Homes & Real Estate Blog in Parker, Colorado

Hampered by High Payments on your Denver Home? Maybe HAMP Can Help

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:49:32 -0600

If you suddenly find yourself with a mortgage on your Denver home that is too high for your income, or if your circumstances have changed since you took it out, you may find help with the government's Home Affordable Modification Program. The need for HAMP originated with President Obama's Making Home Affordable program, announced in February, 2009. Created by the U.S. Treasury Trouble Assessed Relief Program (TARP), HAMP seeks to facilitate working with your lender to make the payments affordable. Changing the terms of a mortgage is a complex process that involves a ton of documentation from you and a ton of tedious paperwork that must be filled out accurately. HAMP strives to streamline the process.

The program aims to capture applicants who are either delinquent or on course to be. Meg Reilly from the Treasury Department claims that over 25,000 applicants are processed through HAMP each week. To date, over 500,000 loan modifications are in process. The program got off to a slow start as servicers got up to speed; in July, President Obama strongly urged the lenders to hire more staff to meet the needs of troubled home owners. This year, Wells Fargo, a major loan servicer, claims to have hired over 5,800 people to meet the need, while many other banks have followed suit. Many necessary documents are now online.

To qualify for HAMP, you must have a mortgage payment (including principle, interest, taxes, and insurance )which is currently more than 31 % of the household's monthly income. If approved, the program will lower the payment to 31% for at least five years. At that point, the interest will increase to a current market rate capped so it won't exceed a certain level. The process, which starts with you contacting your lender, stating your case, and compiling required documents, ultimately ends with a reduced payment. To arrive at a 31% payment, the lender might reduce the interest rate to as low as 2%, extend the repayment term to up to 40 years, and possibly reduce some principle.

So, does all this mean that HAMP will help you? The answer is "maybe." You must prove to the lender that you have a good reason to have the loan modified. More importantly, you must have the income to devote 31% to housing costs. If you are unemployed without prospects for a job, the program will probably not work for you.

Will HAMP help you quickly? Here, the answer is "Probably not." The process itself is lengthy. After you provide all the documentation, your case is reviewed. If you receive preliminary approval, you will be set up for a three month trial with your new payment while the bank reviews and processes your documents. If the bank cannot process your documents in time, you can get a two month extension. Once all the paperwork is processed, you will receive all the documentation in the mail.

Many who have gone through the process claim that it is hard to reach servicers. When they do get through, they complain they get a run around about their eligibility, often have to submit their documents several times, and then be told they do not qualify after starting the process. Paperwork gets clogged in the system, as people are on trials for much longer than three months with a two month extension.

Some critic say this slowness is because lenders are overwhelmed; other take a more calloused view that it is more profitable for banks to do foreclosures than do workouts. In any case, the Federal Government is committed to making this program work. This means they will also continue to help smooth out the process, as well as put pressure on the lenders to step up their processing time and increase the number of people they accept.

If you fear you are on the course to foreclose, do not despair. HAMP is a great place to start to try to work out your situation. You can take the first step by contacting your mortgage company or by visiting the Making Home Affordable site.

This is also a good time to talk to Marianne Bandy, the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) at the Bandy Team of RE/MAX Professionals. She will discuss other loan modification alternatives with you to avoid foreclosure on your home in Denver, Aurora, Centennial, or anywhere else in the Denver Metro Area. Don't Let Time Run Out - Help Is Available. Contact Marianne today at 303-746-7799.

Marianne Bandy

Magnificent Mountain View Homes in Denver

Parker Colorado Home

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:26:07 -0600

PHOTO GALLERY

DESCRIPTION AND FEATURES

Super Ranch Home – 3 Beds + Office, 3 Baths 3 Car Garage Kitchen has 2 Big Pantries with Plenty of Cabinets and Opens to Family Room. The Dining Room can easily open to the Living Room for Large Gatherings. Professionaly Finished Basement Extends Living Space to Play Area, or Great Teenager’s Retreat. This is Not Bank Owned or a Short Sale, Just a Super Value.

Bedrooms:	3
Bathrooms:	3
Parking Spaces:	3
Square Feet:	1720
Lot Size:	6534
Year Built:	2000
Floors:	2
MLS #:	825887

LOCATION

Click to view map: 11228 Tamarron Pl Parker CO 80138

LINKS

Bandy Homes

State Programs Can Help You Buy Your Denver, Colorado Home

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:44:06 -0600

The Federal first time home buyer's tax credit has gotten lot of attention this year, but states like Colorado have incentives out there for new homeowners as well. . At this time, the $8,000 credit has been extended until next April and expanded to include current home buyers, but the state programs for Denver home buyers can often be used in conjunction with the U.S. government program. Not all of the programs are confined to first time buyers.

First, Colorado through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA), offers fixed rate 30 year loans at market rates to homeowners on first and second mortgages through a statewide network of lenders. Part of the intent of the program is to educate buyers to be fiscally responsible, so new buyers must take the CHFA U First Time Homebuyer course while other borrowers must complete the online CHFA U Money Management course. CHFA offers the Home Opener program for first mortgage and the Home Open Plus program to help pay the down payment and closing costs. Both programs are good for any price home but have income limits. For the Home Opener Plus program, the borrower must pay $1,000 out of his own pocket. For the Denver metro area, the income ceiling is $76,000 for a one person household, $89,000 for two persons, and $98,800 for three or more; for income limits elsewhere in Colorado, click here.

CHFA Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program allows homeowners to claim 20% of their interest as a dollar for dollar tax credit on their Federal income tax returns, with the 80% going to the Schedule A deduction. The program has income and purchase price limits, but targeted areas based on census tracts have higher limits. With Denver County and Denver City, there are 45 qualifying areas. The MCC program, which is also good on refinanced property, is in effect until the home is sold and no longer used as a primary residence. If the home is sold within 10 years and other conditions apply, you might have to pay back some of the credit.

To facilitate coming up with the down payment on homes where the borrower was planning to use the $8,000 credit, Colorado offers the JumpStart Tax Credit Loan program. This loan is interest free if paid back by June 10, 2010 or 8% thereafter.

The State also offers two specialized programs: CHFA HomeAccess and CHFA SectionEight and SectionEight Plus Homeownership Programs to help disabled and low income persons. HomeAccess applies to People with disabilities or parents of a child with a disability; the other aids people who have lived in Section 8 housing for at least one year. Both programs have a second mortgage option to assist with down payment and closing costs.

