Neighborhood of the week – Golden Triangle

If you have ever found yourself walking around the Civic Center Park or enjoying a day at the Denver Art Museum or taking photos of our state capitol building, then you have already been in the neighborhood I am highlighting this week. Called the ‘Golden Triangle’ this neighborhood boards Colfax to the north, Broadway to the east and Speer Boulevard with the Cherry Creek Trail to the southwest. One of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods, the Golden Triangle isn’t a very large space; it shouldn’t take anyone more then a half an hour to walk the entire length of it. But it is a place where you will see all walks of life from businessmen to artsy folks to out-of-towners. The neighborhood is known for its energetic mixture of arts, culture and Colorado history. Here you can visit the Denver Art Museum, the Clifford Still Museum, the History Colorado Center, the Denver Central Library, the United States Mint and of course, the Colorado State Capitol with its shining gold top.

Civic Center Park plays a large roll in hosting many city events over the course of the year. You can head there for a giant Cinco De Mayo celebration, Pridefest, Civic Center Eats (happens regularly, a bunch of food trucks come to serve lunch in the park) and the Westword Music showcase along with many other great events.

In regards to real estate, the Golden Triangle offers a wide selection of homes from luxury condominiums to new loft developments to charming Victorian homes. Many people like to live in this area if they work downtown but also for the vibe and culture of the area. With easy access to downtown and the Cherry Creek path, the Golden Triangle can offer people that feeling of living in the heart of the city while also giving them a quick way out of the city.

I always encourage my clients to go spend time in the neighborhood they are thinking of buying in because it helps them get a sense for what is in store if they purchase there. If you are thinking that the Golden Triangle neighborhood might be a spot you are looking to move to, I recommend hitting up some of the following for a day adventure:

Food:

Dozens – great breakfast spot

City O’City – for those vegetarians out there, might be one of the best in Denver

Cuba Cuba – can’t go wrong with their mojitos

Charcoal Restaruant

Element Kitchen & Cocktail

You are also a quick walk to 16th Street Mall so if you need to get some shopping in, feel free to jump on the free bus ride

Activities:

Denver Art Museum

Clifford Still Museum

United States Mint

Denver Central Library

History Colorado Center

Colorado State Capitol

If you are thinking this neighborhood might be just the spot for you, contact me today and let’s grab a coffee over there and discuss how I can help you achieve your real estate hopes and dreams.

Neighborhood of the Week – Baker

Bounded by Broadway, Mississippi, 6th Ave & the South Platte River, Baker is a neighborhood that has seen a lot of change in the past couple of years and is today one of the most sought after neighborhoods in Denver. Baker is actually one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, founded around 1859, and today is seeing a lot of changes with the real estate. When driving through the area, you will notice all of the unique Victorian houses many that have been revived to their heyday appearances. But there are also remodeled duplexes, newer condominiums and new modern new builds on the city blocks.

The Baker neighborhood is known for its diversity being an area that attracts many artists, professionals, young families and singles alike. Besides all of the great living spaces, the neighborhood also boasts quite the restaurant line-up, shopping and entertainment choices. With access to Broadway, you won’t find yourself far from a great bar, place to eat or event to go to. People who live in the Baker neighborhood love how easy it is to get around everywhere, whether walking or biking or driving, Baker residents are not far from downtown, Cherry Creek or LoHi. Just far enough away from the city to have a little quiet, Baker is a consistent neighborhood where the real estate is always on the move.

If you are wanting to check out the Baker neighborhood, take a look at some of these great restaurants/bars and music venues –

·      The White Whale Room – Bar & Café

·      The Atomic Cowboy – Bar & Pizza

·      Adrift – Tiki bar (legit tiki bar)

·      Beatrice & Woodsley – American (New) restaurant, great for date night

·      GRIND Kitchen + Watering Hole – Southern

·      Gozo – Mediterranean, Italian, Spanish

·      Denver Biscuit Company – I think this is self explanatory

·      Mile High Vienna Stand – Hot dogs

·      Hi-Dive – Dive bar & music venue

·      Three Kings Tavern – Bar & music venue

If you think the Baker neighborhood is a place you might consider living, contact me today and let’s get you started for your real estate search. With the average price being around $390k (the highest listing prices can go around $875k depending on the house), this neighborhood can fit the budget for many homebuyers out there. Let’s go grab a cup of coffee at one of the many coffee shops in Baker and discuss how I can help you with all your real estate wants and needs in the Baker neighborhood.

The dos and don’ts of hiking

Summer time is the perfect time to hit the hiking trails strung throughout Colorado. Whether you head for a quick trot in Boulder or take a whole weekend and head to Rocky Mountain National Park to hit up a half a dozen trails or so, this time of year into the fall is the perfect time to see wildlife and soon, the changing of colors. When you head on these hikes you are more then likely to encounter a few other hikers along the way. As more and more people move to Colorado and visit during the summer and fall months, it is imperative that we remember we have a duty to our beautiful state to be “good” hikers. Now you might be thinking, what the heck makes you a “good” hiker? Well I am about to list out a few things you can do when you take your journey to keep nature clean and keep paths intact for future generations.

Safety first, always – When heading on a hike, you need to be responsible for yourself. That being said, you need to make sure to have the right gear and resources in case you come up again Mother Nature or something happens. You might not realize but many rescue crews who have to be flown in to help hikers are volunteers who risk their lives because a hiker didn’t come to the hike fully prepared and consequences ensued. So make sure before you go, you check the weather and bring the right supplies.

