Duane Duggan's Real Estate Blog

Buying Foreclosures
March 8th, 2010 9:20 PM

Is Buying a Foreclosure Really a Bargain? What You Need to Know

In today’s tumultuous economy, it’s no surprise that there are foreclosure properties to be found in just about every community across America—even ours. While a terrible hardship for homeowners to endure, foreclosures can present a unique opportunity for first-time home buyers and investors looking to purchase a “bargain-priced home” with the potential for building instant equity.

As an experienced real estate professional, I want to advise you to tread carefully when it comes to foreclosures—they might not be quite the bargain you expect. Here are some important facts you need to know before venturing out into the foreclosure market:

- Homeowners faced with foreclosure are understandably stressed and resentful, which can often lead to neglecting routine maintenance on a home. Sometimes, even deliberate damage is done. Assessing the home’s condition, therefore, is a must.

- Foreclosure properties have often been vacant for an extended period of time. Look for problems caused by damp conditions, such as mold.

- Get a thorough home inspection before bidding on the property. Once the damage/disrepair of the home is assessed, factor this in when bidding on the home.

- Contact a real estate professional—like me, a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®—who is well steeped in the community and can provide information about pre-foreclosure properties, that is, homes that have been scheduled for foreclosure but have not yet gone to auction or been sold off. These homes need to be sold quickly as owners are trying to avoid foreclosure and its impact on their credit.

- Last but not least, go to www.hud.gov for information on how to buy homes acquired by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development as a result of foreclosure action on an FHA-insured mortgage. The site also has information on special programs and opportunities for teachers, law enforcement officers and others.

While buying a foreclosure property takes patience and research, the results can be well worth your time and effort. For more information, please e-mail me, and please pass this on to anyone you know who might be interested in exploring a foreclosure purchase.




Posted by Duane Duggan on March 8th, 2010 9:20 PMPost a Comment (0)

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Just Listed! 137 Eagle Canyon Cir Lyons, CO 80540
March 1st, 2010 3:22 PM
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$549,900.00
137 Eagle Canyon Cir

Lyons, CO 80540



Beds: 5 Rooms: 13
Full Baths: 4 Sq. Ft.: 6270
Garage: 3 Built: 1998
 

** OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, 3/7/10: 1-4PM ** Alot Of House For The $$$! Custom, Southwestern Ranch On Large .70 Ac Lot In Lyons with Views Galore!
This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google Earth satellite
images, and much more.
 

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Duane Duggan
Duane Duggan, Re/Max of Boulder, Inc.
3034415611
www.duanedugganboulderco.com



 
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Posted by Duane Duggan on March 1st, 2010 3:22 PMPost a Comment (0)

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Shopping for a Condo? Ask These 4 Questions before You Buy
February 24th, 2010 8:25 PM

Top 5 - Shopping for a Condo? Ask These 4 Questions before You Buy

Shopping for a Condo? Ask These 4 Questions before You Buy

Condominium homes have always been, and will likely always be, an efficient and economical route to becoming a first-time homeowner. They can offer the comfort, prestige, and even luxury appointments that apartment living may lack, often at a cost that is not much different than rent. With the current first-time home buyer tax credit and the deadline for the move-up tax credit fast approaching, I advise you move fast on any condo purchase you may be considering.

With my experience as Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I am well aware that not all condominiums are the same, however, so make sure you ask the following four questions before you buy:

What will you own? Read the bylaws and be sure you understand what you will be responsible for and what belongs to the condo association. Will you own the boat dock at the back of your unit? Can you elect to build a spa on your patio? Generally, unit owners own and are responsible for the interior of their condos, while costs for outside maintenance including common areas and sewer lines are the association’s responsibility.

Who lives there?
Are the majority of residents owners or renters? Owners generally take more interest in proper maintenance and are more willing than renters to serve on the association board and enforce complex rules and regulations–including the regular collection of homeowner dues.

How effective is the homeowner’s association? Do they have legal counsel, reasonable funds and a capable, caring volunteer board? One way to judge is to check with residents about restrictions, oversight and timeliness of repairs and upgrades. Another is to take a hard look at the grounds and be wary of signs of neglect.

What about special assessments? The association should have the power to special assess for needed, one-time large expenditures. Otherwise, things that need to be done may never get done at all, leaving the complex vulnerable to disrepair and lowered property values.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to become a homeowner or to downsize by buying a condo (remember, the move-up tax credit does not require you to move to a larger or more expensive home). Please
e-mail me for more tips on buying a condo and forward this information to any family and friends who may be in the market as well.


Posted by Duane Duggan on February 24th, 2010 8:25 PMPost a Comment (0)

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Just Listed! 5241 Lichen Pl Boulder, CO 80301
February 9th, 2010 3:59 PM
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$549,000.00
5241 Lichen Pl

Boulder, CO 80301



Beds: 5 Rooms: 12
Full Baths: 2 Sq. Ft.: 4158
Garage: 2 Built: 1965
 

SPACIOUS INSIDE & OUT – Gunbarrel Greens 2-story on a large corner lot with side-loading garage plus extra boat/camper parking area! Over 4150sf with 5 BRs/ 4.5 baths, Study, Family rm + Recreation Rm. Formal & Informal Living & Dining areas.
This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google Earth satellite
images, and much more.
 