Coloradoans can qualify for most of these programs with lower credit scores than most conventional loans will accept. Some critics of the programs feel that people are enabled to buy a home sooner than they can really afford to. Most of the programs have an educational requirement plus a credit score requirement to prevent them from getting in over their heads.

If you are interested in exploring how to buy a home with these programs, the pros at Bandy Homes can help you find an affordable home in the Denver metro area or the City of Denver.

Marianne Bandy

Denver - A Great Place to Relocate

It’s Official – Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended and Expanded for Denver Buyers

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:25:06 -0600

Denver home buyers as well as the Realtors who would love to represent you are delighted that the $8,000 homebuyer's tax credit has both been extended until April 30, 2010 PLUS has been expanded to include repeat buyers. Current homeowners can qualify for up to $6,500. The maximum home value is $800,000.

For first time home buyers, this is particularly great news if you've been looking at homes and maybe even found one, only to realize that you won't get the deal done by November 30, the old deadline. (If you have a deal in progress, the needed completion date now will conform to the new rules.) If you've been thinking of buying but have been trying to do some last minute credit repair, been trying to build your down payment, or been unsure of whether to take the plunge, you have another chance. Now, that worry is gone and you will officially have more time to prepare.

If you are a current homeowner, now is your chance to move to a bigger home with a little government assistance. You can now receive up to a $6,500 tax credit. This credit is designed to aid homeownership, not reward house flipping, so you must have owned a home used as a primary residence for at least five of the last eight years. However, if you lived in a home for five years, sold it, and then either bought another house or rented for three years, you would still meet the qualifications to get help buying your new Denver home. This give a lot of flexibilty to people who have been transferred a lot or been divorced and made alternate living arrangements the past few years.

Though the credit expires April 30, 2010, the credit has a contingency that offers a few extra months to close. As long as you have a binding contract in place by April 30, 2010, you have until July 1, 2010 for all the details to be completed and the transaction closed. This means you can make offers on homes until the last minute - although doing so could backfire if another buyer snaps up your dream home while you are thinking. It even gives you an opportunity to buy a new home that might not be ready by the end of April but will be ready by July 1

The new law allows you to claim the credit with higher income levels than in the past. Now, you can earn the full credit if your income is $125,000 if you are single or $225,000 if you are married. If you make up to $20,000 more than that, the credit phases out.

The new bill requires you to attach documentation of your purchase to your tax return. You cannot apply for the credit without actually making the purchase. Whether you make a mistake based on plans that fell through or purposely try to put one over on Uncle Sam, the IRS will not be amused. This new requirement is in response to rising cases of fraud by non-qualifying home buyers who tried to use the credit without buying a home.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), two million people will take advantage of the credit by year's end. The credit has contributed $22 billion to the economy and is credited with stabilizing the housing industry. In parts of the country, housing prices are increasing and housing inventories are decreasing. NAR estimates that 350,000 sales would not have occurred without the credit.

Though sales have decreased somewhat in Denver since January, 2009 when distressed properties are included, sales of non-distressed homes have increased 7%. In Denver, as elsewhere, inventories of lowered priced homes are lower than more expensive ones. Even though the credit provides more time, those who shop early will get the best selection. The Bandy Team can help you find your first or your next home in the Denver metro area, whether you have set your sites on Cherry Creek, Castle Rock, or Stapleton,

Marianne Bandy

Help for New Home Buyers

Canterberry Cul-de-sac Home in Parker CO

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:14:27 -0600

Photo Gallery

Description and Features

Bedrooms:	3
Bathrooms:	3
Parking Spaces:	3
Square Feet:	1720
Lot Size:	6534
Year Built:	2000
Floors:	2
MLS #:	825887

Location

Click to view map: 11228 Tamarron Pl Parker CO 80138

Links

What's Your Game Plan if You're Unemployed in Denver?

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 22:08:51 -0500

No matter how much you love or hate your job, you don't want the day to come when your employer says "good bye" and slams the door in your face. While the 7% unemployment rate in Denver is lower than elsewhere, these forced departures still happen all too often. If you're a Denver home owner with a mortgage, loss of your major household income can throw you into a panic about how to pay the mortgage. Even if you qualify for unemployment, that is hardly enough to pay the house payment, much less take care of all your other needs.

Financial analysts always say that you should have three - six months of income in the bank, but most people living paycheck to paycheck are virtually a check away from homelessness. Even if you have reserves like that, it takes people longer to find jobs these days so eventually you may have to confront the issue of how to keep the house in the absence of a regular income.

When your income drops, you need to develop a quick plan, if you don't already have one. All creditors feel they come first, but in reality, you need to pay your mortgage, insurance, utilities, and other necessities like food, followed by your car note, then your loans and credit cards. If you have no reserves, obviously you will have to modify the list.

That brings up an issue that people usually consider last. Do you want to keep the house? Selling it may be a viable option, especially if being off work has made you evaluate whether you really need to maintain your former lifestyle. This may be a challenging time to sell, but is still worth considering. If you owe more on your loan than the value of your home, you may need to consider selling it as a short sale, where the bank agrees to accept less than the loan value as payment in full. For this, you should consult an agent who specializes in selling distressed property, as selling short sales presents special challenges. In any case, while you are off, this is a good time to do the projects that would be needed to get the home ready to sell if you decided to do so. Times where no income is coming in may not be the time to consider a high budget project, but decluttering and painting take more time (which you have) than money (which you don't.)

Assuming you want to keep the house, you need help and you need to help yourself. First step - you need to contact your lender or an outside housing counselor who will do this for you. Your lender may be able to help you if you contact them early. If you do this, you may qualify for some help in the form of reduced payments, forbearance (where you don't have to pay for a short time), or a loan modification.

For some of these plans to work, you need some income. This may mean that you accept a job that pays less than what you were making but is enough to cover the house payment and your other basic expenses. There is no point of jumping through all the hoops to get a loan modified if you will default in a few months because the payment is still too high for you.

The difficult thing is that lenders say they want to work with customers, but many distressed borrowers report that they can't reach them, don't hear back from them, or wait forever, only to be told that they don't qualify or that they should apply to the Federal program. This is why it is often a good idea to talk with a HUD-approved counselor who might be able to get in touch with your lender or at least help you explore other resources before foreclosure looms.

