Monday, September 13, 2010

RE/MAX Alliance’s 17th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Raises Over $66,000 for Children’s Hospital!



RE/MAX Alliance is pleased to announce their annual Charity Golf Tournament, supporting the Children’s’ Miracle Network, has been another great success. This year’s tournament, held on August 16th, 2010 at the Riverdale Dunes and Knolls Golf Club in Brighton, Colorado, raised a record breaking $66,718. All of the money raised is being donated to Children's Hospital and Children's Miracle Network.

The RE/MAX Alliance Charity Golf Tournament has always been about giving back to the children in the community while enjoying a great day of golf at the same time. Real estate associates, community members,business sponsors, and a handful of very special Children's Miracle Network Champions all participated to make this a record-breaking year. Last year’s tournament raised $64,423.

Participants enjoyed a beautiful day of golf; silent auction items including a golf foursome to the Sanctuary, autographed sports memorabilia, vacation getaways, and a delicious lunch served by Colorado based Smiling Moose Deli. Each participant also received a grab bag and had the opportunity to meet the families who brought their amazing children who have benefitted from Children's Hospital. To see photos of the event and a special tournament video, visit www.facebook.com/remaxalliance.

RE/MAX Alliance would like to give a special thanks to everyone who participated by sponsoring a hole, a red wagon, playing in the tournament, purchased golf balls for the golf ball drop, provided lunch, and volunteered to make this another successful year.

“We are so humbled by the generosity of those who gave in so many ways to help support and raise awareness for such an amazing charity,” said Chad Ochsner, Broker Owner of RE/MAX Alliance. “Each year, Children’s Miracle Network hospitals provide more than $2.5 billion in charitable care. To see the ear-to-ear smiles on the faces of children who have benefited from the Children’s Miracle Network just reinforces why we give the Children’s Miracle Network, and the reason we do this year after year.”

Interested in participating in next year’s event? We are currently accepting registration for golfers and sponsors. Next year’s tentative date has been set for August 8, 2011. Please visit www.alliancegolfforkids.com or contact Kim Hawkins at 303-759-6636 for more information.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

RE/MAX Alliance Agents Recognized as FIVE STAR Real Estate Agents for 2010 by Denver’s 5280 Magazine!


RE/MAX Alliance, the 3rd largest RE/MAX Franchise in the world, is pleased to recognize several real estate agents that have been nominated as a “Five Star Real Estate Agent” for 2010 by Denver’s 5280 Magazine.

5280 Magazine contracted with Crescendo Business Services, an independent market research company, to identify exceptional real estate agents in the Denver area. More than 92,200 recent homebuyers, readers of 5280 Magazine, mortgage lenders and title companies were asked to submit an evaluation. Following a review of the information by a panel of local real estate experts, fewer than seven percent of all licensed real estate agents in the Denver area were chosen to be recognized as a FIVE STAR Real Estate Agent for 2010.

The following list of RE/MAX Alliance agents have been nominated for their excellence in overall customer service, client communication, finding the right home, integrity, negotiation, marketing the home, market knowledge, closing preparation, and overall customer satisfaction.

Deanna Albright, Bob Bell, Bryan Benham, Craig Bennigsdorf, Bob Brown, Tammy Camalick, Jim Carroll, Bernie Clarke, David Colson, Michael Craig, David Dombrowski, Ainslie Dougherty, Jeff Gazaway, Mary Gedack, Kristine Holvick, Diana Kearns, Michael Kearns, Mark Kruse, Leona Lawrence, James Leuschner, Robert Martin, Xenia Matteson, Marlene Maxon, Michelle McColl, Bear Owen, Amber Panck, Cynthia M. Parker, Denice Reich, George Rick, Robin Sawyer, Kathie Shandro, Russ Wehner Jr., Tupper Briggs, Kelley Burgin, Alice Carmody, Libby Dufford, Barbara Heywood, Don Newton, Valerie Skorka Westmark, Deborah Utzinger, Terry Utzinger, and Sheila Weaver.

This year’s list of real estate agents was published in a special section of the September issue of 5280 Magazine.

“We are very proud of all of our hard working agents," said Chad Ochsner, Broker Owner of RE/MAX Alliance. "This acknowledgement is of special importance as it is based on feedback from the consumer, and indicates the level of service provided. It is a true testament to the power of quality service and professionalism ALL RE/MAX Alliance agents provide and display for their clients.”

