Homes For Heroes

Through previous blogs, you may know that I am a volunteer EMT at highland rescue team. I really enjoy being able to give back to the community with my time and efforts to keep the city a safer place. Through doing this, I have met many wonderful volunteers, firefighters, military and law enforcement officers. Because of my strong connection with all of these amazing men and women I wanted to write today about an incredible program out there called Homes for Heroes.

Homes for Heroes was first established shortly after 9/11 and is the largest nationwide network of affiliate real estate specialists and local business affiliates who are committed to providing easy ways for heroes to save on a home and on every day home-related purchases. Along with that, every time a hero uses Home for Heroes, they give a portion of that money back to another hero in need.

i am currently working on several transactions with different Heroes and I have to say, it was a very rewarding experience. For the men and women who give their time, energy and efforts to help this county in so many different ways, I feel this is just a small portion of how we can give back to them to thank them for all their services.

As a real REALTOR, I take pride in helping my clients find the house to make a home and Through programs like Homes for Heroes, people in the real estate world are able to give back as well as help others through our way of work. If you know of anyone who fits the criteria to receive help from Heroes, please send them my way. I would love the opportunity to help more heroes with their real estate hopes and dreams.

With Daylight Savings, It's Time to Save Around Your House Too

I don’t know if anyone else had a hard time getting started with this week after Daylight Savings on Sunday, but I know I had a tough time on Monday! Luckily by now it seems my body and mind are getting used to the gaining of an hour, with the sun rising a little earlier and setting a bit later (anyone catch any of the amazing Colorado sunsets yet? Keep an eye out every night right now they are unlike anything you have seen). With the changing of time also comes the changing of seasons. Spring is upon us as we enjoy some 70-degree days right now (but it is March and us Denverites know it is one of the snowiest months of the year so we won’t count ourselves out of the woods quite yet). Many of my clients are coming to me who are thinking about putting their homes on the market or buyers who bought in the last few years and ask me how is it they can save money right now around their homes and I always say spring is a great time to do some “spring cleaning” around the house and working to save money where and when you can.

Here are some personal recommendations I have for my sellers and buyers when it comes to finding different ways to save around the home:

·      Refinancing your home – This might be one of the biggest ones I recommend to my homebuyers who are planning to stay in their home for the next year or so. By refinancing your home, you can get a lower interest rate and in return, you will be paying less on your mortgage. Sounds like savings all over the place with this plan.

·      Transferring credit card balances – I know my wife and I do this and it can actually save a lot of money. Sometimes, we don’t realize just how much interest we have on some of our credit cards until we see our statements at the end of the month. I would suggest transferring your credit cards balances to lower interest credit cards so you won’t have such high fees. Be careful when you sign up for a card as well, make sure to ask about the interest they have along with the credit card company’s rewards and money back programs.

·      What specials your cable or satellite provider has to offer – Usually a few times out of the year, your cable or satellite company will have some specials for the month. Another place to really do your research when you are getting into your home or thinking of moving, finding the best provider for your area for the best price.

·      Unplug any unused devices and use LED light bulbs – If you walk around your house right now, you would probably find you might not have one empty outlet in your whole house. We tend to keep every appliance we have plugged in even when we don’t use them daily. Unplugging these devices will help save energy and if you also use LED light bulbs, you will also cut costs.

·      Replace old windows – For those of you living in older homes around Denver, your old windows are probably costing you more money then you know. In the winter, these single-pained windows barely hold any heat in and let the cold right through which drives up the cost of your heating bill. Same as the winter, trying to keep it cool in your house is hard when your windows are not insulated. Try to keep your windows updated so you can cut your heating and cooling costs.

·      Upgrade old A/C units to Zone heating and cooling systems – This type of heating and cooling system literally splits your home into zones that are temperature controlled separately. This allows everyone in your home to be comfortable and also cuts some real costs to your utility bill.

·      Replace water heaters with “On Demand Systems” – What if you could have endless hot water AND save up to 50% on your utility bills? Would you give your old water heater the boot? That’s possible with an on demand system that provides hot water only when needed but always when needed.

There are so many ways to save around your house by replacing and updating certain factors of your house and also working on financial parts of your home. Hope your spring forward is full of savings this year!

Renters, Now is The Time to Buy

I will be honest with you, the Denver real estate market is a hard market to get into for homebuyers right now. With record low inventory, and the spring season among us when some homes have up to 60-showings a day, many buyers think it is just too daunting of a project to look for a home with so much competition and so little stock. Because of this, Denver ranks 128th of 400 largest cities in the United States with renters leasing 38.8% of the city. According to the study, done by the online rental marketplace Abodo, among the 38.8% of people renting in Denver-Aurora:

·      9.12 percent are between ages 15-24.

·      31.66 are between ages 25-34.

·      21.35 percent are between ages 35-44.

·      15.07 percent are between ages 45-54.

·      11.59 percent are between ages 55-64.

·      11.22 percent are ages 65 and older.

You might look at these numbers and assume that this means a large majority of renters are people without families but the number of renters who have families versus the number of renters without is almost even, with 46.91% having families and 53.09% being non-family. On the other side, families own 72.52% of homes in Denver while 27.48% of owners are non-families.

With the amount of people moving to Denver daily, it isn’t surprising that this city has the number of renters it does and that there are countless apartments going up around the city. It feels like every time I drive downtown there is another new apartment complex being built. But, as many renters who come to me notice, just because there are lots of new buildings it does not mean rent prices are going down, it is quite the opposite. Rent prices continue to rise in Denver and for many people, paying all that money with no return just does not sit well with them.

Renters, you still have an opportunity to get into the housing market now, even with the competitive nature of this market. If I could recommend anything it would be two things: don’t wait longer to get into the market. Our market is never going to slow down, at least not anytime soon. Better to get in now and start putting your money towards your own home then a rental spot. And second, find yourself a good real estate agent to help make the buying process go smoothly from start to finish. Many buyers are out there without representation and let me tell you, there are real estate agents for a reason. We are trained to help with the negotiations; the contracts and helping you make the transition, so let us do that for you! Find someone you feel confortable with and enlist them to help you get into this Denver real estate market.

