Colorado’s red-hot population growth rate is cooling, and while current residents may celebrate, those who are leaving in increasing numbers say they were driven away by rising housing prices, jobs that don’t pay enough and traffic jams.

The state in 2016 saw its first drop this decade in the number of people arriving from other states, while those leaving Colorado hit a record high, resulting in the lowest net-migration number — 30,000 total new residents — in seven years.

New annual figures from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey show that 193,000 Coloradans moved away last year, 10,000 more than in 2015, while 223,000 moved here, down about 4,000 from the year before but still well above recent years.

“We are seeing that…

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Yes!

There is really nothing more depressing than looking at a house between Thanksgiving and New Year’s that doesn’t have at least a little holiday vibe happening.

Picture this: a Buyer goes to an Open House where a Santa-filled playlist is quietly celebrating the season, along with cinnamon sticks and cloves simmering on the stove. A cheerful tree fills the corner by the fireplace, where the warm glow of burning logs flickers beneath a row of carefully hung stockings. Frosted cookies shaped like snowmen and steamy mugs of hot cocoa are served + enjoyed by potential homebuyers and curious neighbors...and it feels like a Hallmark movie just waiting to happen.

And then: that same buyer follows the Open House signs to your property, which you’ve…

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qualifying or a home loan

The earlier you can start planning for the home loan approval process the better. Knowing how much you need to save for a down payment and having a target credit score can not only help you get approved but can save you a lot of money over the life of the mortgage. Being more prepared can lead to lower interest rates, no mortgage insurance, and a less stressful qualification process.

Evaluate and Monitor Your Credit

One of the more important things you can do to prepare you and your family for getting approved for a mortgage is to get take ownership of your credit. This involves monitoring your credit with a close eye and understanding what factors will have the most impact, then taking action to improve your score as much as possible. When it comes…

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Skiing and snowboarding is never cheap, but there are plenty of ways to hit the slopes without breaking the bank — if you know where to hunt for bargains.

Sometimes the deals are unexpected. For example, two ski areas near either end of the Roaring Fork Valley are celebrating 50 years with very different offers. On Dec. 15, Snowmass is celebrating its 50th anniversary with $6.50 lift tickets — the cost of a one-day ticket on opening day in 1967, when it was called Snowmass-at-Aspen to help people locate it. Down the valley, near Glenwood Springs, $700 buys a full day of skiing or riding at Ski Sunlight, a hot-springs pass and a pair of handcrafted Meier skis (skisunlight.com).

To find more widespread deals, try these ways to save on the slopes:

…

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Welcome home to your sweet, new-to-you bungalow in Berkeley - the best of Highlands living nestled between Rocky Mountain and Berkeley lakes, blocks to Centennial Elementary and one of Denver's most popular shopping districts, The Berkeley District.


Start your weekends off right with a stroll around Berkeley lake with a stop at the dog park and head to Denver Biscuit Company for brunch. Hit up one of the many area farmers markets & have your friends over to bbq in the huge backyard complete with raised garden beds & dog run. Head out for an amazing dinner on Tennyson or retreat to your large master bedroom. The house has been tastefully updated with a newer kitchen, hardwood floors & roomy basement w/guest bedroom & tv room. Your attached oversized…

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Perfect mix of modern and vintage finishes throughout the home including original heartwood pine floors and an updated kitchen with granite counters, cherry cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

Relax in your stunning second story master retreat that features an ensuite, beautiful natural light and two large closets. You'll love the large lot with new sod and sprinklers where you'll have plenty of room for gardening, outdoor entertaining and playing with the pups during the Spring and Summer. Incredible location minutes from Downtown, Cherry Creek, Denver Botanic Gardens, Sie Film Center, Tattered Cover, The Ogden and The Fillmore!

1138 Clayton Street, Denver, CO 80206

Listed by Bobbi Kim for West + Main Homes. Please contact Bobbi for current pricing…

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BREAKING NEWS:

News Release

FHFA Announces Maximum Conforming Loan Limits for 2018:

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Baseline Limit Will Increase to $453,100

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/28/2017

Washington, D.C. – The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced the maximum conforming loan limits for mortgages to be acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2018. In most of the U.S., the 2018 maximum conforming loan limit for one-unit properties will be $453,100, an increase from $424,100 in 2017. 

Baseline limit

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) requires that the baseline conforming loan limit be adjusted each year for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to reflect the change in the average U.S. home price.  Earlier…

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“Urban Conversion,” a television show that’s grown from a three-episode Colorado-channel run to an international audience, is going to expand even further next year, in part because of an investment from the state of Colorado.

Colorado Economic Development Commission members voted unanimously Thursday to offer film-incentive rebates of as much as $98,000 to the show, which is set to begin filming its third and longest season soon. All 17 members of the cast and crew are Colorado-based, and the city of Arvada will take a new starring role next year.

The show centers on conservative businessman Rodman Schley and his free-spirited wife, Gina Schley, trying to combine their passions and live a sustainable existence in an urban setting. Over the first…

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A former work site in Denver’s Sunnyside neighborhood could become a new spot for workforce housing as part of Confluence Cos.’ massive Zia development.

Altogether, Zia could add 431 residential units southwest of West 41st Avenue and Inca Street. Confluence Cos. expects to break ground on the $110 million project in spring 2018, said Tim Walsh, president of the Golden-based development company.

In January, Confluence plans to start clearing the site that formerly housed the Denver-based Concrete Coring Co., Walsh said. City records show there are three office buildings along Jason Street that would be replaced with 119 condos in the eight-story portion of the Zia and 312 apartments in the six-story portions of the development.

“We feel like…

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Feeling the desire to do a little decluttering? Here are 20 things you can get rid without hesitation. 

1. Expired coupons. Instead of shuffling through a huge pile of useless coupons, pull out the ones you will actually use and throw the rest. 

2. Old magazines. If you're keeping them to look back at later, you won't. If you're keeping them for your kids to use for collages, keep three, max.

3. Expired pantry items (canned goods, spices, etc.). Check your local food bank for donation guidelines.

4. Old clothes. If you've flipped past it in your closet for the past year, it's probably time to let go. 

5. Old/extra/excessive wrapping paper and supplies. If your stash tends to grow and sit, paring it down leaves you with less decision fatigue…

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