Leave no trace behind – This may seem like an obvious but some people think it is ok to use the hiking trail as their personal garbage can and that is a big no-no. The whole concept behind this is that if we keep the ecosystem healthy and in balance now, we will be able to maintain the public space for future generations. So here are some quick tips that go along with that idea:

·      Leave what you find – as much as you might want to take souvenirs with you, leave whatever you find along the trip

·      Look but don’t touch – might be more easy to say, just take pictures if you want to have the memory. Do not carve your initials on trees and rip out flowers from the ground.

·      Whatever you bring with you must go back with you – wrappers, cigarette (blunt) butts, any cans and dog poop (dog owners take note here)

Be respectful to the wildlife – Again, this might seem like a very simple concept but for some reason people treat their hikes as a time to get up close and personal with the wildlife, and that is just not ok. The most popular trails will have animals on them so it is important to respect their living space and be cautious when animals do appear because many will get spooked and may charge or strike. Hiking is not a zoo and you as a hiker are trespassing on these animals home, so be courteous.

You aren’t the only hiker – Most likely you won’t be the only hiker on the trail, so be mindful of your voice and make sure to be civil to any other hikers you might meet along the way.

Before getting on your trail, know your trail – There is this great thing called Google these days that allows you to really explore the trail you are going to adventure on. Before you head out, make sure you actually know the trail, how hard it might be, how long it should take and any warnings or precautions.

We are lucky to have so many beautiful trails in this amazing state and I know I hope they are around long after I am gone but to be kept in good shape, we must be conscious hikers and mindful of how we treat the trails we take.

How small changes can lead to big results

Have you ever noticed how “noisy” our days are? From the moment I wake up, my phone is already alerting me of emails and text messages I need to read, phone calls I need to return and appointments I need to get to that day. During the day, my phone and computer are both alerting me to social media posts and updates on listings and errands I need to finish before the day is over.

These days, we live in a society that is used to the everyday buzz and noise that surrounds us. Between our cell phones and our computers, we are never out of reach of anyone who wants to get in contact with us or getting a ding with the latest status update. It wasn’t that long ago that cell phones did not have the reach and pull they have today, we weren’t instantly reachable and we didn’t have easy distractions at our fingertips daily.

All of these distractions can be a nuisance throughout the work day and I know many people struggle with how to handle them all while staying focused at work and being productive. Recently, I have been working hard on being more present each and every day with my family, my clients and my friends. What I have come to find it the world will continue to be noisy with social media, notifications and emails but it is up to me to learn how to control that noise and also eliminate some of that noise.

One thing I have taken to doing is turning off all the notifications of my social media because I realized that when I saw them pop up on my phone or noticed my side bar dropping down to tell me the latest, it would immediately jolt me from whatever I was doing. There are studies about this behavior and the constant conclusion is our brains have a hard time refocusing once we’ve been pulled away by say social media. It can take our brain a while to get back on track so I work hard to keep those updates and notifications to a minimum.

In my industry, it can be hard with the amount of emails and text messages I get from clients and co-workers. As a real estate agent, it is imperative that I am able to answer any questions right away or be on call for my clients if they need to see a house or anything of that nature. But I also know, when I am with a client in person, I need to be fully there and so I either put my phone on silent or leave it at my desk. Every client deserves my full attention and having any small distraction around can pull away from that, and that’s not how any client should be treated.

I am currently reading a book called The Compound Effect, which has helped my career grow ten fold. It talks about how many small changes can lead to big results, even if you just change something by 1% and do it day by day in the end you will see much greater outcomes. For me, my listing marketing has improved, my follow up with clients has improved and all my relationships have improved. I'm working on cutting out a lot of the noise and focus on what is important, the relationships I want to make stronger, who I want to work with and making faith and family come first. I encourage you to also work on shutting out some of the noise in your life, starting with small things and taking it one day at a time. I promise it may not feel like much but eventually you will start seeing big changes, and good changes, in your career and in your life.  

New Breweries to check out this summer

What goes hand in hand with these hot summer days? An ice-cold beer from one of the many amazing new breweries in Colorado. This state is known for its breweries and great beers, you know on the weekends and after work many people head out to a brewery to meet up with friends and family to enjoy a cold one. The great thing about Colorado is we keep growing when it comes to breweries and new beers and as a beer lover, I couldn’t be happier to try out some of these amazing new spots.

New Terrain Brewing Co – If you go to Golden it might be to head on the Coors tour but it also might be to try out one of the many great smaller breweries there. New Terrain offers running, biking and yoga meet-ups as well as food trucks and live music to enjoy your beer with. Let’s not forget the really great part of this place, their beer garden is dog and kid friendly.

Westbound and Down Brewing Company – This brewery isn’t close to Denver and might be a better place to stop in if you happen to be traveling by Idaho Springs but it is worth it for the beers which are non-filtered and processed naturally.

New Image Brewing – Located in Arvada, this brewery has already made a name for itself in the crowded Denver beer scene. They offer craft cocktails, tapas-style dishes and have gained attention for their East Coast Transplant, a hazy double IPA that is easy to drink. They also are super focused on community charity and outreach, which makes me want to support them even more.

Bierstadt Lagerhaus – If the name didn’t give it away, this is a German beer spot located in RiNo with a classic beer hall vibe.

Fiction Beer Company – If you find yourself on East Colfax, stop into Fiction Beer where you can enjoy a cold brew while also enjoying a good book. Bring your own book or choose from their vast selection.

Bruz Beers – If Belgian beer is more your fancy, try out Bruz Beers a neighborhood favorite where the staff are friendly and parking isn’t a problem.

