Sharon Cardwell AMERICAN HOME, INC.

98765 West Iliff Avenue Lakewood, CO 80228

Prsrt Std U.S. Postage PAID Permit #123 Lakewood, CO

DEADLINE

FOR

ORDERING

THE

JUNE ISSUE:

5:00 p.m. MONDAY MAY 14

Sharon Cardwell
REALTOR

QUESTIONS? Call Brett Koller 720-287-5715 / brett@uniquelitho.com

Knowledge. Experience. Dedication.

Dear Friends: Whether youre ready or not, June 20th marks the official beginning of summer. Some of you may be asking, What happened to spring? Time is like that . . . marching on in what seems to be a quickening pace with each passing year. With the passing of time comes a change in our life roles. We pass from student to spouse to parent to grandparent--all of which demand lifestyle changes such as the need for a first home, or the necessity for a larger or smaller house. If your life has changed, or youve simply decided youd like to make a move, Id love to help you discover the exciting real estate opportunities that exist not only here in the Front Range, but anywhere on earth. As we enter the summer months, heres wishing you a safe and happy season. And if you should decide youd like a peek at our real estate market, or are ready to jump right in--give me a call. Heres to a great summer!

COLORADO REAL ESTATE

News & Views

NEWS AND ARTICLES OF INTEREST TO THE COLORADO HOMEOWNER

If your home is currently listed for sale, this is not intended as a solicitation. JUNE 2012

Internet scammers turn to real estate for their newest con

Internet scammers have turned to real estate for their newest game, and unsuspecting homeowners, sellers and renters have been fleeced for millions. Whether youre in the market to rent, renting out your home, or know of someone who may be doing so, here are a couple of new real estate scams everyone needs to understand: The Hijacked Listing. The scammer lifts For Sale information and photos off of the Internet and reposts it as a below-market rental on sites such as CraigsList. The ad often includes a claim that the owner is out of the country, working as a missionary, and that the real estate agent has been fired, so the For Sale sign is to be ignored. Would-be renters end up wiring deposit and rent money to the scammer. The Overpayment. A person posts a classified ad to rent their property. The scammer responds, usually in poor English, from a country overseas. They ask for a bit of detail about the property and then usually advise they want to make arrangements with a furniture company to supply the home with furniture. The scammer then sends a check to cover the security and a couple of months rent. By mistake they include the amount for the furniture. The homeowner is asked to bank the check and send the amount for the furniture either back to the scammer, or to the furniture company (another person who is also in on the scam). The original check turns out to be a fake and the homeowner who sent a check covering the overpayment has just been fleeced. Smart consumers can help protect themselves by understanding how these con men work. Here are two excellent resources which offer an understanding of the games, and how to protect your money:
http://www.scambusters.org/ rentalscam.html

Sharon
Office: (303) 777-2222 Cell: (303) 567-2380 Fax: (303) 772-3277 Email: SCardwell@comcast.net Web: www.SCSellsHomes.com

and
http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams

Speaking of resources, todays buyers and sellers need comprehensive, accurate and timely resources to ensure the best possible service. As a Colorado real estate professional, I welcome the opportunity to put my resources, knowledge and expertise to work for you. When youre ready, call me and lets talk.

NewsBriefs
The number of mortgage loans paid off in Colorado was up 2.4 percent in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the same period last year, according to a recent report from the Colorado Division of Housing. If you have an extra $41 million in your pocket, you can buy the largest ranch near Aspen. Known as Child Capitol Creek Ranch, theres plenty of beautiful landscape, but not a single structure, so count on spending a few more bucks to build a home. Among homeowners between the ages of 62 and 64, reverse mortgage applications have increased 15% since 1999. The average age for these types of mortgages has been around 71, but with job losses and higher debt and living costs, younger seniors are turning to reverse mortgages as a way to pay their bills, keep their homes, or just provide some additional cash for their lives. Reverse mortgages allow homeowners to

borrow against the value of their homes without having to repay the loan until the owner either sells or passes on.