How to Help Your Plants During Warm Days and Cold Nights

The ever-changing Colorado weather can take quite a toll on many things this time of the year. I know many people battling colds because of the swift temperature changes. I see city workers out dealing with repaving the streets and filling in potholes that cracked from the consistent change from sunny days with 60 degrees temperature to snowy days with the temperature barely reaching 30. The climate out here can be tough for a many reasons and one thing I have had many clients tell me about is how hard it can be to maintain their yards during this time of the year.

Colorado is a tough state to grow many plants because of the harsh environment. We are a very dry place so the lack of rain during the spring and summer time, paired with the little amount of snow we have gotten for the year this year, leaves it a bit difficult to take care of many outdoor plants. Colorado winters are not a constant temperature or a constant climate and because of the back and forth, much of the plant life goes into a shock state trying to deal with the constantly changing temperatures.

So what can you do as a homeowner when it comes to caring for your green companions? Here are a few tips to help when the days are warm and the nights are cold and you are looking to keep your plants and trees as happy as possible:

·      If the soil is dry, water your gardens or landscape at least a day before an extreme cold because moist soil holds heat in longer and is more insulating than dry soil.

·      Any plants that are sensitive to the cold nights should be covered before the night falls. Plants can be covered for a couple of days, which is perfect in a Colorado climate, and then they will stay protected during the bitter nights.

·      Don’t get rid of all your fallen leaves from your trees. Smaller plants actually do better during this time of the year when they are covered with dry leaves or pine straw. Make sure to cover the whole plant so any green isn’t showing.

·      Any potted plants should live inside for the winter. Even if you don’t have room in your house, bring plants into your garage to get them out of the cold but make sure they still get their sun.

·      For those of you with a bit of a builder in you, you can build your plants a cold frame or a small greenhouse so they keep nice and warm during the cold weather.

·      After you have a freeze, you will need to help your trees recover. Don’t prune anything off immediately, wait until spring to see what sprouts.

It can be hard to keep your outdoor plants and trees happy during this time of year, but with some easy care and covering, they should be healthy for when spring rolls around.

Taking a trip down Tennyson memory lane

A neighborhood that I continue to hear buyers and sellers talk about almost weekly is Tennyson, which continues to grow and develop on what seems like a daily basis. Tennyson is a stunning neighborhood situated up at the cusp of the Highlands, a street full of life with residential properties and delicious restaurants not to mention some top-notch retail spaces. Today it is one of the most sought after neighborhoods, even when I chat with restaurant owners in the neighborhood or homeowners, they constantly talk about how this neighborhood has changed and developed so much in the past few years and they are ecstatic to see where the growth can go from here.

Since its humble beginnings in 1863 when the first homesteads were built, Berkeley’s Tennyson Street has continued to grow and evolve to the bustling neighborhood it is today. Historic giants like Elitch’s Gardens, whose original theatre is still located on 38th and Tennyson, helped to create the lively cultural landscapes unique to the neighborhood’s history. Mary Elitch, the owner of Elitch’s, had a deep interest in developing the arts and cultural scene in northwest Denver neighborhoods. Elitch’s was original located by the theatre and was a zoological and botanical gardens. The theatre was recognized across the country as having some of the best summer stock as well as having many top actors performed on stage. There also used to be “Berkeley Motor” which was one of the most traveled trolley lines in the city. This history is seen today with Tennyson Street now being an active art area hosting First Fridays art walk each month in addition to year-round festivals and arts activities. Even with these changes, the neighborhood stays committed to holding onto its unique character and charm.

Between 1926-1950, the number of properties on Tennyson between 38th and 44th great by 50%. The area continues to grow today in both commercial properties and residential properties. If you visit the area today you will find a lively neighborhood with quaint bars and fruitful restaurants, not to mention a lot of new-build homes from full-size to townhomes. This area is one many clients have questions about and if you feel this is an area you would like to look, whether for residential purposes or commercial purposes, give me a call or shoot me an email.

Where to Eat for Denver Restaurant Week

If you didn’t know by now, Denver is quite the spot when it comes to good restaurants and during Denver Restaurant Week is the perfect time to try out many of those amazing spots. From February 24th until March 5th, indulge in some of the best restaurants around town with 245 restaurants participating this year. One of the great things about these ten days is that it allows many people to try out restaurants they have wanted to try but have either not found the time or maybe had a hard time affording it. That is a great thing about Restaurant Week, for $60 per couple you can enjoy a full course meal. And if you don’t want to grab a couples ticket, then you have the option of $25 (lowest price in the event’s history), $35 to $45 depending on the experience and the meal you wish to eat.

In a recent interview with Denver Business Journal, Richard Scharf, president and CEO of Visit Denver, said that the number and varieties of restaurants has grown immensely over the past thirteen years, which is how long the event has been taking place. "We wanted the pricing structure to reflect the entire culinary scene," Scharf said. "The low-, mid- and higher-range options allowed the flexibility for even more restaurants to participate, and the prices make it easy for diners to experience more of everything that Denver has to offer."

And what great restaurants does this year have to offer! Ranging from a variety of choices including American, Asian, Brazilian, Caribbean, Mexican, brew pubs, contemporary, bbq and much, much more.  I have taken a look over the participating restaurants and selected a few that are my favorites or I am looking forward to trying this year. For a full list of menus and restaurants, follow the link below to Visit Denver’s website with all the information you will need:

http://www.denver.org/denver-restaurant-week/menus/

Avelina – 1550 17th Street- New American restaurant located downtown

Beatrice & Woodsley – 38 South Broadway – Perfect date night spot

D Bar – 494 E 19th Ave – If you want some amazing desserts this is the place

Fogo De Chao Brazilin Steakhouse – 1513 Wynkoop Street – Fire roasted meats carved tableside, come hungry!

