Historic Homes of Denver: People Who Shaped Denver’s History - Noisy Tom Pollock - 01/31/11 08:09 PM
Tom Pollock filled an outlaw named George Steele with buckshot when he tried to kill William Byers after a failed kidnapping attempt.
Tom Pollock or "Noisy Tom" as he was known around Denver in the mid 1800's was a blacksmith who had little tolerance for the type of behavior that was becoming more and more common around town.  I have talked about the Judge Lynch period in Denver's History. Warnings were doled out to the thugs in the form of pieces of paper with a crude sketches of a hangman on it.  Things did calm down a bit, but Denver needed … (4 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: People Who Shaped Denver’s History - The Kidnapping of William Byers - 01/31/11 02:09 AM
William Byers, of the Byers Evans House and the founder of the Rocky Mountain News was at the center of the craziness during the Judge Lynch period of Denver when gangsters and outlaws ran wild.  Things really reached the boiling point when they kidnapped William Byers because he had written an article in the Rocky Mountain News condemning the actions of the various hoodlums and outlaws that where terrorizing Denver (1 point for the good guys!).  I guess this pissed off more than a couple of outlaws!  William Byers escaped when his captures took him to a local saloon called the … (1 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: People Who Shaped Denver’s History - Denver's Judge Lynch - 01/30/11 09:29 PM
Judge Lynch was very popular in Denver's Old West. So who do you ask is Judge Lynch? Interestingly enough, it's not really who is Judge Lynch, but what is Judge Lynch? You see, back when Denver was little more than a stop on the road to the Gold Rush of the Old West, the lawlessness in Denver made what is happening in Egypt in 2011, little more than child's play. Denver was a rowdy, Wild West town, and there was no town Marshall or sheriff to protect the people of Denver. Thieves, thugs, horse thieves, rapists and the like ran rampant … (8 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings - The Lumber Baron Inn - 01/28/11 07:29 PM
Located at 2555 West 37th Avenue in Denver's Historic Potter-Highland Neighborhood, the large, grand Lumber Baron Mansion was built in 1890 in the Queen Anne Style.  The Lumber Baron Mansion was built by John Mouat for his wife and their 5 children and was the largest home in the area.
John Mouat was a Scottish immigrant who made his fortune in Denver in the lumber industry.  From 1889 - 1892, the Mouat Lumber Company built over 200 buildings and homes in Denver.  The Lumber Baron Mansion was built with 8,500 square feet and each room in the mansion was finished in a different … (4 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: People Who Shaped Denver’s History - Sadie Likens - 01/25/11 01:50 AM
Sadie Likens was born Sarah Jane Morehouse on the 14th of July, 1840.  Sadie's mother died when she was only 4 years old.  Married at 19, she was a mother herself a year later with the birth of her son Fred.  Within 2 years,  Sadie Likens faced the tradgic loss of both her child and her husband from pneumonia. Within a couple of years, Sadie Likens re-married a man named William Likens.  By 1876, Sadie and William had four children.  Soon after her children were born, Sadie Likens and her family moved to Boulder, CO, where her husband opened a law … (6 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings - The Grant Humphreys Mansion - 01/25/11 12:09 AM
The Grant Humphreys Mansion is located in the Historic Denver Neighborhood of Capitol Hill at 770 Pennsylvania St, directly behind the Boettcher Mansion which today serves as the Governors residence.                                                                       Built in 1902, the Grant Humphreys Mansion was built for James Benton Grant who was one of Colorado's wealthest men, and the 3rd Governor of Colorado from 1883 - 1885.  Grant's wife was the former Mary Matteson Goodell, a prominent member of Denver's social upper crust.
The Grant-Humphreys Mansion is 3 story's high and has 30 rooms.  It was designed in the Beaux-Arts style under the supervision of Mary Grant.  … (5 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings - The Denver Turnverein - 01/23/11 12:07 AM
The Denver Turnverein is a building that is particularly noticeable.  For one reason, located at 1570 Clarkson Street, it backs to the parking lot of Denver's District 6 Police Station, so there are always a plethora of police cruisers parked behind the building.In German, Turner means gymnast, and Verein is a name for as association of sorts.  So, loosely translated Denver Turnverein means Denver's Gymnastic Association.                                                                          In the early 1800's, in Germany, German Turners gathered to practice their sport and discuss politics.  After the German Revolution of 1848, thousands of Germans immigrated to the United States.  Many came to Colorado because … (4 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings - Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception - 01/23/11 12:05 AM
The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception was the Catholics "entry" in the competition of sorts that I mentioned in my earlier blog regarding St. John's Cathedral.  The Catholics and the Episcopalians were in a competition of sorts to see who could build the biggest and best church.  The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is located in Capitol Hill on the corner of Logan and Colfax.  Early Catholics in Denver including John K. Mullen, J J Brown (the husband of Molly Brown), Dennis Sheedy and others purchased eight lots for the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception to be built on.
… (4 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings - St Johns Cathedral - 01/23/11 12:04 AM
There are two really beautiful, really BIG churches in Capitol Hill and the Cathedral of St. John in the Wilderness is one of them and the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is the other.  Imagine a huge competition between the Episcopalians and Catholics in 1900's Denver.  Now imagine each side trying to out do the other by building a bigger and better church.  The Cathedral of St. John in the Wilderness, or, more commonly known as the St. John Cathedral, located on the corner of 14th and Washington is the culmination of one side of the race.                                                                                                                    Named the Cathedral … (2 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings - National Jewish Health - 01/21/11 05:22 PM
National Jewish Health was founded in 1899 and was previously called The National Jewish Hospital for Consumptives.  Located in the Historic Congress Park Neighborhood of Denver, National Jewish Health was built to treat tuberculosis TB (also called Consumption in the late 1800's).  Although named National Jewish Health, the facility is non-sectarian, but did receive money from B'nai B'rith until the 1950's.National Jewish Health in Denver was considered an ideal location for the treatment of TB because of the perception of clean mountain air and it's supposed healing effects.  National Jewish Health was founded by Francis Wisebart Jacobs, because TB patients were often … (1 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Neighborhood Series - The Baker Historic Neighborhood - 01/19/11 08:50 PM
The Baker Neighborhood was originally a 160 acres parcel of land that was homesteaded by William Byers. who was the founder of the Rocky Mountain News in 1859. In the 1800's the Baker Neighborhood was commonly called South Side or South Broadway. The first subdivisions in the Baker Neighborhood were platted in 1872, however, it was not until South Side was annexed into Denver in 1883 did most of the residential development begin. Cable cars running down Broadway's main artery helped draw residents to the Baker Neighborhood.                                                                                                               Architecturally, the Baker Neighborhood is home to a large number of Queen Anne … (1 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Changes in Attitudes-Changes in Altitudes - Denver's Top 10 Tourist Traps to Avoid - 01/19/11 01:45 AM

