Paul Barrow - Speech on Denver Real Estate Housing Market

Excerpts from speech to Real Estate Investment Club at the Denver Athletic Club about housing market conditions in Denver, Colorado. Where to buy in expansion markets, when to buy, rentals, investment ideas.

Working With Real Estate Agents When Buying Subject to Or on a Lease Option

If a seller is working through a real estate agent, the process of transforming the seller into a motivated seller becomes a bit more difficult; however, it can be done using creativity and persistence. Agents and brokers typically list houses and want to be paid a commission once the house sells. Getting a seller to deed you their house is hard because of the following:

Most agents want to be paid cash for their commission. And most of the time when you buy a house "subject to", it is because they owe too much on the house for a cash offer, and agents may think, often incorrectly, that there is not enough cash to pay a real estate commission in cash.
Most agents do not understand the concept of buying a house "subject to" or on a lease option and many will discourage the seller from considering such offers.
Agents have told the seller they can sell their house for cash, and the seller is expecting to bring them a cash buyer.
Do not be discouraged in these situations. If you strongly believe the seller will benefit from working with you and is properly motivated to sell their property, be creative and persistent. Here is one way you can work with the real estate agent to attain the end result that will benefit all parties involved.

Agents may be more inclined to work with you if they cannot get a particular house sold and if the seller's situation is conducive to your solution of buying the house subject to the existing financing. In this case, you can offer to pay the real estate agent their commission on the amount with which you buy the house; however, you will only pay this commission once you close on the house with a buyer. This can be a year, two or three later. This situation typically works well for the real estate agent, the seller and yourself in situations where the property is unlikely to sell traditionally and the agent will not be paid at all.

NoCo Past, Present, and Future

Learn about Northern Colorado's growth trends as Windsor, CO native and real estate developer, Martin Lind, shares some historical facts and emerging data. A Golden Triangle is becoming the epicenter of growth for Northern Colorado, according to Lind, and Windsor happens to be at its core.

Sunny Day Real Estate - J'nuh - 9/21/2009

Sunny Day Real Estate playing J'nuh at the Ogden Theatre in Denver CO on September 21, 2009. The four original members of the band are back together and touring with songs mostly off Diary and LP2.

real acreage at 2560 S. Steele St, Denver, Colorado

Video tour of brand new, custom luxury home for sale in the Observatory Park neighborhood of Denver, Colorado. Offered for sale by: Brian Jones and Craig Burns, The Burns and Jones Group, Prudential Colorado Real Estate, 303-319-1740

Selling Strategy in Slow Real Estate Markets

The first half of this decade was a seller's delight. Now the worm has turned and buyers are in the catbird's seat. Although the market is currently slow, you can still get the sale with the right strategy.

The first half of this decade represented the ideal time to be a home owner. If you just sat on your home, appreciate rates were so robust as to probably have doubled the value of your home with the exception of a few states in the country, notably Colorado and Texas. If you decided to sell, it was often like stealing candy from a baby. Buyers were foaming at the proverbial mouth, prices were skyrocketing and offers rolled in on just about any property out there. As we head into the later years of the decade, the leverage in the market has switched to the buyers. Prices are down, appreciation rates are flat and selling a home can be difficult. If you need to sell, there is a particular way to go about it.

With the market swinging back to buyers, selecting a listing price for your home can be difficult. Market analysis may suggest a range of prices, but it can be hit and miss as to whether such a range is a reflection of what people are willing to pay now and in the next few weeks. Nonetheless, you should determine your initial listing price from that range of prices in your area.

Once you have listed the property, you need to closely watch your traffic. Are you getting requests to show the home? If not, you need to bump the price down a bit. Once you have, give the new price another couple of weeks and see if the requests for showing the home pick up. The "right" frequency of requests is entirely dependent on how long you are willing to wait to sell the home. For most people, the right listing price is the one that produces one to three showings a week.

Make no mistake, the key to selling your property is to get people to request viewings. Curb appeal, unique features and so on are only relevant if prospective buyers are actually coming to view the property. Adjusting your price per the above strategy is one way to make sure that happens.

First time home client advice including $15000 tax credit.

First time home buyer information from David Timm Realtor with Keller Williams in Fort Collins Colorado. Real estate commentary and information related to Nothern Colorado.

5 Mistakes Real Estate Agents Make With Call Capture

Call capture technology has the ability to greatly increase the number of leads generated by a real estate agent or business, but only if used properly. Even the most potent of technology will not yield optimal results if not used correctly. Despite the power and versatility of call capture, many real estate agents do not use it to its full extent, and there are five major and often made mistakes.

The first is not following up on calls as quickly as possible. This can be difficult if the inquiries on the call capture line suddenly skyrocket, but most customers have a waiting threshold of only a couple days or less before moving on to another agent. And really there is no reason an agent should not be able to return their call within a couple of hours. Even a quick phone call to let a customer know that their inquiry was received and someone will contact them again in the near future with more details can do wonders for retention. People will always abandon an agent that they feel does not value them.

The second major mistake agents make is not being prepared. An agent will most likely have multiple extensions on the same line for different properties. Make sure that before calling a client back, the information related to the home they were interested in is readily available. Their questions could range from price to time of availability for a showing, in addition to more specific questions about layout or upgrades in the home. A real estate agent that seems unprepared will likely lose a client's interest. Homes are the most expensive purchase most people will ever make, and a lack of information will drive them away.

Another major mistake that agents make is not giving a reason for callers to connect to the agent right then and there. The recording will likely be the first introduction the client has to the property - they will have seen a sign or business card with the call capture number on it, but never have been inside or possibly even near the house. The recording needs to pre-sell the home. A few specifics are in order but don't give away everything. The idea is to provide enough information that the client is interested, but leave out enough that they will want more details. Agents can encourage a call with the use of phrases like, "To find out the best upgraded feature of this home, press 0 to speak to me now." Or they can entice them with, "To find out why the current homeowners hate to sell this house press 0 now." Then agents need to make sure that when they connect, they are ready to fulfill their promise with some extra, valuable information that wasn't in the recording.

Some agents simply make the mistake of not using the toll free call capture number enough. Many businesses will put this number on signs of homes for sale in the neighborhood and on their website. Both of those can generate excellent traffic, but are only the tip of the iceberg. The call capture number should be on everything the real estate company produces. Business cards, pens, pads of paper, mugs - if it has space on it for the number, it needs to be on there. Anything the agent does needs to be connected to the call capture number. If the business sponsors any local teams, for example, make sure this number is mentioned or displayed at their games. This is because an agent can never predict where a strong lead will come from. The more places in which the toll free number is displayed, the more leads will be generated.

