Sweet Surprise! - 10/31/06 07:25 PM
Yesterday was an office day for me.  Typically I'm not at my desk all day, but yesterday was an exception. I am in the final stages of completing a nice commercial deal, as a result the principles in the transaction were needing a conference call.  Getting six people together in six difference locations, time zones is about as easy as herding cats.  Thus the reason for my all day at the desk...It was a good thing though, because sometime in the afternoon, my secretary walks back to tell me there is a lady up front to see me.   .Hmmm?  I wasn't expecting … (19 comments)

Blackmail...has it's place. - 10/31/06 01:32 AM
Blackmail is a nasty little game some people play on each other.  Blackmail though it exists is not a nice game to play, further more, it is not really what this post is about.
Art is the theme of my post.  Blackmail is just art, at least in Denver.
Yesterday I was doing my normal Sunday walk around having fun shooting my Canon.  I came across 3 black mail boxes with different sayings on them.  The sayings are:
"I told you  never to call me here someone will find out"
"I have evidence of your secret life"
"I'll send the negatives to the police if you … (35 comments)

Denver real estate is bouncing back... - 10/31/06 12:49 AM
As previously reported here and now confirmed by the Wall Street Journal, Denver's real estate market is in line for an up swing.
Driven by the strengthening energy, financial and professional-service sectors, employment is rising.
Area improvements, FasTracks is putting Denver on the public transportation map.  The historic Denver Union Station is being renovated and looks forward to being a hub of transportation.
Commercial real estate is being soaked up.  Rent concessions for apartments are going away, vacancy rates are dropping.
Denver continues to have a strong demand and low levels of new supply in the apartment conversion department. 
Oddly enough the high level of … (11 comments)

Getting ready to sell your home? Use the “ounce of prevention” technique… - 10/26/06 12:04 PM
Real Estate contracts are most likely to fail over inspection issues.  There is a way to prevent this occurrence, it will cost  you a few dollars up front, but in the long run, save you time, money and could be the difference between a deal or no deal! 
Get your home pre-inspected by a professional inspector.  Hire a pro to tell you what he would find on a normal buyer inspection.  Prepare your home to be sold in tip top condition and you will prevent future surprises that could kill the deal.
Seller's ask, "What happens if the inspector finds something?"
Good question!  My … (16 comments)

Scrape or Pop the top ~ Denver real estate - 10/26/06 10:50 AM
City dwellers love their neighborhoods and are willing to pay the expense to tailor their old homes to fit their current needs.  If a homeowner has a home with a large enough "footprint" in a good neighborhood, then popping the top might be the solution.
Expenses of such renovation are seldom accurately predicted, due to factors unknown.  Most families end up moving out of the home while the construction is underway.  Depending on the speed of the contractor and the amount of work needed, renovations could take 6 months to a year.  Costs are into 6 figures.
The end result is usually very … (8 comments)

The Straw that... - 10/23/06 07:38 PM

When my brothers, sister and I were kids, my Mother used to use the expression, "that's the straw that broke the camel's back!"
Mom typically would use this expression as a response to us kids fighting or getting into "things" we shouldn't have been.  Seldom was it said in jest, it was always exasperation.
These days I relate to the expression when I reach the end of my rope.  My exasperation comes from inconsistencies.  Service that is not service.  Advertising that does not live up to it's promise or any sort of activity that just isn't worth the effort.
In real estate we look … (13 comments)

Excuse me...your integrity is showing. - 10/22/06 10:58 PM

 
 
 
 
 
Fraud is running rampant these days.  This morning there was a blog where one of the members sat in a class where the teacher actually gave tips on "setting up" situations to trick the banks into cutting the prices on properties.
Other posts talk about unsavory mortgage schemes that include a real estate agent, seller, buyer, Non-profit LLC and appraisers.  All these combined set out to do dirty transactions, on purpose. 
Is fraud still fraud if it's clearly disclosed on a HUD statement?
EXCUSE me? 
I sat at a closing last week where  it became questionable if the refrigerator still worked.  The listing … (3 comments)

Make a positive out of a negative - 10/22/06 10:16 PM

Occasionally there things in our lives or where we live that just aren't considered popular or a good thing.
For instance in New Jersey it is a "put down" when someone asks "what exit?"  The reason this is, is because most people think of New Jersey as a place with nothing but highways running through it.
In a way that is true.  The highways are very convenient for access to New York City, Philly, Atlantic City or any number of commerce centers where people go to access.
For Native New Jersey folks the calling out of the Exit is actually a tribal thing.  In … (5 comments)

Grow like a tree - 10/21/06 11:43 PM
Amid volumes of openness a single tree stands tall.
When faced with adversity are you like the tree?
Reflect and grow...
Dig your roots in deeper for strength. 
Look to the heavens for enlightenment.
Sway in the breeze for flexibility.
Stand tall and proud for you are unique individual...and that is Okay.
<photo was taken on top of a New Mexican mesa on the south end of the Rio Grande Gorge, near Taos>
… (9 comments)

I hate rebates - 10/21/06 11:20 PM
It seems every time I go to purchase something, it's on sale.  The price is advertised as being reduced, yet still I have to pay the full price, submit a rebate coupon and wait for weeks on end for my money to be returned.
Last year I purchased a Sony Vaio.  It came with a rebate.  I dutifully filled it out and sent it is within the allotted time frame.  A month or two later, I get a notice for the rebate company that my rebate will not be fulfilled because I failed to do something.  Of course by that time, I … (14 comments)

