I can trace the improper use of the word "like" back to Shaggy on Scooby Doo or perhaps Sarah Jessica Parker in Square Pegs. Regardless of the source of the word, its misuse today as a language filler is incorrect, annoying, and even foolish.
If you don't know what I'm talking about, then listen to yourself talk. You, like, might be part of the problem.
This language phenomenon is most prevalent in people under 35 proven solely by my own observations. Given that I am 36, I think I missed it by 12 months. It crosses professions, gender, and age. I hear 30 somethings "liking" and I hear eleven year olds "liking." I have even seen writers quote people in the following manner: "That was like such a good game, you know, it like was like nothing I've ever seen before." Reality TV is filled with "like" abusers. "We like totally love our new house. It's like the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Thanks like ABC."
I interviewed close to 15 candidates for a receptionist/office admin position about six months ago. Only three of them didn't use the word "like" excessively and improperly. I hired one. One of the candidates used the word like at least twice in every sentence, dragging the long i sound out: "Liiiiiiiiike, I really would like you know like a position like this because it would liiiiiiiiike be a Monday to Friday job rather than liiiiiike having to work at night." I suggested she keep her bar tending job.
I had two nannies, at two different times, taking care of my boys in our home. I had to have separate conversations with each of them to curtail use of the word "like." Both my husband and I went crazy hearing our 5 year old son saying "like" three to four times in each sentence. We are still deprogramming him. Good thing our 2 year old wasn't talking enough to pick up on that habit.
What is most impenetrable about this issue is that "like" abusers don't even realize they are doing it. It's not akin to a drug addiction where you have to go out and retrieve a substance. There are no support groups. People are not telling "like" abusers to stop. This bad habit just pours out of people's mouths, punching my inner peace with each sounding of the word "like."
If I had the magic wand for mankind, I would wave it high and fast and wish for the like-fest to end. Until then, I will publish this post and hope it gains traction among those "like" minded.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Fractional Ownership -- owning a perfect piece of mountain property
What is Fractional Ownership?
The official definition of fractional ownership is a 1/15th share to a ¼ share of a property. Title is conveyed by a deed, the closing occurs at a title company, and the deed is recorded. Colorado boasts the largest concentration of fractional ownership, which isn't surprising. Resort properties have increased in value dramatically over the years and many people can no longer afford a full ownership mountain property.
According to Ragatz Associates, a market research firm specializing in fractional ownership, in 2007 fractional sales in developed properties equaled $2.3 billion.
Obviously fractional ownership is not a product that would work in a suburban housing subdivision, because people actually live there full time. But in Summit County Colorado, where I sell real estate, at least 50% of the properties here are vacant 75% of the time, presenting a perfect scenario to better utilize these vacation properties.
Why May Fractional Ownership Work for You?
1) Price.
The first reason people are drawn to fractional ownership is price. Buying ¼ of a property is financially feasible for some people who may not be able to afford full ownership.
2) Size
You may be able to afford a studio in Summit County but don't really feel like sharing the same room with all three of your children. For the price of a studio, you can own a fraction of a three bedroom residence.
3) Location
As we know in real estate, location, location, location is the key to buying right. Unfortunately, ski-in, ski-out properties sell for upwards of $1,000 a square foot here in Summit County. Fractional ownership units often times can be found in great locations such as at the base of a ski lift or on the river with fishing rights.
4) Taste in Finishes
Fractional ownership properties, as a general rule, are newer construction and outfitted with modern finishes and amenities.
5) Convenience
In addition to looking good, fractional ownership properties are furnished down to the silverware and washcloths. There is no need to go to Target or Wal-Mart and purchase kitchen utensils and towels. Also, there is usually a cleaning company that puts the place back together after you leave and the next owner arrives, so it makes your vacation stay even more convenient.
6) Investment
Fractional ownership appreciates like full ownership of real estate. Plus, if you are not using all your time, you can put your fraction into a rental pool and gain some income from your investment.
7) Efficient Use of Time
Aren't we all busy?? Most people use vacation property from 3-6 weeks per year. That leaves 48 weeks unused and wasted. Fractional ownership cuts down the amount of waste and allows people to rent the property when they are not using it.
8) Standards
Similar to Number 4, people want what they want. Fractional ownership allows for people to have their standards met in a real estate purchase and still stay within their budget.
Summit County has a large variety of fractional ownership opportunities available ranging from condos to single family homes. If you love the mountains and want to make the dream of mountain home ownership a reality, you owe it to yourself to give me a call!
