Denver has not seen any snowstorms yet, but the thought came to me - wonder if I have all the necessary needs in my car just in case I break down.     Some items you should have in your car during the winter months --- ` Water ` Blanket ` Gloves & Hat ` Breakfast bars  - Emergency kit ` Flashlight ` Windshield scraperand a roll of toilet paper! The Red Cross suggests extra winter clothing and a utility knife as well.   If you have a medical condition, extra medicine is included in this list.     If you should get stranded for a few days --- what would you need? Cat litter is really good if you should get stuck in the snow, and even a small shovel is a good idea.   Be sure your windshield fluid is full for splashback. Have you changed your wiper blades and checked your antifreeze lately... 11/08/2021

 Residents in and around the Denver metro area have a few more FREE Days to enjoy at different venues, especially good for a field trip with the kids.   Time to mark your calendars!  Clyfford Still Art MuseumWednesday, December 8th Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele Street, Denver, CO  80205November 9th  National Parks Free DaysNovember 11th History Colorado CenterNovember 6th Denver Museum of Nature & ScienceMonday, December 6th Four Mile Historic ParkNovember 12th and December 10th    Courtesy post by Denver REALTOR - Joan Cox - House to Home, Inc.  10/28/2021

 The neighborhood of Huntington Estates is located south of Parker Road and North of Iliff in Denver 80231.     This neighborhood is filled with many styles and types of homes, and no two are alike!     Homes were built from 1968 to 2005 and will find ranches, two stories, tri-levels, and multi-levels.   These homes have 3-8 bedrooms, range in square footage from 1,534 above ground to 6,921 fully finished, and have 2-7 car garages.  Buyers enjoy the larger lots, as they range from .24 to .80 acres with mature landscaping. School-age children will attend Cherry Creek Schools - Eastridge Elementary, Prairie Middle School, and Overland High School.        Huntington Estates is conveniently located about 10-15 minutes to Cherry Creek and 10-15 minutes to the Denver Tech Center. CURRENT MARK... 10/18/2021

 A Luxury Home can be identified differently in cities across the country, but in Denver, my Luxury blog posts will report on detached single-family homes listed in the Denver metro area for over $1 million.   Some have mountain and/or city views, some properties back to a golf course, or have water views all to compliment one's lifestyle.  (however, we don't have much water)  Some are updated with products from around the world, and some have expansive square footage or on acreage.     Whatever a Buyer is looking for, most likely if you have over $1 million, you can find it in Denver or in the surrounding suburbs.     Here is how the luxury market fared for the month of September 2021Total sales - 391 homes ranging from $1,000,000 to $7,428,000 (last month was 417 homes, 2020 was 298)A... 10/15/2021

 If you are looking for an attached property near the Denver Tech Center (DTC), this neighborhood could fit the bill.   Those who choose not to do exterior maintenance on their property - this is it!    No lawn work, no house painting, and no snow removal needed by the homeowner.  Stoney Brook is located south of I-225, West of Yosemite, North of Belleview in zip code 80237.    This community has a picturesque & park-like feel with plentiful mature trees, bushes, plants, and ponds.    You will find both townhomes and condos, but all have two-car garages.   These properties were built from 1971 - 1992 and have from 1,020 to 2,872 square feet above ground, and all townhomes have basements, some are finished.    The condos have a storage unit.  The townhomes have fenced in small back yards... 10/14/2021

Is it when the properties are side by side?    When the building has three stacked high, is that a condo?    This description may vary depending on where you live, but in Denver, this is how it is determined. TYPICALLY, when you look at the legal description of the property and has a lot and block, then it is a townhome.   It will even have how the assessor views it in the records.  BUT, there are rare times that this is still incorrect, as when title pulls the commitment, you see the legal as Condo and unit number.   Not sure how this can vary from the assessor and title, but on rare occasions it does. Typically, if you have a front and back door, have some land to use as outdoor space, that is usually a townhome, but not always.   This came up recently in a transaction, and there coul... 10/14/2021

 The stats are out for the month of September, and it was another strong month!   As of almost mid-October, we are still experiencing  low inventory, down 43.8% over one year ago. I have had potential Sellers want to list and buy, but fearful of not finding a replacement home, so they stay put and remodel.   But they do list, they sure are seeing a great bottom line!   Multiple offers are still happening, just not at the same pace it did earlier this year.  The following data is courtesy of Joan Cox - House to Home, Inc. We are seeing some homeowners pricing their homes higher than "fair market value", and also seeing offers WAY over list price and then reducing the price.   We are still seeing buyers offering an appraisal gap to guarantee the sales price to the Seller. See what homes a... 10/13/2021

