Category Archives: Boulder County Real Estate

Community Never Burns

People make the community, and community never burns. The Marshall Fire in Superior and Louisville devastated our homes, our possessions, but never our spirit. We are Colorado Proud, Colorado Strong, and together we will rebuild. We will lift each other up, and we will conquer this together.

The greatest need right now is funding and long-term housing. We’ve been collecting resources to share with those looking for housing. Please call us if you know of a housing need. We have a network of clients, friends and family doing their best to match people with homes as specific needs become known.


Housing Resources

1.FEMA is actively assisting families and individuals to secure housing, assistance, and support. 

2.BARHA (Boulder Area Rental Housing Association) is working with the Colorado Apartment Association to provide links to short-term and long-term housing. 

3. FOX Property Management is converting vacation rentals into rentable space for displaced homeowners with special considerations, like reduced deposit and rent allowances. The units are fully furnished. Contact FOX Property Management to inquire

4. Marshall Fire Housing Needs and Availability Facebook group has seen a lot of activity with requests, as well as available units.

5. Are you working remotely and dreamed of working in a different state for a year? Do you have a second home in the mountains that would be perfect for a primary residence? If yes, now’s the time to consider being a landlord -inventory was tight before the fire, and long-term rentals are desperately needed, especially for people who need to live near their jobs or school district. We can offer assistance on the best way to get started if this sounds like something you’d like to consider.


Looking for other ways to help?

Students and children have also been affected, losing many or all of their school supplies. You can make a difference! Donate to the Foundation for Boulder Valley Schools here: Donation For Critical Needs Fund – Marshall Fire Relief

Know someone who has lost their home? Adopt a Neighbor – find out what they need. Right now furniture is in high demand for those finding rentals, as well as basic household items like cups, plates, etc. Put together a list and find a group of people willing to gather, buy or donate the items on your list.

Cash and gift cards are needed. Donate funds or buy gift cards to donate to those in need.

Many people lost irreplaceable items, items rich in memories and love. If you know someone who lost their photos, look through your own photos (print or digital such as Facebook and Instagram) and create a collection of activities you did together, pictures of the kids, and other priceless everyday moments.

News to Know This Month: Real Estate Update

News to Know This Month

I love New Year’s Day. There is something about starting fresh, with a clean slate, new goals and a renewed energy to tackle those bucket lists and to-do lists. If you’ve been shopping for a home or looking to sell, it’s also a chance to look at the market in a new light.

Inventory is selling at a record breaking pace – great for home sellers, even in what many people consider the “slower” winter market (no slowing down this year!).

Interest rates are incredibly low for a majority of buyers – it may take more than one offer before your dream home becomes a reality, but mortgages are more affordable than ever.

I hope you had a fantastic holiday season, and greet 2022 with joy and laughter.

~Andria Allen


Source: IRES and REColorado comparing Nov 2020 to Nov 2021

Donation Guide

Getting organized and decluttering your home? Save the environment while cleaning those closets and use this handy donation guide to find out where to bring your household items! Read More


DoMore #theWKway

It has been quite the year of giving back – supporting the people and places that make the Front Range the very best place to live. Here’s a recap of all the organizations and ways WK made the Front Range better in 2021. Read More

Winter Housing Market Update

As we approach the holiday season, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you and to express my gratitude to each and every one of you. I am successful in my business because of the fantastic support, trust, and commitment you have shown. I love what I do, and I am thankful every morning that I get to follow my passion and help home buyers and sellers find that perfect next step in their journey toward creating a healthy and happy lifestyle.

Thank you,

Andria Allen

303-810-8375


Local Snapshot

Data compares September 2021 to September 2020 from DMAR and BARA statistical reports.

The Subjective Nature of Affordability

It’s a common misconception among today’s homebuyers that earlier generations had it easier when it came to buying a home. Prices were so much lower 25 years ago, right?

A new report by Black Knight says different. The industry analytics company recently released its Monthly Mortgage Monitor report, which includes a detailed analysis of home affordability nationwide. According to the report, the average monthly mortgage payment today consumes 21.6 percent of household income. That’s the highest it’s been in the last three years. However, over the past 25 years, the average mortgage payment has consumed 23.6 percent of household income for homeowners nationwide.

Objectively speaking, today’s homebuyers have roughly the same ability to be homeowners as their parents.