Authored by Amy Nakos, JD, CLHMS, Owner/Managing Broker, Landmark Real Estate Group, LLC, 111 Main Street, Frisco, CO 80443, 970-668-1430 office, 970-389-8388 cell, anakos@landmarkregroup.com
The official definition of fractional ownership is a 1/15th share to a ¼ share of a property. Title is conveyed by a deed, the closing occurs at a title company, and the deed is recorded. Colorado boasts the largest concentration of fractional ownership, which isn't surprising. Resort properties have increased in value dramatically over the years and many people can no longer afford a full ownership mountain property.
According to Ragatz Associates, a market research firm specializing in fractional ownership, in 2007 fractional sales in developed properties equaled $2.3 billion.
Obviously fractional ownership is not a product that would work in a suburban housing subdivision, because people actually live there full time. But in Summit County Colorado, where I sell real estate, at least 50% of the properties here are vacant 75% of the time, presenting a perfect scenario to better utilize these vacation properties.
Why May Fractional Ownership Work for You?
1) Price.
The first reason people are drawn to fractional ownership is price. Buying ¼ of a property is financially feasible for some people who may not be able to afford full ownership.
2) Size
You may be able to afford a studio in Summit County but don't really feel like sharing the same room with all three of your children. For the price of a studio, you can own a fraction of a three bedroom residence.
3) Location
As we know in real estate, location, location, location is the key to buying right. Unfortunately, ski-in, ski-out properties sell for upwards of $1,000 a square foot here in Summit County. Fractional ownership units often times can be found in great locations such as at the base of a ski lift or on the river with fishing rights.
4) Taste in Finishes
Fractional ownership properties, as a general rule, are newer construction and outfitted with modern finishes and amenities.
5) Convenience
In addition to looking good, fractional ownership properties are furnished down to the silverware and washcloths. There is no need to go to Target or Wal-Mart and purchase kitchen utensils and towels. Also, there is usually a cleaning company that puts the place back together after you leave and the next owner arrives, so it makes your vacation stay even more convenient.
6) Investment
Fractional ownership appreciates like full ownership of real estate. Plus, if you are not using all your time, you can put your fraction into a rental pool and gain some income from your investment.
7) Efficient Use of Time
Aren't we all busy?? Most people use vacation property from 3-6 weeks per year. That leaves 48 weeks unused and wasted. Fractional ownership cuts down the amount of waste and allows people to rent the property when they are not using it.
8) Standards
Similar to Number 4, people want what they want. Fractional ownership allows for people to have their standards met in a real estate purchase and still stay within their budget.
Summit County has a large variety of fractional ownership opportunities available ranging from condos to single family homes. If you love the mountains and want to make the dream of mountain home ownership a reality, you owe it to yourself to give me a call!
Authored by Amy Nakos, JD, CLHMS, Owner/Managing Broker, Landmark Real Estate Group, LLC, 111 Main Street, Frisco, CO 80443, 970-668-1430 office, 970-389-8388 cell, anakos@landmarkregroup.com
Monday, December 1, 2008
Homemade Power Bar Recipe
I found this recipe in Backcountry Magazine and then tweaked it for high-altitude baking and added some extra ingredients. These healthy power bars are great for biking, hiking and skiing or for whatever it is you do! When people try these bars, they want the recipe. So I'm sharing it with the activerain community! Also, if you have kids or grandkids, you can call them "cookies" and they will love them! If you make these -- email me and let me know how you like them! Enjoy.
INGREDIENTS
10 T butter, melted
1/4 c Splenda, fructose or brown sugar
3/4 c white grape juice concentrate
2 large eggs
1/4 c peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 c old fashioned rolled oats
1 c plus 2 T whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 T wheat germ, oat bran or ground flaxseed
1 c chopped walnuts or almonds
1 c raisins, or dried fruit
1/2 c chocolate chips
1/4 c coconut flakes
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Place butter, Splenda (or brown sugar), grape juice concentrate, eggs, peanut butter, and vanilla in a mixing bowl and beat until well mixed.
3. Place oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and wheat germ in another bowl and mix. Add the oat mixture to the butter mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.
4. Fold in the nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips and coconut until combined.
5. Spray a baking sheet with non stick spray. Shape heaping tablespoons of the batter into two by four inch bars with an inch or two of space in between. Bake the bars until the bottoms are brown and the tops are golden brown - about 13-15 minutes.
6. Let the bars cool before taking them off the baking sheet.
After cooling, we wrap the bars in plastic wrap and put them in the freezer. When it's time for a bike ride, hike or other outing, we grab a few to go!
