System-build modular homes, not to be confused with manufactured homes, are almost twice as fast to build.  Costing less time and less money, they are popular not only within Great Denver real estate but in the Rocky Mountains where the construction season is cut short. 

Building systems are highly engineered methods of producing buildings or building components.  A modular home is one type of building system.  Homes begin as components designed, engineered, and assembled in an indoor controlled environment.  Under the system-built construction method, simultaneous construction of the foundation and first and second floors speeds up the finished product.  At a time coordinated with the building contractor, the final components are transported to the home site.

Production line methods result in superior quality.  Several factors contribute to the structural integrity.  They include better equipment, climate control, high-grade materials, tighter construction that withstands transport, and quality control.   All building codes and standards are observed during every step of the construction process.  In addition, it is nice to know that banks, lending institutions, and insurers do not differentiate between modular and site-built homes. 

The quality conscious and cost conscious buyer finds state-of-the-art construction technology and great amenities.  The computer age allows homeowners to analyze the best and most cost-effective ways to design and construct their homes, including options of a long list of interior and exterior design elements.  Thanks to new technology, homebuyers are able to purchase empty land lots and horse properties and, within two to three months, they are moving into the homes that they help design. 

According to a January 2009 article in The Denver Post by Margaret Jackson, at least one development company in the residential real-estate market here decided to shift to system-built homes selling for $350,000 versus pursuing their original plan to build homes in the $500,000 to $700,000 price range without compromising style.  The homes feature open stairwells, solid oak treads, maple kitchen cabinets, slab kitchen counters, and onyx countertops in the bathrooms.

For more information about real estate in the greater metro area, including farms and horse properties, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

Ask about Denver CO real estate in Sedalia, Franktown, Elizabeth, Parker, Bennett, Louisville, and in other wonderful smaller communities in the area.

Colorado’s children and youth are naturally inclined to love horses as much as their dogs.  Enter 4-H 100 years ago to mentor and educate our youth.  Today, the worldwide organization is America’s largest educational program for boys and girls outside of school.  The organization develops life skills and leadership skills.

With the motto of “Make the Best Better,” the 4-H organization in Denver participates in equestrian competitions held locally and nationally.  In addition to teaching young horse lovers about grooming, training, and competitions, the organization arranges tours, workshops, achievement programs, camps, statewide conferences, exchanges, exhibits and fairs, and national events.

While the child is learning horsemanship skills, he or she learns communications skills, citizenship skills, decision-making, leadership, interpersonal relationships skills, participation in the community, and global awareness.

Connecting youth with parents, adults, and youth mentors, 4-H is able to teach skills such as cooking, selling, livestock, wildlife, archery, electricity, computers, and science as well as teaching community service.  Local land-grant universities such as Colorado State University provide curriculum for programs beginning with children ages five to seven years old called the 4-H Cloverbuds and continuing up through age 19 with regular 4-H groups and clubs.

There are various ways each student can choose to affiliate with 4-H.  There are community 4-H clubs, project clubs such as a horse club, special interest groups, television, school enrichment, and special activities.  If there are no local associates, a student can participate as an individual.

The organization benefits from generations of volunteer 4-H mentors.  Additionally, 4-H receives private funds from individuals, businesses, and organizations that enhance the 4-H programs. 

For more information about real estate in the greater metro area, including farms and horse properties, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

Foreclosed homes in the greater Denver region are a different ball of yarn.  It is critical to work with a lender and a Realtor® who has experience with bank foreclosures.  That is because there are so many critical details.  For instance, property ownership changes when a bank forecloses a parcel of Denver property.  When properties have changed ownership in the past year, specific Flipping Guidelines affect the resale.

Eyeing a foreclosed property is not a rush project.  Generally, the purchase of foreclosed properties in Denver takes longer than normal transactions do.  The bank may take one day or 90 days to decide to accept or reject an offer.  Most of the time, once a contract is accepted, a foreclosed property sale takes at least three or four more weeks to close. 

With several parties involved, it takes quite an effort to ensure an easy closing.  First off, the lender must send closing papers to the title company at least 72 hours in advance.  Other players on the chessboard include the appraiser, surveyor, inspector, flood certification company, insurance company, tax certifier, processer, underwriter, home warranty company, the title company, the escrow officer, and the bank—to name a few.