Todd Teta, Chief Product and Technology Officer at ATTOM Data, explains: “The typical median-priced home around the U.S. remains affordable to workers earning an average wage, despite prices that keep going through the roof. Super-low interests and rising pay continue to be the main reasons why.”


Generation Wars in the Housing Market

Millennials are the single biggest generation among current homebuyers. But increasingly, they find themselves competing against Boomers when shopping for homes. Read More.


Looking Ahead by Looking Back

After a year like this for home prices, everyone asks, “What’s next?” History may provide answers. Housing along the Front Range since the 1970s has had three states: flat, up, and bubble-bust. Read More.


Shifting Priorities in Home Design

The last 18 months has triggered a tectonic shift in the types of features owners and buyers want in a home. Here are the top 5 requested amenities. Read More.


WK Real Estate Gives Back

Community means everything to us at WK. We live and work here, which is why our company, agents, and staff are eager to participate in fundraising events and other activities throughout the year. Read More.


News to Know in October: Real Estate Update

News to Know This Month

The fall real estate market is in full swing with little signs of slowing down. Mortgage rates remain low keeping buyers in the market, and average home prices continue to increase on the sellers’ side. As new inventory arrives on the market, it goes under contract quickly, leading many to see an “inventory problem”. However, upon a closer look at the numbers, in most of the front range markets, we have more sold transactions year to date than last year, indicating that in fact we have housing inventory coming in, it just continues to sell at a faster rate. For example, according to the Colorado Association of REALTORS® the City of Boulder has 18.7% more sold listings that this time last year, and the City of Denver is up 14.3%.


Corn Mazes & Pumpkin Patches!

Crisp fall air, crunchy leaves under foot, and a spiced pumpkin latte in hand? Must be fall, and that means time to try a corn maze and pick out the perfect pumpkin. Find the closest one to you with this handy map and list. Read More.


Best Real Estate Company: Boulder County Gold

This year, WK Real Estate won its 21st award for Boulder County Gold: Best Real Estate Company. Thank you to everyone who voted for WK – it has been an absolute pleasure to work with each and every one of my clients, and I’m ecstatic to work at the best real estate company out there. Read More.

News to Know This Month: Real Estate Update

News to Know This Month

A slight cooling of the real estate market is visible in subtle ways throughout the Front Range. Although there are still multiple offers on homes, especially in the first-time buyer price ranges, less offers are being presented at one time. Some homes are only seeing a single offer that would have had 5 or 6 offers a few months ago. Buyers are considering more cosmetic details again such as carpets, cabinets and overall home condition prior to submitting an offer. Even though we’re seeing signs of a market shift, it is still a strong seller’s market and, if priced right, offers under list price are rare.



Rising Housing Supply – What It Means

An important factor in today’s national market is the number of homes for sale. While inventory levels continue to sit near historic lows, there are indications we may have hit the lowest point we’ll see.

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Hiking a 14er?

With a few final weeks of summer left, why not give yourself a good challenge by hiking an infamous Colorado 14er? Here’s a resource guide on how to safely prepare and hike at elevation.

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News to Know This Month: Real Estate Update

News to Know This Week

Normally, I talk about the market in this section (lately that’s been low standing inventory, buyer fatigue, multiple offers and rising home prices), but I thought this month I’d take a break from the market chatter and talk about gratitude. Seeing my friends and family starting to take vacations again, getting outside and enjoying the warmer weather, and just simply being able to hug each other again has been a welcome change of pace. Although we can find hope, solidarity and strength in the toughest of times, it’s this renewed love of everyday life, the little things, that can make those tough times the most powerful experiences of our lives. So, my challenge to you this week is to take a moment and reflect on all the things you have to be grateful for right now.



Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast Canceled

WK Real Estate has sponsored the 4th of July fireworks at Folsom Field in partnership with the University of Colorado and City of Boulder for many years. Due to safety considerations surrounding COVID-19 and the number of participants that gather for this event, the difficult decision has been made to cancel the fireworks this year. We plan on putting together a phenomenal event for 2022 and hope to see everyone in person next year!

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Things to Do for 4th of July

As 4th of July is on a Sunday this year, a long weekend off from work means lots of fun ways to celebrate with friends and family. Check out a list of options below.

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Awards Recognition

WK Real Estate takes home the coveted Diamond Award from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® for the second year in a row, after being named the inaugural winner last year. I’m proud to work with the best of the best in this incredible network of independent real estate firms across the globe!

