Fort Collins Community Blog

Time and time again, I have sold homes faster and for more money by “staging” the home. The Seller authorizes me to move or remove furniture, clutter and in some cases, bring in accessories such as colored towles, prints for wall hangings, bright pillows, plants and other colored items to jazz up a house for sale.

The colors and furniture placement helps the rooms look bigger, allows for the buyers eye yo move around the house easier and makes a connection with the buyer. This service warms up a home for the market place and brings in a more neutral atmosphere so the buyer can invision him/herself in the home. Even some colors just makes that connection with a buyer.

Visit my web site page on staging. There are some examples and further explaination about this marketing technique that will work every time! Get your home sold, and not let it get old. Timing and first impressions are everything!

30 January 2008

Dear Viewers; 

Forthcoming will be a 2007 year end Northern Colorado Market Analysis for you to review. The market has been a little sluggish in the past five years however, we are upon an exciting Election Year, inventory has depleted a bit, and the rates are continuing to remain low. Fort Collins continues to grow in the business sector, bringing in new families daily. Compared to the rest of the National woes, our City is doing better than most.

If you are waiting for the big increase in equity this year, I would wait a little longer however, if you need to buy or sell real estate this year, the picture is not as gloomy as the media says for the entire country. we are in front of most local economies.

 We are poised to have a similar year as 2007 (which was not too bad) however, the one indication that is interesting to me is: inventory is depleting in most price points in Fort Collins. Even though we have had our share of REO’s and bank owned properties, we also have the highest homes sold over one million dollars just this last year, period!

 So what’s up? We will have to see what unfolds but, our commercial growth, low interest rates, coupled with our unparalleled location and lifestyle may continue to keep us trends above the rest.

Stats are forthcoming. Check in soon for the supportive results that show we could have a great year in 2008.

In the mean time, I wish you all a Happy New year and Valentines Day upcoming.

Warm regards;

 Kate Crist, CRS, CLHMS and soon to be “GRI”

I have had several neighbors ask me why their  property taxes increased so much this past year around Warren Lake. The answer: Sales and remodeling/new construction has more than doubled in the last couple of years (see chart below). We have had very little turn over until 2004. The neighborhood has not experienced more remodeling/new construction in this capacity for some time.

Taxes are typically supposed to be approximately 1% of the value of your home. In new developments this theory holds true. Warren Lake/Landings has been overlooked since the turnover has been so slow up until just a few years ago. Lately, sales and permits increased enough to attract attention to the City, taking notice of our once sleepy neighborhood. But, quite frankly, many of us have had the luxury of a lower tax bill for several years if you consider comparing it to fair market value of your home today. We all should be happy we do not live in Illinois where taxes are almost triple what we pay here in Colorado.

Total # of Sales In Our Area
Year          # Sales
2000         9
2001         8
2002         7
2003         6
2004         12
2005         11
2006         16

Welcome to Kate Crist’s Blog! This blog will provide you with valuable information, tips, and general insight into the real estate market in Fort Collins.