Here is the Friday edition of News articles foe Realtors. Thanks to Heritage Title Tips to tailor your web strategy to build your listing inventory. http://rismedia.com/2010-02-10/3-tips-to-tailor-your-web-strategy-and-build-your-listing-inventory/   A seasonal guide to home maintenance.  http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2010/01/01/105890504/index.htm   Use marketing to stay strong in a weak economy.  http://www.entrepreneur.com/marketing/findingcustomers/article204946.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+entrepreneur%2Flatest+%28Entrepreneur.com%3A+Latest+Articles%29   10 Green home improvements for 2010. http://www.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2010/02/11/10-great-green-home-improvements-for-2010.htmln   Top NewsBernanke ... 02/12/2010

I posted our open house a couple of days ago at Peppertree. In spite of the newspaper ad being screwed up and giving the address in another county we had a good turnout. This area attracts retired people and are really nice construction. We had 8 people in 2 hours and 2 couples might be potential buyers. Super buy Before the Superbowl. Dem Saints Day done did good!!   02/07/2010

  Good Reading: News Articles for Realtors   Here are some articles that have good information. We have a Great Title Company--Heritage Title which supplies us with informative and fresh news in the Real Estate market and related industries.  Enjoy       Getting a read on Colorado schools. http://www.denverpost.com/ci_14337905   7 Ways to get great referrals. http://www.entrepreneur.com/advertising/advertising101/article204888.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+entrepreneur%2Flatest+%28Entrepreneur.com%3A+Latest+Articles%29   Heating your home for less. http://www.smartmoney.com/spending/for-the-home/heating-your-home-for-less/     Top NewsNew York charges Bank of America, Lewis over Merrill deal - USA Today - - NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Attorney General'... 02/05/2010

The Zappa Team presents this Peppertree free standing Townhome OPEN HOUSE. Come see this Lovely Property on Sunday the 7th from 12:00 until 2:00. Enjoy the Open House then Watch the Superbowl later that afternoon.     Very Private setting, no maintenance, nice greenbelts and QUIET!             This is the lovely backyard which adjoins the common grounds. This finished sunroom located of the dining room allows for a comfortable living space that can have full views and sunny morning enjoyment.   This home features 3 bedrooms 1 full and 3/4 bath.   There is a large family kitchen with a separate Formal dining room.                 The beautiful hardwood floors and wood accents give the living areas that warm and comfortable atmosphere, for entertaining or just take a good book and relax ... 02/04/2010

 Here are some great links for Real Estate and related areas. Check them out. Use what you can throw the rest out. We have great Title companies here and they always come up with timely information.             Confusing home price statistics explained. http://www.cobizmag.com/articles/the-economist3/   Remodeling tips for the budget conscious. http://www.cyberhomes.com/content/news/10-01-27/budget-remodeling.aspx Real Estate tax tips for 2010. http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/02/real-estate-tax-tips-for-2010/   Experts weigh in on PC vs. Mac security. http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-10444561-245.html?tag=newsEditorsPicksArea.0   Top NewsBernanke Wins New Term - Wall Street Journal Online - - Fed Chief on Shaky Footing After Confirmation Fight; Tough Calls Ahead on Rates more in ... 02/02/2010

What's HUD and What's a HUD Home? What is HUD? It might be a short texting acronym for How yoU Doing. It is actually The Department of Housing and Urban Development. Check them out yourself here:  www.hud.gov  What exactly is a HUD Home? HUD is a government agency.  The Department of Housing and Urban Development.  They back up FHA Loans and when these default, HUD can end up liquidating the assets on the open market or through other channels.  They also promote home ownership, so they can offer first time home buyers some good options through their various program.  In addition in these tough times they are heading up the government directives like "Making Home Affordable" program.  Learn more about Making Home Affordable here:   http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/ According to their ... 02/01/2010

We have the Mini Mart under contract!! With a commercial market that has been challenging we have started to see movement in the commercial sector. The prices have come down and the rental market for commercial is very soft, with that said we are excited to get this property under contract.     This goes to demonstrate that when a property is priced well it will get results. This is a great Mom / Pop business or it can be fully automated. The business has a 6 bay car wash, convenience store, and fuel.   This will be a learning experience as we have Environmental studies and a host of other requirements that need to happen.   The current owner has done a super job with the condition of the property as well as the business aspect. We are now in the due diligence phase and look forward to ... 01/22/2010