 It's Fall, and it's time for PUMPKINS!    Come and enjoy the Pumpkin Harvest Festival at 4 Mile Historic Park.     Bring the family, friends, and neighbors - FREE ENTRY!  Find the perfect pumpkin in the patch Create a Scarecrow - SOLD OUT Ax throwing S'Mores Station Prairie Games - Fall-themed Listen & dance to old-time music Create historic crafts Tractor Rides Marketplace Try to Play an Instrument Live Music ** Charge for pumpkins and some activities - all proceeds go toward the education of Four Mile Historic Park WHEN:   October 1st, 2nd & 3rd, 2021    10 am - 4 pm both daysWHERE:   715 S. Forest St., Denver, CO  80246COST:    $16  Adults               $15 Seniors & Military               $10 Youth                Children under 6 are FREEJust a few rules to live by - Due to the his... 10/02/2021

Our team is excited to announce our newest listing in Green Valley Ranch Denver. 19473 E 42nd Avenue Denver, CO 80249Welcome to this beautifully updated, centrally located Green Valley Ranch home. Massive curb appeal greats you as you pull up, notice the oversized, nicely landscaped and irrigated front yard and perfect porch area. Access your backyard from gates on either side of the home. All of the exterior lights have been updated to LED and are on motion sensors. Roof and exterior paint new 2015. Enter this immaculate, well cared for home through the foyer area and you will be impressed by the vaulted ceilings and amount of natural light that comes in through all of the windows. Upgraded window blinds stay! Fall in love with the kitchen area...granite counters, matching LG stainless... 10/01/2021

 A Luxury Home can be identified differently in cities across the country, but in Denver, my Luxury blog posts will report on detached single-family homes listed in the Denver metro area for over $1 million.   Some have mountain and/or city views, some properties back to a golf course, or have water views all to compliment one's lifestyle.  (however, we don't have much water)  Some are updated with products from around the world, and some have expansive square footage or on acreage.     Whatever a Buyer is looking for, most likely if you have over $1 million, you can find it in Denver or in the surrounding suburbs.     Here is how the luxury market fared for the month of August 2021Total sales - 417 homes ranging from $1,000,000 to $5,100,000 (last month was 462 homes, 2020 was 289)Aver... 09/29/2021

 We all know you should keep in touch with your sphere, and the 4 items we should talk about.   F  amily          O  ccupation          R   ecreation      D   reams I was talking with a fellow REALTOR a couple of months ago and he said he has a hard time calling and talking anything social.    I recommended that he call all his past FHA buyers and tell them they have enough equity in their home, they can approach their mortgage company to remove the PMI.   If he cannot talk social, this part is business, and those Sellers will be thrilled to hear this good news!   I like to call clients when I am in their neighborhood just to tell them I am thinking about them, or better yet stop by (with a bit of notice).   I have been delivering baby gifts to my families with new babies, and love that... 09/27/2021

 Our Denver real estate market has been a STRONG Seller's market now for 4 plus years and Sellers are seeing double digit equity every year.    With that comes with additional issues -  Sellers know they can sell their home so deferred maintenance is not done Sellers know they can sell their home to cleaning goes by the wayside Sellers know they can sell their home and buyers possibly pay over the appraised value, so they demand high sales prices This morning, we have a 9% fallout rate!      Dear Sellers, my advice is always - clean, clean and do more cleaning!   Correct those items like water leaks in the sinks, and if those windows don't close and lock - FIX THEM!   Know something in your home that doesn't work?  FIX IT!   Do not give the buyers a reason to get out of the deal! Our co... 09/24/2021

August was a busy month and was able to work with several very enjoyable clients.   After they got settled, this Seller sent me this review, which made my day!   I was driving on vacation, so it was extra special!  I met Diana through another friend and was referred, then she wanted to start buying investment properties.   She still has a few.  This was the primary home she lived in for over 30 years.   It was extra special, as she has 2 close friends that do real estate, but part-time.      Thank you Diana, it was simply a joy working with you!   09/21/2021