As much as the call capture number is a valuable business tool, a company must ensure it entails a personal feel. Using computer-generated recordings on the capture line or delivering the information in a stilted and disjointed way is a mistake. The recording on the call capture system needs to be done by a real person, and with some real enthusiasm for the home being sold. An apathetic effort in the call capture recording will lead to a similar response from a potential client, who will move on to a more dynamic real estate team. Studies show that there is an increase in conversions when a potential client calls and listens to recording on a property and is then connected to the same person when they are ready to speak to someone. Real estate is a personal business and when the agent makes the recordings themselves it gives the call capture line a personal touch too.

Home Information Packs - A Seller's Guide

Anyone who is selling a home will have heard of the Home Information Pack or HIP as it is also known. These are relating to the property that you are selling and they are now compulsory for the majority of homes that are on the market for sale in England and Wales. As from 6th April 2009 there are certain documents that must be contained within the HIP from the first day that it goes on the market, and below is a list of the compulsory and optional document that a HIP can contain:

Compulsory Documents
o An index which lists all documentation within the HIP.
o PIQ or Property Information Questionnaire.
o EPC or Energy Performance Certificate.
o For new build homes - a document referring to sustainability information.
o Evidence of title.
o Sale statement.

Documents which are compulsory but which can be included up to 28 days after the property has gone on the market for sale.
o A copy of the lease - this only applies to properties which are leasehold.
o Commonhold documents, if applicable.
o Standard searches which include drainage and water searches and any local authority searches.

Optional documents
o Home Condition Report.
o A home contents and use forms - these include information relating to the boundaries of the property, any planning permissions, any part of the property they shared with neighbours and any notices that been served on the property.
o Any guarantees or warranties for work that has been carried out on the property such as cavity wall insulation or damp proofing.
There are of course properties which can be marketed for sale which do not require a HIP, if your property falls into the following categories it will not need a Home Information Pack.
o Any mixed sales - these are properties which have a shop, usually downstairs with a flat above.
o Properties which are used as holiday accommodation or are occupied for fewer than 11 months each year.
o Properties which are non-residential.
o Properties which are not what the market for sale i.e. they are sold to a family member or friend.
o Properties which are due to be demolished or which are unsafe.
o Any 'Right to Buy' 'Social HomeBuy' or 'Right to Acquire' properties.
o Properties which are not a vacant possession and have a sitting tenant.

If you are selling a property you can employ someone else to create the HIP for you, such as a solicitor, a HIP provider or your estate agent or you can choose to compile the documents yourself. It is entirely up to you who you choose to create the HIP, just make sure that all compulsory the documents are available.
Whilst it may seem like tiresome paperwork to have a HIP created is actually beneficial for the seller as potential buyers can see all the information relating to property at the same time. This will then enable them to make a faster decision on putting in an offer on the property and they also help to dramatically speed up the sales process. For more information on HIPs or EPCs contact CR Energy who will be able to advise you further.

For Sale by Owner - How to Sell a House Without an Agent

For Sale by Owner is money saving alternative to selling a house with an agent, and it is not so intimidating and difficult as it looks to many.

Property owners are motivated to take selling into own hands by three main reasons:

Saving money on commission seems to be the most important factor, and independent sellers can save more the more expensive their house is. For example, $200,000 house sells for $10,000 commission of 5%. Commission from selling $600,000 house jumps to $30,000 - 3 times as much.


Others may have even more compelling reason to sell privately if they accumulated little equity in their home. Let's assume you sell a house priced at $200,000 in which you have 20% equity of $40,000. Commission of 5% charged by an agent would be $10,000. That is 25% of what you actually own in the house.


A house is likely to sell for about the same whether sold privately or through an agent, since it is the market which determines value. Private sale becomes more tempting in seller's market where many people search for homes and finding a qualified buyer is much easier.

Think ahead of your FSBO strategy. Decide what you can do yourself and in what areas you need professional help. You should also have a contingency plan in case your house does not sell within reasonable time.

There are number of issues you should consider of when selling on your own :

Price
Adequate pricing is critical to smooth sale. Have your house appraised, so you know the right market price you can ask for.

Renovation

Light renovations like painting or floor upgrades will pay you off well. They are inexpensive and effective ways to entice buyers. Other good investments (but more expensive though) are renovations of kitchens and bathrooms. These areas attract a lot of attention and can influence buyer's decision. When you renew them you will improve your chance of selling well and can get a decent return.


It is important not to increase the value of your home beyond that of other homes in your area. Otherwise, you may price yourself out of the market. Big ticket improvements may be necessary if the home could not sell without them. When small living room or lack of extra bathroom discourages potential buyers you may have no other choice but to undertake major renovation.



Advertising

For Sale by Owner sign placed in front of a house can be very effective provided it looks professional. Avoid using pre-printed signs sold in hardware stores since they look cheap and amateurish. Order or make your own sign looking similar to those used by agents. Provide basic information - for sale by owner, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, special features, by appointment, phone number. Make the sign double sided so that people driving by in both directions can easily notice it.


Local newspaper ad can attract many buyers. You can refrain from large size expensive advertisements. Small ads containing a photo and listing basic features can be very effective.


Do not forget traditional word of mouth either. Inform your family members, co-workers, friends and neighbors that you want to sell.


For better exposure (to reach people who want to relocate) you can turn to the internet FSBO websites. They offer variety of packages at different prices. Some of them will take house photos, prepare sale signs and provide professional support. Visit a number of FSBO sites to compare prices and services before you sign up.

Lawyer's Assistance
Legalities of real estate transaction and paperwork pose the biggest challenge for most people. Hire a lawyer to have a professional who will see to all documents and protect your interest. A lawyer will also increase your credibility since a buyer will feel more confident to make a deposit into your lawyer's trust account. Search for a good lawyer ahead of time and budget for this expense.

Preparation

First impression really counts. Make sure the house and its surroundings are tidy. The following rules will help you to show it well and sell quickly :

- cut the grass, rake leaves and remove weeds

- wash all windows

- clean all carpets

- if necessary replace them, at least in the most visible places

- make sure your home looks spacious and uncluttered, including closets and other storage areas

- remove all personal items (like family photos) so your buyers could easier identify themselves with the house

- repair dysfunctional door handles, locks and switches

- clear drains and spouts of any debris

- use soft and natural colors like beige, gray, white or off-white for repainting

- open all curtains, shades and blinds to have as much light as possible

- switch artificial lights on (even on a sunny day) when expecting buyers

House Presentation
Show your home by appointment only. Scheduling visitors will give you time to get prepared. Receive a reasonable number of buyers at the same time to induce competition of offers. Schedule additional presentation dates if you have to accommodate more buyers. Remove all valuable items and let your buyers roam freely around the house. Once they take a look make sure to show them anything special about your property they might have missed, and answer all questions they may have.

