Thursday, September 30, 2010
Luxury Home In Heritage Estates, Lone Tree, CO
Call Dan Polimino at 303-522-1161 or Gary Lohrman at 303-829-5900 for a private showing.
For more details check out http://ping.fm/xynyf
Luxury Home In Heritage Estates, Lone Tree, CO
As with the rest of the home, even the lot of this 9,729 square feet, four bedroom, seven bath home enjoys thoughtful design that flows effortlessly from one beautiful and useful space to another. On the way to the front door, one feels welcomed by lush landscaping and a perfect laughing waterfall splashing gently as it cascades to a quiet brook. The property abuts to Bluffs Regional Park, designated open space.
Call Dan Polimino at 303-522-1161 or Gary Lohrman at 303-829-5900 for a private showing.
For more details check out http://coloradodreamhouse.com/featured/property.php?id=7
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
5 Months After The Tax Credit Expirin...
5 Months After The Tax Credit Expirin...
5 Months After The Tax Credit Expirin...
5 Months After The Tax Credit Expiring – Effect On The Market?
http://www.coloradodreamhouse.com/index.php/news/ The tax credit expired 5 months ago and we've had five months now to analyze the effect. It turns out it had a bigger impact than many first thought on today's sales. To find out how the tax credit affected every buyer and seller watch this week's market update with Fuller Sotheby's International Realty Agent Dan Polimino.
5 Months After The Tax Credit Expiring - What Effect Did It Have On The Market?
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Read my latest post titled "FHA Is Th...
Read my latest post titled "FHA Is Th...
Read my latest post titled "FHA Is Th...
FHA Is The Way: $ For Remodeling
Many existing homeowners have decided to stay put rather than sell in this market. Other potential homeowners have found a home with a lot of potential that needs some work to make it their dream home. Unless you have lots of equity in your home, getting a second mortgage for remodeling is difficult if not impossible. The solution is a FHA 203k Streamline mortgage.
This mortgage will provide you with up to $35,000 for remodeling. The streamline program is for rehab work only. It is not meant for tearing out walls, popping the top, etc. One of the many benefits of this program is that the value, for qualification purposes, is considered "as is" after the work is completed. The homeowner gets a bid for the work for the improvements they want done and shows it to a specially trained 203k appraiser. This helps to protect the borrower to make sure the money they are pumping into the house is cost effective.
One huge benefit of this program is that it may potentially help homeowners with high interest rate loans who could not refinance because of loan to value problems. As always, talk to a mortgage professional to make sure the numbers make sense. Glad to help with any scenarios you have in mind. Of course, no cost or obligation.
Best, Chip
Chip Allen
Crestline Mortgage Bankers
A Division of Universal Lending Corp
Direct: 303.947.2109
Fax: 303.987.0676
Your Lender for Life!
When people you care about need a mortgage,
for purchase or refinance, please do not keep me a secret.
Click here to Get started searching for YOUR Colorado Dream Home.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Check out my latest real estate blog ...
Check out my latest real estate blog ...
Check out my latest real estate blog ...
Our Future Home Owners. By Dan Polimino.
Did you know that the freshman class of 2014 that just entered college is our future home buyers? You may have guessed that, but are you ready for them, their mindset, and will you be able to communicate with them?
Here are a few interesting tidbits about the class of 2014 from Beloit College’s annual mindset list. Did you know that today’s freshman has been brought up with technology their entire lives? Having instant access to information at their fingertips has been the norm since they were able to push buttons. Today’s 18-year-olds have never used a phone with a cord; they’re in the post email era and instead prefer to transmit their life over text and social networking. If it can’t be said in 140 characters or less, it’s not worth saying. This generation thinks that Korean cars have always been on the road and that Fergie is a pop singer, not the Duchess of York. Five hundred channels on TV have always been available, music has never existed on an album, 45, eight-track, or cassette and they are not sure what a record player is. The first computers they used were Apple II’s or Mac II’s and they are now in a museum. They don’t wear wrist watches because they always have the time on their phones. They’ll use their phones to make calls but that will be fifth on the list of things they’ll do on the device. Texting, social networking, email, and watching TV will all come before making a telephone call. If their needs aren’t being met, they don’t fret about it; instead, they create an application to meet the need.
This is a rapidly changing world and technology is fueling the pace. As Realtors, home buyers, and sellers, we need to understand the language and how the next generation operates. How will they shop for homes? One way will be geo tracking from their phone. Will they sign a paper contract? I think not. This generation of home buyers may go through the entire home buying process and never step foot in the property until the day they move in. Think I am exaggerating? Just 15 years ago, people couldn’t figure out how you did banking without going to the bank.