Ratio Beerworks – This RiNo spot is always because of its beers, events and the all around atmosphere. They keep a top-of-the-line twenty-barrel system that makes it easy for them to brew vast quantities.

Bootstrap Brewing Longmont – Their Sticks Pale Ale is a gold-medal winner, which is one reason this brewery is so popular. Opening a new location in Longmont has helped to strengthen the city’s beer scene. If you are a fan of rock n’roll make sure to come to this spot because they offer music pairings with their brews.

And last but not least, I have to talk about Big Choice Brewing that holds a space near and dear to my heart and my wife’s heart. Located in Brighton, this brewery offers craft beer, punk rock and an awesome tasting room. It is located in an old church that my wife found a few years back and was hoping to help develop into a brewery and now that vision has become a reality. If you are in Brighton, make sure to check it out!

Finding a building with the right amenities for you

Some of my clients don’t just want to purchase a condominium, they want to purchase an experience. I know there are many hard working people in Denver, who may not have the time to take their clothes to the dry cleaner or need someone to come take their dog for a walk during the day. These are all imperative things to certain people’s lives and so when it comes time for them to look for a place to live, I always encourage them to look at different condos around the city who offer amenities that will make their everyday life easier.

Amenities can range from 24/7 concierge service to dog parks to fitness centers and beyond. In bigger cities such as New York and Los Angeles, amenities are a given when you put down a good amount of money on a place. Denver is a city that understands people are looking for extra incentives to purchase a condo in the heart of the city and by offering buyers a list of things that can make their day easier, they are in turn more likely to get more buyers.

For those of you looking for a place that offers up some of the best amenities, check out this list of a few spots around town:

SPIRE – If you want city living, look no further then SPIRE located smack dab in the middle of downtown with stunning views of both the city and the mountains. These contemporary LEED design condos host a list of great amenities like a luxury rooftop pool with a terrace and spa, a health club with a yoga garden, a movie theater, a dog park for your furry friend. Don’t forget to enjoy making some food on the grills while sitting around the fire pits.

Four Seasons – When you hear ‘Four Seasons’, you automatically thing luxury and the condos downtown are up to par on that note. Living downtown can be an issue if you have a car but the valet service at the Four Seasons will make sure that is never an issue. Don’t forget their concierge service that is ready to run any errands you need.

Residence XXV – Located at the Ritz Carlton downtown, XXV is top notch when it comes to its amenities. A certified concierge, a private lobby, valet and health club is just the beginning. Don’t forget the private owner’s lounge where you can entertain family, friends and colleagues.

These are just a few of the condominiums that offer a list of great amenities in Denver. If you are looking to find a place that offers you more then just a living space for your busy lifestyle, contact me today and let’s figure out what one of these spots would work best for you.

The differences in a builders contract versus a resale contract

This blog is for all the buyers out there looking to buy a new build. Many buyers may not realize this but when you deicide to buy a new build be prepared to encounter contract negotiations that are a bit different then the typical resale contract. The one main thing to know is this, many builders have their own on-side real estate agent who works exclusively for the builder. While this might seem ideal for a buyer, the buyer needs to still have their own agent because the builder’s agent has the best interest of the builder at heart while a buyer’s agent has the buyers best interest at heart.

Here is a list of some of the main differences you as a buyer can expect when buying a new build versus buying a resale:

1.     You will have to pay more money upfront for a new build – Builders are going to require more money upfront because they are taking more of a risk if the deal doesn’t go through for some reason. For example, if you decide to back out of the offer but have already chosen all the appliances and paint colors in the house, the builder has to sell your decisions to another buyer.

2.     The lending process – This part is similar to a resale in which buyers have a certain amount of time to apply for their mortgage and get approved. But unlike resale, buyers may not be able to lock in an interest rate until closing time is closer.

3.     Basically no price negotiation – Builders rarely negotiate the price of their new builds unless they have a slow down (but in this Denver market, that is very rare). If you decide you want to wait to see where prices go with the new build, you can check towards the end of the quarter when builders will know if they have reached they sales goal.

4.     Move-in time is not up to you – When you buy a resale, buyer and seller negotiate when closing date will be (usually 1-2 months from the time the contract is accepted). But with builders, you are on their schedule and many times a new build has up to 180 days to build the home.

5.     Might not be able to choose your lender – A lot of builders have their own preferred mortgage lender. Even though you have the right to shop around for the best loan for yourself, these preferred lenders can offer incentives.

6.     Don’t skip the walkthrough at the end of construction – Just like with resale, you are allowed your final walk through and just because it is a new build, don’t think that means you won’t have deficiencies or code violations.

Denver is seeing a lot of new builds at the moment as the demand for more houses continues to grow. If you are thinking of buying one, make sure to find an agent like myself who understands the ins and outs of the contract so there will be no issues when you decide to put an offer on your dream house.

Denver Design Week – July 15-21

One of my favorite weeks is coming to Denver and that is Denver Design Week. As someone who is always inspired by the designs of this city, from the architectural structures of buildings to the inside dimensions, I have always admired the different designers out there and what they can bring to the Denver scene. This is a week filled with lectures, panel discussions, workshops, keynote speakers, studio and homes tours. The event will be led by more than 70 of the region’s design experts with more then 30 events over the seven-day span.

Taken from their website, the events creators have this to say about the event:

“Good design has the power to change the world in real and meaningful ways. Economically, socially and culturally, good design is a driving force in our lives. Denver Design Week aims to be a platform to promote dialogue and discussion about design and how it relates to our city, state and world.

