All posts by Rob Thompson

CoS: Top 10 Subareas July 2021

Here are the top 10 subareas month to date. Meridian Ranch continues its reign at the top!

Here’s how to read this chart:

Meridian Ranch has 29 sales month to date at an average closed price of $515K, a median of $512K, an average closed to list price of 103.72% (selling for 3.72% above list price), an average of 6.17 days on the market, a median of 4 days on the market, an average seller’s concessions of $244 and a median seller’s concessions of $0.

Seller’s concessions are often referred to as closing costs. I dislike this reference because it lends itself to confusion; I like the more accurate description of “seller’s contribution (concession) to the buyer’s closing costs

Is Cash King?

Cash has the (significant) advantage of no appraisal but does it command the discount many feel it does? Let’s look at the data.

Below is a breakout of the purchase types of the sales YTD in the PPAR region. You can see there have been app 9,856 sales, 1646 of which have been cash. These on the average are paying 3.66% above list price. Contrast that with the 3.87% for conventional, 3.84% for FHA and 3.42% for VA and it’s immediately apparent that cash isn’t currently commanding the discount it has a reputation for.

Pros on call: Rob on the radio w/a market update!

Looking for an update on the market? Please let me know how I can help!

From the inbox: is earnest money negotiable?

earnestmoney
awesome graphic by Rob

Good question! This one came up several times over the last three days. The short answer is: Yes.

The longer answer is: Yes, but not all parties view earnest money the same way.

Earnest money is “skin in the game”. It’s money the buyer puts up after contract acceptance, to be held in escrow. This money is generally returned to the buyer at closing but MAY be forfeit to the seller, in certain circumstances. Earnest money is protected by several contractual protections for a buyer in Colorado.

This isn’t legal advice, just practical information. If you’d like to talk more about housing, please call Rob Thompson @ 719-440-6626!

Always consult a CPA for financial advice and an attorney for legal advice.

From the inbox: should I search on Zillow for homes?

Good question! The short answer is: Yes, it is a tool you can use in your home search. But it has a limitation. 

Zillow is a great platform for home searches and cannot/should not be discounted. However, there are a couple of things you should know when searching for homes in the Colorado Springs market.

Sites like this are fed from an IDX (Internet Data Exchange) via the MLS (Multiple Listing System).

awesome graphic from Rob
awesome graphic from Rob

In the case of Zillow, it’s also manually updated by homeowners, property managers and agents. However, Zillow is no longer automatically updated by the local MLS. The result is that it no longer represents the totality of the market.

It is a tool in the search, but I also recommend checking TheHousingNetwork.com (full disclosure, that’s my website) and/or PPAR.com to see the current listings in the Pikes Peak region.

If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Colorado Springs, I’d be honored to earn your business.

Homeowner Toolbox: Flood plain map

tools-15539_640
credit: pixabay

Are you considering a home in the Springs or surrounding area? Occasionally, I’ll be providing some research tools for your use.

Check out this interactive flood plain map!

From the inbox: I’m buying a foreclosure, do I need a home inspection?

Good question!

image from pixabay
image from pixabay

The short answer is, “Yes.”

The longer answer is, “Yes, because while the bank or lender may not be willing to do any repairs, an inspection still empowers you, as it informs you as to the condition of your home.”

InterNACHI agrees with me. Or I agree with them. Either way, we are in agreement.