Attitude is one of the most critical attributes for success. A positive attitude in leaders produces results in more ways than one. “Your attitude determines your altitude,” as the saying goes.

I’ve often heard many speakers say: Keep your thoughts and attitude positive because your thoughts become your words and your words become your actions and your actions become your habits and your habits become your destiny.
 
A negative attitude can significantly weaken your efforts and set back your success potential. Negative attitudes tend to produce the kinds of people that others don’t want to do business with. They tend to hinder your results.
 
As an example, think about how it becomes impossible to make a sale when you really need it. Or how when you’re trying really hard to persuade someone, they just won’t listen. People have a keen sense for desperation and it tends to drive them running in the other direction. The same thing happens when you have a negative attitude. You exude negativity and it causes people to avoid you.

A negative attitude will cause a person to focus only on the obstacles rather than the opportunities and solutions. The negative mind gets caught up in problems and tends to feel very stressed. Stress hinders creativity, which means a negative attitude often stands in the way of progress, productivity and leadership.
 
In contrast, a positive attitude allows you to deal with the inevitable challenges to creativity and resourcefulness. A positive person is creative and makes the best of every situation in their path to leadership success.

The takeaway here is that attitude plays a critical role in determining success or failure. The difference between 5 percent of people who do well and the other 95 percent who do not is attitude – not innate talent, money or “being at the right place at the right time.” No – it’s attitude. You need to look, act and feel successful before you’ll ever achieve success as a leader. And that all starts with a positive attitude.
 
How can you turn a negative attitude to positive? The same way positive people maintain their upbeat outlook – by eliminating the negative inputs, influences and factors in life and instead introducing positive ones. The good news is what you focus on expands and the bad news is what you focus on expands.
 
Take control of what you feed your mind. Cut out the negative messages you receive throughout the day from news outlets, billboards, magazines, websites and even family and friends. Make a point of being the one who decides what goes into your head. If you don’t, someone else will.
 
Acquire, maintain and protect your positive attitude and you will see your life improve in more ways than one. You’ll likely enjoy living more and your success will grow in the process. You’ll attract more positive people to be around because positive attracts positive and negative attracts negative.

Sounds pretty simple, right? Your attitude determines how you experience life and how successful you will be. It either pulls you down or lifts you up. It’s your choice.

Denver Named a Real-Estate Market to Watch: Metro Denver has been named one of the country’s top markets to watch next year in the new “Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2011″ report. read more here 

Denver Ranked 8^th Smartest City According to CNNMoney: read more here

Colorado Among Top States Where Americans Want to Live: Colorado ranks No. 4 among the 50 states in a survey asking Americans where they would most like to live, up from fifth place last year. read more here

Denver’s LoDo Named One of 10 ‘Great Neighborhoods’ in U.S.: Lower Downtown Denver has been named one of the 10 “Great Neighborhoods” for 2010 by the American Planning Association, the group said October 13^th. read more here

UPS, Kohl’s to Hire Tens of Thousands for Holidays: United Parcel Service and Kohl’s Department Stores — both among Colorado area’s largest private employers — plans to hire tens of thousands of extra seasonal workers for the holidays, the companies announced October 6^th. read more here

Mortgages Hit Lowest Levels Since 1950s: Thirty-year fixed mortgages slipped to 4.27 percent this week, the lowest on records dating back to 1971, from 4.32 percent the week of October 6^th. read more here

Airlife Denver Lands Top Global Honor: Airlife Denver, the emergency-transport service for HealthOne, was named the top medical flight service in the world for 2010-2011 by the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS), a nonprofit international trade association. read more here

Denver to Host ‘Big Air’ Ski, Snowboard Event at Civic Center:

 “Denver Big Air,” an international ski and snowboard competition, will take place in Civic Center Park on the two days preceding the SnowSports Industry America (SIA) Snow Show in January, local leaders announced October 4th. read more here

Westin Riverfront at Beaver Creek Makes Condé Nast List: The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa recently announced it has been honored as the “Top Resort, Mainland U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler in its 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards. read more here

Massive Housing Development Proposed Near Highlands Ranch: DOUGLAS COUNTY – It’s a nearly $4.3 billion community that would create countless jobs, a new school and an impressive commercial development. read more here

As you know most Realtors® follow the interest rates with, excuse the expression, great interest.  Though still historically low, it is looking like they’re slowly beginning to rise.

Just a few years ago 7% was a great interest rate, compared to the double digit rates of the 80′s.  Many buyers are “on the fence” either waiting for the market to “bottom out” or for the general financial conditions to change.  I believe that there will never be a better time to buy than RIGHT NOW.  We won’t recognize that the market has bottomed out until after the fact.  Watching the market the way I do, seeing the new listings come on the market, personally, I think it has.

