HONK HONK Are We There Yet? - 05/31/12 10:54 AM
 
Are We There Yet?
 
My office at Marina Square in the Denver Tech Center has a nice park like area behind the building where the geese love to hang out.  I was out there this morning feeding the geese and watching them with their families.  After enjoying a mid-morning snack, they all jumped in to the stream for a quick swim. 
 
The baby at the back of the line seemed to be saying “Hey, are we there yet?” 
 
Reminds me of the family vacations I used to go on and hounding my dad to know … (13 comments)

Incredible Ranch Style Home in Perry Park - 05/30/12 04:30 PM
 
Incredible Ranch Style Home in Perry Park
 
This beautiful ranch style home in Perry Park was just listed by Will Hamm and Belinda Spillman.

Location: 6575 Perry Park Blvd., Larkspur, CO 80118
 
Price: $798,000
 
Square feet:  5,289
Finished Square Feet:  7,398
Lot Size: 37,461 square feet
Bedrooms: 5 bedrooms plus a study
Bathrooms:  5 bathrooms
Furnaces: 4  H20 Heaters: 3
Central Air Conditioning Systems: 2
Gas Log Fireplaces: 3
 
 
This incredible home has a finished basement with a complete mother-in-law apartment.  That’s a full kitchen, laundry, bathroom, bedroom and living room in the basement … (6 comments)

Should I Buy Directly From the Listing Agent? - 05/30/12 07:35 AM
 
Should I Buy Directly From the Listing Agent?
 
Many buyers look for homes on their own by driving around town or looking on the internet.  When they find homes they like, they call the listing agent to schedule a showing.  I have received these calls many times as a listing agent. 
 
It seems that many buyers are under the impression that they will save money if they do not have a buyer’s agent and buy directly from the listing agent.  Most of the time, this is not the case.
 
There are some listing agents who offer … (10 comments)

Should I let my home go to foreclosure sale? - 05/29/12 07:03 AM
 
Should I let my home go to foreclosure sale?
 
Owning a home is the American Dream right? Right! Well, it is a great accomplishment to buy a home of your very own, so when trouble hits and you are faced with losing your home it can be a very stressful situation. These days there is a silver lining; banks across the country are offering programs for homeowners which are designed to help them get back on their feet.
 
There are a few things to consider before you decide to let your home go to foreclosure sale.
 
… (14 comments)

Why Would I Ever Offer Full Price on a Home? - 05/28/12 09:12 AM
 
Why Would I Ever Offer Full Price on a Home?
 
I hear that question from buyers ALL THE TIME.  A few years ago, it was common practice to go in much lower than listing price when placing an offer on a home.  Not anymore!
 
In the Denver Metro Area, Colorado, the real estate market is buzzing!  Inventory of affordable homes is still way down and buyers are searching for that perfect home.  Interest rates are so low, more and more buyers are getting off the fence and shopping for their dream home. 
 
The under $300k price … (9 comments)

What can I do if I am behind on my mortgage payments or if I cannot afford the payments anymore? - 05/28/12 02:05 AM
 
What can I do if I am behind on my mortgage payments or if I cannot afford the payments anymore?
 
 
First things first, pick up the phone and reach out to your lien holder. Almost all of the banks and servicers across the country offer workout options for their borrowers to get back on track.
 
A few options that can help:
 
1.)  Loan modification (HAMP or a servicer “in house” mod) – this is a program where usually your past due interest and payments will be rolled into your loan and the bank will underwrite … (4 comments)

Should My Realtor Attend My Inspection? - 05/27/12 05:25 AM
 
Should My Realtor Attend My Inspection?
 
A few years ago, it was common practice in Colorado for the Buyer's Realtor to attend the home inspection with their buyers.  Now days, the thought process has shifted somewhat.
 
The Realtor should meet the inspector and home buyer at the home to give them access to the home.  Once they are in and ready to go, the Realtor should excuse themselves and let the inspector and buyer go through the property.  At the end of the inspection, the Realtor can go back to the property and make sure the property is locked … (17 comments)

Can I Have my Husband’s Cousin’s Brother-in-law Do My Inspection? - 05/26/12 10:15 AM
 
Can I Have my Husband’s Cousin’s Brother-in-law Do My Inspection?
 
