements. There should be a home to fit everyone’s needs, tastes and budget.

This 5+ bedroom segment of the Loveland CO real estate market has performed well so far in 2012 – there have been 62 sales, ranging from a low of $119,900 to a high of $1,150,000, with a median price of $342,750, and an average price of $422,913. Average days to get an offer for the homes that sold was 63 days, with an average days on the market of 99. These 62 homes sold for an average of 96.5% of listing price.

Because there is frequent changes in the inventory of 5-bedroom homes, if you would like to follow this market segment, give us a call and we'll set up an on-going search especially for you, with your own customized web site - you'll be notified as soon as new listings are posted. And if you’d like to look at any of these spacious homes, please give us a call – we’d be pleased to show any of them to you at your convenience.

Mary & Dick Greenberg
Elevations Real Estate LLC
106 East Oak St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-689-4663
www.maryanddick.com

New Listing - 837 Bitterbrush Lane Fort Collins CO 80526 MLS# 707000

Dick Greenberg (Elevations Real Estate - Fort Collins, CO) — Thu, 09 May 2013 09:31:59 -0700

New Listing -

837 Bitterbrush Lane Fort Collins CO 80526 MLS# 707000

This charming updated Woodlands bi-level offers 3 bedrooms; 2 baths; a bright living room with hardwood floor, gas fireplace and vaulted ceiling; a spacious, open and remodeled eat-in kitchen with new cabinets and counters, hardwood floor and vaulted ceiling; a family room; a study; a large, fenced back yard with a deck; and a two-car attached and insulated garage. Extras include central A/C, solar hot water system, whole house fan, automatic sprinkler system, mature landscaping and planter beds, and much more. It is in excellent condition, with a new roof currently being installed, and is offered for sale at $230,000. MLS# 707000

If you'd like to see this home, please give us a call - we'd be pleased to show it to you. And if you'd like, check out the other Three Bedroom Homes in Fort Collins CO. If you see something interesting, let us know - we're always available to set up showings at your convenience.

Mary & Dick Greenberg
Elevations Real Estate LLC
106 East Oak St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-689-4663
www.maryanddick.com

4 Bedroom Homes in Loveland CO - May 2013

Dick Greenberg (Elevations Real Estate - Fort Collins, CO) — Wed, 08 May 2013 06:27:29 -0700

This is the May 2013 Market Segment Report for

4 Bedroom Homes in Loveland CO.

If you are a home buyer looking for additional space to fit a growing family or a more expansive lifestyle, you'll be interested in checking out the Available Inventory of four bedroom homes for sale in Loveland CO. With answers to a wide variety of needs in regards to size, features and price, these homes are very popular.

There is a large inventory of 4 bedroom homes on the market in Loveland CO, with 232 available for sale, ranging in price from $139,900 to $2,000,000. 94 of these homes - 40.5% - are 1-story ranches and many have finished basements. There ought to be a home that will fit everyone’s needs, tastes and budget.

Four bedroom homes have sold well so far in 2012 - there have been 185 sales in Loveland CO, ranging in price from a low of $115,600 to a high of $815,000, with a median price of $269,029, and an average price of $297,288. Average days to get an offer for the homes that sold has been 65 days, with an average days on the market of 102. These 185 homes sold for an average of 98.8% of listing price.

Since the the inventory for 4-bedroom homes varies frequently, we can help if you would like to track this market segment - give us a call and we'll set up an on-going search especially for you, with your own customized web site - you'll be notified as soon as new listings are posted. And if you want to take a look at any of these homes, please give us a call – we’d be pleased to show them to you, at your convenience.

Mary & Dick Greenberg
Elevations Real Estate LLC
106 East Oak St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-689-4663
www.maryanddick.com

Three Bedroom Homes in Loveland CO - May 2013

Dick Greenberg (Elevations Real Estate - Fort Collins, CO) — Tue, 07 May 2013 06:59:32 -0700

This is the May 2013 Market Segment Report for

Loveland CO Three Bedroom Homes.

If you are a first-time home buyer, an empty-nester, have a small family, or simply want to downsize to a more manageable property, you will be interested in looking at the Available Inventory of three bedroom homes for sale in Loveland CO.

Three bedroom homes are the biggest segment of the Loveland real estate market, with 372 on the market right now, ranging in price from a low of $115,000 to a high of $1,600,000. 208 of these homes - or 55.9% - are 1-story ranches. With this many homes for sale, it should easy to find the right home and features at a great affordable price.

Loveland CO three bedroom homes have been selling strongly – there have been 277 sales so far in 2013, from a low of $50,000 to a high of $660,000, with a median price of $215,000, and an average price of $240,783. Average days to get an offer for the homes that sold has been 69 days, with an average days on the market of 103. These 277 homes sold for an average of 98.3% of listing price.

Because the inventory of three bedroom homes changes frequently, if you would like to follow this market segment, we can help - give us a call and we'll set up an on-going search especially for you, with your own customized web site - you'll be notified as soon as a new listings are posted. And if you would like to look at any of these homes, please let us know – we’d be happy to show any of them to you, at your convenience.

Mary & Dick Greenberg
Elevations Real Estate LLC
106 East Oak St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-689-4663
www.maryanddick.com