Mortgage rates jumped significantly this week

Slowly, but surely the buyers are going to have to decide if they want less house or are they willing to pay more...And how do you decide what is important to you?  Here are some suggestions:

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/how-to-cope-with-higher-mortgage-rates-1.aspx?ec_id=FACE101

House prices have continued to rise since January 2012

The greatest gains in where in the Mountain and Pacific Regions.  Great news for Colorado!

http://eyeonhousing.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/house-prices-move-higher/

I think everyone has to have down time to rejuvenate, but these habits could really kill a bank account.

Here is the article:

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/smart-spending/bad-habits-cost-1.aspx

Things buyers should know when going to an open house

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/06/07/open-houses/

This is a great, quick article that really bullet points the things really going on during an open house.

Buyers it is a great way to get information on the house and the neighborhood and the other way around.

Mortgage rates may not dip again

Great article from Bankrate.com talking about how 4% may be the new norm for mortgage rates since the rates have climbed for the last 6 weeks in a row.

Colorado home sale prices are rising!

 
Colorado's housing market has seen a rise in sale prices as strong buyer demand, historically attractive interest rates, an improving economy and a shortage of listings are combining to create a robust seller’s market.
 
The Denver Metro Area's median sale price of $255,000 in May was up 8% compared with the same period last year, according to MLS data analyzed by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. In the Northern Colorado counties, the median sale price is up even more – 13% to $262,000. 
 
One of the reasons for the surge in prices is that there just aren’t enough homes on the market to meet buyer demand. Inventory has fallen to its lowest level in many years with Colorado's active listings in May down more than 50% from a year ago, according to MLS data. 

See below for more details 

JuneArticle

One way to sell your house faster, clean out the closets!

The room may be clean, but a hidden deal killer maybe what is perceived as a lack of storage space.  Closets, pantries, cabinets should be organized and if possible only around 2/3 full in my opinion.  If so, the buyer gets the impression that the seller has more than enough storage room for all their things, therefore, the buyer may also have room to spare.

Here is a site with some great ideas:

http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/organizing/closets/inspirational-closets-00000000013792/index.html

Housing is Back!

Here is a great article with new numbers showing the health of the housing market.  Prices are rising in 41 states!  New construction is booming.  It feels like a breathe of fresh air.

http://money.msn.com/investing/its-official-housing-is-back