With a focus on elevating the creative industry, Design Week is a seven-day celebration and showcase of the region’s best architecture, interiors, art, brands and technology. Come support our city and help move design forward.”

I would have to agree with them on the power of design and how it can change the world, not just in the real estate world but design can help make big changes to the whole world. It can help grow the economy, find problem solving ways for many nations and socially bring together communities. I have seen this happen with my own eyes throughout Denver, different projects that have been brought to life end up building the Denver community up even more as a whole. It is imperative to the grown and substance of communities to be ever changing and developing, to be able to take these ideas and watch them blossom into something really amazing.

For more information on Design Week, take a look at their website below. Ticket information as well as a full schedule with who the presenters are can be found here. Don’t forget the launch party is Saturday July 15th at 7:00pm at the new Stanley Marketplace.

http://www.denverdesignweek.com/

Where to stay cool this summer in Colorado

Summer is here in full swing and with it came the hot and steamy days. While everyone enjoys the warm weather, it can also take a toll on people and I know for my family, and myself, we like to try to head to cooler parts like the mountains to try and find some water. A lot of my clients from the Midwest have told me that the thing they miss the most in Denver is the lack of water (which I kindly tell them if we had beaches and big lakes, everyone would be moving to Denver). But that doesn’t mean there is no water in Colorado, you just have to head to the mountains to find it and with this weather what better time to go in search of a cool spot. Whether you are looking for a lake or a waterfall, here are some water spots to adventure to when the heat gets to be too much in the city.

Lake Isabelle – 4.5 miles round-trip – Long Lake Trailhead Indian Peaks Wilderness – If you want some incredible views on your hike, this is the trail for you. One ridge is the Niwot Ridge that has been designated as an international biosphere for artic and alpine research by the United Nations, pretty impressive right?

Bridal Veil Falls – 6.2 miles round-trip – Cow Creek Rocky Mountain National Park – If you are wanting to try some trail running this summer then this path might be perfect for you since it is fairly mild. Wildflowers can be seen blossoming during the summer months and you will enjoy the last mile in a dense shaded forest.

Columbine Falls – 8.5 miles round-trip – Longs Peak Rocky Mountain National Park – This trek will actually allow you to hit three destinations in one day if you so desire. But if you aren’t quite ready to commit to an all day excursion, you can get two checked off as Columbine Falls runs below Chasm Lake.

Ypsilon Lake – 9 miles round-trip – Lawn Lake Rocky Mountain National Park – The Alluvial Fan (a natural phenomenon created by a flood) is one of the easiest destinations to be reached in the whole park not to mention one of the most beautiful sights to see. The trails to the lake are very fairytale like, deep, dark and a little bit eerie so make sure you do this trek with a companion.

Ribbon Falls – 9.6 miles round-trip – Glacier Gorge Rocky Mountain National Park – Fair warning that the trail to the falls starts at one of the most crowded spots in Rocky Mountain National Park so don’t be discouraged when you start off. This trail will take you past Alberta Falls, Mills Lake, Jewel Lake and plenty of other offshoots. These falls might not be as grand as some of the others in the park but you will have some quiet and peace as most people don’t make it that far into the park.

Rainbow Lakes – 2.6 miles round-trip – Indian Peaks Wilderness – The Indian Peaks has become one of the most visited spots due to its closeness to Denver (this is an easy and great day trip). The main trails can be packed but for those of you who aren’t afraid of a little off the beaten path adventure, there are a total of nine lakes in the area to be explored.

Make sure to take some time away from the hot city this summer and go find some shade and solace among the mountains, trees, lak

The best updates you can do for your home

When was the last time you put a fresh coat of paint in any room in your house? Do your bathrooms look like they are right out of the 1980’s? What about those kitchen appliances, did you inherit them from your parents many years ago? That carpet with all the stains from your pets is probably not the first thing you want buyers to see when they walk in your house is it?

Keeping your house clean and updated can be a never-ending process. We all have grand ideas for our homes or plans and ideas but if we try to take on too much, the process becomes too great and we end up not doing anything we had planned to accomplish. Weeks turn to months, months turn to years and before you know it, you haven’t updated your home in five years.

I don’t want you to get to that point, where you are about to put your home on the market and are overwhelmed by how much work you might need to do to get the price you want. Below I have written a few ideas of things you can do to keep your home updated so when the time comes to sell your house, you will feel it is ready.

Fix up the kitchen – The kitchen is the heart of the home so it is the room that needs a lot of love. If your cabinets are dated, painting them and installing new drawers and door pulls is an easy update. Adding backsplash will immediately spruce up the kitchen as well as having energy efficient stainless steel appliances.

Freshen the bathroom – Besides the kitchen, the bathrooms see a lot of use in every house. They can be expensive to fully update and many buyers will look at that when they tour your house. A new shower curtain, fresh linens, modern light fixtures and paint can have a bathroom looking fresh in no time. If you have an older toilet, consider replacing it for one that is environmentally friendly.

Landscaping – If the outside of your house doesn’t match the inside of your house, you are only doing yourself a disfavor. Curb appeal is still a thing among buyers and no buyer wants to pull up to a overgrown yard with bushes covering every window and weeds up to their knees. Put some money into your landscaping, hire a professional or work to landscape your own yard. Add trees, plant flowerbeds and vegetable gardens, make sure the lawn is mowed and the weeds are few and far between. If you have a deck, keep it painted and stained and protected from the weather.