Hopdaddy Burgar Bar – 1747 Wynkoop Street – Great place to take the whole family, this amazing burger joint from Austin is top notch

Il Posto – 2601 Larimer Street – Offers a truly cosmopolitan experience in their new vibrant space with dishes inspired by Northern Italy

Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox – 1215 20th Street – Multilevel “gastro-brothel” with live music and a restaurant offering eclectic American food

STK – 1550 Market Street – New Steakhouse located downtown

Sushi Hai – 3200 W 32nd Ave – For all your sushi lovers out there, this is one of the best in town

Vital Root – 3915 Tennyson Street – This new globally influenced, health-conscious eats is found in an ultra-stylish all-day counter spot

Get out there and enjoy some of the great restaurants this city has to offer!

Where to go and what to do in Denver for Valentine’s Day

As a guy, I have always felt a little bit of pressure when Valentine’s Day is around the corner. I know it is kind of silly for me to put that pressure on myself, but I honestly like to get my wife and daughter some thoughtful gifts or take them on a fun outing or treat my wife to a romantic dinner for two. I think it is wonderful that we have 364 days in the year to tell people how much we care about them, and I try to do that on the daily with the wonderful ladies in my life. But this one day, there is always a little something extra special about it and so I like to take the time to really show my wonderful wife and my amazing daughter just how much I love both of them.

Whether you are spending the holiday with your whole family or just having a special day with your significant other, here is a list of some great things to do around Denver and in the mountains this year:

With the whole family –

Orchid show at the Botanic Gardens – through Feb. 20th – They are hard to grow in this climate but orchids are some of the most beautiful tropical flowers out there and the Botanic Gardens has been working hard to grow hundreds of them to make for quite the collection.

David Wilcox at Swallow Hill Music – 71 E. Yale Ave – Feb 10th & Feb 12th – With such an intimate setting, this is a perfect place to bring the family to listen to folk singer/songwriter David Wilcox strum along on his solo guitar while singing his heart out.

Learn about chocolate – Denver Botanic Gardens – While it is great to learn about all the amazing plants at the Gardens, this time of year calls for a special educating workshop on the cacao tree and how their beans are transformed into delicious chocolates. Once you’ve learned a thing or two, get ready to create your own box to take home.

Valentine’s Day 5k – Washington Park – Feb 12th – Get out your best Valentine’s Day costume and get ready for a fun run around the park with this yearly 5k tradition. Don’t forget to get a picture with cupid before you leave the event!

Just for the two of you –

Heart for a romantic overnight stay in the mountains – I could list off the many places that would be great for a romantic weekend getaway but there are so many great places close to Denver it is hard to decide. A few of my favorites would be Estes Park, Breckenridge and if you just want a little city getaway, head up to Boulder for the night.

Vegantines on Valentine’s Day at White Lies – Feb 14th – If you are a vegan lover, this is the night for you. This is White Lies’ first dinner in honor of the holiday, which will include a full course meal and drink to go along with it.

Paint and sip at various locations - Whimsy Paint and Sip Art Studio (8246 Northfield Blvd. #1425), Sipping n Painting Highland (2563 15th St., #102) and Canvas and Cocktails (248 Clayton St.) – This is one of those fun things to do with your significant other because it really shows your artistic (or lack of) abilities while having a few drinks.

Get married (yes you read that right) Denver clerk and recorder’s Valentine’s Day celebration – 201 W. Colfax Ave – Feb 14th – Denver Clerk and Recorder Debra Johnson will be hosting the 10th annual event which will have judges and clergy on hand to perform free marriage ceremonies for couples. If you think you are ready to tie the knot this holiday, here’s an event you don’t want to miss.

Hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day, whether you spend it with your whole family or just a romantic time with your significant other. Make sure to spread the love!

When Relocating to Denver, Use a Knowledgable Real Estate Agent

You may have noticed that Denver is continuing to flourish as a city with people relocating here on the daily. Our city’s growth is due to the job opportunities and the great work/life balance. I constantly am meeting people who have just moved to the city and are looking for help when it comes to finding a place to live whether that be with location or whether they should rent or buy. Moving to a new city can be intimidating especially when looking for a place to live. Whenever I get a phone call from someone thinking of moving to Denver, I always encourage them to do their research when figuring out where they want to live but also to find a good real estate agent who can be a huge help in every aspect from location to living spaces. It also is imperative to use a knowledgeable real estate agent because real estate laws are different from state to state so if you are looking to purchase a place, you need to know the ins and outs of that purchase.

Here are a few helpful tips for re-locators who are thinking of moving to Denver:

Use a REALTOR if you are looking to buy a home – This may seem like an obvious but many people, if you are relocating or not, attempt to purchase a home by themselves. There are so many different laws in each state and not to mention the copious contracts you have to go through, it is imperative to hire someone who is trained to handle all of that. Do your research before you move to your new city and call around to different agencies, interview real estate agents until you find one who you feel can help you find your home.

Do your research – It is a great thing we have the Internet these days and good old Google to answer basically any question we could ever want to know the answer to. For those of you looking to move to Denver, get online and do some research about the city before you make the move. There are so many unique neighborhoods that will cater to every person out there so it is important to do your research to figure out which one best suits you.

Visit the city and talk with the locals – Most people who come to Denver instantly fall in love with the city so it is not hard to convince people to move here. But if you are thinking of making the move to Denver, go spend time in the city and chat with the “locals” (many who have relocated just like you!) to get some bearings on the city. Learn about local watering holes, best places to go hike and where to take day trips from the city. Immerse yourself in the Denver lifestyle so you are feeling comfortable when the time comes to make the big move.

Moving to a new city can be scary for many reasons, but there are things you can put in place to make the move not so intimidating. The biggest one I can encourage you to do is to reach out to a good, local REALTOR to help you find the perfect place for you to live. If you or someone you know is looking to move to Denver soon, please give me a call or shoot me an email, I would love to help you get acquainted with this incredible city! 

