So you want to buy a house in the beautiful Denver area, but you’re nervous because you’ve heard horror stories about what can go wrong. I’m here to tell you, while there truly is a lot that can go wrong, these problems can almost always be addressed and solved.
As long as home owners want to sell a house, and home buyers want to buy a house (and not TOO MUCH changes in the political realm), things can be worked out.
There’s a lot of annoying things that can happen in the loan process. It’s important to remember that your lender wants you to get a loan, and in fact will not get paid if you aren’t successful. In other words – don’t forget that you’re on the same side!
First, your lender will give you a list of things to do and not to do in the interim before closing, such as, “Don’t buy a car, don’t change jobs”. They may also get very nosey about things like, “Where did this big cash deposit come from?” and ask you to prove your answer. And if your credit score needs a bump up, the lender may say pay off some debts, or contact the credit reporting bureaus to get some things cleaned up.
It’s totally annoying to do what you’re told, but please – in the interest of getting into that new home - Do as they ask. Don’t get creative, don’t get advice from a TV personality or your best friend’s cousin. Some of these tasks will be real, time-consuming work. But they won’t assign anything that’s impossible, just keep pushing and you’ll get through it.
If you chose a good lender, and did all they asked, they most likely will have all they need a few days before closing on your new home. You can relax and start packing. If you chose a not-so-good lender, they will still be working on your package the day you’re supposed to close, and there’s not many things more annoying than that.
Sometimes, even a good lender has trouble getting a difficult loan finalized. But a good lender would have explained what might go wrong and how they’ll try to fix it. And even though not getting the loan would be much worse than annoying, at least you should end up knowing the lender did all they possibly could.
And the best lenders would stick with you, and help you change the situation, so you can get the loan next time.
If you need to find a lender, I can give you names and numbers of a couple of good ones. I don’t receive any kind of financial payback for dong so, just the satisfaction of knowing they’ll do the best job for you.
Here’s some blog posts written by actual lenders, that will help you understand more about getting a loan to buy a house.
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 Denver area.
I am a residential real estate agent, and would love to assist you if you're considering buying a home or selling a home in the northwestern Denver suburbs.
Recently, a home buyer told me, “I don’t like all these surprises!”We were in the middle of a short sale transaction, and there were a few surprises but no more than usual. It all seemed pretty normal to me.
Then I remembered, nothing about buying a house is ‘normal’ to most home buyers.Pretty much everything is either a mystery or a surprise unless I tell them what to expect.
I was pretty sure I HAD explained everything, but obviously it didn’t all ‘stick’.
There’s so many things that can happen, and so many twists and turns (especially with the distressed sales so common today), that when I try to tell my clients everything they need to know, their eyes glaze over and they don’t remember half of it.
So – I’m developing a series of blog posts that will address all the issues I can think of, from the perspective of both home buyers and home sellers, especially those between Denver and Boulder. Many of these issues apply nation-wide, but most are local. So if you, dear reader, are buying or selling a house in another area, please do find a reliable, patient real estate agent you can call your own. If you need help finding one, I belong to an organization of well over 100,000 real estate agents all over the country, and I can give you the inside scoop on a couple in your area.
And if you’re a client of mine during the time period that I’m working on these posts, you just might recognize part of your story used for illustration. So I’ll thank you in advance for all the wonderful subject matter you give me each and every day in the wonderful world of real estate!
I’ll add links to this post as new ones are developed, and I'll do a separate 'starter post' for home sellers, so please come back often.
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 Denver area.
I am a residential real estate agent, and would love to assist you if you're considering buying a home or selling a home in the northwestern Denver suburbs.
Yes, this is my 100th real estate-related blog post about buying and selling homes between Denver and Boulder.
I can't believe it! Blogging seemed so hard at first - such a huge learning curve. But now, I take my camera everywhere I go, and jot down ideas all the time. I have a list of ideas for posts yet to be written.