Buyer's Agent
Private sale does not guarantee that you can sell your house without paying commission. Actually, your odds of not paying any commission at all are low. Most buyers have an agent because it is convenient and efficient, and it does not cost them anything. Since commission is usually split 50/50 between buyer's and seller's agent you can claim a half of commission rate for yourself, or even more if you are tough negotiator and market conditions are in your favour.

Real Estate Broker
Remember that selling a house is your top priority. If you cannot sell within reasonable time, consider hiring a discount broker who delivers selected services for reduced commission or flat fee. Discount broker can market your property on Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This database, which other agents are using to find homes for sale, is the most powerful selling tool in the real estate market.

FSBO can save you money, but you will have to work for it. Therefore, it is not for everyone. When you decide to sell by yourself you will have to become your own agent. That means you will have to learn the basics of real estate and devote your time to marketing the house. If you cannot make a commitment required by FSBO you may be better off by finding a good agent and selling your house the old-fashioned way.

Division of Real Estate Pt2.m4v

In Part 2 of this 4 Part series Erin Toll, Director of the Colorado Division of Real Estate talks about important issues in the Colorado Real Estate Industry. This series is presented as part of the Power Lunch for Professionals, an afternoon luncheon at the South Metro Denver Realtor Association(SMDRA). The topics discussed include Real Estate Fraud, Lower Fees for Realtors and Consumer Protection.

Wholesaling Houses Promo 3 - Colorado Real Estate Investing Training Video

www.localmentor.com Wholesaling Houses Training Seminar (preview) by Michael Jake, Colorado's Real Estate Investing Mentor. For more real estate investing training visit http

Colorado Clickz - Ultra Hot Lead Generation

www.coloradoclickz.com Our Web Traffic Tactics Work Fast In a tight economy, web traffic and lead flow can be the lifeblood of your business. Colorado Clickz is a Denver based SEO company providing video and social media lead and traffic services to small business nationwide. We drive affordable targeted traffic and generate a flood of calls to your business. "Denver SEO" Colorado SEO web traffic tactics "web traffic tactics" [web traffic tactics] Denver auto sales Denver real estate sales b2b lead generation inbound sales calls establish business credit leads Denver search advertising no more cold calling

Real Estate Agents - How to Find a Good One

Contrary to popular belief, good agents actually earn their commission fees, showing you around the area you are considering buying in, conducting enough viewings for you to find the ideal property you need, and later guiding you smoothly through the entire sales process. This kind of service makes good agents worth their weight in gold, particularly when dealing with foreign speaking developers, lawyers and other service providers in another country.

If you're after an off-plan unit, bear in mind that most real estate developers use agents to market and sell their wares, making them potentially useful in providing information and guidance on their often exclusively offered properties.

Real estate can often be a largely unregulated business in many countries, sadly meaning ample opportunity for abuse, so it's important to question everything when dealing with an agent. Even though you sometimes can't avoid a bad agent, at least you can be aware of whether or not to expect a good service from the one you are dealing with.

If you are intending to rent out or re-sell your property using the same agents you have bought with, be aware that a poor agent is likely to have a detrimental effect on your future investment. Research the other agents in the area and whether or not they will be providing you with a better service. In the case of an off-plan purchase, be sure that you are not tied into any rental plan and that the agent will market your property as opposed to any of the developer's still unsold units.

Identifying the cowboys is easy. Check out the warning signs below:

Where is the property agent's license? Is he ready and willing to show you professional qualifications?
Does the agent belong to any professionally recognised bodies? Industry professionals can often share their members' local expertise to build up a network of recommended agents.
Is real estate your agent's main activity? If it's a part-time concern, you can probably expect a less professional service from someone who's only half with you.
Does your agent return your phone calls? If so, are they returned on time?
Does your agent remember you when you phone?
How well-staffed is the office? If you intend to use the agent for lettings, is there an assistant there to ensure that no deals are overlooked? If you intend to use them purely for sales, will your requirements be met by the extra staff member?
Does your agent actually listen and advise you accordingly?
Are you pushed into using a particular lender or legal company that the agent recommends to you? As you should always be free to select the service providers you wish to use, and be aware that some agents receive commissions for recommendations.
Be wary of agents who are strongly advising you to take a particular property. Commission arrangements may well be affecting their impartiality.
Good real estate agents not only show you properties they are representing. They also offer properties listed through partners, allowing them to show you a maximum number of properties to suit your needs.
Is the agent marketing its properties widely enough? If not, you will not be obtaining the latest deals as quickly as necessary.
Your agent should be ready and willing to discuss the property market in the area you are looking at, and produce an accurate comparative analysis of current prices.
Can your agent supply a formal guarantee that your deposit money will be held in an independent account?
Does the agent/developer have a professional indemnity insurance to ensure that if your deposit/installment monies "disappear", they will be returned to you in full?
Good agents will keep their clients informed on the progress (or delays) of an off-plan construction, or indeed the progress of a re-sale or tenancy.
Does your agent provide after-sales support and other services such as optional financial advice, letting or furnishing services? If so, check out the quality of such services and on what price or basis you are being offered them - normally there is a commission involved for your agent, but the product or services may not necessarily be the best in the area. Never allow yourself to be tied into using after-sales services from your agent.
Finally, are your agent's fees comparable with those of other real estate agents in the area? In many countries, commission fees can vary considerably from one agent to another.

Colorado Springs Real Estate HUD Foreclosure 2339 Jeanette Wy 80915

coloradospringsforeclosuredeals.com This 2004 built home is a great real estate find in Eastern Colorado Springs. This home is move in ready and has a huge amount of built in equity potential! 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1000 sq ft

Be Careful When Choosing A Real Estate Agent -- Advice From A Former Realtor

Let me start by offering my credentials. After all, what good is advice from someone who lacks any credible knowledge or experience on the topics about which he or she purports to be an expert?