Paint – It’s simple and fairly inexpensive, but paint can make or break a buyers desire for a house. If they walk into a home with hot pink living room walls, they are going to have a hard time seeing past the color to the potential of the house. Or if they pull up to your home and the paint is peeling from years of wear and tear, might not give the buyer a good first impression. Get the outside of your house painted every couple of years and when it comes time to sell, paint the inside of your house neutral.

Keep the place clean – You’d be amazed how many people do not clean their house on a weekly basis, let alone a monthly basis. It is imperative to keep your house clean because a dirty house only gets dirtier and then when the time comes to clean, you will feel immensely overwhelmed at the filth that has accumulated. For those of you who do not like to clean, look into hiring a cleaning company to come to your home. Being on top of this will help in the long run when it is time to sell your home.

Why having a home warranty is important for both a buyer and a seller

We all know when we buy something new, such as a grill or a phone or a dishwasher, we always know that these products come with a warranty life of a certain number of years just in case anything happens to the product and parts or the whole thing needs to be replaced. So many buyers and sellers ask me, well what about this kind of coverage for a home? The truth is, you can purchase what is known as a home warranty that will cover the cost of repairing many of your home appliances if they break down.

For buyers, this is something I recommend right off the bat that they purchase when they close on their new home. These warranties are made to help provide financial protection for buyers who might be faced with unexpected problems like a water-heater breaking down or a malfunctioning washing machine. When buyers purchase these warranties, they help lessen the worry but also help with the costs which can be great in many circumstances.

So what all does a home warranty cover you are probably wondering and here is a quick list of the coverage:

·      Electrical systems

·      Plumbing systems

·      Heating and cooling systems

·      Washer and dryer

·      Kitchen appliances such as the oven, range, and garbage disposal

Buyers often ask if these are covered in homeowners insurance, which they have to purchase before they buy their home and the answer is that a home warranty is optional but it covers the things most insurance will not. Cost wise for the year it is very affordable with the basic coverage starting around $300 and can go upwards of $600. Homeowners also have the option of adding coverage for other things such as if they have a swimming pool in their yard.

While buyers get home warranties to provide reassurance and help out in many unexpected situations, home warranties also benefit home sellers because during the listing period of their house, if anything should go wrong, the warranty will cover the elements.

While it may not make sense for a buyer of a new build to buy a home warranty, I would recommend it to both my buyers and sellers as a better safe then sorry approach to cover them if anything should happen. Costs of appliances can add up quickly and this way you are prepared if anything should happen.

How to best buy a house in Colorado from another state

As we all know, transplants are moving to Denver on the daily hailing from the east coast, the west coast and even from different countries. Colorado has become a desired state that people want to move to and make a life in. With that being said, I have worked with countless out-of-state clients who have the challenge of buying a house from a few states away. It is hard enough in this market to get a house being in Denver but put the extra challenge of not being able to see the house makes buying a home even that much more stressful. 

Let’s start with the very basic fact that anyone thinking of buying a home in Denver before moving here needs to first and foremost make sure they find a good, reliable, on-top-of-their-game realtor. Buyers moving here need to have someone on the ground who knows what they are doing, someone who is on top of things and can go look at properties at the drop of a hat, and that’s where a good realtor comes in.

Once a buyer has a realtor they feel will get the job done and they trust, then it is up to the realtor to make sure they work hard to get their client the house they want. Once a realtor has found a few properties that fit their buyers wants and needs, I recommend that they go to the property and have a Skype or Facetime walk through with the client. This way the buyer can see everything almost as if they were actually there and the agent can point out anything they notice about the home.

If a buyer has found a home they like and put an offer on it and it gets accepted, then the agent is ready for the next round. Inspections are usually just the inspector at the house but because of the situation, the buyer might feel more comfortable if the buyer’s agent attends the inspection. Once the inspector has written their report, they can pass that along to the buyer’s agent who can email a copy to the buyer to go over together.

After the seller’s have made any repairs to the house and everything is moving towards the closing table, closing documents can be mailed out to the buyer. Also the buyer can assign a power of attorney to sign any documents in their absence. While I try to encourage clients to be here for closing I understand that is not always possible so the next best option would be to get a power of attorney as a stand-in for them.

It can be intimidating to try and buy a house from another state but with the help of a good real estate agent, a buyer will be able to find the home of their dreams.

Events going on around Denver to keep you busy this Memorial Day weekend

Hard to believe that May is almost over, it seems like we just started the month! But time never slows down for anyone and here we are approaching the end of May and with that, Memorial Day weekend. I would like to take a minute to thank all of the families, friends and relatives of those fallen men and women soldiers. This is a weekend where we remember those who fought so valiantly for our country so that we might all continue to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

For those of you planning to head out of town this weekend, please be safe and check weather conditions wherever you are heading. Many people like to start their summer camping off this weekend and head up to the mountains but it has been a rather cold time up there still so make sure to pack accordingly. Also know the airports will be quite busy all weekend so make sure to give yourself extra time to check-in and to get through security.

Now if you are staying in Colorado for the weekend, more specifically Denver, there are so many activities to choose from this weekend it will be hard to narrow it down to just one or two a day. Below I have compiled a list of fun things to do with your family or events to hit up with your friends while enjoying the hopefully good weather this weekend:

Veterans Memorial Day Tribute – May 27th POF Hall – This is the annual tribute to remember the fallen soldiers from Colorado and an opportunity to thank their families for their services.

Vikings: Beyond the Legend – Denver Museum of Nature & Science – This is the largest collection of Viking artifacts to visit North America that includes weapons, tools and textiles. Head to the museum to be captivated by this incredible exhibition that has already been enjoyed by more than a million people.

