RE/MAX Alliance Agent Michael Welk Receives Training to Effectively Counsel Real Estate Investors, Provide Wealth-Building Strategies.

Michael Welk of RE/MAX in Arvada has earned the prestigious Certified Investor Agent Specialist™ (CIAS) Designation, having completed extensive training to understand the different real estate investor types, and the investment opportunities, financing options and calculations needed to provide solutions for each. The five real estate investor types include: First-Time Investors, Move-Up Investors, Portfolio Investors, Performance Investors, and Rehab and Resell Investors.

RE/MAX Alliance of Broomfield, the Largest Real Estate Office in Broomfield is Moving!

RE/MAX Alliance, Colorado’s largest locally owned real estate organization, with 21 offices and over 800 sales associates across the Front Range, announces the relocation of their Broomfield office in 2011. The current office located at 6343 W. 120th Avenue in Broomfield closed its doors December 15th.

RE/MAX Alliance of Broomfield was established last year with the acquisition of RE/MAX Horizons. Since being in Broomfield, RE/MAX Alliance of Broomfield agents have successfully met the needs of over 550 buyers and sellers. The move accommodates the need to better serve the Broomfield community and surrounding areas.

RE/MAX Alliance Agent Greg Smith Shares His Thoughts on the Boulder Real Estate Market!

RE/MAX Alliance agent Greg Smith answers questions regarding the current real estate market and what’s happening specifically in the Boulder area. Greg has been in real estate with RE/MAX Alliance for over 12 years. He has been a Boulder resident for the past 24 years. Greg currently serves as a member of the BARA Governmental Affairs Committee. He has been awarded the RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award and Hall of Fame Award.

What are today’s consumers most concerned with when it comes to buying and selling real estate? According to the recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) study, the most important reason buyers buy a home is home ownership. As a result buyers tend to look at the whole picture; neighborhood, location to conveniences, quality of schools, lifestyle and proximity to work.

RE/MAX Alliance Agent Denise Patrick Gives Her Time And Talents for Projects That Benefit Others!

As the holiday season unfolds, strings of colorful lights become untangled and draped over roofs and trees; mailboxes are stuffed with the latest department store sales; and holiday sweaters magically appear, keeping shoppers warm from the winter chill. Acts of kindness are to be found everywhere. RE/MAX Alliance’s Denise Patrick uses the holidays as a way to say thanks and give back to her community.

Each year, Denise greets shoppers at the local King Soopers in Conifer as a volunteer for the Salvation Army. If you take a stroll down any mall street or visit your local supermarket, you will most likely hear the ringing of a Salvation Army bell. Volunteers spend countless hours standing with their Santa-red tin kettles, while engaging passers-by with a smile and holiday cheer.

Denise also participates year-round as president of Mountain Peace Shelter located in Conifer. She works closely with local groups and organizations, which donate their time and talents, to support projects benefiting the community. The Mountain Peace Shelter, established in 1986, focuses on aiding abused women, children and pets. The shelter provides emergency shelter assistance and a 24-hour crisis hotline. It is the only shelter in Colorado that caters to pets and their owners.

"One of the greatest pleasures we experience at the shelter is the outpouring of help from the community,” said Denise. "It is our hope that the alliance between our agency and local organizations continues for as long as there is this need in our communities. We are so blessed with their help."

Denise has been a resident of Conifer and the surrounding area for over twenty years. She has been a licensed real estate agent for over eighteen years; the last thirteen years with RE/MAX Alliance.

RE/MAX Alliance Agent Kevin Chambless Opens His Home to Clients During the Holidays!

A great way to stay connected with your client’s during the holiday season is to host a holiday party. That’s exactly what RE/MAX Alliance agent Kevin Chambless has been doing to promote his business, while spreading a little holiday cheer. Kevin has been with RE/MAX Alliance since he started selling real estate in July/2005.

"Each year, in early November, I invite past clients to my house and set-up a photography area for free portraits,” Kevin says. “In addition to serving food and drinks, we also have activities for the kids. After the party, we send out CDs of the digitalimages so people can make their own prints or photo gifts. It's a huge hit. We had close to 100 people this year. It costs less than $500 for the food, drinks and photography fee. I hire an amateur photographer to keep costs down.”

