Denver Real Estate Blog

Seven Facts Every Buyer Needs to Know about Short Sales

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:14:36 -0800

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!

Via Silvia Dukes PA REALTOR®, CIPS, Green -- Spring Hill Florida Homes for Sale (Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!):

Seven Facts Every Buyer Needs to Know about Short Sales

You have heard the phrase "there is nothing short about short sales". Recently, I received an inquiry from a buyer who was interested in pursuing short sale opportunities that went something like this

"I am interested in short sale properties. I am a serious investor looking for a home for my wife and myself. If I like the property, I'd offer 30% less than asking price...."

With all the information and misinformation that people are reading in the media, I understand that this buyer is looking for a good buying opportunity.

Short sales can provide these opportunities but only if they fit the situation and are right for that particular buyer.

Ii is important that buyers know what to expect and to develop a buying strategy that allows them to reach their goals.

I suggested a consultation to evaluate this buyer's situation including his needs and preferences and to discuss the ins and outs of buying short sale properties.

Seven Facts Every Buyer Needs to Know about Short Sales

1.    Properties offered as short sales are typically priced to sell and
       offered at a price below market value.

2.    Low-ball offers don’t get buyers “in the door”.
       Most likely, the seller will reject the offer.

3.    Make your offer based on previous sales of similar properties
       in the area.

       a.    Seller will accept or negotiate your offer.
       b.    Seller’s lender will review and has to approve the contract. In this
              process, the lender will obtain appraisals and price opinions based
              on previous sales comparables.The lender will present these
              findings to their investors for approval.
       c.   Seller’s lender has the final word and is not obligated
              to approve.

4.   Proof of funds (if cash) or mortgage approval are required with offer.

5. Show seller and seller’s lender that you are serious by making an
     above average “good faith” deposit and demonstrate commitment by
     getting inspections completed.

6. Short sales take time.
     Be prepared for additional negotiations with the seller’s lender.
     The entire short sale process could easily last from 2-6 months.

7. There is no guarantee for the successful outcome of a short sale
     offer even if seller and buyer agree on all terms.

Because of the substantial time commitment and involvement by buyer, seller, agents, title companies, attorneys, and lenders, contracts submitted for consideration need to be such that they have a reasonable chance of success.

Anything else will not be a productive use of your time and resources.

Seven Facts Every Buyer Needs to Know about Short Sales

Are you a buyer interested in deals, opportunities, or distressed properties in Spring Hill, Florida? If so, please contact me to find out what type of properties are available in the current market and how they could meet your needs and preferences!

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For more information about Hernando County Homes and Land for sale including Spring Hill and the communities of Timber Pines, Glen Lakes Golf and Country Club, Silverthorn, and Hernando Beach , please call or visit my website!

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All content, including text and photographs, is the exclusive property of Silvia Dukes, P.A. and may not be used without expressed written permission.

TeamCox Realtors
Bonnie Cox
ABR, ACRE, CDPE, CRS, Eco-Broker, e-PRO, GRI
PH: 303-400-6060
FAX: 303-265-9781
6400 S. Fiddler's Green Circle Englewood, CO 80111
www.TeamCox.com
bonnie@teamcox.com

Denver Among Areas Recovering the Fastest from Recession

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 17:01:14 -0700

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.

Giving up our commission

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 22:08:10 -0800

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!

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 10:45:59 -0800

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

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Don't Miss the Smoky Hill High School Craft Show!

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 17:33:09 -0700

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 Ripple Effect of The Abrupt Halt to Foreclosures

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 11:51:55 -0700

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.

Via Dave Halpern - Louisville Short Sale Expert (Louisville Short Sale Expert Realtors (502) 664-7827):

The ripple effect of the abrupt halt to foreclosures is far reaching. Here's just a partial list of those affected:

Buyers

Contractors who were going to repair the home. This alone has a massive effect on employment. Hard working Americans who build America are abruptly out of work, again.

The entire manufacturing and supply chain of material needed to renovate repurchased foreclosed houses.

Movers

Closing attorneys

Appraisers

Appliance retailers and wholesalers and manufacturers

Neighborhoods suffer more blight for an additional extended period of time.