I was a licensed real estate agent in New England (I am deliberately vague for reasons that will later become obvious). I took the courses required to even sit for the real estate exam and subsequently passed the exam with one of the highest scores on record for that state. Even my broker was shocked to learn that I scored better on my exam than he had. Thereafter, I became a member of the National Association of Realtors, earning the right to the title of Realtor. I paid my required dues, and they were substantial, and attended all the required continuing education to maintain my license and Realtor title. I was recruited by and joined the ranks of Century 21, the #1 most recognized and trusted name in real estate, and endured several more weeks of the most intensive training in the industry. I completed an exhaustive course in marketing, wherein I learned all the many facets of competing for listings and representation of buyers. In my first few months as a licensed real estate agent, I grossed more than $2 million in sales. Shortly thereafter, I left New England and my real estate career behind. That, however, is another article in its own right.

Thus, I have first hand knowledge of the many tricks of the trade and marketing exploits employed to win the confidence and, ultimately, the business of homeowners and buyers. Some of these methods are legitimate marketing tools utilized by reputable real estate agents. Others are nothing more than cons designed to manipulate naïve and, perhaps, desperate people into signing contracts that can, and usually do, result in financial hardship for the unwary homeowner or buyer.

Please do not misunderstand me. There are a number of extremely dedicated and trustworthy agents out there. I have had the privilege of working with some of them myself. Even so, I doubt I have to elaborate on the reasons why real estate agents are the subject of so much scrutiny and distrust. In recent years, real estate agents have been the target of numerous lawsuits alleging fraud, misrepresentation and negligence. Much like lawyers and used car salesmen, real estate agents have earned a nasty reputation as sleazy, money-hungry vultures in polyester suits. I, for one, never wore polyester! More importantly, my extremely heightened sense of justice precluded me from mastering the finer points of consumer deception. My opinions, therefore, on the tactics of some of the masters were not well received.

The most disreputable of all the agents I knew or had the misfortune of working with was, ironically, the hometown boy whom everyone knew and believed to be honest. Despite the fact that this man deviously plotted for months to open his own agency, while employed by a prominent and long-established agency, and subsequently stole agents and clients from his employer, the tiny, unaware community continued to offer him its support. What relevance does this have to my article? This same man, who boasted about his rather lax standards and admitted with glee to selling the wrong property to a buyer, now claims a significant portion of the real estate business in that area. He is charming, clean cut, and appears to be knowledgeable. Before long, unsuspecting potential clients begin to feel comfortable with him and actually buy into the cunning bill of goods he sells. He is not unique. Therein lies the danger.

I am sharing this information with you now to help the average homeowner or buyer gain a much deserved and overdue advantage in the treacherous world of real estate.

Real estate agents earn their living strictly by commission. They do not get paid unless they close a real estate transaction. In any given locale, there are literally hundreds (in some cases, thousands) of real estate agents all vying for a very limited number of real estate closings each year. Competition is more than fierce. Therefore, agents are forced to find ways to set themselves apart from their competition. Commission wars, like airline fare wars, are quite common. However, what use is a reduced commission if the agent you hire completely botches your transaction and causes you to lose your shirt anyway?

Real estate agents are shrewd salespeople. They are quite adept at picking up on the fears and naiveté of potential clients and will, unfortunately, not hesitate to tell you what they know you want to hear. They justify their actions with the argument that they, too, need to earn a living and must protect their income stream. Who, then, is protecting you, the consumer? Only you can protect yourself from the pitfalls of hiring the wrong real estate agent.

Here are some of the important things to consider when choosing a real estate agent:

Price - the single most critical factor in selling your home, especially now that home values are stagnating or receding. The market has definitely turned in favor of buyers. Therefore, you MUST know the comparable sales of homes in your neighborhood or town and price your home appropriately. A good real estate agent will provide you with a Comparative Market Analysis detailing all the sales of like homes in your area and will have a definitive opinion about the listing price for your home. In fact, the best agents will likely refuse to take your listing if you, the seller, have unreasonable expectations for listing price. Be wary of any agent who promises you that you can get more for your home than the comparable sales will allow. One of the favored bait-and-switch methods of unscrupulous agents is to convince you that your property is so much better than the comparable properties (this is a play on human nature and our natural yearning for compliments). They will often disparage more honest agents who may have quoted you a fair and reasonable listing price just to get you to list with them. If questioned, these agents will assure you that if all else fails, you can simply reduce your price. I have seen questionable agencies parade dozens of its agents through a home to bombard the homeowner with "expert" opinions about the value of the home to remove any doubt that the homeowner should not only list with that agency, but should also list at the suggested and over-inflated price. What do you suppose happens in nearly every one of these scenarios? The homeowner becomes frustrated when months pass without a contract and, out of desperation, reduces the price of the home. Such a drastic reduction in price signals many things to a potential buyer, none of which helps the seller. The buyer will think that the home has significant problems or that the seller is desperate to sell. In any event, the seller loses most, if not all, bargaining power and will either have to remove the home from the market or accept much less than they should to sell the property.

Marketing - more and more buyers are turning to the Internet to help them search for their next home. Very few buyers turn to newspapers or other periodicals anymore. Thus, as long as your real estate agent is a member of their regional, online multiple listing service (MLS), then your home will have the same exposure as the other homes similarly listed. MLS services are great equalizers. They generally have rules and regulations prohibiting any one agency from developing advantages over another. Nevertheless, this doesn't stop agencies from attempting to create a perceived marketing advantage over their competitors. Some will claim that multiple ads in magazines, newspapers and other publications will give your listing more exposure and, thus, sell your home faster. Although such claims are not impossible, they are extremely improbable given the overwhelming propensity of buyers to rely on the ease and convenience of the Internet. So, be cautious if an agent claims to offer significant marketing advantages.

Brand Name Recognition - indeed, some agencies will claim that its very name will provide you some advantage in selling your home. This rarely happens. The fact is that sellers just want to sell their home for as much as they reasonably can, and buyers want to buy their home for as little as they reasonably can. That's it. Neither could care less what name appears on the listing. Some people may claim some allegiance to a particular agency because that agency helped them in the past or someone they know works there. However, I worked for the #1 ranked agency in the world, and I can tell you with unabashed honestly that it seldom helped me to compete for listings. I lost listings to smaller, nearly unknown firms for a variety of reasons.

