Colorado has been a State that may have wanted to relocate to for years.    Our population has grown tremendously over the last few years.   I think it started when recreational marijuana was legalized and just continued.   We have very low humidity, low unemployment, and people can enjoy the outdoors all year-round.   We do have good weather even in the winter!Last year Denver was #3, so think our home values must have had a factor in this chart!    We are now #5.   Here are the rest of the top ten. Here is Colorado Association of REALTORS® info for Buyers on how the State of Colorado is doing -  I work the entire Denver metro area, so if you have questions on home values, give me a call!  05/12/2022

The stats are out for the month of April, and all the numbers revolve around the increase in interest rates.    With the 1% increase it priced out a few first-time buyers, and some buyers opted out when they couldn't get what they wanted.   This slowed the market, but not drastically.   The inventory climbed about a 1/3 for the month of April, as most weekends in March we saw 2,000 or less.   April's high hit 3,200 for one weekend.    This data is courtesy of Joan Cox - House to Home, Inc. I track data daily for the Denver metro area, and are seeing around 550 price reductions every week (to 3,000 listings) and around 200 homes returning to market in a week's period of time.   Both of these numbers have been steadily increasing daily. See what homes are currently available - Active Home... 05/11/2022

  Over the years, I have seen many reasons homeowners think about moving.    Are you one of these? - There is a baby on the way.    Need another room on the same level as the master bedroom?- You just started a home-based business.    Now you need an office on the main level for possible clients.   Or, you are now working from home permanently?-  You and your family are bursting the seams of your home and would like the additional square footage.-  All the kids have grown and gone, and now you have way too much square footage.-  Your kids have returned home and now they have kids, and need more space. -  You have the opportunity to accept a job position in another state. Rates are moving around, but still low.    Take a look at what the new mortgage payment will do to your monthly house... 05/11/2022

  The 26th Annual Furry Scurry will be held at Wash Park in Denver May 7th, 2022.    This will be a 2-mile walk that begins at 9 am around Wash Park, with refreshments before, during, and after the walk.  This is always a very popular event, and even if you are not walking, it is fun to attend.     Funds raised at this event allow the Dumb Friends League to provide medical care to sick or injured animals, provide behavior training that allows pets to be adopted more quickly, investigate cases of animal cruelty, and much more.In 2020:13,675 surgeries performed100% pets were saved, all were placed$4.7 million was donated and used for these petsThere will be 150 vendor booths to visit providing pet-friendly merchandise as well as service offers for pets.    For additional fun, there are fu... 05/06/2022

Cinco de Mayo in Denver will be celebrated on May 7th & 8th, 2022 in Denver Civic Center Park from 10 am to 8 pm. This festival has lots going on from contests, lots of vendors with products and food, plus live entertainment, and a Parade you don't want to miss!   These contests will be held - Chihuahua Races - Sunday May 8th at 2 pmon the contest stage south of seal pond, center of Civic Center ParkTaco Eating Contest - Saturday - May 8th at 2 pmon the contest stage south of seal pond, center of Civic Center ParkLowrider Car Show - Saturday and SundayAlong Colfax from Bannock to Broadway There will be live Entertainment on the Main Stage, Local Stage, and Community Stage.    Many local bands as well as dance schools showing off their local talent!  The Parade will be held on Saturday -... 05/04/2022

 Buyer - The Sellers have two layers of roofing (one shake shingles and the other asphalt composite), and have never heard of this.     Is this legal?    How will this affect my homeowner's insurance?   Will this be an issue for us down the road?    The Seller says she had no problem obtaining insurance.  You will sometimes find two layers of shingles on a roof, however, today's code says there can be only one layer in Denver.     The next time there are repairs made, the roof must be torn off, and one layer installed.    Having two different types of roofing is a different situation.    I definitely recommend calling your insurance agent, as this is a different situation. Upon calling different insurance companies - new homeowners can obtain a policy excluding the roof, or obtain a wri... 04/28/2022