Owners who moved away and have to maintain the house. Some municipalities file criminal complaints against owners who don’t mow the grass or fix vandalism beyond their control.

Owners who have to pay insurance on an unwanted home. Without insurance, the homeowner in limbo will be on their own if they’re sued by someone who gets injured on the property.

This is just a brief and partial list of those who are immediately affected by this abrupt halt. The ripple effect of the foreclosure halt is far reaching.

Realtors, especially Realtors who rely heavily on listing REO's.

The losses incurred by all those affected will cause more unemployment which will cause more foreclosures.

This foreclosure halt is truly a crisis within a crisis.

Who else have you noticed affected by this abrupt halt?

Dave Halpern

Real Estate Broker, Louisville Short Sale Expert Realtors

(502) 664-7827

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Sellers looking for foreclosure help in Louisville, KY should call Dave Halpern, Realtor, Louisville Short Sale Expert Realtors, (502) 664-7827. I will dedicate to you all the time you need for a full explanation of the process. We are compassionate, caring and patient. I will listen to your needs and wishes and customize a strategy to meet your circumstances.

I will provide you detailed information about foreclosure options and short sales. We help dozens of sellers avoid foreclosure every single year in Louisville, Jefferson County, Oldham County, Bullitt County, Shelby County, Nelson County and Spencer County.

We can help. You have options. Call even if you think your house isn't sellable. Put an expert real estate agent on your side. Many testimonials available.

Arapahoe County's 2011 Community Development Block Grants

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:29:43 -0700

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.

Arapahoe County Sheriff's Department Offers Free CPR Training

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 23:53:40 -0700

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 Sheriff Announces Back-to-School Traffic Safety Campaign

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 16:51:44 -0700

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.

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"Rattlesnake Sprint" to Close Quincy Road Next Saturday

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 16:02:20 -0700

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!

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5th Annual Centennial Under the Stars is Tonight

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 12:15:27 -0700

It's hard to believe, but the eight year old city of Centennial will be celebrating its 5th Annual Centennial Under the Stars, tonight, Saturday, August 7, at the Centennial Medical Plaza located at 14200 E. Arapahoe Road. This annual FREE, family event is a joint effort by the City of Centennial as well as the Centennial Medical Plaza to provide an evening of fun for local residents. Planned events include interactive fitness demonstrations, vendors from throughout the City of Centennial, family activities, health screenings, entertainment, food and a twilight movie ending with a spectacular fireworks show.

A variety of food will be for sale at the event. Exhibitor and vendor booths open at 6:00 PM. The movie, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian will begin at sunset followed by a spectacular fireworks show. The event is scheduled from 6 – 10 PM. Don't forget to bring lawn chairs and blankets for movie watching. This very popular annual event, exceeded attendance expectations last year with approximately 3,500 attendees. South Metro Denver Chamber Investors who are also Sponsors of Centennial Under the Stars include: Wal-Mart, CH2M HILL, Metrum Community Bank, South Suburban Parks and Recreation, City of Centennial, Centennial Medical Plaza Back again will be the ever popular dunk tank. There is a small charge of $1 for 3 balls and the money raised goes to a charity. This year’s charity is The American Heart Association. Here is the schedule of the dunk tank: 6:00-6:15 Rick Dindinger 6:15-6:30 Jeremy Bradshaw 6:30-7:00 John Brackney 7:00-7:30 Sheriff Grayson Robinson 7:30-7:45 Mayor Cathy Noon 7:45-8:00 Todd Miller 8:00-8:15 Keith Gardner 8:15-8:30 Richard Lewis

Hope to see you in Centennial tonight!

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Denver MLS Now Offering Limited Service

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:19:43 -0700

The Denver MLS is now allowing limited service to metro Denver agents, usually for a reduced fee. What does “limited service” mean? For a negotiated fee, an agent will enter a seller’s listing into the MLS--and that's it.

Does this practice really benefit the consumer? We have noticed that these listings often display data entry fields that are not correctly filled out, or have missing or inaccurate information. Under the broker's remarks, a buyer’s agent is advised to contact the homeowner directly to schedule an appointment, or to present any offers.