What’s what about Sloan’s Lake Developments

If you have taken a drive around Sloan’s Lake lately, you may have noticed a lot of changes happening around the popular water hole. The area has become one of the hottest real estate spots in the city, not to mention a very popular place for people to spend time on the weekends. I know I have had clients constantly asking me about the area and what is happening with all the building going on. I decided to take a moment to chat about the new developments going up around the Sloan’s Lake area from apartments and town homes to restaurants and activity spots.

New Construction Projects – You cannot drive around the lake without seeing lots of new builds around the area. Beautiful new condos and town homes are being built close enough to the lake to have lakeside views, quite a view for those who want to watch the magical mountain sunsets of Colorado. Sloan’s Lake has also really cornered the modern market with these new construction projects, each unique from the other but offering buyers unique opportunities to own a beautiful new place. Check out the spots below to see more of these awesome projects up close and personal:

Lakehouse 17 http://lakehouse17.com/

Sloans 9 http://www.sloans9denver.com/

loans Row http://www.sloansrow.com/

1600 Lowell ttps://wildandmildhomes.com/property/sloans-lake-moderns/

Perry Row http://www.perryrowatsloans.com/contact/

Apartments - For those of you not quite ready to commit to buying a place, there are a couple great apartment communities around the lake. Like I said earlier, this area is a location people from all ages and backgrounds live. I know many young entrepreneurs who live up there as well as established workers, retirees and families:

Alexan Sloans Lakehttp://www.livesloanslake.com/

Sloan's Lake Apartments http://www.greystar.com/properties/lakewood-co/sloans-lake-apartments

The great thing about Sloan’s Lake is that it isn’t just a great spot to live, it is a really great place to hang out during the week and on the weekends. There are copious outdoor activities to do on the lake while also enjoying some great food. For you ice cream fans out there, get ready because Little Man Ice Cream is about to open a spot in Sloan’s Lake http://www.littlemanicecream.com/little-man-expands-to-west-colfaxsloans-lake/ which will be a great dessert to have after stopping at the local burger place Sloan’s Tap & Burger http://www.sloansdenver.com/directory/dining/sloans-tap-and-burger/.

As the area continues to grow and expand, expect to see more and more shops, workout studios and restaurants pop up. If you think this great area is a place you could see yourself living, make sure to give me a call today and let me take you for lunch at one of the restaurants by the lake to discuss your real estate dreams. 

Photo By Brigette Modglin  

Making those New Year’s resolutions stick

Let me start off by saying happy New Year to you and your family! Hard to believe it is that time of the year again when you sit down to evaluate the year and what you accomplished. Then there is the task of sitting down and working on your goals for the upcoming year, resolutions if you will, and figuring what things you want to keep doing this year versus what new things you hope to add to your list. It can be intimidating for anyone to sit down and write down all your wishes for the year, I know I always find it a bit hard. Many friends, clients and co-workers have told me about their resolutions and while they are excited to get going, they are also fearful that they will not accomplish all of these goals by the next year. This is a fear I would say everyone has about making resolutions, can I do them all by the end of the year and if I don’t, will I be ok with that?

So how do you make New Year’s resolutions stick? How can you make sure that you keep on the path to accomplish everything you hope to that year? Below is a list compiled by professors and researchers of what you can do to have a better chance of sticking to your goals and working through them all by the time the next year rolls around.

Make new, healthy habits – While we may not know we do certain things, it may be because these things have become natural ‘habits’ in our daily routines. Habits form by behavior change, replacing certain behaviors with new ones. To embrace making certain changes to your daily routine, for example, if you want to go to the gym in the morning before work three days a week, the first step is to be aware of when you wake up everyday and start training your body and brain to rise earlier.

Repetition – It is never easy to start a new habit so that is why it is imperative that you continue to do it on a daily/weekly basis. This will train your head and body to know ok, it’s time to get up today, let’s get to the gym. It may take a little while to teach yourself to do this so make sure to be patient!  A great book I recommend for this is The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy

Have an accountability partner – We all know we are our worst critics and so that’s why sometimes it is important to have someone else help you along the way. An accountability partner is a great way to have someone who in a loving and caring way, helps push you when you need that extra push, or kind reminder when you are having your doubtful days.

Know relapsing is part of the process – Anyone knows that whenever you try to make changes to your life there will always be a few relapse periods. The point is to not get down on yourself when this happens, understand this is all part of the growing and learning process, embrace it, and try to do better the next time.

Be kind to yourself – Like I said before, we are our worst critics and I know I am harshest on myself when I don’t get things done. But you have to be kind to yourself in this process, use the same approach you would with a child or someone you cared about deeply rather than with judgment or self-criticism.

Good luck as you start your goals and resolutions here in 2017, remember, be kind to yourself, make good habits and this will be one amazing year for you!

Tis’ the Season for Fun Denver Outings

I know many people are not feeling these wicked colds days we are having now, just like that, you blinked and winter was here with a vengeance. The days can be bearable with the sun but the nights can get bitter and my family and I find ourselves hibernating more and more these days. But when the weekend rolls around, we either like to head up to the mountains for some outdoor adventures whether it be skiing for boarding or snowshoeing or making snowmen. But some weekends, between work and our daughter’s activities, we find ourselves in town and looking for fun things to do. This time of the year is great because there are so many happenings going on, not just in Denver but all over Colorado. If you are planning on staying in town this weekend, I have compiled a list of different events happening this weekend that would be great for the family or for a couple’s night out:

Merry Grinchmas – Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center – Saturday, Dec. 10th – General Admission

Hard to believe the ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas’ cartoon turns 50 years old this year. To celebrate that anniversary, the Fine Arts Center is presenting collections of hand-drawn Grinch animation and related artworks in America.

Awkward Family Photos – History Colorado Center – Running until end of Jan. – General Admission

Because Christmas is a time of the year when families gather, that usually means there are a few family photos to be taken. What better way to spend time with your family then going and seeing the Awkward Family Photo exhibit, a phenomena that has taken over social media, greeting cards and websites alike.

