31 days of December Challenge - Day 31 --- WHEW! - 12/31/10 06:11 PM

 
Jennifer, thanks for initiating this challenge!    That was quite a challenge you put out to a lot of us accepting the duty of a daily blog on our efforts to increase business for the upcoming year!     However, with making us all accountable, this should jump start our 2011 business!    It has been fun to get to know other Rainers we may not have gotten to know.     I have read about their families, their clients, goals and have incorporated new ideas into our own 2011 business!   I now have a very full list of referral agents when I … (13 comments)

Snow Blower Safety Tips...in hopes of keeping all of your fingers in tact! - 12/31/10 01:30 PM
Here in Denver, yesterday we finally got a measurable snowfall!     This is very late in the season, as we enjoyed very mild temperatures throughout the Fall months!      The mountains have been getting measurable snow every week, and allowing for EPIC ski conditions.
As we take our snow blowers out of cobwebs, there are tips we need to review:
This machine can be very dangerous, and needs to be run by a responsible adult!     Many accidents happen each year by improperly cleaning out the auger or discharge chute!
1.   NEVER put your hands into the chute to clear clogged snow!    Be careful … (10 comments)

31 Days of December Challenge - Day 30 - 12/30/10 11:30 PM
Here in Denver we have enjoyed absolutely a wonderful Fall, with very mild weather.    We even hit 70 degrees and broke all records earlier this month!       Denver has a reputation of being cold, wintry and cold, and this is far from the truth!   I remember many Thanksgivings and Christmas turkey dinners where we have BBQ'd the turkey or ham on the grill in short sleeves!       Today, we FINALLY had a bit of winter.     We got some snow, a blast of cold and felt REALLY good!     Wednesday was 55 as a high, and today was only 15!
Unfortunately, I had rescheduled my … (15 comments)

31 Days of December Challenge - Day 29 - 12/30/10 10:59 PM

 
After Christmas is so much fun as soon as you get out of bed!    Another CMA requested, may the landlords are all getting tired of babysitting?      With the listing appointment Wednesday evening, I wanted to preview the active listings we will be in competition to be sure we price it right!    
 
Called and left messages with past clients I have not seen for a year, in hopes of getting to "pop by" in the next few weeks!
 
Both rental units to be listed soon need to be cleaned professionally, and sent one investor several recommendations so he … (6 comments)

31 Days of December Challenge - Day 28 - 12/29/10 11:13 AM

 
This day started out much different that it was planned, as I much have been so hyped from Monday, was unable to go to sleep Monday evening until 3 am!    Therefore being in the car driving 100+ miles to visit clients did not seem like a good idea, and rescheduled for Thursday.
With the new day scheduled, and sleeping in a bit, previewed more condos for a buyer coming in soon, stopped in at the office checking mail and prepared for a listing on Wednesday.    Wrote a blog and commented, and did more research for the e-newsletter.   By now, … (17 comments)

31 Days of December Challenge - Day 27 - 12/28/10 01:52 PM

 
It is hard to believe 2010 will be complete is just a few short days!     With the Holidays over, we can again enjoy real estate being on many potential clients' minds!     My web site had "a few hits" every day last week, and Sunday there was over 80 hits in one day --- a perfect example of right after Christmas, real estate gets going again!    My January buyers emailed, and wanted more information, and set up another listing appointment.
Final touches are almost complete with the e-newsletter, and excited to get the "new look" out to my clients!    There … (14 comments)

What you can do with your old Christmas Tree - Denver - 12/28/10 12:40 AM
What you can do with your old Christmas Tree - Denver
Denver Residents -
Your Christmas tree gave you so much joy during the holidays, now give it a second life and recycle it with Denver Recycles’ Treecycle program. Denver Public Works Solid Waste Management will be collecting Christmas trees for recycling starting Monday, January 3rd. All Denver residents whose trash is collected by Denver Public Works Solid Waste Management may participate.
Aurora Residents -
Anytime December 26 through January 10● Del Mar Park6th & Peoria (West parking lot)● Olympic Park15501 E. Yale Ave.(East of Chambers Rd.)● Saddle Rock … (14 comments)

31 Days of December Challenge - Day 26 - 12/27/10 11:35 AM

 
The Holiday is over, and time to get back to work - full speed ahead!     Time to get those listings back on the market, and get those buyers that had no time to shop for a home during the Holiday - into their new home!     The weather is still wonderful, no room for excuses!
Got January & February birthday cards started, got a couple blog posts written, and got the photos uploaded from Christmas over to the Host of the Party!      (BTW - the Tiny Cherry Cheesecakes were labor intensive!    The recipe only said that it would be about … (7 comments)

Denver Colorado Has 300 Glorious Days of Sunshine! - 12/27/10 10:58 AM
 
Denver enjoys wonderful weather all year long, with occasional snowstorms.    Belinda has done a great piece on Denver's weather.      We like to keep this a secret!     Comments have been disabled, so if you want to comment, please go to Belinda's blog!
 
