Joan Rogliano

Colorado is Ranked #4 in Population Growth

2008 Population: 4,939,456

2007 Population: 4,842,770

Year-over-year Increase: 2%

With Colorado having seen 2% growth over the last year and 15% growth over the last eight years, it puts this state fourth on the list for population growth.

In 1950, Colorado's population was just over 1.3 million. By 1980, numbers were approaching 3 million. During the 1990s, the state added over one million inhabitants or about 275 people each day.

In 2000, Colorado had ballooned to 4.3 million residents. Thus, over the past 50 years, Colorado's population has more than tripled in size. There are now more people living along the Front Range than there were living in the entire state ten years ago.

What accounts for this growth? Populations grow or shrink as a result of shifts in three demographic variables: fertility, migration, and mortality. Changes in population size are dependent on net migration (people moving into the state minus people moving out of the state) and natural factors (births minus deaths). Natural increase accounted for 38 percent of all growth during that period, over half came from migration from other states, and the remainder was due to migration from other countries.

The Census Bureau's new projections indicate that immigration will account for two-thirds of all growth nationwide over the next century. In Colorado, most population growth comes from domestic interstate migration (people moving in from other states). Yet this is often caused by what is known as secondary migration. Secondary migration occurs when people leave crowded areas in search of more space. This is happening around the U.S., as massive immigration drives the native population to move to less crowded areas.

Colorado has been a magnet for such migrants - notably, Californians trying to escape the effects of the states record population growth - growth that has been driven by high immigration levels. A full quarter of migration into Colorado in the past decade has come from California.

For more information about the Colorado real estate market contact Joan@roglianorealestategroup.com or visit www.roglianorealestategroup.com, www.wildflowergroup.com.

The 40th anniversary of the enactment of the Fair Housing Act is punctuated by President Elect Obama and the "first family" moving into the White House this month. Whether one considers the imagery from the Presidential campaigns, the real estate industries commitment to equal professional service, or the profound and clear economic realities of our nations changing real estate demographics, as fair housing stakeholders we have much to celebrate, but much more to do.

Every community has an interest in promoting fair housing. Fair housing builds strong and healthy communities and a strong economy. It is a common belief that the strengthening of the real estate markets will lead our economy out of recession.
We have 40 years of experience to learn from and that in many instances celebrate our accomplishments. However, we must also admit that the current enforcement system does not work. One only needs to examine the prevalence of predatory lending targeted at African American and Latino families and the related community impact on housing values, schools, and the tax base to graphically illustrate this point.

One group often overlooked in these statistics are women. The Consumer Federation of America released a study in December of 2006 showing that women were more likely than men to be put into higher-cost subprime mortgages, regardless of their credit and income when compared to men in the same market.
As the new Administration's begins it's transition work, we must acknowledge that discrimination persists in our country despite laws prohibiting such conduct. Now is the time to act in partnership to affirm equal housing opportunity and invest in strong communities that celebrate homeownership.
The National Community Reinvestment Coalition has recommended the establishment of a new cabinet-level agency focused on civil rights enforcement. This agency would report directly to the President of the United States and would be responsible for measuring, monitoring, and eliminating all forms of discrimination from our society once and for all. And, given the importance of housing to accessing opportunities for social and economic advancement, housing related laws would be among the new agency's highest priorities.

This new cabinet-level agency would not supplant the civil rights responsibilities of other federal agencies. It would develop a strategic plan to coordinate the activities of all agencies.
Finally, this agency would develop and support public service campaigns to help educate the public on this important issue. It would participate in affirmative marketing and related efforts to promote a more integrated and inclusive society.

Joan Rogliano created the Wildflower Group, an organization that strives to empower women with practical information about real estate investing and home ownership. For more information email Joan@roglianorealestategroup.com or visit www.wildflowergroup.net.

The people, the proximity, the Peso. These are three reasons why our neighbor to the south, Mexico, is increasingly becoming a choice for foreign investors around the globe.

In particular, US Citizens have become a major force in Mexico's booming real estate market. Baby boomers are a growing middle class in Mexico. With the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement and numerous other factors, Mexico is realizing its full potential as a major player in world politics and economics. The Peso is trading at 13.22 to 1 against the dollar. The bottom line is today's Mexico is a lot different than the country of the past century.

Banking has become easier in Mexico. Bancomer USA now has a retail business unit. Its basic goal addresses the financial service needs of foreigners. They provide retail services like credit cards, debit cards, checking accounts in dollars, in pesos, and even car loans. Several lenders including BBVA Compass Bank and Bancomer also offer mortgage loans for Americans who are buying in Mexico and can finance up to 80% of the value of the property.

