Is Your Realtor Credentialed?

Do you see an “MD” for your health and a “CPA” for your accounting needs? And who handles one of your largest investments – your home? Many people don’t think twice about who they use to represent them in their real estate needs, but this can be a serious mistake.


The real estate industry is host to advanced designations and credentials like many fields. When you get a Realtor’s business card, pay attention if they have any letters after their name. If their name is followed by acronyms, this means they have taken the time and met requirements to further educate themselves and enhance their services. Think of it as a form of higher education in real estate.

I am proud to have just earned my fourth credential—the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS). Less than 4% of Realtors hold this designation because it is the most difficult to obtain. Not only did I need to pass courses in a variety of subject areas, but I also had to meet strict production requirements to even be eligible.

What does this mean for you? Home buyers and sellers can be assured that CRS designees subscribe to the strict Realtors code of ethics, have access to the latest technology, and are specialists in helping clients maximize profits and minimize costs when buying or selling a home.

In addition to being a CRS, I am also a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, Certified Distressed Property Expert, and Certified Negotiation Expert.

Take an extra second to look at your Realtor’s business card…it may make all the difference!

Boulder Makes National News Again: “Foodiest Town”

Is it just me, or does the City of Boulder, Colorado, at about 100,000 people, seem to make the national news quite a bit? Well it just happened again, and with another accolade: “America’s Foodiest Town 2010” by Bon Appetit. Kind of ironic that the skinniest state can also have some of the best restaurants, not only in terms of food quality but service and atmosphere too. I also like the emphasis placed on “local”—from produce to meats to beer—it’s another thing that makes Boulder unique and “foody.” Not to mention all the unbeatable happy hour specials! You can read the article at http://www.bonappetit.com/magazine/2010/10/americas_foodiest_town_2010_boulder.

Boulder Is Different

The Boulder Economic Council recently released its 2010 Economic Profile of Boulder, Colorado. As a guy who enjoys numbers, the data is both entertaining and optimistic. Below are some interesting facts on our city:


• Population: 103,606; Housing units: 43,878 (includes CU students who reside in Boulder)

o 2.361 people for every housing unit

• Mean travel time to work: 18.9 minutes vs. national average of 25.5 minutes

• 73% of Boulder residents work in Boulder vs. national average of 31.1% nationally work in their city

• Average rent: $976 vs. $824 national (This was surprisingly low for anyone looking to rent a place.)

• 50.6% of all housing units are rentals vs. 33.4% nationally

• 19.3% of Boulder residents walk or bike to work vs. 4.6% nationally

• 9.6% of Boulderites work from home vs. 4.1% national (Why would you want to live in North Dakota if you worked from home?)

• Home price appreciation year over year: -2.3% Boulder, -4.6% Colorado, and -6.8% national

• $46 million in venture capital for the first half of 2010 in Boulder County

• Unemployment rate: 6.4%, state 8.0%, and national 9.5%

With more than twenty-three pages of detailed statistics on the City of Boulder and surrounding metropolitan area, there are answers to your questions and great trivia for your friends.

CB Matches Donations for Fourmile Fire Victims

Every year, Realtors from Coldwell Banker offices throughout the state come together for a power week of fundraising in an event called “Ride the Range.” Riders will cover 316 miles over five days, beginning in Colorado Springs. I’ll be participating in one day of the ride again this year as I bike 50+ miles from Evergreen to Boulder. (Whew, getting exhausted just writing about it!)


Coldwell Banker has committed to raising funds for the American Cancer Society, however, all the money raised by the Boulder office will benefit the victims of Boulder’s Fourmile Fire…and Coldwell Banker will be matching each of these donations, dollar for dollar!

As a Realtor and homeowner, I know how important “home” is to many people, and being without it in a tragedy like this is unfathomable. As firefighters continue to work tirelessly to fully contain this fire, I ask that you please support those affected by it if you are able. Please visit http://www.events.org/CBRBCOL1/sponsorship.aspx?id=23388 to donate today!

Lucky Location for Lucky Pie

Set back from the street but on a well-trafficked corner, Lucky Pie offers a great spot to enjoy good food and drinks and hopefully good weather too. Lucky Pie is one of Louisville’s newest restaurant additions and fills a niche that wasn’t there before. The pizza is more like Proto’s than Old Chicago or one of the chains—thin crust, fresh ingredients, and a unique mix of toppings. My family and I ate there last week on the patio which was nice and relaxing. We loved our pizzas! Though they have a large beer selection I didn’t find my favorite on the menu (Left Hand) but the server was helpful in offering other selections. We’ll definitely be back to enjoy some tasty pizza and hopefully save room for ice cream next door at Sweet Cow.