Via Belinda Spillman Colorado Real Estate Professional (Metro Brokers Marina Square):
Denver, Colorado is situated on the high plains at the base of the Rocky Mountains at an altitude averaging 5,280 feet. Moderate temperatures, low levels of humidity, and abundant sunshine provide an ideal climate. Metro Denver has 300 sunny days a year - more annual days of sunshine than either … (0 comments)

31 Days of December Challenge - Days 24 & 25 - 12/26/10 11:14 AM

 
 
Christmas Eve was only a half day of work, due to dinner preparations needing to be completed.    The seller asked for more recommendations for house cleaners, and we talked about the time frame for listing the home.    Sent a few more messages via Facebook and email to clients & friends wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.    Wrote a blog and commented.   Reviewed a few new rules from our local MLS.
Christmas was lovely, 50 degrees, blue skies and was relaxing.     Ate too much, so today need to work on cleaning up the rest of the leaves in the back … (15 comments)

31 Days of December Challenge - Day 23 - 12/24/10 01:29 PM
I have realized calling my past clients this close to the Holiday, I will get only an answering machine!     Have left several messages wishing my clients a great Holiday.    One client called me back after getting home from shopping.     Is truly fun to talk with past clients!
End of the year always ends with completing my excel spreadsheet with statistics for the year.   It is nice to know where our business comes from, and this year was QUITE surprising to see over 50% of my business came from client referrals.    I do mostly relocation, so it is usually web hits or … (14 comments)

The Reason I bought my new house..... From a First Time Homebuyer! - 12/23/10 02:42 PM
 
This year's National Association of Realtors national convention was held in New Orleans in November.   Vicki Cox Golder's platform was HOME OWNERSHIP.       After returning to Denver, I sent emails to all my first time home buyers in the past two years (I didn't have too many), and asked them a few key questions to share in my next newsletter!
 
Some questions I asked were -
   ~ Why did you want to buy versus continuing to rent?
    ~ What was your primary reason for buying?
    ~ What is the BEST part of home ownership?
    ~ … (34 comments)

31 Days of December Challenge - Day 22 - 12/23/10 02:04 PM

 
This challenge has done its job, and made my phone ring!    I got a call from a past client that wants to list their house, and went on the listing appointment.      It was not in "tip-top condition", so made some calls to get some estimates for cleaning, carpet cleaning and got back to the seller.      This home HOPEFULLY will be ready to go first of January!    GREAT start to the New Year!     Also, got a call from a Virginia buyer coming into town next week to visit family, but also will be talking about their upcoming move into Denver.    
… (18 comments)

31 Days of December Challenge - Day 21 - 12/22/10 09:35 AM

 
This challenge has really helped get my phone to ring!    By stopping by and visiting, calling past clients and ASKING for business does work!      I am a little corny, and like to tell everyone --- I am not very busy, playing in the streets and getting into trouble.   Please help me, if you know anyone wanting to buy or sell real estate, please pass my name along!      I always get a chuckle, but it works! I was very excited when my Virginia buyers needed some information on how a home purchase would work in Denver, as they had only … (14 comments)

A Merry Christmas card - 12/21/10 12:28 PM
Here is the cutest Christmas card ever --- take the time to open this!
 
      WISHING YOU ALL
                        MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!
 
Click on the puppy for special wishes -
 




With those having big hopes for Santa to visit, and enjoy cookies and milk, this e-card is right up your alley!

Hope your New Year is prosporous and be safe!
 
