I’ve had the pleasure of living in the Denver area for more than 40+ years. I can’t imagine living anyplace else. Here is why I love living, working and playing in Denver.

1. Weather- Last year, Denver had 300+ days of sunshine. The snow falls and usually melts within a few days. If you are looking to get out of the rain and high humidity, Denver is the place to be. Since the snow melted from our holiday storms, it has been amazing weather. Interested in the current forecast?

2. Seasons- Denver has all four seasons. Spring brings new growth, daffodils and tulips and afternoon rain storms. The summer is warm, but seldom too warm to get outdoors. The fall is decorated with bright golds, oranges and reds. If you’ve never seen our mountain colors in the fall, you definitely need to visit. The winter gives us snow that in most cases falls slowly and blankets the city in wonderful silence. 3. Sports- Denver is a sports city. If you are a sports fan, you will be busy all year round. Here are just a few of the teams.

Colorado Rockies

Denver Broncos

Colorado Avalanche

Denver Nuggets

Denver Crush

Colorado Rapids

Colorado Mammoth

4. Outdoor activities- Denver has been recognized three times as one of the Top 10 Cities for Cycling by Bicycling Magazine and has an active bicycling program. An interconnected network of trails an interconnected network of trails crisscrosses the Denver Metropolitan area. Bicylists, walkers and joggers are welcome. Just a few miles into the mountains, you’ll find hiking and mountain biking trails as well.  Don’t forget the winter skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding.

5. Culture- Denver has a wonderful collection of museums  Denver Art Museum and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The Denver Performing Arts Complex is the second largest in the nation and offers a wonderful night out experiencing the theatre. The Denver Zoo is the fourth most popular zoo in the nation. Check out our events schedules on Denver365.com and Artstozoo.com

6. People- It is easy to get to know your neighbors in Denver if you enjoy working in your yard or taking the dog for a walk. People are friendly and happy to stop and chat. Neighbors are active in their communities and in the development of the city. 

7. Education- Denver has a large selection of higher education institutions including the University of Denver, the University of Colorado and Johnson and Wales University, to name just a few. If you are not looking for a degree, but want the learn about a variety of topics, the Colorado Free University offers a wide variety of courses for people looking to expand their knowledge. The classes are not free, but a great deal of fun.

I could spend all my time writing about Denver. Instead, I’m looking forward to getting out in the fabulous weather later this week. I wonder if my bicycle tires need air.

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Denver was selected earlier this year to host the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Regardless of who you want for our next President, this could be a historical moment and Denver will set the stage.

St. Paul, Minnesota was selected to host the Republicans in 2008. “Get Ready for the Republicans” is an article that Teresa Boardman, a Minnesota Realtor, wrote on her blog. Teresa is encouraging her readers to think about how the event might impact the sale of their homes. She is on the right track.

We are going to have thousands of visitors August 25–28, 2008. We will also have media coverage that highlights Denver around the world. This is going to have an impact on our housing market and you can take advantage of the increased number of visitors interested in making Denver home.

You can find ongoing updates about the Democratic National Convention and how it is going to impact our city at these web sites.

Denver Convention 2008

Denver DNC 2008

Not only do we have the Democrats coming, the week prior to that convention we have more than 10,000 firefighters at the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ convention. Now, I don’t know about you, but it might be great to have a neighbor that knows CPR and EMT stuff. So, firefighters, Denver is a wonderful place to call home.

If you are looking to move next year, now the time to begin planning and getting your house in order. It should be a great time to sell. Let the countdown begin.

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We’ve seen the headlines preaching doom and gloom for our real estate market.

Did you know that last year was the third highest number on record for single family home sales in the history of the Denver metro area?

I don’t recall seeing that information on the news. 

Back in 1999 when I sold my last home, the house was on the market for only three days before it was under contract. That year, buyers had to see a house as soon as it hit the market or it would be sold before they got in the front door. Is that a great market? Sellers say yes, buyers, no. Homes were purchased over the listing price and bidding wars were commonplace. We are now in a buyer’s market where buyers rule.

