READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED

A very important real estate rule was reinforced for my clients and I who were under contract to buy a home in Denver. We made our offer over the weekend and went under contract on a Monday. We immediately started the inspection process and this is where we learned our lesson that I want to describe for you today.

One of the first and most important deadlines in a contract is the inspection process. Through this time you can and should run every test and inspection that you feel necessary to discover the condition of the home. Including, but not limited to asking the neighbors what the area is like and if they know any history about the home. In addition, it is strongly suggested that buyers perform a Google search on the home’s address.

My clients made an offer on a Denver home in the highly popular neighborhood of LoHi (Lower Highlands). This is very trendy area that has been redeveloped over the years. Many families have moved into the area for its convenient location to downtown Denver and its historic feel. The home my clients made an offer on was almost 2000 sq ft and a newly remodeled with high-end finishes. It was situated on a large lot that was almost ¼ acre, which is huge for the downtown Denver area. The ask price was $389,950. Shortly after our offer was made and we went under contract my clients Googled the home to find the articles listed below:

PLEASE READ WITH CAUTION – To date I have NOT been able to completely read this information.

• FOX 31 Denver: Prosecutors: Sex Assault a Family Affair
• DenverPost.com: For Stillman twins, darkness reigned for years
• Yahoo.com: “We Were Prisoners in a House of Torture, but We Survived”
• Denver Westward: Crying shame: Kristen Stillman relinquishes her four children in court
• SPJ Video: Spreading Her Wings 

In addition to this shocking information, we found that all the work that the investor had done on the home WASN’T PERMITTED! Needles to say, we canceled our contract 5 days before the inspection deadline and the earnest money was delivered back to my clients. We are now looking for a new property in the same area that isn’t clouded by crime.

NOTE: It would actually be ILLEGAL for the listing agent to disclose this information to potential buyers because it is not a MATERIAL defect of the home. In fact, if the listing agent disclosed the information it would be illegal because they have a fiduciary duty towards the best good of the seller. This is why it is SO important for a buyer and a buyer’s agent to Google the property. We didn’t need to knock on the neighbors doors to learn the history of the home, but it would also be highly recommended.

When Googling a home I would suggest using the address of the property followed by words such as “crime”, “murder”, “death”, “rape”. It would also be advisable to include words like, “environment” to get a picture of any sort of environmental damage or concerns. It might also be good to consider words like “plumbing”, “sewage”, “fire” to see if any history of mechanical damage is available. Of course all of the regular inspection services should also be performed by a Home Inspector as well as any additional professionals who will help you understand the condition of the home. In the inspection process a buyer has the responsibility to find out the history of the home as well as the mechanical well being of the home. It is your right to inspect ANYTHING to make sure that this is the right home for you. My recent experience has shown me how important this can be. I apologize for being so shocking, but based on my experience with this seemingly perfect home I had to pass on the information. I will NEVER forget this lesson and I hope that it can help you, too.

Leanne

540 sq ft / 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom

Two Mile Creek / Eden East

This was sold as an investment property with an immediate cash flow for the new owner!

Please call me to discuss your next investment purchase or the sale of your income property.

Leanne 720-203-6227

This merger will create a perfect blend of a local boutique firm backed with my business background. Staufer’s local office will offer you the confidence that we understand your local real estate needs. My degree is a BS in Business Administration from the University of Florida, which gives me the business acumen to analyze sales data in your area. My professional experience as a Marketing Manager for international businesses gives me the ability to market your home effectively. Prior to real estate, I completed an international internship in Holland marketing tulips and perennials back to America. When my internship was complete I came back to the states and worked as marketing director for another international business. My professional experience enables me to access various channels to market your property to a large audience. It also gives me the ability to look at the financial implications of your real estate transaction and clearly communicate your final settlement statements.

I have conducted business alongside of Staufer team (also locally-owned) for quite some time and have always been impressed with their level of customer care and integrity.  I more recently learned that not only is their consumer-centric approach consistent with mine, but their vision for the future is also well aligned with my goals of excellence.  Combining my resources with a local brand ensures you that we understand the neighborhoods where you live throughout Boulder County.

