Considering a jump into the real estate market?  Our favorite local site has video of local neighborhoods, educational tips for buyers and sellers, and cutting edge search tools.  One of the great aspects to living in Colorado is that it is pretty easy to find a house with a view of the mountains.  Sellers are interested in quantifying a view as a part of their asking price and buyers aren't sure what they would really pay for a great view.  Check out our advice on the topic.  There are some pretty consistent guidelines for consideration of view and its impact upon price.  Looking for a different way to catch up on relevant real estate topics?  Check out real estate radio sponsored by the National Association of Realtors.  The range of topics is broad and the guest speakers vary.

This week's wrap up reports that the weekly average mortgage survey is showing interests are moving in an upward trajectory closing the week at 5.05% for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage and the 15 year fixed rate mortgage is 4.4%.   Concern continues about what is the best way to stem the future risk of inflation by making money too expense while balancing premature pops of activity as demonstrated by investors.  A recent nationwide study showed that over 60% of all purchases under $225,000 are made with cash requiring no financing.  In this price bracket, individuals with cash are investors who subsequently take out a loan against their recent cash purchase.  The Federal Reserve Board announced this week that rates would remain relatively low for the foreseeable future.  As the federal purchase program slows in just a few weeks, the rates are widely expected to continue inching upward.

The American Banker's Association reports the lowest number of mortgage applications hitting a 13 year low.  Credited for the drop is  the move of 30 year interest rates above 5%; a mental roadblock for many homebuyers.  Historically, the current rates are still phenomenal!  To stay abreast of local trends and real estate activity consider visiting one of our neighborhood sites. At a neighborhood site, listings specific to that area are available and users can sign up to receive monthly reports.  Check out a sample…