Mexico has laws that are a little bit different than ours but mostly parallel our economy. The biggest upside for an American when they buy property in Mexico is that the taxes, home maintenance and cost of living are all less expensive than in the U.S. If you want less risk, buy property that already has title and has been sold several times already to other people. Get the title and the property correctly registered before you go ahead and disburse the remainder of the purchase price.

Take advantage of the "fly and buy" and "play and stay" offerings. For about $300 you and a companion can travel to certain resorts in selected areas. They will wine and dine you, and of course do a hard sell. There is no commitment to purchasing. It's a great way to do research [for more information, complete the form at www.IncomePropertyInvestmentTalk.com/112608].

If you would like more information about how to find a real estate professional in Mexico contact Joan@roglianorealestategroup.com.

Many people are wondering where their money will be safest during these uncertain economic times. What a recent report conducted by the National Association of Realtors has shown are that some things never change: Investing in their home still pays off.

Today's buyers have much more to choose from in the way of inventory, any home for sale must make a positive first impression. This year's Cost vs. Value report underscore the importance of curb appeal in the buyer's eye.

Once again, exterior remodeling projects lead the way for recovery on dollars spent in this year's Cost vs. Value survey. When you compare the national averages, replacement projects that boost curb appeal such as siding, windows, and decks, give you the greatest chance of recouping your money. Inside, only kitchen remodels can compare, at least on a national level.

According to the 2008 survey the top ten projects were:
1. Upscale fiber cement siding (86.7%)
2. Midrange wood deck (81.8%)
3. Midrange vinyl siding (80.7%)
4. Upscale foam-backed vinyl (80.4%)
5. Midrange minor kitchen remodel (79.5%)
6. Upscale vinyl window replacement (79.2%)
7. Midrange wood window replacement (77.7%)
8. Midrange vinyl window replacement (77.2%)
9. Upscale wood window replacement (76.5%
10. Midrange major kitchen remodel (76.0%)

Also, don't forget about landscaping. Landscaping puts the finishing touch on any property for minimal investment and boosts the curb appeal of properties in any price range.

If you would like to receive a 10% discount coupon from Lowes just email: Joan@roglianorealestategroup.com and one will be mailed to you at no charge. The discount is good on purchases of anything from landscaping to lumber up to $10,000 which adds up to a big savings as you consider those home improvement projects.

Don't Become a Financial Victim
Whether or not you anticipate a divorce you should understand your financial picture and keep copies of all important financial records such as account statements for all assets and statements from all creditors. Watch cash in joint checking, brokerage accounts or cash value of life insurance so you understand your position as all times.

Recognize Your Common Enemy....the I.R.S. Work together with a divorce financial planner or tax accountant to minimize the total taxes you and your ex will pay during separation and after divorce and share the money you save. Both parties are liable for taxes due as a result of audits on joint returns. Tax consequences also need to be considered when analyzing any settlements.

Use Computer Models to Evaluate Settlement Proposals If you are trying to decide whether a divorce settlement is equitable and workable, you certainly want to know how you will be doing financially 3, 5 or 10 years down the road. There are many interactive factors you must consider including assets, incomes, budgets, maintenance and child support, taxes, retirement plans, investments and educational expenses. Specialized divorce computer models produce comprehensive and realistic analyses of your post-divorce lifestyle. This model should also include tax implications of any settlement.

Don't Use Your Divorce Lawyer as a Financial Planner, Real Estate Agent or Therapist Attorneys generally charge $200 to $300 per hour and are not skilled therapists or certified financial planners. If you need emotional support, career counseling, financial analysis or real estate advice utilize qualified professionals and save big money in lawyer's fees.

Develop a Post-Divorce Financial Plan It is key to produce a realistic budget needed at the initial separation and through the divorce settlement. Many people start their post-divorce lives not fully understanding that their settlement must last a significant amount of time and in some cases the rest of their lives. Financial planning can help people transition from married to single lifestyle by prioritizing financial goals, developing realistic expectations and producing written plans for allocation of financial resources. Use experts in the area of financial and real estate planning to set up a plan that works for your individual situation.


Over the past 26 years, Realtor® Joan Rogliano has worked with many women going through the emotional and financial trauma of divorce and widowhood. Toward that end, she created the Wildflower Group, an organization that strives to empower women with practical information about real estate and home ownership. For more information contact joan@roglianorealestategroup.com or visit www.wildflowergroup.net.