 
If you are having friends or family to visit, you probably are wracking your brain trying to figure out what to do when they're here.  Well, Yahoo is going to make things easy for you and tell you where you should NOT go!  Yup, don't even waste your time!
Casa Bonita - My friend Jeff DiMuria said it best.  Check out Jeff's blog on this Colorado's Ocean Journey - This place used to be OK, then it was bought by a restaurant.  Enough said. 16th Street Mall - A mall is a mall is a mall.  OK? Denver Mint … (3 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings - The Navarre - 01/19/11 01:17 AM
In 1880, the Brinker Collegiate Institute built the Navarre Building.  Located at 1727 Tremont St, the Navarre Building is located in downtown Denver directly across the street from the historic Brown Palace Hotel,  The four story Navarre Building housed the Brinker Collegiate Institute from 1880 until 1889.                                                                       In 1889 the Richelieu Hotel opened in the Navarre Building.  The Navarre Building was purchased in 1893 by Denver Judge Owen LeFevre.  The Navarre Hoteloperated there until at least 1904.  It was during this time that Owen LeFevre had underground railway tunnels built from the Navarre Building under the street and into the Brown Palace.  … (3 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings - The Grafton - 01/18/11 09:00 PM
                                        
Located at 1001-1020 E. 17th Avenue, The Grafton is a truly handsome example of Historic Victorian architecture for apartment buildings. Designed  by architect James Murdoch, The Grafton was built in 1890 in a north part of the Historic Neighborhood of Capitol Hill commonly known as Uptown. 
                                        
The exterior facade of The Grafton is very unique.  For me personally, it is like looking at something out of a fairy tale.  I think that The Grafton is sensationally beautiful. 
                                         