So how did the market fair last year in comparison to prior years? Here is your answer.  

There is only so much home appreciation that can occur each year before houses are priced above what people can pay. If my house is appreciating at 10% a year and buyers are averaging a 3% increase in pay, it makes sense that the buyer pool that can afford my house shrinks and the market slows. But the housing market is still active and according to this information, it is still growing.

The same rules apply in any market. Price your home competitively and complete any repairs and updates needed so it will show well from the time potential new owners park out front all the way through each and every room.

If this is your year to sell, take heart. The sky has not fallen on our real estate market. Price your home wisely and you will get it sold.

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Has it been a few years since you purchased your current home or is it time to investigate the possibilities of owning your first home?

The Rocky Mountain Homescapes Team of Keller Williams and Wyngarden Lending are excited to extend an invitation to the FREE seminar “Claiming Your Space”. The seminar is designed for new home buyers and prospective buyers who have owned or currently own a home that would like updated information on how the process has changed over the years.

April 25, 2007

6:00-7:30 pm

3773 Cherry Creek North Drive, Denver

Registration: 720-891-1271 

Participants who pre-register will be given a free copy of their credit report for review the night of the seminar.

1. Why Buy?  

It is a great time to be in the market to purchase a home. With almost 30,000 homes on the market and sellers offering incentives, it is definitely a buyer’s market.

The Pros and Cons of Renting versus Buying a Home 

Building Personal Wealth

Listing Your Home in a Buyer’s Market

2. Dollars and Sense

It is important that buyers are aware of the various financing options and how to make a selection that will be a good fit.

Selecting the Best Finance Options Suited to Your Situation

Determining What You can Afford

3. Knowing the Score

Credit scores make a big difference on whether or not a buyer will be financed and what they will end up paying each month. Even if your credit score disqualifies you from purchasing a home at the current time, we will help you build your plan for a future purchase.

Your Credit Score

Building Your Credit

Repairing Your Credit

Making a Plan

 4. Next Steps

Once you’ve reviewed your situation and detemined that it is time to move forward, what can you expect?

Selling a Current Home or Keeping it as an Investment Property (Current Homeowners)

The Buying Process

Under Contract

Real estate brokers and mortgage specialists will be available after the seminar for private consultation. 

RECEIVE UP TO $1000 CREDIT TOWARD CLOSING COSTS!*

*Clients must meet all the following criteria to qualify:

 $1,000 credit toward closing costs for the first client that closes after the seminar

$500 credit toward closing costs for all additional closings  

Clients must use Rocky Mountain Homescapes or a RMH designee as their Broker for the transaction

Closings must occur within six months of the date of the seminar

Homes must be purchased in the Denver metro area

All credits will be disclosed to the lender and included on HUD settlement paperwork

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The grocery store shelves were empty of milk and bread. It took weeks before some streets were passable. The winter snowstorms took their toll. This winter has been an unexpected grand adventure. Many of us love the snow, but we are definitely ready for spring.

While the major snowstorms may have passed, spring brings with it other challenges including rainstorms and flooding. Is your family prepared with a 72 hour READY kit? Have you made a communications plan so that every member of your family knows who to call if cell phones aren’t working and you get separated?

 READYColorado is Colorado’s citizen education campaign designed to help every Coloradan be better prepared.

 The message of READYColorado includes ‘Making a Plan’.

 Pack a 72 hour READY kit if your family needs to remain home for an extended period of time.

Put a READY go kit in your car in the event you get stranded.

Have critical papers and supplies available if you need to leave your home in a hurry.

Discuss a communications plan that includes calling an out of state relative if you and your family members are unable to reunite quickly.

Plan a location where all family members can meet if you get separated.

 READYColorado also encourages ‘Making a Difference’ once you and your family members are prepared.

