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Berkshire Hathaway Cañon City Welcomes A New Agent, Jessica Smith

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Jessica Smith has joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rocky Mountain REALTORS® Cañon City, CO office. She was previously licensed and practicing real estate in Florida before her and her family decided to head West for a change.

Jessica Smith, licensed Colorado Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rocky Mountain Realtors Canon City, CO

Jessica Smith joins Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rocky Mountain REALTORS® Cañon City Office located at 417 Main St

Her real estate experience in Florida will be an excellent perspective and base as she learns Colorado real estate law. It’s always valuable to have agents who have worked in various markets across the country, as they may be able to look at transactions differently and bring new ideas to a new territory. During her 7 years in Florida real estate, she sold over $53 million in single family homes, condos and townhomes, vacant land, and new construction.

But real estate wasn’t always the route Jessica planned for, with jobs in other industries and a major in criminal justice. However, with her husband being experienced in the trades remodeling homes and a true love and goal to live in Colorado, they purchased land in 2021 to start their journey.

Jessica joins an already active group of professional real agents in the Fremont County Berkshire offices, including Daniel Ullery-Oatney, Rachelle Dettner, Misty Garman, Wayne Jennings, Sylvia Jennings, and Toby Lorenc. We have experienced agents available for any real estate need, from commercial property to residential, buying or selling, thanks to our multiple locations in Southern Colorado: Colorado Springs, Florence, and Cañon City, CO.

Our Cañon City real estate office at 417 Main St, Canon City, CO 81212 provides a convenient location for buyers and sellers in Fremont County Colorado to meet with agents or search properties 24/7.

Berkshire Hathaway Canon City Office 417 Main St Canon City CO 81212

For more information, contact Berkshire Hathaway Cañon City at (719) 431-6903 and follow us on social media for announcements, events, giveaways, and more:

Finally Understand What the NAR Settlement Means to Colorado Real Estate Buyers and Sellers

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Finally Understand What the NAR Settlement Means to Colorado Real Estate Buyers and Sellers
Finally Understand What the NAR Settlement Means to Colorado Real Estate Buyers and Sellers

NAR Settlement Agreement

If you’re wondering about upcoming changes with real estate commissions, this article
will answer your questions and maybe clear up some misinformation.
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has announced a complex settlement
agreement that would resolve litigation brought on behalf of home sellers related to
broker commissions. The settlement, which must be approved by a judge, resolves
claims against NAR and most members and brokerages and in return NAR will pay
$418 million over 4 years.
Berkshire Hathaway’s parent company, HomeServices has recently agreed to settle in a separate settlement for $250 million, which helps protect our 51 brands, nearly 70,000 real estate agents and over 300 franchisees from similar litigation.

What changes can consumers expect ?

In Colorado, the settlement may not impact home buyers and home sellers very much.
Some media reports falsely suggest that the settlements will make real estate
commissions negotiable so sellers will save money. In truth, real estate commissions
have always been negotiable. There is no standard fee or percentage, and you should consult with an experienced real estate agent to determine the commission amount. But remember, it’s not just about paying your listing agent, it’s also about offering a desirable incentive of compensation to the buyer’s agents that will be showing your home.

Compensation and Paying the Buyer’s Agent

Another key aspect of the settlement is that it will allow the continued practice of
cooperative compensation, or the offering of compensation to buyer’s agents. But
offers of co-op fees compensation will no longer be noted in the MLS (multiple listing service used by real estate professionals).
The practice of sharing commissions goes back many decades. While some argued the
practice increased seller cost, the counter-argument is that offering compensation to
buyer buyers helps sellers get more showings and thus, a higher sale price in a shorter
period of time.
By removing co-op commissions from MLS, real estate companies anticipate providing
this information on a separate website for the benefit of buyer agents and their clients.
This may be an extra step but is not expected to substantially change the selling
process.
Home buyers in Colorado are not expected to experience much change, either. For
decades, our state has encouraged buyers to engage their own real estate agent to
represent them in the purchase, and buyer broker compensation is part of that
agreement.
Co-op commissions for buyer brokers has made home ownership more affordable for
buyers who are already struggling to save for down payments and closing costs.
Moving forward, we will sit down with prospective home buyers and sellers and discuss
the process and expense of buying and selling And as always, we will give our clients
the risks and benefits of various options.
As agents, we strive to provide housing opportunities for as many buyers as possible,
so we are hopeful that the majority of home sellers will continue see the benefit of
offering a co-op commission.
If a seller does choose to not to offer compensation to a buyer broker, they are free to
make that choice. But that has always been the case.