The exterior has several two-story turret like bays, with porches constructed between the bays.  The large windows are set … (2 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings - Moffat Station - 01/17/11 11:50 PM
The Historic Moffat Station was designed by Denver architect Edwin Moorman.  Moffat Station is a wonderful example of Georgian Revival Architecture.  It is only one of two remaining original railroad terminals in Denver.  Located in the Historic Lodo Neighborhood of Riverfront, near the rail yards at 2105 15th street, Moffat Station was built by Denver businessman David Moffat in 1902.  Moffat had dreams of building the first railway line directly from Denver to Salt Lake City.  The Denver, Northwestern and Pacific Railroad line to Salt Lake City never became a reality, but Moffat did link a large portion of northwestern Colorado … (1 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings - The Wolcott School - 01/16/11 02:27 AM
Built in 1896, at the turn of the last century, the Wolcott School was located at 1410 Marion Street on the northeast corner of 14th and Marion.  The Wolcott School for girls was the "elite" private girls school in Denver.  Operating as both a day school and a boarding school, Mamie Eisenhower was a Wolcott School  alum.   The slogan of the school was:
         "A person always knows a Wolcott girl"Wolcott School girls graduated with a "well rounded" education which included not only traditional education but "physical fitness, being socially caring and culturally informed".  The Wolcott School thrived well into … (4 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Wine & Food Series - Denver Best Dive Jazz Bar El Chapultepec - 01/16/11 01:21 AM
El Chapultepec, or "The Pec" as it is known, is arguably Denver's Best "Dive" Jazz and Blues Bar.  Located at 1962 Market Street on the north side of Denver's Lodo Neighborhood,  El Chapultepec is a short distance from Denver's Coors Field.  Since first opening in 1951, many legendary jazz and blues musicians have played at this small Denver venue.  With live jazz that is performed seven nights a week.  Some amazing notable musicians that have played at El Chapultepec are: -  Frank Sinatra-  Tony Bennett-  Ella Fitzgerald-  Wynton Marsalis-  Branford Marsalis-  Red Holloway                                                                                                                                 While he was campaigning for his Presidential bid, … (1 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings - The Barth Hotel - 01/16/11 12:38 AM
The gorgeous historic building known as the Barth Hotel Building is located in the trendy Lodo Neighborhood of Denver.  With an address of 1514 17th Street, the Barth Hotel Building was designed by Frederick Eberly and built in 1882.  Designed with in the Victorian character and design, stone and iron columns divide the individual bays of the Barth Hotel.  The first use of this Historic old building was that of a warehouse for Moritz Barth, an early Denver businessman.In the late 1880's, the Barth Hotel Building was renovated into the Union Hotel due to it's close proximity to Denver's Union Station.  … (0 comments)

Finger Foods and Appetizers: Chicken Quesadilla Sandwiches - 01/15/11 09:38 PM
 
My friend Donna has some great recipes that she is sharing in preparation for Super Bowl Sunday.  Everyone that I know appreciates a tasty quesadilla, so I thought I would pass her recipe along.
 
Via Donna Foerster, Realtor/Owner, GRI, SFR, CHRE (Keller Williams Action Realty-Metro Denver, Colorado): Finger Foods and Appetizers: Chicken Quesadilla Sandwiches
Here is another recipe from Pillsbury.com/recipes.  This is the last one for this week.  I haven't quite decided on a focus for next week yet.  Any suggestions?  Crockpot meals?  Fondues?  Snacks?  I would love to have your input!  (Meantime, I'll start looking through my recipe … (1 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings and Wine & Food Series - Wazee Supper Club - 01/15/11 08:24 PM
The Wazee Supper Club is located in the Historic Lodo Neighborhood of downtown Denver.  On the southwest corner of 15th and Wazee, the Wazee Supper Club has hosted numerous famous notables over the years including Bat Masterson, Jack Kerouac, Jack Nicholson, Raymond Burr, Danny Glover and a long list of Denver's professional athletes.The building was built in 1880 and the first saloon opened in 1881, by three brothers Peter, John and Henry Schultz.  By 1883, the saloon was known as the Bon Ton Saloon and continued with that name until 1898.
With the Old West fading, the building housed various businesses … (1 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings - Colorado Saddlery Building - 01/15/11 07:09 PM
The Colorado Saddlery Building, is located at the corner of 15th and Wynkoop at 1631 15th Street in Denver's Historic Lodo Neighborhood and was originally built for the Michael J. O'Fallon Plumbing Company as a warehouse.  It is in fact is one of the largest warehouses along Wynkoop Street's "Warehouse Row".  The years of construction for the Colorado Saddlery Building spans from 1906 to 1908.  Warehouses such as the Colorado Saddlery Building were built where they are precisely due to their close proximity to Denver's Union Station which was and still is Denver's railroad stop.  Thus allowing a short commute when … (2 comments)