Check on your neighbors who can use a little help.

Take First Aid classes at your local Red Cross.

Local Citizen Corps Councils provide additional preparedness training.

Volunteer as part of a Citizen’s Emergency Response Team to assist first responders.

Donate blood at Bonfils.

 READYColorado will have information at several of the 9Health Fairs around the Denver metro area in April. You can also visit READYColorado.com for more resources. You never know when weather and man-made events might occur that will disrupt your family. Ready is better.

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 In a previous post, I spoke about how to narrow your home search to those things you and your family truly need. (Beyond a Roof and Four Walls- Narrowing Your Home Search)  I was reminded sternly by Bailey, my golden retriever, that I had missed one of the most important requirements of any home. Is the home a good fit for your furry family members? So, off I trotted to the Denver Dumb Friends League to get the facts from the experts.  

Lucy A., a five year veteran of the volunteer service at DDFL, was kind enough to spend some time with me. I asked her how they decide whether or not a dog is a good fit for a client’s home? Her response was “It depends upon the dog.” Imagine my surprise when she told me that greyhounds are “couch potatoes” and can make great apartment or condo dogs as long as they get exercised regularly.  As dogs are brought in to the League, they are classified by staff members to fit into one of nine catagories that they then use to help place the dog with the right family.

Here is a brief description of the categories and how they might apply to your home search.

 1. Constant Companion- This dog needs lots of companionship and would not do well for long periods outside without your attention. The home you purchase may need to be close to work so you can stop by and visit at lunch.

 2. Couch Potato- This dog needs some exercise, but loves to nap in the sunny places in your home. Just as Lucy A. said, couch potatoes can be great dogs for properties with limited or no yard space.

 3. Socialite- This dog loves everyone and wants to meet all your visitors. He needs some exercise similar to the couch potato.

 4. Wallflower- This dog is shy and can be very frightened in active and noisy households. She will avoid visitors but is very loyal and affectionate to you and your family. You may want to find a home that is in a quiet neighborhood.

 5. Independent Soul- This dog will love to be your buddy but isn’t particularly mushy when showing affection. He can be left outside for long periods of time. This dog may be best served by having some type of yard.

 6. Adventurer- This dog wants to see the world. She needs a sturdy fence to hold her in and also lots of things to keep her busy. A larger yard with a good fence is a must. You may want to seach out a home that is close to walking trails or a park since she will want to go traveling with you on a regular basis.

 7. Energizer Bunny- This dog has lots of energy and wants to play, play and play some more. He definitely needs a place to bounce around with you and loves to chase sticks, balls and frisbees.

 8. Gate Keeper- This dog is loving and loyal but shouldn’t be left outside for long periods of time or she may become overprotective and territorial. She wants to be a part of your family.

 9. Puppy- Puppies need lots of time and attention and shouldn’t be home alone for more than a few hours. Your ability to come home for lunch would help this new addition to your family adjust and learn. Puppies will make a few mistakes while they are learning so you may want a home that has puppy proof areas.

 I have clients who just purchased a great ranch home with a walkout basement. This house would not be a good fit for Bailey. Bailey’s been a part of my family for more than twelve years and has bad hips. In order to make it out to the yard, she’d have to go down a flight of stairs. When she was younger, it wouldn’t have been a problem. Now, it would be impossible.  

Make sure when you purchase a home that it is a good fit for all the members of your family, including your furry, feathered, finned and scaled friends.   

Bailey has forgiven me my oversight. She is a socialite. However, Bubba the cat is now glaring at me. I’ll talk to Lucy A. again and get back with you about homes that are a great fit for cats.  Bailey and her sister Courtney Love, the yellow lab, were pound puppies from the Aurora Animal Shelter. If you’d like to adopt a new family member, there are a lot of great organizations that can help. Here are just a few.

• All Breed Rescue Network, Inc.
• Cat Care Society
• Aurora Animal Shelter
• Denver Dumb Friends League

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