A year ago I wrote a post on putting real estate in retirement accounts.  With a greater portion of the population now being able to convert their regular taxable IRAs to Roth IRAs, this topic is timely once again.  Here is the link to last year’s post.  Enjoy.  And if you don’t know about Roth conversions but are interested in how they work, check out this list of well written articles by T Rowe Price.

What a crazy year 2009 has been already.  I’ve been busy listing homes, took 2 full days to attend CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert) training in January, and attended the CRS Sellabration in San Francisco in early February.  The real estate market continues to change and opportunities for buyers and investors are ripe.  Low interest rates, prices that haven’t been seen in many a moon, and lots of people looking for rentals in our local Colorado Springs market has created those opportunities.

Sales in January 2009 were down close to 17% from December, primarily because of everyone sitting back with bated breath waiting to hear if there is something in the stimulus package that will make their home purchase more profitable.  Many potential buyers are also waiting to see if their job will still be in place as the economy tumbles.  Stock portfolios have been hit hard as well, so investors are licking their wounds at the moment and trying to figure out if they can jump into the real estate fray anytime soon.  The good news is that inventories are also down, making it easier for sellers who are trying to sell increase their chances of a sale.

In this market, price is paramount!  We saw 1/3 of our sales go to distressed properties in November and December of 2008.  Some markets are much much worse.  What it means for sellers is they have to compete on price with short sales and foreclosures.  That will continue to reduce inventory and voila, one day the market will turn around because there will be more buyers than homes available.  That isn’t going to be anytime soon because another wave of foreclosures is coming, but history tells us it will happen.  Real estate has always been cyclical and we are in one hell of a cycle since 2007.

Prices rose too quickly because of easy money and lack of accountability.  One of 4 homes sold in recent years was either an investment purchase or 2nd home.  A whopping 25%!!!  When the bubble burst, there was a lot of collateral damage as plunging prices were brought to most neighborhoods.  As the cycle continues, buyers who were priced out of the market over the past several years will now have an opportunity to buy.  Investors will salivate over the opportunities for low priced rental properties.  Yes, the people with money will make money.  Wouldn’t you like to know how to be in that group during the next buying opportunity.  Stay tuned as I launch seminars to help you later this spring.

So that’s where we are now.  Lots of opportunity, but not a lot of credit available unless you have stellar financials.  For buyers who can buy now, have fun shopping.  It’s a great time to be in the real estate market!  Your dream home awaits.

Interested in owning a piece of a tropical paradise in Panama?  The latest webinar gives you the scoop.  If you’d like to see what it’s all about click here.  I watched the webinar and this resort looks like a fabulous place!

Having recently attended the Colorado State Realtor Convention at the spectacular Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, I came to the realization that the blog you are reading has been in existence for almost 3 years. Blogging is continuing to grow, but this means I was a really early adopter and surprisingly still am!  With that in mind, we are using 3 year old technology and want to bring you a fresh new face, so watch for the new and improved Colorado Real Estate Blog towards the end of 2007, with the current content saved for your continued use and lots of new features added.  We are excited to become an even better resource for you as you consider Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region for your next home.  Stay tuned!