If you're wondering what the median real estate price will buy in the Denver metro, here's an article you won't want to miss.

http://denverpost.com/business/ci_3737350

It's a little late for getting your taxes done, but if your 1040 still isn't ready for Uncle Sam and you bought a house in 2005, you may be able to deduct the following:

• Interest on your mortgage/s.  Everything you paid out in interest is deductible.
• Taxes paid in 2005 are fully deductible.
• If you paid any Owner's Title Insurance at closing (this is normally a cost to the seller), this is deductible.
• Home improvement, mortgage and refinancing loan origination points (if you had used my special lender you wouldn't have had any origination fees!)
• Recording fees
• Legal fees
• Property surveys
• Any real estate commission you may have paid
• Any local assessments that will improve your property, such as new sidewalks, streets, sewer and water systems
• HOA assessments covering capital improvements, like new roof (but not repairs to roof)
• Any charges for installing utility services if you've bought a builder's home and built one yourself

If you want to deduct anything else, you'd better consult with your tax professional.  (If you live in the Denver area and don't have one, give me a call at 303-587-3509 and I can refer you to a great tax accounting firm.)

Foreclosures are running sky-high in the Denver metro area, which may have the unwanted effect of driving prices downward (good for buyers, but bad for the long-term value of property).

According to Rocky Mountain News columnist,  Rob Reuteman, "Colorado is one of only two states with no licensing or registration requirements for mortgage brokers. The FBI named Colorado as one of the top 10 states for mortgage fraud in 2004."

That's why if you need a lender you should find one who comes well-recommended, and don't just pick one out on the internet.

If you need help finding a reputable lender, call me at 303-587-3509.  I have a partner relationship with an online lender I can vouch for, as well as two lenders in the Denver metro area.  My online lender has a niche market serving my clients.  She charges no fees and can compete on rates with nearly any lender in the country.