The Music of Star Wars – All Weekend Boettcher Concert Hall in Denver Performing Arts Complex – The Colorado Symphony presents two evenings of music that captures of the most beloved stories of our time from a galaxy far, far away.

Colorado Rockies Game – All weekend vs. St. Louis Cardinals and the Seattle Mariners – Coors Field – Nothing says holiday like enjoying a beer and a hotdog at a baseball game. Catch the Rockies as they take on two great teams this weekend and cheer them on!

Swinging Under the Stars – May 27th Little Man Ice Cream – Ever wanted to learn swing dancing? Well now is your chance! Head to Little Man Ice Cream this weekend, rock your 40’s-style wear, dance under the stars and when you are pooped, grab yourself a delicious ice cream cone.

Denver Day of Rock – May 27th 16th Street Mall – This one-of-a-kind music event is presented by Amp the Cause, a non-profit organization for kids. Enjoy five stages full of amazing musicians as well as great food and drinks.

There are so many great events going on in the city this weekend, make sure to throw on sunscreen before you head out and always remember not to drink and drive. Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend everyone!

Tips for improving your credit score

Let’s talk about a situation many homebuyers find themselves in when it comes time to buy a home. First, they get the idea that they are ready to buy a house. They start searching online and even stop by some open houses because they are just so excited to get started. Then they find a real estate agent to help out with the buying process (because we all know it is imperative to have a real estate agent who is in your corner helping you!) and the real estate agent, after listening to all of their wants and needs will ask if they have had the chance to meet with a lender yet to discuss their options and it is at this point many of my clients will let out a heavy sigh and say, see the problem is, I don’t have good credit, is that going to affect my ability to get a loan?

This is a common issue facing many homebuyers today, dealing with less then perfect credit. And while this is not a game-ending issue, I do encourage all of my clients to speak with an experienced lender who can set up a helpful program to help them get their credit where they need it to be to buy the home of their dreams. But besides getting help and guidance from a lender, I have also compiled a list of things you can do on your own as you prepare to start house hunting to get your credit to a good spot:

·      Watch your credit card balances: A big factor that many people don’t know about is how much revolving credit you have versus how much you’re actually using. The smaller you can keep that percentage, the better it is for your credit rating.

·      Eliminate credit card balances: If you take away the small balances you have on a number of credit cards, you will improve your credit score immensely.

·      Leave old debt on your report: Many people believe that old debt on their credit report is a bad thing when in fact, if you have what they call “good debt” – debt you’ve handled well and paid as agreed – is actually quite good for your credit. The longer you can show a history of good debt history the better your score will be.

·      Pay bills on time – This may seem like an obvious but many people simply don’t pay their bills when they are supposed to. One of the biggest pluses for a good credit score is simply month after month of on-time payments, that’s it.

·      Open a secured credit card - A secured credit card is a type of credit card where you make a deposit into a checking account that “secures” the line of credit the bank or lender is extending you.

These are just a few helpful tips when it comes to improving your credit score but it is a place to start. Like I said, make sure you have a good lender to help you continue the process of improving your credit but it starts with you!

Things to Do in Denver for the Rest of the Month of May

With the changing of the seasons (and yes that includes the crazy hail storm we were greeted with to start the week off) comes a lot of fun activities around the city of Denver. With the weather warming up, everyone is itching to be outside and to go hiking more, head to concerts at Red Rocks (the season just started at the beginning of the month) and find a great rooftop bar to have a few cold brews on. There is so much going on in Denver during the summer months that it can be hard to decide where to spend your weekends and your off time. Below I have compiled a list of just a few of the awesome things going on the rest of the month, feel free to hit as few and as many as you choose, I know we all try to cram in as much fun as we can when we have the time!

Colorado Chocolate Festival – I don’t think this needs much introduction because who doesn’t love a good piece of chocolate? Head down to Denver Mart this weekend May 12th from 4:00pm-9pm and May-13th from 10am – 6pm to sample some of the finest chocolates in Colorado with over 90 vendors from across the United States.

Civic Center Eats – Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11am-2pm throughout all of May you can head down to Civic Center Park in the heart of downtown and experience the best gourmet food trucks this city has to offer.

Mayhem presented by the Colorado Symphony and Wonderbound – This Saturday head to the Boettcher Hall to see this one-of-a-kind performance by the contemporary ballet company Wonderbound and the Colorado Symphony with special guests that are sure to surprise and enlighten you.

Denver’s Largest Princess Par-Tea – This is for anyone who has younger children, I know my daughter was thrilled to hear about this. This Saturday May 13th at the Falls Event Center in Littleton, bring your little princes and princesses to this beautiful tea party where they will have the chance to meet their favorite princesses including Belle and Snow White.

Film on the Rocks – May 15th – Superbad, May 22nd – Rogue One, May 25th – Long Strange Trip – I don’t have to tell you these sell out quick but grab your tickets, pack a picnic and head to the greatest outdoor venue to watch some classic movies.

Whiskey Throw down & Doughnut Showdown – On May 20th at the McNichols Center Building, you can celebrate all things whiskey and doughnuts. Supporting Denver local charity Minds Matter of Denver, this is a chance to taste some high-end whiskeys paired with your favorite doughnut.

Denver Day of Rock – This is a FREE event (unless you want to roll VIP) on 16th Street Mall presented by Visit Denver and Amp the Cause a non-profit organization for kids. It features five stages of live music throughout Denver Memorial Day weekend.