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Fifth Runner up for Top Producer – Thank You!

2020 was certainly a different year in many ways – for all of us. That said, professionally it was a banner year for me.  Thank you to all of you who trusted me with helping you purchase or sell a property.  It turned out to be a fantastic year in terms of real estate sales.  As Fifth Runner up for Top Producer, I owe my success to all of you! Thank you!

Andria Allen

News to Know This Week, Boulder & Denver Market Info, Virtual Races & More

“Don’t make plans, make options.”—Jennifer Aniston


News to Know This Week

Happy New Year!  As we say good-bye to 2020 and embark on a new year with fresh beginnings, news is positive here in Colorado. In addition to the vaccine administration taking place, counties also moved from Level Red to a less restrictive Level Orange last week, and many school districts are going back to at least partially in-person sessions. Although real estate inventory is still very tight per our previous trends, we’re expecting to see more listings coming to market as the holiday season has passed and the spring market approaches.




Virtual Races

According to Time.com, 50% of people choose “exercise” as their top New Year’s resolution. What better way to stick to a fitness goal than to sign up for a race?  


Design & Decorating Apps

Ready to freshen up your space with a new furniture arrangement, different wall art or fresh paint scheme? These design apps let you consider options to see what fits your space best. 

News to Know This Week, Market Update, and Virtual Holiday Party Ideas

As we continue to forge through this pandemic, remember, it’s the little moments that make the holiday season special and a house a home. From my little globe to yours, warm wishes for days filled with laughter and joy, and cozy nights with people you love.

News to Know This Week

Boulder County and many Denver area counties switched to Level Red recently, with expectations that numbers will continue to increase due to holiday gatherings. Individual real estate transaction and showings are permissible in Level Red, although there are a few additional precautions in place. For example, clients must drive in their own car to and from showings, and showings are limited to individuals who are party to the contract.  From a listing perspective,photographers, stagers and other pertinent contractors or services are allowed in Level Red with guidelines in place to keep everyone safe.

In market news, historically low levels of inventory appear to be finally taking a toll on home sale activity in the Boulder/Denver Metro area with both closed and pending transactions at the end of November down significantly from the previous month, and from the same period in 2019. Buyers in Denver had a tougher time than those in the City of Boulder, with almost 15 percent less homes sold, as compared to 10 percent less in Boulder.


Introducing Buyside!

Interested in finding out what your home is worth? Buyside pulls instant price estimates from three different sources and provides a heat map to see how popular your neighborhood is based on the number of buyers looking right now.


Virtual Holiday Party Ideas

Current public health orders dictate a change to many of our holiday social calendars this year. Here is a list of ideas for virtual gatherings, games, and professionally hosted events to make the holiday extra special and memorable from afar!

What I’m Thankful For, News to Know This Week & More


“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” Robert Brault

#DoingMyPartCO


With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I wanted to take a moment to share how thankful I am for this year.  2020 is by no means a normal year, but it is a year I will always cherish. This is a year where support, loyalty, and friendship have taken on new meaning.  I had to change my perspectives and remember to appreciate the little things in life. Every challenge, every success and every decision has led to a deeper understanding of what’s truly important. Most of all, I’m thankful for clients and friends like you who make work an absolute joy.

Sincerely,

Andria Allen

303.810.8375


News to Know This Week

Boulder County, like several surrounding counties including Denver and Adams, have moved into Safer-at-Home Orange (High Risk) in the recent weeks. This changes capacity restrictions for businesses, on top of the state level guideline of limiting personal gatherings to no more than two households and under 10 people. Real estate transactions can continue with the appropriate safety procedures such as wearing masks, only one party showing a property at a time, and touching as little as possible when at a property. Despite these restrictions, the real estate market is still moving rapidly. Inventory is at a record low, and we can assume will continue to stay low for the foreseeable future. Median sales prices are up, as are the number of sold properties compared to this time last year.




Local Shopping Guide

This year shopping local will have an even greater impact on small businesses in our local communities. Here are some Boulder and Longmont favorites!

Boulder

Longmont


Amazing Stargazing Sites

The days and nights may be getting chillier and our evening plans may look different due to the pandemic, but the stars are shining brightly. If you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful night out, check out these Colorado stargazing sites. See Guide