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Mortgage demand from homebuyers continues to recover, even with higher interest rates

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Mortgage demand from homebuyers rose for the second straight week, suggesting that potential buyers are now more enticed by the increasing supply of houses for sale than they are dissuaded by recent economic uncertainty and concern over tariffs.

Total mortgage application volume rose 1.1% last week compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s seasonally adjusted index.

The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances, $806,500 or less, increased to 6.86% from 6.84%, with points remaining unchanged at 0.68, including the origination fee, for loans with a 20% down payment. That rate was 22 basis points higher the same week one year ago.

Applications for a mortgage to purchase a home rose 2% for the week and were 18% higher than they were the year before. That was the second straight weekly gain after demand fell sharply for most of April. The previous week they rose by 11%.

“The news for the week was the growth in purchase applications,” said Michael Fratantoni, chief economist for the MBA. “Despite the economic uncertainty, the increase in home inventory means there are additional properties to buy, unlike the last two years, and this supply is supporting more transactions.”

He also noted a big gain in government purchase applications, up almost 5% for the week and 40% compared with a year ago. Government loans tend to be favored by lower-income or first-time homebuyers because they offer low down payment options.

Total active listings nationally are now about 14% higher than they were at this time last year, according to Redfin. New listings are up 5.5%.

Applications to refinance a home loan fell 0.4% for the week but were 44% higher than the same week one year ago. The refinance share of mortgage activity decreased to 36.4% of total applications from 37.1% the previous week.

Read more at CNBC

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Where to Place Your Birdbath for Happier Birds

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Along with a birdfeeder and native plants, a birdbath is a must for attracting a beautiful array of birds to your outdoor space.

"A well-maintained birdbath can greatly increase the variety of birds that nest in your yard, visit during migration, and spend the winter," says Tod Winston, an expert with NYC Bird Alliance. "And if the birdbath is well placed, you can sit back and enjoy the show as robins, warblers, orioles, thrushes, and more stop by to wash up and have a drink."

If the birdbath is not well placed, however, birds may not notice it's there. Or the birdbath may get dirty very quickly. Or, worst of all, it may cause the birds to get injured or killed by prowling cats or a collision with a window.

To nail down the best spot in your yard for your birdbath, follow Winston's tips.

The Best Birdbath Spot: A Checklist

Look around your yard and find an area that meets as many of these descriptions as possible.

  • A shaded or partially shaded area. Especially if you live in a hot climate, don't put the birdbath in direct sun. "Shade will keep your bathwater fresh and discourage the growth of algae," which flourishes in heat, Winston says.

  • 10 feet from shrubs and trees. "Placing your bath in the open will allow birds to see it and find it," Winston says. At the sweet-spot distance of 10 feet, birds will be close enough to shrubs and trees to have a convenient place to perch, preen, and dry off, but not so close that they'll be vulnerable to ambush from cats and other predators, he adds.

  • Either within 3 feet of a window or farther than 30 feet from a window. This "rule of 3 or 30" (which applies to birdfeeders too) protects birds from window-related injuries. With the bath at less than 3 feet, birds won't build up enough flying speed to hurt themselves if they collide with the window. At more than 30 feet, they're less likely to confuse a window for an open space, and they're better able to maneuver around obstacles (like your house). "If you can't find a spot within the right range, consider applying a bird-friendly window treatment that makes your windows visible to birds," Winston says.

  • A few feet from a birdfeeder. "Never put a bath directly below your birdfeeder, to avoid soiling the water," Winston says.

  • At least 3 feet off the ground. Mount your birdbath on a pedestal. "This will provide some protection from cats," Winston says.

  • On a level surface. Because a birdbath that continually tips over is no fun for anyone.

4 More Tips for a Bird-Friendly Birdbath

Once you've found the right spot for your birdbath, maintain it properly to keep your avian guests satisfied.

Make Sure the Bath Isn't Too Deep

"A shallow birdbath—at most 1.5 inches deep—with gently sloping sides is ideal," Winston says. "You can also add some flat stones or rocks to make the bath safer and more comfortable for birds. That will allow them to hop out and find their preferred depth of water to bathe in."

Keep the Water Clean

Birds don't need a Brita filter: Tap water and rainwater are both fine to use, Winston says. "But you need to replace the water every few days, particularly in warmer weather," he notes. "And scrub the birdbath regularly with a stiff brush."

Add Running Water

"The sound of dripping or running water is very attractive to birds and will advertise your bath to any bird within earshot," Winston says. "You can purchase a drip specially made for birdbaths or simply allow a hose to trickle into it very slowly."

