Savings - For Your Grocery Bill! - 05/31/10 10:17 AM
Many Realtors and affiliates in this industry has experienced a decrease in income over the past few years, and we all have had to find ways to make the dollar stretch!     Making a trip to the grocery store can be an avenue for savings!
Did you know each store has their own web site?    There are many coupons available.     You can go onto www.CVS.com and there is section just for coupons.    www.RiteAid.com   Check them out prior to shopping --- you can save many dollars!
If you do your weekly shopping at Safeway - if you have a Club Card, you can … (10 comments)

Holiday Weekend - Grill Time - 05/30/10 10:02 AM
Love to BBQ?    Like most people - summertime means grill time!    Consumer Reports just put their report on BBQ grills, which was very interesting!  
There were several that were in the $1000+ range, and some under $200.     The testers used T-Bone steaks and rated the grills on flare ups while turning the steaks and when they are done.     Interestingly, the $1000+ grills all had flare ups, and burning the steaks.
There were two grills that were high on the testers' lists for cooking.    Lowe's has a Grillmaster for $199 and WalMart had a Uniflame grill for $250 that they chose to be … (4 comments)

Graduation Parties - An Opportunity! - 05/30/10 09:33 AM
Yesterday I was fortunate enough to be invited to TWO graduation parties!   Past clients that I assisted in real estate purchases with kids that grew up way too fast.
Over the years, I have collected yearly pictures of the kids' school pictures, and have put them into "several" photo albums.     It is quite fun to look back and see the change over 10-15+ years ago, and today --- watching them graduate from high school, becoming adults!
Going to these parties, you run into the friends that you saw at the last invite --- rekindle past conversations, talk about vacations taken, and of course … (1 comments)

Denver Home Price - March 2010 - 05/26/10 12:22 PM
Per Case-Shiller's reports - March 2010 increased 4.1% over March 2009, which is the fifth consecutive month of rising home prices.
Since November 2009, home prices have increased ever so slightly across the City.   Last year, Denver was often one of the top three cities tracked by Case-Shiller, as far as year-over-year changes, being one of the nation's top metro areas for increases in home prices.
Denver's ranking for this nationwide survey was seventh place, with many California towns taking the top spots.    Denver has been known to be a relatively stable marketplace.     We do not have the "yo-yo effect" as California … (0 comments)

Denver University Price Reduction! - 05/25/10 10:38 AM
Just in time for the incoming students at Denver University just across the street!     This 4th floor condo has WONDERFUL views of the mountains and Colorado sunsets!     There is a gourmet kitchen with upgraded cabinets, slab granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.    There are two masters and 3 bathrooms, with a balcony for the BBQ grill and patio set, along with a gas line!     Three years new and absolutely ready to move in!     One underground parking and a storage unit, 1559 finished square feet!

This is a secure building for your kids to attend school!     Call today!
$579,000
See virtual … (1 comments)

Snow, Tornadoes & WIND! - 05/24/10 03:43 PM
Colorado is well known for wacky weather --- just wait an hour, and it will change!   Sure hope so --- we have wind gusts up to 65 mph and trees are being uprooted.    The good thing is - we have 76 degrees today, and full sun!   This has been the windiest season I remember!    I thought the "Windy City" was Chicago --- did we move?
Different story in Vail, where they have light snow, and visibility has been a problem off and on all day.     It is 34 degrees and still snowing!      Arapahoe Basin has great snow, and skiers are still … (1 comments)

Foreclosed Homes in Aurora to be Rebuilt - 05/24/10 12:22 PM
Some of the hardest hit homes in the housing crisis were in the zip codes of 80010 and 80011 in the metro Denver area.     It was announced on Sunday that eight foreclosed homes will be torn down and rebuilt over the next two years by Habitat for Humanity.
The home at 765 Joliet St. was built in the 50's, went into foreclosure in 2008 and has been vacant ever since.    Previous homeowners made illegal additions to the property, which made it unsafe and "blighted" per city and state definitions.
All eight of the targeted properties have similar standards with deferred maintenance, … (3 comments)

Neighborhood Garage Sales - 05/22/10 10:06 AM
Next weekend (Friday & Saturday), my neighborhood is holding the annual neighborhood garage sale!    This is a great way to advertise you are a Realtor.    I leave out my OPEN signs, and usually does bring up some questions, and possible buyers.
Take advantage of these times too!   You never know where your next buyer will come from!