At Bandy Homes, where Marianne Bandy is a Certified Distressed Property Expert, we can help you decide what the best course of action is if you are having trouble making your house payments. Foreclosure does not have to be an option for you if you act quickly. We can also assist you with buying or selling your home whether it's in Denver itself or Littleton, Centennial, Parker, or anywhere else in the Denver metro area.

Marinane Bandy

Looking for a Mountain View Home?

Denver Home For Sale In Lowry ~ Reduced Price

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:23:08 -0500

Photo Gallery

Description and Features

Sellers Love This Home But Transferred! $555k Appraisal On 7/30/09-equity From Day One! Newly Painted Gorgeous Mcstain Home In Lowry With Main Floor Office & 4 Bedrooms. Basement Finish Started (studs Up). Great Location, Fabulous Kitchen Pantry, Amazing Deal!

Bedrooms:	4
Bathrooms:	3
Parking Spaces:	2
Square Feet:	2750
Year Built:	2002
MLS #:	819334

Location

Click to view map: 1054 Rosyln Court Denver CO 80230

Links

Call Before Digging in the Yard of Your Denver Home

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:10:49 -0500

Now that fall is here, many Denver-area homeowners decide it's a great time to plant a tree or do some project that involves digging in the yard. Perhaps it's running an electrical line out to your detached garage or installing a fence. This economical do-it-yourself project could be a costly venture if you dig without considering what could be buried beneath your lawn.

Telephone, gas, and electrical lines are the most likely hidden dangers; striking one of these lines can knock out service to the home (yours and the neighbor's), result in a leak, or even cause a fire or death if an electrical wire is severed. Often, these lines were buried long before you moved in, so you do not know the location or how deep the wires are buried. It is estimated by Common Ground Alliance, a group concerned about underground wire safety, that Americans strike underground utility lines once a minute. Fortunately, homeowners and the professionals they hire can prevent service disruptions (and worse) by calling their utility companies before digging. It's actually a law that you must call. There's even a national call-before you dig number 811 that maintains 62 call centers throughout the United States and DC to dispatch someone to come out within two days and mark the location of lines with spray paint. If you hit a line, you get a bill!

Call 811 can't help with hidden lines for systems installed after the home was built. If your yard has an automatic sprinkler system, for example, there is very likely a grid of PVC pipes buried a few inches below the surface. Experts suggest you find the main water supply pipe and then carefully dig up the area around where pipes might be hidden before digging any deeper (or with any power tools!) Hitting a water delivery line will not kill you like slicing a power line might - but repairs are messy, time consuming, and potentially expensive. Similarly, if you have landscape lighting along the driveway or wiring that leads to a lighted outbuilding, dig cautiously! Better yet, call a professional who can scope out the area for any hidden lines.

Especially in older neighborhoods, oil tanks or even gas or chemical tanks could lurk below the surface and leak remnants of fuel or chemicals into the soil. If you suspect there may be an old tank in the yard, you should call the local EPA for directions on how to remove, test, or officially abandon the tank before digging. Click here for a fuller discussion of how to deal with an old tank. Your attempt to plant a tree could cost thousands in environmental damage if you hit a tank.

If you're thinking of buying a home in Denver or a neighboring community like Parker or Highlands Ranch, the pros at Bandy Homes can help you find your next home quickly and easily. We even offer free buyer reports with tips for buying a home with no unpleasant surprises.

Marianne Bandy

Local Denver Resources

What’s the Walkability Score for your Denver Home?

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:30:24 -0500

Who would have thought that the nearness of your Denver home to grocery stores, schools, and parks would make your home more valuable? In this "green" conscious age, "walkability" is an asset as it reduces the dependence on cars, impacts global warming, and promotes healthy living. According to a recent study of 94,000 real estate transactions in 15 U.S. cities, homes in close proximity to social and shopping amenities sold for $3,000 - $34,000 more.

The study, Walking the Walk: How Walkability Raises Housing Values in U.S. Cities, conducted by CEOs for Cities, used the Walk Score concept developed by Sightline Industry, to analyze transactions by a large real estate company. What makes an area walkable? According to the Sightline Institute, a walk-friendly area has these characteristics:

•· There is a center like a "main street" where businesses are clustered.

•· The businesses are close enough to the street to encourage people to walk into directly, in contrast to entering from the parking lot.

•· Population density in the area should be substantial enough for local businesses to flourish and for public transportation to run frequently.

•· The area should featured mixed-use housing for residents of different income levels that is near workplaces, schools, and other popular destinations.

•· The streets should be handicapped accessible

•· The city should be built on a grid to allow easy access to different locations from several direction by car or on foot.

•· Streets should feature pedestrian medians, protected bus shelters, and bike paths.

Walkability scores are determined by how accessible services are; any amenity within .25 miles is considered walkable until it is one mile away. The composite scores are organized on a 100 point scale. The Walking the Walk study also considered home size, the number of bathrooms and bedrooms, age, neighborhood income levels, distance from the Central Business District and access to jobs in the calculation. They found that a one point increase in the walk score increased the home's value by $500 to $3,000.

Though Denver was not among the 15 cities studied, it did appear on a Brookings Institute report of the Ten Most Walkable Cities, as it offers an average of five walkable places per person. The walkability of Denver as a whole has walkability score of 66, but within the city, some neighborhoods score in the high 90's: Lodo - 97; Golden Triangle - 96; Capitol Hill - 93; and Cherry Creek - 90. These Denver areas are considered Walkers' Paradises, but the whole area fares well as 43% of Denver residents have a Walk Score of 70 or above, 81% have a Walk Score of at least 50, and only 19% live in Car-Dependent neighborhoods. (Click to see an interactive map of the Walk Score for Denver neighborhoods.)

The walkability for a particular address can be obtained by entering the exact address at www.walkscore.com. Homes in one development laid out over 10 acres would have different walk scores according to where they were located. Based on the Walking the Walk study, a home nearer to the entrance to the development would sell for more than a home a mile or two from the entrance. Homes on winding streets with big lots will probably score lower than housing units that are close together.

The walk score of a property is only one consideration when you are buying a home. The pros at Bandy Homes will help you consider -all the factors effecting values homes in Cherry Creek or any of the the communities in the city of Denver or its suburbs like Parker (Walk Score 91), or Castle Rock (83).

What is your walk score?