Attract Hummingbirds With a Couple of Tricks

First, remember that hummingbirds prefer very shallow water. "They particularly like a sheet of water running over a flat rock or other flat surface," Winston says. So again, you can place some flat stones in your birdbath to vary the depth of the water with hummingbirds in mind. Second, consider adding a water mister to the bath. "Hummingbirds will hover in the mist to bathe," Winston says.

One last thing: Feel free to leave your birdbath out year-round! "Keep your bathing station open in the winter. Birds need water to drink and bathe in throughout the year," Winston says. "Providing water when temperatures dip below freezing will bring the birds flapping."

Read more at Real Simple

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Just Listed: Your Grange Creek Retreat with Trail Access + More!

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Welcome to Grange Creek! This classic ranch-style home with a finished basement is ready to be your new home!

As you enter, you're greeted by a charming, light-filled living room anchored by a striking wood-burning fireplace. The open layout connects the living area seamlessly to the dining space and kitchen, making it perfect for both quiet mornings and lively gatherings. Upstairs, you'll find two inviting bedrooms and a full bathroom. The finished basement offers a non-conforming bedroom, a three-quarter bath, and a generous recreation room that’s ready to become your game room, studio, or home theater. The huge 12,804 square foot lot includes touches like custom shade frames and even a chicken coop—perfect for the backyard farmer or gardener. The yard has direct access to the Grange Hall Creek Trail, connecting you to neighborhood trails, parks, and scenic Carpenter Park!

Listed by Kathleen Barlow for West + Main Homes. Please contact Kathleen for current pricing + availability.

 
 
 

Have questions?
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Presented by:
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(720) 201-5491
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Just Listed: this 1941 Park Hill beauty is fully updated with contemporary, designer finishes inside!

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This 1941 Park Hill beauty is fully updated with contemporary, designer finishes inside!

Moving into an actual fairytale home probably wasn’t on your bingo card this year…yet here you are. And best of all, this 1941 Park Hill beauty is fully updated with contemporary, designer finishes inside. The interior is filled with light, thanks to plenty of windows, skylights and high ceilings, plus maple-hued floors and modern custom cabinetry throughout. That includes the gorgeous, built-in living room media storage and an integrated speaker system. A Zen-like primary bedroom with an en suite bathroom helps you start the day relaxed, with a walk-in shower that’s tiled floor to ceiling, a dual vanity and an adjoining room-sized walk-in closet. Outdoor time is sure to become a huge part of life here on a large lot with lots of swaying trees and a big, peaceful backyard. Have dinner alfresco under your pretty pergola or spend time gardening in four raised beds. A three-car garage offers ample storage space and connects to the house via a lovely breezeway. More storage and living space await in the basement, which has a fourth bedroom or office with its own fireplace and adjoining bath. Come brighten every day in this special home situated in a famously friendly neighborhood with charming shops, a market, a coffee shop and restaurants practically at your doorstep and the bounty of greater Denver just moments away.

Listed by Rebecca Holley for West + Main Homes. Please contact Rebecca for current pricing + availability.

 
 
 

Have questions?
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Presented by:
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(303) 919-7017
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Just Listed: Welcome home to this charming Sunnyside bungalow, where character, modern comfort, and location come together in perfect harmony!

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Welcome home to this charming Sunnyside bungalow, where character, modern comfort, and location come together in perfect harmony!

This timeless detached single family home with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and all the cozy vibes, is the ideal retreat in one of Denver's most beloved neighborhoods.

Inside, abundant natural light creates a welcoming atmosphere, while vintage details blend effortlessly with modern touches. The living room invites you to relax and unwind, and the adjoining dining space makes hosting a breeze. The kitchen is full of personality and function, with stylish updates, plenty of cabinet space, newer appliances and easy access to the backyard -perfect for indoor-outdoor flow during warmer months. Both bedrooms offer peaceful spaces to rest or work from home, and the bathroom has been tastefully refreshed with clean finishes. Out back, the fully fenced yard is your private urban oasis. Fire up the grill, plant a garden, or just enjoy long summer evenings under the Colorado sky. Just blocks from Sunnyside favorites like Huckleberry Roasters, Bacon Social House, and Chaffee Park, you're never far from neighborhood flavor-or a quick trip downtown. Highlights include: primary bedroom walk-in closet, mudroom, updated kitchen + bath, mature trees, backyard sprinkler and drip system and a location that's hard to beat. This is city living with all the cozy feels--don't miss it.

Listed by Nicole Green for West + Main Homes. Please contact Nicole for current pricing + availability.

 
 
 

Have questions?
West + Main Homes
(720) 903-2912
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Presented by:
Nicole Green
(303) 990-2094
nicole@westandmainhomes.com

 
 
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