Fall is on the calendar for later this week, which means the flakes could any day now, and time for some home fall maintenance items. Here are a few items you should winterize before winter has set in --  Fertilize lawn for its last feeding Check for drafts - use a candle around doors and windows Blow out sprinklers Check fire extinguisher Check all windows for broken seals and be sure they shut & lock Give the deck one last coat of sealer Inspect your roof for shingle damage, or call a roofer Clean rain gutters and downspouts Check around the foundation for any pipes/ducts coming from the house to see if there is additional caulking needed and/or weatherstripping Replace your furnace's air filter and have it serviced Reverse the direction of ceiling fans Service and tune-up snowblower ... 09/20/2021

  It is an exciting time --- you have made the decision to buy a home.   But, your lease is not up for another 3 months, when do you start this process?    Pre-approvals are good for three months, so if you are starting 3+ months from the actual purchase, you will need to provide updated documentation (bank statements and pay stubs) to provide current information.   No harm in starting early, you will have this process out of the way up front.   If there are any erroneous information on your credit, there is time to get removed. It is always wise to use a local lender.   Local lenders know Colorado's rules and the contracts.   I once had a California lender require the buyers to do a termite inspection, and we don't have them here!   Be wary of the online lenders too, have seen a few tr... 09/09/2021

The Labor Day Holiday is over, and typically the real estate market picks back up and home sales are strong.   Even over the holiday weekend, there were homes seeing multiple offers.     Listings have increased since earlier this year, which definitely is a good sign for Buyers.   In February & March, there were only around 2,000 listings for sale.   (A stable market would be 8,000-10,000 listings)   In May the listings jumped to around 3,000, and in mid-July we hit around 4,000 listings.    The Holiday weekend was a bit slower, and that is normal. Even though schools are back in session, there are Buyers out and wanting to find their Dream Home.    Some homes may last longer than a weekend, but it won't be months on the market!    The current days in MLS with the current active listing... 09/07/2021

 If you stayed in town for this Holiday, there is a lot to do!   You could go to the Taste of Colorado in downtown Denver, OR you could attend the 30th Anniversary of the Cherry Creek Arts Festival.There will be over 200 national and international artists on display throughout this event.    There will be food and drink available.The sponsors of this event would like to control the flow and ask that you download the app and register before you arrive.    If you have not been vaccinated, you are encouraged to wear a mask.   For FAQs or rules of what you can bring into this event - click here.HOURS:9/4 Saturday - 10 am to 7 pm9/5 Sunday - 10 am to 7 pm9/6 Sunday - 10 am to 6 pmThis event is FREE This post is courtesy of Joan Cox - House to Home, Inc. --- Denver REALTOR®  09/04/2021

Carol Williams is on a two-month Epic Road Trip, and one of her stops was Denver.   She is golfing along the way and a part of a Woman's Golf Group, so she is connecting with golfers in all these stops also.    We planned the lunch at the Lazy Dog Restaurant, which is located in Southlands Shopping Mall. It wasn't a large group, but Kristal Kraft, Cheri Long, Will Hamm, and I was able to meet up with Carol for lunch.    It was a non-stop conversation about travel, golf, golf courses, and even a bit of real estate.    Kristal has not been on ActiveRain for quite a while, so was fun catching up on her life.   She just remodeled her kitchen and was beautiful.   Her husband is a NAR Director, so they are looking forward to going to the NAR Convention in San Diego in a couple of months. I wa... 09/04/2021

  Labor Day Weekend is upon us and time to plan some fun things to do!    This year's Taste of Colorado will look and feel a bit different.  This year the Taste of Colorado will take over downtown Denver - on the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall!  The event will be held from 9/4 to 9/6 and packed with great food, arts & crafts plus a variety of music.   FREE Entry - Down the app - Taste of Colorado   ITS ALL ABOUT THE FOOD.... You will have over 50 different vendors with all kinds of food to choose from!  Check out all the options -  There will be no food and beverage tickets this year, they will take cashless payments only for food and drink.   You need a good mix of MUSIC  THREE stages filled with music for THREE DAYS!    Check out the bands that will be playing.   ARTS & CRAFTS You will ... 09/03/2021

  In Denver, homes have been selling very quickly and typically Sellers were seeing multiple offers in a short period of time (sometimes hours).    Since school is back in session, it has calmed down a bit for buyers, but there are several listings coming on weekly.    When homeowners thought all you had to do was put a sign in the yard, they tried very hard to negotiate your commission.    If you knew how to handle multiple offers and negotiate with the appraiser for the offer that was over fair market value --- that solidified your worth!    I also have started asking every Buyer's agent if their Buyers have written on more than one home.     REALTORS® will need to remember how to market as we go into this Fall since our listings COULD be on the market for longer than the weekend.  Th... 08/30/2021