Marianne Bandy

Relocate to Denver

Denver Market Statistics Indicate Market Recovery

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:02:46 -0500

The beauty of the area alone might compel you to buy a home in greater Denver, but recent market statistics underscore that you will be making a sound investment as well as getting a great view! Denver real estate has generally fared better than it has elsewhere over the last year or so, but a number of signs in the market indicate sustainable economic recovery.

•· Housing inventory is falling. In fact, the current active single family and condominium inventory of 20,850 is the lowest October inventory in more than 5 years. This inventory drop is a good sign that the market is coming more into equilibrium and is positive for prices.

•· The average number of days on the market has fallen for both single family homes and condos. Currently, single family homes remain on the market 94 days and sell for an average of $273,972. Condos are on the market 98 days and sell for an average of $167,090.

•· The average list to sale price in Denver is 96.8% of current list price. (Previous price reductions may have been made.) A big difference in the selling and asking price means that the market is out of balance. Now signs are that the "buyer's market" of the last couple years is giving way to a more balanced market, especially in home priced under $250,000.

•· Though number of properties sold between August & September decreased by 1.4%, this is much less than the 3-5% reduction seen in prior years for the same month.

These figures are encouraging to both buyers and sellers. Buyers, spurred on by the $8,000 first time homebuyers tax credit, have bought up much of the current inventory in their typical price range. Homeowners who were reluctant to try to sell their homes in anticipation of having a long wait time to sell for a reduced price may now have incentive to put them on the market and move up. There is talk in Washington that the tax credit may be renewed and/or expanded, which would continue to sustain buyer interest.

For more insight into these numbers, contact Bandy Homes today. We can show you breathtaking homes with mountain views in Denver , great family homes in Castle Rock, or trendy urban condos or townhomes in downtown Denver (LODO).

Marianne Bandy

Consider Relocating to Denver

Two Challenges Await First Time Home Buyers in Denver

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:34:07 -0500

If you are a first time homebuyer thinking about buying a new home in the Denver area this fall, you face a couple of interesting challenges.

The most obvious is the $8,000 tax credit, which has brought 1.2 million buyers in the market, according to the National Association of Realtors. That is expiring soon. Unless you have a deal in progress, it is almost too late to use the credit if you want to have your sale closed by the November 30 deadline. Now, after months of talking about extending the credit, there is serious discussion underway that may result in an extension. (On October 13, the House already approved an extension for military personnel who served abroad for 90 days in 2009.) If the credit really is what makes the difference for you, your decision is whether to start the process now, with the extension uncertain.

The second issue is more of a concern. If you are like most first time buyers, you are likely to be shopping for a home priced more towards the lower end of the spectrum - typically $200,000 or less. Because of the rush of buyers, the number of homes in this price range have decreased.

Actually, local housing stock has decreased; of 20,225 homes on the market in August, 2009, 19,834 remain- compared to 23, 923 units last September. In September, sales also declined 9.8% since September 2008 and 1.05% since August 2009. The decline may reflect the usual September slowdown, as families tend to align their moves with the school year, now in full blast.

Prices, meanwhile, are moving up. On single family homes, the average sold price of $274, 433 is 5.5% higher than last year. The median price of $225,000, which does not reflect the highest and lowest prices, is 4.09% higher than in September 2008 when it was $216,500. Meanwhile, condos sold with an average price of $168,288 and a median price of $145,000 in September, up 3.65%. All this means that "move-up" buyers, perhaps buying their next home, are starting to get active too. Sales in the price range often sought by this group - $200,000 to $300,000 - have increased.

This state of affairs may put you out of the running as a first time homebuyer right now, if the prices of available homes are more than you can pay! You obviously don't want to get in over your head.

In either case, this is a great time to call Bandy Homes, where we are committed to finding you an affordable home. We will, first of all, discuss your options and, perhaps, bring in our lending partner to see if one of the options they have available would make home buying feasible for you at this time. We will also show you appropriate homes that meet your needs in Aurora, Centennial, and other fine communities in the Denver Metro area.

Denver Home For Sale In Lowry

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:14:56 -0500

PHOTO GALLERY

DESCRIPTION AND FEATURES

Bedrooms:	4
Bathrooms:	3
Parking Spaces:	2
Square Feet:	2750
Year Built:	2002
MLS #:	819334

LOCATION

Click to view map: 1054 Rosyln Court Denver CO 80230

LINKS

Colorado Says "RIP" to Recession First, Economist Says

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:14:03 -0500

Not only has Federal Reserve Chairman Bernake said the recession is "very likely over" in the U.S. but local Denver economist Richard Wobbekind recently predicted that Colorado will rebound quickly. At a gathering of clients of a local financial planning firm, University of Colorado economist Wobbekind offered a few predictors that showed why Colorado is likely to emerge ahead of other states:

•· Business and technology spending, which recover more quickly than consumer spending is expected to increase in the state

•· Higher commodity and energy prices will help the state, especially in rural areas

•· Retail sales, after a 10% fall, are expected to increase 4.4% next year

•· Job growth, negative this year, is expected to be slightly (.4%) positive next year

The best news of all from Wobbekind is that he expects that the recovery will stick, so Colorado does not slip backwards into a second phase of recession.

What does this mean to the average citizen of Denver, who perhaps is hoping to to buy a home in the metro Denver area? Wobbekind does not include anything about the real estate market but Colorado did not experience the roller coaster ride in the real estate market as other states did. Recent sales figures for Denver homes show a median price of $225,000 for single family homes and $145,000 for condominiums.

This means that someone with a stable job and good credit can feel confident buying an affordable house. Ironically, the only problem is that inventory of lower priced homes has been depleted by first time buyers taking advantage of the $8,000 first time homebuyers credit. The next round of growth in housing sales is expected to be among homes with slightly higher prices.

Critics of Wobbekind's forecast are quick to mention that recent government spending may have artificially propped up the economy and made recovery seem closer than it is. Proponents of this "what-goes-up-must-come-down" theory claim that the next descent could be worse than the first. This type of thinking, though, discounts the role of consumer confidence in propping up the economy.

Homebuyers who buy appropriate homes for their needs and their budgets can make a move in confidence. The new home may be smaller, more energy efficient, or be closer to work and provide savings to offset some of the increase in payment. These days, no one should go into real estate in anticipation that they will make a killing; the fact remains that over the long term, real estate usually provides a decent return in addition to comfortable shelter for the family plus a myriad of intangible returns.