Experience and Reputation - this is, by far, the most important element in choosing a real estate agent, in my opinion. Other than the listing price, the only other factor that can make or break your plans to sell your home or buy a home is in selecting an agent whose reputation and experience will work to your advantage. Longevity in the business, while important, is not the only consideration. I know several agents who have more than ten years experience, yet cannot decipher the simplest contract terms. Scary, huh? You, the consumer, place your trust in these individuals. Don't do so lightly. Whenever possible, choose a Realtor, as they are bound to abide by a stringent code of ethics. Interview agents. Ask them penetrating questions. Put them on the spot. Ask for references, and actually call them. You want results. You want an agent who has sold enough homes, successfully, that they have a large clientele and repeat business. Such an agent, after taking your listing and pricing your home correctly, will likely already have an idea of a suitable bank of potential buyers for your home. Now, I caution you to steer clear of marketing scams used by even the most well-known and successful names in real estate purporting to have buyers waiting to buy your home. Incredibly, I received such a postcard from an agent, employed by a prominent agency, claiming that I should list my home with her because she had buyers interested in my home. Instinctively, I picked up the phone to question her about her claims. Of course, it was a scam. She was embarrassed when she found out that I was a fellow agent, though she angrily tried to explain away her actions. Learn as much as you can about a real estate agent before you hire them. Found out if the agent is respected and involved in his/her community. Ask local lenders, home inspectors and appraisers which agents in your area are reputable. These individuals work with real estate agents every day. I guarantee you they will have opinions and stories to share with you that may help you to choose the right agent for you.

Be Informed and Decisive - finally, know what your goals are in selling or buying a home. Decide, in advance, what results you can and cannot live with. Do your own homework. Research the home sales and buying process. Know key terms. Unscrupulous people, regardless of the industry, most fear an informed consumer. Choose NOT to be a victim of fraud and questionable business practices.

Seek Legal Assistance - above all, remember that YOU are in charge of your own real estate transaction. Real estate agents work for YOU. Ask questions. Demand answers. If something sounds fishy or too good to be true, then it probably is. When in doubt, seek the advice and representation of a qualified attorney. Don't allow things to escalate to the point of disaster. I base this advice on personal experience. Before I became licensed, my husband and I had a terrible experience with an agent who claimed to have more than 15 years experience. We thought we were in good hands. Nothing could have been further from the truth. Thankfully, we were sharp enough to realize that our transaction was in serious jeopardy and sought legal assistance.

Buying or selling a home is a complicated and difficult endeavor under the best of circumstances. Consequently, you need a genuine professional, a truly dedicated and experienced advocate, to guide you through the process. Be diligent in your efforts to find the right agent for you. Don't yield to sales pressure. Take your time. Your efforts will pay off in the long run.

What is activity on with absolute estate?

A quick synopsis of what happened over the weekend with the FED, and where the housing market is headed.

170 Village Walk in Beaver Creek, Colorado

The Ultimate home in Beaver Creek, Colorado

How to Write an Offer

If you were to ask me how I write an offer I am not sure I could give you one answer because there are so many variations. In this article, I will attempt to cover some of these variations, along with some tips that should make writing offers much easier for you.

First, practice in advance. It is imperative that you sit down with some properties that you find on-line and practice analyzing the deal and making an offer to purchase the property by filling out a contract. I am going to tell you a number of times to do this and I would be surprised if anyone actually does it, but in my opinion, you should write up 100 offers on 100 different properties.

Experience and quality comes from quantity. If you do something enough times, you'll get better at it and the same is true with deal analysis and writing offers.

While I can write up offers fairly quickly at this point, I still prefer to come to a verbal agreement with a seller (or buyer) before I actually draft up an offer. Discuss (negotiate) the major terms of your agreement in advance and then take the time to put those agreements in writing on a Purchase Agreement.

While your specific contract may vary, you may not have seen an actual contract filled out already. If you need to see a sample of a contract that I have filled out, let me know and I will show you one.

If you do not understand the contract, I am not qualified to teach you contract law. You should consult with an attorney that can explain to you what you are signing and advise you on how certain sections affect your specific situation. What works for me, might not be good or advisable for you. What works for you, might not be good or advisable for me. If you need a cost effective way of having your contracts reviewed, you might consider a pre-paid legal plan. I have one and it has been of tremendous value to me over the years with contracts as well as in other areas. However, hiring an attorney to prepare your contracts and close your deals might be money well spent for your unique situation.

For wholesalers, I primarily teach how to find deals outside the MLS, but having a real estate agent get involved with the transaction brings their experience with real estate contracts and closings to the transaction. You might consider hiring them.

As a last resort, your local title company may have someone on staff that can assist you with getting your meeting of the minds down on paper. Many do not offer this service and for good reason: most are not licensed real estate agents or attorneys and thus are not qualified to write offers for you. You may find a title company that has an attorney on staff that is willing to draft a purchase agreement in exchange for you closing with their company.

In conclusion, if you plan to do it yourself, practice and practice a lot. Or, consider hiring a professional that does this for a living to complete your contracts.

Five Essential Home Buying Tips

For the First Time Home Buyer or Anyone Looking for a Home in this Volatile Market-

With interest rates and housing prices at an all time low, foreclosures on every corner, and government incentives about to end, you (or someone you know) might be looking to buy a home. How exciting! But, in this market, no one can afford a home-buying mistake.

Although this article is especially designed to help those first time buyers who are new to the process, these five essential tips will ensure everyone a successful home-buying experience.

1) Work with a Full-Time Licensed Realtor

Real estate agents have training and experience with all types of homes including condo's, co-ops, short sales and foreclosures. And they understand various forms of mortgages, including FHS, VA, Conventional, and HELOC's. Agents understand trends in the market and can highlight the differences between competing neighborhoods. They can also connect you with reliable specialists, like home, pest and radon inspectors, as well as mortgage lenders and closing officers. Plus agents have access to thousands of available homes through the Multiple Listing Services in your area.

In addition, your agent has been trained in negotiating techniques, and will be there for you when a problem arises. I've been in real estate since 1986 and have never once seen a deal that didn't depend on the outstanding negotiation skills of an experienced agent. And I've never had a closing without at least one tiny issue going awry. Buying isn't as easy as some might think. A good agent definitely earns his or her commission.

But the best news is buyers don't pay for all that expertise. That's right. The seller pays the commission. Real estate practices vary from area to area, and ALL things in real estate are negotiable (yes EVERYTHING) but generally it doesn't cost a buyer a cent to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of a well-qualified, licensed real estate agent. And the agent you hire works for you. So why not hire one! (If an agent is working for both you and the seller, that's called Dual Agency and it must be disclosed up front.)

On the other hand, keep in mind the agent who initially shows you the property is the one generally entitled to the commission. So before you start wandering aimlessly through open houses, interview perspective agents and select one you like and trust. Here are five questions to help you decide if an agent is right for you:

*What do you do better than other real estate agents?