Ten Things Home Buyers Will Simply Not Tolerate Right Now - 01/15/11 12:39 AM
 
Trust me when I say there are certain issues that buyers in today's market will not put up with!  Following is a blog that goes in to 10 of them.  These are serious folks!  If you are thinking about selling, you need to take a long look at this list!
 
Via Claudette Millette - Metrowest Mass Buyer Broker (The Buyers' Counsel): Ten Things Home Buyers Will Simply Not Tolerate Right Now 
Anyone who can open a newspaper knows that we are currently in a buyer's market.  If your home is for sale now there are some realities that you need to accept.
… (3 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Changes in Attitudes-Changes in Altitudes - 10 Best and Worst Places to Retire - 01/14/11 11:34 PM
OK - According to Money-Rates.com here are the top 10 places that you should retire: 1. New Hampshire                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Hawaii 3. South Dakota 4. North Dakota 5. Iowa 6. Virginia 7. Utah 8. Connecticut 9. Vermont 10. Idaho
The only one on thie entire list that I agree with is #2 -Hawaii.  You couldn't pay me to live in either of the Dakota's..just too cold!
Now if you are wondering about the bottom 10 places to reitre, they would  be:
10. Arkansas                                                                                                                                                                                               9. Missouri 8. North Carolina 7. Ohio 6. Tennessee 5. Maryland 4. South Carolina 3. Alaska 2. Michigan 1. … (2 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings - Rockmount Ranch Building - 01/14/11 01:51 AM
The Rockmount Ranch Building was designed by the architectural firm of Fisher and Fisher in 1908.  Located in the fashionable and trendy Lodo Neighborhood, the Rockmount Ranch Building is five story high and has over 35,000 sq/ft of space.  The Prairie Style Building shows overtones of the Beaux Arts movement and is a departure from the Victorian style which dominated the buildings of the day.  While many warehouses in the area were being constructed with the less expensive soft sand brick, the Rockmount Ranch Building was built using the more expensive and sturdy fired brick.
Originally, the Wolf Manufacturing Company was … (4 comments)

Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You - 01/13/11 12:42 AM
 
Here are a wonderful list of items that we should all consider when thinking about home safety.  I particularly like the idea of having a large can of wasp spray close at hand!
 
Via Catherine Condon (Integrity Residential Brokerage): "Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You", Integrity Residential Brokerage, Pepperell, MA
One of my clients, Al,  sent me the following article titled "Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You". There are a lot of helpful suggestions so I thought I'd pass it along to you. 
1. Of course I look familiar.  I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your … (3 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings - Ellie Caulkins Opera House - 01/11/11 02:31 AM
In it's current incarnation, the Ellie Caulkins Opera House (The Ellie) opened in September of 2005.  After the Temple Hoyne Buell Theater was built, the Ellie Caulkins Opera House,  originally known as the Municiple Auditorium, was deemed to be a fire hazard by the Denver Fire Department and a total renovation of this grand dame of the arts was started.
 Built in time for the Democratic National Convention in Denver of 1908, the Ellie Caulkins Opera House was first known as the Municipal Auditorium.  At the time, it was the largest auditorium in America except for Madison Square Garden in New … (0 comments)

5 Reasons Why You And Your Agent Should Leave While Your Home is Shown - 01/10/11 02:54 AM
 
It is incredibly difficult at times to show a home to buyers when the sellers are in the house.  Here are five great reasons why sellers absolutely need to vacate the property when an agent shows up with buyers to view a listing.
 
Via Tni LeBlanc REALTOR® Santa Maria Homes Central Coast: 5 Reasons Why You And Your Agent Should Leave While Your Home is Shown
In some real estate markets, having the seller or the listing agent present is the norm.  It is not the norm in the Central Coast real estate market, and if the seller or the … (2 comments)

National Western Parade ~ Denver, Colorado - 01/09/11 03:42 AM
 
Here are some great photos of the parade in downtown Denver on 17th Street that kicked off this years National Western Stockshow.  Thank you to Kristal for the great pictures!
 