What does this mean to a Denver agent who is representing a client? The agent will do double the work for usually the same compensation as if the homeowner had full representation. Why should a buyer's agent be willing to do that? In most cases, they are not. Simply put, the home will not get shown.

Article 1 of the Realtor's Code of Ethics states that: "When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client." We do not believe that limited service, through merely entering a listing into the Denver MLS, is ever going to be in the best interest of the homeowner - period. In addition, the Realtor’s Code of Ethics suggests, through Article 11, that residential REALTORS must provide their clients and customers with services that are reasonably expected.

We truly believe that the only way we can fully protect our Denver clients’ best interests is through full-service and by strictly adhering to the Realtor Code of Ethics that has served us so well since 1913. For information on selling your Denver home, please contact TeamCox Realtors – Denver real estate specialists – at 303-400-6060. We not only will enter your home into the MLS, we will work tirelessly to market it and sell it.

Highlands Ranch Named Among “Best Places to Live”

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:02:13 -0700

Money’s annual “Best Places to Live” is out. Drum roll please… Fort Collins – ranked #6 - traditionally does very well in this report, but we are glad to see that a community a little closer to home is also on the list. Highlands Ranch is ranked as the country’s twelfth “Best Place to Live,” along with several Denver-area cities including: Arvada (58) Broomfield (19), and Loveland (33).

What is so appealing about Highlands Ranch, Colorado? The list is endless. Let’s start with 8,100 acres of open space and its top-notch recreational facilities that make Highlands Ranch a recreational enthusiast’s dream. It is also part of the well-regarded Douglas County School District, which is appealing to families with children. Highlands Ranch also boasts panoramic mountain views, beautiful natural scenery, and an ideal location that is close to the business centers in downtown Denver and the Denver Tech Center.

The Highlands Ranch real estate market has weathered the downturn very well with its home prices remaining steady throughout the past few years. This is always a sign of a solid, appealing community, indicating that a Highlands Ranch home is a solid investment to anyone looking to build real estate equity in the future.

TeamCox Realtors has helped numerous families settle into Highlands Ranch from many different parts of the country. They have all been happy with their decision, and have found a strong sense of community in Highlands Ranch.

For more information on living in Highlands Ranch, please contact TeamCox Realtors - Denver real estate specialists - at 303-400-6060. Congratulations to Highlands Ranch!

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Douglas County Boasts Highest Wage Increase in the Country

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 23:17:34 -0700

It appears that Douglas County, Colorado – home to Castle Rock, Parker, and Highlands Ranch - has weathered the recession quite well. According to a recent article in the Denver Business Journal, the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reported last week that Douglas County had the highest increase in average weekly wages in the country this year, posting a 26.6 percent year-over-year gain of $244.The U.S. average was a mere 2.5 percent gain. The average weekly gain in Colorado was 3.5 percent.

Douglas County is anchored by numerous strong companies that are located throughout the Denver Tech Center, along with Downtown Denver. This is obviously great news for the Douglas County real estate market.

For information on Douglas County real estate, please contact TeamCox Realtors at 303-400-6060.

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Child Safety Alert in Parker, Colorado

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:43:38 -0700

There has been much talk in Parker, Colorado this week, regarding a suspicious person driving a green van approaching young children. While this sort of occurrence is extremely rare, especially in low-crime areas like Parker, Colorado, it serves as a reminder to all of us that we need to talk to children about safety, and about what to do if they are ever in this situation. This is especially important during the summer months when everyone is outdoors.

Parker is an extremely safe place to live with a very low crime rate, but it never hurts to have a reminder to talk to your children about their safety. If you live in the Parker area, please pass this information onto your contacts. Please stay safe this summer!