When the weather cooperates, Kevin provides a bounce castle for the kids. There truly is something for the whole family to enjoy. Many of his clients use the photos in holiday letters or as a Christmas card.

This was Kevin’s fourth year of hosting his holiday party. For him, it has become a way of saying “Thanks!” to his clients for the business they have provided him over the years.

How has this helped Kevin’s business? “The party is great because my business is built on relationships,” Kevin says. “This is a great way for me to connect with my database, which I consider friends. One thing everybody has in common that attends this event is ME!”

Kevin sees his holiday party as an economic investment that allows him to connect with clients while spreading holiday cheer and giving clients something of value at no cost to them.

(Kevin Chambless and Family)

RE/MAX Alliance Agent Mike Papantonakis Shares His Thoughts on the Arvada Real Estate Market!

RE/MAX Alliance agent Mike Papantonakis answers questions regarding the current real estate market and what’s happening specifically in the Arvada, CO area. Mike has been in real estate with RE/MAX for over three years. He is a Jefferson County native and has lived in Arvada for 20 years. Mike currently serves as a VP on the Metro Denver Apartment Association Board of Directors.

What are today’s consumers most concerned with when it comes to buying and selling real estate? Buying at the right price! Over the past three years, buyers have heard that the value of homes have dropped, buyers are under the impression that if they offer full asking price or close to it, they are paying too much. Sellers are in a situation where now is a great time to move up to a nicer, more expensive home, however the value of their current home may not be what it was three or four years ago.

What are some positive signs in the Arvada real estate market? So far in 2010, we’ve seen the average sold price of homes grow from $245,000 in 2009 to $258,000 year-to-date. These numbers are based on statistics from Metrolist (MLS). Additionally, we’ve seen a drop in average days on the market from 87 days in 2009 to 76 days in 2010. These are both good signs that we have stabilized and expect that the near future holds similar results.

What are the current market trends in Arvada? The lower end, or homes up to $250,000 in Arvada have seen a decline in days on the market from 74 days in 2009 to 64 days in 2010. However, we’ve seen the trend move up in which properties are selling. In 2009, 80% of Arvada sales were at $250,000 and below. So far in 2010, that number has dropped to 65% of total sales. Conversely, in the homes priced from $351,000 to $700,000 we’ve seen an increase from 13% of total sales in 2009 to 16% in 2010. These are signs that more move up buyers are coming to Arvada to buy. New construction has slowed, most newer developments have some inventory left and are not currently adding new product.

Where are Arvada homebuyers coming from? The buyers we’re seeing in Arvada are largely local buyers either buying their first home or downsizing empty nesters. First time buyers are taking advantage of this market and the low interest rates. As baby boomers come of age, they tend to move away from the two story and tri-level homes to ranch style homes with small yards or patio homes with little maintenance.

Why is now a great time to buy a home? There is no question that now is absolutely a great time to buy a home. Today’s buyer actually will save more money than if they would have bought during the tax credit stimulus period. Today’s interest rates are at historic lows. A buyer who buys today may get a 4.25% interest rate. Around the first of the year, that rate was around 5.25% or higher, depending on the day. For a $250,000 loan, that means a difference of $150 per month in payment. Over ten years, that buyer would save $18,000 in interest, which is substantially more savings than the $8,000 tax credit. Prices of homes are now starting to rebound in most of the Metro Denver markets and there is plenty of affordable inventory for buyers to choose from.

What do you think is a realistic outcome for 2011? Signs and trends lead us to believe that we will continue to see slow and somewhat steady growth in home values. So much is dependant on how much government involvement there is. If the markets are allowed to regain their footing and do what they do naturally, we’ll see this growth, slow as it may be, and values will improve.

“We’re very fortunate to be living in Colorado and specifically, Arvada. This is such a desirable area in which to live that even when real estate markets are still struggling to stop their free-fall in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Miami and other areas, we took a relatively small hit and are already rebounding,” said Papantonakis. “It’s amazing to see how many people who grow up in Arvada and the surrounding communities stay here. We just never want to move out!”

RE/MAX Alliance Agent Shelly Slocum Shares Her Thoughts on the Parker Real Estate Market!

