both single family homes and condos are selling well in Boulder and prices have been going up steadily if you look at the long term.
It's a great time to buy because while the market is still active and appreciation in Boulder has out-paced most of the surrounding areas, the recent year or two is the flattest we've seen price-wise.
Jason's right that a single-family home in Boulder will likely appreciate more quickly so you should consider if that's important to you.
You'll definitely need to do some work on anything you find in that price range but you'll see the financial benefit very quickly if you buy within the city of Boulder (inside the greenbelt).

I personally would put my $300k into an entry level home. It may need a little work but will likely appreciate at a much higher rate than a condo. Boulder condos have not done nearly as well as single family homes during our flat period. Let me know if you have any questions or want to look around. jasonb@boulderhomestead.com

Joan stop trolling for referrals and let area agents answer the question.

Now is a great time to buy with interest rates being low. Have you been pre-qualified with a lender? That is the first thing you really need to do. And, I would offer a bit less for the home because there are so many houses on the market right now. Of course, depending on the condition of the home, and how many days the home has been on the market, check with your local agent there for his/her advice. The markets are different all over, but overall, now is a great time to buy with so much inventory out there! Good luck and if you need a referral there, email me at calljoan4homes@aol.com and I can find you a great agent to help you and make sure you are taken care of!

It looks like someone has already given you the stats and I agree; looking for a single family home in the city of Boulder is going to be challenging. But, in any case, this is a great time to buy. Rates are still very low and FHA loan limits have gone up. This is important because there are no more 100% loans available. In the conventional format, borrowers use to be able to do combo loans up to 100%; now you can only go to 95% which means you need at least 5% down. With FHA, you only need 3% down and even that can be gifted - not so under conventional rules. Plus, FHA rates are better and even after paying the mortgage insurance, the total payment is still lower than conventional.

Be sure to use a real estate agent that understands the mortgage industry and well as real estate. As a matter of fact, using an agent that is a mortgage broker as well, can even save you money. Check out my website for this unique type of service. Good luck to you.

HI Dan,

Boulder has traditionally held it's value well over the past, especially the past 5 years or so. The past year has been a little tougher with the market and economy the way it is, but Boulder has faired much better than other cities.

The single family home market in Boulder has really taken off the past 5-7 years and prices have increased dramatically. The condo/townhome market has also done well but is still more affordable.

If $300K is your budget, I would suggest actually looking at condos or townhomes, if you want to be in the city of Boulder. In February 2008 (for the city of Boulder), the average sales price for a single family home was $619K and the median price for single family home was $506K. By comparison, the average sales price for a condo/townhome in Boulder was $297K and the median price was $265.

Boulder holds its value well for two reasons... 1, the university is there and is not going away soon. and 2, there is very little building area left in Boulder and is expected to be at a complete buildout in 15 years or so, which makes it desirable. The surounding areas can be more affordable in your price range if you would like a single family home.

Feel free to contact me if you have more questions.

Greetings Dan: There are many first time home buyer programs for you. It is a great time to buy-- being a strong Buyer's Market in the Denver/Boulder Region. Interest rates are low-- take advantage of this time to purchase. For Market Conditions and Homes List-- feel free to sign up at DenverHomeLiving.com