December 2022 Newsletter

They say in Colorado: if you don't like the weather, wait a day. The same may go for real estate. If you don't like the market, wait 6 months. From the frenzied Spring market to the cooler Winter one, Colorado real estate may feel like a roller coaster ride for some. So what's happening now (and what do experts think will happen in the future)? Here are the facts:

• There have been six recessions in the past 40 years.
• Mortgage rates dropped EVERY time.
• Some economists are predicting a recession in early 2023. They are also forecasting that mortgage interest rates will drop 1% to 1.5%.
• From today's rate of around 7.0%, that means rates may drop to 5.5% or so by the Fall of 2023.
• Home prices in the State of Colorado have declined just 3 times in the last 50 years. 2008 was the last time home prices declined. Home values rebounded by 2011.
• The number of homes for sale (inventory) in October 2022 was lower than pre-pandemic levels.
• The homeownership rate for people under 35 years old is only 39%; there are 50 million people in the 28-38 age demographic of which some -- or many -- are likely to become potential homeowners in the future.  

The bottom line: the market is ever-changing, but there's never a bad time to buy or sell.2023 may bring a more balanced market, but there are still more people looking to buy homes than there are homes for sale. Buyers will need to plans for rates in the 5%-7% range, and Sellers will need to plan to price competitively and be patient. If you are worried, concerned, anxious, or excited about buying or selling a home in 2023, give me a call. I'd love to buy you a cup of of coffee and talk through it.

1. Blossoms of Light

   WHEN: Nov. 18, 2022–Jan. 7, 2023
   WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens

2. Zoo Lights    WHEN: Dec. 3, 2022–Jan. 15, 2023; 5:30-8:30 pm          WHERE: Denver Zoo3. Train Ride TMThe Polar Express    WHEN: Thru Dec. 23, 2022    WHERE: Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden4. Colorado Ballet: 'The Nutcracker'    WHEN: Nov. 26–Dec. 24, 2022     WHERE: Ellie Caulkins Opera House

5. Luminova Holidays
   WHEN: Nov. 25, 2022–Jan. 1, 2023
   WHERE: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

RECIPE OF THE MONTH: GOOEY BRIE CRESCENT WRAP

I am all for an easy yet tasty appetizer. And, 'tis the season for parties and apps. Dress this up with sprigs of rosemary to maximize the holiday vibe.INGREDIENTS:

• Two 8-ounce packages refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1/3 cup cranberry preserves/spread
• 8 ounces Brie, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary plus a few sprigs, for garnish
• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt, optional, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons honey

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Remove the crescent rolls from the packages and separate into individual triangles. Place an upturned bowl on the prepared sheet pan and arrange the crescent triangles in a circular star shape around it, with the pointed ends furthest away from the bowl and the thicker ends nearest the bowl, slightly overlapping. Press the overlapping dough to flatten.
3. Spread the cranberry preserves onto the dough around the center nearest the bowl and top with the Brie pieces, half the pistachios and half of the dried cranberries. Remove the bowl from the center and fold the pointed ends of the crescent rolls up and over the filling, tucking the tip of each under the base to secure. Brush the top with the beaten egg and sprinkle over the rosemary and flaky salt if using. Bake until golden and gooey, 18 to 20 minutes.
4. Drizzle the top of the wreath with the honey. Garnish with the remaining dried cranberries and pistachios and rosemary sprigs. Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired. Allow to cool slightly before transferring the wreath to a board. Serve with a cheese knife to slice and enjoy.

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FiveFour Real Estate is the one-stop shop for those who are ready to take their home or investment to the next level. Our name FiveFour derives from 5.4%: the average annual home appreciation rate in the US over the last 50 years. We know that your real estate investment is one of the largest and most important purchases of your life. With that in mind, our focus and strategy revolves around you. We hold our licenses at the brokerage Five Four Real Estate.  If you buy a home and put 20% down, you are leveraging your money 5X. A 5.4% increase in your home's value means a 27% ROI.

Thinking of Buying or Selling?  Know someone who is?We are NEVER too busy for your referrals!

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OUR PROMISE TO OUR CLIENTS

This could be one of the largest and most important financial decisions you will make in your lifetime, and you deserve an experienced partner that understands the intricacies of Colorado real estate.

We promise to always keep you informed about the rapidly changing market and educate you throughout the entire process. We promise to protect your best interests and treat your home or investment like it’s one of our own. We promise to work our hardest to find the perfect home for you and your family with as little stress as possible.  

We value your trust and hope to continue supporting you in your lifetime even after your sale or purchase is complete. This goes beyond real estate to us, it’s the beginning of a lifelong friendship.