… (0 comments)

Energy Savings - 05/22/10 09:06 AM
Our local electric company always sends an update with their bill, and usually has great ideas that are worthy of sharing!
1.  Your AC condenser works better at cooler temperatures, so give it some shade and you can save about 3% off your cooling costs.
2.  Seal & insulate heating and cooling ducts in attics, basements, crawl spaces or other unfinished areas of your home to increase overall efficiency.
3.  Install white window shades, drapes or blinds, which reflect the sun away from your home.   They also provide additional insulation to keep cool air in and give your AC a break.
… (5 comments)

Primitive Times - No Electricity - 05/21/10 09:19 AM
Ok, we are all spoiled!    When you walk into your walk-in closet, you ALWAYS turn the light on.   Except when the power is out!
Tuesday, the transformer that feeds my neighborhood caught fire, and fried the equipment.   This was at 11 am.    It briefly came back on, but then was out completely!    
I think each and every one of us forgets HOW much we rely on the electricity!    I had a closing, the figures came across, could not bring them up at home.    My hair was wet, but no blow dryer or curling iron!   The make up went on in the … (1 comments)

Bank of America Kudo - 05/20/10 09:39 AM
I know, this bank gets alot of grief probably on a daily basis --- but, I want to say THANK YOU!
My buyers (2nd home) fell in love with a loft in downtown Denver.    An unwarrantable condo building!   They put 25% down, and still could not find a lender that would do this loan!     Great credit!   Amazing!
Ross Barrett with Bank of America here in Denver got the transferred file, new appraisal, and got it closed in NINE business days, and figures were NOT delivered the hour before closing!
Kudos to Ross and his crew for a great job done!
 
… (5 comments)

Denver Union Station - 05/18/10 11:46 AM
The next phase of the Denver Union Station plan will be the underground regional bus terminal.    Currently it is Market Street Station.    This new station will span the width of 17th Street right-of-way and run to the historic Union Station, approximately 970 feet.    This new terminal will include 22 bus gates - 16 for regional RTD buses, 4 for the Downtown Circulator, and 2 for commercial carriers or for future expansion.
Greyhound had discussed moving to the new DUS bus terminal, but ultimately declined to participate in this project.   They will be looking elsewhere within the greater Downtown area for a … (1 comments)

Gas Prices in Denver - 05/18/10 09:24 AM
Gas prices decreased in Denver over the last week, but remain well over mid-February levels.   Monday's average price for regular-grade gas is $2.694, down 1.1 cents from the price a week ago, per AAA.
Regular gas in Denver cost $2.46 in mid-February, when prices started the slow climb.   As of Monday, mid-grade gas in Denver was $2.882 a gallon, down 1.1 cents from a week ago.
The highest price ever recorded for regular gas in Denver was $4.006 a gallon on July 17, 2008.    The nationwide regular gas average price is $2.867.
Colorado is among the top 10 states with the … (3 comments)

Colorado Lottery - Mega Millions - 05/18/10 09:18 AM
For those who play the lottery --- you can enjoy a new lottery game.    Mega Millions sales began Sunday in Colorado.    Lottery officials estimate the new game will generate about $60 million for the state in its first year.
Mega Millions has been in 35 states, and began in 1996 as the Big Game.    The record jackpot is $390 million, won in March 2007 by two players in New Jersey and Georgia.   Jackpots start at $12 million.     The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are one in 75.7 million.
Colorado has offered Powerball since 2001, and its jackpot begins at … (0 comments)

I-225 Interchange Construction - 05/18/10 08:45 AM
The intersection of I-225 and Colfax construction has begun!  April 6th there was a groundbreaking ceremony for the new interchange.    This new interchange shall make easier access for 40,000 employees, patients students and visitors commuting currently.
There are currently 16,000 employees employed at the camput currently, and expected to grow when the new Veterans Affairs hospital is completed. 
There will be two phases included in this interchange - widening of the southbound I-225 off ramp at Colfax Avenue and constructing the south half of the 17th Avenue bridge between I-225 and Fitzsimons Parkway.    Phase I is currently under construction and slated … (0 comments)

Douglas County School Budget Cuts - 05/18/10 07:18 AM
There is alot of controversy in Douglas County --- the school district is facing a $31M budget shortfall!     Douglas County has proposed a .50/ride/child for each child that needs to ride the bus to school, to offset some of this deficit.     So far there have been 30 bus routes eliminated from the schedule.
There is a public meeting this evening 5/18/10 7 pm at Cresthill Middle School.    This will be a first of many public meetings prior to any decisions made on this subject.
Joan Cox
Metro Brokers - House to Home, Inc.
Denver, CO  80237
720-231-6373
www.JoanCox.com
 
… (1 comments)

Wacky Spring Weather in Colorado - 05/17/10 07:22 PM
Here in Colorado we enjoy over 300 days of sunshine, but this time of year, it is off and on each day.    Just today we have 74 degrees in Denver, which is perfect for this time of year.
BUT, there is a winter storm warning for Rabbit Ears Pass near Steamboat and Vail Pass for 4-8" of snow, and Trinidad has possible tornadoes in the area.
The joys of being on the plains, but having mountains within minutes!   Gotta love it!
Joan Cox
Metro Brokers - House to Home, Inc.
Denver, CO   80237
720-231-6373
www.JoanCox.com
 