Working with home buyers, I frequently get asked about the home inspection and who can perform it.  I always recommend three home inspection companies that I have worked with in the past.  Sometimes, the buyer wants to save money and asks if they can have someone (a non-home inspector) perform the inspection for them.  They are awful handy after all……
 
The buyer can have anyone do their home inspection for them or they can waive their right to a home inspection altogether.  Is it a good idea?  Absolutely … (32 comments)

What Can I Expect A BUYER to Find in an Inspection - 05/26/12 08:48 AM
What Can I Expect A BUYER to Find in an Inspection
 
Many times, when I am working with sellers, they ask me what type of items a buyer might find in an inspection of their home.  I try to prepare my sellers and go over some of the basic maintenance items with them before their home goes under contract. 
 
Here are some suggestions for sellers of items to take a hard look at prior to getting an offer and going under contract:
 
Make sure carbon monoxide detectors are installed within 15 feet of each bedroom.
Have your … (4 comments)

Open House Sat. May 26th 5577 S. Buchanan St Aurora - 05/25/12 07:35 AM
 
Open House Sat. May 26th 5577 S. Buchanan St Aurora
 
Staying in town this weekend?  Come out to an open house at 5577 S. Buchanan St., Aurora, CO 80016 in Sorrel Ranch.  This home will be open on Saturday from 11:00 until 3:00.

Offered at $300,000
 
This two story home was built in 2005 and has all the finishing touches you could ever want. 
 
The basement Is completely finished with a family room, wet bar, bathroom and huge bonus room.
 
The backyard has been nicely finished with stamped concrete, built in barbecue and built … (5 comments)

Do You Reach Out and Touch Your Sphere of Influence - 05/24/12 08:30 AM
 
Do You Reach Out and Touch Your Sphere of Influence
 
My business partner, Will and I just started using a new company last month for a monthly mailing program to our sphere of influence.  Each month we are sending a jumbo postcard to our friends and past clients with a Colorado specific theme.  This month we are sending out the local farmer’s markets.
 
Last month we sent out local dog parks.  We already had two phone calls off of the mailer from last month and one listing appointment.  The cost for each postcard is .67 including postage.  They … (19 comments)

Sunrise On The Chesapeake Bay- Annapolis Photos - 05/23/12 05:38 PM
Martha Brown posted an absolutely beautiful picture of Chesapeake Bay a few days ago.  I thought this one was worth re-blogging so the beauty will live on.  It is breath taking indeed. 
Stop by and let Martha know that you love her photo and to keep em coming. 
Via Martha Brown Homes & News Around Annapolis (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc):
  ************************************************************************************** Annapolis Area Real Estate   Make the Move with Martha   Call 410-440-7839 or 800-735-5122 martha@HomesAroundAnnapolis.comMartha Brown CRSLong & Foster Real Estate, IncYour Certified Residential Specialist for Annapolis Area Home Sales or Purchases                               Lets House Hunt    Visit … (2 comments)

Spring Flowers in the Rain - 05/23/12 05:27 PM
Roy Kelley is one of my all time favorite Rainmakers.  How can you not love a man who brings you flowers everyday.  His photography is absolutely amazing.  I love how he captured the rain drops on the delicate petals of these beautiful flowers.
Thank you Roy for always brightening up my days!
 