RE/MAX Alliance agent Shelly Slocum answers questions regarding the current real estate market and what’s happening specifically in the Parker, CO area. Shelly has been in real estate with RE/MAX for over nine years. She is a Denver native and has lived in Parker for 15 years. She was recently recognized as a “5 Star Real Estate Agent” by 5280 Magazine.

What are today’s consumers most concerned with when it comes to buying and selling real estate? Timing is on everyone’s mind. Is this the right time to buy or sell? Has the market hit bottom? Buyers want to feel like they are making a “smart” investment and sellers want to minimize their loss.

What are some positive signs in the Parker real estate market? The Parker real estate market was up in sales activity at the end of September/2010 as compared to the end of September/2009 by approximately 1%. While not a significant increase, it is a positive increase nonetheless which is good news!

What are the current market trends in Parker? The lower end value (below $250,000) to mid range value ($250,000-$500,000) both saw a decrease in sales in the 3rd quarter largely due to the Homebuyer Tax Credit ending. It will be interesting to see how the 4th quarter ends up in those price ranges! The higher end values ($500,000-$1,000,000 and over $1,000,000) have seen a very small increase. Sales have been up each quarter (1st qtr - 27 solds, 2nd qtr - 32 solds and 3rd qtr - 38 solds), which is a positive trend!

Where are Parker homebuyers coming from? Parker is currently seeing some move up buyers, however, many of the buyers I am working with now are moving in from out of state – some empty nesters moving to be closer to family but most are following jobs here, which is great news for Colorado!

Why is now a great time to buy a home? All of the market factors are aligned to make this the perfect time to buy! Interest rates are at record lows, inventory is high so there is a large selection, and home prices are down from where they were a couple of years ago. I can’t imagine a better combination of reasons to buy real estate. Many people took advantage of the Homebuyer Tax Credit, but what many don’t understand is that with the extremely low interest rates, buyers will save far more over the life of the loan than the tax credit offered! Interest rates and prices will inevitably go up so, truly, now is the time to buy!

What do you think is a realistic outcome for 2011? I believe our market will see a slow yet positive improvement this coming year.

“Colorado has been and will continue to be a wonderful place to live and work. I encourage people, if they are thinking about buying/selling or investing in real estate; there is no better time than the present,” said Slocum. “I don’t want people to look back and wish they had taken advantage of these great rates and prices!”

Congratulations Pumpkin Carving Winners

Thank you to everyone who participated in the First Annual RE/MAX Alliance Pumpkin Carving Contest. We had some awesome carvings this year, you all did a fantastic job. There were over 25 pumpkins entered and over 40 of you voted.

And the winners are (silent drumroll) ...

1ST PLACE: 18 VOTES

Haunted Mansion

Kyle Eitel

Thornton, CO

2ND PLACE: 8 Votes

Sponge Bob

Sam Conry

Centennial, CO

3RD PLACE: 7 VOTES

RE/MAX Alliance

Kayleigh LeVeck, Kim Pitcock, and Kelly Chapple

Parker, CO

10 Halloween Safety Tips

As you prepare for a weekend filled with ghosts, gobblins, trick-or-treating and scaring he neighborhood kids out of their costumes, it's important to use safety and common sense to make the most of your Halloween weekend. Here are a few safety tips to follow to keep you and your family safe.

1. If you use candles, place your pumpkins in a safe area where they will be out of the way of trick-or-treaters.
2. Make sure your property is clear of obstacles such as hoses, flower pots, and other lawn items that could be tripped over.
3. Feeding your child a healthy dinner before they set out will prevent them from eating too much candy.
4. Children should go out during daylight hours only unless accompanied by a responsible adult.
5. Give your child a flashlight or glow stick and make sure costumes have reflective tape to make them more visible to cars.
6. Costume accessories such as swords, knives, and similar props should be made of soft and flexible material.
7. Instruct your child about staying away from strangers and not going into houses or cars.
8. NEVER eat unwrapped candy, opened candy or fruit given to you on Halloween.
9. Stay in familiar neighborhoods.
10. HAVE FUN!!!

RE/MAX Alliance Agent Named CAR REALTOR® of the Year!