*How will you help me find the right home for my wants and needs?

*What are the most common things that go wrong and how do you solve them?

*What are some of the mistakes people make when buying their first home?

*Can you provide me with references or testimonials from recent clients?

2) Location, Location, Location

I'm sure you've heard this mantra before. Don't underestimate its worth. Research all the areas where you might want to live. Weigh the pros and cons. But always choose a neighborhood that's up and coming or, over time, has held its value. Although most real estate has recently adjusted, some areas hold their values better than others. You don't want to invest your hard earned money in a location that's declining. And you definitely don't want to get stuck with a home you can't resell.

3) Know What you can Afford and Stick to your Budget!

Don't let buying become an emotional decision. NEVER buy something you can't afford just because you were swept away by someone's furniture or decor. Meet with your agent and a reputable mortgage lender (or 2), in advance, get pre-qualified (which will also make you a stronger buyer), and understand all the costs associated with buying a home and buy what you can comfortably afford. Here are some buying costs you want to investigate.

Get educated about the 28/36 approval ratio (often called front end and back end ratios), which means your house payment, principal, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI) shouldn't exceed 28% of your gross monthly income, while your back end ratio, PITI plus fixed debts, school loans, car payments, and 10% of total credit card balances, shouldn't exceed 35%.

Learn about closing costs and pre-paids. Closing costs are the one-time costs associated with the purchase of your home. These expenses vary geographically and can include appraisal reports, surveys, credit reports, title insurance and other expenses associated with a mortgage or home purchase. Prepaids are collected to set up an escrow (savings) account so that when taxes and insurance bills come due your mortgage company will have enough money to pay them for you. If your escrow account is short (under), you'll usually have the choice to write a check for the full amount or have your mortgage payment increased. If your escrow account is over, you can allow the money to sit there or have it refunded. Since escrow accounts generally pay little or no interest, I suggest having it refunded.

PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is another purchasing expense you should understand. If your down payment is less than 20%, in most cases, you'll be charged a one-time PMI fee, plus ongoing monthly fee until your home appreciates or the principal mortgage balance dips below 20%. At that time the PMI doesn't automatically fall off your payment. You must contact your mortgage company and take whatever steps necessary, like another costly appraisal, to have it removed. If you can, avoid this expense from the get go.

4) It's not the Purchase it's the Carry

Besides knowing the cost of purchasing a home, understand the ongoing costs of ownership. For example if you're considering a home with lots of open spaces and high ceilings, your heating bills might be higher than average. If you've fallen in love with an older home, you might need to set money aside for future repairs to expensive mechanicals or structural items like furnace, roof, or wiring. If you don't know those costs, don't guess, you can always get an estimate from a reputable contractor or ask the current homeowner for copies of his or her utility bills.

In addition, some communities have trash removal or monthly homeowner fees, while others don't. Some have significantly higher taxes than others do, too. Gather all the facts on every property you're considering. List them in a spread sheet, one column for each home. This will give you anticipated monthly ownership expenses and make properties easy to compare.

5) In the end, it's all about what you want and need in a home

So make a list of the ten things most important to you. Decide which are deal-breakers, and rank items from most important to least. Don't forget about curb appeal, structural integrity, and resale value. Make your decision based on facts, not fears or emotions. You probably won't get all ten, but if you get seven, including your deal-breakers, you're doing great.

Part two of this article will guide you on what to do (and what to include in the contract) once you find your dream home.

Technology Has Changed Real Estate Commissions in Colorado

Never again will you pay 6% to list a home for sale in Colorado. Now you can get full service from a local agent for a flat fee, including MLS. www.ownersrealty.com

Real Estate Made Easy

For many people, owning a home is a sign of accomplishment. But, like any other worthwhile venture, there are steps you must complete before you get the payoff. Buying a home is no easy task, but if you follow these seven steps, you can take some of the hassle out of the process.

First, you need to decide on what you want and need in your house and neighborhood. Creating a list of what you do (and don't) want makes house and neighborhood selection easier for you. For your real estate agent, your "wish list" lets him or her know what to consider and what to pass by.

Next, you should handle the financial aspects. Getting preapproved or prequalified is a detailed process. You don't want to wait to get this done. When you are preapproved or prequalified, sellers are more likely to want to do business with you. (Being preapproved is more desirable than being prequalified because it means you've been through the necessary checks and lenders are willing to work with you.)

Third, start looking for a house. Between you and your realtor, finding a house shouldn't be a monstrous headache. Now that you know exactly what you're looking for and what you can afford, buying a home that fits those needs is a much more streamlined effort.

Fourth, it's time for you to make an offer on a property. This, you should not do alone. With your agent, you should take a look at other, recently sold properties comparable to what you're looking for. Be sure to consider the size, amenities and qualities of a home when you create an offer.

At this point, your agent will draft a contract to show the seller. Once both parties agree, it is a binding document. However, if the seller changes any terms, you (as the buyer) must agree to those changes before it again becomes a legal document. This part can be have pitfalls, so be certain you review all counteroffers with your agent.

Once you've made an offer, the next step is making a deal. This is typically the negotiation period. As the seller and buyer, the two of you can negotiate on many aspects of the home. Some of those things include price, closing costs, financing, repairs and other property maintenance and move-in date. Always try to negotiate based on information you have and your personal criteria. Never function on assumptions or guesses, or you may run into trouble down the road.

You're almost through the process now. Of course, once you've made your deal, the next step is to prepare for the closing. Closing is a very big deal in buying a home, so there are some things you need to do before the paperwork is finalized.

Together, you and your real estate agent will go over the list of what you have agreed to do prior to buying a house. First, you need to inspect the house. Taking a property sight unseen opens you up to a lot of problems in the future. Also, you should have a third party do an appraisal, get your financing finalized and get your insurance. That way, you start off with everything in place. And, lastly, you need to shop around for a home warranty. Any delays in finishing these tasks could derail your closing. For these little "pre-closing" jobs, make use of your realtor. He or she should be able to give you all the information and direction you need.

Step seven, the final step, is the closing itself. In this stage of the process, the home ownership is transferred legally from the seller to you. It's a formal occasion. Most of the people involved in the deal will meet at the company or lawyer's office to witness the closing. A closing officer oversees the document signing, collecting and disbursing of necessary monies. Your lender will send a closing statement. Review this with your realtor and don't forget to bring all necessary documents to the closing.