… (24 comments)

31 Days of December Challenge - Day 20 - 12/21/10 12:06 PM

 
Monday was a productive day!     The investor/buyer decided to wait to purchase until after the Holidays are over, and he can focus on making a good decision. 
All the 2010 closed files are boxed and the cabinet is ready for 2011 closing files!    The tax information is ready, except for final expenses and mileage at the end of December.      I have been doing e-newsletters this year, but they were very basic - and have signed up for a trial period to see if their templates will produce the newsletter I want to send out.     Have another … (14 comments)

31 Days of December Challenge - Days 18 & 19 - 12/20/10 11:04 AM

 
Day 18 was Saturday, and wrote a blog, commented and then dove into the Outlook clean-up.     I had purchased and downloaded PDFill, and was able to convert all emails to a .pdf file.     I was able to complete this task, and wrote a blog on how to do this.
Outlook email cleanup
    An investor buyer wanted to look at several prospects, and came home to do some research on each of the properties to let him know which had more equity.    Made a few phone calls to drop by more families after … (12 comments)

31 Days of December Challenge - Day 17 - 12/18/10 01:58 PM

 
Fridays are usually just as busy as Mondays, but with the Holiday next week, real estate is slowing down, as our clients have final preparations to complete.
Today I put finalized by broker folder from closing yesterday, and doing all the final closing items needed.   
I started looking into transferring emails from Outlook onto a disk from folders after a transaction has closed.   My Outlook program is running too slow, and obviously have too many emails.    Used the Search Function here in Activerain, and found Maggie Dokic had done a great blog post on Outlook and transferring files.    I … (22 comments)

5 Most desirable features in any Home for 2011 ..... - 12/18/10 01:56 PM
 
Buyers are always changing what their needs are from year to year, and these five items Ritu has come up with are very high on the "needs" list this year.     If you have thought about selling, you may want to review this list prior to putting your home on the market.
 
Via Ritu Desai (Samson Properties):
While we all are getting ready to say good bye to 2010 and welcome to 2011 there are trends that are here to stay with us. Reading through the blogs, working with buyers, sellers over the 2010 it seems like we do have a … (5 comments)

A Kodak Moment - Rudolf the Pug Dog - 12/17/10 03:52 PM
This Activerain contest gave me another reason to search through all the photo albums I have created looking for the right photo.    Of course, I found many, and have posted my favorite, but found other photos that were so cute, I could not resist posting.
Our Metro Broker office hosted a Santa Day where our clients could come to our office and have their pictures taken with Santa.    Of course, we meant just the kids, but we had quite an array of pictures including pets, adults AND kids.
 

"Santa" brought his pug dog for the day and was just … (18 comments)

31 Days of December Challenge - Day 16 - 12/17/10 10:53 AM

 
Each morning I begin my day by reading all the emails I missed being away from my computer, that need responses.    (I can do this from my Crackberry, but sometimes you need to write more, or do some research first.)   Facebook and Activerain are the next projects, and usually am ready to tackle the day by 8:30 or 9:00.     I got my E & O insurance renewed for another year, so I am able to STAY in this business!    This morning we are actually having a few snowflakes -- FINALLY!     It will only get to 31 degrees, but there … (11 comments)

31 Days of December Challenge - Day 15 - 12/15/10 10:14 PM
Wednesday started with seeing that I hit that 200,000 point milestone with Activerain, and ended up spending an hour or so more commenting, and "chatting" with with blogging friends.    I even had a conversation with a good blogging friend from Indianapolis.    It is really nice to actually talk on the phone with someone you feel you already know through our writing!
Was able to catch up with another past client for a lunch appointment, and we had to catch up from 2 years, which we made a pact, not to wait that long again!    I had met her parents and brother … (12 comments)

31 Days of December Challenge - Day 14 - 12/14/10 09:17 PM
December is sometimes very busy with relocating families.    2009, I had 4 families close in January, so made December VERY busy.    BUT, 2010, relocating families that I have "on my radar" have NOT sold their homes, and cannot come to Denver to purchase their home in Colorado just yet.
Today was spent visiting two more past clients, taking pictures of their families/kids, and FINALLY got the 150 Christmas cards out!    My desk is finally cleared of Christmas cards!    I send to past and current clients, not the WHOLE database.      I usually do a Christmas note, but did not get that done … (16 comments)

31 Days of December Challenge - Days 12 & 13 - 12/13/10 11:10 AM
Sunday is normally my day off, to use for the domestic things around the house, but these Christmas cards are covering my desk, and begging to be completed!     It was fun to go through the list of clients and write notes in each of their cards - some for the kids, some for the new pets, etc.    Now I need LOTS more stamps!
A seller had wanted me to walk through her property, contemplating selling or renting, and she had met with a property manager on Saturday.    After much discussion, renting her property did seem like a better deal for her, … (13 comments)

Showing Restrictions -- REALLY???? - 12/11/10 12:27 PM
I have a investor buyer that would really like to purchase a fix-up property, so I started looking HARD for that perfect property.     You expect to find a lot of really bad properties when you look for an investor-buyer, but this one took the cake ---
NO SHOWINGS OR INSPECTIONS WITHOUT CONTRACT.