The Current Record Low Interest Rates Beat the Recent Tax-Credit Benefits!


Just a few months ago the buzz over first time home buying was the $8,000 government assisted tax-credit. However, with the current interest rates reaching record lows at 4.32%, the low interest rates are proving to be more of a money saver for buyers who are looking to lock in these rates for the long term.

Today’s homebuyers have a greater opportunity to save on interest over the long-term than those buyers that took advantage of the $8,000 homebuyer tax-credit. First-time homebuyers who purchased any kind of home—new or resale—were eligible for the tax-credit, which expired April 30, 2010. Here is a comparison of costs between a buyer taking advantage of the tax-credit and a buyer purchasing in mid August when the interest rates were 4.42%.

A qualified first time homebuyer purchasing a home for $200,000 with 20% down would have a loan amount of $160,000. At the time of the tax-credit for a 30-year fixed loan, interest rates fluctuated around 5.21%. Based on these rates the buyer’s monthly payment would be around $880 per month. After 30 years (the term of the loan), the buyer would have paid $156,644 in interest. A buyer electing to take advantage of the 4.42% interest rate in August, with the same loan term and 20% down payment would have a lower monthly payment at $803. At the end of the loan term, this buyer would have paid $129,119 in interest.

After recouping the $8,000 tax-credit (which was not received by the buyer in August), the buyer would have paid $19,525 less in interest over the 30-year loan term than the buyer receiving the tax-credit.

What does this tell us? Right now is an optimal time to buy a home.

“With interest rates at the lowest they’ve been in years, it’s a fantastic opportunity for consumers to realize the American Dream of owning a home,” said Chad Ochsner, Broker Owner of RE/MAX Alliance. Our associates are experienced in all types of real estate transactions including short sales, and with Colorado Mortgage Alliance (a Wells Fargo affiliate), we know we can help that dream come true.”

RE/MAX Alliance has the experience and necessary tools to assist buyers who are looking to take advantage of the lowest interest rates in 60 years. RE/MAX Alliance’s affiliation with Wells Fargo makes the loan process easy. With 21 offices and over 800 real estate professionals across the Front Range, RE/MAX Alliance is ready to serve you and your real estate needs.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Now is the Time to Buy! Let a RE/MAX Alliance Professional Assist With Your Buying Needs!

With mortgage interest rates at a 40-year low and a large amount of available inventory, now is an optimal time to buy a home. RE/MAX Alliance, Colorado’s largest privately owned real estate organization, has the experienced professionals to assist you with all of your real estate needs.

According to a recent Fannie Mae Housing Survey, a vast majority of Americans want to be homeowners. There are many reasons why now is a great time to buy a home, here are a few.

1. Mortgage rates are at a record 40-year low, falling to 4.32 percent on 30-year loans. The last time mortgage rates were this low, President Nixon signed an amendment to lower the voting age to 18. That was in 1970. Low mortgage rates create instant equity opportunities for buyers.

2. Inventory! There are plenty of great properties on the market. The recent abundance of foreclosures and distressed properties are being replaced with attractive well-maintained homes that are in move-in condition. Is your gem waiting to be found?

3. Falling Home Prices. Home prices continue to fluctuate. Some geographic areas are seeing a slight increase, while others are steadily decreasing in price. There are great deals waiting to be had, but be sure you are buying a home that suits your needs and is within your means.

Today’s real estate market offers many advantages to potential home buyers. As such, it’s important to work with knowledgeable and reliable experts that can guide you through the buying process. With 21 offices across the Front Range, RE/MAX Alliance has over 800 real estate professionals ready to serve you and your real estate needs.

RE/MAX Alliance agents offer top-notch home buying, selling and relocation services to suite the needs and promote the best interest of each individual client. RE/MAX Alliance has cultivated an edge against the competition by offering well-developed, strategic programs that focus on clients, both buyers and sellers.

RE/MAX Alliance’s affiliation with Wells Fargo makes the loan process easier. Have credit challenges or the lack of savings kept you from purchasing a home or refinancing? Wells Fargo has loans that can help manage payments and bring you closer to your financial goals.