… (0 comments)

Habitat for Humanity - Denver - 05/17/10 04:35 PM
This is a wonderful organization that does great things for families that would never be able to be called a homeowner otherwise!     I have helped paint a few of the interiors of the Bails Street Townhome project, and was able to meet several of the future homeowners.
On May 6th, I was invited for the christening of these properties.    The CEO, Jonathan Reckford came into Denver and was present for this event.      Jonathan joined Community Sponsor of the Bails Townhomes, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans along with many volunteers and staff to celebrate the 400th home to be built.
This project, along with … (0 comments)

We need to stay FIT! - 05/17/10 03:13 PM
There was an article in Realtor magazine in April that I thought was good enough to talk about --- if we are too busy for the gym, there are ways to stay fit anyway!
DO YARDWORK.  Mowing the yard, garden cleanup, raking leaves, and pulling weeds all are good for our heart.    You should think of this before you hire someone to do it for you!    Also, you get an extra perk --- being outside gives you a chance to chat with neighbors and passersby.     Wearing your company's shirt might work also.
TAKE A WALK, EVEN WHEN YOU DRIVE.   We do spend … (3 comments)

New Green Building - Downtown Denver - 05/15/10 09:42 AM
$120 Million building officially opened on Thursday May 13th!     1800 Larimer Street office high-rise was in the process of being built for two years, has 500,000 squre feet, and 22 stories.    This will be the headquarters of Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy, Inc.     It will office 1,300 employees in June.
This building is 80% leased current, to include ccompanies - Westfield Co., Frederick Ross Co. and Apartment Realty Advisors, Inc.    Citywide Banks will occupy retail space on the first floor.    This building was designed by RNL Design PC.
This is the first building downtown to achieve LEED Platinum certification - Leadership in Energy … (1 comments)

HVCC Could Be Renewed - 05/15/10 09:30 AM
Just when we could get excited that this program would be eliminated this year, we get news that the agreement between Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the New York State Attorney General could very well extend it after November 1.
With all the comments from real estate practitioners over the last year and a half, stating how their transactions were delayed due to this process, or appraisers showing up from a completely different area, and not knowing the area of the home being appraised, they are still thinking of extending this agreement.   In some ways this system probably has protected the … (1 comments)

Loans on Condos - 05/13/10 01:13 PM
Getting a loan on a condo (with a condo legal description) has become pretty intense!    IF the condo building is listed on the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac list, you can get an FHA loan (if the lender does condo loans).    IF your buyer has a conventional loan, and the building is on the list, you are probably ok too --- if is not, there is quite a problem.   BUT, if your buyer is buying as a 2nd home, you are very limited as to WHAT lender can do this loan.
I currently have a relocation buyer buying a 2nd home in a … (3 comments)

Referrals on the Rise - 05/13/10 09:24 AM
There are many families moving around this country, and they need us to help them!     So far out of 11 transactions (Active & Closed), 6 have been relocation.   Coming into Denver, or moving out of Denver --- these buyers and sellers need good agents!
Just yesterday I had a potential buyer living in Denver needing to sell a home in Spokane - found a wonderful agent, and the seller really appreciated it!     A seller wanted an agent that specialized in million dollar homes, and lived near her in Golden - found an agent, and it was listed yesterday - seller is thrilled!    … (5 comments)

What to Do in Denver - 05/12/10 03:27 PM
If you have comtemplated a trip to Denver, just to check it out before you "make the move", there are lots of things to do here!
Memorial Day Weekend
There is a featured Denver Arts Festival downtown that is always a crowd pleaser.    There will be many vendors with all kinds of wares for you to wander the streets and view!     There are also Rockies games scheduled for the sports enthusiasts.
Bus Tours
If you would like a guided funky bus tour, Banjo Billy has a 90 minute bus tour that will tour you thru the City explaining the history that Denver has to offer!    It … (0 comments)

Denver University Condo - 05/12/10 10:21 AM
This three year old secured building features a gourmet kitchen with slab granite, stainless steel appliances and lots of countertops for cooking!    There is also under cabinet lighting.     There are two master suites with the master bedroom having a large walk-in closet.     The bathrooms have upgraded tile floors and granite counters.

