July 2008

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
    1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31    

Welcome


  • A Taste Of Things for LGBT Homeowners...

    Across America RealEstate affects the lives of hundreds of thousands of people daily, and it pays to be well informed of your choices!

    Most importantly though, is the need to be understood without having to explain your situation or feeling as if your being treated differently.

    As a specialist in Gay Realty and affiliated services, I strive to deliver a service that not only finds you the home you desire but also to make the experience rewarding for you and your partner.

    I'm Jeff Adolph and I look forward to discussing your concerns, concepts, and monumental Real Estate moments as we progress on a Realtor journey across this wide land we call home…

    Click ABOUT below, for more information on Gay RealEstate USA
My Photo

Your email address:


Powered by FeedBlitz

RealLives RealEstate

Proudly Sponsored By

Blog powered by TypePad
Member since 04/2006

RealVisitors


February 21, 2008

Around the Nation: Residential Real Estate Update - Colorado

By Jeff Adolph

State-by-state Update

180pxcoloradoColorado is situated in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States, with a population of 4,861,515 this state is the 22nd largest by population in the nation.

Typically an agricultural and federal government state, Colorado is home to the United States Air Force Academy and several Air Force bases.

Tax wise, this state has a flat income tax of 4.63% regardless of income level, and tax is based on taxable income after federal exemptions and deductions. Furthermore, Colorado has a state sales tax of 2.9% however many counties and cities add their own additional tax rates to this figure. Property tax in Colorado is payable and the assessment percentage stands at 7.96%, which is multiplied by the current property value to give an assessed value. This value is then multiplied by a Mill Levy rate to give you the total tax payable on property. Typically, a $200,000 house will cost approximately $1200.00 in property tax.

Washington Park

CherrycreekneighborhoofThere are currently more sellers than buyers in this region with homes typically sitting on the market for 90-120 days. The current market trend in this area is increasing with prices up by 5%. There is a good supply of all types of housing in a broad range of prices and buyers are getting 95-100% of their asking price with multiple offers being made.

The median price for homes in this area hovers around the $300,000 mark, with first time buyers and population growth representing the areas greatest activity and reasons to buy and sell in the region.

Cherry Creek

Job growth represents the main reason why people are buying in this region of Denver. With house prices up by 5% sellers are realizing 95-100% of their asking price, and homes typically sitting on the market for 10-30 days. Homes in this area are in good supply with more buyers than sellers. The median price for homes in this region is hovering around the $350,000 mark and move-up buyers represent the area of greatest activity.

LGBT Real Estate Facts: There are approximately 10,045 same-sex couples residing in Colorado making it the 19th gayest state in America. Of this number, most reside in Denver, Boulder and the Greeley areas. The gayest zip codes are 80218 - Capitol Hill/ Wyman Historic District, 80203 - Uptown/ Washington Park,  80206 - Cherry Creek/Congress Park. . -- gaydemographics.org

Main Story Source: House Hunt (2008) Real Estate Marekting Trends; available online at http://www.househunt.com

Picture Source: wikipedia.org

-----------------------------------------------------------------

*RealQuestions RealAnswers*

Click on Comments below and share your thoughts and opinions, ask a real estate question or offer story suggestions...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006+ Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

Proudly Sponsored By:

July 20, 2007

Have Your Say On the LGBT Political Front - August 19th 2007

By Jeff Adolph

LGBT Politics

DebateIn a national first, the Democrats are challenging the Republicans by staging a debate that is dedicated to the LGBT community and will answer many of the issues facing Lesbians, Gays, Bi-sexual's and the Transgendered across the nation.

The leading candidates for the Democratic  nomination for presidency will actively involve themselves in this debate on August the 9th, which is being telecast by LOGO, a gay cable network. Alternatively, you may view proceedings on http://www.logoonline.com/ if you are unable to access the network.

Debate1Participants in the debate will include Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards (pictured above), with the moderators being singer Melissa Etheridge and Joe Solmonese, Human Rights Campaign's president.

If you would like to actively participate by lodging questions for the candidates to answer you may do so by logging on to LOGOonline.com as well as on HRC.org.

Source: Demorcrats to Hold Gay Debate (2007) available online at www.wweek.com

------------------------------------------------------------------

*RealQuestions RealAnswers*

Click on Comments below and share your thoughts and opinions, ask a real estate question or offer story suggestions...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

April 09, 2007

Habitat for Humanity: Changing Times Demands Housing Changes

By Jeff Adolph

Changing Homes Styles

HumanityhousingHabitat for Humanity, a housing organization in Colorado has been forced to adapt its affordable housing in order to stay abreast of the escalating land costs.

Instead of building the single-family home Habitat for Humanity has begun constructing multi-family housing throughout the state in both rural townships and the larger cities.

Stefka Fanchi, director of the organization in Colorado said, 'we're seeing it even more in some rural areas and particularly in the resort areas. Land prices are so steep, and the need is great. We're building about 120 homes, every year but that's just a drop in the bucket.'

Evidentially, Habitat for Humanities land lot prices have almost doubled since 2001. A single-family home lot back then was purchased for $35,000; now the organization is paying around $68,000 for exactly the same lot.

As Candace Mayo, executive director of Habitat's Fort Collins Chapter said, 'It's difficult for us to find a single-family lot that is affordable in Fort Collins. The only way we can afford to build is by higher density. The cost to build on a square-footage basis is the same, but you save on the ground underneath.

Humanityhousing2Habitat for Humanity enables people like Ms. Koopman and her daughter (pictured left) a better opportunity in securing somewhere nice to live, that they can call home.

Ms. Koopman, self-employed massage therapist found the prospect of building herself difficult especially when she was self-employed. However, Habitat for Humanity enabled the duo to find a condominium within their price range.