Dan Polimino is a Realtor with Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty. He can be reached at DPolimino@fullerproperties.com and www.coloradodreamhouse.com/denverpost
Click here to Get started searching for YOUR Colorado Dream Home.
Friday, September 24, 2010
The Beauty of Franktown, Colorado

http://www.coloradodreamhouse.com/index.php/news/ This week’s photo Friday comes to us from Kim in Franktown, CO. She caught this picture a few weeks back when taking shots of her surrounding neighborhood in the Preserve at Deerfield. It sure is beautiful in Franktown, thanks Kim.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Check out Denver Real Estate Weekly M...
Check out Denver Real Estate Weekly M...
Check out Denver Real Estate Weekly M...
The New Four Seasons Downtown Denver
The New Four Seasons Downtown Denver
http://www.coloradodreamhouse.com/index.php/news/ Fuller Sotheby's International Realty agent Dan Polimino recently had the chance to tour The New Four Season Downtown Denver opening Oct 19, 2010. To hear Dan's review of the new exclusive property watch this week's market update.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
995 Longbow Place in Larkspur, CO is featured on CNBC
http://www.coloradodreamhouse.com/featured/property.php?id=15 Our fabulous listing at 995 Longbow Place in Larkspur, Colorado was featured on CNBC's "High Net Worth" program. To find out what makes this natural dream home so special watch the feature from CNBC. If you would like to preview this amazing home click this link: http://www.coloradodreamhouse.com/featured/property.php?id=15. If you would like to see in the property contact Dan Polimino at 303-522-1161 or Gary Lohrman at 303-829-5900.
995 Longbow Place in Larkspur, CO is featured on CNBC
http://www.coloradodreamhouse.com/featured/property.php?id=15 Our fabulous listing at 995 Longbow Place in Larkspur, Colorado was featured on CNBC’s “High Net Worth” program. To find out what makes this natural dream home so special watch the feature from CNBC. If you would like to preview this amazing home click this link: http://www.coloradodreamhouse.com/featured/property.php?id=15. If you would like to see in the property contact Dan Polimino at 303-522-1161 or Gary Lohrman at 303-829-5900.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Read my latest post titled "Easy Refi...
Read my latest post titled "Easy Refi...
Read my latest post titled "Easy Refi...
Easy Refinances Still Available
As almost everyone is aware, the good old days of easy rate and term refinances are mostly gone. A double whammy of tighter underwriting standards and falling home values have trapped some borrowers. Two types of relatively painless options that have survived are the FHA streamline refinance and a loan modification with your existing lender. The FHA streamline is a new mortgage, while the loan modification is a modification of your existing loan to provide you with a lower interest rate. With a "loan mod" your original loan is modified, not replaced with a new loan.
The FHA streamline is for borrowers who have an FHA mortgage and does not usually require an appraisal. Other standards for qualifying are also more lenient. You do not have to use the same company who originated your FHA mortgage to do a streamline refinance. It is worth checking to see if you have an FHA mortgage.
A loan modification to refinance will require you to work with your existing lender. A modification is not just for people who are behind or having trouble making the payment. Mortgage companies are sometimes smart enough to recognize strong borrowers and offer them a great deal before they take their business elsewhere. An appraisal is generally not required. Another advantage is that if you have a second mortgage on the property it will not be disturbed by a loan modification. When talking to your existing mortgage company make sure that you are on the same page. Be sure and verify that the rate and fees are reasonable. I have some seen loan mods that were a great deal and other that were not competitive.
If your current lender will not give you a loan modification, you will be better off with a reputable mortgage banker for your refinance.
Best, Chip
Chip Allen
Crestline Mortgage Bankers
A Division of Universal Lending Corp
Direct: 303.947.2109
Fax: 303.987.0676
Your Lender for Life!
When people you care about need a mortgage,
for purchase or refinance, please do not keep me a secret.
Click here to Get started searching for YOUR Colorado Dream Home.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Check out my latest real estate blog ...
Check out my latest real estate blog ...
Check out my latest real estate blog ...
A Good Lender Makes All The Difference. By Dan Polimino.
A couple of weeks ago, I talked about the fact that a lot of real estate deals are falling apart over inspection items. That seems bad, but dulls in comparison to the amount of deals that are getting held up or falling apart because of lending issues. This was and still is the number one reason why people are not or cannot buy homes. Many have tried and failed because of lending issues in the last two years.
The lending landscape is tighter than ever even though banks are showing record profits once again. I can understand why lending institutions are being cautious not wanting to fall into the same trap again, but someone has to tell them that they have swung the pendulum too far in the other direction. It’s time to come back to center.
