April 2010 
There are 8 blog entries for April 2010.
Denver's new B-Cycle program
Monday, April 19th, 2010 at 10:04am. 179 Views, 1 Comments.
Denver is becoming one of the nations leaders in bike friendly planning. The B-Cycle program will provide bike kiosks in 50 different locations around the city, where people can rent bikes for a few hours or the entire day. Our city is also the recipient of a $250,000 grant which will provide 11 bike lanes along major commuter lines throughout the city. Check out the articles below, ditch your car, and ride your bike (or a rented bike) the next time you go downtown. Not only will you save on gas, parking and/or taxi fares, but you can get exercise and help our environment all at the same time.
http://denverinfill.com/blog/2010/04/denver-b-cycle-ready-to-roll.html
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_14905785
Bond Yields Push 30-Year Mortgage Rates to Highest Level in Eight Months
Friday, April 16th, 2010 at 1:45pm. 156 Views, 0 Comments.
Bond Yields Push 30-Year Mortgage Rates to Highest Level in Eight Months
McLean, VA – Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5.21 percent with an average 0.6 point for the week ending April 8, 2010, up from last week when it averaged 5.08 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.87 percent. This is the highest the 30-year FRM has been since the week ending August 13, 2009 when it averaged 5.29 percent.
The 15-year FRM this week averaged 4.52 percent with an average 0.6 point, up from last week when it averaged 4.39 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 4.54 percent. This is the highest the…
Rent or Buy?
Thursday, April 15th, 2010 at 10:25am. 133 Views, 0 Comments.
We have all been told that buying rather than renting is a way to increase our long term wealth and financial stability. But how does it actually help keep money in my pocket, especially with the costs of a down payment and potentially a higher monthly mortgage than my current monthly rent? Well it certainly takes some long term planning, and more of a commitment to a property than renting does, but by building equity, and realizing tax benefits of home ownership (among other things), buying a property is almost always a more financially sound decision than renting. At the Metropolitan Group, we work with renters as well as buyers and sellers, and are here to help regardless of what the right decision is for you personally. The article below helps lay out…
Here Comes the End to the Ski Season in Colorado
Saturday, April 10th, 2010 at 8:38am. 112 Views, 0 Comments.
As a Denverite and Colorado Native I know all too well the anticipation of the warm Spring and Summer months approaching. As spring progresses the slopes we all love to play on during the winter draw to a close. This time of year is one of my favorite to have a relaxed day on the hill in a t-shirt and kick back with a little apres ski if you will. I ran across this article in the Denver Post and wanted to share it with you all, as well as give you some idea how the snow looks at your favorite resorts. I actually am ready for the pool and suntan to set in. The changing seasons are one of the best things about living in such a gorgeous place as Colorful Colorado.
http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_14811650
http://www.coloradoski.com/SnowReport/
Any handy homeowners out there?
Wednesday, April 7th, 2010 at 2:06pm. 122 Views, 0 Comments.
High Noon entertainment, which works with HGTV in our local Denver real estate market, is looking for some handy homeowners that are looking to remodel their home, or a portion of it. This can be a great opportunity to earn some money, have some fun, and gain some easy marketing exposure for your property come time to sell. If you have any questions about remodel ideas you have for your own home, please contact Calen or me at 1-888-LIV-5280. We work with a wide variety of contractors on a regular basis, and can help you find the right people for your job at a great price. At the Metropolitan Group, we strive to be more than just your Denver Real Estate agents, but your resource for all things related to your home.
Paul and…
Jobs Numbers and Real Estate Data Look Good, Are we nearing the bottom?
Tuesday, April 6th, 2010 at 8:05am. 98 Views, 0 Comments.
With the job market as one of the most important leading indicators for real estate, numbers yesterday point to a move toward job recovery. All the economic data released today pointed toward a stronger market in the months to come. Check out the links below to see just exactly how well the numbers came out. It looks like if you were looking for the bottom of the market you just missed it.
Economy adds 162,000 jobs, fastest pace in three years (national)
http://www.denverpost.com/businessheadlines/ci_14811651
Also check out this article written today by Kenneth Harney at :
(Kenneth R. Harney writes an award-winning, nationally-syndicated column on housing and real estate from Washington, D.C. He is also managing director of the National Real Estate…Myth and Misconceptions about Real Estate
Saturday, April 3rd, 2010 at 6:45am. 93 Views, 0 Comments.
Many of you have heard all kinds of things regarding the world of real estate.
We've pledged to help guide our clients through the process of buying a home and not hide the truth- so here are some common real estate myths I want to clear up.
1) The More You Pay for a House, The More an Agent Makes
False.
A common misconception that may lead to distrust between a homebuyer and their agent. The difference between $300,000 and $310,000 is about $150 to an agent.
However, an agent might encourage a prospective home buyer to look at homes in a variety of price ranges they can afford because of the substantial difference in quality that can be attained by paying just a little bit more.
2) Agents Get Kickbacks from Lenders / Title / Inspectors…
Buying a Home and your financial foundation
Thursday, April 1st, 2010 at 11:03am. 84 Views, 0 Comments.
With all the options available, now is a great time to think about buying a home. For many first-time homebuyers it can be a nerve-wracking experience not knowing what steps to take.
The first thing to do before you make the decision to purchase a home is make sure your financials are in order.
1. Check your credit report. You can request a free credit report from any one of the three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion.
Your credit score, or “FICO score,” is essential in qualifying you for an interest rate on your home loan.
Here’s an example of how much a FICO score can affect your monthly mortgage payment:
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FICO®
scoreAPR Monthly payment (30
yr. fixed mortgage)760-850 4.685% $1,553 700-759 4.906% $1,593