There are so many concerts to check out this month, and far too many to list so I had to grab this article from my friends over at 303 Magazine with a list of over 400 concerts you can see this month: http://303magazine.com/2017/05/denver-may-concert-calender/

Summer is just heating up and so is the real estate market. If you are ready to get into the market and want to use some of your free time and weekends to look at houses or get your house ready to put on the market, contac

What to know about the Builder Defect Bill HB 1279

Recently, a bill was presented in regard to real estate called House Bill 1279. This particular bill has to do with condominiums where there would now be a measure requiring that a majority of homeowners in a condo complex first approve a construction defects action against a builder, rather than just the association board. This bill has already passed the Colorado House a couple of weeks back where it passed 64-0 vote and now, a few days ago, it passed in the Senate 33-0.

This bill is one amongst a handful of other bulls introduced this legislative session designed to deal with the state’s long-running defects issue. If you have noticed, there has been a lack of condos being built in Colorado because of developers’ fears with the legal environment around condo construction. Builders have said countless times that the legals surrounding condo constructions have become so controversial that is has turned developers away because they are too afraid they could be sued. On the other side of that argument, legislators have argued for the past four sessions over whether the cost of insurance and litigation are really the roadblock or whether builders are trying to turn a blind eye to some shoddy work.

With this new bill, it gives the builder a chance to present their side and possibly offer a remedy to the problems brought to light by the residents. It also requires a majority of residents to approve the lawsuit against the builder.

One reason this bill is being pushed so hard is because condos have been sited as affordable places for people to live. I know personally I have a lot of first time homebuyers who would be able to stand a better chance in this hectic Denver real estate market if there were more condominiums to choose from in their price range. The median price for a condo in metro Denver last month was $260k as opposed to $400k for a house.

One sponsor of the bill, Reps. Jack Tate R-Centennial had this to say about the bill: “First, it acknowledges there is a problem. And second, this is a positive corrective measure to addressing the problem we have when it comes to construction litigation issues.” (Joey Bunch, ColoradoPolitics.com). This bill will not change any of the laws that currently stand in regards to construction but it does ensure informed consent before any lawsuits are brought against builders.

This is a bill I will continue to watch closely as new condominiums are being built all around Colorado. It’s an exciting time for Denver and the surrounding burbs as we continue to grow and offer more affordable housing for every bu

Head North of Denver to find some great areas to live

It seems that no matter where you go these days in Denver, the city is always expanding and growing with more companies, start-up businesses and people arriving daily. With the continuous growth of the city, it is no surprise that the surrounding areas are also expanding and growing. When my clients want to live close to the Denver but not right within the city and they want a fairly easy commute, I send them to look north of the city in areas such as Broomfield, Thornton and Westminster. All these areas cater to many different real estate needs from people buying their first home to people purchasing their forever home. The housing market is quite strong in all of these areas too which is why there are so many great changes happening in these areas that make them each a more desirable place to live.

Broomfield – If you find yourself heading towards Boulder you will first find yourself driving past Broomfield, a quick 25 minute commute to downtown Denver taking US-36. Last year, Broomfield was named 25 out of 50 in best places to live by Time. With a population of around 64,000 and the average home costing around $370,000, you can see why people are drawn to this area. And, with the city approval of a new Ikea being brought in, a $31 million-plus school being built along with the expansion of I-25, this area is just going to keep growing and the time to get in is now.

Thornton – Thornton is another area that seems to just be exploding at the seams these days with expansion projects and new opportunities arriving daily. Recently, Thornton was looked at for the new location of another Top Golf, a golfing experience many Denverites have come to know and love. Besides that, Thornton is getting a new outlet mall, called Denver Premium Outlets, near the intersection of I-25 and 144th Avenue that will roughly cover around 350,000 square feet of shopping. With more and more developers and investors sinking money into these areas it is safe to say their residential real estate market will not be slowing down any time soon.

Westminster – Westminster has been dubbed a city that you can still have a lot of the feels of a big city without the bad that may come along with it. Being so close to Denver and not far from Boulder, it is in an idea location for some of my clients who have to commute both ways. The city has also worked hard to become more sustainable with recycling campaigns and education, implementing solar systems downtown and running a Green Matters environmental education program are all things that lead to this city being forward thinking on staying up-to-date.

These three cities all have one major thing in common: they are all growing substantially in both their commercial real estate and their residential real estate. If you are thinking one of these areas might be a good place for you to look for your first home or your next home, give me a call today or shoot me an email and let’s discuss the next steps for securing your perfect home.

A Survival Guide for Competing with Multiple Offers

Let’s say you find the house of your dreams. You have been looking for months, seeing homes every week with your realtor and finally you have found a house that you are ready to put an offer in on. But if you are in this Denver market you already know that while you are ready to put in an offer, the chance that there will be multiple offers, and strong multiple offers, is more than likely. So what do you do then? What can you do? First thing is first, sit down with your Realtor before submitting the offer and go over a strategy to make your offer stand out to the seller. Your Realtor will go over all this information with you, but it never hurts to have some information going in so you know what to expect and how to stand out best for the seller to choose you.

Submit a large earnest money deposit – In this market, a large percentage of home sales fall through which make many sellers worry that once they commit to an offer, something will go wrong with the buyers finances and they won’t have a back-up. The earnest money is a down payment first off but it is also showing your interest and commitment to buying the home. By increasing the money you put down, you are showing the seller just how serious you are with buying the house.

Showing you are qualified – Almost every offer will be sent in with a letter from the lender saying the potential buyer is qualified. To separate yourself from the pack, have your lender draft a loan per-approval letter or even have them call the seller’s agent to chat with them about your qualifications and why you are a strong candidate.