HUD Waives 90 Day Hold Period required for FHA Loans. HUD realizes that the 90 day hold period "Seasoning" requirement for an FHA Loan is hurting buyers, especially first time home buyers more than the investors and rehab flippers (that they thought were getting rich by preying on the helpless homeowner (BTW some were))... David H Stevens the Assistant Secretary for Housing - Federal Housing Commissioner Signed a a 1 year waiver into effect on January 15, 2010 Check out the actual text here... http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/waivpropflip2010.pdf   My Summary of the Waiver: For just about anyone with Arms Length Transaction and Fair Marketing Effort. If More Than 20% Increase from Acquisition to Flip Price - then need Justification and or documented rehab, Second Appraisal and Inspect... 01/16/2010

How to find a Free list of Foreclosure Homes in and around Montrose Colorado There are hundreds of web sites out there that try to "sell" you a list of foreclosure homes, bank owned properties, REOs and pre-foreclosure home leads.  Some of these sites actually do a good job of condensing data and making the process simple, yet many if not most, regurgitate data recorded at the court house without cross referencing or checkin the status in other locations, like the local MLS. This is where a Realtor can come in very handy, especially a Realtor that knows the Foreclosure process and how to find and negotiate the purchase of homes that are in the process of being Foreclosed and those that have been through the Foreclosure process and are now Bank Owned or REOs. Most people looking for "for... 09/18/2009

I must admit I was a bit skeptical the first time I was encouraged to attend a performance of the Montrose Magic Circle Players.  I love legitimate theater and was quite spoiled having grown up in San Diego County with incredible live theater venues, like the Old Globe Theater and La Jolla Playhouse.  But my office adminstrative assistant, Kat Govan, who has been involved for years in anything musical or theatrical in Montrose, encouraged me to go and support it.  I finally saw my first production in May, 2007, of the musical comedy, Crazy For You, featuring the music of George Gershwin.  As it turned out, the leading role was played by a fellow Realtor, Denece Crowe, her first appearance with the Players.  I was blown away!  Not only by Denece's incredible performance and voice, but th... 06/03/2009

In the last 18 months I have been donating part of my commission at closing to a charity/church. I inform my buyers/sellers before the closing that instead of giving them a closing gift I would like to donate x amount of dollars in their name to an organization of their choosing. Everyone thinks that is a wonderful idea. It is a great way to give back to the community and help other people.    I believe that the more you give the more that comes back to you in rewards far greater than monetary.  If you have any questions or would like a list of homes for sale in the Montrose area please contact me.  AlanBrownRealtor@gmail.com      970-209-8436 03/30/2009

Here is a current list of the Homes that have been Foreclosed on, and are currently listed For Sale. This list is constantly changing, if you would like an updated list, or would like to be notified by e-mail when a foreclosed home in Montrose, Delta or Ouray County comes up for sale then e-mail me your address and I will make sure you receive the updated list and I will then subscribe you to the e-mail list for future foreclosed homes. brownbrit@aol.com      209-8436     Foreclosed Homes as Of March 4th 2009 919-921  Troy Ct    $117,000 1302        Bighorn St   $137,900 1324 Colonial Dr     $161,405 1919 Court Way     $138,700 126 Roundhouse    $178,900 15124  61.25 Rd     $210,900 11333 58.00 Rd      $269,900 20866 Trophy Rd    $335,000 64215 Ranger Rd    $799,000 If you would like to... 03/04/2009

2038 Winston Way Unit A                              Price $145,000    or Best Offer.   This 1263 Sq Ft Townhome was built in 1991.  2 beds, 2 Bath,  Low Maintenance living. The monthly Homeowners Fee is $100, this pays for Water, Sewer, Trash, Lawn Maintanance & Snow removal. All Appliances are included in the sale, including Washer, Dryer, Located close to the senior citizens center. MLS # 617478       www.Coldwellbankermontrose.com        brownbrit@aol.com      970-209-8436 03/04/2009