How can you write a reasonable offer with those restrictions?     Why would you WANT to get offers from buyers that do not know the condition of the property, and potentially lose those buyers once they DO get an inspection?     Would this not be a waste of everyone's time?       … (24 comments)

Sold Properties - Zip 80210 - Denver - 12/11/10 12:13 PM
Sold Properties - Zip 80210 - Denver
There were 49 detached single family homes sold in the Zip of 80210 for the last three months.     Our economy in this zip code, has not been affected much at all --- as there were only 3 fix-up properties, 2 short sales and 1 bank owned property sold from 9/11/10-12/11/10.

This zip code includes neighborhoods of Platt Park, Bonnie Brae, DU, Washington Par, Evanston & Wellshire.   If you need further information on this area, please give me a call.
… (6 comments)

31 Days of December Challenge - Day 10 & 11 - 12/11/10 11:17 AM

 
 
Day 10 of this challenge was spent catching up with leftover duties from Thursday.     Figures got to the title company, so the bank will be happy to get figures a full 3 days prior to closing!
Set the listing appointment with my potential seller for Saturday to walk through her property and talk about her possibilities.    This is a great property in an up and coming neighborhood, so this is exciting!
Day 11 will be spent finishing the Holiday cards, previewing a few lofts for a relocation buyer coming in soon.
What a busy week, next week does … (6 comments)

Dog's Believe in Santa too! - 12/09/10 06:51 PM
Christmas is NOT just for adults and kids - don't forget your pets while you are shopping for the little goodies.     They will love you even more!
Via Rebecca Gaujot Lewisburg WV Realtor (Coldwell Banker Stuart & Watts Real Estate):
Dog's believe in Santa!  Yes, it's true....... This video is so adorable how the dog waits for Santa.
 
Click on Dogs do Believe in Santa and see for yourself.  Enjoy!
 
 

 
 
 

 
____________________________________________________________

If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs, please feel free to contact me by phone … (12 comments)

31 Days of December Challenge - Day 8 & 9 - 12/09/10 06:45 PM
This may be a tad later than I had planned, as I was GOING to do this post this morning, before leaving, but AR was down.     Good thing the powers to be, worked on it, it is not as slow as it was, SO THANK YOU!    
Day 8 of this challenge was SO much fun, visiting past clients and seeing the updates/remodeling they have done with their homes.    I got pictures of the families, grand kids and heard about new family members to expect in the near future!      I brought tins of popcorn (3 types), keeping it pretty simple.      It was … (9 comments)

31 Days of December Challenge - Day 7 - 12/07/10 10:02 PM

 
The 7th day of this challenge includes some planning for the 2011 year!    Colorado has new contracts that will be in effect January 1st, and taking a class to see all the new changes.   These changes include at least 5 new contracts, and quite a few changes within the contracts.     I have heard the changes that were made for the 2011 year were the best changes that have been made!   We shall see!
Previewed a couple of properties for a potential buyer, and found them to be very good possibilities.    A relocation buyer coming in early next month and … (11 comments)

31 Days of December Challenge - Day 6 - 12/07/10 08:44 AM
It was a Monday from the time I jumped out of bed!     With the interest rates rising, I think finally some of these buyers that had "been on the fence", have finally decided their buying power is decreasing, and should make some decisions.
With two buyers, two offers, and showing more property, there was not much time to delve into furthering my business.      I did check to be sure I had enough Holiday cards to send to clients.       These Holiday cards are my favorite, as I put an update letter into every card, and hand write notes to each family.     I … (14 comments)

Santa made a visit with Rudolf the Bulldog/Pug OOPS - 12/04/10 04:36 PM
Every year our Metro Broker (Marina Landing) office has asked Santa (and his helper) to visit our office, so our clients with children can come and get pictures taken.     Every year our office is very festive filled with kids, families, and agents there to meet their clients.