Putting Our Clients First

Our goal to provide value to our clients is unchanged and we remain committed to
ensuring that in every transaction, your satisfaction is our absolute priority. If you have more questions, we’d love to hear from you directly. Reach out anytime to your favorite agent and we’d love to help you understand the how the NAR settlement may affect your next real estate sale or purchase.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rocky Mountain REALTORS® Colorado Real Estate | PeakDream.Com

Military Veteran Realtor Serves VA Clients

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We are proud to have a disabled Veteran real estate agent on our team. Daniel-Ullery Oatney understands the needs and lifestyle of an active duty or retired military member. So many factors help connect a VA buyer with an agent who’s “been there” and there’s a special connection between Daniel and his VA clients.

Daniel Ullery-Oatney, Colorado VA Realtor

Daniel has traveled and lived all over the world. From growing up in Germany, to attending college at Cambridge University, he was well traveled before he even joined the military. For 13 years, he served with active duty and reserves, making connections and friends where ever he was stationed and learning different cultures.

Part of understanding real estate is going through the process personally, which Daniel can certain claim. He’s owned and sold homes around the world including Washington D.C., Edinburgh Scotland, and Colorado Springs. During these purchases, he used his VA benefits to enjoy the no-money down loan and 100% financing. Along the way, he’s learned what works and also the myths about VA financing. Today, he takes this knowledge to his real estate business, helping VA buyers understand the best use their benefits include the VA loan.

Experience has also taught Daniel in order to adequately serve VA buyers, he must build a great team. He knows how important it is to have an expert in his court to take care of qualifying and closing a VA loan for his clients. Because of her in-depth knowledge and years of experience closing VA loans, Daniel relies heavily on banker and VA Queen Lisa Ramsey as the source for VA financing. Plus, a team of veteran home inspectors, title reps, and other home services experts are at the top of his referral list to help support veteran owned companies and experts in the field.

Looking at Daniel, you would never know he’s considered 100% disabled. He’s personally learned about the VA system, how to best plan for a home purchase, what steps need to be in place to best use your benefits to buy a home. And despite his status, he’s able to do all the responsibilities of a Realtor, and does it with a smile on his face and a knack for connecting to people. He’s in the business of building friendships instead of a client base, and provides a wealth of resources and knowledge along the way.

5-Star Review for VA Realtor Daniel Ullery-Oatney

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rocky Mountain Realtors is honored that Daniel chose to serve his fellow military members as an agent with our company. Although many real estate agents are familiar with VA loans and work with military buyers and sellers, Daniel has been in their shoes and understands the minute details of military life and how that affects a home purchase. Consider him your local VA expert – he’s got a solid 5-star rating from all his past clients, so you know you’ll be in good hands!

Realtor Tom Taranto Joins Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rocky Mountain Realtors

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We are pleased to welcome our newest agent to the company, Tom Taranto. Tom has joined our Downtown Colorado Springs office and will concentrate primarily on residential real estate buyers and sellers.

Realtor Tom Taranto, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rocky Mountain Realtors

Agents like Tom are hard to find, as he comes to us with 30+ years of experience in real estate. He has been a home builder, property manager, real estate investor and more. Clients will definitely benefit from his wide range of skills and knowledge to help guide buyers and sellers through the real estate journey.

