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National reports like Case-Shiller have been reporting for months that Denver real estate has been better than most major US markets.  In reality, the Denver market is the most segmented it is ever been even though average home prices went up 2.3% quarter over quarter according to Zillow.com.

“All real estate is local.”  That’s been an axiom of real estate professionals for many years.  It’s certainly true today in the Denver real estate market where homes are selling quickly in some suburbs and not in others.  Homes are selling quickly in some ZIP code’s and not in others.  In many neighborhoods it’s a buyers market.  But in some neighborhoods it’s clearly become a sellers market. In other neighborhoods, prices have actually been appreciating according to the Denver Post.

For example, the trendy and affordable Baker neighborhood is near downtown and very popular with first-time homebuyers and urban pioneers with no fear of the graffiti on garage walls.  There are only 14 homes for sale there right now and nine homes sold in August.  That makes Baker truly a sellers market.  Good homes that are properly priced will sell in less than a week.

Other neighborhoods in Denver that are selling quickly include Wellshire in southeast Denver and the Highlands area in northwest Denver.  These neighborhoods attract young, first-time homebuyers who are seeking the $8,000 tax credit scheduled to expire at the end of November.  Obviously, the question is will these neighborhoods continue to sell so well if the tax credits are allowed to expire.

In contrast, more expensive neighborhoods and suburbs like Hilltop in Denver and Greenwood Village have become Buyer’s  markets. The fashionable and pricy Cherry Creek neighborhood is selling very slowly.  This area is popular with empty-nesters and single adults who enjoy walking to art galleries, coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants and the world-famous Cherry Creek shopping Center.  There are currently 174 condominiums and town homes for sale in the Cherry Creek area.  In August only eight of them sold.  That is a buyers market.

Denver real estate is segmented by more than just geography.  It’s also segmented by price a perfect example is Highlands Ranch.  That is the most popular suburb for Denver relocation buyers.  Lower-priced homes there below $300,000 are selling reasonably quickly.  There are currently hundred and 85 homes on the market they are.  54 of them sold in August which is traditionally a slower selling month.

Homes in Highlands Ranch priced between $300,000 to $700,000 sold more slowly 377 homes are on the market now and only 62 sold in August.  But homes above $700,000 certainly present a buyers market.  There are currently 45 homes for sale over $700,000 in Highlands Ranch.  Only one sold in the month of August.

So there is a wide variety of markets within the Denver metropolitan area.  They’re segmented based on geography and price.  Any buyer moving here needs a good Realtor to sort out the differences in these market segments.

All Denver Real Estate By Larry Hotz

Investing in real estate is definitely one of the best and most significant investments you can make in your lifetime.  Aside from the obvious fact that this investment would be the place where you will hopefully build a family or share with loved ones, investing in a house would also entail a great sum of money that you have worked very hard for.  As such, careful planning, thinking and researching are needed before finally deciding on which real estate property to get.

Buying a property may be stressful.  As earlier mentioned: a lot of time, effort and money are needed to make such a purchase.  Getting your hopes up or setting your expectations too high may also give you a lot of disappointments when investing in real estate.  To avoid such setbacks, it would be helpful to really look into what you are buying or even consult professionals.  Here are a few tips or some reminders you have to keep in mind when buying a house.

With the state of the economy today, most people would probably say that investing in real estate is a bad idea.  Nevertheless, one can argue that a house is still a good investment at this point.  Securing shelter for your family or yourself can’t be a bad purchase after all.

The real question is how to get your money’s worth.  Investing in real estate, as earlier mentioned, entails a great amount of money.  If you are planning to avail of loans from banks, they also need to see that you have a good credit history and that you can be a good candidate for a loan.  If you do get approved, this could mean that in the next ten years or so, you will have to pay for amortization, interest rates and whatever else there is that the bank or the financing company requires.

First of all, consider the number of people who are going to live in the house.  If you are still planning a family, think of how many children you plan to have.  Of course, there is a possibility that you don’t exactly get to follow such plans.  Nevertheless, planning and reflecting about what you want for the future can give you an idea on what you need now.  If you are buying a house that has already been built, check if there is room for expansion.  Have an expert check the plumbing and the overall land area.  Brand new house and lots could be more expensive too.  You might want to check on house and lots that are for re-selling.

The location of the real estate property you are planning to get is also crucial.  This of course affects the price.  Consider if you really want a property in the city or something in a suburban neighborhood.  Security, facilities near your residential area and the overall neighborhood feel should also be considered before finally making the final decision.

It could also be very helpful if you make a list of the things that are very important to you.  By doing so, you are sure to avoid mistakes and disappointments in investing on this real estate property.