The Colorado Association of REALTORS® (CAR) has awarded RE/MAX Alliance 3,000 Realtor Bob Brown the prestigious REALTOR® of the Year award for 2010. Brown was recognized recently for his achievements as CAR celebrated its 90th Anniversary at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.

The Colorado Association of REALTORS® serves over 22,500 REALTOR® members in Colorado. Each year, agents are nominated based on the service and commitment they provide, not only to the community, but also to their boards and associations. REALTOR® Spirit, Board Activity, State Association Activity, National Association Activity, Civic Activity, and Business Accomplishments are all factors considered when an agent is awarded Realtor of the Year.

As a current broker with RE/MAX Alliance 3,000 of Aurora, Brown has more than 35 years of real estate experience. Receiving his Broker License in 1974, Brown has volunteered his time and talents serving local communities and giving back to the industry where he has become a great success.

"I couldn't be happier for an agent I know so well," said Mike Hardin, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX 3,000. Mike has worked with Bob for over 25 years. "Bob is a very deserving agent and has won almost every award through the association. This award is the icing on the cake for such a dedicated and honest agent."

Brown’s spirit, hard work and enthusiasm are reflected by his dedication and time spent being involved as a real estate professional as an activist and board member. Brown served as the President of the Colorado Association of REALTORS® in 2004 and currently serves as a Director to the National Association of REALTORS®. He has also received numerous awards over the years for his professional service, including the RE/MAX Regional Hall of Fame award and Above the Crowd® award in 2005, AAR REALTOR® of the Year Award in 1988, and President’s Distinguished Service award in 1992, 1998 and 2005. He is a true professional that exemplifies what it means to be a REALTOR®.

“It was such an honor to receive the CAR REALTOR® of the Year award, I am extremely grateful for the recognition I have received from my peers,” said Brown. “Life’s pleasures come from helping others, and in our business it’s feeling the buyer’s excitement in home ownership.”

1st Annual RE/MAX Alliance Pumpkin Carving Contest

As the year-end approaches many of us find ourselves dealing with the tasks of planning, preparing and all of the other stressful duties that come with taking on the holiday season. As you spend the weekends roaming the candy aisles, searching for bargain items, and making that oh so needed trip to Starbucks … don’t let the “fun” of the season pass you by.

Before you approach cooked turkey and tangled lights, get in good spirits with goblins and ghouls and enjoy the orange and black of the season. Halloween is a great time to let loose and have fun with decorations, crazy costumes and trick-or-treating with the kiddos.

This year, let your creative side out and show off your best-carved pumpkin in the RE/MAX Alliance’s 1st Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest. Pumpkin carvings can be scary or silly. Get creative and submit your carving photo today!

How to Enter:

Simply snap a photo (these do not have to be super high quality) of your pumpkin and e-mail it to media@homesincolorado.com (subject: pumpkin contest). Please send as an attachment or send us the link if you have it hosted online. Please tell us your name and the city you live in. We will not post first and last names to respect your privacy, however finalists will have first name and first initial of last name mentioned.

Rules:

1.) We want only photos of real pumpkins that have been carved by YOU.

2.) Keep it clean. Photos with bad taste will not be entered; these entries will be handed over to the pumpkin carving police for violation of contest rules.

3.) Finalists will have their name and location mentioned (first name and first initial of last name only).

4.) Have fun with this.

Prizes:

1st: iPod Shuffle

2nd: $25 Visa gift card

3rd: Halloween Goodie Bag

All entries will be displayed on the RE/MAX Alliance’s facebook page: facebook.com/remaxalliance

Deadline for submission is October 27th.

Fans of the RE/MAX Alliance facebook fan page will do the voting. Spread the word to your friends and family.

VOTING DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 29TH!

RE/MAX Alliance Agents Appointed to the Jefferson County Association of REALTORS’s Board of Directors!

RE/MAX Alliance real estate brokers Amanda DiVito-Parle and Phil Shell have been appointed to serve as new officers on the Jefferson County Association of Realtor’s Board of Directors. Their terms of office are from October 1, 2010 through September 30, 2011.

Amanda DiVito Parle will serve as Secretary to the Board. She has been a licensed agent since 2003 and currently works out of the RE/MAX Alliance office in Arvada. Her success has come due to years of hard work and a mentorship under her father. "I'm a very driven person. I keep a daily plan. I work on a schedule. I'm very regimented," Amanda said.