Best of all, I've met some wonderful people via blogging. I had a buyer close week before last, one closing tomorrow and another under contract, who all found me online.
I have a lot to learn still, I know. My posts could be more SEO-savvy, and prettier. But I've very much enjoyed the journey and look forward to all that's just over the next hilltop.
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 here or considering a move here.
I am a residential real estate agent, and would love to assist you if you're considering buying or selling a home in the northwestern Denver suburbs.
There’s a lot of controversy about government spending these days, including the extended tax credit for home buyers. I'm not going re-hash the debate, but I want to make a statement about my thoughts from the perspective of a real estate agent.
First, did the credit that is about to expire help at all? I think the obvious answer to anyone familiar with our local market is “Yes!” It most certainly turned the entry-level market around. It’s actually difficult to find a nice, 3-bedroom, 2-bath house in Arvada for less than $225,000, with simple specifications such as it doesn’t adjoin a busy street or train track.
That’s not my opinion, that’s the real-life experience of people looking for a home right now. The tax credit cleaned out existing entry-level inventory. There are more homes available in surrounding cities such as Westminster and Thornton, but the ones that aren't over priced go fast.
Along with the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers, the new tax credit offers $6,500 to people who have owned a home for at least five years, when they buy a new home. I believe this will have the effect of making more entry-level homes available, and really jumping our local market into high gear.
Is it good or bad for our country? Will it help or hurt our economy? Is it morally right or wrong for me to benefit from it, in the form of more clients? I don’t know all the answers – all I know is this –
If YOU want to buy a house, and this tax credit is going to make it feasible for YOU, and YOU want to take advantage of it, I’ll be so excited for YOU and completely supportive. But YOU have got to get going NOW, especially if you have a house to sell. (You must be under contract on the new house by the end of April and closed by the end of June.)
The people that have made the most out of the tax credit thus far, are folks who bought homes that needed work, and used the funds to do a large portion of that work. These people may not have been able to buy a home at all without the credit.
The people who most need the ‘move-up’ funds of $6,500 are folks who need to move into a bigger house, smaller house, closer to an ailing family member, etc., but don’t have any equity, and don’t want to move with no money at all left in their bank accounts. Many who already have their house on the market will now see their way clear to lowering the price and getting their plans for their future moving again.
Is it ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ in the big picture? Time will tell. But is it right or wrong for YOU – that’s what matters to ME. Please, let me know if the tax credit made or is going to make a difference to you, even if you used a real estate agent other than me.
I’d really like to hear your stories.
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 here or considering a move here. I've collected my local info posts here.
I am a residential real estate agent, and would love to assist you if you're considering buying or selling a home in the northwestern Denver suburbs.
Life in Arvada is the subject of several posts I've written on neighborhoods, merchants and stores, things to do, andother local info, with the hope of helping those trying to get a feel for life here.
I know how hard it can be to get a handle on the ins-and-outs of a smaller town like Arvada. People seem to think about Denver or Boulder when moving to Colorado, but what about all those suburban towns and neighborhoods between the better-known cities? Arvada is one of those towns, and it's a sweet one.
So if you're new to the area between Denver and Boulder, or thinking of moving here, I hope you'll find the info in these posts informative and enlightening. I've gathered them here, and will keep adding links to this post as I get new ones written.
Enjoy!
(And if you have questions I can address, or if there's something you'd like to see more info on, let me know.)
I write posts focused on local businesses as a public service, and am not endorsing any business, nor do I have any sort of 'relationship' with them, other than as a raving consumer. My hope is to give people an idea of the 'flavor' of the community of Arvada, in case they're new here or considering a move here.
I am a residential real estate agent, and would love to assist you if you're considering buying or selling a home in the northwestern Denver suburbs.
Over the last two days, the Denver area (including my home town of Arvada) experienced The Big Snow of 2009 - that's what I'm calling it, in hopes that it's the only one. No, I don't like snow. Yet it's a part of our lives here in Colorado. The good news is, it usually doesn't stay on the ground here in town very long, especially early and late snow falls.