Four simple selling tips that will provide the most bang for the buck
One of the best things about having your home on the market now is that Mother Nature can give a big boost to your homes curb appeal. After all, any home looks better when surrounded by blooming flowers and a carpet of green. But todays smart sellers can do a lot to increase the salability factor of their home. For starters, its important to get an unbiased opinion as to the strengths and weaknesses of your home as it compares to neighboring homes for sale. If youre interested, call for a nocost, no-obligation discussion on the specifics of your home. Buyers buy with their heads and their hearts. So a sellers job is to make buyers fall in love with the home by presenting it in the best possible light. Here are four important salability factors that are controlled by the seller: 1. Dont just clean--but deep clean your home. This is especially true of the kitchen and bathrooms. Subconsciously, a clean house represents one that has been lovingly cared for and well-maintained--a critical factor with buyers. 2. Room clutter makes rooms look smaller and deminishes most buyers ability to focus on whats truly important when analyzing a homes potential. So have a yard sale, donate items to charity, toss out the junk, or rent storage space if you cant bring yourself to get serious about decluttering your home right now. 3. Keep window coverngs open to bring in the light. Replace any burned out light bulbs, and turn on all the lights before a showing. 4. Work on the curb appeal: clean up lawn clutter, put the hose out of sight, add a colorful pot of flowers to the front porch, keep the porch clean, wipe down the front door, especially around the doorknob, and invest in a new doormat. Theres more to selling a home than meets the eye, and establishing an accurate value that reflects current conditions of the market and of the home is a critical factor. In addition, a skillful marketing plan must be created to reach as many prospects as possible. And once a buyer is found, skillful negotiation from a real estate professional will help you obtain the best possible contract. If youd like to talk about the value of your home, and what you can do to increase your homes salability, lets talk. Our market is looking up!

A recent report from Beacon Hill Institute ranks Colorado as the third-most economically competitive state. Our state continues to see decreasing unemployment, positive job growth, and a new sense of optimism from business owners and consumers--all pointing to an improving economy. Nearly 60% of all homes purchased by overseas buyers last year were located in four states: Florida, California, Texas and Arizona. Florida accounted for 31% of all sales. The economy continues to show signs of strengthening, which bodes well for housing, according to the latest Federal Reserve survey, known as the Beige Book. For the real estate sector, progress is being seen in residential and commercial activity, according to the Feds report, which tracks all 12 districts across the United States. Multifamily construction grew, mostly tied to senior housing and apartments.

COLORADO CORNER
Highway to the Stars: Mt. Evans
Looking for one of the most beautiful, awe-inspiring drives in the Front Range? Take a drive up Mt. Evans. At 14,265 feet at the summit, its the highest paved road in North America. It also holds the distinction of being one of Colorados 54 fourteeners (mountains with peaks over 14,000 feet), and it is the closest fourteener to Denver. Originally known as Mt. Rosa, in 1895 it was renamed in honor of John Evans, second governor of the Colorado Territory from 1862 to 1865. Construction of the paved road began in 1917 and took a decade to complete. The road stops just 34 feet short of the summit, making it the easiest fourteener youll ever climb. If youre planning to go, think twice before taking any visiting friends or relatives coming from sea level, until theyve acclimated to our altitude. The low atmospheric pressure can cause altitude sickness. In fact, federal aviation regulations require the use of supplemental oxygen when flying at this altitude. And dont forget to bring a warm jacket. Its always chilly on top. For some spectacular photos of Mt. Evans, visit:
http://www.14ers.com/photos/ peakmain.php?peak=Mt.%20Evans

Fun (and mostly free) things to do with out-of-town guests...within a 1 hour drive from home!
Ask for this FREE report and keep it for future reference!
Incredible natural beauty experiences. Places that give you that Wild West experience. Creative ideas for things to do with kids. Easy walking trails for an oh wow experience. Hidden mountain-stream picnic spots youll love. Plus some wild adventures you never knew existed . . . and much, much more, all in the Front Range!

Whether you need to entertain guests, or are just looking for fun things to do with the family, call and ask for this FREE report.

GREEN IDEAS

FOR THE

COLORADO HOMEOWNER

Water Conservation Tips for the Summer

Water is a precious resource everywhere, but especially in Colorado where the average annual rainfall is just 15.80 inches. Compare that to the national average of 30 inches of rainfall per year for the lower 48 states. In fact, this summer, most Front Range homeowners are expected to experience some level of watering restrictions. Since landscaping accounts for approximately 55% of the water used in the summer, lets look at a few simple ways we can conserve in this area. Watering early in the morning or at night helps avoid evaporation. In fact, in many Front Range areas, watering is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Do not waste water by letting it spray on concrete and asphalt. Dont water the lawn and planting beds too much--but only when needed. Consider buying an inexpensive tool found in garden centers that, when inserted into the dirt, indicates the level of moisture. Dont water on windy days, or if it has just rained. Replace your existing turf spray nozzles with rotary nozzles and cut your water use by 30 percent. Rotary nozzles apply water more slowly and uniformly than spray nozzles. Use the catchcan test to make sure your lawn is using only what it needs. Here are details on how to do this:
http://www.denverwater.org/ Conservation/TipsTools/Outdoor/ WateringYourLawn/

Its June, and that means wedding season is in full force. Hope you get a chuckle from these . . .

