Fort Collins Real Estate News January 2020

Neighbors,

As we venture forth into 2021 with high hopes and an optimistic outlook, I am honored and humbled to be your local real estate agent. I hope that the new year provides an opportunity for all of us to look forward and not backwards.

I would like to provide you some insight into the Northern Colorado Real Estate market in 2021. Residential real estate, especially in Fort Collins and surrounding areas, weathered the pandemic very well in 2020. Home prices increased steadily, and the outlook on 2021 remains very strong

In Q4 of 2020, the average sale prices of homes in Fort Collins, Windsor, Loveland, and Greeley were up 10 percent or more since 2019, and this trend doesn’t look to slow down in 2021. Let’s look at a few key indicators for sellers in 2021:

1. Homes are seeing less time on the market
The markets in Northern Colorado were actually more competitive in 2020 than in 2019. In Greeley the average days spent on the market were down at least 7 days year-over-year, and down 10 or more days in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, and Wellington.

2. The number of total sales remains steady
Looking across Northern Colorado total sales numbers in Q4 remained strong, and up over 10% year-over-year from 2019.

3. The average single-family home sales price is on the rise
While many thought the pandemic might hit the housing market, that couldn’t be further from the truth in Northern Colorado. Most markets saw sales price increases of 10% or more from 2019 to 2020.
​
4. The housing market in Northern Colorado will be extremely competitive in 2021
All of these indicators point towards another strong year for real estate in Northern Colorado. Competitive bidding, increasing prices, and low vacancy all point towards a great market to sell in 2021.
 
All of these indicators are good if you’re looking to sell in 2021. In addition, it’s a great time to get into a home as well, as prices will continue to increase and interest rates are extremely low. Please reach out to me if you would like to discuss your specific situation, and here’s to a great new year!
-Brad Sawatzky

Featured Fort Collins Non-Profit: Realities for Children

Realities for Children has quickly become one of the most impactful non-profits in Fort Collins by serving the needs of children across Northern Colorado who have been abused, neglected, or are at-risk. By partnering with dozens of youth activity agencies, Realities for Children provides opportunities for recovery, rehabilitation, and a chance for normal life.

You can’t go far in Fort Collins without recognizing the positive impact of Realities for Children on the community. They hold a number of annual events in the community to raise funds and awareness for at-risk and abused children. These include the Annual Awards Gala, Nightlights and the Realities Cup golf tournament.

The Realities Ride & Rally is one of the most unique events in Fort Collins. Thousands of riders and community members join together in May to celebrate freedom, commemorate sacrifice, and bring hope and awareness to the community. In 2019 and 2020, the event has raised a total of $150,000 to support abused, neglected, or are at-risk children.
​
To learn more about what Realities for Children does and how you can participate, visit https://www.realitiesforchildren.com/

Homemade Chili Recipe

It’s January, and we are right in the middle of a cold Colorado winter. Even this week we saw temperatures in the 30s and 40s with high winds that chill you to the bone. And what’s a meal that tastes better when it warms you inside and out? Chili of course!
​
Ingredients:

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 onion diced
• 1 jalapeno seeded and finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 ½ tablespoons chili powder divided (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 green bell pepper seeded and diced
• 14 ½ ounces crushed tomatoes canned
• 19 ounces kidney beans canned, drained & rinsed
• 14 ½ ounces diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 cup beer
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar optional
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Combine ground beef and 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder.
• In a large pot, brown ground beef, onion, jalapeno, and garlic. Drain any fat.
• Add in remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 45-60 minutes or until chili has reached desired thickness.
• Top with cheddar cheese, green onions, cilantro or other favorite toppings.