Authored by Amy Nakos, JD, CLHMS, Owner/Managing Broker, Landmark Real Estate Group, LLC, 111 Main Street, Frisco, CO 80443, 970-668-1430 office, 970-389-8388 cell, anakos@landmarkregroup.com.
INGREDIENTS
10 T butter, melted
1/4 c Splenda, fructose or brown sugar
3/4 c white grape juice concentrate
2 large eggs
1/4 c peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 c old fashioned rolled oats
1 c plus 2 T whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 T wheat germ, oat bran or ground flaxseed
1 c chopped walnuts or almonds
1 c raisins, or dried fruit
1/2 c chocolate chips
1/4 c coconut flakes
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Place butter, Splenda (or brown sugar), grape juice concentrate, eggs, peanut butter, and vanilla in a mixing bowl and beat until well mixed.
3. Place oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and wheat germ in another bowl and mix. Add the oat mixture to the butter mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.
4. Fold in the nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips and coconut until combined.
5. Spray a baking sheet with non stick spray. Shape heaping tablespoons of the batter into two by four inch bars with an inch or two of space in between. Bake the bars until the bottoms are brown and the tops are golden brown - about 13-15 minutes.
6. Let the bars cool before taking them off the baking sheet.
After cooling, we wrap the bars in plastic wrap and put them in the freezer. When it's time for a bike ride, hike or other outing, we grab a few to go!
Authored by Amy Nakos, JD, CLHMS, Owner/Managing Broker, Landmark Real Estate Group, LLC, 111 Main Street, Frisco, CO 80443, 970-668-1430 office, 970-389-8388 cell, anakos@landmarkregroup.com.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Pre-listing Real Estate Inspections -- Will they reduce the drama?
Yesterday, a broker in my office starts singing a song he made up: "My least favorite part of this job is dealing with inspections." It was a catchy tune, and he sang it with emotion. After all, he just received an inspection report with no less than 30 items that needed to be addressed. He had just completed the Inspection Notice, asking that every item be repaired or replaced for his Buyer client. On a deal that he closed a couple months ago, his Seller client had to pay over $10,000 in credits for inspection items that were revealed for the first time when the Buyer's inspector found them.
Can inspection drama be avoided? Well, maybe not avoided, but I'm convinced it can be reduced. A number of home inspectors I know suggest conducting a pre-listing home inspection. The Seller hires the inspector and then gets a report of items needing attention - the same report a Buyer would get if he/she hired the inspector. The Seller can then repair the items on the report before a Buyer even comes along.
What if you are the Buyer looking at a home and you know a pre-listing inspection was done and all the items were repaired. What would you think? "I want to see that report," is the first thought. The second might be, "this Seller really cared about having this property ready for sale." A more cynical thought might be, "I wonder if the Seller knew the home inspector and certain items were not included in the report." "I better get my own inspection."
The Buyer is certainly entitled to an inspection of his/her own, and as a listing agent, I would encourage they get their own inspection. It is up to the Seller whether to show the Buyer the pre-listing inspection report. I would suggest to my Seller clients that being open and honest is a good policy and share the report. I will venture to say that the Buyer's inspection report will have far less items than the Seller's original inspection report.
The challenge in getting a pre-listing inspection report will be convincing your Seller to pay for it. I have had a number of clients who refuse to pay $200-$500 to know the items that are wrong with their home. One of my clients even told me that he didn't want to know if there was something dramatically wrong with his property because then he would have to disclose it! I said, "Wouldn't you rather know now than when you have a pending contract and the Buyer's inspector finds it??!!"
It is my policy that my firm and I will not hire home inspectors. It is the responsibility of the Buyer or the Seller to engage the inspector. After the inspection, the report belongs to them. If you can't get your Seller to agree to a pre-listing inspection, you are going to have to wait until the Buyer's inspector comes along.
I believe the more information the better when it comes to real estate transactions. Sellers should find out as soon as possible whether their properties need any repairs. If they do, please fix them! It will make your client's property much more attractive to potential Buyers. When the perfect Buyer comes along, you can rest assured that on the day the inspection objections are due, you and your client will be drama-free.
Authored by Amy Nakos, JD, CLHMS, Owner/Managing Broker, Landmark Real Estate Group, LLC, 111 Main Street, Frisco, CO 80443, 970-668-1430 office, 970-389-8388 cell, anakos@landmarkregroup.com.
Can inspection drama be avoided? Well, maybe not avoided, but I'm convinced it can be reduced. A number of home inspectors I know suggest conducting a pre-listing home inspection. The Seller hires the inspector and then gets a report of items needing attention - the same report a Buyer would get if he/she hired the inspector. The Seller can then repair the items on the report before a Buyer even comes along.