Press Release from the Parker Police Department

Denver High Schools Ranked Among Newsweek's "America's Best High Schools"

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 20:54:53 -0700

Several Denver-area high schools were ranked among Newsweek’s “America's Best High Schools” this month. The 1,623 high schools that were selected ranked in the top six percent of all U.S. high schools, based on the total number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or Cambridge (AICE) tests given at a school each year and divide by the number of seniors graduating in May or June. Congratulations to the following top-notch Colorado high schools that made this prestigious list (the Denver-area schools appear in the order they were ranked):

Peak to Peak Charter School (Lafayette) – 35
Niwot High School (Niwot) – 180
Fairview High School (Boulder) – 201
Lakewood High School (Lakewood) - 229
Boulder High School (Boulder) - 319
Cherry Creek High School (Greenwood Village) – 322
Evergreen High School (Evergreen) – 374
East High School (Denver) – 501
Conifer High School (Conifer) - 514
Grandview High School (Aurora) – 604
D’Evelyn High School (Denver) – 663
Littleton High School (Littleton) – 738
Douglas County High School (Castle Rock) – 758
Eaglecrest High School (Aurora) – 779
Heritage High School (Littleton) – 798
Legacy High School (Broomfield) - 838
Highlands Ranch High School (Highlands Ranch) – 847
Thornton High School (Thornton) – 1228
Overland High School (Aurora) – 1307
Denver School of Science and Technology (Denver) – 1433

For more information on Denver-area schools, please contact TeamCox Realtors – your Denver real estate specialists – at 303-400-6060.

Denver Restaurants - Kids Eat Free!

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:27:23 -0700

Our friends at Land Title have compiled a list of restaurants where kids eat free with a paying adult. There are many restaurants offering this promotion, including Chick-fil-a (Parker) on Tuesday nights, Woody’s Pizza (Denver) on Wednesdays, Champps (Littleton and Lone Tree) on Tuesdays, Johnny Carrino’s (Parker) on Tuesdays, Applebee’s (Castle Rock) on Wednesdays, Fazoli’s (Aurora and Arvada) on Tuesdays, Broadway Lounge (Highlands Ranch), and many more! Bon Appétit!

Please Click Here to See the Entire List of Denver Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free!

Denver Buyers Need the Proposed Tax Credit Extension

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 23:23:31 -0700

For those of us with first-time buyers closing on or before June 30, 2010, tension is mounting as to whether or not 1) the deal will close on time, or 2) the closing deadline will be extended to September 30, 2010. An initial proposal did pass the Senate last week that would give buyers until Sept. 30th to close on sales that went under contract by April 30th. The current closing deadline is June 30th. This is part of many tax policy extensions and federal program renewals under consideration in the Senate. The measure would also have to pass in the House, so please contact your Representatives and urge them to pass this important legislation.

For information on Denver real estate, please contact TeamCox Realtors at 303-400-6060.

2010 Denver Farmers' Markets

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 22:43:45 -0700

2010 Denver Farmers' Markets

It is hard to imagine a better way to celebrate summer in Denver than a trip to a local farmer’s market. The smell of fresh fruit and vegetables, combined with other goodies makes farmers' markets one of the best treats of summer. TeamCox Realtors - Denver real estate specialists - has compiled a list of just a few of the irresistible markets to be found in and around the Denver metropolitan area. Bon Apetite!

CHERRY CREEK FRESH MARKET
This is the largest Farmer’s Market in Denver and a true delight to visit and sample its goods.
Location: Cherry Creek Shopping Center at First and University in Denver.
Saturdays (May-October) from 8:00pm – 1:00pm
Wednesdays (June-September) from 9:00 am – 1:00pm

CITY PARK ESPLANADE FRESH MARKET
Location: E. Colfax Ave. & Columbine St. Denver.
Sundays (May-October) from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

HIGHLANDS RANCH FARMERS' MARKET
Location: Highlands Ranch Town Center Square.
9288 Dorchester St Sundays (May-October) from 10:00am-2:00 pm

PARKER FARMERS' MARKET
Location: Main Street Center in Parker.
Sundays (May-October) from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

LITTLETON FARMERS' MARKET
Location: Aspen Grove Lifestyle Center at 7301 S. Santa Fe Dr.
Wednesdays (June-October) from 11:00am-3:00 pm

SOUTHLANDS FARMERS' MARKET
This market has everything from baked goods to homemade tortillas to handmade goods.
Location: Southlands’ Town Square in Aurora.
Saturdays (May-October) from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

STAPLETON FARMERS' MARKET
Location: E. 29th Ave. & Roslyn St. Sundays (June-October)
May 16 – Oct 31, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm

Curb Appeal is Everything in the Denver Real Estate Market

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 13:26:51 -0700

DOORS, DOORS AND MORE DOORS!