But for those of your who looooove snow - even after it melts here you don't have to go far to find it, so no worries!
Anyway, back to the topic - I saw a few pictures of friends' dogs posted on Facebook, and love the personalities they show. I'll be adding more pictures as I get them, so if you have one, send it on!
First up - my own beagle, Daphne. I was doing all I could to coerce her to come out into the snow, but as you can see, she wasn't going to budge!
Here's the typical big dog (a friend's golden retriever), enjoying the snow to the max.
And my daughter's dog, Sapphira, who really CANNOT get enough.
I can only imagine what this little girl's thinking, but I'm sure it's NOT, "Get ready, my people are about to pick me up and drop me in the middle of the cold, white stuff". Which is what happened to her next. (This is Roxy. I'm really not sure what she is, but my daughter keeps telling me she's not a chihuaha.)
And these last pictures illustrate the real reason I don't like snow, which is, because gardening season is over. WAY over!
I write posts on 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 here or considering a move here. I've collected my local info posts here.
I am a residential real estate agent, and would love to assist you if you're considering buying or selling a home in the northwestern Denver suburbs.
I've wanted to make it out to Denver's Dragon Boat Festival ever since I heard about it a few years ago, and when I finally made it I was not disappointed. The brochure said, "More than just a race: Your Weekend Passport to Asia and the Pacific", and that's truly the way it felt.
The Dragon Boat Festival is held at Sloan's Lake, at Sheridan Blvd and W. 17th Ave. It was about a 10 minute drive from my home in Arvada. This year, it was July 25 and 26, and the focus was on Hawaii's 50th anniversary of becoming our 50th state.
We got there in time for the opening ceremony - a parade of all the teams, led by a 75-foot dragon. Just beautiful! The parade was followed by the traditional Buddhist blessing and eye-dotting ceremony.
Watching the races was fun, and the lake was gorgeous. The boats looked fierce and colorful as they cut their way through the smooth water, encouraged by the steady beat of the drums.
And there was soooo much good food. It was hard to choose!
Even the marketplace was fun and interesting, offering items you don't find at most festivals. My daughter and I each purchased a beautiful paper umbrella to shield ourselves from the intense Colorado summer sun.
But with all that, the Performing Arts Stage was a favorite spot. There was traditional music and dance from Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, and New Zealand. For me, it's the music that really takes me to a different place!
There was 'Gateway to Asia', with demonstrations such as egg roll making, lei-making, dance, and a wedding ceremony.
And we can't leave the kids out, they enjoyed Dragonland with hands-on arts and crafts and face-painting.
I write posts on 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 here or considering a move here. I've collected my local info posts here.
I am a residential real estate agent, and would love to assist you if you're considering buying or selling a home in the northwestern Denver suburbs.
As we transition from summer warmth to winter chill, I hope the crisp air and glorious colors of autumn bring you good memories and a sense of joy for what’s to come as 2009 winds down. I know some of you will read this newsletter at your desk, some will have your laptop with you in front of a crackling fire, and some will read it on your phones. Wherever and however, I hope you enjoy!
Input from Readers
Senator Evie Hudack would like to invite you to join her for coffee (or breakfast) at Panera Bread Café (7739 Wadsworth) on the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 to 8:30 am, to discuss issues of concern to you.The next one will be November 5. She’s also having a town hall meeting Saturday, November 21, from 10:30 am to noon at the Standley Lake Library. Visit her website, http://www.eviehudak.com, to sign up to receive her newsletter, and find out more about what she’s up to.
From Kathy: I do have two questions: Do you know why the Art Cafe closed? It was one of our favorite spots. Also, do you know when Udi's will open? Thanks!