Like many of us, Tom also has experience in other industries and interests that will attract niche audiences because of common life hobbies, careers, and activities. For instance, Tom has taken full advantage of his many years in Colorado by enjoying the recreation of both hockey and snow skiing. He’s worked in various parts of both of these industries, including his time as a ski instructor and hockey coach.

Tom resides in Woodland Park, Colorado with his family of a wife and twin sons. He’ll be a natural choice for those looking to move into the Teller County area, or those wishing to sell their home. Plus, Tom has prior military service so he understands the needs and financing of VA buyers.

As all of our agents, Tom brings a high level of integrity and care to the Berkshire Hathaway family of agents. It’s part of what makes him stand out and will certainly provide him with many repeat clients throughout his career.

Read Tom’s full bio and find contact information here:

https://www.peakdream.com/agent-detail/Tom-Taranto/187599/

Parties Involved When Purchasing a Home

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Purchasing a home is a big decision, and it involves multiple parties and businesses to help bring it all together. You might be surprised by the number of parties involved during the home purchase process.

Real estate agents are just one of the professionals involved in a home purchase
Real estate agents are just one of the professionals involved in a home purchase

Real Estate Agents

Often times, both the buyer and seller will have real estate agents helping guide them through a real estate transaction. Agents are the key communicators between all parties below to help ensure a smooth transaction. They will usually attend appointments such as home inspections, appraisals, and of course join you at the closing table to celebrate your special day. A buyer’s agent has probably already shown you countless properties, help create and submit an offer, and negotiate on your behalf to get you under contract. Now, it’s time to start involving other parties in your transaction.

Transaction Coordinator

Some real estate agents use transaction coordinators, who help manage the contract. This involves meeting dates and deadlines, and making sure all documents are completed and signed properly. Although you may not hear from them directly, they are working hard in the background to help coordinate the details.

Loan Officer / Lender

Unless the buyer is purchasing real estate with cash, they will typically be finding a lender to help coordinate a loan. A buyer will work closely with the lender to submit documentation and provide necessary information in order to meet the closing date set in the contract. You may also interact with loan processors and other staff within the lender’s organization.

Home Inspector

Typically the buyer hires an independent home inspector as a generalist to assess the overall condition of the property. During the due diligence process, the buyer also may choose to hire other professionals to look at specific items. These may include plumbers, electricians, roofers, radon system companies, or those who test for meth, mold, and other possible contaminates. Certainly, there are endless parties that can be part of the buyer’s due diligence process.

Appraiser

Appraisers are usually part of the buyer’s loan process, and although paid for by the buyer at the time of closing, they are hired by the lender. Most require an in-person viewing of the home under contract to see the actual condition, take photos, and assess the neighborhood.

Land survey or ILC can be done before closing

Land Surveyor

Although there isn’t always a survey or ILC of the property, this is sometimes required by the lender or title company on certain properties. A buyer could also choose to have a survey done to make sure they understand the property lines, easements, and other concerns.

Title Closer

Various people at the title company interact with the file including a title closer, who will ultimately be the face-to-face contact collecting signatures from the buyers and sellers at the closing table.

These are just some of the professionals you may have contact with during your real estate journey, but this is not an exhaustive list! There are many more people involved in the short period between getting an accepted offer, to celebrating a successful closing. Ask your real estate agent for more information on some of the expected costs of buying a home and selecting the professionals that bring it all together.

Berkshire Hathaway Welcomes Rachelle Dettner As Our Newest Broker Associate in Fremont County

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Rachelle Dettner, Realtor
Rachelle Dettner, Realtor in Canon City, CO

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rocky Mountain REALTORS® is pleased to welcome our newest Broker Associate, Rachelle Dettner!

Rachelle has been in Colorado for years and lives in Fremont County so her knowledge and community connections are already established. She’ll be based out of the Cañon City, CO office located at 417 Main St, Cañon City, CO 81212.