We see lots of doors in the course of showing Denver homes every week!

Are you contemplating listing your home for sale in the Denver real estate market? Regardless if you own a home in Denver, Parker, or Piney Creek, there are lots of homes currently for sale, so buyers have every right to be selective. If the buyer is not immediately engaged from the front door, he or she may ask the agent not to even go into the home. If your home does not strike the right cord from the curb, buyer may never go inside the home and it may be perfect!

There it is again, curb appeal. Your mom told you: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression“. This is so true with front doors! Staging begins on the front porch. Your front entryway should be spotlessly clean with a fresh door mat and potted flowers. The doorbell must also work. If the glass in the door is scratched, replace it. It all begins with the front porch and the welcoming message that it sends to prospective buyers.

For more advice on getting your Denver home ready to sell, please contact TeamCox Realtors – Denver real estate specialists - at 303-400-6060

Denver Short Sales Decrease from Last Year

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Tue, 25 May 2010 16:54:19 -0700

The Denver Business Journal reported this week that Denver short sales dropped 18 percent from first quarter of 2009 to first quarter of 2010. This news is a bit concerning since Colorado has the 10th highest foreclosure rate in the country - one in every 337 households. Short sales are down in all Denver-area counties, including in Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson counties. This makes us wonder if distressed Denver homeowners are getting the help they need before turning to foreclosure?

A Denver short sale is a great alternative to a foreclosure for many reasons, including if a homeowner successfully negotiates and closes a short sale, he or she will be eligible for a Fannie Mae backed mortgage after only two years versus five years after a foreclosure. After a foreclosure, a homeowner’s credit score might be lowered 250 to over 300 points, and it will typically affect the score for over three years. In contrast, with a short sale, only late payments on mortgage payments will show on a credit report after the sale and the mortgage will be reported as paid or negotiated. This will lower the score as little as 50 points if all other payments are made. A short sale’s affect can be as brief as 12 to 18 months.

According to the Denver Business Journal article, Re/Max expects to see more short sales for all of 2010 than in 2009 as more sellers become aware of the process, and new government guidelines make short sales easier.

If you are a distressed homeowner in the Denver area, please contact TeamCox Realtors at 303-400-6060 for assistance. We are Certified Distressed Property Experts, or CDPEs, trained to help homeowners avoid foreclosure in Denver. There are many options to explore before going through a harrowing foreclosure, including loan modification, short sales, and many more. We are here to help, so please give us a call at the first sign of trouble paying your mortgage.

Denver Short Sales

Avoid Foreclosure in Denver

Reuter-Hess Reservoir Update

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Sun, 23 May 2010 21:50:01 -0700

It seems like we’ve all been waiting for years for Parker’s new reservoir – Reuter Hess – to open. Well, we have since construction started in 2008. TeamCox Realtors did a little research on the status of Douglas County’s grandiose new reservoir’s construction to keep everyone updated. The reservoir will eventually hold drinking water for Castle Rock, Parker, Castle Pines North and other local municipalities.

According to the Parker Water and Sanitation District, The State Engineers Office of Dam Safety approved a request in February allowing the first water to be stored in Reuter-Hess. The approval allows for a depth of 43 feet of water, or 5,000 acre-feet of water to be stored. The construction of the dam will not be completed until February 2012.

In other Reuter-Hess news, the Town of Castle Rock is hosting a four-stop bus tour of the reservoir on Saturday, June 12th from 9-12am. The free tour will provide residents with information on Castle Rock’s involvement in the project and about Castle Rock’s broader long-term water goals. Light refreshments will be served, and attendees will receive a memento to help remind them to conserve water. Contact crichards@CRgov.com or 720-733-6002 to secure a space on the bus or to ask questions about the tour.