(I put in a call to AEDA (Arvada Economic Development Association) and got answers from Lila Nigh – she made a call and found out Udi’s is shooting for mid-November but definitely plan to be open by Thanksgiving. The Art Café – she’s not sure why it closed, although she knows the building is for sale. They don’t generally get involved in why businesses close. I think the only way to answer this question is by talking to the owners – do any of you readers know them?)
From Louisa: Places in CO that I like: Air Force Academy – they have wonderful football games. Lyons – nice, sleepy town with lots of small town charm. Breckenridge – love the summer alpine slide. Garden of the Gods – lovely place to hike.
Favorite Restaurant – I LOVE the 20th Street Café in downtown Denver on 20th and Arapahoe. They have the best American and Japanese food. Their noodles are great, the food’s awesome.
I would love to know what the average summer water usage for our area is. They recently changed out my meter, and I think that the number they gave me was high, but I have nothing to compare it to.
(I found the following statement on Arvada’s web site: “One acre-foot is 325,851 gallons. An average family uses approximately 0.4 AF per year.” That comes to 130,000 gallons (WOW!).If you want to talk more specifically about your family’s water usage you can call the city. Sometimes, when the usage seems high, it turns out that there’s a broken pipe somewhere.)
Here’s a question: Where would people suggest going for a summer vacation with children within CO? I have a 3 ½ and a 1 ½ year old and we would like to get out and do things, but I don’t want to have to fly somewhere in the summer, and in the winter, I just want places to go to do things in the Metro area. Any suggestions?
Here’s an answer from one of my current clients, who has an adorable 2-year old: “I would do a stay-cation in Denver and go to things like the aquarium or Childrens' Museum and zoo. Another option is to stay at a ski resort where they have summertime activities.”
Personally, I subscribe to 5280 and Sunset, and tear out articles about places that seem right for us, and keep in a file. I have an article on Fort Collins, they have Swetsville Zoo – “more than 170 comical characters constructed from scrap metal on display at an outdoor sculpture park”. I also have an article about the Children’s Secret Path in Denver’s Botanic Gardens.
Unfortunately, most of the articles I’ve saved aren’t focused on having little ones along. But you can get a lot of ideas from an internet search - pick a city, check their website for upcoming events, and head out! (There’s a trail with African sculptures in Loveland – might be dull for young ones, but when it opened they had African music and dance, would have been a lot of fun!)
From Amanda:I love Hanging Lake hiking trail, a place called "Indian Springs" in Idaho Springs (rent-able private hot tubs that are hot springs). And Silverton is a GORGEOUS mountain town in the summer.
Favorite Dish - Los Arcos! I love the jalapeno poppers or the bean burrito platter.
Can I have two fav Halloween memories? One was the time you made me an Alice costume and that kid really thought I was Alice. The other one was the time you were gone so Dad tried to help me with my pirate costume and we failed miserably at it. (PS – Amanda is my daughter, if you haven’t figured that out. I meant for her to be a girl pirate, but when I got home and saw the pictures, she had a black mustache, which went SO WELL with her curly blond locks!)
From Georgia:Why is it so important to get a pre-approval letter from a lender when you haven’t even found the house you want?
I’m glad you asked this question, Georgia, because it can be a touchy one. If I’m working with a new buyer, and I start out with conversation about seeing a lender, they might feel like I’m all about the money. But it really is in their best interest to know how much they qualify for, and what kind of loan is best for them.
It’s a heartbreaker to show lovely homes, that the buyer later finds out they can’t afford. Believe me, it’s hard to find homes that fit their budget and that they will like after they’ve seen nicer ones. And the opposite is true too – it’s frustrating trying to find the home people want within constraints that later turn out to be too low. Plus, some loans – FHA especially – automatically eliminate some homes, so it’s good to know ahead of time.
And many people don’t realize that these days no seller wants an offer without a lender’s letter coming along with it. So it’s best to get that taken care of, so when you find the perfect home, getting a lender letter won’t hold up the offer.