“We’re excited to welcome Rachelle as we serve this growing community. She brings a great amount of energy and excitement for this role. I know there’s going to be a lot of buyers and sellers in this area who will be grateful to be taken care of by Rachelle in the coming years,” said Wayne Jennings, owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rocky Mountain REALTORS® in Cañon City, Florence, and Downtown Colorado Springs.

Learn more about Rachelle and connect with her on social media at https://www.peakdream.com/agent-detail/Rachelle-Dettner/183568/

Colorado Real Estate News – November 2021

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Read the latest newsletter from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rocky Mountain Realtors in Colorado Springs. BHHSRMR keeps you updated on market stats, Downtown news and events, plus helpful homebuyer and home seller tips. In this edition, you’ll find an invite to our Downtown Holiday Party, plus understanding your home warranty.

Gail Kohlmeister Joins Berkshire Hathaway

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Gail Kohlmeister Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rocky Mountain Realtor

Gail Kohlmeister, Broker Associate

We are so excited to welcome the newest agent to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rocky Mountain REALTORS® franchise, Gail Kohlmeister.

Gail comes to us from another real estate company in town and feels like she’s finally “found her home” in regards to the brokerage she is working as a Broker Associate. As a Broker Associate, she is able to help home buyers and home sellers with any type of real estate transaction, including single family homes, condos and townhomes, raw land, new construction, and more.

Gail has lived in Colorado since 2007, and is very familiar with the Denver / Boulder area as well as being able to help clients in the greater Colorado Springs area.

She’s an energetic and determined individual and we are grateful she chose to be part of our organization to further her real estate career. You’ll certainly have the chance to meet her at one of our client appreciation parties or open house events. But feel free to reach out to her before then! You can find her on our website under Our Agents tab, or click https://www.peakdream.com/agent-detail/Gail-Kohlmeister/180953/

“Sell My House Fast” Colorado Springs

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Sell My House Fast Colorado Springs CO
Sell My House Fast Colorado Springs CO

When our clients say Sell My House Fast Colorado Springs Realtors at Berkshire Hathaway jump to the opportunity and challenge. Our team of experienced real estate agents engage intentional, direct and effective marketing tactics immediately. The specifics might bore you, but the results are what you’ll talk about for years when your home is sold as quickly as some of these.

320 Childe Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

320 Childe Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80906
320 Childe Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80906

This was perhaps one of the most impressive homes we’ve had the privileged to market and sell. Granted, the absolutely breathtaking views and updated fixtures and amenities helped sell this custom Broadmoor home. But typically, a home in this price range (this home was listed for $799,000) stays on the market for an average of 9 months. With an average price point just above $350,000 for single family homes, this beautiful home in southwest Colorado Springs would typically be expected to have slower showing activity and longer days on market. However, this home was under contract in less than 24 hours with multiple showings and competitive offers that exceeded list price. Real estate agent Wayne Jennings represented the sellers and was able to provide the marketing exposure and tap into the niche buyer group that had been searching for this type of house. Consequently, when it hit the market in April 2019, it was a quick turnaround and huge celebration for the sellers.

230 E Main St, Florence, CO 81226

230 E Main St Florence CO 81226
230 E Main St Florence CO 81226

Just outside of Colorado Springs to the southwest is the quaint town of Florence, CO. It’s been a tourist destination for years, as the town has rightfully claimed the label, “Antique Capital of Colorado” due to the solid option of antique stores along Main Street. With a lower altitude and warmer climate that Colorado Springs, plus a homey small town community, Colorado natives and out-of-state residents are flocking here to vacation, invest, and live. So, a newly renovated single family home on Main Street within walking distance of Florence restaurants, shopping and entertainment has a strong appeal. In fact, many are waiting to jump on an opportunity like this, especially while home prices are still reasonable. That’s exactly what happened at 230 E Main St the day it went on the market. After years of renovations and hard work, the seller made what was an eyesore along Main into a luxurious residence that anyone would love to call home. Buyers quickly set up private showings and the home was under contract within 24 hours.