Winter Lights Ice – Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center – Running until January 8th – General Admission

There is something pretty magical about watching ice sculptures happen before your eyes. Head to Colorado Springs and watch the incredible work of Cool Hand Ice Carving live, who has ranked multiple times at the World Champion in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Luminaries of Santa Fe Drive – Art District of Santa Fe – Friday, Dec. 9th – Free

The luminary light tradition goes all the way back to the 17th century and now you can experience this stunning scene of illuminated streets this Friday night. There will be four stations set up where you can create your own luminaries.

Winter Fest – Cherry Creek North – Saturday, Dec. 10th – Free

We all probably have a bit of holiday shopping we need to get done so head to Cherry Creek North this Saturday to enjoy some shopping while strolling through the plaza that will be turned into a winter wonderland. Enjoy a fire pit, music, giveaways, food, drinks and live ice sculpting.

Red Rocks Brunch with Santa – Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Sunday, Dec. 11th – Kids 5 and under are free when you donate a gift to a child in need. Kids 5-12 - $13.99 Adults - $33.99

Who wouldn’t want to head to one of the best venues in the United States and have brunch with Santa? Red Rocks will host a holiday brunch where kids can get their picture taken with Santa and parents can enjoy some food and drinks.

If you are in town this weekend be sure to check out some of the great events the city has to offer!

A Thank You Message on this Thanksgiving

We just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving. This time of the year we really are reminded what we are thankful for and what we have to be thankful for.

We would not be where we are today without the love and support of our families. Our families have been strong rocks in our lives who have watched us grow from teenage sweethearts to the strong couple we are today, encouraging us every step of the way as we took risks and paved the way for new business endeavors. We are thankful for each other, as we are one another’s best friend and confidant. Our beautiful and kind daughter Reagan who reminds us daily to laugh and enjoy every little moment. She has shown us what true love really looks like and continues to amaze us as she grows into a smart and wonderful young woman.

We are also thankful for God who continues to bless us with opportunities and show us direction as we strive to make this world a better place. Our church, Flatirons Church, that has been a staple in our lives for a long time helping guide us to meet new friends and grow long and lasting relationships. Our church is a safe place we feel we can go and grow in our faith and our friendships.

Of course we are also beyond thankful for all of you our clients! Without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today! Clients are what make a business work from start to finish, clients make a company move and grow and eventually it is those continuous clients who become long-time friends as well. With all of our businesses, we know how imperative it is to have loyal clients and we are so very thankful to everyone who uses us time and again and also refers us to new clients.

Our business partners are also at the top of this thankful list because they are the ones who share our dreams and ambitions when it comes to our work. Together, we work to make our dreams a reality and work to continuing building a foundation for many great businesses.

We hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving this year full of good food, laughs and lots of love. We look forward to continuing to serve as your real estate agents and hope to continue to grow with you into the New Year!

Best,

Jay & Brigette 

Giving “Thanks” and being “Giving” this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is America’s second favorite holiday right after Christmas and not anyone is surprised by that. Thanksgiving is a holiday where friends and family come together to share is good food, giving thanks and celebrations. The country feasts on over 45 millions turkeys (that’s a heck of a lot of bird!) with stuffing and mashed potatoes and green bean casserole and who could forget, the pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving is one of those loved holidays for me too because it is one of the non-commercial holidays. After Halloween, retailers hop right into the Christmas season with stores decked out in green and red, Christmas music blaring over the sound system. But that doesn’t mean anyone forgets about Thanksgiving, it just is the quiet holiday that takes place on the fourth Thursday of November. As this holiday quickly approaches, I have compiled a list of ways you can be both thankful this year as well as giving.

·      Tell the history of Thanksgiving – Not everyone knows the history of the holiday and I think it can be a great way to get the family talking by having people share their knowledge about the history behind the holiday.

·      Share this holiday with others – Thanksgiving is a time spent with family but many people find themselves not in the same place as their families and without a way to get home to them. Offer up your home as a place for people to come who may not have family close by to spend the holiday with. Get your family involved, have them think about friends or people they know who could use a good meal and company on Thanksgiving and invite them over.

·      Share what you are thankful for this year – My wife and daughter and I do this more frequently than just on Thanksgiving but especially on the holiday is a great time to sit down and express what each of us is thankful for this year. Take a bit of time before the meal and go around the table allowing everyone to say what they are thankful for, giving everyone a time to pause and reflect.

·      Give back to others – Sharing with others less fortunate should be a staple with the Thanksgiving holiday. There are so many great organizations that give back during this time of year so take some time with your family to figure out a cause you believe in and go out and donate your time, energy and money towards that cause. Being able to share our thanks with others is what this holiday is really all about.

Remember, this is a holiday to appreciate those in your life and to help others in need. Be thankful for all that you have, the lives you touch, the kindness you show and the love you give and after being thankful, give back.

November Attractions in Denver for the Family

In just a few short weeks we will be gathering with friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving. With that being said, you might be staying in Denver for the holiday and might have a number of travelers heading to your home for the big turkey-eating day. If you are having a big gathering for the holiday, it probably means you will be having a few extra people spending the weekend at your house and you of course want to be the host with the most! We have compiled a list of fun things to do around the city after you have stuffed yourself full and need to get out for some exercise and adventures:

1.    Denver Christkndl Market – Nov. 18th – Dec. 23rd at Skyline Park – This one-of-a-kind market includes vendors from Ukraine, Ireland, Germany and many other countries (along with many talented local artists). Each of these vendors offers high-quality gifts and there will also be plenty of delicious food to keep you full as you shop.

2.    Mile High United Way Turkey Trot – Nov. 24th at Wash Park – After having a delicious Thanksgiving meal, head over to Wash Park for the Mile High United’s 43rd annual Turkey Trot. The four-mile race and quarter-family fun run is one of the favorite Thanksgiving Day weekend activities with a little over 10,000 participants lacing up their running shoes.

3.    Blossoms of Light – Nov. 25th – Jan. 1st – Denver Botanic Gardens – The Botanic Gardens in the winter is quite a sight for anyone to see. With over one million colorful lights draped in elegant designs throughout the whole garden, you will see why this is a place many families go to every year.

