by Neil Kearney | Jan 13, 2011 | Statistics
[slideshare id=6552703&doc=december2010statistics-110113141541-phpapp02]
December turned out to be a good month in Boulder real estate. Sales were up 15% from November and up 9% when compared to December of 2009. Median prices in Boulder County continue to be higher than a year ago. This seems strange because prices haven’t really increased. But median price only counts the sales price of one property which happens to have the same number of homes which sold for more money and less money. This year after the tax credit expired, sales of entry level homes in the Boulder area decreased sharply while the sales of higher priced homes continued. Think of the market shifting up a few notches not prices rising.
I have all of the year end numbers all added up, I just need to find the time to put it all together. Stay tuned for more on the Boulder real estate market in the coming days.
by Neil Kearney | Jan 5, 2011 | Boulder County Housing Trends
Here is a short list of trends that I am keeping an eye on in the coming year. I am working on the final statistics for 2010 and overall 
there is much to be thankful for (the numbers look pretty positive). I am looking forward with enthusiasm to helping many nice people buy and sell homes. Let’s make 2011 a great year!
- Slow Recovery – The housing sector is lagging and we are seeing improvement. The improvement won’t be dramatic until we see widespread job growth. I expect volume and prices to remain relatively stable in Boulder County.
- Foreclosures and Short Sales – Most areas in the Boulder area have been shielded from an overload of distressed sales. However, I expect these types of sales to be a part of our market for a few more years. They both create excess supply and provide downward pressure on prices.
- Eventual Housing Shortage – New housing starts in Boulder County are way down. Population continues to rise. Eventually something has to give. I suspect that the market will recover before the builders will catch up. This means positive pressure on prices and low supply of listings.
- Relief in the Rental Market – Because it is difficult to buy a home, the rental market has been strong. Instead of building condos to be sold expect for rental projects to be built. This is good news for tenants and not so great for landlords.
- Interest Rates Increasing– Interest rates are at nearly 40 year lows. I expect rates to rise slowly with the economy. Take advantage now.
- Buyers Willing to Commute – Buyers are willing to drive the extra 10, 15, or 30 minutes to get more for their money. Much to the chagrin of the Boulder City Council.
- This I Know For Sure – I will spend this year continually striving to serve my clients. Giving them great information, helping them make smart decisions and most importantly, helping them achieve their objectives in a friendly and professional manner.
by Neil Kearney | Jan 1, 2011 | Listings
Home As Art
772 Circle Drive Boulder, CO 80302 $5,900,000
This is truly one of the most spectacular homes you will ever see. The materials, design and craftsmanship are unsurpassed. 
Located on a 3/4 acre lot in the shadow of Chautauqua Park and Flagstaff Mountain, this modern but comfortable home is a destination in and of itself.
View the listing website for all of the amazing details.
Interior Photos
Exterior Photos
by Neil Kearney | Dec 15, 2010 | Listings, Uncategorized
1949 Pearl St. -C Boulder, CO 80302 $724,900
For Full Details go to www.BlacksmithCondos.com
Downtown Boulder has many condos from which a potential buyer can choose. Many of them are so much of the same. Finally, 
something wonderfully different. Highlighted by a two story wall of windows, this condo is filled with light. The sense of space and indoor/outdoor living is really unique. There are three deck/patio areas; one at the front door facing east and two facing west. The balcony off of the master bedroom has a framed view of the Flatirons. The finishes are very nice and the main floor features beautiful brown stained concrete floors. The kitchen features cherry cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. There is one bedroom and a full bath on the main level and the master bedroom is upstairs. Both levels feature extra living space which can be used as office areas, a nursery, additional seating/reading area, etc. You haven’t seen anything quite like this.
The basics:
- List price $724,900
- A two story wall of windows highlights this very cool downtown condo.
- Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, plus two bonus areas for study, nursery etc.
- Three private decks
- Stained concrete floors
- Two covered parking spots
by Neil Kearney | Dec 14, 2010 | General Real Estate Advice
The video below is from the website TED.com. Ted is a series of live presentations compiled on video, featuring thought leaders in
all aspects of modern life. I watch these all the time but this is the first one I have shared. This one has to do with high level negotiations and the role of a third party. After watching the video I thought that the ideas brought forth by William Ury had direct correlation to the role of Realtors in bringing buyers and sellers together in a negotiation.
Basically what Mr. Ury is saying is that sometimes it takes a third party to bring two parties together. In real estate there are usually two third parties, namely the two Realtors involved in the transaction. Good Realtors bring to their clients a calm, non-threatening environment in which to think, good information, a broad perspective, clear communication, real life experience and knowledge and a strong emotional barrier. If you have two good Realtors on both side of the transaction doing their jobs it makes it much easier for a negotiation to come together.
I whipped up the chart below to show how the roles of the Realtors intersect. In the interaction of the agents there is an opportunity for synergy. When two agents are working together problems get solved, ideas get clearly communicated, the emotions of the transaction are left behind and the spirit of cooperation toward a common goal takes over.
I pride myself in keeping calm and level headed throughout a transaction. I think this gives my clients the best opportunity to keep the right perspective and achieve their goals not just win small battles. Enjoy the video.
http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf
