I recently read a post complaining that young, first-time home buyers want to buy homes that don't need a lot of work. The author spoke about the days when she and her husband bought a little wreck of a house, fixed it up themselves, and sold it for a profit. Many of the commenters shared the same experiences, and opinions.
Hmmm.
So, todays' homebuyers, who have watched the real estate market collapse in a dramatic way, impacting the lives of many of their own family and friends, AND who realize no one can guarantee we're out of the woods yet, don't want to buy a money pit?
How dare they?!?!
After all, whatever worked for us twenty, thirty or forty years ago will SURELY work now. There must be something wrong with today's home buyers if they don't want to do the same thing we did. Right?
Wrong.
The first-time home buyers I've worked with over the past few years were very savvy - paid attention when I gave them advice, took notes at the inspection, got online to do their own research, and made calls to professionals to get answers I wasn't qualified to give.
Sometimes these young, eager clients start out wanting to buy a fixer-upper and do the renovation themselves. That's a good idea if it can be done, because that's the only sure-fire way to quickly increase the value of a Denver to Boulder home these days.
But it's an all-new world of real estate. The monkey-wrench in that plan is, if they're getting a loan it's not just about THEM qualifying, the house must qualify also.
And yes - a 203K Streamline Renovation Loan might solve that problem. But that loan requires the use of a professional for every job covered by the renovation funds, which adds to the cost of the projects.
It's not the same as the 'good old days' when a new homeowner could do all the work themselves, often learning as they went.
If you are thinking of buying a house in the Denver metro area, I can tell you this - whatever you are thinking you want to do, I will respect your choices and help you as much as I possibly can. I will also be honest with you, and assist you in considering the advantages and pitfalls of your plans.
Besides - the fond memories of renovating a house with a 'significant other' often present a sweeter picture than what reality actually looked like.
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I write posts on real estate issues and local events in the Denver metro area, especially those *communities between Denver and Boulder, as a public service. My hope is to give people an idea of the ‘flavor’ of our community, in case they’re new or moving to the Denver area.
I am a residential real estate agent, happily helping folks buy a house or sell a house in the beautiful and friendly *suburbs northwest of Denver.
(Olde Town Arvada, just a block west of The Eggshell on Ralston / 58th)
(303) 358-7253 Shelly Steinhaus, owner
"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, live well, if one has not wined and dined well." - Virginia Woolf
Stop in for an excellent meal at Bella Bistro if -
You really enjoy good food
You're tired of chain restaurants
You don't want to drive down to Denver
You don't want to pay for parking
You love Arvada, and want to support local business
I've been wanting to sample the fare at Bella Bistro ever since I heard of the place opening, and finally got to visit last month. It was a Christmas-time luncheon, and I loved every minute.
Cozy atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff. And the food - everything was excellent. It makes me want to go back again just thinking about it!
the ever-changing menu of favorites and seasonal specialities
special events
read the Women's Day and Westword articles about Bella Bistro
cooking classes
Bella's blog
I encourage you to visit Bella Bistro, one of the best places between Denver and Boulder.
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I write posts on real estate issues and local events in the Denver metro area, especially those *communities between Denver and Boulder, as a public service. My hope is to give people an idea of the ‘flavor’ of our community, in case they’re new or moving to the Denver area.
I am a residential real estate agent, happily helping folks buy a house or sell a house in the beautiful and friendly *suburbs northwest of Denver.
Someone asked me the question, "How can I get the best deal when buying a home?" I've already written an entire series of blog posts answering this question, but I offer the following few notes as a more concise answer.
First, don't just look at foreclosed properties. They might be the best deal, but you don't know for a fact you won't find something better so keep all the options open.
Second, don't get emotionally attached to a home. You need to be able to make a thoughtful decision about what you would pay, and don't get caught up and end up paying more.
Third, look at several homes. I say this with a caveat - sometimes, your agent will find you the best home the first time out.
You need to work with an agent you trust, and who will give you good advice. If your agent is 'wowed' by what a great deal a house is, even if it's your first time out, pay attention.
However, I feel it is better for buyers to see several homes, so they actually know the market. It's not long before clients can walk through a house and know whether it's a great deal, or overpriced.
Fourth - know what your needs are and stick to it. The buyers who are most likely to miss the best deals are the ones who can't make up their mind. Maybe this week they want one area, next week they want to look elsewhere. One week having four bedrooms is the most important thing, the next week a 3-car garage is the most important thing. If you do that to yourself, you never have the focus you need to find that best deal and grab it.
Finally, be ready to write that offer when you find that best deal possible. Because you won't be the only one who's looking at it, you will need to move quickly. That's why so many of the previous answers advised talking to a lender right away.
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I write posts on real estate issues and local events in the Denver metro area, especially those *communities between Denver and Boulder, as a public service. My hope is to give people an idea of the ‘flavor’ of our community, in case they’re new or moving to the Denver area.
I am a residential real estate agent, happily helping folks buy a house or sell a house in the beautiful and friendly *suburbs northwest of Denver.
I need growing and preferably blooming things alive in my house to carry me through the long Rocky Mountain winter. How about you?
Paperwhites (narcissus) give me all that - plus intoxicating scent! Easy to grow - I'd even call them foolproof. You can plant the bulbs in water, but I prefer planting them in potting soil. I think they bloom more strongly, although I haven't tested my theory in side-by-side trials.
Paperwhite bulbs are available at most Denver to Boulder garden centers throughout the winter months. Look for the loose bulbs in large bins, as they are less expensive that way, than boxed versions.
At about a dollar per bulb, a pot or jar of 3 paperwhite bulbs makes a great Christmas gift. Plant them about 3 weeks ahead of time, so you're giving a plant about ready to bloom instead of just the brown, dry bulb. Tie their stems together with a nice red ribbon, or put one around the pot.
When you buy the bulbs, choose those that have green growth already showing. Look for bulbs that have more than one, and you will get more blooms. Pick up the bulb and give it a squeeze. It should feel firm.
You can see the bulb is about half underground. If you put the bulb in water, keep the water at about this same level. When plantingin water I like to put down a 2" layer of stones, shells, glass, beads, marbles, etc. just because I think it looks nice.
Whether you plant in soil or water, the plants do tend to fall over after they bloom, so I will often use a tall vase that's wider at the bottom so I can put in several bulbs, then the narrow area they pass through helps hold them upright.
Put your planted bulbs where they'll get as much sunlight as possible. The more they get, the stronger their stems will be.
This is how mine looked after about 10 days. Not much different, right? I always warn people not to get discouraged when nothing happens for the first week or so. They are putting down roots first, then the top growth will kick in.
The roots are very strong, and as you can see here, they will sometimes push the bulb out of the ground. It's ok - just move the soil aside, plug them back in, and tamp the soil around them.
Just beginning to bloom after about 3-1/2 weeks. Already at this point, they filled my kitchen with sweet scent.
BTW - paperwhites are usually white. But this year, the clerk said they had new yellow ones that were just wonderful, so I bought some of those. They are the ones that are still only an inch tall in this photo. They never did bloom, so lesson learned!
Paperwhites get about 18" tall. If they are planted in a pot like this one, they will need to be staked. But, at some point ...
... they will topple over. I know it looks like they're still blooming, but in fact the blooms are discoloring and the smell is a bit 'off' at this point.
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I write posts on real estate issues and local events in the Denver metro area, especially those *communities between Denver and Boulder, as a public service. My hope is to give people an idea of the ‘flavor’ of our community, in case they’re new or moving to the Denver area.
I am a residential real estate agent, happily helping folks buy a house or sell a house in the beautiful and friendly *suburbs northwest of Denver.
My hubby and I went to our first hot air balloon festival, after many years of wanting to attend one. It was nice to find one so close to home ('home' is the town of Arvada, about midway between Denver and Boulder), so we could go on the spur of the moment.
It was the Snowmass Balloon Festival. (Snowmass is just outside of Aspen.) on September 16-18, 2011, so we also got to enjoy autumn's colorful show of changing aspen leaves.
The photo below is from a night-time event, where the balloons are lit up by the flames that create the hot air to inflate the balloons. What a beautiful sight.
It was chilly at 8100 feet elevation, but when one of those torches lit up close to us, we got a much-appreciated shot of warmth!
This is the next morning, it was facinating watching the whole process of unloading the massive balloons, filling them, and seeing them take off.
And of course, the blue sky dotted with the bright colors was a gorgeous sight.
I'd like to go back and get a balloom ride sometime.
Also on the calendar - attending the balloon festival in Colorado Springs. The Colorado Balloon Classicis scheduled for September 1-3 in 2012, and also includes an air show.
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I write posts on real estate issues and local events in the Denver metro area, especially those *communities between Denver and Boulder, as a public service. My hope is to give people an idea of the ‘flavor’ of our community, in case they’re new or moving to the Denver area.
I am a residential real estate agent, happily helping folks buy a house or sell a house in the beautiful and friendly *suburbs northwest of Denver.
When I first saw the sign for Roosters Men's Grooming Center in Arvada, I thought it looked like such a fun place that I called my daughter and asked her to take her son there for his first haircut (whenever she was ready to take that big step, of course!).
The moment we walked in we were greeted with a warm, classic decor and friendly people.
When the big day arrived, Jayden's dad, Josh came too. So I got to see the 'little boy experience' and the 'big boy experience'. Both boys got the classic barber-shop experience, with contemporary haircuts.
I know a lot of little ones cry at their first haircut, but at Roosters they sit on momma's lap, and there were no tears with Jayden. Of course, all we have to do it tell him he looks handsome, and he lets us do pretty much anything to him anyway!
Amanda and Josh were happy that Jayden got the attention of a young lady with a style all her own. They were concerned that a barber shop would give old-fashioned haircuts. But not so at all!
After Jayden's haircut, he was presented with a certificate and lock of hair. Very sweet!
Meanwhile, daddy Josh got the full-treatment experience. And that means a lot at Roosters, where a haircut includes head massaging shampoo, hot steam towel, dry and style, a brush of powder around the neck, and a splash of aftershave. A haircut at Roosters is nothing like the typical mall walk-in experience.
Roosters offers a discount for members of the military, police, fire and EMS. You can also book your appointment at Roosters online.
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I write posts on real estate issues and local events in the Denver metro area, especially those *communities between Denver and Boulder, as a public service. My hope is to give people an idea of the ‘flavor’ of our community, in case they’re new or moving to the Denver area.
I am a residential real estate agent, happily helping folks buy a house or sell a house in the beautiful and friendly *suburbs northwest of Denver.
No, this was not the parting sentiment from seller to buyer at a happy closing. It was wistfully painted above the front door, surrounded by an artistic vine of leaves and flowers, of a bank-owned property I showed to some first-time buyers. We didn't notice it until we were leaving, where it stopped us dead in our tracks. No one spoke for a long time as we resumed our places in the car for the ride to the next potential home.
Every day we Realtors are faced with the dregs of lives gone sadly wrong. Abandoned bedrooms gaily decorated with pink walls and frilly curtains, or perhaps sports-themed trim and a left behind poster of some kid's hero. Lines carefully marked inside a closet as a family's children grew. A forgotten toy left in the rush to vacate as the sheriff drove up the street. Wet, molding, laundry forgotten in the washing machine when the residents come home to discover the locks changed. People peering fearfully out as the REO agent comes to the door to offer cash for keys.
We (and by "we" I mean "I") spend a lot of time arguing the nuances of the "real estate crisis"...whose fault it was, who the winners and losers were, all the minutia of the hows, whys, wherefores of what happened. So much easier and less painful to deal with numbers and abstractions. But at the end of the day, it is the human story that is compelling. Yes, many of those folks likely made poor decisions. Yes, people should be responsible for their debts and promises. Yes, many who invested in those peoples' home loans (including financial institutions) have suffered at least as much; lost jobs, lost savings, huge losses in the value of the companies they work for.
But some days I just feel like coming home and crying.
I send a newsletter out monthly, via email and USPS, then I post it here in my blog for the many readers who read it here. I just wanted to tell you all that, because otherwise some of things I say here will seem odd. :-)
To All My Friends & Neighbors –
Greetings!
I hope this newsletter finds you all healthy and looking forward to the new year.2012 is looking good for my family, and for the local real estate market, as you’ll see throughout this newsletter.
Plus – it’s a presidential election year.Wouldn’t it be great if we could only hear factual, unbiased reporting on the candidates so we can make a decision based on what we think is best for the country, and get rid of all the overbearing and slanted commercials?
Ahhh – but now I’m just dreaming!
By the way – thank you to everyone who has been sending prayers and good thoughts for my grandson, who is now 8 months old and very healthy!
Real Estate News
Things are looking up for Denver to Boulder real estate in so many ways, I keep hearing good news and very much enjoy passing it on. Part of me thinks I shouldn’t only tell the good news so people don’t get a skewed picture of the situation, but I figure everyone hears enough bad news, so I’m bringing some balance into the public discourse about today’s real estate market.
Good News Report #1 - I’m starting with this video of a news story featuring Greg Rand. If you get this newsletter by email you should be able to click on this link, if you get a printed copy, type it into in your address bar.Why?Because it’s so much fun hearing other people say the things I’ve been saying, J AND to hear good news about Denver being the best real estate market in the nation.
Good News Report #2– I received this note from the showing service we use, at the end of the first full week of January:“This has been a wild week---today was the busiest Friday we have had since May 20, 2011. The entire week was very busy, and today we set just under 800 showings!!! Certainly too soon to know what is happening, but it looks like 2012 could be a better year than we have seen recently.”
People are out there, looking to buy homes.Couple that with the fact that there are about 1/3 fewer homes on the market now than this time last year, and If this trend continues, homebuyers will need a very active and hard-working agent, because the nicer properties go F-A-S-T!
That’s why I only take a limited number of clients at one time – I want to give each of my clients the most attention and best service possible.
Good News Report #3 – In December there were 41 metropolitan areas on the IMI list (improving markets index).That list now includes 76 areas (good news for the country as a whole) – and one of them is Denver (good news for us)!Three factors are tracked for entry onto this list – employment, house price appreciation, and single-family housing permits. An area must show improvement in all three areas for six months before entry to the list.
What My Readers Said:
I posed a question last month, ‘Why aren’t more people buying houses now?” I got a couple of well-thought answers. I will include one in this newsletter and one in next month’s.
“Why aren't more people buying houses? Money. Houses may be at their most affordable, but if you don't have a job or don't have job stability, you're not about to purchase the most expensive thing possible. Renting gives lots of flexibility to up and move at a moment's notice. Houses are truly an investment. For some people, credit is probably also an issue. Just my two cents.”
My responses:First of all, thank you for responding, I love it!
I agree that there will always be people who prefer to rent for one reason or another, and the possibility of moving to get a better job is a good one. In fact, I know several folks in their 50s and 60s who are considering selling their home and renting, so they can travel and not have to do home maintenance any more. (I think when they realize how much it costs to rent a home as nice as the one they have now, most will change their mind.)
However, some people are still renting just because it’s easier to do nothing than to make a move. I know some of these people. They are paying hundreds of dollars more every month for rent than they would pay for a home of their own.
On a side note:right now, the rental market between Denver and Boulder is hot, hot, hot. So if you’ve ever thought of buying a rental property, now may be the time.
Will you miss this great real estate market if you wait 2 or 3 years?I can’t guarantee anything, but my feeling is that house prices will begin to rise, but VERY slowly and probably will still be similarly priced to what they are now.
The big difference to those who must wait may be higher interest rates.
For February’s Newsletter:
I would love to answer YOUR questions. Please call or email with any questions you’d like addressed in the newsletter.And don’t forget to send in anything you’d like me to include, like contractor recommendations, favorite restaurants, events you want to advertise, etc.
Some of my blog posts for the past month
If you get this newsletter by email, click on the title and the article will open up. Otherwise, I’d be glad to print one off and mail it to you.)