Kids Thoughts on Love and Marriage

What do you think of love? "I'm in favor of love as long as it doesn't happen when The Simpsons is on television." (Anita, 6) Whats falling in love like? "If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don't want to do it. It takes too long." (Leo, 7) Proper age to get married: "Once I'm done with kindergarten, I'm going to find me a wife." (Tom, 5) It is better for people to be single or married? "It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need somebody to clean up after them." (Lynette, 9) Why do lovers hold hands? "They want to make sure their rings don't fall off because they paid good money for them." (Dave, 8) Why does love happens between two particular people? "No one is sure why it happens, but I heard it has something to do with how you smell. That's why perfume and deodorant are so popular." (Jan, 9) How can you tell if two adults at a restaurant are in love? "Lovers will just be staring at each other and their food will get cold. Other people care more about the food." (Brad, 8) List a personal quality necessary to be a good lover. "One of you should know how to write a check. Because even if you have tons of love, there is still going to be a lot of bills." (Ava, 8)

Keep your lawn mower blade height on the highest setting. Longer blades of grass will keep the soil cooler, so less moisture will be lost to evaporation from the soil surface. Here are two great resources for water conservation tips:
http://environment.national geographic.com/environment/ freshwater/water-conservation-tips/ http://www.denverwater.org/ Conservation/

Colorado has 1,400 properties and historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Out of Colorados 64 counties, name the one county that has no Registry listings.

COLORADO TRIVIA
Broomfield County has none. After Denver County, with 288, Larimer County has the second most, with 95 properties on the Register.

Seven factors that influence the loan rate you can get
What you see isnt what you may necessarily get when it comes to a loan rate. Some of the factors you can control, but others are simply out of your control. So if youre giving thought to financing a home, refinancing one, or looking to obtain a loan on anything at all, here are the seven factors that will influence the rate youll be offered: 1. Credit score. The lower your score, the higher your rate will be. Check your own credit report to make certain there are no mistakes that could cost you a higher rate. 2. Loan size. If the amount you want to borrow is greater than the conforming

loan limits for your area, or below a certain level, there is often a small add-on to the interest rate. 3. Loan-to-value (LTV). This term refers to the amount you owe compared to the appraised value of the home. If your LTV is greater than 80%, youll be required to purchase mortgage insurance. You can pay it up front, or over the life of the loan, but either way, youll pay more for the loan. 4. Type of residence. Lenders tend to consider condos a riskier loan than single-family homes, so condo borrowers will typically be quoted a rate that is slightly higher. 5. Loan-lock length. A longer loan-lock period often comes with a higher price. On average, most lenders suggest that

those looking to refinance should lock their rate for at least 60 days. 6. Type of refinance. If youre applying for a cash-out refinance and your loan-tovalue is 70% or higher, youll typically pay a slightly higher loan rate. 7. Loan terms. Typically, the shorter the loan term, the lower the rate. For example, a 15-year fixed-rate loan should carry a lower rate than a 30-year fixed-rate loan. Its true that rates fluctuate daily, but not only are todays rates extremely low, they are very stable. Still, its a confusing area for most to think about, so if youd like a no-cost, no-obligation discussion on whats happening with loan rates in Colorado, lets talk.

SNAPSHOT OF MY BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY: To use my in-depth market knowledge, expertise, and extensive resources to make the real estate experience as easy and as enjoyable as possible for every client.

YOUR

BUSINESS AND REFERRALS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Sharon Cardwell
REALTOR, GRI
American Home, Inc. 98765 West Iliff Avenue Lakewood, CO 80228 Office: (303) 777-2222 Cell: (303) 567-2380 Fax: (303) 772-3277 E-mail: SharonC@comcast.net Website: www.SCSellsHomes.com

Knowledge. Experience. Dedication.