That’s why I am writing this week’s column on how important it is to have the right lender. This guy or gal can and will make all the difference in a successful transaction that closes smoothly. Here are a few tips:
1) Find someone local. I can’t tell you how many times buyers have gotten in trouble by using an out-of-state lender. It’s imperative that the lender knows Colorado, its real estate laws, policies, and procedures. Local lenders know neighborhoods, values, service providers and yes, realtors. If you still are not sure why this is number one, call me and I’ll explain further.
2) Interview your lender and make sure that they know their stuff. A lender that is up–to-date on all the latest changes, guidelines, laws, and rules will save everyone money, time, and aggravation.
3) Get references and more. Chances are, you stumbled upon your lender from a referral which is generally a good way to go, but then you need to check them out. Ask for references, check with the Better Business Bureau, check with the state real estate commission, and heck, even do a background check on them.
4) This business is all about the “Three D’s:” dates, deadlines, and documentation. If your lender is on the ball, keeps you ahead of the dates and deadlines, and helps you with the documentation, then you’ve won more than half the battle.
Finally, trust your instincts when selecting a lender; make sure you feel like you have good rapport with them and follow their advice. Remember that this should not be an adversarial relationship. The lender should really be trying to help you.
Dan Polimino is a Realtor with Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty. He can be reached at DPolimino@fullerproperties.com and www.coloradodreamhouse.com/denverpost
Click here to Get started searching for YOUR Colorado Dream Home.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Check out a new feature on our blog c...
Check out a new feature on our blog c...
Check out a new feature on our blog c...
Sellers Are Being Reasonable
http://www.coloradodreamhouse.com/index.php/news/ In this week’s market update Fuller Sotheby’s Agent Dan Polimino tells us recently he’s been the bearer of bad news when it comes to telling sellers what their home is worth. Much to his surprise the sellers are taking the news better than expected. Is that a sign things will start getting better in the real estate market? To find out more watch this week’s market update for Denver, Colorado with Dan Polimino.
Photo Friday
http://www.coloradodreamhouse.com/index.php/news/ Beginning this week we start a new feature on our blog called “Photo Friday”. Each week we’ll post a new photograph of the good life we live here in Colorado. Please pass the photos along to friends and family. Photo Friday is not just for me (Dan Polimino) to post pictures of Colorado. It’s also about your photo moments and the life you live in Colorado. That could be pictures of a weekend concert in the park, an awesome Colorado sunset, your pets, friends, kids and parties. Please feel free to send us some of your own photographs we’d love to see where you live, pictures of your life and we’ll post them on our sites. I’ll start it off with the first picture of Photo Friday and it’s of my two children. Yes I am just like everyone else a proud father and they clearly have been the crowning achievement in my life. Micah (5) and Malia (2) make their Daddy proud and make me smile every day.
Sellers Are Being Reasonable
http://www.coloradodreamhouse.com/index.php/news/ In this week's market update Fuller Sotheby’s Agent Dan Polimino tells us recently he's been the bearer of bad news when it comes to telling sellers what their home is worth. Much to his surprise the sellers are taking the news better than expected. Is that a sign things will start getting better in the real estate market? To find out more watch this week’s market update for Denver, Colorado with Dan Polimino.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Amazing Custom Ranch at Sedalia, Colorado
With a level of attention to detail rarely seen, this amazing 12,000 square-foot, five bedroom, seven bathroom home is the perfect blend of old-world charm and every modern convenience. Incorporating touches of wrought iron, hand-trowelled pool-finished walls, wood ceiling beams, extensive tile and stonework, and gallery floor plan lend an authentic Tuscan feel while remaining light and airy.
The property abuts to a 400 acre dedicated open space and wildlife preserve allowing for breathtaking views that will always remain unspoiled. Contemporary touches include a handicapped-accessible layout with oversized elevator, thermostat-controlled natural gas fireplaces, radiant heated bathroom floors, wiring for central sound and security, reverse osmosis water filtration, two+ person Jacuzzi in the master bath, and a rough-in indoor sports/basketball court with 20' ceilings.
For a private showing, call Dan Polimino at 303-522-1161 or Gary Lohrman at 303-829-5900.
For more details check out http://coloradodreamhouse.com/featured/property.php?id=4.
Amazing Custom Ranch at Sedalia, Colorado
The property abuts to a 400 acre dedicated open space and wildlife preserve allowing for breathtaking views that will always remain unspoiled. Contemporary touches include a handicapped-accessible layout with oversized elevator, thermostat-controlled natural gas fireplaces, radiant heated bathroom floors, wiring for central sound and security, reverse osmosis water filtration, two+ person Jacuzzi in the master bath, and a rough-in indoor sports/basketball court with 20' ceilings.