What if you are the Buyer looking at a home and you know a pre-listing inspection was done and all the items were repaired. What would you think? "I want to see that report," is the first thought. The second might be, "this Seller really cared about having this property ready for sale." A more cynical thought might be, "I wonder if the Seller knew the home inspector and certain items were not included in the report." "I better get my own inspection."
The Buyer is certainly entitled to an inspection of his/her own, and as a listing agent, I would encourage they get their own inspection. It is up to the Seller whether to show the Buyer the pre-listing inspection report. I would suggest to my Seller clients that being open and honest is a good policy and share the report. I will venture to say that the Buyer's inspection report will have far less items than the Seller's original inspection report.
The challenge in getting a pre-listing inspection report will be convincing your Seller to pay for it. I have had a number of clients who refuse to pay $200-$500 to know the items that are wrong with their home. One of my clients even told me that he didn't want to know if there was something dramatically wrong with his property because then he would have to disclose it! I said, "Wouldn't you rather know now than when you have a pending contract and the Buyer's inspector finds it??!!"
It is my policy that my firm and I will not hire home inspectors. It is the responsibility of the Buyer or the Seller to engage the inspector. After the inspection, the report belongs to them. If you can't get your Seller to agree to a pre-listing inspection, you are going to have to wait until the Buyer's inspector comes along.
I believe the more information the better when it comes to real estate transactions. Sellers should find out as soon as possible whether their properties need any repairs. If they do, please fix them! It will make your client's property much more attractive to potential Buyers. When the perfect Buyer comes along, you can rest assured that on the day the inspection objections are due, you and your client will be drama-free.
Authored by Amy Nakos, JD, CLHMS, Owner/Managing Broker, Landmark Real Estate Group, LLC, 111 Main Street, Frisco, CO 80443, 970-668-1430 office, 970-389-8388 cell, anakos@landmarkregroup.com.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Price Band Comparison of Frisco Colorado sold properties
Frisco Sold Transactions - Price Band Comparison
A number of people have been asking me whether homes in certain price ranges are selling better than others in Frisco. From an anecdotal perspective, I know that the townhomes I have listed at Fifth and Belford, in the $900's, have much fewer showings than similar properties I had listed last year.
I compared the number of sold transactions in different price bands from January 1 to August 25 (the day I'm writing this article) for the years 2007 and 2008. Here are the results:
Price Band 2007 2008 +/- transaction # from 2007 to 2008 % change
$0 - $500,000 63 46 -17 -27%
$500,000 - $750,000 43 15 -28 -65%
$750,000 - $1m 23 5 -18 -78%
$1m - $1.25m 2 3 +1 +33%
$1.25m - $1.5m 1 1 0 0
Sales of properties under $500,000 have been least affected by the market slowdown, showing a decrease in number of transactions of 27%. Properties over $500,000 to $1 million have seen a much greater percentage slowdown from 65 to 78% less sales than last year. Sales over $1 million in Frisco total four in each year, not making a great statistical analysis.
Some good news is that as of the date of this article, there are 19 pending properties in Frisco. Eleven are listed under $500,000, continuing to confirm that lower priced properties are continuing to move. Five pending listings have list prices between $500,000 and $750,000. Two are listed between $750,000 and $1,000,000 and one property is listed at $1,650,000. We also all know that September and October are huge months for closings, so hopefully the numbers will continue to increase.
Amy Nakos, Landmark Real Estate Group, LLC, Frisco, CO
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Now is the time to buy in Summit County Colorado
Why is now a good time to buy in Summit County Colorado?
Summer is high real estate season in Summit County. More than 70% of sales occur between June and October. This summer, compared to last summer, the amount of properties for sale in all Summit County communities is double to almost triple than it was a year ago on August 1, 2007.
This means that Buyers have more choices, along with better negotiating power, because Sellers want to SELL - not sit and wait for next summer!
A good indicator of the state of the market is the amount of available properties, or "inventory." The more inventory, the softer the market and better conditions for Buyers. The less inventory, the stronger the market and better conditions for Sellers.
With higher inventory, competition among inventory becomes fierce. Prices may begin to fall, although we haven't seen properties losing appreciation yet. If you have been thinking about buying a mountain home, now is a great time. If you are thinking of Selling, be sure your property is priced competitively to market rates and that your property is in great condition.
Breckenridge:
Inventory August 2007: 388
Inventory August 2008: 838
An increase of 116%.
Out of the 838 properties for sale, 270 have been price reduced.