Phil Shell, also with RE/MAX Alliance of Arvada, will serve as a director. The vision for the new association includes a central and highly visible Realtor campus along with a commitment to lower infrastructure costs.

The mission set fourth to all Jefferson County Association of REALTOR board members is to enhance the ability of each participating member to conduct business professionally, ethically and profitably while promoting the image of REALTORS® as knowledgeable practitioners that are essential to the success of each and every real estate transaction.

For additional information regarding the JCAR, please visit www.jcar.com.

Additional RE/MAX Alliance associates currently associated with the Jefferson County Association of REATLORS include:  Karen Nichols, Chad Ochsner, Matt Cohen, Joseph DiVito, Karen Levine and Merry Whyman. The Jefferson County Association of REATLORS represents more than 2,000 real estate professionals in Jefferson County, Colorado.

“It is great to see so many of our agents involved in a variety of associations and boards. We are proud of such a large group of professionals who continually show their commitment to their profession and their desire to provide the most professional service and care to consumers,” said Chad Ochsner, Broker Owner of RE/MAX Alliance.

RE/MAX Alliance of Westminster Agents Recognized as 2010 FIVE STAR Real Estate Agents by Denver’s 5280 Magazine!

RE/MAX Alliance, Colorado’s largest locally owned real estate organization and 3rd largest RE/MAX franchise in the world is pleased to recognize the success and nominations of eight agents representing the Westminster, CO office. These agents have been nominated as a “Five Star Real Estate Agent” for 2010 by Denver’s 5280 Magazine.

The following list of RE/MAX Alliance agents have been nominated for their excellence in overall customer service, client communication, finding the right home, integrity, negotiation, marketing the home, market knowledge, closing preparation, and overall customer satisfaction.

Craig Bennigsdorf, Tammy Camalick, Jim Carroll, Ainslie Dougherty, Mary Gedack, Michelle McColl, Amber Panck, and George Rick were nominated. This year’s complete list of real estate agents was published in a special section of the September issue of 5280 Magazine.

RE/MAX Alliance of Westminster was established in 2004 by blending two RE/MAX Alliance offices together. Currently, there are forty-nine experienced full-time agents; averaging 13 years of service each to the industry. Year-to-date (through August 2010), agents from the Westminster office have assisted with over 497 transactions, generating $115,301,000 in sales volume.

“Having a large market presence speaks volumes to the professionalism that each of our agents possess,” said Dave Heaton, managing broker of RE/MAX Alliance of Westminster. “The advantage to being successful in a challenging market is having the experience and know-how of working with buyers and sellers in various markets and market conditions.”

The office is located in Westminster at 9737 Wadsworth Parkway and can be reached by phone at (303) 469-8821.

RE/MAX Alliance’s 17th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Raises Over $66,000 for Children’s Hospital!

RE/MAX Alliance is pleased to announce their annual Charity Golf Tournament, supporting the Children’s’ Miracle Network, has been another great success. This year’s tournament, held on August 16th, 2010 at the Riverdale Dunes and Knolls Golf Club in Brighton, Colorado, raised a record breaking $66,718. All of the money raised is being donated to Children's Hospital and Children's Miracle Network.

The RE/MAX Alliance Charity Golf Tournament has always been about giving back to the children in the community while enjoying a great day of golf at the same time. Real estate associates, community members,business sponsors, and a handful of very special Children's Miracle Network Champions all participated to make this a record-breaking year. Last year’s tournament raised $64,423.

Participants enjoyed a beautiful day of golf; silent auction items including a golf foursome to the Sanctuary, autographed sports memorabilia, vacation getaways, and a delicious lunch served by Colorado based Smiling Moose Deli. Each participant also received a grab bag and had the opportunity to meet the families who brought their amazing children who have benefitted from Children's Hospital. To see photos of the event and a special tournament video, visit www.facebook.com/remaxalliance.

RE/MAX Alliance would like to give a special thanks to everyone who participated by sponsoring a hole, a red wagon, playing in the tournament, purchased golf balls for the golf ball drop, provided lunch, and volunteered to make this another successful year.