What exactly does an increasing interest rate mean to your pocketbook?                                  

Let’s say you’re looking for a $300,000 house and have 10% for your downpayment:

at an interest rate of 4.25% your monthly payment would be about $1865.24

at an interest rate of 5% your monthly payment would be about $1986.42   – or $121.18 more

at an interest rate of 6% your monthly payment would be about $2155.79   – or $169.37 over the 5% and $290.55 over the current 4.25%

Do you want to see the numbers of 7, 8 or 10%?

Let’s turn the numbers around and say you’re looking for a monthly payment of $2155.79.

at 4.25% you could buy a home for $346,731

at 5% you could buy a home for $325,579

at 6% you could buy a home for $300,000.

I could give you the numbers at 7,8 or 10%, but I think you might find it depressing.

So while waiting for that 10% price drop you could actually lose 14% of the buying power of your monthly payment, just going from 4.25% to 6%.

Most Sellers today are priced for current market value.  They have to be, in order to have the appraisal match the purchase price.  Most Sellers are motivated and interested in negotiating with an interested Buyer.  Many buyers today are looking for that “deal” (steal).  Yes, there are some, especially lender owned that come on the market and sell quickly, usually to very strong buyers and over the listed price.  While waiting for that “gem” you might miss out on a wonderful property by not also looking at the current interest rate and where it’s headed.

I work with wonderful lenders who would be happy to look at your situation and give you their best advice.

Debra Christensen
Broker Associate, ABR, CMAS
INTERO REAL ESTATE SERVICES
Direct:  (303) 679-4110
Cell:  (303) 524-5454
Fax:  (303) 670-8166
Deb@DebChristensen.com
www.DebChristensen.com

YOUR REALTOR CAN HELP PREVENT FORECLOSURE

In this economy, I get calls daily from people regarding financial hardship and losing their homes. These are just a few questions I hear DAILY, and “in my experience” the answers:

I cannot make my mortgage payment.  I now owe more than my home is worth.  I can’t afford to pay a Realtor’s commissions. Who will pay the closing costs when I sell?
What you’re describing, in the real estate and mortgage world of today, is called a SHORT SALE.  I will ask the bank to accept a short-payoff in-lieu of Foreclosure.  As part of short- sale negotiations , your lender will pay your reasonable and customary closing costs including the Realtor’ commissions.

I have received a notice demanding payment from the county. Is it too late to try to short sale my home?  

It is not too late. The foreclosure process begins with the NOTICE OF ELECTION AND DEMAND (NED) . By law you have 120 days from the demand letter to sell your home.

Do I have to move out of my home now that I am in default on the mortgage and have received the NED?

No!  You still own your home until the actual sale takes place at the county.  I even take listings after the NED is filed.  Everyone has specific rights for defined time periods to occupy their home though foreclosure processes have begun. This is the law. Additionally, some  programs might pay you to keep the home maintained until the successful closing.

Is there a way to postpone the foreclosure sale date?

Yes.  I can work with the lender to hold off the foreclosure while negotiating a short-sale contract (there are exceptions).

Will my mortgage bank come after me for the difference between what I owe, late fees, penalties and attorney fees?

A successful short-sale negotiation is to have, in writing from the lender, sellers-borrowers FULLY RELEASED FROM FUTURE LIABILITY for the deficiency amount on their first mortgage and second mortgage.  There may be exceptions, yet in all my experiences,  my sellers have never paid a deficiency judgment, no matter what the National news reports.

This article is from my own personal experiences. I am referred clients from other Realtors as well as past clients who have been through it. I use my work to help others escape the devastation of foreclosure, as well as I find it a great way to give back to our community.  There are many people facing hardship.  Walk away with a home sale not a foreclosure.

Norma H. Loyd                                                                                                                                 
Intero Real Estate Services
303-679-4112 Direct
720-217-4651
YourColoradoRealtors.com

OUR FOOTHILLS MARKET IS PICKING UP!

• 93 Homes sold in August
• 3 homes were over 1 million
• 2.6 million was the highest sold

(Intero sold it! Closed in August, but largest year to date)

• 15,000 was the lowest sold
• Average sold was $404,000
• Average days on the market 125

(all statistics found in Metrolist)

For starters there are few things that say summertime 4th of July picnic more than the sight of dozens of children lined up on Bear Creek with fishing poles in hand enraptured by the Trout Unlimited fishing derby. Trout Unlimited stocks the creek with hundreds of fish, and they bring rods and reels for the kids so everyone has a chance to catch a fish!