Via Roy Kelley, Montgomery County, MD Homes For Sale (Roy Kelley and RE/MAX Realty Group):
Spring Flowers in the Rain
Those of us that enjoy flower photography have our favorite times for taking the best pictures.  We love the morning light for flower photographs and prefer cloudy days that have … (2 comments)

They both wanted views, but that's where it ended. - 05/23/12 05:25 PM
Jon brought up a great point in his blog.  We need to identify the decision maker first and foremost and find out what is most important to them.  As a Realtor, I sometimes feel like my minor in psychology comes in very handy.  As long as everyone is happy in the end, that is all that matters.
Via Jon Eliason ~ Pagosa Brokers REALTOR® (Pagosa Brokers, LLC Pagosa Springs, Colorado):
When showing properties to folks, I always try to hear what is being said and not said.
Most of the time, there are commonalities between spouses that seem to fit, or compliment, each … (0 comments)

What do you wear to the closing table? - 05/23/12 05:22 PM
My business partner Will, brought up a great topic here today.  We should all take a second look in the mirror before we leave home to meet with clients or go to closings.  Look successful and you will be successful!!!  Of course, I don't miss an opportunity to wear jeans on non-client days.
 
Via Will Hamm Real Estate in Colorado (Cornerstone Homes Realty/Metro Brokers):
What do you wear to the closing table?
I was at a closing at 9:00 this morning and it got me thinking about how I used to dress for closings.  It was always a suit and tie 15 … (6 comments)

What Will The Holiday Weekend Bring For Real Estate - 05/23/12 10:28 AM
 
What Will The Holiday Weekend Bring For Real Estate
 
 
 
This weekend is Memorial weekend and many folks will enjoy a three day weekend.  It is always hard to predict what level of activity we will see in real estate over a holiday weekend.  In Colorado, the avid campers make their way up to the mountains to pitch tents in the crisp mountain air.  Others may plan a quick three day trip somewhere to kick off the summer season.  And some will remember those who served our country and layed down their lives for our freedom.
 
 
… (7 comments)

Be Sure Your Buyers Are Serious Before Writing an Offer - 05/22/12 06:59 AM
 
Be Sure Your Buyers Are Serious Before Writing an Offer
 
In the past two weeks, I have had three agents tell me that their buyers have changed their mind about buying my listings after they have an executed contract. 
 
This is so frustrating for all parties involved.  It is a lot of work for the buyer’s agent to get the buyer to a position where they want to write an offer, not to mention actually putting together a contract and presenting it to the listing agent.  As the listing agent, it is equally as time consuming calculating … (19 comments)

Rocky Loves Pine Cones - 05/21/12 10:22 AM
 
My two year old golden retriever, Rocky has quite a personality.  He is very strong willed and knows what he wants and goes after it.
 
For some reason, he has an addiction to pine cones.  I know they aren’t good for him and try to keep them picked up in the backyard, but he always manages to find one or two.  Trying to get a prickly pine cone out of his jaws is almost impossible.  He is always so proud of himself when he finds one.  I try to sneak up on him and grab it, but he runs … (9 comments)

New Listing in Lakewood Estates/Charterwood - 05/21/12 09:20 AM
 
New Listing in Lakewood Estates/Charterwood
 
2310 S. Gray Street, Lakewood, CO 80227
 
Offered at $265,000
 
This great tri-level home has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms with 2,500 finished square feet.

 
 
This home is very light and bright and offers a formal living room and dining room plus a family room with a wood burning fireplace.  The basement is finished and has a large bonus room, bathroom and wet bar. 
 
The backyard is very private and has an apple and plum tree.  Lakewood Estates at Charterwood is a very quiet neighborhood with great … (6 comments)

Beacon Point – Just Sold – Lennar Aspen - 05/20/12 09:30 AM
 
Beacon Point – Just Sold – Lennar Aspen
Located at 25701 E Orchard Drive, Aurora, CO 80016 this Brand new Lennar Aspen model home just SOLD for $509,000. 
This great two story home offers 5 bedroom and 4 bathrooms and a 3 car garage. The gourmet kitchen comes with stainless appliances and granite slab counters.
 
The formal dining room has an adjacent butler’s pantry for easy meal serving. The large open family room is the perfect place to relax at the end of the day in front of your gas log fireplace. The 5th bedroom is on … (2 comments)

Inventory Homes Available at Beacon Point by Lennar – Colorado Series - 05/20/12 08:54 AM
 
Inventory Homes Available at Beacon Point by Lennar – Colorado Series
 
There are some great homes available at Beacon Point in Aurora Colorado.  Lennar Homes has 5 homes ready for purchase in their Colorado series. 
 