Via Kristal Kraft ~Denver Real Estate~303-589-2022 (The Berkshire Group Realtors): In Denver the holidays don't end when we turn the calendar to a New Year!  In fact the fun is just beginning because every January the world comes to Denver to see the National Western Stock Show, one of the largest of it's kind in the world!
The fun begins with the traditional Parade now 17th Street.  Now this … (0 comments)

Cap Those Faucets Before You Move - 01/09/11 01:57 AM
 
I think that this is a timely reminder for vacant properties, especially here in Colorado where the nightime temps whould be dropping  below zero in the next few days.
 
Via Tom Branch, Broker, CDPE, SFR - 214.227.6626 (RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs): I've been meaning to write this blog for a while but I had forgotten about it. I was showing a home today and there was water everywhere in the laundry room at one of the properties. As I looked around I noted a small trickle at one of the laundry room washing machine faucets. The water was running down … (3 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Changes in Attitudes-Changes in Altitudes - Update on Cheesman Park Construction - 01/08/11 03:40 AM
For those of us that enjoy visiting Historic Cheesman Park, it has been quite evident that the city has been in the middle of construction projects in the park for quite a while.  Here are some updates on what is happening in Cheesman Park:
-  As of last month, 50% of the perimeter work in Cheesman Park has been completed.  The irrigation upgrades and the running path have been completed.  There are still areas in this area that need to be re-sodded and that will be done in the spring.
-  The irrigation upgrades around the Pavilion on the east side … (2 comments)

Parade to Kick Off the National Western Stock Show - Denver - 01/07/11 08:33 PM
 
The National Western Stock Show is a place that you can go and be assured to see more cowboy hats than just about anywhere else.  It is also the only time of year that you can see long horns being driven through  Downtown Denver.  Joan's blog is worth checking out.
 
Via Joan Cox, Denver Real Estate (Metro Brokers - House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate): The National Western Stock Show is coming to Denver January 8th through January 23rd.     Today in downtown Denver there was a parade to kick-off the Stock Show.     There were Texas Longhorn cattle … (2 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Changes in Attitudes-Changes in Altitudes - Register your Denver RNO by January 31, 2011 - 01/07/11 08:24 PM
The deadline is fast approaching for registering and re-registering your Denver Neighborhood Organization (RNO).  Registration must be complete by January 31. 2011.  You will only receive information from the City & County on zoning maps, amendments, variances and liquor license applications and other pertinent info if you are a Registered Neighborhood Association or RNO.In order to re-register your Registered Neighborhood Association or RNO you can file electronically or by use of a hard copy form.  You may send your hard copy application to:
Julius Zsako Community Planning and DevelopmentDept 205 201 W. Colfax Avenue Denver, Colorado 80202
Or you may go … (0 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings - The Tears-McFarlane House - 01/07/11 03:45 AM
The Tears-McFarlane House is located at 1290 Williams Street on the northern  edge of Cheesman Park.  Designed by Varian & Sterner (who initially apprenticed with Frank Edbrooke) in the Colonial Revival Style, the Tears-McFarlane House was built in 1897 and sits regally overlooking the park.  With over 8,700 square feet, this lovely Denver landmark also shows some characteristics of the Neoclassical and Georgian styles.  The Tears-McFarlane House features a colonnaded portico, decorative wood carved panels, wooden balustrades, a large 2 story Tiffany stained glass window in the entry and hand crafted stone detailing.The Tears-McFarlane House was built for Daniel W. Tears.  … (1 comments)

Relocating To Denver With Kids: Consider Highlands Ranch - 01/06/11 02:59 AM
 
Jeff does a wonderful job highlighting the benefits of Highlands Ranch in his blog.  Jeff has a very energetic and intelligent 9 year old boy, so, I would consider him an expert in knowing to do's and don't's for anyone with children in Douglas County!
 
