Hannah Hester

When considering writing an offer on a home, your Realtor will spend time “pulling comps”. This means they’re looking at recently sold comparable properties to make sure that your offer is reasonable given the market data. There is so much to consider when making comparisons, and there’s very rarely a perfect match, so we also make adjustments based on what sets the subject property apart from the comps as well.

Heres a (not all inclusive!) list of some of the most important things we consider when picking out the most helpful comps. …

Bricks on bricks on bricks 🧱

I love this sweet mid-mod home, and I’m always a sucker for a large window ✨ …

It’s not just a car, it’s a lifestyle bro 🤙🏼
#subie #subaru …

This talented lady just launched her pottery website! So proud to know @jengriecoceramics and to see all of the beautiful things she creates 🤩
Jengreicoceramics.com …

We spent the night in the Denver Airport thanks to the perfect combination of late night Denver plans and an early morning flight. Here were some of the biggest takeaways from the night:

1. The DEN airport is 24/7, and the Parking Spot (and some other parking lots) are 24/7, but Southwest’s check in desk is closed between 8:30pm – 3:30am. This means that if you plan on checking a bag, things get complicated.

2. You can go through security with a larger-than-carryon bag. Yes, you’ll have to go back out to check it once the counters open at 3:30am, but it was worth it for us to find a comfortable place to sleep.

3. The “secret” sleeping area above concourse A? Not so secret…by the time we got there at midnight it was overcrowded and no spots were available.

4. The renovated wing of concourse C, on the other hand, was nearly empty. Some of the better couches were already taken, but the concourse has plenty of cushioned flat seating options.

5. The security line at midnight = nonexistent. After I went back to check my bag, at 3:30am on Thursday before a 3 day weekend, it took about 30 minutes.

6. Would I do it again? Possibly, but only with carry on bags and I would probably just head straight to concourse C, especially if that’s where your flight departs from.

And a useless fact that I think everyone needs to know? The escalators slow down when nobody is using them! As soon as we stepped on, they sped back up. 🤷🏼‍♀️

#denverairport #dia #den #airport #traveltips #travel #traveling …

From lender paperwork to inspections, you do a ton leading up to your closing date. After taking a day to celebrate your new home, here are a few important tasks to make sure you keep organized in this new chapter of your life!

✅ Build your home binder: This binder should be the landing place for all things home-related. Think: inspection report, maintenance calendar, receipts, design plans, warranties, etc. Not only is it good to keep these records, but it will also make your life 100% easier when you go to sell your home in the future! If you work with me, you’ll get this at closing 😉

✅ Set up mail forwarding: Make sure you don’t miss any important documents by setting up mail forwarding from your previous address! Talk with your Realtor or your closer on what to expect in terms of scam mail as well.

✅ Change your locks: It’s expected for Seller’s to leave all keys related to the property on the day of Closing, but it’s always better to be safe than wonder who might have access to your home other than you. By changing your locks you can have a fresh, secure start to your new home.

✅ Create a maintenance calendar: Homeownership comes with it many responsibilities you may not have as a renter. From changing furnace filters to blowing out your sprinklers, a maintenance calendar will make sure you continue to protect your home, maintain its home value for the future, and avoid surprise emergency costs.
#homebuying #firsttimehomebuyer #coloradohomes #coloradorealestate #boulderrealestate #denverrealestate #boulderhomes #denverhomes #buyingahome #realestate #realestatetips …

The fog came in just in time for spooky season!
#happyhalloween #liveinboulder #boulderco #boulder …

Buyers, most of the costs that come with buying a home happen at the closing table, but there are some important fees to consider leading up to the closing date to prepare for!

✅ Earnest Money (1-2% of purchase price): Will go towards down payment, but is due a few days after the contract is accepted

✅ Inspection ($400 – $1000): Cost depends on the size of the house and what additional inspections you choose to get (sewer scope, radon, mold, etc).

✅ Appraisal ($500 – $800): This is coordinated by your lender

✅ ILC/Survey ($300 – $2500): This is recommended but usually optional. Sometimes lenders or the title company will require this to close, however.

And remember, Buyers agent commissions are typically paid by the listing agent! Working with a buyers agent is the best free decision you’ll ever make to protect you and make the buying process as easy as possible 🏡 …

Do you get an annual checkup at the doctor? What about an annual investment review with your financial advisor? Well, just like your health and financial well-being, your home deserves some annual attention too.

Annual real estate reviews are your yearly check-in on the market and how it’s affecting your home value.

Inside every real estate review, you’ll find:

✅ Overall summary of the real estate market, interest rates, and how it’s affecting your area
✅ Recent sales of nearby homes
✅ Average price per sqft of recent sales
✅ Accuracy of Zestimate values on recent sales (hint: they’re not always spot on!)
✅ Average sales prices compared to the listing price of nearby properties
✅ Original listing details and pictures of your home

Keep informed! Want a real estate review of your home, or want to discuss your review more in depth? I’ve got you – just reach out! …

Nice quiet day on Pearl, taking in these unnaturally warm days 🍂 …

The next few months are shaping up to be a great time to score a deal as a buyer! Here’s why:

💰 ⬇️ Prices are down from last year, adjusting for the effect that interest rates have had on purchasing power

🏡🏡🏡 Nearly double the amount of homes are available, so buyers have lots to choose from

🗓️Homes are sitting on the market for longer, positioning buyers to write more competitive offers and take their time in the decision making process

But…interest rates!

Interest rates are hovering in the low-mid 7% range right now, and many buyers are waiting to purchase ‘when’ these interest rates come down.

Right now, there’s no guarantee that rates will come down. We’re hopeful, yes, but nobody has a crystal ball. However, here’s my take:

1. If rates come down, buyer competition will go up.

2. If buyer competition goes up, prices will go up.

3. If you purchase now, and rates do come down, you will have the option to refinance! Many lenders are offering free refinancing options as well if rates drop in the near future.

By deciding to wait, you may benefit from an interest rate a point or two lower than they are now (they will not return to the 3% rates we saw in 2021/2022), however competition and rising prices will be the new beast. What would you choose? …

Just some jokes for your Monday ☺️ …