For a private showing, call Dan Polimino at 303-522-1161 or Gary Lohrman at 303-829-5900.
For more details check out http://ping.fm/Dqadj
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Read my latest post titled "Potential...
Read my latest post titled "Potential...
Read my latest post titled "Potential...
Potentially vs Realistically
The Associated Press, on Wednesday, released more information about the new FHA program to help homeowners who owe more than their home is worth. "The new program takes a different approach. It allows investors in mortgage-backed securities to evaluate their holdings and select borrowers who will be offered refinanced mortgages guaranteed by the FHA."
Potentially this is a great program that will help everyone. Realistically I think it will mirror the government's mortgage relief program. More people dropped out of the program than were helped. I anticipate mounds of red tape and borrowers to get gouged on the rate and fees. Why should they bother to be competitive when the client is locked in?
I had started talking to a potential client about the FHA Negative Equity program. Even though she is underwater on her mortgage, she wants to do the right thing. She does not want to walk away like some of her neighbors have done. She is trapped in a high rate arm and does not have over $50,000 to bring to the table to refinance. When I explained the new rules, she lost interest quickly. She told me she has talked to the bank for months and nothing has happened with her loan modification. She mentioned she never talks to the same person twice and the bank claims to have never received the documents.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Please let me know your experiences with this. Hopefully there will be success stories we can use to help people.
Best, Chip
Chip Allen
Crestline Mortgage Bankers
A Division of Universal Lending Corp
Direct: 303.947.2109
Fax: 303.987.0676
Your Lender for Life!
When people you care about need a mortgage,
for purchase or refinance, please do not keep me a secret.
Click here to Get started searching for YOUR Colorado Dream Home.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Check out my new real estate blog ent...
Check out my new real estate blog ent...
Check out my new real estate blog ent...
Right Place, Right Time & Right Price. By Dan Polimino.
A property has been on the market for a year and did not sell with Realtor “A”. The home owners feel it’s time for a change and hire Realtor “B”. The home sells one week after Realtor “B” took over the listing. In fact, Realtor “B” barely lifted a pen on the listing and sold the home. Was Realtor “B” a genius or did they just get lucky? The answer is none of the above, but rather the point of today’s column. The reason why Realtor “B” sold the home was not just because he or she was at the right place at the right time, but more importantly, they were at the right price.
Right Place, Right Time, and Right Price: 9 times of 10 is the winning combination to selling a home. Let’s be clear, I am NOT saying that all realtors are created equal and they play no role in the sale of a home. Quite the contrary, some realtors are clearly better than others, some are better marketers, some are better negotiators, some have better contacts, more experience, a certain expertise, and a highly sought after reputation. Realtors do and can make a difference, but let’s also understand that we are in a price-driven market. It’s all about price and getting a deal for today’s buyer. I see home owner after home owner using their third or fourth realtor to sell their home. I can tell you quite honestly that if you have gone through three or four realtors and your home still isn’t sold, chances are it’s not the realtor and if it is, then you are really bad at judging talent. In most cases, musical agents is not the answer and it’s more likely to be either price or the home does not show well.
Private sellers are not the only party guilty of this behavior. Banks and third party assets managers are notorious for constantly changing agents. Sometimes this is for good reasons, but in most cases it’s the old “change for change sake.”
I do agree that there are times where a fresh face, fresh ideas, and a new approach help an awful lot, but the point today for buyers and sellers is don’t be too quick to first blame the agent, fire, and hire. Look at it objectively and ask yourself if you did everything you could to sell your home including price reductions. Remember that Right Place, Right Time, and Right Price win at the end of the day.
Dan Polimino is a Realtor with Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty. He can be reached at DPolimino@fullerproperties.com and www.coloradodreamhouse.com/denverpost
Click here to Get started searching for YOUR Colorado Dream Home.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Read "New FHA Program for Borrowers w...
Read "New FHA Program for Borrowers w...
Read "New FHA Program for Borrowers w...
New FHA Program for Borrowers with Negative Equity
FHA loans registered on or after October 4, 2010, will have a lower upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) and a higher annual premium paid monthly. The upfront MIP will decrease to 1% from the current 2.25%. On a $200,000 mortgage, a borrower would save $2,500 in upfront costs. Thirty year fixed rate mortgages with a loan to value (LTV) under 95% will increase to 85 basis points (bps) and thirty year loans with a LTV over 95% will increase to 90 bps. For a $200,000 mortgage this means increases of $60 or $70 per month. On a fifteen year fixed rate loan, the annual MIP paid monthly will be 25 bps if the LTV is over 90% and NONE if the LTV is under 90%.
