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