I’ll just add here that pre-approval letters differ immensely in quality. Some are worthless. I like a letter from a lender who has pulled credit and reviewed docs (pay records, debts). Some lenders put out letters based on nothing, really. And some want several hundred dollars up front before they’ll actually do any of the up-front work. Stay away from them!
Local Stories Only a ‘Native’ Would Know
I told in my previous newsletter about Shep's grave on the old Boulder Turnpike. I loved that story, and now there’s more!
Ann emailed me this: its maintenance and seasonal decoration were the idea of Dr. Bruner of the Broomfield Veterinary Hospital at 120th and Sheridan. He’s a Broomfield native and I’ve used his vet service since 1969.
From Carrisa -“There is a little blurb on Olde Town Arvada in this months 5280 magazine. It is only one page, and things I am sure you have already mentioned in your newsletter, but still cool that Olde Town made a spot in this magazine:)http://www.5280.com/issues/2009/0910/feature.php?pageID=1945”
Goings-on in Arvada –
Meet Cindy and see Cookie Lee jewelry’s newest offerings at Novo Coffee on Oct 24th, 2-4 pm. Novo Coffee is at 7745 Wadsworth Blvd #B in Arvada, near Great Harvest.
Do you sell hand-crafted items, or have a home-based business? Cindy is Putting on a multi-vendor event in November. She’s done these several times, and they’re always very popular. Call Cindy at 303-425-4740 or email Cindypage99@yahoo.com.
Howl-o-ween dogs trick or treat through old Towne, costume and tricks contest
Trick or Treat Street Friday, October 30th (5-7 p.m.)
Local Real Estate News
Real estate is such a hot topic, I don’t want to take up time or space talking about the same things that are out there on the news every night.But often, the news that we hear is moot, because it’s not local. Real estate is VERY local. What’s going on in Arvada is different from what’s going on in Aurora. So I think I’ll give you my two cents on the hot subjects.
#1 – the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers is coming to an end. You must close by November 30 to qualify, and if you’re getting an FHA loan and just now getting started, that’s going to be a hard date to meet.But the question is – did this government stimulus expense, stimulate anything?
I say yes – it definitely turned the entry-level market into hot property. Homes priced below $200,000 are going fast (assuming they’re priced right). In many cases, the winning ‘bid’ is a cash offer, making the situation surprisingly difficult for those financing their home purchase.
#2 – interest rates.Most people in the real estate field are surprised they’ve stayed so low so long. I see more and more warnings that this can’t last forever, and have heard indications that there’s been some upward movement. Still, we have a long way to go before interest rates are ‘high’ (this is the opinion of someone who’s first mortgage loan was at 14%).
#3 – when will home prices start going up again?I think foreclosures are still holding prices down, even though there have been fewer of them. Joblessness is another huge factor holding the housing market down. Prices will start going up in areas where the job picture is improving.
Based on a meeting I went to in Broomfield – the Broomfield/Westminster/ Arvada area will be positively impacted by people moving in for jobs, but that’s not happening right away.It sounded like the next two to three years will be when we see the biggest impact.
The first-time buyer’s tax credit has bumped up prices in entry-level housing, but no one knows yet if that will hold once the credit expires. And the market for homes above $350,000 continues to be difficult. Homes in that price point will continue to see some lowering for awhile.
Did you know Arvada has a community garden? They had an open house a few weeks ago*, and I stopped by. What a great place, and a nice bunch of people. It’s located at 57th and Garrison. There are 120 plots. Club membership is $25 per year for individuals, $35 for families, and includes a plot, water, hose. Non-members can rent plots, but they have a waiting list.
You can tour the gardens, and be sure to stop by for your fall decorating needs, such as pumpkins, corn stalks, and gourds. (Please stick to the paths, and - do I have to say it - DON't PICK ANYTHING!) Hours of operation are Monday and Wednesday, 7:30 to noon, and 4:30 to 7 pm; Friday from 4:30 to 7 pm; Saturday 7:30 to noon.
For more info call Kyle or Jackie at Young's 303-422-8408.