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Duane Duggan
Duane Duggan, Re/Max of Boulder, Inc.
3034415611
www.duanedugganboulderco.com



 
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Posted by Duane Duggan on February 9th, 2010 3:59 PMPost a Comment (0)

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Just Listed! 1148 Columbia Dr Longmont, CO 80503
February 3rd, 2010 4:29 PM
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$399,900.00
1148 Columbia Dr

Longmont, CO 80503



Beds: 4 Rooms: 9
Full Baths: 2 Sq. Ft.: 3646
Garage: 3 Built: 1987
 

SPACIOUS & SPARKLING 2-story in the sought-after Longmont Estates area – near schools, parks, lake & golf course!
This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google Earth satellite
images, and much more.
 

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Duane Duggan
Duane Duggan, Re/Max of Boulder, Inc.
3034415611
www.duanedugganboulderco.com



 
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Posted by Duane Duggan on February 3rd, 2010 4:29 PMPost a Comment (0)

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Just Listed! 780 Thornwood Cir Longmont, CO 80503
January 26th, 2010 1:48 PM
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$183,000.00
780 Thornwood Cir

Longmont, CO 80503



Beds: 2 Rooms: 5
Full Baths: 2 Sq. Ft.: 1360
Garage: 1 Built: 1995
 

One Of The Best Bargains In The Sought-After Meadowview Area In Sw Longmont! Bright 2-Level Home W/ Open Living Area Has Vaulted Ceilings & Gas Fp In Lr.
This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google Earth satellite
images, and much more.
 

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Duane Duggan
Duane Duggan, Re/Max of Boulder, Inc.
3034415611
www.duanedugganboulderco.com



 
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Posted by Duane Duggan on January 26th, 2010 1:48 PMPost a Comment (0)

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Just Listed! 256 Juniper St Louisville, CO 80027
January 22nd, 2010 10:40 AM
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$279,500.00
256 Juniper St

Louisville, CO 80027



Beds: 3 Rooms: 7
Full Baths: 1 Sq. Ft.: 1192
Garage: 2 Built: 1983
 

AFFORDABLE & ADORABLE STARTER HOME in the sought-after Dutch Creek neighborhood in Louisville! Great location near Open Space with trails & parks to enjoy! Schools, shopping, commuter routes and Historic Downtown Louisville are all nearby!
This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google Earth satellite
images, and much more.
 

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Duane Duggan
Duane Duggan, Re/Max of Boulder, Inc.
3034415611
www.duanedugganboulderco.com



 
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Posted by Duane Duggan on January 22nd, 2010 10:40 AMPost a Comment (0)

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Just Listed! 4222 Lee Hill Dr Boulder, CO 80302
January 22nd, 2010 10:25 AM
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$494,900.00
4222 Lee Hill Dr

Boulder, CO 80302



Beds: 3 Rooms: 7
Full Baths: 1 Sq. Ft.: 2403
Garage: 2 Built: 1984
 

GORGEOUS CLOSE-IN MOUNTAIN SETTING on over 1 acre yet only minutes from the conveniences of Boulder! Easy access, only 4.2 miles from Broadway & Lee Hill Drive. You will love this South Facing 1.08 Acre lot with Sunshine & Trees Galore!
This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google Earth satellite
images, and much more.
 

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Duane Duggan
Duane Duggan, Re/Max of Boulder, Inc.
3034415611
www.duanedugganboulderco.com



 
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Posted by Duane Duggan on January 22nd, 2010 10:25 AMPost a Comment (0)

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Just Listed! 1045 Spruce St Boulder, CO 80302
January 14th, 2010 2:32 PM
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$799,000.00
1045 Spruce St
B
Boulder, CO 80302



Beds: 2 Rooms: 0
Full Baths: 2 Sq. Ft.: 1370
Garage: 0 Built: 2008
 

New, Luxury, 55+ Active Adult Condo in vibrant Downtown Boulder! Easy access to all services & the Pearl St. Mall! Ground level, Handicap accessible unit in Security Building with attached garage and elevator accessed basement for studio, storage or workshop space!
This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google Earth satellite
images, and much more.
 

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Duane Duggan
Duane Duggan, Re/Max of Boulder, Inc.
3034415611
www.duanedugganboulderco.com



 
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Posted by Duane Duggan on January 14th, 2010 2:32 PMPost a Comment (0)

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Just Listed! 1000 Milo Cir Lafayette, CO 80026
January 8th, 2010 1:24 PM
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$168,300.00
1000 Milo Cir
A
Lafayette, CO 80026



Beds: 2 Rooms: 5
Full Baths: 1 Sq. Ft.: 1624
Garage: 0 Built: 1984
 

Sought-After End Unit In Hearthwood! Shows Wonderfully & Has A Full, Walkout Basement! Great Double Master Br Setup - Each Has Its Own Private Bath.
This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google Earth satellite
images, and much more.
 

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Duane Duggan
Duane Duggan, Re/Max of Boulder, Inc.
3034415611
www.duanedugganboulderco.com



 
  Visit this listing here

Posted by Duane Duggan on January 8th, 2010 1:24 PMPost a Comment (0)

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Duane Duggan 
The Boulder Property Network
at RE/MAX of Boulder, Inc.
2425 Canyon Blvd., #110
Boulder, CO  80302
303-441-5611
800-825-7000 x611
duaneduggan@boulderco.com