Climate Science, Real Estate Markets, and Proposition HH Opposition

Guest host Brad Beck fills in for Kim Monson on this October 23, 2023 broadcast, tackling climate science misinformation, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and Colorado’s Proposition HH with in-studio guests Karen Levine and Lorne Levy.

Climate Conversation Documentary Premiere

Start listening at 30:00 – Hour 1

Brad Beck recounts attending the Colorado premiere of A Climate Conversation, a documentary narrated by Kim Monson featuring scientists Gregory Whitestone, Walt Johnson, Ken Gregory, and Ronald Stein. The film challenges climate alarmism with data showing that the oft-cited claim of 97 percent scientific consensus on man-made global warming is closer to 1 percent when research methodology is examined properly.

Beck describes CO2 as a “miracle molecule” based on the documentary’s findings, noting the greening of Earth and increased agricultural productivity. He contrasts this with policies forcing Americans to purchase electric vehicles manufactured with cobalt and lithium mined under questionable labor conditions in the Congo. The documentary will screen at Perspectives 101 in Loveland at Message of Life Ministries.

“There is no moral equivalency what’s going on in that part of the world today.”

Brad Beck, Co-founder of Liberty Toastmasters

Front Range Housing Market Realities

Start listening at 78:39 – Hour 2

Karen Levine, a RE/MAX realtor with over 30 years of experience, explains that the Colorado Front Range has now outpriced both coasts for the first time in her career. Despite rising interest rates creating affordability challenges, opportunities exist for prepared buyers. She successfully helped a first-time homebuyer navigate a competitive offer situation this weekend.

Levine emphasizes that current sellers must adjust expectations from the market peak reflected in recent tax valuations. Downward pressure on values creates opportunity for buyers while sellers retain substantial equity. Builders are offering significant interest rate buydowns rather than price reductions to move inventory.

“What you said in the first hour regarding public speaking is being prepared. And so Lauren’s and my goal is to make sure that our buyers are prepared when they go out into the marketplace and that we have managed expectations so that when we’re on that journey, they actually find it less stressful and more enjoyable.”

Karen Levine, RE/MAX Realtor

Mortgage Rates and Debt Consolidation Strategies

Start listening at 88:35 – Hour 2

Lorne Levy, a mortgage specialist with Polygon Financial Group and nearly 20 years of industry experience, addresses the impact of Federal Reserve policies on consumer debt. Credit card debt has surpassed $1 trillion nationally for the first time, with rates approaching 30 percent in many cases.

Levy recommends homeowners with low first mortgages consider fixed-rate second loans or home equity lines to consolidate credit card debt at lower rates. For retirees, reverse mortgages offer options to set up lifetime pension-like income streams without monthly payments. He dispels the common misconception that banks take ownership of homes in reverse mortgages, clarifying that ownership remains with the homeowner unless foreclosure occurs due to covenant violations.

“You just have to be honest with them. I mean, that’s it. A deal you don’t get today might be one you get a year from now.”

Lorne Levy, Polygon Financial Group

Opposition to Proposition HH

Start listening at 104:20 – Hour 2

All three guests unite against Proposition HH, which Beck characterizes as a “bait and switch.” While the first sentences promise temporary property tax relief, the remaining 43 pages would erode TABOR protections and expand government taxing authority.

Levy notes that TABOR keeps Colorado from becoming states that lack fiscal restraint, requiring voter approval for increased spending. Levine points out that legislators circumvent TABOR through fees rather than taxes, achieving the same extraction from taxpayers. The Realtor Association has formally opposed Proposition HH. Beck observes that government never needs voter approval to lower taxes, yet never does so voluntarily.