All Forum Posts by: Matt M.

As far as stocks go, I am only in index funds. I don't have time to do the homework necessary to invest in individual ones.

From a boots on the ground standpoint with Trulia & Zillow, I don't like either one, but I am obviously biased.

Zillow & Trulia are AWEFUL for real estate. Their data is horribly inaccurate. IIRC the Denver MLS cut off the live feed to them. They were taking our data and selling it back to us.

People buy a home about every 7 years. It can be an extremely emotional experience for the average person. Agents help facilitate a smooth transaction. You would not believe the DRAMA that can go on within a transaction. There will always be a need for that FOR SOME PEOPLE.

Discount brokerages are popping up, but they usually don't offer the level of service people need, especially in a less than ideal market. Good agents are a tremendous value.

The problem is the barrier to entry into too low to become an agent. It is just too easy. The less than ideal agents make us all look bad. Off my soapbox.

PS - If you want the best data for Denver MLS, then goto recolorado.com. It is the public version of the mls.

@Thomas Blue Best advice I can give you is to rent for 6 months. That will give you a feel for the area. There are limitations for expansion in Boulder, but the nearby cities offer some avenues. Boulder is an expensive place. Not sure what your situation is, but you can also look at Louisville, Superior, & Erie.

What is your goal? Gameplan?

From what I have read, the speakers are NOT allowed to pitch.

Anyone headed down to Big D for the event? Looking to make my way down there; just need to see if I can squeeze in the flight.

Home depot will cut them on the spot. Make sure you measure correctly. They can tell you how to measure.

Can't tell you how many times I have heard someone getting a "bulk" deal. In the past 5 years, I have maybe seen it happen once. Don't waste your time chasing them...Unless you have $20Million to put down.

It's the bad part about being a landlord, but it is a business and must be treated as one. I agree with the Holidays making it worse.

Imagine January or February rolling around and her still not paying rent, etc. Then how much would you be out? An old dog commercial landlord told me something that I now go by: "It's better to have a vacant property, than a non-paying tenant property." It just makes getting someone new in there easier.

Get that thing rented and put some $$ back in your pocket.

Also, don't forget about tax harvesting for next year.

I bought a HUD home as an owner occupant this summer. Our investor competition is so fierce here in Denver that is was my only shot to get a good deal on a home. The numbers are great, but there is one problem, my wife now loves the home, so we aren't leaving anytime soon.

Anyways you have to have an agent registered with HUD to bid, etc. The highest NET to HUD wins the deal. Your paperwork must be flawless, and there are a lot of hoops to jump through. You should negotiate your agent's commission beforehand because that and any closing costs reduce the NET to HUD.

Get an experienced agent and go for it. Good luck!