25801 E. Orchard Dr., Aurora, CO 80016
Breckenridge – two story home with 3,200 square feet and a 3 car garage.  This house is offered at $475,100 and will be ready to call home in October.
 
25741 E. Orchard Dr., Aurora, CO 80016
Breckenridge – two story home with 3,200 square feet and a 3 car garage.  This house is offered … (0 comments)

Inventory Homes Available at Beacon Point by Lennar – Heartland Series - 05/20/12 08:44 AM
 
Inventory Homes Available at Beacon Point by Lennar – Heartland Series
 
There are some great homes available at Beacon Point in Aurora Colorado.  Lennar Homes has 5 homes ready for purchase. 
 
5941 S. Little River, Aurora, CO 80016
Lancaster – ranch style home with 2,133 square feet and a 3 car garage.  This house is offered at $352,450 and will be ready to call home in August.
 
5931 S. Little River, Aurora, CO 80016
Pennington – 2 story plan with 2,448 square feet and a 3 car garage.  This house is offered at $364,300 and will … (0 comments)

Great Lots Available at Southshore by Pulte - 05/19/12 08:22 AM
 
Great Lots Available at Southshore by Pulte
 
Pulte Homes in Southshore builds some fabulous homes and they currently have three exceptional lots available to build on.
 
27255 E. Lakeview Place, Aurora, CO 80016
 
This is a huge lot measuring 25,568 sq. feet.  It is slated for the Huntington two story home with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths.  The lot premium for this site is only $25,000.
 
27433 E. Euclid Drive, Aurora, CO 80016
 
This wonderful lot has views of the Rocky Mountains and the Aurora Reservoir.  This lot measures 9,746 sq. feet and is … (6 comments)

A Little Summer Snap of Color - 05/18/12 09:38 PM
 
A Little Summer Snap of Color
 
I love spring/summer when the flowers are blooming and the sun is shining.  You might ask yourself why I live in Colorado if I am such a sun worshiper.  I ask myself the same question every January. 
 
I do love the first snowfall of the season and the fact that we actually have seasons.  By late March, I am ready for the ground to warm up and the flowers to bloom and the birds to chirp. 
 
The weather has been totally awesome in Colorado lately and I am taking … (14 comments)

From Foundation to Finish in 45 Days - 05/18/12 07:46 AM
 
From Foundation to Finish in 45 Days
 
I wrote a contract for a client the end of March for a new home.  We asked the builder if we could close by May 15th and they said yes.  I didn’t believe it for a second because the home was merely a foundation as of March 31st. 
 
Journey Homes offers some very affordable brand new homes in Firestone, Colorado and my clients were of so thrilled to buy the Saratoga floorplan with 1784 square feet. 
 
As the days passed, I still had my doubts that the home … (5 comments)

A Lupine All Pretty in Pink - 05/17/12 08:22 AM
Pretty in Pink – Lupine
 
It seems that blooming season has finally arrived in Colorado.  One of my favorite flowers to enjoy each year is the Lupine.  They don’t bloom very long, but when they do, they are fabulous. 
 
I have a couple of these plants in my back yard and I am always so amazed at their beauty.
 
This pink one is almost in full bloom.  Now if I can just keep Rocky, my 2 year old golden retriever from biting its bloom off, I should be able to enjoy this for at least a week.  … (18 comments)

Buyers, Sellers and So Much More - 05/14/12 04:29 PM
Buyers, Sellers and So Much More
As a Realtor in Colorado, I find that each day is new and different with the possibilities of new and lasting relationships.  Yes we work for our clients whether they are buyers or sellers, but we also form bonding relationships along the way.  I admit, there are some clients that I am very happy to be done with, but most of them are so dear to me I just hate to have them out of my life.