*Oh wow - that was back in August!
Arvada is a historic town about midway between Denver and Boulder in Jefferson County, Colorado. There are many different neighborhood styles and homes prices, all served by well-loved schools. Call me to talk about the kind of neighborhood you dream of living in.
I write posts focused on local businesses as a public service, and am not endorsing any business, nor do I have any sort of 'relationship' with them, other than as a raving consumer. My hope is to give people an idea of the 'flavor' of the community of Arvada, in case they're new here or considering a move here.
I am a residential real estate agent, and would love to assist you if you're considering buying or selling a home in the northwestern Denver suburbs.
Every year, as Christmas approaches, I hear people complain about the commercialism of it, or state the obvious truth that most of the gifts they're giving aren't even needed, and how hard it is to find gifts for people who 'have everything' or don't want anything. Well, stop complaining and make a meaningful change!
There's a thousand ways to do it, but one way that gets me excited and happy is to scour the World Vision Gift Catalog and pick some way to make a huge impact in the life of someone who I'll never even meet. Maybe it could help you out of your Christmas doldrums too!
You can give a goat or a duck and save a child's life. Or a sheep or a cow. Or give an entire barnyard's worth of animals and save an entire village.
Now, you can get a stuffed goat too, which would be great if children are involved in the gifting. Or, donate to the Maximum Impact Fund (which helps girls rescued from the sex trade) and get a beaded bracelet to remind you of the good thing you were able to do.
This can be very personal. One time, I went to an alpaca farm in Oregon, and fell in love with this other lady's life. I soooo wanted to get some alpaca, and live the way she did. I fantasized about it for a long time, and even started reading up on it and visiting Alpaca farms near where I live in Colorado. As it turned out, the alpaca farm didn't work out, but I discovered that I could give an alpaca to a family living in the Andes highlands. That alpaca would be more than a hobby, it would produce up to 12 pounds of wool every year for 25 years! The family could make clothes or share the wool.
Someone who loves fishing might have a fish pond dug and stocked.
Maybe you have a heart for empowering women - you can give a bicycle that will help a girl get an education.
If you love sports, give a soccer balls.
You can choose your gift based on the part of the world where it would go - including the USA.
You can also buy gifts to give to friends and family members, such as a handwoven and dyed scarf from Thailand or fair-trade coffee and a mug from Ethiopia, and the proceeds will go to where it's most needed through the Maximum Impact Fund.
Last year, my family bought two chickens and two ducks in my name. I still have those cards sitting right here on my desk where I can see them. All the other Christmas cards - as much as I love them - got put away in the basement.
I have to ask you one favor - if you do buy a gift through the WV catalog, let me know - I'd LOVE to hear about it!
(I don't work for World Vision, and I'm not representing them in any way. I'm a residential real estate agent, happily working in the beautiful and friendly cities between Denver and Boulder, including Golden, Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Westminster, Broomfield, Lakewood, Thornton.)
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.
Yes, this is my 100th real estate-related blog post about buying and selling homes between Denver and Boulder. 
I've wanted to make it out to Denver's Dragon Boat Festival ever since I heard about it a few years ago, and when I finally made it I was not disappointed. The brochure said, "More than just a race: Your Weekend Passport to Asia and the Pacific", and that's truly the way it felt.
There was 'Gateway to Asia', with demonstrations such as egg roll making, lei-making, dance, and a wedding ceremony.
village.
This can be very personal. One time, I went to an alpaca farm in Oregon, and fell in love with this other lady's life. I soooo wanted to get some alpaca, and live the way she did. I fantasized about it for a long time, and even started reading up on it and visiting Alpaca farms near where I live in Colorado. As it turned out, the alpaca farm didn't work out, but I discovered that I could give an alpaca to a family living in the Andes highlands. That alpaca would be more than a hobby, it would produce up to 12 pounds of wool every year for 25 years! The family could make clothes or share the wool.
;)
;)