“We are so humbled by the generosity of those who gave in so many ways to help support and raise awareness for such an amazing charity,” said Chad Ochsner, Broker Owner of RE/MAX Alliance. “Each year, Children’s Miracle Network hospitals provide more than $2.5 billion in charitable care. To see the ear-to-ear smiles on the faces of children who have benefited from the Children’s Miracle Network just reinforces why we give the Children’s Miracle Network, and the reason we do this year after year.”

Interested in participating in next year’s event? We are currently accepting registration for golfers and sponsors. Next year’s tentative date has been set for August 8, 2011. Please visit www.alliancegolfforkids.com or contact Kim Hawkins at 303-759-6636 for more information.

RE/MAX Alliance Agents Recognized as FIVE STAR Real Estate Agents for 2010 by Denver’s 5280 Magazine!

RE/MAX Alliance, the 3rd largest RE/MAX Franchise in the world, is pleased to recognize several real estate agents that have been nominated as a “Five Star Real Estate Agent” for 2010 by Denver’s 5280 Magazine.

5280 Magazine contracted with Crescendo Business Services, an independent market research company, to identify exceptional real estate agents in the Denver area. More than 92,200 recent homebuyers, readers of 5280 Magazine, mortgage lenders and title companies were asked to submit an evaluation. Following a review of the information by a panel of local real estate experts, fewer than seven percent of all licensed real estate agents in the Denver area were chosen to be recognized as a FIVE STAR Real Estate Agent for 2010.

The following list of RE/MAX Alliance agents have been nominated for their excellence in overall customer service, client communication, finding the right home, integrity, negotiation, marketing the home, market knowledge, closing preparation, and overall customer satisfaction.

Deanna Albright, Bob Bell, Bryan Benham, Craig Bennigsdorf, Bob Brown, Tammy Camalick, Jim Carroll, Bernie Clarke, David Colson, Michael Craig, David Dombrowski, Ainslie Dougherty, Jeff Gazaway, Mary Gedack, Kristine Holvick, Diana Kearns, Michael Kearns, Mark Kruse, Leona Lawrence, James Leuschner, Robert Martin, Xenia Matteson, Marlene Maxon, Michelle McColl, Bear Owen, Amber Panck, Cynthia M. Parker, Denice Reich, George Rick, Robin Sawyer, Kathie Shandro, Russ Wehner Jr., Tupper Briggs, Kelley Burgin, Alice Carmody, Libby Dufford, Barbara Heywood, Don Newton, Valerie Skorka Westmark, Deborah Utzinger, Terry Utzinger, and Sheila Weaver.

This year’s list of real estate agents was published in a special section of the September issue of 5280 Magazine.

“We are very proud of all of our hard working agents," said Chad Ochsner, Broker Owner of RE/MAX Alliance. "This acknowledgement is of special importance as it is based on feedback from the consumer, and indicates the level of service provided. It is a true testament to the power of quality service and professionalism ALL RE/MAX Alliance agents provide and display for their clients.”

The Current Record Low Interest Rates Beat the Recent Tax-Credit Benefits!

Just a few months ago the buzz over first time home buying was the $8,000 government assisted tax-credit. However, with the current interest rates reaching record lows at 4.32%, the low interest rates are proving to be more of a money saver for buyers who are looking to lock in these rates for the long term.

Today’s homebuyers have a greater opportunity to save on interest over the long-term than those buyers that took advantage of the $8,000 homebuyer tax-credit. First-time homebuyers who purchased any kind of home—new or resale—were eligible for the tax-credit, which expired April 30, 2010. Here is a comparison of costs between a buyer taking advantage of the tax-credit and a buyer purchasing in mid August when the interest rates were 4.42%.

A qualified first time homebuyer purchasing a home for $200,000 with 20% down would have a loan amount of $160,000. At the time of the tax-credit for a 30-year fixed loan, interest rates fluctuated around 5.21%. Based on these rates the buyer’s monthly payment would be around $880 per month. After 30 years (the term of the loan), the buyer would have paid $156,644 in interest. A buyer electing to take advantage of the 4.42% interest rate in August, with the same loan term and 20% down payment would have a lower monthly payment at $803. At the end of the loan term, this buyer would have paid $129,119 in interest.

