David Timm - REALTOR®, GRI

It was quite an honor to be selected as the Fort Collins Board of Realtors Rookie of the Year for 2008. It was very humbling to be selected. It was also great to have friends and coworkers there to share this event with me. Mike Jensen, Matt Evans and Laurie Dubose were three of the people who really helped mentor me and I am so thankful that they were there to share the evening with me. There were also several other members of the KW team there as well.

I was told that my GRI completion was the deciding factor in a very close contest. I believe that the time I spent Studying and earning the GRI designation not only helped for this award, but it has gone a long way in preparing me to better serve my clients now and in the future. I completed my first two transactions before I began the GRI. My mentors really held my hand. But shortly after, I began pounding away on my studies. I found that having just listed a house and sold a house and helped a buyer, that the course work was much more tangible and meaningful.

Another aspect I am proud of is the community service that I have been a part of. I believe that a very important part of our obligation as Realtors is to invest our time and talent into our communitees. We need to support and develop our neighborhoods to help make and keep them good places to live.

I will strive to learn more this coming year than I did last year. Serve my community more fully. And to continue to provide quality customer service to my clients.

This has been a little overwhelming and humbling.

I truly have been Blessed.

The Fort Collins Board of REALTOR's has selected David Timm as Rookie of the Year for 2008!

It was a great celebration! The Rookie of the year is decided by looking not only at sales, but on the Realtor's community involvement, Board involvement and a commitment to continuing education. This years winner Completed several transactions but as importantly has served his community through church, Habitat For Humanity, and the Cause Kids Count Foundation. www.causekidscount.org

David also earned his GRI designation in his first year as a Realtor.

The Fort Collins Keller Williams team Came out in force to support our rookie candidates.

From Left: Rick Kness, Matt Evans, David Timm, Mike Jensen and JoAnn Johnston.

David is commited to serving Northern Colorado as a real estaste service professional and continuing a personal life of service as well.

Again, IF NOT NOW WHEN!

You have decided that the 10,000+ square foot lot is too much work.

Maintaining a Four thousand square foot home is more that you want to deal with.

The kids have gone off to college and it's time to transition to a new start.

The bills for heating and cooling such a large space are out of control.

These are only a few of the comment I have heard from buyers and sellers as reasons they say "It's time to downsize!

Again with interest rates near historic lows, your current home represents a greater value to current buyers. In the Fort Collins and Northern Colorado real estate market there are several quality properties that will fit your new change in lifestyle. Whether you are looking at buying new construction or in an established community, you can find a home that fits your needs.

An idea that is gaining some steam is that of lessening your impact our natural recourses. Moving from a large home and large lot to a more modest efficient home can integrate well into a life strategy of good stewardship.

Now IS the Time.

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Again, IF NOT NOW WHEN!

What are some of the reasons folks would need more space. A lot of times we call this UPSIZING

Starting a Family It may be time that a baby is on the way or soon to be on the way. It's time for another child. Whatever the reason, your old home, condo or townhome is just not going to cut it. Now is a great time to transition from your home that is too small, into your next home that gives you room to grow.

Teens? Your kids are fast approaching the teens and your thinking Bathrooms, Their private space, YOUR private space. You want a larger space.

Families coming together and blending. Again you need more space.

How is it that now is the time? As we discussed in my last post, Rates are quite low! As new first time buyers come into the market the demand will be strong for your home that is too small for you. The same principles are in place as you move up the property ladder. Currently prices have been somewhat depressed or flat for a while but we are starting to see evidence that the trend is turning. So now is the time before the prices begin to rise.

Now IS the Time.

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I think a better question is "If not now, when?"

Now Is the time. Why now if you are a first-time buyer?

Intrest rates are at very low levels. Last week saw rates dip to 5%! What that means is that with a loan balance of $150,000.00, at 5% interest The PI payment would be $806 per month* But at 6% the PI due would be $900 per month*. Check the Mortgage Calculator for yourself.

* Please note this would not include the taxes and insurance. It would not be uncommon at that value to be +/- $150 a month

First time Buyer programs are very favorable right now. In Northern Colorado there are many down payment assistance options. The City of Fort Collins, Larimer County and the State of Coloradoeach have separate options to aid in down payment assistance for first time home buyers.

Another significant opportunity is the Federal Tax Credit for First time Home Buyers. This gives those who qualify the chance to receive a $7500 tax CREDIT! Even if you owned a house more than three years ago you could qualify as a first time home owner! Of course you will need to check eligibility rules and advantages given specific circumstances.

Price. In the Fort Collins market we are seeing that the price may have bottomed out especially as it pertains to stereotypical first time homes.

Payment/Rent The rent on an average 3 bedroom home in Fort Collins would be about $1100-$1200 per month. With rates what they are today you can OWN a lot of house for that kind of payment! Check with your tax professional to see if you could also benefit from an additional tax deduction for mortgage interest.

Investment In a time of uncertainty Real Estate is a very sound vehicle for a significant portion of your investment portfolio. And as it pertains to our local market we have weathered the storm around us fairly well. We are again seeing indicators that the local market is strengthening.

There are many factors in your personal situation that could lead you one way or the other. In fact, after hearing your situation and story I will remind you of some of the reasons not to buy. But if you are in a stable position and expect to live in the area for a while we might decide that:

Now IS the Time.

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