2016 Predicted to Be Housing’s Golden Year

Officials from mortgage giant Freddie Mac have made a bold prediction: This year housing starts and home prices will reach their highest levels since 2006.  The main reasons behind its bullish forecast is low mortgage rates, an improving job market, and a gradual increase in housing supply.  “Expect the 30-year mortgage rate to remain very attractive throughout the spring home-buying season, staying below 4 percent until the second half of the year,” according to Freddie Mac’s monthly Outlook for March.

Read article – Realtor Magazine

Spring Lawn Care Tips You Can Do Now

While your lawn probably maintains its dingy brown winter look, soon, it will be blossoming with the rest of the flowers, shrubs and trees – but only if you provide the right care for it now. Set aside a few hours and you’ll be assured to have a bright green, thriving lawn that lasts through fall. Read More.

 

5 Spring Home Improvement Projects for Under $1000

Spring is not only the best time of year to give your home a good cleaning, it’s also the best time of year to take on several home improvement projects. Spring projects like these can improve your home’s looks and performance, and rarely cost more than $1,000 , so you can easily take care of these issues before they have a chance to lead to bigger problems down the road. Read More.

Mortgage Applications for Both Refinances and Home Loans Surged

Global stock markets plummeted last week, but that didn’t slow down the U.S. mortgage market. Mortgage applications for both refinancings and home loans surged 9% week-over-week on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s survey for the week ending Jan. 15.  Refinance applications saw the bulk of the increases, rising 19% week-over-week.  Still, they are 40% below where they were a year ago, even though mortgage rates are lower. Read article – Realtor Magazine

   

151 Homes Planned Near Fort Collins Country Club

A northwest Fort Collins neighborhood proposal that was shelved due to the recession is being reintroduced with a new design.  Country Club Reserve, 77 acres at the southwest corner of Douglas and Turnberry roads, features 151 homes on 77 acres.  Half the site is reserved as open space.  The new plan clusters the homes on lots of about 6,000 square feet. Read article – Coloradoan

2534 Development Puts Johnstown on the Map

The 2534 project, on the southeast corner of I-25 and U.S. Highway 34, is surging forward on the news that sporting goods retailer Scheels will serve as a massive anchor.  Beyond the retail aspect, the project also will include office/medical space, commercial, light industrial, and a 254-unit apartment complex.  The Scheels store alone will account for 250,000 square feet, the second-largest retail facility in the state. Read article – BizWest

4 Amenities Trending With Buyers

There are four amenities currently trending with buyers: – Energy efficiency.  Buyers are showing interest in homes that are more economical to maintain and also have a warmer, cozier vibe. – Modern, up-to-date kitchens.  Buyers want a kitchen that has already has been updated. – Smart home options.  More buyers are looking for homes that they’ll be able to smarten up now, or down the road. – Color pops.  Color has been shown to be a draw for younger buyers in particular. Read article – Realtor Magazine

$980K brownstones planned in Old Town

$980K brownstones planned in Old Town Fort Collins soon will see a new type of housing pop up in Old Town.  Developers Robin and Christian Bachelet are building six high-end brownstones called Brownes on Howes at 315 N. Howes St., between Cherry and Maple streets in the heart of downtown. The proximity to Old Town, outdoor space and high-end construction with two-car garages will come with a price tag of about $980,000 per unit. Read article – Coloradoan

Interest Rates Likely to Stay Low Longer

The Federal Reserve once again decided not to raise the federal funds rate this month, saying the economy is still falling short of benchmarks.  That likely means home buyers will be able to take advantage of lower mortgage rates for awhile longer too.  The FOMC will not decide on a rate hike again until its next meeting in December. Read article – Realtor Magazine

7 ‘best of’ lists Fort Collins landed on in 2015

Events like the USA Pro Challenge cycling race have contributed to Fort Collins’ placement on a variety of ‘best of’ lists that boast the city’s positive attributes. Fort Collins landed on the ‘Best Place to Live List’ by Livability.com.  Additional rankings include: – Top 10 Healthiest Cities by Livability.com – Healthies Housing Market list by WalletHub – 50 Best College Towns to Live in Forever by College Ranker Read article – Times Call