4.    Downtown Denver Grand Illumination – Nov. 25th – Downtown Denver – At 6:00pm on Friday, Nov. 25th, the holiday lights will be turned on from Denver Union Station to the City and County Building at Civic Center Park.

5.    A Christmas Carol – Nov. 25th – Dec. 24th – Denver Center for the Performing Arts – This is one of those family holiday tradition events, like going to see the Nutcracker ballet every year. This loved Christmas story about what is important in life is a great place to take the family, especially after the Thanksgiving holiday.

6.    Extreme Mammals – Sept. 23rd – Jan. 8th – Denver Museum of Science & Nature – If you have some mammal lovers in your family, especially the kiddos, this is a great exhibit the whole family can enjoy.

7.    Star Wars and the Power of Costume – Nov. 13th – Apr. 2nd – Denver Art Museum – Some people have a tradition of watching the whole Star Wars series over the Thanksgiving holiday or over the Christmas holiday. Either way, this exhibit at the DAM is one for all the force lovers in your family. See some of the costumes from the movies, including Leia’s famous gold bikini.

8.    Southwest Rink at Skyline Park – Nov. 22nd – Feb. 14th – Skyline Park – Call me an old romantic but there’s something really lovely about lacing up some ice-skates and being able to skate in the middle of Downtown Denver. Located at 16 Street Mall and Arapahoe, this ice-skating rink is a great place to bring people of all ages to enjoy the lights and brights of the city.

To those of you traveling over the holiday, we wish you safe travels. To those of you hosting over the holidays, we have you have a great turnout and a delicious meal. From our family to yours, we want to take a second and say how thankful we are for you our amazing family, friends and clients. Have a blessed Thanksgi

Real Estate Investor Questions to ask Your Realtor

One of the best places to invest your money with the biggest return would be to put it into the real estate market. Denver especially is a great city to start investing in with its ever-growing market and continuing economic growth. With 5,000 people moving to the city monthly and new career opportunities presenting themselves daily, Denver continues to be one of the top markets for people to move to. If you are an investor this is something you look for when deciding where to invest your money, does this area look like it is going to be bringing in a return on my investment? For this blog, I have decided to write out some questions I have been asked by investors over the years, from new investors to seasoned investors, with my answers. My hopes is this will help some of you out there who have been thinking of becoming an investor be able to understand better why this Denver market is a great place to start and how I can help you find the best investments in the area.

Investor: Ok so I have been looking at becoming a real estate investor but I guess my question for you would be, what kind of investment would be a good place for me to start? I know I could go into crowd funding or I could flip and rent being the landlord or working with a property management group. If I am looking to be a more passive investor, not so hands on, where would you recommend me to start?

My Answer: My recommendation for first time investors, looking to be more passive, would be to start investing in condos or townhomes.  A single unit is much easier to get started with as you are only having to address one tenant and one unit.  I recommend condos and townhomes as most of the time you are only responsible for the interior of the property and not the exterior and grounds.  This reduces your exposure to possible costly repairs such as, roofs, exterior siding or stucco and irrigation issues.  My other recommendation would be to get help from a professional management company.  A management company will have a good supply of contractors that can help out in the event of an emergency.  They will also take that call at 2am in the morning for a leaking hot water heater or the furnace not working on a cold night.

Investor: Simple question, how much do you think someone should bring to the table to start with? I have started putting money aside to buy and flip homes but I do not know if there is a golden number I should be shooting for or not?

My Answer:  This is a tough question.  Depending on the property, the amount of work required to remodel/repair, the type of loan you will be acquiring will change my answer.   Most investor loans will require 20 to 25% down to purchase the property.  There are hard money loans that may give you the amount needed for the acquisition and rehab of the property.  These loans usually require a 10% investment with the overall remodeled property appraising with at least 20% equity after completion.  Hard money loans are great for fix and flips but can be costly if you cannot move the property fast. 

Investor: I understand that investing in property isn’t like investing your money into other things such as mutual funds or stocks. In those cases you get to see an investment return more quickly while real estate it can take longer. Because the Denver market is such an active one, growing quickly with no sight of slowing down, do you think I have a better chance of seeing my investment returns more quickly? Or does it depend on what type of investment I am trying to accomplish?

My Answer:  My honest opinion is Real Estate is the best investment.  Stocks can give you a faster and greater return on your money but you can also lose everything.  Real Estate will never be worth zero.  The real estate market will go up and down but for the most part your, if you can wait out the down times, your investment is pretty safe. 

Investor:  Obviously there is always risk when going into any business transaction, even property investment. I want you to be upfront with me, what are the biggest risks you have seen when handling real estate investments?

My Answer:  There are always risks when investing.  Real Estate is no different.  If you are fixing and flipping a property and you paid too much for the property or you had unexpected expenses on the property this could really affect your return on that investment when you go to sell.  If you are holding the property as a rental property and you get renters that severely damage the property, this could wipe out your rental gains for that year.  My recommendation is not to be afraid of investing but to make sure you have a great Realtor working with you that might be able to point out if you are paying too much for a property or might recognize possible large expenditures on a property that you might have not calculated in your rehab costs. 

Whether you are a first time investor or a 20-year investor, I hope my answers have given you some good insight into the market here in Denver. I would love to get the opportunity to work with you as you start your investment journey or as you continue investing in the real estate market. Feel free to give me a call or shoot me an email and let’s make a time to chat about what investment opportunities are out there for you.

Redfin’s 1% listing fee not applicable in this Denver market

Just this week there are changes coming to the Denver real estate market thanks to Redfin, a Seattle based real estate brokerage. Redfin has decided to roll out a new commission platform in which Redfin will drop its listing fee for homes in metro Denver to 1%. With the average listing percent of a home ranging from 2.5%-3%, this change could put more downward pressure on area real estate commissions.

