Look for Certified Negotiation Expert when vetting a realtor

An 80-year-old woman contacted me recently about listing her Solterra home and buying another, larger home. We found a home that suited her beautifully, only to learn that the property had just gone under contract (a typical scenario in today's market).  

Solterra community sits in the shadow of the foothills in Lakewood, CO

Another round of looking turned up the identical house—this one a model from a Solterra builder. My client liked the idea of a dirt-start. Their spring 2017 completion date worked for her. She signed the contract and gave the builder $25,000 in earnest money. Two weeks later she was diagnosed with health issues. The larger home would no longer work. It became imperative that she get out of her contract, and asked me to help her recover her earnest money.

Andrew Nagel, Certified Negotiation Expert with Re/Max of Cherry Creek

Armed with a letter from the woman’s doctor, I went to the builder to explain the situation and ask that the earnest money be refunded. The builder declined, citing that the contract did not specify a change in health status as an acceptable reason for termination.

My client and I consulted an attorney who reiterated the builder’s argument: a change in health status was not grounds for termination.

I asked my client to wait to sign the termination agreement and went one more time to talk with the builder. An email arrived a few days later. They had reconsidered the situation. The builder is refunding the woman her entire $25,000 deposit.

Andrew Nagel, Re/Max realtor, has worked in Solterra since the community launched in 2007

A lot can happen in the course of buying and selling a home. The skill set of an experienced, knowledgeable broker is indispensable when you encounter a sticky situation. In this case, my training in negotiation gave me the confidence to go back to the builder without a clause to stand on. Thanks to the training, I possess the skills necessary to advocate effectively, this time on behalf of an 80-year-old client with health issues.

What will your next real estate scenario require?

Be sure you hire a broker with the knowledge and the desire to protect your interests. 

The peaceful community of Solterra in Lakewood, CO

Be the first to call this house Home

From the front courtyard to the rear patio, the home just completed on the cul-de-sac  at 15434 W. Adriatic Circle exudes warmth, style and sophistication. An earthy-stucco exterior mirrors the nearby foothills and open space, beautifully aligning the property with its coveted natural surroundings in this stellar location.

The architectural styling, interior details and tile selections reflect a Spanish influence, and the gourmet kitchen will convince even the most reluctant cook to participate:

·      Quartz countertops, induction cook top with hood, double ovens

·      Rich mosaic tile and quality cabinetry

·      Large island for casual dining and entertaining

·      Bright and sunny eating nook plus handy butler’s pantry

Large windows—and lots of them—stream soft natural light into the entire home, including the finished lower level, and the open plan creates an easy flow on the spacious main floor. Enjoy mountain views from the master suite.

Design highlights include:

·      Coffered ceiling in the eating nook

·      French doors in the main floor office or study

·      Full-glass double doors to outdoor living

·      Contemporary living room fireplace with raised hearth

·      Master soaking tub and European frameless shower

·      Master His and Her walk-in closets featuring custom organizer

·      Private outdoor patio with fireplace

·      Full finished basement with rec room, bedroom & 2 baths

This BRAND NEW, never-lived-in 5-bed / 5-bath home hit the market yesterday, Feb 23rd, priced at $779,900. Interested? Call or shoot me an email. I’d love to show it to you.

Last Two Infinity Homes For Sale

The Infinity Collection has sold well—so well that only two remain in the builder’s Solterra inventory. Both are good-sized 4-bedroom homes with approximately 5,000 sq ft of living space.

 15343 W Evans Dr — Ready November 2016

·      4 beds / 5 baths

·      Quiet, coveted cul-de-sac location

·      Stacked stone & stucco Spanish exterior

·      15-ft stacking sliding doors to covered patio

·      Distinctive Moab-red barrel-tile roof

·      Huge master with coffered ceiling

·      Private main level guest suite

·      Kid’s upstairs family room

·      Three eating areas

·      5,317 Sq Ft

·      $851,137

 2123 S Juniper — READY NOW!

·      Last model home for sale

·      4 beds / 4 baths

·      4,951 Sq Ft

·      $1,028,637

 Be the first to live in the home at 15435 West Adriatic Circle. It’s hitting the market next Tuesday, Feb 23.

·      NEW construction!

·      5 beds / 5 baths

·      3,781 Sq Ft

·      $779,900

If you’ve been frustrated by how few homes are for sale in Solterra, it might be time to look again. Listings that didn’t sell last fall are coming back on. Your timing could be excellent. Call or email me for updates. If you’re interested, I wouldn’t sit on it. Despite these latest additions, inventory is still thin.

Outlook for 2016

I’m pleased to report that Solterra continues to be an active and exciting real estate market. Crystal ball aside, this is how I see things shaping up for 2016:

We can expect another interest rate increase on top of the .25 percent bump we saw in December. Historically speaking, money is still cheap. Adding another quarter-percent won’t slow buyer demand.

The big appreciation increases we’ve seen in Solterra aren’t sustainable long-term, and will begin to level off. I believe the 7.8 percent appreciation we experienced in 2015 will drop into the more realistic 3-5 percent range in 2016.

Expect a jump in re-sale activity — a trend typical of new neighborhoods that experience high appreciation rates early-on. A percentage of 80228 homeowners will decide to “cash out” on their investment in 2016.

Ready to sell? First quarter 2015 saw some of the highest activity in the neighborhood for all of last year. Case in point: 15164 W. Washburn sold in two weeks last January.

Expect an equally active first quarter in 2016. For-sale inventory is low, and what’s currently on the market is stale. New inventory will go quickly—provided the home is in good condition and priced right. Heads up: the model at 2123 So. Juniper will be listing soon.

Questions? Call me at (303) 898-4572 or send an email. I'd be happy to discuss your situation. May health, happiness and prosperity be yours in the New Year.