Zachary Epps

In Colorado, any subsequent lien holder is out of the picture and has no claim to the property after the public sale. There are some provisions in the new Colorado foreclosure law that allow for the additional junior lien holders to have an opportunity for redemption, but once the sale is done, they are out of the picture for that property. ... but not necessarily for that borrower. - Sun Nov 2 2008, 13:22

The Boulder market is one of the best areas to find eco friendly buyers and your choice to switch over to a system that's energy star rated will potentially improve the marketability of the condo, especially in the Boulder real estate market.
You should consider doing this kind of renovation for two reasons:
1. To improve the marketability of your condo once you sell.
2. To improve the carbon footprint and 'green' factor of the condo.

You could also consider that if you choose to live in the home for a few years, you will benefit from improved comfort, energy savings, and also money savings potential. If you make the upgrade, and live in the condo for a couple years, track the cost savings over that time. You can potentially turn that verifiable data of cost savings into a marketing benefit to potential buyers.
That strategy can pay off for you when it's time to sell by expanding your pool of potential buyers, especially in a market like ours in Boulder, with buyers who are actively looking for green solutions.

You may not get the full $17,000 you've invested as a dollar for dollar return, but you will get personal benefit, and you could see market-ability benefit. Would you be pleased if your condo sold before other units in the project due to the improvements you may make?
That's sometimes an intangible benefit, but one that could work in our market of green sensitive buyers. - Wed Oct 1 2008, 12:04

While there have been some condos at The Peloton in the upper $200's, the current prices advertised are in the low $300's. Recently, The Peloton has been advertising some major discounts and buyer incentives so the prices have changed from week to week in the last few weeks. I post frequently about The Peloton in my Blog at http://www.boulder-buzz.com. - Mon Jul 7 2008, 19:20

Yes you can George. There are currently five single family homes for sale in the city of Boulder in this price range. - Mon Jul 7 2008, 19:16

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). - Wed Apr 23 2008, 09:45