Just had to reprint this article  I saw today in REALTOR magazine.
With the scheduled closing deadline for the home buyer tax credits, existing-home sales slowed in June but remained at relatively elevated levels, according to the National Association of REALTORS.

Existing-home sales which are completed transactions that include single-family, town homes, condominiums and co-ops, fell 5.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.37 million units in June from 5.66 million in May, but are 9.8 percent higher than the 4.89 million-unit pace in June 2009.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the market shows uncharacteristic yet understandable swings as buyers responded to the tax credits. “June home sales still reflect a tax credit impact with some sales not closed due to delays, which will show up in the next two months,” he said. “Broadly speaking, sales closed after the home buyer tax credit will be significantly lower compared to the credit-induced spring surge. Only when jobs are created at a sufficient pace will home sales return to sustainable healthy levels.”

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate  for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage fell to a record low 4.74 percent in June from 4.89 percent in May; the rate was 5.42 percent in June 2009.

The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $183,700 in June, which is 1.0 percent higher than a year ago. Distressed homes were at 32 percent of sales last month, compared with 31 percent in May; it was also 31 percent in June 2009.

Read the rest here.

I have been doing a lot of research for a historic listing of mine on Virginia and came across this old video. This historic Rocky Mountain National Park video shows old lodges from the 1920′s time period and is fascinating.

If you know where these are located it is fun to explore these sites and look for clues of earlier inhabitants …. If you note the locations of trees and other natural landmarks you can see today that many of the trees still stand today. The lake at the Hallet Lodge has been drained, but you can see the hill where the lodge sat and a two of the large Ponderosa Pines remain on the site. This lodge is seen from Horseshoe Park close to the Lawn Lake Trailhead. We are rich in history here in the Estes Park Valley I encourage you to take the time to explore and learn more about it.

Grand Entry for this Charming Home

This lovely Craftsman style home turned 100 years old this year.  Owning this home is a chance of a lifetime. This home was built by Miss Elizabeth M. A. Foot, who also went by the name of Emma Foot. She operated one of Estes Park’s general stores called Foot’s Utility and Curio Shop. This home was one of at least six rental homes that she owned and operated. Imagine a single business woman in 1901, what a pioneer she was! Later the home was sold to the Van Valkenburgh family who owned it until 2001. With so few owners the condition of this beauty will surprise and delight. We don’t see these homes come on the market very often.  This charming historic home has Longs Peak, Continental Divide and Lumpy Ridge views. Home has open living spaces, original Douglas Fir wood floors, two moss rock fireplaces and a huge Sun Porch just made for rocking chairs. Featuring 3 Bedrooms, two full baths, Great Room and lower level Den or Family Room. Great potential-600+SF Attic could be finished for an artist’s retreat. Take in the views from the fenced in flower garden, deck or patio. Picturesque .55 acre lot with rock outcroppings and huge Ponderosa pines. Own a piece of Estes Park history with this turn of the century beauty.

Further info and photos HERE

REALTORS® around the nation will be holding open houses on the weekend of April 10 and 11, 2010 during REALTOR® Nationwide Open House Weekend! Thousands of people who have listed their home for sale will open their doors with a REALTOR® as host, for you to look around. Look for open house signs throughout your town.  Here in Estes Park, our office will have dozens of homes open.  I will have 351 Virginia Drive open from 2-4pm on Sunday afternoon and 1321 Devils Gulch open on Sunday from 11am to 1pm.
How is this weekend different than any other weekend in April? This is an incredible opportunity for consumers to shop for a new home while:

•    Interest rates are at a historic low.

•    Home prices offer an amazing value to buyers in all price ranges.

•    There are a variety of home choices available in our inventory.

•    The Expanded First-time Homebuyer’s Federal Tax Credit is still available.  This includes first time home buyers and return buyers that qualify.  It ends April 30, 2010.
Agents are offering refreshments and a drawing for one $100 gift certificate to Marys Lake Lodge when you visit First Colorado Realty open houses.  Stop by and take a look at some beautiful Estes Park properties.  After all one of the open houses you visit may be the one you’ve been looking for.

The Estes Park Board of REALTORS® currently has approximately 60 REALTOR® members. Dedicated to serving America’s property owners, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, The Voice for Real Estate, is the largest professional association at over 1,112,000 members strong. So, whether you’re buying or selling a home, it pays to work with a REALTOR®. Look for the REALTOR® logo when choosing your real estate agent.

If you want the ease of home ownership that condominium living offers, but want a detached unit? This is the condo you have been waiting for. This natural private setting in the Black Canyon area will not disappoint. Three bedrooms, two baths and over 2000 SF of comfortable living space.
Here are the details and a map to the property Link

I get website MLS summary sheets every month. I thought I would start sharing these with you. This hot sheet shows the top ten properties on my website in December of 2009.  I was super busy with clients all month which surprises people because they think this town sleeps all winter, which it certainly does no such thing.   Estes Park is a year round destination for many people.  I had clients visiting family, snow shoeing, skiing at Eldora, going to the casinos in Black Hawk/Central City, shopping, playing in the snow and finally buying houses.   I think January will be busy too with buyers wanting to take advantage of the home buyer credits that expire in April and with our Winter Festival in two weeks.  The chili cook-off is going to be awesome so please visit us soon.  Check out what Estes Park buyers are looking for here.

If you are planning on buying real estate in the next two years I implore you to consider the advantages of buying today. Home ownership is an investment in your future. With each mortgage payment you are building your wealth. Owning a home builds wealth over the long term, and it provides significant social benefits. Did you know home owners are are happier and healthier than non-owners? And what about the tax benefits of home ownership? In short, you can deduct interest charged on a loan used to acquire or improve your principal residence in the year that it is paid. Estes Park real estate is more affordable than ever in all price ranges. Check with your tax preparer and account for all the benefits of home ownership.

For more information don’t miss this article http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/dec2009/bw2009127_753974.htm

Devils Gulch Estate

Top of the world views. You won’t a find a better view in Estes Park! Longs Peak and the Continental Divide showcased from this home. Tucked into the Lumpy Ridge this rare offering backs to RMNP on 3+ acres. Simply walk out your back door into Rocky Mountain National Park. Aspens and large boulders line the drive to this private setting. Decks on every side of the home allow breathtaking views. Huge Master Suite with Fireplace, Jack and Jill Bath, skylights, built-ins and two decks. Elegant Dining Room with huge windows that allow the gorgeous setting to be enjoyed indoors as well. Featuring Five Bedrooms and Four Baths, Formal Living and Dining Rooms, Great room with wood burning fireplace, lower level Recreation room has a wood burning stove and full kitchen. The fifth bedroom doubles as a media room, Game Room, Exercise Room, Commercial Elevator, Secure Storage area, Central Vac, AC, Skylights & more. This is a must see property!?

More information HERE…