I will now reside in the Staufer Team’s downtown Louisville office. As before, I will sell real estate throughout Boulder County and into the North Metro Denver area; wherever your referrals take me! All of my contact numbers will remain the same as will my approach and commitment to you, my clientele.

I am very excited to be a part of this new company, and am certain Staufer Team Real Estate will offer me incredible opportunities for increased success. If you have any questions, I welcome the opportunity to connect with you and have a conversation about this exciting endeavor.

Best Regards~
Leanne Goff

email / 720-203-6227

January 9, 2012 – The number of housing markets showing measurable improvement nearly doubled in January with the addition of 40 new metros to the National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI), released today. The IMI now boasts 76 improving markets, up from 41 in December, with 31 states and the District of Columbia represented by at least one entry.

The index identifies metropolitan areas that have shown improvement from their respective troughs in housing permits, employment and house prices for at least six consecutive months. New entrants to the list in January include the following (listed alphabetically by state):

Florence, AL
Tuscaloosa, AL
Fayetteville, AR
Denver, CO
Greeley, CO
Bridgeport, CT
New Haven, CT
Cape Coral, FL
Jacksonville, FL
Punta Gorda, FL
Honolulu, HI
Ames, IA
Des Moines, IA
Dubuque, IA
Elkhart, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Lafayette, IN
Lake Charles, LA
Worcester, MA
Grand Rapids, MI
Lansing, MI
Monroe, MI
Minneapolis, MN
Columbia, MO
Joplin, MO
Fargo, ND
Manchester, NH
Cincinnati, OH
Oklahoma City, OK
Tulsa, OK
Corvallis, OR
Erie, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Chattanooga, TN
Clarksville, TN
Nashville, TN
College Station, TX
Dallas, TX
Victoria, TX
Madison, WI

“The fact that the list of improving housing markets nearly doubled this month shows that a significant, positive trend is developing, and is even more relevant when you consider the expanding geographic distribution of the list – which now includes 31 states and the District of Columbia,” noted NAHB Chairman Bob Nielsen, a home builder from Reno, Nev. “This trend could be even stronger if not for the numerous impediments that continue to slow a housing and economic recovery, including overly restrictive lending policies and the growing inventory of distressed properties in certain markets.”

“While relatively small metropolitan areas continue to dominate the list of improving housing markets, it’s important to note that several major metros in diverse parts of the country have now joined the field as well – including such metros as Dallas, Denver, Honolulu, Indianapolis, Nashville and Philadelphia,” added NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “This is an encouraging sign that gradually strengthening economic conditions are starting to take hold across a broader swath of America.”

“The substantial gain in the number of improving housing markets in January shows that more consumers are looking favorably at a home purchase in light of today’s historically low interest rates and attractive prices, particularly in areas where job growth has picked up,” added Kurt Pfotenhauer, vice chairman of First American Title Insurance Company.

The IMI is designed to track housing markets throughout the country that are showing signs of improving economic health. The index measures three sets of independent monthly data to get a mark on the top improving Metropolitan Statistical Areas. The three indicators that are analyzed are employment growth from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, house price appreciation from Freddie Mac, and single-family housing permit growth from the U.S. Census Bureau. NAHB uses the latest available data from these sources to generate a list of improving markets. A metropolitan area must see improvement in all three areas for at least six months following their respective troughs before being included on the improving markets list.

NAHB

I hope that it is warm and filled with family and friends!!!

In Dec 2011 the average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 3.94%, matching the all-time low hit in early October, according to Freddie Mac’s weekly mortgage rate survey. Meanwhile, 15-year fixed-rate loans hit a new record low of 3.21%, surpassing the record set on October 6.