Buyers who have the time to deal with a foreclosure transaction must understand price negotiation.  A good Realtor can verify upfront any limitations that the bank may be imposing.  Realize that the bank most likely has already reduced the price of the property below market value.  Just as important, other buyers are also looking for good deals and the bank may have several offers.  Some banks will pay the buyer’s closing costs, possibly by raising the price, others will not.

Repairs, inspections, and appraisals are imperative to accessing the correct value of the property.  Inspections ensure that major systems are working.  That will include heating, air conditioning, foundation, roof, and plumbing.  Buyers are smart to hire their own inspectors to be sure that the major systems are in good condition.  Before an appraisal or inspection, it is important for the buyer to be certain that all of the utilities and water are on in order to test their functioning.  Banks who hold foreclosed properties will not do repairs.

For more information about real estate in the greater metro area, including farms and horse properties, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

The National Western Complex is one reason why, owning Denver horse properties, local equestrian fans will find numerous competitions and social events, clubs, and associations in the Greater Denver area.  At the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo this weekend, everyone from 4-H students to old-time ranchers will enjoy a Sanctioned WRCA Ranch Rodeo, Extreme Cowboy Race, speakers and clinicians, Horseman’s College and Trail Rider conference, Green Ranch & Home Show, Green University, and lots of entertainment.

From Shire horses to working ranch cowboys, from cowboys racing through obstacle courses to test communication and athleticism of horse and rider, to a rich western rock/swing sound released by Carlos Washington and The Steel Horse Band—the exciting line-up for this weekend kicks off the next season and generation of horse activities.

Ty Pennington will make a rare appearance during the Denver Home Show scheduled March 19-22, where more than 500 experts and thousands of products and services will be on hand to help with homes, home remodeling, home décor and more.  Partnering with the producer of Marketplace Events, Ty explains, “People always ask me where they can buy the cool products they see on our show, and the truth is that the best place to find all the basics, plus all the hot new products—all in one place—is at the type of home shows Marketplace Events produces.”  

The modern, user-friendly facilities at the National Western Complex recently saw the completion of a $30 million expansion program.  The 2 million people in the metro trade area seem to be quite pleased with the results.  Facilities now include the Events Center, Expo Hall, Hall of Education, Stadium Arena, and Stadium Hall.

So, think about it.  The high-energy Mile High City boasts a gently thriving economy and a central location at the intersection of Interstates 25 and 70 along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountain recreational playground.  It is one of the most accessible cities in America and meeting places such as the National Western Complex continue to drive herds of interest our way.

For more information about real estate in the greater metro area, including farms and horse properties, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

Lori Richardson, Vice President of Cherry Creek Mortgage Company in Greenwood Village Colorado reveals why.  Her e-bulletin dated February 4, 2009 explains that the Fed is buying FNMA 30-year 5.5 percent and 5.0 percent bonds.  These bonds represent outstanding mortgages with rates of 6.0 percent to 6.5 percent.  These loans are being refinanced at today’s low interest rates.  The Fed says they can continue this throughout June 2009.

Richardson goes on to say that many pools of the FMNA 5.5-percent pools will be refinanced and paid in full, giving the Fed an immediate return on investment.  Now the catch.  After the initial influx of cash from the refinanced loans, the wheels may slow down to school zone speeds.  Money will then go back to trickling in from the loans originated at today’s low rates.

That is because the monthly payments on the low-interest-rate mortgage products that are currently being used to refinance are a far cry from the large sums of money going to the Fed when the higher-interest-rate Mortgage Backed Securities are being paid in full right now by homeowners who are refinancing.

The question becomes, what will they do then?  Most likely, interest rates will start edging back up. 

And how does that affect buyers?  Richardson suggests that after the initial money flow slows down, “rates could turn higher and this window of opportunity could pass them by entirely.”  That is the reason she warns, “If you snooze, you may lose.”  Waiting for possible lower interest rates to come along could cost hundreds or thousands of dollars in monthly payments.

For more information about farms, horse properties, and real estate in the greater metro area, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.