Redfin first entered the Denver market back in 2011 with a listing fee of 1.5% while newer flat-rate firms such as Redefy and Trelora charge a set price of $2,500 to sell a home. But Redfin does have some particulars when it comes to this new listing price commission: they will charge a minimum-listing fee of $3,000 on homes priced at $300k or lower. But above that level, every property will have a guarantee of 1% of the sales price.

When asked what would all of this 1% entail when it came to the work put into the seller’s home, Redfin says the lower listing fee includes a full-service agent, open houses, professional photography, printed brochures and a digital marketing campaign that allows potential buyers to see a virtual-reality scan of the home.

This isn’t the first company to offer a 1% listing fee, many firms have come and gone in the Denver market, none of them surviving long term. As a seasoned REALTOR®, I can understand why a firm might not make it that long at those listing prices for various reasons.

In today’s market, the average real estate agent’s commission is 6%. Now, that does not all go to one agent, it is split between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent. The buyer’s agent gets around 2.8% while the seller’s agent gets 3.2%. Many people do not understand that even after that split, the money is then divided out again. When you hire a real estate agent, you are paying for their time, energy and dedication. With those commissions, your agent is paying out their firm, using the money to market your home and is going towards all the blood, sweat and tears they put into your property with writing contracts, dealing with other agents, hosting open houses, taking you to look at houses and so much more. How can a REALTOR® negotiate, be your advocate and dedicate their time and attention to your transaction for only 1%?

If you are an expert in your market then there will be a demand for your services. I always tell my clients, it would be like if you went into your work tomorrow and your boss asked you to do the same amount of work you are doing now but have your paycheck cut by 40%, would you be ok with that? In real estate especially, this is a line of business that buyers and sellers cannot do alone. There is a reason all real estate agents are required to attend 180 hours of school and have continuing education every year because Colorado believes in grooming good  real estate agents to help the public. When you pay for a REALTOR®, you are paying for so much more than just their expertise and they can be the best agent they can be for you because they are being paid accordingly to their skill set. If any real estate broker was making 1% of the transaction then they would not be able to sustain their business efficiently as they would be working hard to make deals close quickly so they could make more money which would cause quality of service to go down and client relationships to suffer.

In this world, you really do pay for what you get. If you want to work with a REALTOR® who can give you top notch service then hire a REALTOR® and pay for all their time and efforts that will in turn make for a smooth transaction. If you feel you are ready to put your place on the market, feel free to shoot me an email or give me a phone call and let’s grab a cup of coffee and discuss how I can help you as your REALTOR®. 

Rents in Denver are On the Rise, What Better Time to Buy a Home?

A week or so ago, Zillow came out with a new forecast for the Denver rental market: Zillow has warned renters to prepare for rents to spike again in Denver as we head into 2017. Currently the rent index in Denver is approximately $2,013 a month, the highest of any major metro area not located along a cost. The next large metro cities do not even come close to the rent index as Denver with Chicago at $1,643, Dallas at $1,543 and Phoenix at $1,247 a month.

            For those of you hoping that Denver rents may be going down, especially with all the new apartment builds going on around the city, I hate to disappoint you but that is far from the case. Zillow predicts that rental growth will continue to be strong, even stronger than we have seen in 2016. They are calling for metro Denver’s already elevated rents to rise another 5.9% in 2017 following a rise of 4.1% this current year. The only two cities that will see a steeper rent rise are Seattle with a 7.2% increase and Portland with up to 6% increase. The United States as a whole is looking for rents to rise 1.7% in 2017, which matches the pace for 2016.

            Zillow’s survey included apartments and single-family rental homes that caused a higher rent average. But this data supports the fact that tenants who are looking for more affordable options are bidding up rents in outlying communities and older suburbs. The next year is calling for over 11,000 new apartments and all are calling for pricier rents. Denver is seeing a rise of high-rise luxury apartments with ten projects at twelve stories or taller, including one at 34 stories and one at 31 stories located in the Five Points area and in downtown Denver.

            For more numbers and information, read more from the Denver Post here: http://www.denverpost.com/2016/10/06/prepare-for-rent-hikes-again-zillow-warns/

All of these rent increases only mean more pressure on Denver renters who are already seeing a lot of their hard earned paychecks going towards rent each month. I have met with numerous new clients over the past year that have decided it was time to take the jump into owning their own home because financially it made more sense and in the long run, they would be setting themselves up financially. This market can be an intimidating one, with a large amount of buyers and low inventory, many homebuyers, especially new ones, are scared to get into the market. That is why you find an agent who is going to go to bat for you every step of the way, from the day we decide to work together to the day I hand you over your keys to your new dream home. I have worked in this industry for many years and have watched the Denver market have its share of ups and downs. But the Denver has always been a steady one and that is not looking to change anytime soon. For what you are paying in rent, I can sit down and go over numbers to show you what you can afford in a house paying less than your current rent and getting more bang for your buck.

            If you think it is time to get out of the renter’s rut and jump into the housing market, give me a call today or shoot me an email and let’s grab coffee to talk about how I can best assist you as your real estate agent. 

Fall Festivals in Colorado

October is one of my favorite months in the state of Colorado. The temperatures finally start to cool down a bit, you can go on a nice hike or take a run and not feel so hot halfway through. The color changes, I would dare to say, are some of the best in the country. If you got up to the mountains in the past few weeks you would have seen seas of golden aspen trees glowing across the mountainsides. Even in town, the trees are starting to turn pretty reds, yellows and oranges and the sun is setting just a bit earlier these days.

The great thing about the fall time in Colorado is all the great activities going on. Some of my favorite festivals are taking place this month that you can take the family to or have an adult day/night out with your spouse or a group of friends. Lots of locals are still around while they wait on ski season to begin so here are some fun city activities to check out this month:

Fright Festival – Every weekend in October at Elitch Gardens

·      Everyone likes to have a scare during the Halloween season and the Fright Festival at Elitch’s is the perfect place to take the whole family for a spooky day or night adventure. During the day enjoy trick-or-treat trails for your kiddos and at night get ready to enter many haunted houses full of chilling surprises.