For information on how Reuter-Hess will affect the Parker real estate market, please contact TeamCox Realtors at 303-400-6060.

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71st Senior PGA Championship Coming to Parker

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Tue, 18 May 2010 17:15:44 -0700

One of the biggest events in Parker, Colorado’s history is coming in less than two weeks. This is a national event that will attract extensive television coverage. What is it, you ask?

The 71st Senior PGA Championship will be played at south Parker’s Colorado Golf Club from May 25-30. Some of golf’s biggest names are coming to Parker for the event, including Fred Couples, Bernhard Langer, Tom Lehman, and John Cook.

When you think of golf in Douglas County, Castle Pines Village might come to mind, but not Parker - until now. The Colorado Golf Club is one of Douglas County’s best kept secrets – the 7404-yard, par-72 court is suitable for golf’s highest skill level. The course is simply beautiful, designed with early 20th century golf club architecture in mind. It weaves along hillsides and offers breathtaking mountain views. The exclusive, invitation-only club is limited to 377 members.

The Colorado Golf Club is also home to an enclave of beautiful high-end homes that start around $2 million. Tickets to the tournament are on sale now. Colorado Golf Club is located near the intersection at Parker Rd (Highway 83) and Stroh Road.

For more information on Parker real estate, or regarding high-end homes in Parker, please contact TeamCox Realtors at 303-400-6060. For those of you who will be attending the tournament, have a great time!

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Lucky to Live in Piney Creek!

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Wed, 12 May 2010 22:46:27 -0700

Lucky to Live in Piney Creek

Isn’t spring wonderful? It’s truly refreshing to emerge from a long winter to see a green lawn, have outdoor family time, and to visit with neighbors who we haven’t seen in months. We are simply enjoying the things that attracted us to Piney Creek in the first place. As we drive in and out of our neighborhood every day, it’s easy to take our great community for granted. As real estate agents, we are constantly driving our buyers throughout the Denver area, and we are constantly reminded that Piney Creek fares very well compared to other communities. It has very special amenities that set it apart from other areas, including great schools. Very few communities have an elementary, a middle school and a high school all clustered within a half square mile. This can be very important to a family’s busy schedule. Of course, Indian Ridge Elementary, Laredo Middle School and Smoky Hill High School also have excellent reputations that are unparalleled in the Denver area. In addition to its great school system, Piney Creek exudes a sense of community that makes up its essence. When someone asks us where we live, we always answer with pride.

Piney Creek Real Estate

The burning question on every Piney Creek homeowner’s mind right now is what will it take to get a home sold? The answer is simple. Traditional real estate principals will drive the Piney Creek real estate market this spring and summer – location, price and condition. While professionally staged homes are attracting the best offers in the shortest period of time, a competitively-priced, well-presented home will also win over buyers. If the seller’s home is located near good schools (like Piney Creek), it’s another huge plus. If you would like ideas for low or no-cost improvements that you can accomplish to make your home more saleable, I am an Accredited Staging Professional, and would be happy to offer you suggestions to maximize the return on your investment. A few simple improvements can bring in better offers in a shorter amount of time.

For information on selling your home, please contact TeamCox Realtors – Your Piney Creek real estate specialists – at 303-400-6060.

City of Aurora Offers Xeriscape Landscaping Program

Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) — Mon, 10 May 2010 21:15:56 -0700

Have you been looking at your newly-turned-on sprinklers and seeing dollar bills spraying out of them? We’ve got some good news for you!

The City of Aurora is sponsoring a program that offers financial incentives to Aurora residents who commit to Xeriscape landscaping. The program – aimed at incentivizing its residents to conserve water – will provide rebates of up to $1.00 per square foot for turf grass that is replaced with low-water-use plant material. Aurora has $250,000 per year allocated to the program and about 25 percent of this year’s budget has already been doled out. Aurora’s water-conservation department also offers 20 classes each year, designed to help inform residents about Xeriscaping in Colorado.

For information on how landscaping affects your home’s value, please contact TeamCox Realtors – Denver real estate specialists – at 303-400-6060.

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