 
We have a Broker in our office that loves being Santa and very generously gives up a couple of days in real estate, and has more fun than most of the kids.     We had 50+ kids this year that enjoyed sitting on Santa's lap, getting candy canes and Santa straws and … (14 comments)

If you say," I can't buy a house". I say you don't want one very badly. - 12/04/10 09:26 AM
 
This is the best time in YEARS to buy a house, before the interest rise, and while homes are still on SALE!    Taka advantage of this great opporunity.     You snooze, you lose!    Charles said it all ---
 
Via Charles Edwards (Century 21 EXCLAMATION Rogers, Arkansas ):
If you say, "I can't buy a house". I say you don't want one very badly.
There is a HUGE HOUSING SALE GOING ON NOW? Across the nation we are able to buy housing at deeply discounted prices.  You may be thinking or saying, 'my credit score is too low and I don't have any money … (6 comments)

Friday Funny --- Boy am I BORED! - 12/03/10 08:38 AM

With the interest rates rising WHY are we not running non-stop?    We should be so busy with buyers, there is no time for anything else.
Have you talked to a lender yet?     You may be surprised, buyers ARE getting qualified.   As the rates rise, your buying power is decreasing --- can you afford to wait?
 
… (21 comments)

You want the Housing Industry to Survive --- YOU NEED TO TAKE ACTION! - 12/02/10 08:51 PM
You want the Housing Industry to Survive --- YOU NEED TO TAKE ACTION!
At the NAR convention in New Orleans this year, Vicki Cox Golder, our past NAR President,  talked A LOT about home ownership, and how we can improve our percentage of home ownership.     There were additional conversation about how the government is STILL trying to take away our benefits of claiming our mortgage interest deduction, which has been on the "table" for years.   

Ron Phipps, our current NAR President, sent out a Call To Action for every Realtor in the Country to CALL our representative for Congress.   This … (6 comments)

Cherry Knolls Beauty in Centennial, Colorado - 12/02/10 08:20 PM
Cherry Knolls Beauty in Centennial, Colorado

 
This brick ranch home is located in the very desirable neighborhood of Cherry Knolls in Centennial.    There are  4 bedrooms (one non-conforming), 3 bathrooms and an attached two car garage.

There is over a quarter acre lot, with mature landscaping.     Located in Littleton School District, there is 1500 finished on the main level and an almost completely finished basement, there is a total of 2269 finished square feet.

There is a new sun room, fabulous hardwood floors in the living and dining room, and new carpet in the basement.    There are … (8 comments)

"The Twelve Days of Closing" A Lender's Humorous Look at Lending Issues - 12/02/10 07:16 PM
 
When you are the seller, you need to remember it is not a seller's market.   When you are a buyer --- you need to remember it is not a buyer's market.    Here in Denver, the market is quite stable.     There must a good give and take ON BOTH SIDES.   
 
Via Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company):
During this holiday season, I am working on two transactions for buyers with multiple lending challenges:  appraisal issues and FHA and Freddie Mac balancing acts, We are keeping it together with the excellent help from Matt Horabik, Mortgage Consultant from South Central Mortgage … (2 comments)

Denver is #9 - S & P/Case Shiller Home Report - 12/01/10 08:11 AM
Denver is #9 - S & P/Case Shiller Home Report
This report completed in September, viewed housing markets across the Country, and rated the top 20 Metropolitan areas.     This report was for a 12-month period ending September 2010, and the overall report indicates a .6% one-year gain in values.       San Francisco showed the biggest gain at 5.5%, and Chicago showed the biggest drop, falling by an average of 5.6%.
With this information, indicators are showing Denver's 2011 real estate market will again remain stable.    As interest rates are starting to increase, it is still quite amazing buyers are not taking … (20 comments)

15 Facebook Fiascos to Watch Out For - 12/01/10 08:10 AM
 
Social media is so popular now, that the scammers have really gotten better at hacking into our personal information.    You can never be too careful with your information.   Be safe while you are enjoying social media.
 
Via Robert Siciliano (Identity Theft Speaker):
The following 15 activities, all of which are facilitated by Facebook and other social networking websites, are causing lots of heartache and headaches:
1. Posting illegal activities. In the little town where I grew up, 30 kids recently faced the wrath of their parents, school officials, law enforcement, and the Boston media, all because someone posted their … (7 comments)

 
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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

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