Denver Gorilla Run – Oct. 22nd at the Westin Westminster

·      What better way to dress up then join 3,000 other people in a mass 5k run that benefits the gorillas of Rwanda, Uganda and the Congo? The run begins at 11am with a Silverback after party right after the run is over. Cost is $99.95 that includes a full gorilla suit getting you all ready for Halloween.

Glow At The Gardens – Wednesday & Thursday, Oct 19, 20, 26 & 27 2016

·      Look no further to find the perfect pumpkin than at the Pumpkin Festival put on by Denver Botanic Gardens. Search for the perfect jack o’lantern for carving amongst the thousands of pumpkins ready for the picking.

Lantern Fest – Oct. 15-16th at Colorado National Speedway

·      You may already be too late to this festival if you haven’t gotten your tickets yet because this festival sells out every year. Join others at the Colorado Speedway and release lanterns into the brisk fall sky while enjoying some s’mores.

There are so many great things going on in the city this fall make sure to get out and enjoy a few!

Football Season is Back and it’s Time to Get Your Tailgating On

It’s that time of the year again and no I’m not talking about the season when pumpkin spice lattes return to Starbucks (even though many people get super excited about that which I can understand). Football season is upon us, a time when people of all ages gather to watch that great American sport, where friends and foes sit down on Sundays and route on their teams with such pride and excitement. These are the days of fall I really love, getting together with my family and friends and either watching the games from someone’s home or heading to a local bar or even heading to the Broncos stadium for some up-close and personal action. The Broncos have a big year ahead of them and as a devoted fan I want to support them anyway I can. Now I am not the die-hard fan like many of my friends and clients who never miss a game, wear certain clothes every game day and refuse to change their game rituals but I do like to participate in spreading Broncos pride around the city of Denver.

Over the years, people have asked me what are some ways I like to spend my game days if I am heading to catch the Broncos at the stadium and I always reply without hesitation, I love going and tailgating. OF course that always comes with the next set of questions, where do you tailgate? Is there a cost? Can we bring our kids? Well I have compiled a list below of what-to-know when heading to a Broncos tailgate session:

·      Where? – The best place to tailgate is at the actual stadium. That’s right, if you head down there during the early hours before a Broncos game you will find cars, buses and campers alike covered in orange and blue ready to get the crowd hyped before the boys take the field. The great thing is, tailgating is encouraged by the stadium and the Broncos staff. When you reach the stadium, Mountain Village (enter gate 4) is where the party all begins with music, food, HD screens to watch the pregame action and visits from the mascots.

·      Family friendly? – Of course you can bring the whole family! The Noble Energy Sports Legends Mall is a great place for the kids to run around before kickoff. Here your kids can enjoy face painting, sign making and outdoor inflatables.

·      Do I need to purchase tickets? – If you are planning on rocking into the stadium with your RV ready to crack a few cold ones and throw some hotdogs on the bbq then be prepared to arrive early and bring some cash ($30) to reserve your spot. A line to purchase tailgate spots starts quite early on game day to get that prime location and make sure your vehicle is decorated to the nines. Also be prepared to see people making some amazing food out there, this isn’t amateur hour folks, people are serious about their food and their beer.

Even if you don’t have tickets to a football game this year, make sure to go and check out a tailgate session or two. You are sure to meet some of the most dedicated fans in the NFL and have a laugh or ten along the way.

Photo by @BrigetteModglin - Broncos Training Camp | Dove Valley  

The Best Places to See the Fall Colors in Colorado

You may have noticed this past week then when the first day of fall hit, we really had a change in weather. The nights are much chillier now and the days are slowly cooling off themselves as you notice the leaves are starting to fall. You may have also noticed your social media all of a sudden being covered in pictures of our amazing state and the stunning changing of leaves that happens every year around the this time. I noticed in my newsfeed this past week and on my Instagram that people were venturing up to the mountains and getting photos of the bright yellow patches of Aspen trees as well as whole fields just covered in golden hues. I know one thing my family and I like to do is pile in the car and head up to the mountains to capture these amazing colors before the snow takes over (which is already starting to happen!). I have compiled a list below of the best spots to go this year to really enjoy what nature and the Aspens have to offer:

Maroon Bells – Aspen – Maroon Bells is no stranger to being a beautiful place to hike no matter what time of the year it is. These 14,000-foot towering two mountains are situated in the Snowmass wilderness and are two of the most photographed peaks in North America and if you go you will see why.

Buffalo Pass – Steamboat – Sometimes you just want to follow that dirt road to find the right colors and Buffalo Pass allows just that. Found just west of Steamboat Springs, this dirt road is lined with rows and rows of colorful aspen groves. The pass goes on for 8-miles offering people views that are truly one of a kind.

Kebler Pass – Gunnison – If you want to really see the aspen trees then you have to go where they flourish right? Well Kebler Pass holds the largest aspen grove in North American so this would be the best place to go. Start on Ohio Creek Road and get immersed in the aspens as well as unique natural landscapes from ranch buildings marking the abandoned site of Castleton and the spires of “the Castles” – remnants of volcanic ash and mud that erupted over 30 million years ago.

Boreas Pass – between Breckenridge and Como – Back in the 1800’s prospectors came to this area in search of gold and today visitors flock to this area in search of a different kind of gold in the form of aspen groves.

Telluride Free Gondola – Telluride – It may be a six-hour drive but along the way you will find yourself seeing many aspens changing color and once you get to Telluride, the free gondola ride over the mountains will be a site you will never forget this time of the year.

Aspen Alley – Breckenridge – Grab your furry friend, get on your bike or just take a solo hike on this hiking and mountain biking path that is surrounded by reds, oranges and golds of fall.

Make sure to dress warmly for your hike as many people have already said they have encountered snow and cold weather while hiking amongst the aspens. And also make sure to take lots of photos and get them uploaded so me and everyone else can enjoy the colors of fall this year in our awesome state.

Photo by @BrigetteModglin - Lone Hawk Farm