4988 Old Fountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80916

4988 Old Fountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80916
4988 Old Fountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80916

Homes all over Colorado Springs are represented by our agents and selling in 24 hours or less! We sell in every area, every price range. With 76% of the sales in the Colorado Springs area in the $200,000-$400,000 price range, there’s a lot of competition among buyers. It’s definitely a seller’s market in this bracket of sales (meaning the seller has the advantage and more power in negotiations, etc) and we saw that on 4988 Old Fountain Blvd. This ranch-style home has a lot of great curb appeal, plus extras like a spacious sunroom and patio, and RV parking on the side of the home. When a homeowner says Sell My House Fast, Colorado Springs real estate market still has it’s challenges in accomplishing this goal. The real estate agent has to be thoughtful of pricing the home correctly, marketing and promoting the right features, and putting it on buyer’s radar before there’s even a sign in the yard. Realtor Marion Meyer nailed it on this one, making sure that her colleagues, potential buyers and other key industry contacts knew this listing was coming soon. Thanks to her thoughtful and intentional homeselling tactics, it’s another case of 24 hours of showings ending in a solid contract for the seller.

Just say the words, “Sell My House Fast Colorado Springs!” When you’re ready to move, so are we. Certainly, we can’t guarantee that your home will sell as quickly as these examples, but we do promise to give you and your home our attention and expertise so that we can sell it as quickly as possible.

Peak Dream: Berkshire Hathaway Rocky Mountain Realtors Colorado Springs
216 N Tejon Street Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 602-8836

Berkshire Hathaway Named Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year and Most Trusted Brand

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices rated Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year and Most Trusted Real Estate Brand

We’re pleased to announce Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has been names the Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year, along with the Most Trusted Real Estate Brand according to the Harris Poll EquiTrend® survey earlier this year. Click for the full press release: Real-Estate-Agency-Brand-of-The-Year-Press-Release

Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Awarded

Over 77,000 U.S. consumers were polled and rated 3,000 brands in 300 categories. This was the 30th annual Harris Poll EquiTrend® study and consumers took this online poll rating Berkshire Hathaway Home Services (BHHS) based on consumers’ perception of its brand familiarity, quality and purchasing consideration, as well as additional factors.

The 2018 Harris Poll EquiTrend® study measures and compares the brand health of companies.
Respondents offer their perceptions of brands, gauging their emotional connection to them plus brand
awareness, influence and familiarity. The study confirmed that consumers want to align with brands they know and trust. Our goal and way of business is creating that environment of trusted real estate advisers guiding you through the real estate process.

Just last year, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices was awarded by J.D. Power “Highest Overall Satisfaction for Repeat Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms” in the J.D. Power 2017 Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction Study. The Harris Poll award is another great recognition from consumers who are seeing the value, professionalism and trust our agents bring to the table.

"Highest Overall Satisfaction for Repeat Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms."

“Highest Overall Satisfaction for Repeat Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms.”

Thanks to our past, current, and future customers who see the value in partnering with the best! As always, we remind folks that we sell in any price range, any area. We would love to show you the Berkshire Hathaway difference when you’re ready to buy or sell your next home.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices received the highest numerical Equity Score and the highest numerical score relating to Trust among Real Estate Agency brands included in the 2018 Harris Poll EquiTrend® Study, which is based on opinions of 77,031 U.S. consumers ages 15 and over surveyed online between January 3, 2018 and February 15, 2018. Your opinion may differ. “Highest Ranked” was determined by a pure ranking of a sample of Real Estate Agency brands.

What’s YOUR dream? Find your next home at https://www.peakdream.com/homes-for-sale-search/

Peak Dream Rocky Mountain Realtors Downtown Colorado Springs
216 N Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

232 E Main St Florence, CO 81226

417 Main Street, Cañon City, CO 81212
(719) 325-4268

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