Here are the Home Sale numbers for last month February 2009 for Montrose Colorado. Also the comparable numbers for Febraury 2008.                Units Sold            Days on Mkt           Avg List Price        Avg Sell Price      2009               22                           86                             $175,385                $167,559 2008               31                          181                           $209,115                $202,293 2007               51                          132                           $235,795                $231,266 If you have any questions or would like a Market Analysis on your Real Estate   Contact me either by phone  970-209-8436     or    brownbrit@aol.com     03/04/2009

Here are the stats on the few homes that did sell during January 2009 as compared to January 2008.          Year                      Number Sold                  Avg Sales Price         Days on Mkt        2008                              23                                  $221,952                       150        2009                              12                                  $227,191                       208 As you can see the number sold dropped in half and the days on the market increased but the average sales price increased a little. It will be interesting to see what happens this month. If you would like a more detailed list or sales on lots or commercial property be sure to contact me  brownbrit@aol.com     02/06/2009

This 2007 home was built by Jason Byler. It is on a corner lot. The home faces south so the snow melts quicker. All stucco exterior. Landscaped and fenced in the back with split rail fencing. There is a covered patio. The floor plan has a good open flow to it. Large 24 x 17 living room with a rock gas fireplace in the corner. 3bedrooms 2 baths, 3 car garage. There is natural gas in floor heat. A breakfast nook as well as a large 16 x 13 dining area. A total of 1903 sq ft hardly lived in like new. Priced at $319,900   MLS # 618618   01/20/2009

You have decided to sell your home, you have an idea what it is worth. You call the different realtors and one by one they come to your home and meet with you armed with a Competitive Market Analysis of your home. Some Realtors will come up with a price that is lower than you thought. However they back it up with recent sales. One agent tells you your home is worth more than the recent sales and even more than you thought it was worth. This known in the Real Estate business as Buying the Listing. Why do agents do this? They hope that you will list with them and then as time goes on they will work on you to lower the price. Be careful doing this. It is very important to list your home at the very begining at a price where it will sell. The most activity you will receive on your as fsar a... 01/17/2009

This beautiful home was built in 2002 by Joe Sullivan who has been voted Montrose's Best Builder the last 3 years in a row. Located on a 1/3 acre lot that backs up to a 15 acre lake. There is a boat dock off the backyard where you can sit and watch the sunset. Open floor plan great for entertaining guests. Oak cabinets and hardwood floors. There is a formal dining room, a separate office, ground floor master suite. Hot tub included on the back patio. There are views of the San Juan Mountains from the back yard. A total of 2795 sq ft  with all the 3's  Beds Baths and Garages. Priced at $465,000   if you would like more information or more photos contact me at 970-209-8436   or brownbrit@aol.com        UNDER CONTRACT AFTER 6 DAYS 01/14/2009

Did you know that there is a senior tax exemption in the State of Colorado? It is availableto senior citizens and the surviving spouses of senior citizens. The State reimburses the local governments for the loss in revenue. For those who qualify 50% of the first $200,000 of actual value of the applicant's primary residence is exempted. The applicant may apply for the exemption on only one property. No more than one exemption per tax year shall be allowed. Qualifying Senior Citizen 1. The applicant is at least 65 years old on Jan 1 of the year in which they apply. 2. The applicant is the property owner of record and has owned the property for at least 10 consecutive years prior to Jan 1. 3. The applicant occupies the property as their primary residence, and has done so for 10 consecutive... 01/11/2009

In this climate of falling property values you do have the right to protest the tax valuation on your property if you think it is to high. In the state of Colorado you mat present oral or written objections to the assessor. Appeals for real property must be postmarked or delivered to the assessor on or before June 1st. The Assessor must make a decision on your appeal and mail a Notice of Determination to you by the last regular working day in June. Effective Jan 1 2006 any county in Colorado may elect to alter their real property appeal period by expanding the assessor's time to answer appeals from the last working day in June to the last working day in August. If vyo uare dissatisfied with the assessor's decision you can appeal to the county board of equalization (County Commissioners ... 01/10/2009