After recouping the $8,000 tax-credit (which was not received by the buyer in August), the buyer would have paid $19,525 less in interest over the 30-year loan term than the buyer receiving the tax-credit.

What does this tell us? Right now is an optimal time to buy a home.

“With interest rates at the lowest they’ve been in years, it’s a fantastic opportunity for consumers to realize the American Dream of owning a home,” said Chad Ochsner, Broker Owner of RE/MAX Alliance. Our associates are experienced in all types of real estate transactions including short sales, and with Colorado Mortgage Alliance (a Wells Fargo affiliate), we know we can help that dream come true.”

RE/MAX Alliance has the experience and necessary tools to assist buyers who are looking to take advantage of the lowest interest rates in 60 years. RE/MAX Alliance’s affiliation with Wells Fargo makes the loan process easy. With 21 offices and over 800 real estate professionals across the Front Range, RE/MAX Alliance is ready to serve you and your real estate needs.

Now is the Time to Buy! Let a RE/MAX Alliance Professional Assist With Your Buying Needs!

With mortgage interest rates at a 40-year low and a large amount of available inventory, now is an optimal time to buy a home. RE/MAX Alliance, Colorado’s largest privately owned real estate organization, has the experienced professionals to assist you with all of your real estate needs.

According to a recent Fannie Mae Housing Survey, a vast majority of Americans want to be homeowners. There are many reasons why now is a great time to buy a home, here are a few.

1. Mortgage rates are at a record 40-year low, falling to 4.32 percent on 30-year loans. The last time mortgage rates were this low, President Nixon signed an amendment to lower the voting age to 18. That was in 1970. Low mortgage rates create instant equity opportunities for buyers.

2. Inventory! There are plenty of great properties on the market. The recent abundance of foreclosures and distressed properties are being replaced with attractive well-maintained homes that are in move-in condition. Is your gem waiting to be found?

3. Falling Home Prices. Home prices continue to fluctuate. Some geographic areas are seeing a slight increase, while others are steadily decreasing in price. There are great deals waiting to be had, but be sure you are buying a home that suits your needs and is within your means.

Today’s real estate market offers many advantages to potential home buyers. As such, it’s important to work with knowledgeable and reliable experts that can guide you through the buying process. With 21 offices across the Front Range, RE/MAX Alliance has over 800 real estate professionals ready to serve you and your real estate needs.

RE/MAX Alliance agents offer top-notch home buying, selling and relocation services to suite the needs and promote the best interest of each individual client. RE/MAX Alliance has cultivated an edge against the competition by offering well-developed, strategic programs that focus on clients, both buyers and sellers.

RE/MAX Alliance’s affiliation with Wells Fargo makes the loan process easier. Have credit challenges or the lack of savings kept you from purchasing a home or refinancing? Wells Fargo has loans that can help manage payments and bring you closer to your financial goals.

RE/MAX Alliance Agents Recognized for Career Awards and Elected as Board of Directors!

RE/MAX Alliance is proud to announce the recognition of two of their agents who have been presented with a 2010 Career Award by RE/MAX International. Sabina Kier and Nadine Kirk, from the Castle Rock office, have been awarded the Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement awards. Also, Deb Schmidt and Janice Nelson have been elected to the Douglas Elbert REALTOR Association Board of Directors.

Each year, RE/MAX International recognizes the efforts of RE/MAX and RE/MAX affiliate agents worldwide. Agents awarded these honors are acknowledged for their outstanding professional achievements.

Sabina Kier, an agent with RE/MAX Alliance for the past six years, was awarded the Hall of Fame award, which was established to recognize an exclusive group of individuals who have achieved more than $1 million in gross commission earnings during their career as a RE/MAX agent.  This group of top producers is recognized each year at the annual RE/MAX International Convention.

“I am very honored to have received the RE/MAX Hall of Fame Award and follow in the footsteps of many great RE/MAX Realtors,” stated Sabina Kier. “To me this award serves as recognition of the hard work and experience that is required to truly be a successful and accomplished Realtor.”