Give the sellers rent-free for certain number of days and time to move – You will make a post-occupancy agreement with the seller once you have settled on a move out and in date. But maybe give them a few days free of rent and also give some extra days to move out.

Write your best offer – Don’t go in with a stingy offer or hopes for a counteroffer. Go in with a strong offer, with your best, most attractive offer and even above listing price.

Denver is a sellers market and from the looks of things this is not going to change any day soon. So buyers need to be prepared and ready to go in with the best offer and that is why it is imperative to have a good Realtor to help guide you though the process. If you are ready to buy, give me a call today and let’s discuss strategy to getting you the home of your dreams.

The Best Areas in North Metro to find land (and buy/build garages)

Denver is a forever-growing city right now, with more cranes sprinkled along the Denver skyline then we have seen in a long time, there is always buildings going up. But as everyone knows, as the city continues to grow the one thing that we will see less and less of is actual land and I have many clients who are looking for areas to live where they can still have some acres to themselves and not look directly into their neighbor’s windows. These same clients want to make sure their commute isn’t going to take up hours of their days either because no one wants to spend 1-3 hours driving every day when they could be spending that time working, with their family or enjoying other activities.

An area I tell these clients to look is North Metro, just a hop, skip and jump down US-36 and I-25 heading towards Boulder but not quite that far.  These areas are easy and accessible to the highway so for anyone who may work in downtown Denver, they have a fairly easy commute to and from the city. But these areas also allow homebuyers the opportunity to have some real land where they are able to either build or just own. My family and I live in Brighton Colorado, which is about a half-hour drive from Denver each way. The area we live in is called Todd Creek Estates, a wonderful neighborhood with lots of room between homes and plenty of space for a garage to hold a good car collection. One thing my wife and I are passionate about is our car collection. Something we look forward to every year together as a family is heading to the car show to find a new car to add to the fleet. Because we have a growing collection, we needed to find an area that allowed for us to have garages of a decent size and also the ability to build if need be. For those clients who are looking for areas that have space for land these are some of the neighborhoods I recommend:

Spruce Meadows - Broomfield, CO

Lexington, Westminster, CO

Erie Air Park - Erie, CO 

Mustang Acres - Broomfield, CO

Tiara Estates - Broomfield, CO

Todd Creek - Brighton, CO

Pony Estates - Broomfield, CO

Eagle Shadow - Brighton, CO

Lake Avery Estates - Thornton, CO

Glen Eagle Estates - Thornton, CO

Angel View Estates - Frederick, CO

These areas are all located in Broomfield, Westminster, Thornton and Brighton all part of that North Metro area. If you are thinking it might be time to head outside the city and find a spot with a bit more land and a little more privacy, one of these neighborhoods could be perfect for you. Contact me today and let’s grab coffee to discuss your best options for finding the ideal piece of land to make your real estate dreams a reality.

Finding Neighborhood Information Using the best Websites and Apps

As a real estate agent, I work hard to keep myself informed about all the neighborhoods around Denver and the suburbs of the city. But in all honesty, it can be hard to keep up with every neighborhood with the continuous growth and clients finding homes in areas that are not my specialty. Thankfully, there are some pretty great websites and apps out there that my clients can use to get information about the neighborhood they are thinking of moving into like crime rate, school information, churches and future predictions of the area.

Best general information – Sometimes, my clients just want some data, how many people are living in the area, what are the logistics and demographics. For that I recommend https://www.neighborhoodscout.com which will give clients information on the real estate, demographics, crime and schools as well as the benefits of the area, income rates and languages popular to the area. http://www.city-data.com/ is also a great website that gathers data from a variety of government sources and private sources to create a detailed informative profile of every city in the United States. Also, http://www.movoto.com/co/demographics/ pulls the demographics of every area in the city based off zip code so very specific to where clients might be looking to move. There is also https://www.aroundme.com/ which is great when buying a place because it tells you more than just the best restaurants in the area, it tells you how far away the nearest hospital, pharmacy and supermarket are in vicinity to your house.

Best transportation information -  https://www.walkscore.com/ and http://www.walc.me/ are both great websites (and apps) where you can go to find how easy it is to navigate around the neighborhood. Walkscore also has information on biking and pubic transportation on their website and app so definitely an all for one experience that helps you figure out the best routes and transportation.

Best school information – When it comes to families moving to Colorado, a big influence on what neighborhood they move to is what schools are in the area. http://www.GreatSchools.org (also an app) is beneficial for families because at the touch of their fingertips, they can find all the public and private schools in the area, their ratings, enrollment size, and what most parents are wanting to read, reviews of the schools.

Best church finding information – I sometimes have clients who come to me asking for church information and while I have a church I attend, it might not be exactly what they are looking for so I offer up the website http://www.churchfinder.com/ (also an app on your phone) that can easily pull up whatever religion and denomination you are and where to find a local church that suits your wants and needs.

Best crime rate information – https://www.crimereports.com/ allows you to search for crime reports in your area just by entering your address. Advanced search options allow you to pull crime statistics from the past 3, 7, 14 or 30 days. Some other good websites are http://www.mylocalcrime.com/ , https://www.nsopw.gov/en-US/Registry and http://www.crimemapping.com/ .

There are so many great websites and apps out there to help you find all the information you can possibly find about your future neighborhood when your agent might not have all the information (but we try to have most information you could need and want!). Like I said, neighborhoods are changing every day and if you think it is time to make the change to a new neighborhood, shoot me an email or give me a phone call today and let’s discuss where your perfect neighborhood is in Colorado.