Via Jeffrey DiMuria www.MileHighFineHomes.com 303.725.5145 (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage):
Denver is a great City...and a really wonderful place for children to grow up. An amazing array of activities await those who choose the Colorado front range from skiing and snowboarding to hiking mountain climbing....this is an outdoor paradise...and the year round outdoor options … (1 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings - The Gebhard Mansion - 01/06/11 02:50 AM
The Gebhard Mansion is located at 2253 Downing Street in the San Rafael Historic District of Denver.  As you can see from the picture, the Gebhard Mansion is an absolutely gorgeous example of a cross of the Italianate and Second Empire Styles!  Built in 1883, the Gebhard Mansion has been superbly preserved.  The two story mansion features a hipped roof, and has several gables and bracketed cornices.  The   Gebhard Mansion also has a large front porch and although she has been decoratively painted, she has thankfully NOT had the red brick exterior painted as so often has happened to these historic … (1 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings - The Bouvier-Lathrop House - 01/06/11 02:07 AM
The Bouvier-Lothrop House is one of those types of houses that reminds you of a fairy tale!  Located at 1600 Emerson Street in the Park Avenue district of Capitol Hill in Denver, the 2 and one half  story Bouvier-Lothrop House was designed by architects Robert Balcomb and Eugene Rice.  It is very possibly one of Denver's best examples of a combination of Victorian Queen Anne Style, Richardson Romanesque and Neo-Classical styles.  The Bouvier-Lothrop House is also what is termed a "Painted Lady". 
Houses that are termed "Painted Ladies" date back to the 1800's and are painted in a more flamboyant way.  … (1 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings - The Cass Mansion - 01/06/11 12:41 AM
The stunning Cass Mansion is located at 733 E. 8th Ave. in Denver.  Designed by architects Willis A. Marean (who worked for Frank Edbrooke) and Albert Julius Stead Norton, the Cass Mansion was built in 1899.  Touted by the local media as one of the "most attractive of Denver's attractive homes".  The Cass Mansion was built with the most modern of technologies of the time.  There is a total of 8,244 square feet in the Cass Mansion.Designed with a combination of Dutch Revival Style and contemporary Victorian features, the Cass Mansion simply commands your attention as you drive west on 8th … (0 comments)

Mile High Fine Homes Question: Why Do You Keep Sending Us Homes Outside the Neighborhood We Want? - 01/05/11 12:57 AM
 
Jeff really highlights the issue of Buyers wants versus ability here.  A good Realtor will tell you the TRUTH and not just what you want to hear.   That is really priceless!
 
Via Jeffrey DiMuria www.MileHighFineHomes.com 303.725.5145 (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage): I had these clients on an automatic email notification....here is the issue....they wanted a home in a specific neighborhood that had about 90 homes. They also wanted to pay about $50k below what any home had sold for in the last year. They also let me know they NEEDED TO BE IN THERE HOME IN THE NEXT 90 DAYS.
… (0 comments)

Mile High Fine Homes Neighborhood Series: Palomino Park - Highlands Ranch - 01/05/11 12:55 AM
 
Jeff really highlights the benefits of Palmino Park.  If you are trying to figure out where in the Highlands Ranch area that you belong, I suggest contacting Jeffrey DiMuria, he really has his finger on the pulse of Highlands Ranch!
 
Via Jeffrey DiMuria www.MileHighFineHomes.com 303.725.5145 (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage):                                                     
Palomino Park Resort in Highlands Ranch is really an amazing community that mixes homes, townhouses, condos...rentals apartments and homeowners all in a resort like community that makes its residents feel as if they are on vacation every day of the year! It is a 220 acre complex with 30 … (1 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver - Question # 2 - What is the Difference in Neighborhoods? - 01/05/11 12:33 AM
Here is a question that I received recently...
Dear Kerry:
When we moved to Denver, we heard from so many people that we should buy a house in Washington Park.  After looking at homes, we notice that there seems to be a difference in price between East & West Washington Park.  What is the Difference?
Sincerely,
Steve & Ashley
 
Dear Steve & Ashley:
You are very perceptive, yes, there is a difference between East & West Washington Park although it is very slight.  The East side of the park has a tenancy to be a bit higher in terms of … (0 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver - Question # 3 - Is Park Hill K-8 the best School for my children? - 01/05/11 12:31 AM
This question came from buyers moving in from out-of-state.
Dear Kerry:
Our son James was in the gifted & talented program in California.  We have been told that Park Hill K-8 would be a great school for him here in Denver.  Is Park Hill K - 8 as great as we have heard?
Sincerely,Dean & Colleen
 
Dear Dean & Colleen:When I help my buyers purchase homes in Park Hill, many parent gravitate to Park Hill K-8, making it a big part of their decision when choosing their home.  The Denver Public Schools website is www.dpsk12.org.  You can certainly get additional … (1 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver - Question # 4 - Why should I get my Sewer Scoped? - 01/05/11 12:26 AM
This is a question that I have gotten more than once.
 