The Lifetime Achievement award, which has been awarded to Nadine Kirk, recognizes individuals who have over seven years of service within the RE/MAX organization and have grossed $7 million in commissions. This group of elite producers are all previous Hall of Fame award winners.

As newly appointed Douglas Elbert REALTOR Association Board of Directors, Deb Schmidt and Janice Nelson will work to promote and maintain the high quality standards of the Colorado Association of REALTORS and the National Association of REALTORS.

RE/MAX Alliance of Broomfield to Host 2nd Annual Children’s Hospital Blood Drive!

RE/MAX Alliance of Broomfield will be joining The Children’s Hospital Blood Donor Center to host their 2^nd Annual Blood Drive on August 17^th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This event is open to the community. The Blood Donor Mobile will be located in the office parking lot located at 6343 W. 120^th Avenue, #100, Broomfield, CO 80020.

Each year, over 8,000 units of blood products are used towards lifesaving procedures by being transfused into infants, children and teens that are sick and injured. Without the donation of blood, many of the procedures performed at The Children’s Hospital would not be possible. We are truly saving lives when we donate blood!

RE/MAX Alliance of Broomfield is asking for your support and donation. There is no financial cost involved and the donation process requires very little time. If you are planning on donating blood, here are a few things you should be aware of beforehand. Be sure to have a meal and plenty of fluids before donating, you will need to provide medical and medication consumption details along with a driver’s license or state ID, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, and be over the age of 17 to donate.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host an event that can make such a difference in the lives of children. It is always a goal and priority of our staff and agents to find ways to give back through community involvement.” said Mike Scott, managing broker of RE/MAX Alliance of Broomfield.

For any questions regarding this event please contact Debbie Barnhill with RE/MAX Alliance of Broomfield at (303) 327-6525. For more information about The Children’s Hospital Blood Donor Center please visit www.thechildrenshospital.org or call the Blood Donor Center at (720) 777-6283

RE/MAX Alliance Broker appointed to the Stapleton Development Corporation’s Board of Directors!

RE/MAX Alliance broker Michael Kearns has been recognized and honored by John W. Hickenlooper, Mayor of the City and County of Denver, to serve as a member of the Stapleton Development Corporation Board of Directors.

Effective immediately as an active board member, Mr. Kearns will participate in the decision-making process and policy-influencing efforts that will help shape Denver for future generations.

The Stapleton Development Corporation (SDC) is a private non-profit organization, established in 1995 by Mayor Wellington E. Webb and the Denver City Council. The SDC is made up of a board of distinguished citizens that includes elected officials, business, and civic leaders. The SDC is responsible for overseeing the disposition of the former Stapleton International Airport along with implementing a community based vision focusing on economic development, job growth, housing, and open space preservation. To learn more about the Stapleton Development Corporation please visit www.stapletoncorp.com.

RE/MAX Alliance Goes GREEN With Solar Power!

RE/MAX Alliance is making a conscious effort to go green by utilizing alternative energy sources. Last winter RE/MAX Alliance installed 20 kilowatts of solar Photovoltaic panels on two of their buildings to provide electric energy throughout the offices. The panels are divided into two 10-kilowatt systems each on the Arvada and Evergreen offices.

RE/MAX Alliance is taking advantage of Colorado’s sunshine. On average, Colorado gets approximately 300 sunny days throughout the year, and with the altitude levels, Colorado is one of the best places in the country for Photovoltaic panels.

Photovoltaic panels create electric power when the sun strikes each panel’s surface. As the sun strikes each panel’s wafer (a typical panel has anywhere from one dozen to hundreds of these wafers, which are connected by aluminum frames), electrons are collected and produce electric power. The Photovoltaic panels have no moving parts that allows for minimal maintenance, durability, and a very long life span.

“We have always been committed to our agents and customers alike,” said Chad Ochsner, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Alliance. “We feel that by investing in solar energy, RE/MAX Alliance as a company is giving back to the community by helping the environment. We all want a better future for the next generation and beyond, and conserving energy is a very important endeavor.”

RE/MAX Alliance is excited and proud about the opportunity to be more eco-friendly and utilize alternative energy sources. With the recent installations, RE/MAX Alliance is open to implementing alternative energy sources like Photovoltaic panels into more of the 21 RE/MAX Alliance offices across the Front Range.