We are seeing some very interesting activity.  Our Boulder office has shown a dramatic increase in showing activity over the last two weeks and CMA (Colorado Mortgage Alliance) our lending partner has seen a strong uptick in the number of pre-qualification applications being taken.  Our newest listing on Landis is being overreun with showings and it looks like the property will most likely see multiple offers.  When you combine this with over 300 registered users to Boulderhomesource.com in the last 30 days we are seeing strong interest in the Boulder Market.  I know we still have some interresting times ahead and will not know the true direction of the market until all of the stimulus packages, layoffs, market voltility have had a chance to work thier

The Denver Business Journal Reported on January 21st that CSU local economist Martin Shileds Predicts a Colorado to begin to recover 2nd or 3rd quarter of 2009.

While calling 2008 “a horrific year,” Martin Shields, regional economist at Colorado State University, said that “things really weren’t so bad in Colorado” as they were across the nation.

Speaking at the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce’s annual Economic Forecast Breakfast at the Hyatt Regency DTC, Shields noted that Colorado was one a handful of states

Sun layed off 1,300 workers from it's storage unit.  Initial conversations with Sun employees at the Broomfiled campus are indicating the layoffs were far fewer than many had feared.  Over the next few days we will hear what the full extent is and we will be sure to keep you up to date.

http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2009/jan/22/sun-notifies-1300-people-layoffs/

From Land Title: 

Predicting an '09 recovery: In December, Jim Glassman, a senior economist with JP Morgan Chase in New York, told a select crowd of business leaders gathered in Denver at the Executive Leadership Forum that the economy will recover in 2009. "There’s nothing wrong with the U.S. economy that hasn’t already been fixed," Glassman said. http://www.cobizmag.com/articles.asp?id=2476

According to the latest trending Data it looks like home prices may be stabilizing in 2nd Quarteer 2009:

http://www.realtor.org/wps/wcm/connect/9742e9804c910d12a21ea778e322d571/research__forecast0109.xls?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=9742e9804c910d12a21ea778e322d571

In light of current news, many people believe the changes in the real estate market are not favorable.  However, there are several positive points to remember.  If the opportunity presents itself during the year, please do your part to spread the following great news!

Interest rates continue to be at historic lows
Houses are attractively priced and not expected to go lower
Inventory levels are plentiful and in some areas declining
Average homeowners net worth is 46 times the net worth of the average renter
First time homebuyers are coming out of the woodwork, which is a key indication of recovery.

"A simple rule dictates my buying: Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful . . . if you wait for the robins, spring will be

Check out the US NEWS report on Boulder.

"Boulder is rare in staffing its own senior services solely from local resources. City employees not only run senior programs at two recreation centers, they take on individual cases, helping the sick navigate insurers, the infirm get transportation, and the lonely find friends. "The senior services are something you just don't see elsewhere," says Hope Thompson, 82. She should know, having lived for years in Florida."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag23I0aOoE4

4. Colorado

2008 Population: 4,939,456

2007 Population: 4,842,770

Year-over-year Increase: 2%

Colorado was ranked fourth based of recent Census Data for population growth in 2008.  With Colorado's strong diversification in employment it has been able to support stronger growth than some other areas through out the country.  In the Boulder area we will continue to watch how the Boulder County continues to grow in five key areas of first Health including Amgen, Covedien; Second Technology including IBM, SUN, Level 3, Google, Microsoft, Ball; Third Renewable Energies including Conoco Phillips, Siemens; Fourth Natural Foods; and fifth our strongest growth area entrepreneurs. 

With the fall in permits applications and as result the strong fall in

Last Night was a little Scary with the strong fires in Boulder County.  Over 11,000 people were evacuated, but in the end the winds died down and the damages were much smaller than they could have been with just a few structures being burned.  It was amazing to watch the community come together to find homes for misplaced animals and neighbors.  The fire crews are to be commended to keeping this 1,000 acre blaze under control.