Areas that will hold/increase in value (Denver, Parker: short sales, real estate)

[Bear4me]

Castle Rock, Parker, Brighton, Elizabeth, Bennett - Which area(s) would be most likely to increase/hold value for a real estate investment? (house/land) Please feel free to add areas and expand..thanks

[2bindenver]

Castle Rock is the county seat. Parker has more retail/jobs size then the rest of the other cities. Brighton has the proximity to the airport (jobs.)

Then again every place has it's pluses and minuses. And no one has a crystal ball.

Pick a place that has more demand then supply, and you will be sitting pretty.

[Bideshi]

In my expectation, all areas will go down in value, not up. Don't buy to invest; buy a house to live in. Renting is cheaper by far at present.

[formercalifornian]

I'm currently in the market for a primary residence, and here are a few of my search criteria:

* low turnover
* close to light rail (Denver region only)
* good schools
* older construction (>15 years)
* proximity to diversified employment

Most of the communities you've specified are on the outskirts of the metro area and could suffer in the housing downturn. Are you sure real estate is where you want to put your money? There are safer ways to invest.

[2bindenver]

Originally Posted by formercalifornian

There are safer ways to invest.

really? where? is an investment return guaranteed? Do you have a crystal ball?

from realtytimes today:

Question: On average, how much do homes appreciate each year? I know markets are local -- but is the market set to improve over 2008?

Answer: No doubt there is some mathematical answer to the question of average appreciation, but the answer is irrelevant for several reasons. First, past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Second, all real estate is unique so what happens on average does not necessarily relate to a given property. Third, the assumption that homes always appreciate each year is simply wrong. Buying real estate is not a sure thing.

As to what will happen in 2008, there are various predictions floating around, all based on assorted presumptions and assumptions which together are nothing but glorified guesses, hopes, wishes and bar bets. Moreover, what happens nationwide may not be true in your state, community or neighborhood.

If you have an interest in pricing trends the right approach is to speak with local real estate brokers who know where new roads are being built, whether the population is increasing, if additional jobs are coming to the community, what new zoning is being considered and all about recent sales and rentals.

Realty Times - Real Estate News and Advice

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by Bear4me

Castle Rock, Parker, Brighton, Elizabeth, Bennett - Which area(s) would be most likely to increase/hold value for a real estate investment? (house/land) Please feel free to add areas and expand..thanks

1. Opinions are all over the map as far as what the next 1-3 years holds for the prospects of owning real estate. People are predicting everything from a total economic apocalypse to don't worry be happy, and everything in between.

2. IMO, suburbs on the south side are safer places for future appreciation owing to relative proximity to DTC and all the other newer stuff on the south end of town.

3. Strong sentiment exists in favor of in-fill in the region, especially areas that are near RTD light-rail service. For discussion of that, go to the index and look for the topic Car Free Living. Notable exception is Castle Rock, which voted itself OUT of the RTD scheme (a big mistake?). I see a desire by posters on this site to live in walkable areas with RTD service, i.e., America is growing up and getting over its love affair with the automobile.

4. Southern suburbs should be favored by conventional families with 2.5 kids and a dog. Close-in areas will be favored by singles & many child-free couples. IMO, some suburbs will not sell well (like Green Valley Ranch) but some will; the trick is to intuit which ones have future potential. I think Elizabeth is too far out, too small and best suited for those with an interest in horses and cattle.

5. On the north end, Brighton may be a decent play if you seek to buy and hold for 5-10 years while growth moves that way.

[2bindenver]

Originally Posted by Bideshi

In my expectation, all areas will go down in value, not up.

Where's the proof? When will this happen? Today? This month? This year? What facts can you back up your assumptions with?

Some of the strongest neighborhoods as far as appreciating in 2007:

Jefferson Park +22% (45 sales, 22% foreclosures or short sales)
University Park +18% (90 sales, 8% foreclosures or short sales)
Hilltop +15% (151 sales, 9% foreclosures or short sales) Avg price $938,000.

[David Aguilar]

Originally Posted by Bear4me

Castle Rock, Parker, Brighton, Elizabeth, Bennett - Which area(s) would be most likely to increase/hold value for a real estate investment? (house/land) Please feel free to add areas and expand..thanks

Castle Rock or Parker definitely, if you are going to get a return at all. Brighton is on the flat plains and has been relatively cheap. Elizabeth is too far out for anyone wanting to work, and Bennett is a long boring drive down I-70.

[yodi]

Originally Posted by Bideshi

In my expectation, all areas will go down in value, not up. Don't buy to invest; buy a house to live in. Renting is cheaper by far at present.

I agree completely.

Originally Posted by 2bindenver

Where's the proof? When will this happen? Today? This month? This year? What facts can you back up your assumptions with?

It's just a personal opinion based on the state of the US economy and where I see the US heading as a nation. In my opinion it will happen within the next 5 years. I think that some areas (the most expensive ones) will hold up longer then others but I think it'll eventually effect all areas. Despite this opinion I recently bought a house. I hope it will be a good investment but am content with the fact that it may just simply be my home. Again, this is just my opinion.

[2bindenver]

ya need some facts there dude. Your opinion needs to be based on something other than what other people say.

I understand gut feelings, but the future of the economy and the housing industry is not what you should trust your gut for.

Fact is there are many neighborhoods in and around Denver where the houses are appreciating, and selling in less than 90 days.

Foreclosures are an issue, but they do not impact every single neighborhood.

Which neighborhood do you live in? I bet it has appreciated in the last 5 years. I would bet that it will appreciate above its current fair market value five years from now.