Considering buying an affordable Denver home? The pros at Bandy Homes will show you appropriate properties you'll love to own in Denver, Parker, Castle Rock, Aurora, and the whole Denver metro area.

Marianne Bandy

Outstanding Denver Schools

Wet Your Whistle in Aurora, CO - Home of the Best Tasting Water in the West

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:15:33 -0500

(Thanks to Callie Hamblin of Aurora for submitting this blog idea)

Aurora, CO recently washed out the competition to win the award for best tasting water in the Rocky Mountain Section of the American Water Works Association's taste test. The competition was open to AWA members in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. A five judge panel composed of news media representatives and water taste test professionals chose Aurora water over that of Denver, Centennial, and out of state competitors and concluded that it had the best appearance, smell, taste and overall impression. In June, 2010, Aurora will represent the Rocky Mountain Section of the AWA in Chicago at the Association's AWWA Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE) "Best of the Best" Taste Test.

Aurora water meets and exceeds state and federal regulations and has always complied with the Safe Drinking Water Act. The fact that the water also has a superior taste is no accident. The excellent taste of the water is due to its state of the art processing techniques, not just the intrinsic quality of the natural product. Aurora Water is one of six water utilities in the country to have passed a rigorous evaluation that now ranks it as one of the top producers of high-quality water.

Aurora's water supply comes from three river basins of the Colorado, Arkansas, and South Platt Rivers and is collected in reservoirs throughout the area. The city has some dependence on groundwater found deep in the earth, but replenishes its supply from melted snow in the Rocky Mountains and rainwater. To make the water fit for drinking, it is put through a series of treatment processes, including lime softening (to remove hardness), coagulation, recarbonation (to reduce pH after softening to a more stable level), high rate filtration, fluoridation, and disinfection. How this treatment process is carried out is what gives Aurora's water the edge.

Like many cities in the west, Aurora, CO is always concerned about water shortages, especially since water supply depends on yearly precipitation. The area is growing so Aurora is ever vigilant of new sources of water, but also promotes water conservation and reuse to keep up increasing demand. Currently, Aurora is in the final phase of the Prairie Waters Project, designed to pull more water from the Platt River Basin.

The recently expanded Wemlinger Water Treatment Plant, which serves Aurora, treats 80 million gallons a day from two reservoirs in Aurora and Ramparts. It is supported by a top quality laboratory, which maintains water standards as laid out in the 1998 Water Master Plan Update. The Wemlinger Water Treatment Plant has received numerous awards in its quest to assure clean, great tasting water for the Aurora area. For more information on Aurora's water supply, see Aurora Water Facts at a Glance.

Want to have excellent water at your fingertips? Bandy Homes can show you fine homes in Aurora, as well as other nearby Denver homes for sale. Quality water is just one of the amenities you will come to enjoy in this beautiful area of Colorado.

Marianne Bandy

Local Denver Resources

Aurora Colorado Remodeled Home! Price Reduction! Not A Short Sale!

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:15:18 -0500

PHOTO GALLERY

DESCRIPTION AND FEATURES

Professional Remodel and Update Not a Short Sale or Bank Owned - Quick Close Available! New Windows, Funace, A/C, Kitchen, Bathes and Fences. Full Basement = More Living Space For You! Close to Fitzsimmons Medical Center. Easy To Add Garage In Back. Will Go Fast!

Bedrooms:	3
Bathrooms:	2
Square Feet:	1128
Year Built:	1956
Floors:	2
MLS #:	816310

LOCATION

Click to view map: 1345 Revere St. Aurora CO 80011

LINKS

Bandy Homes

Transferred? Relocate to Parker, CO

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:09:33 -0500

If you are a professional considering a transfer to Colorado, why not aim to make your destination Parker, CO,, the city named #4 on the Forbes Magazine list of Top 25 places to move? If you come from out of state, you won't be alone, as 60% of its residents were born out of state or abroad. Parker, a town of about 40,000 people, is a great place to live.

No. 4: Parker, Col.

Population: 36,975

Big city: Denver, 20 miles northwest.

Major airport: Denver, 30 miles north

Global employers nearby: Lockheed Martin, Agilent, Boeing, First Data, DirecTV, Nissan Motor

White: 90.5%, Black: 3%, Asian: 2.5%, Hispanic: 6%

Adults with bachelor's degree or higher: 44%

Born in different state or abroad: 60%

Came from out of state within five years, 2000 Census: 31%

Median family income: $89,154

Median home value: $275,300

Read on for more on real estate, including Forbes' home of the week and lists and rankings, such as America's Most Affordable Places To Live.

Interestingly, Forbes did not award its placement in the Top 25 based on the usual criteria of income, housing prices, population growth, or school enrollments. What factored in was having a population over 25,000, few seasonal residents like college students or tourists, the number of residents born out of state or abroad, the number who moved from a great distance in the last 1-5 years, and the number who transferred in for a job.

The reason for the criteria is that Parker is considered a "reloville" - a newer city near corporate headquarters that attract young, upscale homeowners who transfer in from out of state. It is so welcoming that transferees quickly feel at home. As Forbes puts it:

"Compared with the rest of the U.S., the top 25 Relovilles that emerged from the analysis {done by Forbes} generally have twice the incomes, twice the home values and home sizes, twice the college degrees, twice as many youth and half as many elderly, twice the divorce rates and twice the numbers of residents who vote Republican. They have less than half as many blacks and more than twice as many Asians and have largely illusory historical roots--new buildings and town centers that overtake forests and prairies."

Parker, 20 miles southeast of Denver Colorado is near several large employers such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, First Data, and DirecTV. Many people live and work in Parker, but the city is a rapidly growing commuter town that houses many who work in the southeast section of the Denver Metropolitan Area. The town actively welcomes new residents and works hard at maintaining a small time atmosphere where involvement in civic affairs is encouraged and where interesting local events dot the calendar. Created in 1992, the Parker Recreation Department offers excellent facilities and programs for residents of all ages to enjoy. Meanwhile, the Parker Economic Development Council works closely with businesses interested in moving or expanding to the Parker area. The city operates under the Parker 2025 Master Plan to analyze and plan for development in view of employment trends.

Founded in 1864, Parker was incorporated in 1981 as a Home Rule Municipality in Douglas County, Colorado and is now the 17th most populated city in the State of Colorado. What draws people to Parker? Besides the proximity of being near a major city while maintaining the small town feel, Parker has a low crime rate, excellent city services, and schools of the highly acclaimed Douglas County School District where students are traditionally high performers. Like many Colorado cities, Parker offers spectacular mountain views and plenty of recreational opportunities. Even for the relocated, you can't get much better than Parker!

