Unfortunately, the success of a short sale closing rests 75% on the listing agent and how they stay on top of the transaction and fight for their client seller.  Sellers facing foreclosure must pick an agent that has a track record in closing short sales and that is experienced and educated in the process.  A distressed homeowner and their familiy's future is an important responsibility that should not be taken on by an agent that lacks the commitment to get it done, no matter how long it takes!

According to a recent Denver Post report, Denver and Colorado Springs are among the metro areas recovering the fastest from the economic recession.

Denver was one of six metro areas (out of the 100 surveyed) that outperformed the job creation rate during the 4th quarter, growing 0.8%, according to Mountain Monitor, a report by the Brookings Institution.  The report also took other economic indicators into account, including metropolitan product, which was up 4.5% in Denver from its peak in the 4th quarter of 2008.

Unfortunately, the Denver real estate market isn't one of the factors helping the recovery.

Read More About How Denver Recovering from the Recession

It's been a long time since this has happened.  We are doing our third transaction with this client.  We sold them a home, sold that home and they are now in the market for home number three.  We have shown them homes and they have selected one--that they really like.  We have written a low offer.  The seller and buyer are $14K apart.  They have asked that the listing agent and we split the commission on a $450K transaction.  Total commission on $450K:  $13,250.  Why would either of us be willing to give up that kind of money?  I am speechless.  It has been a very long time since anyone has asked for charity.  The buyers are two well employed professionals.  No kids.  No obligations.  What the crap??  Who out there has been asked lately to give up part of their fee?  It's not often that I am speechless.  I am now!

Out and about in Englewood, Colorado! Activities are at a much slower pace this week of Christmas cheer. Here are some ideas to encourage you to get out and about and enjoy our fresh Colorado air.

12/28 Winter Break

12/29 Toastmasters Club - The Toast of Greenwood Village 7:15am

12/29 Leads Group I 11:30am

12/29 Joint Replacement - Pre-Op Teaching Class 2:00pm

12/29 Open House

12/29 Winter Break

12/30 Your Brand Radio and Networking 4:00pm

12/30 Winter Break

12/31 Winter Break

Search for Englewood Real Estate

Want to get some Christmas shopping out of the way? Don't miss the Smoky Hill High School Craft Show this weekend! Here are the details:

Smoky Hill High School Craft Show
16100 East Smoky Hill Road
Aurora, CO 80015

Saturday, November 6th from 9-4pm

This show will feature 210 vendors that will be selling hand-crafted items, including decorations, clothing, jewelry and gifts for the holidays. Proceeds from the fair will be used to award scholarships to senior students who plan on becoming teachers, along with supporting clubs and activities. Admission and parking are free.

What a great way to support our community's high school. Happy Shopping from TeamCox Realtors!

The lack of foresight in this decision is almost unbelievable.  We need intelligence and leadership coming out of Washington and in the banking community.  Every foreclosure was scrutinized by multiple layers within the lenders multiple departments.  Nowhere are there more people involved than at Bank of America.  The foreclosed upon people were not paying.  They needed to be evicted and the home foreclosed upon.  That there might be a technicality in which person signed off is absurb.  The longer this halt continues, the longer it will take to clear out this massive inventory.  Currently, we have buyers that will not even consider looking at either a short sale or a foreclosed property due to the uncertainty of having to deal with the lender, FNMA or Freddie MAC.

Sometimes it is difficult to keep up with all that goes on in Arapahoe County, Colorado, but one thing is certain - it is a great place to live!  We often wonder where all of our tax dollars are going, but the below example clearly illustrates that positive things do come from our tax dollars.

Arapahoe County has announced its 2011 Community Development Block grant funding for projects that benefit low-to-moderate income citizens. Public, community and non-profit organizations are all invited to apply for the grants. Applications for City of Centennial CDBG funds must assist residents of Centennial. Eligible project categories include, but are not limited to: non-profit building improvements, property acquisition, housing, infrastructure improvements, and public services and staffing.

Past grant recipients include: Rebuilding Together Metro Denver, Arapahoe House, Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health Network, House of Hope, Brothers Redevelopment, Families First, Senior Hub, Project Angel Heart and Doctors Care.

If you are associated with a non-profit in Arapahoe County, excluding Aurora, this may help resolve your funding problems!  Proposals must be submitted by October 19, 2010. Applications forms and details also are available online at www.co.arapahoe.co.us under  "What's New." Winners will be announced in June 2011.

For information on living in Arapahoe County, or regarding Arapahoe County real estate, please contact TeamCox Realtors at 303-400-6060.
 

Calling all Arapahoe County residents! Knowing CPR can certainly save the life of a friend or family member. This is the first of three notices that TeamCox will be posting for upcoming CPR classes to be held at the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, 13101 E. Bronco Parkway, Centennial, CO. When we have previously trained with the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Department, we have found the classes to be very well taught and we walk away with practical new life lessons. This class is being underwritten by Homeland Security as they partner with local sheriff's offices across the country. The first class will be held on:

Tuesday, September 21
5:00-9:00pm

Click Here to View the Flyer

Arapahoe County Returns to School

Where has this summer gone? Like it or not, school starts next week in many Arapahoe County neighborhoods, including my own neighborhood of Piney Creek. I am including some information below from the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Department regarding safety enforcement. First and foremost, no one wants to be involved in any type of accident and have to discuss the matter with a sheriff's deputy. Barring any type of accident, no one wants to be the recipient of a ticket for a driving violation. Be safe. This information is a great reminder of some of the violations the Arapahoe County sheriff's department might be looking for:

Notice from the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office:

In a continuing effort to ensure traffic safety through education and enforcement, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office will initiate “Operation Safe Start” a back-to-school traffic safety campaign. This traffic safety campaign is designed to educate motorists, parents, and children regarding accident prevention and safe pedestrian movement. Operation Safe Start will begin on Monday, August 16, 2010, and continue until Friday, August 27, 2010. Additional enhanced traffic education and enforcement efforts will remain in place throughout the 2010-2011 school year. Operation Safe Start will focus on motorists who: illegally pass school busses; speed in school zones; fail to wear, or ensure that their children wear, safety belts; and commit other unsafe driving actions in and around the schools located in the City of Centennial and Unincorporated Arapahoe County.

The Sheriff’s Office increased traffic safety program will be accomplished by assigning additional deputies to traffic education/enforcement responsibilities during the first two weeks of the new school year. In addition, variable message sign boards will be utilized in neighborhoods to notify motorists to exercise more caution now that schools are in session. The beginning of the school year is a time when there is a greater risk of transportation related injuries to children. The fact that there are more children on the road each morning and afternoon, as well as changed driving patterns and fewer daylight hours elevates this risk. The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office encourages all motorists, parents, and students to practice safe driving and pedestrian habits.

Search for Arapahoe County Real Estate

Drivers beware! If you are out and about on the east side of Aurora next Saturday morning, please be advised of a road closure on Quincy Road.

The “Rattlesnake Sprint” will take place at the Aurora Reservoir on Saturday, August 14th from 7 – 11 a.m. As a result, Quincy Road (from Powhatan to Watkins Road) will be temporarily closed to maintain the safety of participants competing in the “Rattlesnake Sprint” event.

Drivers will be able to take a detour, along east Jewell Avenue between South Gun Club Road and Watkins Road.

Good luck to all Rattlesnake Sprint participants!

Search for Aurora Real Estate