An example of the organizations work is 'Emerald Hill' in Boulder. This 14 unit complex sees residents paying $100,000 - $115,000 for their condominium and an additional $120 per month for the Home Owners Association fee.

Habitat for Humanity is about helping individuals from all walks of life to find a home that is both affordable and caters specifically to their needs and sees those who otherwise could not afford a home get out of the rental rut.

Source and Images: Jackson, M (2007) A whole New Habitat; available online at http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_5614424

---------------------------------------------------------

*RealQuestions RealAnswers*

Click on Comments below and share your thoughts and opinions, ask a real estate question or offer story suggestions...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006+ Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

Proudly Sponsored By:

November 07, 2006

The Nations Highest Foreclosure States are Colorado and Nevada!

By Jeff Adolph

Smart Investment

Images_3A word that some homeowners dread, 'foreclosure', and yet for others it spells out opportunity, especially in this declining market. Hudson and Marshall real estate auctioneers of national foreclosure will put over 100 homes under the hammer in the 'foreclosure battered states' of Nevada and Colorado.

The homes who now belong to asset management companies and lending institutions nationwide range in price from $25,000 to $430,000 and the sellers are offering clean titles on the properties without any back taxes or liens.

Dave Webb, principal of Hudson and Marshall stated of the sales that, 'the auction method is a win-win for lenders and asset management companies who are able to swiftly move large volumes of foreclosed properties and avoid carrying high costs on those assets.'

Colorado earned the No.1 spot for the highest rate of foreclosure in the third quarter of 2006 with 2.9 times the national average, being 1 foreclosure for every 127 households. Nevada followed closely behind with 1 in every 156 households foreclosing, this equated to 2.3 times the national average.

The reasoning behind the staggering increase is higher interest rates forcing repayments above the means of many.

Hudson and Marshall have evidentially foreclosed over 40,000 homes since 1999 and predicts many more in the near future. Their auctions have no negotiations or contingencies, as other real estate may, basically the highest bidder becomes the proud owner of the property.

If you're considering investing in any of these states you may also like to visit the Hudson and Marshall website at http://www.hudsonandmarshall.com/ where you can view property auctions prior and can even buy online through their 'Bid Now' program making your purchase simple and effective.

Images1_1However, if you're a couple or single investor/owner who is battling with the interest rate rises you may want to consider re-financing your mortgage to help ease the burden or possibly renting out a room or two within your home to raise the additional capital.

There are ways and means around everything if you're creative and consider all possibilities before the inevitable happens. It is usually the wise who become wealthy not necessarily those with money to burn.

Sources: Hudson and Marshall (2006) Nation's Largest Foreclosed Real Estate Auction Company Auctions Over 100 Homes in Colorado and Nevada, Country's Top Foreclosure States: available online at http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,15261.shtml

---------------------------------------------------------

*Real Questions Real Answers*

Have you experienced foreclosure, as either a buyer or seller?

Click on Comments below and share your view…

And, remember leaving your personal details is voluntary, these are not a requirement of posting comments!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

August 28, 2006

Housing Ballot Initiative Sees Housing Authority Director Take a Leave of Absence

By Jeff Adolph

Political Initiatives

BonnieDirector of the Summit Housing Authority, Bonnie Osborn has stepped down for her position in order to lead the Affordable Housing Ballot, which will focus on providing cost effective housing for the younger professionals trying to establish themselves in the area.

As Osborn stated, ‘this issue is extremely critical to our community deserves to hear the real story. The majority of the people who live here don’t understand how hard it is here. If we don’t do something, we’re going to lose all the people in there 20’s and 30’s who are starting out and trying to get home ownership. We need the viability of youth, as we don’t want to be just a community of second-home owners.’

The initiative has the backing of the Summit Association of Realtors who voted unanimously to assist the venture and shall assist the Summit Housing Authority (SHA) in teaching the general public about the ballot.

Over the next ten (10) years it is hoped the affordable housing ballot if passed will raise approximately $32 million with sales tax and development fees ‘tiered to the size of construction projects’. Meaning, smaller homes may find themselves exempt and the larger projects paying more.

As one realtor said, ‘I’m happy to be supporting it, I think our association will help get it passed.’

The ballot will seek further support from local towns, builders and other realtor groups as Osborn stated, ‘new taxes and fee’s are always hard to sell, regardless of the potential public benefit.’ Therefore, the greater the support the more likely the public will note these because if they do nothing they risk loosing much more on the social and fiscal cost of a high turnover in professionals, including teachers.

The_ridgeThe Wellington Neighborhood in Breckenridge, the Ophir Mountain Town homes near Frisco, and South End Village in Frisco are all examples of housing that will be built with the funding.

Osborn is concerned with the date set for the ballot, as it will contend with other social issues in November, including gay marriage, which could see the ‘traditional’ voters at the polls.

One of the most critical arguments against this ballot is many feel they have had to struggle when younger to afford a home and why should the younger generation have an easier possibility of purchase. Osborn answered this effectively when she said, ‘in 1990, a house cost four times the average salary. In 2005, a house costs ten times the average in Summit County.’

The possibility of home ownership may be distant for many in the Summit area at present but this is something that Osborn is hoping to erase if the ballot passes.

Source: Berwyn, B (2006) Summit Realtors Back Housing Measure: available online at http://www.summitdaily.com

---------------------------------------------------------

*RealQuestions RealAnswers*

What are your thoughts on the ballot?

Click on Comments below to share your ideas…

----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

RealGays RealGhettos


  • “In our view it’s the richness of diversity – like a colorful tapestry, that makes the world and our neighborhood such a wonderful place.”
    ~ Jeffery Adolph Hammerberg & Merlin Parker Denver, CO

Gay Business


RealEstate Blog Contest

RealEstate RealLives