Intrigued by beautiful, friendly Parker? The pros at Bandy Homes can show you Parker Colorado Real Estate that will make a perfect next home for your family.

Want to be closer to I-25? We can also show you Castle Rock, CO which made #5 on the Forbes list!

Marianne Bandy

Relocate to Denver

Littleton Home! Bargain Price!

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:13:38 -0500

PHOTO GALLERY

DESCRIPTION AND FEATURES

Bargain Price – Quick Answer – Not A Short Sale! Remodeled Kitchen, Beautiful Woodwork, Low Maintenance Siding Make This Home Easy To Live In. Oversized Garage & RV Parking For All Your Stuff. Huge Yard With Storage Shed & Gazebo, Lots of Sq Footage For The Money!!

Bedrooms:	3
Bathrooms:	3
Parking Spaces:	2
Square Feet:	2000
Lot Size:	10585
Year Built:	1975
Floors:	3
MLS #:	814118

LOCATION

Click to view map: 6226 S. Kline Street Littleton CO 80127

LINKS

Bandy Homes

Upgrade the Windows in Your Denver Home for Energy and Tax Credit Savings

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:03:50 -0500

When you pay your heating bill, the last thing you want to do is waste money. The government doesn't want to you to waste energy either, so they are saying, "Don't throw your money out the window - buy new windows instead!"

Thanks to the Obama Stimulus Bill, Denver homeowners can now receive energy credits of 30%, with a cap of $1,500, for installing more energy efficient windows and doors. This credit, good through 2010, improves on a popular credit in effect in 2006-2007 by expanding the amount. Besides windows and doors, the credit also covers insulation, water heaters, roofs, air conditioning, and biomass stoves. For homeowners willing to convert to alternative energy sources such as geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, fuel cells, and small wind energy systems, there is no cap on the 30% contribution and they have until 2016 to fully install these systems.

While new windows and doors might improve the appearance of your home, the energy saving aspect is that you will save money while:

reducing greenhouse emissions from power plants
becoming more comfortable in your home as you reduce drafts and overheated spaces
reducing condensation
reducing sun rays that can damage and fade fabrics in your home by acting as a sun screen

Only windows and doors that have a combination of a less than .30 U-Value and a .30 SHGC qualify for the credit. Prior to June 1, 2009, it was enough to have an Energy Star label on the product. Now window ratings must be certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), the only federally recognized organization for determining the energy performance of windows, doors and skylights. Windows must have an NFRC label. To get the credit, homeowners must obtain a manufacturer certification statement to document window, door, or skylight eligibility for the tax credit. This certification may be available on the manufacturer's Web site if the retailer or installer cannot provide this document. More information about product performance is available at the NFRC website.

Windows are now more efficient due to new glazing techniques and better sealing, so less air escapes from around the frames. Air loss leads to substantial heat loss, heat gain, and moisture migration in a building. Proper sealing around all doors, windows and other open through the walls, ceiling and foundation is as important to energy code compliance as are proper insulation R-Values and component U-factors. Click here for a handy sheet to help you select energy efficient windows in Denver from the Efficient Window Collaborative.

Even with the tax credit, replacing older less efficient doors and windows could be costly to homeowners. Many window companies are running promotions (and financing options) to make it easier for home owners to upgrade. Since the tax credit lasts until next year, there is also time to budget for the replacement.

Looking for an energy efficient home in the Denver Metro area? At Bandy Homes, we can show you a great home that either meets federal standards or that is easily upgradeable.

Marianne Bandy

Fine Castle Rock Homes

Age Restricted, Active Adult Retirement Communities in Denver, CO

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:47:34 -0500

Given that the average lifespan for Americans is 78, aging does not mean that life after retirement means racking up endless hours in a rocking chair. People want to stay active and enjoy traveling, sports, social activities, and other pursuits as long as they can. While they may still want the financial benefits of home ownership, they may not want the responsibilities of lawn care, the hazards of steps, or the burden of space. As they find their health slipping a bit, they want to be in a place that can comfortably accommodate change, with transportation options.

Within the Metro area, there are over 120 Denver developments geared to the over 55 population, with prices starting in the low 100's. Virtually any active adult who wants to be a homeowner can enjoy the climate, natural attractions, and reasonable cost of living that Denver is famous for and do so in a home in their choice of a single family home (often ranch style), townhouse, condominium, or high rise. Many senior adult communities offer additional amenities to make the development a self-contained social and recreational center. Some areas are viewed as over 55 properties exclusively, but others are considered good retirement properties because senior-friendly floor plans are available.

One community specifically for active adults is the Del Webb Anthem Ranch Community in Broomfield, CO. Acquired by Pulte Homes in 2001, Del Webb started building retirement communities back in 1960, when they built their first complex in Phoenix. This group now has 50 developments in 20 states, including Anthem Ranch in Broomfield. Anthem is gated and promotes a lifestyle within that includes many recreational facilities and many opportunities for developing relationships with neighbors - so much that the residents only need venture out to shop. A golf course and fitness center are on site, as well as opportunities to pursue hobbies, join clubs, or take classes. A 30,000 square foot community center further brings the residents together.

The community, only a few minutes from Denver and Boulder, is served by buses. The availability of reliable public transportation makes the location a good one for mature homeowners who might need or want to cut down on their driving over the years.

The Anthem Ranch homes are built by a company noted for its green building practices - a good fit for Colorado, a very environmentally conscious state. Since 1996, Pulte has built 70,000 Energy Star Certified Homes; currently, 70% of homes constructed by the company nationwide are built to these standards. The company has been recognized by the Department of Energy for its participation in Builder's Choice, a voluntary energy-savings program aimed at constructing homes 30% more energy efficient than typical homes built to code. Pulte also utilizes value engineering to use resources more efficiently and reduce waste in home building, plus aggressively recycles waste on the jobsite. About 8,000 pounds of waste are generated in the construction of a 2,000 square foot home; Pulte recycles over 70%.

Anthem Ranch is only one of the senior-friendly communities near Denver that bring together convenience and green goals. Another popular community with active senior adults is Heritage Eagle Bend in Aurora, CO. At Bandy Homes, we can lead you to a home you'll love in Aurora, Broomfield, or Castle Rock.