There is a balcony with a gas line for the gas grill, and the VIEWS!    This unit is located on the 4th floor of a 5 floor building, and faces West.    The sunsets are just fantastic!    Located just across the street from the University, it has easy access for … (0 comments)

Denver's Home Sales - 05/10/10 11:15 AM
April was a record breaking month!    With the homebuyer's credit expiring 4/30, buyers were RUSHING to get their properties under contract prior to the 4/30 deadline!   Metrolist announced today - Denver had a 27.6% increase in under contracts over last year's figures (4/09).  
There was a drop in late martgage payments also, first since 2006!    USA Today announced today that there was a significant drop in 60-day lates, down 6.77% from the fourth quarter 2009.    This was the first decline in 12 quarters!
This should help the housing stats, and renew the faith in buyers and sellers to continue with purchasing … (0 comments)

Realtor Association Events - 05/08/10 03:58 PM
Yesterday, the Aurora Association of Realtors had their 30th annual bowling tournament.    The turnout has been decreasing through the years, but still has a usual great turnout!    There were still around 150 Realtors and affiliates in attendance.
The theme was 80's, and we bowled "9 pin".    (If you hit 9, it shows you got a strike), which helps everyone's scores, and makes you look like a better bowler!   We had subs and chips for lunch, and they gave a couple free drink tickets too!
These events put on by Realtors & Affliates bring together our industry, where we can meet and … (0 comments)

Habitat for Humanity - Denver - 05/07/10 12:33 PM
About a month ago, I assisted the Habitat for Humanity in painting the interior of several townhomes in the Bails Townhome Community here in Denver.    It was SUCH a wonderful experience.    I painted along side some of the future home owners and other volunteers.    Covered with paint, but sharing some wonderful stories.
Yesterday, I was invited to be in attendance for the christening of these first 5 units in this development.   The founder for Habitat for Humanity was there, as well as the largeest financial contributor - Thrive It.     One of the children of a family that will take possession after closing, … (0 comments)

Denver - 3rd Best City for College Grads - 05/07/10 08:12 AM
The Denver Business Journal announced this week that Denver is the 3rd best for new college grads to find work and rent a cheap apartment.
In this article, it reports that Denver has high concentrations of people aging from 20-24 flooding the job market.     The available jobs are not requiring experience, and the rental of apartments is based on Apartments.com.
Finding a great job and affordable housing are considerations as to where to live, but also important to view each City offering culture and lifestyle for these young adults.    Denver tends to fair well in many rankings dealing with recent college … (3 comments)

Lending Issues - 05/06/10 09:18 AM
I have heard other agents stating they had issues getting loans for their buyers.    Up till now, I had not experienced this same situation.
My buyers easily can afford up to $500K as a 2nd home, great FICO scores and 25% down.    EXCEPT, the loft they are trying to purchase is not a warrantable condo.    These lending rules are just getting a little out of control.    Is this protecting our consumers?   I know having an FHA loan in a condo community with little down is definitely a risk.
I have found a bank that will insure themselves, and HOPEFULLY we shall … (3 comments)

WOW opens in Park Meadows - 05/05/10 08:16 AM
WOW has now opened in Park Meadows, and curious shoppers are flooding in the doors!    The goods are plentiful, but are a little pricier than other shops.    Good inventory, pleasant sales people!
If you need home accessories, you may want to check out this new store!
Joan Cox
Metro Brokers - House to Home, Inc.
Denver, CO   80237
720-231-6373
www.JoanCox.com
 
… (1 comments)

O & E Charges - 05/05/10 08:10 AM
The Insurance Division of the Department of Regulatory Agencies have decided all title companies in Colorado are to charge for O & E requests.     There is not a large charge - from what I see, about $5.00, but if you regularly do this when preparing CMAs for sellers, you may this can add up.   
We want to see what is recorded against the property prior to taking the listing, and also make sure we know who is in ownership.     Just extra procautions prior to taking listings!
Joan Cox
Metro Brokers - House to Home, Inc.
Denver, CO   80237
720-231-6373
www.JoanCox.com
 
… (0 comments)

Computer Life - 05/04/10 12:12 PM
Working in today's busy life, we all rely quite heavily on the internet, and the ability to search.    Over the last 14 months, I have bought THREE new computers, and two new printers.   
I guess we learn along the way - the warranties on electronics are pretty important.    A couple of years ago I dropped my Blackberry into water -- that was gone, and it was costly to replace during a very down time in real estate.    I now have insurance on my phone.     I bought a nice brand new Sony computer, all the bells & whistles - 14 months later, … (3 comments)

 
Joan_cox_ar-v2 Rainmaker_large

Joan Cox, Denver Real Estate-720-231-6373

Denver, CO

More about me…

Metro Brokers - House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate

Address: 8101 E. Belleview Ave. Ste F, Denver, CO, 80237

Office Phone: (303) 796-7000

Cell Phone: (720) 231-6373

Email Me



Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find CO real estate agents and Denver real estate on ActiveRain.