Dear Kerry:
Is it really necessary for me to have the sewer scoped in the home that I am looking at buying?  You strongly recommended that we have it done, but, it costs over $250 to do it, and we aren't really sure it's worth it.  We would love to save the money if we could.
Sincerely,
Tom & Karen
 
Dear Tom & Karen:
The home that you are looking at purchasing was built in 1905.  Due to that fact, and that the sewer has not been replaced … (1 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver - Question # 5 - Do I Really need to get a Radon Test? - 01/05/11 12:22 AM
Yes, Radon is common in the suburbs, but this is still relevant in Denver.
Dear Kerry:
Is it really necessary to have our home inspector conduct a radon test?  We have heard that radon isn't really common in Denver.
Sincerely,
Fred & Sheila
 
Dear Fred & Sheila,
You are correct, radon is much more common in the burbs southwest of Denver.  However, I have seen unacceptable levels found in homes in central Denver.  So, in short, my answer is yes, have the test done.  That way, if it does come out high, we can request that the seller pay for … (3 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver - Question # 1 - Neighborhood Safety - 01/04/11 07:00 PM
This was a question from a 1st time home buyer whose name was Tom!:Dear Kerry:  I really like the last home you showed me today.  It is in my price range and in an area that I can bike to work.  My big question is:Is the home is a safe area?  I want to make sure that my new wife is safe in the house when I am working late at night.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
TomMy response to Tom was:
Dear Tom:
I can certainly understand your concern since you work so many late nights.  Each … (4 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings - The Baron or The Ray Apartments - 01/04/11 01:13 PM
The Baron Condos -aka- The Ray Apartments are located at 1550 & 1560 Ogden Street in Denver's Park Avenue Addition. The Baron Condos -aka- The Ray Apartments were built in 1906 and are very possibly one of the last really good examples of the Neoclassical Revival Style in Denver. Designed by Daniel Wells Wood, these apartments take you back to a time gone by. Originally called The Ray Apartments when they were built, they were condo'd out in 2003 and today are known as The Baron Condos. They are a surviving example of luxury apartments from the last century, much as … (0 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: People Who Shaped Denver’s History - William Byers - 01/01/11 05:11 AM
Why do you ask does the name William Byers sound familiar?  Well, I bet that I can answer that question for you!  William Byers had a large stake in the development of the great city of Denver that we now know and love!  Truly!Williams Byers was born back east in Ohio in 1831.  First he went to Omaha, Nebraska, then he continued on to Denver like most of his sort did...because of the gold up in them there hills.  But, William Byers had a plan for when he continued on to the "Queen City of the Plains".  William Byers wrote a … (2 comments)

Question For Mile High Fine Homes: Will You Show Me A Home in Boulder, CO? - 01/01/11 04:04 AM
 
I think Jeff blog really addresses a pervasive problem in our industry.  Trying to be all things to all people...anything to make a buck!  Jeff's blog put things in perspective!
 
Via Jeffrey DiMuria www.MileHighFineHomes.com 303.725.5145 (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage): This is actually a question I get quite often....not just Boulder...but any area outside Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Castle Pines, etc...
The question really was this:
Jeffrey....we have decided not to buy in the area you work but really like you. Can you show us homes in Boulder. We have decided on that area but do not like the two … (2 comments)

Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings - Byers Evans House - 01/01/11 03:29 AM
The Byer-Evans House is located at 1310 Bannock Street just south of Civic Center Park and the City & County Building.  Built in 1883, the Byer-Evans House is an absolutely gorgeous example of a period Italianate home.  The home is 2 story's high and has over 11,000 square feet of space.  It was built in red brick with beautifully, decorative exterior cornice's.
William Byers lived in the home for 6 years with wife Elizabeth.  Byers was the founder and editor of the Rocky Mountain News.  Williams Byers sold the Byer-Evans House to John Evans (who was the son of Colorado's territorial … (0 comments)

 

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