Buying and selling real estate is a joint effort and we communicate so very much with our … (8 comments)

New Listing in Southshore – Former Model Home - 05/10/12 05:24 AM
 
New Listing in Southshore – Former Model Home
Absolutely gorgeous former Capital Pacific model home in Southshore, Aurora, Colorado.
 
6988 S. Riverwood Way, Aurora, CO 80016
 
Offered at $398,000

This wonderful ranch style home features 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a finished walk-out basement. This perfectly situated lot backs open space. 
 
The gourmet kitchen features granite slab counters, rubbed bronze hardware and stainless appliances.  You will love the hand scraped hardwood floors with inlayed tile. 

The ample master suite has a beautiful bathroom with stunning tile work around the tub and sinks. 
… (8 comments)

An Afternoon Snack For Our Feathered Friends - 05/09/12 08:38 AM
 
An Afternoon Snack For Our Feathered Friends
 
I was in my office late yesterday afternoon with my business partner, Will and when we looked out our window, we saw the local family of geese right outside our window.
 
The babies are about a week old (we think) and they are just as cute as can be.
 
I bought some food from Murdocks which I had taken out to the square earlier in the day.  Apparently, the geese saw which way I went because they were outside our window looking for more.  Sadly, there were 3 baby geese … (8 comments)

Wouldn’t You Call The Listing Agent if You Were Sending Over an Offer? - 05/08/12 07:27 AM
 
Wouldn’t You Call The Listing Agent if You Were Sending Over an Offer?
 
Some things just boggle my mind in real estate.  I had an agent email an offer to me on a very popular property we have listed.  He didn’t call to notify me of the offer.  He just emailed it.  What if it had gone to my junk mail folder and I never saw the offer?  Wouldn’t that be a shame?
I was currently working with an agent on another offer for this property and preparing a counter proposal.  Luckily the offer came to my iPhone and … (12 comments)

Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down - 05/07/12 05:05 PM
 
Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down
 
It has been steadily raining in Denver, Colorado for about 24 hours now.  We needed the rain badly as our snowfall for the month of March was dismal.  It is funny how the weather affects the moods of everyone. 
 
In my office today, people were grumpy and the smiles were gone.  Half the offices were empty as if the Realtors decided to take the day off and stay home in their jammies and slippers.  Will and I went to a local pizza place for lunch which is usually packed.  … (8 comments)

Poppies in All Their Bright Glory - 05/06/12 11:18 AM
Poppies in All Their Bright Glory
 
I was presenting an offer to one of our sellers yesterday and when I walked up his front sidewalk, I noticed that all of his poppies were in full bloom for all the world to see.  This made me think that my day was going to be bright and colorful. 
 
It was a very full day of real estate.  I started at 9:00 am and didn’t get home until 5:00 pm.  It was a productive day as we listed two homes and hopefully have one under contract.
 
Hope you enjoy the … (9 comments)

New Listing in Stone Ridge Park – Aurora Colorado - 05/06/12 11:10 AM
 
New Listing in Stone Ridge Park – Aurora Colorado
 
Just listed in Stone Ridge Park
 
18835 E. Utah Circle, Aurora, CO 80017
 
Offered at $159,800

 
 
This great tri-level offers 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms all for under $160,000.  This home sits on a nice lot with beautiful landscaping and a private backyard.
 
The kitchen has all been updated with new flooring, new counters and all new appliances.  You will also appreciate the newer roof, furnace and central air conditioning.  All of the windows have been replaced with double hung windows which make … (1 comments)

New Listing in Beacon Point – Aspen Model by Lennar - 05/06/12 10:44 AM
 
New Listing in Beacon Point – Aspen Model by Lennar
 
Just listed in Beacon Point
 
25982 E. Orchard Drive, Aurora, CO 80016
 
Offered at $509,600

 
 
This wonderful two story in the popular Beacon Point neighborhood will be ready to call home by September 2012.  The Aspen is Lennar largest home and it offers 3,990 square feet plus a full open basement.  There are 4 bedrooms upstairs with 3 full baths plus a 5th bedroom and full bath on the main level. 
 
