Our Grandson has Down Syndrome. What Does This Mean? - 03/29/11 01:21 PM
I don't usually write personal blog posts, but I'm entering a new, and totally unexpected phase in my life, and I'm at the point where I want to 'talk' about it some.  I'm finding that talking is helping me learn, and may even help someone else.
Two weeks ago, my daughter, Amanda, got a call confirming her unborn son has Down Syndrome. When the doc saw a spot on an ultrasound and suggested amniocentisis, she decided to get the test done, because she was so certain it would come back negative for Down's. That certainty made this news even harder.
Other … (12 comments)

Gardening Classes at Timberline Gardens in Arvada CO - 03/28/11 08:43 PM
I've gardened for many years, 17 of those in the tough and unique high country of Colorado, between Denver and Boulder. And yet, there's always more to learn. Plus, taking classes is a great way to meet like-minded gardening folks!
 
I got so excited just reading the classes offered by Timberline Gardens, located at 11700 W. 58th Ave. in Arvada, CO. I've always loved Timberline for great soil, stone, mulch, and compost. They have a huge nursery that's a lot of fun to visit.
 
The list of Timberline Garden's upcoming classes is long. Click the blue text to go … (10 comments)

Gorgeous Condo - 479 Wright St. #102 is off the market - 03/26/11 05:24 PM
This condo is gorgeous and move-in ready, and stands apart from the rest with mountain views and trees and green space right off the patio. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms, you'll be surprised how big the master bathroom is. Lots of closets.
Bathrooms and kitchen are already remodeled with new flooring, appliances, fixtures, and custom tile work.
The mailbox and reserved parking space are conveniently close by. The community has a pool, club house, and tennis courts.  
See more photos at 479 Wright St. #102.
      
Not a short sale - all gussied up - all appliances included - if … (5 comments)

Joetta's Neighborhood Newsletter, March 2011 - 03/23/11 01:06 PM
 
Joetta’s Neighborhood Newsletter
March, 2011
 
Hello, Friends & Neighbors!
Nearly everyone loves talking about real estate! 
Would you like to know when a house sells in your neighborhood?  I can set you up to receive notifications for your neighborhood, or any neighborhood for that matter.  So if you’re keeping your eye on the market for whatever reason (and who isn’t?) you’ll be kept up to date easily and with no hassle. Free, no obligation, of course.
Input from Readers
“Here’s a plug for a little local neighborhood restaurant. Mama Mia is our favorite for fresh, real Italian … (3 comments)

Buying a Short Sale - When are Inspections Done? - 03/22/11 03:45 PM
When you buy a short sale, a lot of things are different. With a 'normal' sale, the inspection is done asap, after buyers and sellers have signed a contract.
But with a short sale, most buyers wait to do their inspection until after the lien holder(s) have agreed to release their lien.  The reason to wait, is that many short sales never happen. A home buyer can wait weeks or months for the lienholder(s) answer, only to receive a counter offer with terms they can't agree to, or even just to be denied.  
Depending on what kind of inspections a … (6 comments)

Things to do Arvada: Kite Festival - 03/22/11 02:36 PM
The Arvada Kite Festival is something I look forward every year, but I missed it last year.  There's always so much going on around here!
There was not much wind to speak of for the 2009 Kite Festival, but right now the wind is blowing like crazy. So if it does that this Saturday, April 9, it will be a fantastic day for kites!
The 2011 Kite Festival will be held on Saturday, April 9 from 10 am to 4 pm (rain date is April 16), at Robby Ferrufino Park (74th & Carr).  
There are contests for highest kite, most … (7 comments)

Trains Through Arvada - Quiet Zone Update - 03/21/11 02:41 PM
This is an update to my earlier post about trains that run through Arvada, where I mentioned the installation of quiet zones. The February/March issue of the *Arvada Report has an update on the Quiet Zone at the railroad crossing near 76th and Simms.  They said the Federal Railroad Administration has approved it, so construction should be apparent soon. 
Three other quiet zones are at crossings on 72nd, 69th and Kipling, and 59th and Pierce. They've been operational since 2008.
*The Arvada Report is mailed to all households and businesses in Arvada. If you'd like to see past articles, click on Arvada … (6 comments)