This is a monthly market report for Arvada homes, a small town between Denver and Boulder.
Arvada's real estate market is not the same as Denver or Boulder, but is very similar to Westminster, Broomfield, Lakewood, and Golden.
I hope that issuing these reports every month will help give you an idea of the real estate market, in case you want to buy a home or sell a home in one of the best places Denver to Boulder!
I've categorized my Arvada homes market reports by price range. You can see the categories below. Clicking on a category will take you to the respective report once it's complete.
I hope this will be helpful, and you will consider calling me - a knowledgeable local agent with 10 years' experience- if you plan to buy a house or sell a house in Arvada, Westminster, Broomfield, or any small town in the Denver to Boulder vicinity.
Note: these categories do not include attached homes (duplexes, condos, townhomes).
I write posts on real estate issues and local events in the Denver metro area, especially those *communities between Denver and Boulder, as a public service. My hope is to give people an idea of the ‘flavor’ of our community, in case they’re new or moving to the Denver area.
I am a residential real estate agent, happily helping folks buy a house or sell a house in the beautiful and friendly *suburbs northwest of Denver. *Arvada, Broomfield, Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, Westminster; also Thornton, Golden, Wheat Ridge, Northglen, Lakewood
What this report tells you: A couple of good trends in this price range are a reduction in the number of days Arvada homes stay on the market before going under contract, and a lowering percentage of distressed sales. Coupled with the fact that vacancy rates in residential rentals are so low means pressure should be showing up in prices.
Click this link to see Arvada Home Sales in the other price categories.
The following information was obtained from Metrolist on January 14, 2012. This report includes only detached single family Arvada homes that sold for $150,000 or less.
17 Arvada homes sold in December 2011 under $150,000. 45 median days on market. 7 were foreclosures, 2 short sales. So 53% were distressed sales.
Arvada homes that sold under $150,000 in December 2011 were found in the following neighborhoods:
Allendale * Shannon * Highland Homes
Far Horizons * North Arvada Park * Columbine Acres
Ralston Hills * Koldeway * Club Crest
2010 saw 21 Arvada homes sell during December below $150,000, with 72 median days on market. 14 Arvada homes were foreclosures, 4 were short sales. A 86% rate of distressed sales.
2009 saw 8 Arvada homes sell during December below $150,000, staying on the market for a median of 117 days. 4 were foreclosures, 3 were short sales, for a 88% distressed sales rate.
Currently, there are 14 homes for sale and 10 under contract in this price range.
Of the 14 that are for sale, 4 are foreclosures, 5 are short sales, and the rest are being sold by individuals or estates. That's a 64% rate of distressed homes.
If you would like any more details or to see any of these homes, please give me a call.
Of the 17 under contract, 4 were short sales and 12 were foreclosures. 96% distressed sales.
(I'm using the term 'distressed sales' to refer to short sales and foreclosures. A 'regular' sale may also have been 'distressed' in the sense that the home was in need of major work.)
Click this link to see Arvada Home Sales in the other price categories.
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I write posts on real estate issues and local events in the Denver metro area, especially those *communities between Denver and Boulder, as a public service. My hope is to give people an idea of the ‘flavor’ of our community, in case they’re new or moving to the Denver area.
I am a residential real estate agent, happily helping folks buy a house or sell a house in the beautiful and friendly *suburbs northwest of Denver. *Arvada, Broomfield, Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, Westminster; also Thornton, Golden, Wheat Ridge, Northglen, Lakewood
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
I've been wanting to sample the fare at 
Someone asked me the question, "How can I get the best deal when buying a home?" I've already written 
front door, surrounded by an artistic vine of leaves and flowers, of a bank-owned property I showed to some first-time buyers. We didn't notice it until we were leaving, where it stopped us dead in our tracks. No one spoke for a long time as we resumed our places in the car for the ride to the next potential home.
This is a monthly market report for Arvada homes, a small town between Denver and Boulder.
Arvada homes that sold under $150,000 in December 2011 were found in the following neighborhoods:
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