Copper Mountain
Inventory August 2007: 29
Inventory August 2008: 82
An increase of 183%
Out of the 82 properties for sale, 22 have been price reduced.
Dillon/Summit Cove
Inventory August 2007: 76
Inventory August 2008: 169
An increase of 122%
Out of the 169 properties for sale, 68 have been price reduced.
Frisco
Inventory August 2007 79
Inventory August 2008 167
An increase of 96%
Out of the 167 properties for sale, 68 have been price reduced.
Keystone
Inventory August 2007 79
Inventory August 2008 180
An increase of 128%
Out of the 180 properties for sale, 55 have been price reduced.
Wildernest/Silverthorne
Inventory August 2007 133
Inventory August 2008 285
An increase of 114%
Out of the 285 properties for sale, 84 have been price reduced.
Summer is high real estate season in Summit County. More than 70% of sales occur between June and October. This summer, compared to last summer, the amount of properties for sale in all Summit County communities is double to almost triple than it was a year ago on August 1, 2007.
This means that Buyers have more choices, along with better negotiating power, because Sellers want to SELL - not sit and wait for next summer!
A good indicator of the state of the market is the amount of available properties, or "inventory." The more inventory, the softer the market and better conditions for Buyers. The less inventory, the stronger the market and better conditions for Sellers.
With higher inventory, competition among inventory becomes fierce. Prices may begin to fall, although we haven't seen properties losing appreciation yet. If you have been thinking about buying a mountain home, now is a great time. If you are thinking of Selling, be sure your property is priced competitively to market rates and that your property is in great condition.
Breckenridge:
Inventory August 2007: 388
Inventory August 2008: 838
An increase of 116%.
Out of the 838 properties for sale, 270 have been price reduced.
Copper Mountain
Inventory August 2007: 29
Inventory August 2008: 82
An increase of 183%
Out of the 82 properties for sale, 22 have been price reduced.
Dillon/Summit Cove
Inventory August 2007: 76
Inventory August 2008: 169
An increase of 122%
Out of the 169 properties for sale, 68 have been price reduced.
Frisco
Inventory August 2007 79
Inventory August 2008 167
An increase of 96%
Out of the 167 properties for sale, 68 have been price reduced.
Keystone
Inventory August 2007 79
Inventory August 2008 180
An increase of 128%
Out of the 180 properties for sale, 55 have been price reduced.
Wildernest/Silverthorne
Inventory August 2007 133
Inventory August 2008 285
An increase of 114%
Out of the 285 properties for sale, 84 have been price reduced.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Summit County Colorado Real Estate Appreciation
I would like to take this opportunity to alert the media that not all areas in the United States of America are experiencing a "severe real estate crisis", a "landslide of real estate values, or "a foreclosure epidemic." I just read the newly released Standard and Poor's/Case Schiller 20 city index, a home value index, dropped 15.8% in May compared to a year ago in May, which constitutes a record decline since the indexes' inception in 2000. The 10 city index dropped 16.9%, the biggest decline in 21 year history.
But let me tell you about my community. I am a real estate broker in Summit County, Colorado, located in the Rocky Mountains, just west of the Continental Divide. Single family home prices from all of 2007 to the first six months of 2008 INCREASED from an average of $798,889 to $830,462, a gain of almost 4%. Multi-family properties increased from 2007 to 2008 by 7.8%, from an average price of $406,529 to $440,948. Vacant land saw the largest increase from an average in 2007 of $391,587, to $517,252 in the first six months of 2008, an increase of 24.2%.
To Recap, from 2007 to the first six months of 2008
Single Family Home Values + 4%
Multi Family Home Values + 7.8%
Vacant Land Values + 24.2%
So, to the Associated Press, Standard and Poor's and whoever else is willing to listen - we are doing just fine in Summit County. Why don't you come out and visit and see why.
But let me tell you about my community. I am a real estate broker in Summit County, Colorado, located in the Rocky Mountains, just west of the Continental Divide. Single family home prices from all of 2007 to the first six months of 2008 INCREASED from an average of $798,889 to $830,462, a gain of almost 4%. Multi-family properties increased from 2007 to 2008 by 7.8%, from an average price of $406,529 to $440,948. Vacant land saw the largest increase from an average in 2007 of $391,587, to $517,252 in the first six months of 2008, an increase of 24.2%.
To Recap, from 2007 to the first six months of 2008
Single Family Home Values + 4%
Multi Family Home Values + 7.8%
Vacant Land Values + 24.2%
So, to the Associated Press, Standard and Poor's and whoever else is willing to listen - we are doing just fine in Summit County. Why don't you come out and visit and see why.
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