Dealing With Difficult Tenants

When managing residential properties one bad tenant can often undo the good work that one hundred excellent ones may have achieved. A bad tenant is a bad tenant regardless of whether they are in the West Riding, Western Australia, Westchester, Wanganui or the Western Isles.

And those bad tenants come in six fishy flavours, and any professional letting agent will soon recognise them. They are:

· The Piranha. The rowdy snapper who upsets the neighbours

· The disappearing Dogfish who ups and does a runner

· The Sprat, who can't or won't pay the rent

· The destroyer Shark who damages or wrecks the place

· The moaning Marlin who will find fault with everything

· And lastly good old Barnacle Bill, who downs anchors and refuses to move

Any letting agent who tells you they have never housed a bad tenant has their pants on fire. All letting agents experience bad tenants from time to time, the test of their expertise is in how they deal with them. Amateur and new letting agents can often be bamboozled by dealing with the six difficult fishes. Worse than that, they can often overstep the mark in trying to solve the problem.

Occasionally landlords and property owners will try and bully the letting agent into taking inappropriate or even illegal action in an effort to bring the matter to a successful conclusion. Agents should always resist this. Flirting with and overstepping the legal line when dealing with bad tenants is fraught with danger, as it will be the Agent and not the landlord, who will always be held to account.

Property Agents run the risk of changing from operating within the law, with the full weight of the law behind them, to being outside the law, and at real risk of prosecution themselves. It's a risk never worth taking.

There are ways and means of dealing with all the six fishes, legal ways and means, and anyone letting residential property should always bear that in mind. Stay within the law, and you will experience far less sleepless nights.

Copyright David Carter 2005. Reproduced with permission.

W 45th | Wholesale Real Estate In Denver | Denver Real Estate Wholesalers

W 45th | Wholesale Real Estate In Denver | Denver Real Estate Wholesalers

Real Estate Rental Colorado Springs Colorado 2 Bed Apartment

Lovely 2 bed 1 bath apt - new carpet, tile, paint, window coverings. One-level apartment, tiled entryway, fireplace, full-sized w/d hookups. Upper-level unit is part of a 12 apartment community within walking distance of Bonn Shopping Center (Safeway, etc.), park and Penrose Main Hospital. Property is centrally located, offers off-street parking and near major arteries of the city and bus route. Nestled in an eclectic neighborhood in GREAT LOCATION.

Real Estate Investors Sell Your Own Homes - For Sale by Owner

1. Know your Buyer - who are you trying to sell this home to? Owner occupant who has a mortgage pre approval "A" type buyer? Don't limit yourself; you may want to consider the extra income you can make with "B" or "C" type buyers by holding the 1st or 2nd mortgage. How about other investors who want more properties in their portfolio.

2. Pricing to Sell - you've held the property for a long time or short, your business is to know the market. If it was a recent rehab purchase you did a CMA to determine the value at completion. A home you've held for in your portfolio you will need to do a CMA (Comparable Market Analysis) to determine its sales price.

3. Advertising/Marketing - newspapers short and to the point 4 to 5 lines with 800# with pre recorded message advertise everyday as For Sale By Owner, flyers to all neighbors place on cars in major parking lots and to everyone at your local REIA group where you are a member include the 800#, signs 24" x 24" minimum size professionally made FOR SALE BY OWNER call pre recorded message 800#.

4. Real Estate Agents - co-operate with real estate agents you may pay 2% to 3% if the deal is there take it. Some of the costs will be saved in a quicker sale. If you are not going to follow through with selling yourself, list with a professional real estate agent who has multiple marketing strategies and internet savvy do it fast don't waste time playing as a fsbo.

5. Buyer Access to House - lockbox on front door with key. With 800# buyer leaves information name, number, address (confirm on internet), you return call with minimal qualifying don't blow off the buyer with too many questions give them the combination to the lockbox. Ask them to return the key to the box and call the 800# to confirm they left the house.

6. Qualifying and Mortgage Programs - in the home have a descriptive flyer with all the pertinent information of the property also have a mortgage application short form for them to fill out and return to you or your mortgage company by fax, and a form listing various mortgage programs available for this property at the asking price prepared by your mortgage representative. This paperwork goes along way to closing the deal without chasing the buyer around to complete the forms. Remember to include information on owner financing 1st and 2nd mortgages these could help you save the deal or just make the deal.

7. Follow up and Close the Deal - you have a buyer now close the deal. Act as a disinterested third party don't get caught up in the entire minutia. You are trying to sell this property forget about all the work you actually did forget the midnight calls for repairs just close the deal. Have all paperwork signed may be best to have the papers signed in your attorney's office for a more professional face to the buyer.

You can sell the investment property yourself you are just like the normal FSBO (For Sale by Owner) you will work hard to make this close. It could be worth thousands of extra dollars to you when it's all said and done.

The Greatest Leverage In Real Estate

There is a growing belief that creating a large team of producing agents under you creates the best leverage in the business. There are more agents today trying to create leverage through people than ever before. While I agree this approach is valid, you must ask yourself if now is the right time for you make that play. Are you personally ready to build and use that time? Most importantly, have you used the easiest and greatest form of leverage in real estate before you start exploring people leverage?

The greatest, easiest, and most profitable leverage in real estate sales is becoming a listing agent. Too many of us are not using this leverage to establish the foundation of our success. We are getting drawn into the more-people-bigger-team mentality before we dominate as listing agents. Once you have the skills and production of a Champion Listing Agent, you can then build a team more easily with producing agents.

Being a Champion Listing Agent spawns opportunity that carries new risk and high rewards. As a Champion Listing Agent, you will enjoy these benefits:

1. Gaining leverage by employing numerous people to work for you at no cost

How many licensed agents are in your board of Realtors®? That will be the number of people you will employ to sell your inventory each day. The best part is that all of these people working for you cost you nothing! There are no wages, withholdings, taxes, insurance, workman's compensation, or equipment changes (telephone, desks, and office supplies). There are no expenses of any kind. Now, I know that many of you are saying, my company covers all that with my buyer's agents who work for me. That may be true, but you still have to manage these people and deal with personal problems, mistakes, low motivation at times, and interpersonal office politics. All of those still need to be controlled and managed with leadership exerted to produce a result.

If you focus on being a great listing agent first, you don't' have to manage and lead any of these agent co-ops out selling your property until they actually write a contract to present. You employ all of these co-op agents for little time investment, no cost, and no risk. With producing agents on your team, you take a risk in terms of your leads and how they convert them. You invest large amounts of your time to train, coach, and direct them to success. Champion Listing Agents eliminate the risk and receive the reward.