Marianne Bandy

We Work with Denver Buyers

Age in Place in your Parker, CO Home

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:03:06 -0500

For some people, moving to a new home is almost a rite of passage when the last kid leaves home, retirement comes, or health deteriorates. The home with the two acre lot, the spiral staircase, and huge storage space can lose its appeal when the urge to downsize, simplify, and "de-step" the house takes over. In many cases, this is a great idea; in fact, in the Denver area, communities for mature active adults often feature ranch style housing with no lawn responsibilities and plenty of activities on site.

Some senior developments are transit oriented developments (TOD's), whole communities built around transit lines. TOD's are proving to be a perfect solution for those who hope to make one last move that will provide comfortable, hassle-free shelter for their remaining decades of life. With shopping nearby and reliable, and easily accessible transportation nearby, planned transit oriented communities can also limit dependence on government-subsidized transportation and meal delivery, while allowing seniors to remain independent longer. Seniors, along with childless couples and others who want the perfect blend of compact housing and convenience are the major demographic groups expected to assure the popularity and expansion of TOD communities.

Other people are equally adamant that they want to keep their homes - all their memories are there, they can maintain it, etc., so why move? Assuming that the home is one they can safely continue to live in, they may decide to "age in place" and renovate the home they love so they can continue to live there independently.

High end renovations might include putting in a first floor bathroom or transforming a first floor den into a bedroom. A tasteful ramp that blends into the exterior landscape might be added for easier access to the home. Small improvements that incorporate "universal design" principles can be made. Such things as putting in lever-style door knobs and faucet handles, moving outlets higher off the ground and light switches lower, and adding kitchen counters with different heights can make the home easier to live in for aging residents and make the home resalable to a growing segment of the market.

"Aging in place" consulting is a booming new industry. Firms such as Safe Aging of Florida assess homeowners' needs and abilities and make recommendations on how to make living space more convenient, safe, and comfortable. Lifease of Minnesota takes the process to the next level and identifies potential suppliers who can implement the suggested solutions.

Retrofitting a home for aging in place can be a costly venture; as is true with anyone debating whether to renovate or move, the homeowner must decide which option is better. Some homes, even if adapted for better access, are not good candidates for renovation. The Bandy Home Team will help you understand your options. We can show you some of the new TODs built for convenience as well as many other elder-friendly properties in Parker, Aurora, or other Denver-area communities.

Marianne Bandy

Denver Metro Real Estate

Transit-Oriented Developments Provide a Greener Housing Option in Denver

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:25:42 -0500

Becoming greener and staying that way is public policy in Denver, Colorado. Blueprint Denver, the city's plan for future development, envisions an inviting urban center with plenty of green space, less reliance on cars, and housing planned in tandem with public transit.

What will pull the city plan together is the FasTracks project, a $4.7 billion plan that includes 119 miles of light rail and commuter rail, 18 miles of bus rapid transit service, 21,000 new parking spots at transit stations, and expanded bus service. Approved by voters in seven counties in 2004, the FasTracks Plan will develop new stations along the Central, East, West, North Metro, U.S. 36, Southeast, and Southwest Corridors and along the Gold Line to make Metro Denver one of the five urban leaders in fixed rail mileage.

Transit-oriented developments (TOD's) are built around bus and light rail stops so that residents can easily access public transportation or walk to work or shopping. Bike and pedestrian friendly, Denver TODs will promote a sense of community and encourage people to live, work, and play in the area. The city will be more like the "walking cities" of 19^th century America and will fit the changing demographics of the area.

Though Denver is considered a young city, the population of seniors over 60 is expected to double by 2030 as the general population ages and expands by 1.2 million. Many of the newcomers will be couples without children or single parents. These trends will lead to an increasing demand for more compact housing that is affordable and accommodating to smaller families as well as seniors who want to relocate to space that will allow them to "age in place." These groups are expected to provide the greatest demand for TOD communities.

The expected effect of Transit-Oriented Developments is to lower reliance on the car. While commuting to work in a car is convenient, emissions add to air pollution and contribute to respiratory disease. Cars are costly to operate, in term of gas costs and maintenance, as well as parking and insurance. If people lived in a TOD that is well served by public transportation, they could save money, perhaps not even need a car, and promote the public good by driving less.

A newly-constructed TOD in Englewood, CO pulls together new housing, shopping, office space, public buildings, and parks - near a FasTrack stop. Though the TOD model for new housing is likely to spread throughout the area, it is a great way to revitalize older urban areas as well. In downtown Denver, the 16^th Street Mall is at the center of a thriving community of retail, office space, and a variety of housing, including converted industrial buildings and warehouses, parks, and entertainment.

Bandy Homes can help you find your TOD home of the future in Metro Denver.

Marianne Bandy

Relocate to Denver

Lakewood CO Home

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:47:24 -0500

DESCRIPTION AND FEATURES

Amazing Home in Fabulous Location Close to Belmar, 6th ave & mountains. Exquisite Kitchen & Bath Remodels. EZ Care Beautiful Hardwoods & Tile floors. Covered patio in Your inviting back yard. Huge garden area and shed. Short Sale opportunity for you!

Bedrooms:	3
Bathrooms:	1
Parking Spaces:	1
Square Feet:	950
Year Built:	1954
MLS #:	785375

CONTACT INFORMATION

The Bandy Home Team
Marianne Bandy
10940 S. Parker Road, Suite 120
Parker, CO 80134

LOCATION

Click to view map: 11 Chase St. Lakewood CO 80226

LINKS

Online Resources Aren’t Enough When Looking for Your Aurora CO Home

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:55:28 -0500

Close to 90% of home shoppers use the internet in the home-buying process, according to a recent National Association of Realtors survey. At Bandy Homes, we have taken note of this and upgraded our websites to be very user friendly and full of information. Seeing area homes on line familiarizes potential buyers with what is available in the area. It gives you an idea of how much you will get for your money and saves a lot of legwork.

Using the internet when looking for your Denver area home does not mean that you should put off finding a good local agent. Though the internet has revolutionized real estate, few internet shoppers actually make a real estate purchase on line. It's one thing to take a leap of faith and buy a pair of shoes on eBay, but there's a lot more money involved and a lot more long-term consequences for making a bad choice in real estate. Even before a buyer is ready to make a purchase, there are several good reasons to use the expertise only an agent can offer to supplement your internet research.