This home will have cherry cabinets, granite slab counters, walnut hardwood … (4 comments)

What Happens When My House Doesn’t Appraise - 05/04/12 08:59 AM
What Happens When My House Doesn’t Appraise
 
The real estate market in the Denver, Colorado area seems to be shifting to a seller’s market with the shortage of homes and the increase in buyers.
 
This is great news for sellers, but it doesn’t mean you should over price your listing. 
 
The real estate market is all the news right now in Denver.  This has caused many sellers to have a false sense of worth of their homes.  They argue that inventory is low so why should they “give their house away”. 
 
We always advise our … (18 comments)

Beautiful Blooms From a Cactus - 05/03/12 08:16 AM
 
Beautiful Blooms From a Cactus
 
It is rare that I would think of a cactus as a beautiful blooming plant. 
 
While my husband and I were sight-seeing in Madrid, New Mexico, we came across a beautiful cactus in full bloom.
 
Since we don’t have many cactus growing in Colorado, I have never seen anything like this.  At first I thought it was not a real plant.  As we got closer, I saw that it was just Mother Nature showing off again. 
 
I’m sure if I tried to grow this at home, I would quickly … (11 comments)

How Do you Get Government to Listen to Traffic Concerns - 05/02/12 01:05 PM
 
There is a section of road that I travel coming to and from work on Arapahoe Road between Waco Street and Himalaya. It is not clear who is responsible for this piece of road because it borders the City of Centennial, the City of Aurora and Arapahoe County. 

 
 
The traffic going through this section is an absolute nightmare.  Three lanes of traffic funnel into one lane in each direction.  These days it seems that all the drivers are racing up trying to fit through the mouth of the bottle before the other cars in line.  This … (6 comments)

An Alien From the Planet Twine in Madrid New Mexico - 05/02/12 06:40 AM
An Alien From the Planet Twine in Madrid New Mexico
 
As my husband and I were walking along the main drag in Madrid, New Mexico, we came across an interesting character in the space next to Madrid Textiles. 
 
To me it looked like an alien from a Twine Planet.  I’m sure the artisans at the textile company probably created him to draw interest to their quaint little store.
 
I thought this crazy creature needed a little exposure in the Rain so I decided to post a picture of him for all of you.

… (8 comments)

Every Once in a While, We get to Work With Great People - 05/01/12 06:55 PM
 
Every Once in a While, We get to Work With Great People
 
I am the buyer’s agent right now for a listing in Longmont.  The listing agent is Pat Kahler of Re/Max Traditions in Longmont, Colorado. 
 
From the start of this transaction, I have been so impressed with Pat.  She is responsive and so easy to work with.
 
In the past I have worked with agents who never seem to answer the phone and take forever to respond to emails.  Not Pat.  She is very prompt on everything.
 
I have also worked with agents who … (17 comments)

PRICE REDUCED in The Yacht Club in Arvada Colorado - 05/01/12 08:28 AM
 
PRICE REDUCED in The Yacht Club
 
The Yacht Club is a popular community adjacent to the Mayham Lake (Hidden Lake) in Arvada, Colorado.
 
This two story townhome is located at 6839 Zenobia St., Unit 2 and is offered at $179,950.  That is a price drop of over $6,000.
 
This home has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a finished basement with an extra family/bonus room.  There is also a two car attached garage.  The owners have just installed all NEW carpeting on the main floor. 

 
 
You will love the front patio this summer for planting … (3 comments)

A Little Swiss Cheese Along the Turquoise Trail - 05/01/12 07:32 AM
 
A Little Swiss Cheese Along the Turquoise Trail
 
As my husband and I made our way from Santa Fe to Madrid, New Mexico, we quickly noticed we were on the historic Turquoise Trail. 
 
We stopped at a scenic pullout and took some pictures of an area called “Garden of the Gods”.  The rock formations were amazing.  Somehow they reminded me of Swiss Cheese with all of their small holes in the side.
 
I’m sure the local animals and birds call this place home and absolutely love it.  What a great shelter for them. 

… (10 comments)

 

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