I want to stress, again, I am not anti-team or anti-buyer's agent. I do, however, believe we, in our excitement to achieve a Champion Team real estate practice, take higher risk and lower net reward avenues because we heard an "expert" claim success, or because we really didn't evaluate the return on investment or evaluate the risk/reward equation.

2. Generating multiple streams of income

The residual value of a listing, in terms of additional business creation, brand recognition growth, market share, and market presence, develops leverage. By taking a listing, you are, in effect, creating a storefront from which to sell your services. A listing creates sign calls, ad calls, and Internet leads to convert to both buyers and sellers. It allows you to raise your personal profile in a neighborhood to generate future business. An agent who works with buyers almost exclusively has no profile.

What is a listing worth to you beyond just making a commission from the sale? One of the numbers I tracked was additional revenue and additional transactions created through securing a listing. For me, I tracked an average of 1.68 transactions for every listing I took. By pounding a sign in someone's yard instead of working with a buyer, I enjoyed the leverage of another .68 of a transaction. Track the buyers generated and converted from your listings, the sellers who buy through you, and listings you generate additionally because you sold the house down the street. I am sure that you will find leverage from every listing you take. I am sure your ratios will be as good or better than mine.

3. Maintaining a client even if the transaction fails

When representing a seller, if a transaction in pending fails to close, you still have a client. You can put the home back on the market, salvage the relationship, and sell the home. With the buyer, they have the option to not do business with you in the future. They can decide to use someone else to represent them on their purchase. The seller provides more security to your income should something fail to close or go smoothly.

4. Gaining control of your life

As a listing agent, you will be able to create a business devoid of the weekends and multiple nights that most agents must work. You can build a business that is more family friendly for your children and spouse. While you are away, you will still be creating growing activity on offers if you are a listing agent.

I remember very few Monday mornings (after a nice long weekend with Joan at our vacation home) when there wasn't a contract waiting on one of my seller's homes. I didn't know about it until I walked in the door on Monday morning.

5. Investing less time per transaction

It takes less time to represent a seller than a buyer. There will be a transaction every so often that will be the exception to that rule, but over time, the seller is clearly a lower investment of time. Because the seller uses small amounts of your time, this enables you to invest that time elsewhere to create more income.

I believe that our focus as the lead agent or Chief Rainmaker, of a Champion Team isn't to achieve a 50/50 mix of buyers and sellers. The objective is to be weighted to the seller side. The only way your mix should be at 50/50 is if you have two or more buyer's agents working for you. Listing agents, ultimately, dictate the marketplace. They set the terms, conditions, and the control level of the marketplace. Your leverage benefits need to be established as a strong listing agent before you hire your first producing agent assistant like a buyer's agent.

Real Estate Transfer Taxes Overlooked Sale or Purchase Expense

A real estate transfer tax is a one-time tax paid at the closing of a property, and is considered a stream of revenue for state budgets. This transfer tax though, once collected is not generally used for housing-related purposes. The tax is based on the value of a property as agreed to by the parties in a real estate contract.

In the excitement of selling or buying a home, often the real estate transfer tax cost is overlooked. Depending on locale, either the buyer or seller pays the tax at closing or escrow, but beware in New Hampshire both the buyer and seller pay, half of 1.5%!. In some states it can be a formidable amount, you should be prepared for what the transfer taxes will be, and who pays them, before you start a home search or list your home for-sale.

The good news is, thirteen states don't have a real estate property tax. They are: Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.

The bad news is that the remaining thirty-seven states and The District of Columbia charge taxes on the transfer of a property. The tax is only levied once when a property is exchanged between parties, unlike general property taxes which are paid annually and are based on the assessed value. Real estate transfer taxes range from a low of .01% in Colorado to a high of 1.28% in Washington state.

Variations on transfer taxes include; in Arizona only charges a tax on deeds. However Alabama and Florida charge on deeds and mortgages. To avoid financial surprises, inquire early as to who pays (buyer or seller) and how much transfer taxes will be. Some states dictate who pays the tax, and some just want the tax paid. This cost can typically be negotiated between the parties. Consult an experienced real estate attorney.

A handy online link for transfer taxes for all fifty states.

[http://www.parealtor.org/content/AssetMgmt/Issues] Resource Center/Realty Transfer Tax/Transfer tax chart.pdf

5 Fun Christmas Games to Play at Your Next Christmas Party

Christmas is the time for fun holiday parties with friends, family and co-workers. To make your next party a real hit you will want to have some fun Christmas games at your event. Below is a list of five fun games to play at your next Christmas party. These will get everyone involved in the joy of the holiday season.

Stocking Guessing Game - In this game you will have two large Christmas stocking and twenty x 2 (20x2) Christmas/Holiday objects. Make sure they are small enough to all fit in the stocking. Both stockings will have the 20 objects inside them. So you will need 2 of each to place in the stockings. Once you fill each one tie a string or robe around the top so nobody can see inside. You will then give everyone a piece of paper and let them know they have to figure out what the 20 objects are by feeling for them. The person with the most correct wins. You can do this with one stocking it will just make the game last longer.

Christmas Pictionary - Another great Christmas party game, you will be splitting up into teams of 3 or 4 depending on how many people are going to play. Set up a large pad of paper so everyone can see what will be drawn. Each group has to have everyone drawn something at least once. Make out about 20 to 30 cards to pick from all about Christmas, ex: Santa, Reindeer, sled, snow, north pole, etc. Every right answer gets one point and the first one to 5 wins.

Siamese Gift Wrap - For this Christmas game teams of 2 will race against the clock to see if they can wrap a gift. Sound simple? The twist is that they can only use one hand each, the other will be around their partners waist. They will have to work together to get it done the fastest. This is also a great way to get your gifts wrapped for free, just make sure it is nothing breakable.

Christmas Bingo - This is a printable Christmas game. You will need to print out some Christmas bingo game cards. For this do a search on the internet to find the ones that you like. Once you have the cards you want figure out how many numbers you will need and what letters for each one. Either right them out or do it on the computer and print them out. Then you will place them in a hat or bag and pull them out to call during the game. This can be a great game for kids and adults.

Christmas Trivia Games - For our last game let's try to see how smart our party guests are. There are so many different categories for this game that it is almost endless. Here a just a few to get you started: Christmas movies, Christmas songs, Santa nick names, reindeer names, etc. As you can see you can have many different questions and really never run out. Once you figure out what you want the questions to be about do a search on the internet. You can find many printable Christmas trivia games so you don't have to do a bunch or research or writing.

Have Fun!