  I had a buyer call stating she was a victim of a scam and that I should help get the word out so many more are not affected when changing a home address.   She likes to do most things online versus standing in line, so she went onto USPS's site to fill out a change of address form.   She was shocked the price went up so much for changing her address, but went ahead and filled out the online form as well as her credit card information.   She got a confirmation number. Having to mail something yesterday, she asked the clerk why the huge increase in changing her address, and they stated there is another website that LOOKS like theirs, that charges $40 (versus the $1.05 the post office charges), and they forward this information to the Post Office.    This will absolutely get the change o... 04/21/2022

 Living in Downtown Denver you have a multitude of choices.      The distinction of a Denver loft is the exposed ductwork, 9+ foot ceilings, sometimes the ceilings are concrete, exposed brick walls, and very open floor plans.    Some Lofts in Denver have partial walls for the bedroom(s).      Some units feature ceiling to floor windows/doors allowing light to flood into the units.    Most are ranch-type units, but there are townhomes available.    Would you want a view of the mountains or of the City? Many buildings offer superb amenities such as fitness centers, indoor/outdoor pools, 24-hour security/doormen, spa services, and common areas for grilling/parties.     Most buildings are secure and require a code to access the building.    Parking is a premium downtown, and at times you ca... 04/20/2022

 Happy Easter to all my ActiveRain friends!      We are experiencing very warm temperatures (70), which is so nice this time of year!   It could be snowing still....   (now if the wind would just slow down!)  The 75th annual Easter Service at Red Rocks, was available today after two years being virtual.  Bible Study as 8;30-10:15 am and Morning Worship Service 10:30-11:50 am.     This service should be packed, especially with good weather!  For children, Easter is a day of Easter eggs, maybe a new outfit and shoes, but it is also a day of celebration and family reunions.   There are a few egg hunts scheduled.    Hope you are able to spend some quality time with family and/or friends today, be safe.  HAPPY    EASTER   04/17/2022

This duplex is now SOLD, and my buyer could not be happier.    Most often, you will buy only half of a duplex, but this one was sold as ONE property.    This is a "shotgun" house, which means you walk in and can walk straight through the home, and only doors would stop you.   (You do have to walk through the bedrooms from the living room to the kitchen, or the bathroom.)There were only a couple of serious buyers, and after negotiating for a couple of days, he won the bid!   He did pay way over list price, but believe it or not, it appraised!     He has plans of renting one side and living in the other.    Congratulations, and have fun living in this very trendy and upcoming area!Sold for $857,000  It is a wonderful day when one of your favorite REALTOR® friends calls and says she has a ... 04/15/2022

The stats are out for the month of March, and all the numbers revolve around the inventory number once again this month!   As of today (mid-April), we are still experiencing low inventory (hovering around 2,400 on weekends), down 34.47% over one year ago.  Last month was 63.7%, so we are seeing an increase in listings.   We are seeing fewer showings on listings, and fewer multiple offers now that rates have climbed.    I am sure this has pushed a few buyers out of the market. This data is courtesy of Joan Cox - House to Home, Inc. Lately, we are seeing most homeowners pricing their homes a bit closer to fair market value (some exceptions), and yet seeing increased price reductions (about 300 in a 7-day period).  The rate increase has slowed the market down a bit in the metro area.   Thi... 04/14/2022

Your refuge away from the day to day hustle. Surrounded by greenspaces, parks and many amenities - come home to serenity in this polished 2 story townhome. Pride of ownership is obvious here from the new quartz countertops in the kitchen to the recently installed baseboards and crown molding that frame the space perfectly. Painted in luxurious, neutral and calming tones - this home is clean, crisp, airy and designed to enhance your lifestyle. Beauty and durability are united with the addition of luxury vinyl plank flooring on the main floor and new carpet upstairs that will look gorgeous for years to come. You’ll be proud to host friends and family in your tastefully refined and comfortable space around the gorgeous stone hearth. Chat while enjoying the crackling of wood in the fireplac... 04/14/2022