As this is unfolding the sound of brass and bagpipes begin to fill the air The Denver Brass, Celtic Colorado Pipes & Drums and Rocky Mountain Highland Dancers open the day’s musical entertainment at 11:30 — decked out in kilts and blazers, neckties and Aran Isle socks —they set the tone for a rousing performance. The drumsticks twirling, the heartbeat of the big bass drum, crisp snare drums, and the wailing of the pipes, stir the blood — precisely the emotional effect pipes were designed to stimulate! The group puts on an impressive show ending with some spirited dancing by their younger members with their bouncing ringlet wigs, rhinestone tiaras, and sparkly dresses the percussive stepdancers rock the stage. The Denver Brass truly puts the emphasis on great sound and music that stirs the soul.

The Evergreen Chorale pitches in shortly after the Denver Brass and presents repertoire of patriotic songs and thoroughly enjoyable performance. The Chorale opens the way for other performers in different sites within the Evergreen Lake House Park, this year the Silver Sounds Flute Choir will be performing as will local favorite folk singer John Erlandson.

At 3:00 the musical performance takes a turn for the spectacular as the National Reparatory Orchestra (NRO) fills the stage with their celebrated young prodigies. This acclaimed group has its roots in Evergreen where it was based for 20 years until it moved to Summit County in 1986. Every winter, Maestro Carl Topilow and distinguished NRO alumni audition more than 800 young musicians from leading conservatories and music schools in the US and Canada. The finest 89 musicians are chosen for an eight-week, intensive, orchestral fellowship and summer residency in Breckenridge, Colorado. It is a treat you do not want to miss!

Throughout the day the Nature Center opens its doors to the public with interactive exhibits centered on animal and plant life around the lake. Evergreen Artist Association will host an exhibit and sale of art by local artists in the Lake House; as well, they will be putting on demonstrations of painting and other art forms.

Food from local restaurants, beverages (beer, wine, and soda), and other amenities will be provided, but you are welcome to bring picnic food of your own (please do not bring coolers though). A bounce castle and children’s activities are available for no charge.

The gates open at 10:00 am – you can bring your chairs and place them under the big tent or you may spread your blankets on the lawn. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for Children 5-12, and children under 5 are free! This year there will be limited parking at the Lake for $10, otherwise a free shuttle will be running from Evergreen High School beginning at 10:00 am.

One important note: there will be no fireworks as the event ends at 5:00. And please leave your pets at home for the day. The days events are made possible through the hard work and dedication of the volunteers in our community and our sponsors.

If you appreciate this special event show your thanks by giving business to our sponsors: Evergreen National Bank, Lakepoint Center, Caffe di Lucca, Stems a flower shop, Colorado Serenity. We are always in need of support of the community so consider making a donation to the Evergreen Music Festival. Find out more at www.evergreenmusicfestival.org or call 303.679.6869.

This is true for many reasons, but for my purposes today, I’m going to focus on just one of them.

Home values.

For my money, there’s nothing that compares to a local expert. Someone who knows the markets in which he or she works. Local Evergreen Colorado agents know the neighborhoods in which they do business in a way that a big box company simply can’t. They know that home prices don’t vary simply from state to state, nor from city to city. They know that home prices are specific to neighborhood and that making sweeping generalizations about the real estate market in a given area might get you in the right ballpark, but they’ll rarely hit a home run.

I’ll give you an example.

Earlier this morning, while I was getting ready for the day ahead, I was watching a popular morning news program. On it, a nationally-recognized real estate figure was encouraging first-time homebuyers to use online tools like Zillow and Trulia to decide what a fair price for a home in a given area might be.

Now, I’m not going to knock Zillow and Trulia. Each of these tools is in business because it’s brought something new and innovative to the real estate table. But the fact remains that the information they make available for home values is very often wrong. Dead wrong. Sometimes, its values are dramatically below actual market price, sometimes they are far above.

These services simply cannot provide the perspective that (A) a human being and (B) someone who’s intimately familiar with an area can.

When you work with an Evergreen Colorado local real estate professional, work with someone who understands the subtle nuances of the neighborhoods in their market area. Work with someone who knows that homes on the side of the street with water views are going to cost more than those on the side of the street with no view (for the record, Zillow can’t tell the difference).

Work with someone who’s going to know which price constitutes a great deal for his or her clients.

At Intero, we pride ourselves on being this type of company. We take pride in being a hometown company whose agents live, work, and play in our market area. We take pride in knowing that our real estate professionals understand the market data that really matters, and we take pride in knowing that our agents know the tiny details that will make the biggest difference to you.