The low rates can translate into big savings for home buyers. Five years ago, a home buyer would have been lucky to land a 5% rate on a 15-year loan. On a $200,000 mortgage, that would have meant the borrower would have paid $1,582 a month. Should a borrower land a 3.2% rate on a $200,000 loan now, the monthly mortgage payment would come to $1,400 — a savings of $182 a month.

Leanne Goff      info@leannegoff.com    720-203-6227

Read the complete article on CNNmoney

What to Know Before You Buy a First Home

There are lots of benefits for buying your first home. There is a tax incentive; you get too write off the interest from your mortgage. There is also the appreciation in value in your home over time.

Things to Consider Before You Buy a First Home

The first step when searching for a home is to evaluate the parameters of what you need. Things like square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, these are important characteristics that you’ll need to live with. Buying your first home is a big deal, and there are different levels of motivation that will spur people to start searching. Some people need to find a home in as short as two weeks, other people need to take a little bit more time, maybe two to four months; this is a big decision.

Tips for Before You Buy a First Home

Most people, 80 percent or so start with the internet. This is a great place for you to go in and put the search parameters that fit your lifestyle so you can see what is available in your market. Most properties will have a virtual tour, extensive photography , details about the property, square footage, on the internet, which will give you a better idea before you get in the car and go look.

Some people think you will get a better deal if you call the listing agent, and you may, but remember the listing agent has a fiduciary duty to the seller. A more strategic plan would be to obtain a buyer’s agent who has a fiduciary duty to your needs.When you are done looking on the internet and you are ready to go see homes, it’s important not to see too many. trust me, I am a realtor and after i have seen 10 homes it’s hard to remember what that first one was like. It’s a better idea to see 4, 7 homes, that way you remember your favorite thing about each one. Another tip i do for my clients is I print out a sheet that has all the property information on it and while I am at that home I make little notes that will help me remember the standout points that I liked or didn’t like about the property.

Another tip is to bring a camera that way you can snap off images or take a video clip of what you liked or what you had a concern about. It’s a good idea to not have one home that you have your heart set on, but to have two or three homes that you really like and feel that you can be comfortable in. That way you can take a step back, look at the pros and cons of each property and find the one that is the best fit for your needs.

Happy Thanksgiving!

from Leanne & Lexi Goff

At the bottom of this email are links to all the Metrolist Areas and the MLS map. Please feel free to utilize this tool.

As always, if you experience any difficulty with the following attachment please do not hesitate to contact me!

Leanne Goff

info@leannegoff.com / 720-203-6227

Total MLS
AllMetrolist Areas as one download

View the MLS Map

AuroraNorth (AUN)
AuroraSouth (AUS)
Brighton,Fort Lupton (BFL)
Broomfield(BRM)
DouglasCounty West (DCW)
DouglasElbert Parker (DEP)
Douglas Highlands Ranch Lone Tree (DHL)
DenverNortheast (DNE)
DenverNorthwest (DNW)
Denver Southeast (DSE)
DenverSouthwest (DSW)
Downtown Denver (DTD)
EastSuburban North (ESN)
EastSuburban South (ESS)
JeffersonCounty Central (JFC)
JeffersonCounty North (JFN)
JeffersonCounty South (JFS)
JeffersonCounty West (JFW)
JeffersonCounty Northcentral (JNC)
JeffersonCounty Southcentral (JSC)
Lafayette(LAF)
MountainClear Creek (MCC)
MountainConifer Pine (MCP)
MountainEvergreen North (MEN)
MountainEvergreen South (MES)
MountainGilpin County (MGC)
MountainJefferson County (MJC)
MountainJefferson North (MJN)
MountainJefferson South (MJS)
MountainPark County (MPC)
MountainPark East (MPE)
NorthNortheast Suburban (NNE)
NorthNorthwest Suburban (NNW)
NorthSuburban Central (NSC)
NorthSuburban East (NSE)
NorthSuburban West (NSW)
SouthSuburban Central (SSC)
SouthSuburban East (SSE)
Superior(SUP)

National Do Not Call Registry

Colorado No-Call List

Do you have suggestions for other websites that I can register on?