 I received an email from past clients a couple of years ago, that had been in their home for 6 months asking for a plumber for the outside faucets.    I asked her if it was because they did not disconnect their hoses -- and she said YES, we are rookie homeowners.     She also told me a first-time home buyer guide with all the stuff they should know but in the first few years, they probably won't know, would be nice. So, long story short, I put together information for my first-timers, so they don't incur this extra charge when they usually cannot afford it! For every first-time buyer, they will get a guide separated by season what they need to do, to prevent extra expenses.   Some items that are included -  Exterior - ~ unhook hoses when you hear the temps dip below freezing and keep t... 04/14/2022

  What is on your WISH LIST?      When you start working with a REALTOR®, together you put the items on the Wish List you hope to include in your new DREAM HOME.    I like to say - put them in order and let’s look at the top 7 on this list.   In today's market you may need to leave room for some wiggle!    You rarely find that PERFECT home. What is most important?  Square footage/Style/# of Bedrooms/bathroomsLocation to work/schoolStyle of Home - Ranch, Two-Story, Multi-levelYear built/Energy efficiencyUpdated & Remodeled      Size of the yard/does it have views/backing to open spaceBasement - Walk-Out, Garden, FinishedAre views importantGarage size/workshopClose proximity to schools or how far is the commute to workWalk Score and the ability to walk to a coffee shop, restaurant, or sho... 04/13/2022

 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 is 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 to 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 y... 04/12/2022

 You know spring is here when the Colorado Rockies begin their season!  (and it didn't almost get there!)   The Colorado Rockies Opening Day is this Friday, and time to get ready for a summer of baseball games. Opening Day at Coors Field is April 8th, 2022Game begins at 2:1020th & Blake - Downtown DenverThe Rockies take on the Dodgers  You can view the Rockies schedule HERE, and plan to attend a home game this year.   It does look like there are a few tickets available on the website, but expect it to be sold out quickly, as weather on Friday is expected to be very nice.    Tours of Coors Field are available Monday through Saturday during the season and then Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday during the off season and provide a behind-the-scenes look at one of the premier ballparks ... 04/07/2022

 Denver's housing market has been very brisk now going on six years, and we have had to figure out a way to "win the bid" or our Buyers will be writing offers over and over.    We are just now seeing overlapping showings, which we haven't had for the last two years.   It isn't unusual to see many agents with their clients touring a home when you have set a showing.  First, with this very strong SELLER'S market, if the property is occupied, it is critical to structure an offer around the Seller.    Do they need a replacement property?   How long will this take to find one?    Will they need extra time after closing to complete a closing for their replacement home?     Many times Sellers are asking for 30-60 days in the property after closing.   The first 30 days doesn't usually bother th... 04/06/2022

 When you are a homeowner, there are items you need to keep up with so the repairs don't cost you a fortune. There are items each season to do, and the following are the springtime maintenance items. Depending on what part of the country you live in, these home maintenance items will differ. Here is what homeowners around the Denver metro area should work on - 1. If there have been hailstorms, check your roof for maintenance items or replacements.2. Clean the gutters, if you did not get the gutters cleaned out in the Fall, very important to clean before the heavy rains of spring.3. Check your concrete (driveway and sidewalks) for cracks and possible heaving or sinking (no trip hazards).4. Check your spigots to be sure they did not freeze over the wintertime.5. If you cover the A/C conde... 04/01/2022

 It is exciting to hear you have a pre-approval for your first home, and cannot wait to get out and see some homes.    Looking at the homes in person is more fun than looking at them online. In Denver, our inventory is still very low, and most likely you will see many other buyers while you are viewing the home.  (We are now seeing overlapping showings again.) There are not dozens of homes available to see if you have specific features.    When you see a home you can see yourself living in, do you question whether or not to write on this home on the first day out? If you can see yourself living in this home, can afford the payments, why not?   How would you feel about waiting to see what else comes on the market, but cannot stop thinking about "the one that got away"?     You may not fi... 03/31/2022

  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 $1.3 million.  (Over the years I have used $1 million as luxury, but with our rising home values, had the need to increase this amount.)  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 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 mont... 03/30/2022