The FHA refinance program for borrowers who owe more than the value of their home is starting to ramp up. Two immediate concerns that I have are a possible negative impact on the borrower's credit score and the tax consequences. Borrower's need to see if the mortgage company providing them with a short payoff will be reporting this as paid in full or settled for less than full amount. A tax professional should be consulted to determine if a short payoff will be a taxable event.
Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.
Thanks, Chip
Chip Allen
Crestline Mortgage Bankers
A Division of Universal Lending Corp
Direct: 303.947.2109
Fax: 303.987.0676
Your Lender for Life!
When people you care about need a mortgage,
for purchase or refinance, please do not keep me a secret.
Click here to Get started searching for YOUR Colorado Dream Home.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Check out this week's real estate mar...
Check out this week's real estate mar...
Check out this week's real estate mar...
Please Insult Me
Please Insult Me
http://www.coloradodreamhouse.com/index.php/news/ In this week's market update for Denver, Colorado Fuller Sotheby's Agent Dan Polimino says don't be afraid to insult him with a really low offer on any of his homes he has for sale. To find out why Dan wants you to insult him watch this week's video market update for Denver Colorado.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Best Of Highlands Ranch
http://www.coloradodreamhouse.com/featured/property.php?id=19 Pride of ownership abounds in this beautifully appointed 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2700 plus square foot Shea built Cimarron Model home located in The Hearth @ Highlands Ranch. From the moment you enter you'll appreciate the extensive use of the richly finished hardwood flooring, the beautifully appointed kitchen with its center island, stainless appliances, upgraded cherry cabinets and tiled counter surfacing.
Custom plantation shutters are used throughout areas of this fine home along with additional custom, decorator style window coverings.
Many additional features help to enhance the beauty and livability such as custom light fixtures and ceiling fans, custom paint throughout, a stamped concrete patio in the lovely, professionally landscaped rear yard, high efficiency HVAC system, an unfinished basement with rough-in laundry area, waiting for you to complete to meet your needs and much more. Please call Dan Polimino at 303-522-1161 or Gary Lohrman at 303-829-5900 for a private showing. Offered at $324,900.
The Best Of Highlands Ranch
Custom plantation shutters are used throughout areas of this fine home along with additional custom, decorator style window coverings.
Many additional features help to enhance the beauty and livability such as custom light fixtures and ceiling fans, custom paint throughout, a stamped concrete patio in the lovely, professionally landscaped rear yard, high efficiency HVAC system, an unfinished basement with rough-in laundry area, waiting for you to complete to meet your needs and much more. Please call Dan Polimino at 303-522-1161 or Gary Lohrman at 303-829-5900 for a private showing. Offered at $324,900.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Check out my new real estate blog ent...
Check out my new real estate blog ent...
Check out my new real estate blog ent...
It's All About Perception. By Dan Polimino.
It’s 2005 and it’s a hot real estate market. Bill Smith has a home for sale and Tom Jones puts it under contract. Jones has an inspection done, items come up on the inspection, some minor and some more serious in nature. Jones doesn’t object to the inspection items, he doesn’t even bat an eyelash and moves on with the purchase of the home asking for nothing to be fixed.
Fast forward to 2010 and Bill Smith is selling his home, Tom Jones put it under contract and orders his inspection. Items come up on the inspection, some minor and some more serious in nature. Buyer and seller argue, haggle, and fight over who is going to fix what and how much. Jones is not happy and terminates the contract shortly thereafter.
What’s the difference between these two scenarios? What happened between 2005 and 2010? Did all of the homes in America all of a sudden fall into serious disrepair? I think not! The answer is, “It’s all about perception.” In 2005, buyers looked the other way on inspection items or thought “No problem, I’ll fix them myself.” Buyers did not want anything to get in the way of them getting the home they wanted, not even inspection items. Today the buyer perception is, “I have the seller’s over a barrel, I am going get what I want, when I want it, and if I don’t win, I’ll take my money and go home or elsewhere.”
In most cases, deals should not be falling apart over inspection items. This can and should be a give-and-take compromise with both parties winning. I understand what the market is right now and buyers have an advantage, but I think that we can make even more progress in the recovery of the real estate market if we can get to a more equitable “perception.”
Dan Polimino is a Realtor with Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty. He can be reached at DPolimino@fullerproperties.com and www.coloradodreamhouse.com/denverpost
Click here to Get started searching for YOUR Colorado Dream Home.