First, most websites do not offer all the properties available in the area. Agents, however, have access to all listings on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and may even know of other properties that may be coming up for sale in the near future. Popular sites that you might visit such as Realtor.com, Zillow, or Trulia only include part of the listings that are live in the MLS. Your perfect house might be missing from those sites.

Second, if you need to sell your home before you buy another one, you will want to know how much it would sell for. On-line comparative market value analysis can offer you a ballpark figure for how much your property is worth but cannot account for the unique features of your home, the condition, or any other neighborhood variables. Your agent can actually pull up the selling price of other homes in your neighborhood, as well as evaluate your particular home. You may get the word from the agent that your black walls and leaking basement will make the value less, while your deck will justify a higher price.

Third, though you can amass a lot of knowledge about buying or selling a home by reading real estate blogs, market data, and housing news, your local agent can give you information and advice based on your situation and the local market. When it comes to conducting the transaction, your agent also makes sure all the right paperwork is processed and at the right time. You do not want to make a costly mistake based on your inexperience.

Fourth, it's easy to overlook homes for sale by owner (FSBO) in internet searches. As many as 25% of homes for sale do not come up on various sites and are not in the MLS. Your internet search should cast a wide net, including Craigslist, to get a fuller range of what is available FSBO. Your agent might even have a better handle on FSBO properties than you can get on your own.

Fifth, not all listings on the internet are legitimate. Some listings (especially those without pictures) do not really exist, and by clicking on them, you may enable a scammer to gather some information about you. People who do not own property can portray themselves as owners and even collect deposits that will not apply to the property.

The internet is a valuable asset in home buying and selling. When used as a source of background information, it can help you work with your agent to come up with just the right home and just the right offer. But there is no substitute for an experienced, professional real estate agent.

Looking for an agent with local expertise in Aurora, Parker, Castle Rock, and greater Denver? The agents at Bandy Homes will help you bring it all together.

Marianne Bandy

Relocate to Denver

Denver Housing Market Leads Rising Consumer Confidence

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 18:21:30 -0500

You've gotten pre-approved for a home loan, you have a stable job, you have enough money in the bank for a down payment and closing costs, and you have figured your budget a million times to make sure you can afford it. Still, you wonder if this is a good time to buy a home in Denver. Every time you hear something positive about the economy, there's always a naysayer who says "What if...."

Recent facts indicate that the economy is picking up, with consumer confidence along with it. Of the 10 indicators tracked by the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (EDC), 10 show Denver is solidly on the road to recovery.

Customer confidence has been on the rise throughout the country, but according to Tom Clark, executive vice president of the EDC, "Consumer confidence has jumped 28 percent in one month. While this has been an across-the-nation increase in consumer confidence, Denver saw twice the national jump..."

Some of the indicators included in the Denver EDC's monthly tracking include:

• Unemployment claims have decreased from the previous months, though the rates are still higher than last year.

• The unemployment rate of 7.6% is below the national average of 8.8%.

• Despite some new foreclosures, foreclosure rates have fallen in the region 14.2% year-to-date from a year ago.

• Companies are expanding in the area, including Fortune 500 DaVita Inc., which moved its headquarters to Denver.

• Stimulus projects are underway, such as the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere lab at Colorado State University. This project received $64.4 million over five years to study atmospheric conditions. Meanwhile, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) received $64 million to construct a new facility, plus $4 million in annual funding for the next five years. Additional stimulus dollars will be pumped into internship programs in bioscience, energy, aerospace, and information technology.

• Denver is viewed as the Number 1 city for a housing rebound as noted in our earlier blog Denver Poised to Recover First from Real Estate Slump, which was based on a Today show report. Inventories of unsold homes are declining, which means that the supply and demand for homes are getting more balanced.

These indicators do not mean that Denver is totally out of the woods so far as the recession is concerned. None of us have access to a crystal ball that will reveal exactly how the economy will play out. However, recovery is fueled by consumer confidence which is on the upswing in Denver and throughout the country. At the moment, you also have the $8,000 first time homebuyer tax credit to stabilize your position.

Buying a home is a great thing to do this spring. If you are ready to go - or even if you have concerns - contact Bandy Homes. We can find you an affordable home in Parker or other fine Denver area communities and even show you how the $8,000 tax credit can help out with your down payment.

Marianne Bandy

Great schools in Denver

Staging Will Let Your Denver Home Talk for Itself

Marianne Bandy (Denver CO Homes - The Bandy Team - RE/MAX Pros) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:54:22 -0500

When you buy a Denver home of your own, one thing that comes with the keys is the right to change it to reflect your personality, your decorating preferences, and your needs. When it's time to sell it - if you really want to give those keys to the next owner in a timely manner - you need to bring the home back to a neutral, model-home state through a process known as staging.

Professional stagers make their money by transforming your home to a place that buyers can see as "their" home. Stagers know that purchasing a home is not a cold, emotional decision for most buyers. Most people are buying a home to raise their family or accommodate a lifestyle. They want to visualize their kids sleeping in the big bedroom down the hall from the bathroom or playing Wii in the family room. They want to see their friends enjoying a cookout in the spacious backyard. To encourage the buyer to start visualizing, the stager's job is to move anything that might be in the way.

Staging is not about decorating or cleaning, though the first step after cleaning is removing clutter - or anything that might be perceived as clutter. You may like your appliances lined up on the counter, ready for action. The buyer will regard this as lack of cupboard space. You may be rightly proud of your shelves crammed with the kids' soccer trophies or your collection of NFL memorabilia. The buyer might get more wrapped up in your life than in the features of the home.

Because homes are personal to each of us, it is easy to take the stager's advice personally and regard it as a criticism of personal taste. Coming from a more neutral perspective, a stager is only trying to bring out your home's best features so it sells in the shortest amount of time. This is why it's best to hire a professional to do the job. It is hard to be objective about staging your own home.

If the stager finds you have too much furniture in a room or too many other distracting things arranged throughout, she may suggest you store some things in the garage or offsite. Though this can be an unsettling way to spend your last months in your home, the current market puts new demands on sellers to let their homes do the talking. A stager's job is to make sure that voice comes through loud and clear.

There's no better way to make it through the inconvenience of staging than to focus on your next home. At Bandy Homes, we can help you find that new home in Aurora or any other greater Denver community - as well as help you find a staging professional to help you sell your current home.

Marianne Bandy

Relocate to Denver