Buying a Short Sale - What Keeps Buyers Hanging In There? - 03/18/11 03:19 PM
If you know anything about short sales, you know how frustrating they usually are for everyone involved. But I think they're the toughest for the buyer.
I know short sales are terribly tough for sellers, because what they're going through is an unhappy loss. But I'm talking about the process itself - after there is a signed contract, and all the documents have been sent to the lien holders.
Then the waiting starts.
This waiting is tough on the agents, but usually they've both been through it before, and hopefully they have some short sale successes under their belts which can … (4 comments)

Arvadans - Do You Know Your Neighbors? - 03/16/11 03:22 AM
Well, DO you know your neighbors?
Have you ever made an effort? What about a block party, or other event? I've thrown block parties, had police officers come by to give talks, and a few other events all to get to know my neighbors. I discovered that some people don't WANT to be known!  But most people really enjoy these events.
Now, the City of Arvada is making it easier with a little grant money. That's right, the City of Arvada will pay residents to throw a party!
There are some rules, of course.  Check them out by clicking on the … (9 comments)

VOTE for Olde Town Arvada! - 03/14/11 02:40 PM
If you read my posts very often, you know I love Arvada, and really enjoy our Olde Town.  Now, Olde Town Arvada is one of the 10 finalists in the Live Work Play competition.
Please vote for Olde Town Arvada, she deserves to win this competition.  Yes, some of the other finalists are snazzy, cool, and fun too.  But Olde Town Arvada is a real hometown community that's been around for thousands of years (OK - just a little exaggeration there!).  There's something special about that kind of history.
Just one warning - DON'T read the descriptions of the other finalists, … (14 comments)

Getting Ripped Off by Shady Locksmiths? - 03/13/11 10:18 PM
 
How ‘Bout Them Locksmiths?
I’ve been hearing stories about people getting ripped off when they need a locksmith at their home or car, and it happened to me. So, I wanted to compile a list of honest local locksmiths, so you can keep their numbers handy. It’s a safety issue, as the time to try to find assistance is NOT when you’re helpless, standing by your car in bad weather, or outside your locked door late at night. 
I only had one locksmith on my 'list' when I wrote my February newsletter, so I put out a call to my readers, … (10 comments)

She Sells Short Sales by the Foothills - 03/13/11 09:49 PM
I've recently written a couple of posts about short sales for home buyers, and in one I mentioned that some agents don't ever show their buyer clients short sales.  I said, "They have good reasons, don't get me wrong."
But then, I was challenged by Russel Ray, a San Diego home inspector, to explain what those reasons are. He said, "... personally I think an agent should show a buyer anything that is within the price range they've been preapproved for."
So here's some of the reasons I've heard, as to why some agents won't show short sales to homebuyers.
1.  "They're hard, … (7 comments)

Can You Buy a Short Sale? Yes, if ... - 03/10/11 01:08 AM
If you're in the market to buy a house these days, you've probably heard about short sales being the best deals out there. They certainly can be, and they even work out occasionally!
From the perspective of a home buyer, there are a few things that make you a better candidate to successfully buy a short sale.
First - You must have time. If you need to be in a house within two or three months or you will suffer dire consequences, a short sale is probably not going to work out for you.  Once, I got an answer from a … (11 comments)

Short Sales are Tough, What's a Buyer to DO? - 03/08/11 12:28 PM
Savvy home buyers notice that short sales are often the best deals out there. But they can be extremely frustrating, drag on for months, and end up not working out despite all efforts.
So what can a buyer do, if they want a great deal, but also want the best chance of actually getting into a home?
First, have an up-front discussion with your agent, or any agent you're thinking of working with.  Find out how they handle short sales.  Did you know some agents won't even show you a short sale?  They have good reasons, don't get me wrong. But … (12 comments)

40 Years of Community Gardening About to Be Pushed Aside? - 03/04/11 11:04 AM
How much is a community garden worth to Arvada?
Arvada Gardeners have been building community and providing food both for themselves AND the Arvada food bank in the same spot for over 40 years. Now, the City (AURA - Arvada Urban Renewal Authority) might take the property, for the benefit of private builders and the taxes it will bring in (an apartment complex).
Such a shame! A beautiful place that has been touted over and over again by local media, and the City of Arvada itself, is losing out to become … well … nothing special.  Arvada will lose a piece … (4 comments)

 
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Joetta Fort, Independent Broker Homes Denver to Boulder

Arvada, CO

More about me…

The DiGiorgio Group

Address: 7828 Vance Dr. #202, Arvada, CO, 80003

Office Phone: (720) 242-5200

Cell Phone: (720) 353-8031

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