Graffiti as art...or vandalism - 10/21/06 10:37 PM

Tagging has become a major problem in many areas.  Up until a few minutes ago, I thought all tagging was graffiti and all graffiti is vandalism.
Vali, my daughter quickly set me straight on this.  In her opinion graffiti is street art and not to be confused with tagging.
In my old fashioned head, I see anything painted where it doesn't belong as vandalism.  Yes, some of it looks very good, but just the same it's there without permission, someone has defaced either public or private property.
I can see the difference in tagging, it's not very artistic.  Taggers in the Denver metro area … (10 comments)

My Spell Checker is Dumb - 10/20/06 11:25 PM
What's with the spell checker? 
I faithfully try to remember it every time I post a blog.  Most of the time I use it when I comment.  My spelling skills are fair to middle-land, but my keyboarding skills...stink.  I actually go backward as much as I go forward...erasing my mistakes.  Or that would be backspacing over my errors...whaddava.
My spell checker is dated, old and really dumb.  When I am composing a piece in Google and use my Google "ABC Check" to check the spelling, it tells me Google (the word) is wrong.  Well actually Google is wrong only when I don't … (16 comments)

Towns that change their names. - 10/20/06 10:39 PM
Recently I learned of a town near my childhood home that changed it's name.  I found it curious that an established town with a longtime name would find it necessary to resort to such a drastic measure.  Wondering how often that occurs, I did some Google research. 
Over the course of history many established towns and cities have survived name changes.  Changes occur for a variety of reasons, political, embarrassing (or politically incorrect), to streamline a clumsy moniker, create a separate identity or to follow the popular trend. Embarrassing names like Beaver, Gay and White Settlement are all examples of towns that found new names.  Then there … (9 comments)

Looking for Wifi - 10/20/06 05:44 PM
Wifi is not such a big deal anymore.  Whole communities sometimes are wired, offering the service free to who ever wants to use it.  Logging on is usually as simple as turning on your computer.
However not everyone knows what wifi is. 
If you want to have some fun, next time you go into a place that proudly displays the "Free Wifi" sign, just ask for a cup of coffee and some free wifi (pronounce it wiffy).  Be sure to keep an earnest look on your face, no smiling either.
Let me know how it goes...
 
...
… (15 comments)

The times, they have been good! - 10/19/06 11:05 PM
Sometimes it takes going away for awhile and coming back to actually notice changes. I come back "home" to New Jersey's exit 100 once a year.  My family lives in the area, so I make an effort to visit on a regular basis.  I left many years ago, choosing the western lifestyle of living over the eastern. 
Over the years, I've alway noticed changes in the area.  Some building here and there, old restaurants replaced with new, just normal stuff.  But this trip the changes are much more dramatic.
Everywhere we went today, I noticed new homes.  The scraping of lots and … (10 comments)

Urban migration... - 10/19/06 09:36 PM
Across the country we are experiencing a migration of people moving back to the city.  The urban "sprawl" has run it's course, folks who so desperately wanted to live in the country are now reversing their decisions and returning to the city. 
Why?  Long commutes, gas prices and the feeling of dis-connectivity all attribute to the growth our our urban villages.  Distance and expense are obvious factors, but the not so obvious is our society's desire to be connected again. 
The pendulum has swung as far as it could now we are on the back swing, back to the city.  Lucky for us the … (14 comments)

Try Looking at Life Through the Eye of a Lens - 10/18/06 11:48 PM
Something magical happens to me when I stand behind a camera.  My focus begins to change and I begin to look for a "frame" to make the perfect picture.
The perfect picture has interest, color and balance.  Changing one's perspective, often changes the whole picture. I find I can stand in one spot, turning my head up or down or just twisting my body and I can find wonder where ever I am.
The lens of the camera can be selectively used to create a vision that though not totally complete, gives one a feeling of amazement. 
I can block out ugliness and … (9 comments)

Denver Welcomes the Urban Land Institute Conference - 10/18/06 06:33 AM
More than 6000 of the world's leading developers, architects, planners and others are attending a conference in Downtown  Denver through this week.  These leaders focus on developing with smart growth and transit oriented, sustainable neighborhoods.  Timing is everything.  In this arena, Denver is offering a tour of the new FasTracks transportation plan.
Some of the attendees will be offered a tour on the new, not yet open to the public, Light Rail. Boarding from the Convention Center the Light Rail will follow the new tracks to Lone Tree, the Goburb at the end of the rails.
Denver aims to impress!
Speakers at the … (0 comments)

Got Goburb? - 10/17/06 10:24 PM
Our Metro Area is Changing
Next month Denver Metro's $1.7 billion TREX Light Rail line will open up.  It's a wonderful addition to our much needed public transportation system.  The new light rail will service SE Denver Metro's suburb communities all the way to Lone Tree.
Along the Light Rail line, many new urban villages have popped up.  As Realtors we have been busy learning about each new area and what it has to offer.  We are also working on remembering where the Light Rail stations and parking are located.  Having this knowledge readily available is very helpful when working with clients who … (7 comments)

Culture Clash - 10/17/06 09:52 PM
Have you ever noticed how differently people live in a home?  Some people take immense pride in how their home looks and spend their spare time keeping it clean, neat and tidy.  They never let a blade of grass grow out of place and fix things before they have too.  Conscientious folks like this make our jobs so  much easier.
On the other side of the coin are the folks that haven't got a clue what preventive maintenance is.  If they fixed the dishwasher back in 1965, that they consider is "new".  Their furnaces usually are still cranking out heat filtered (or not) … (8 comments)

Colorado tops the nation's growth rate - 10/17/06 11:38 AM
Today the U.S. is celebrating it's 300,000,000 person.  Colorado has a population of 4.8 million and a growth rate that is faster than the rest of the nation.
The nation is growing at 1% a year, Colorado's rate is 1.4%.  Experts are predicting a future growth of 1.8% is on our horizon.
Denver and the Front Range of the Rockies is the population hub. Douglas County is the fastest growing county with Weld and Adams Counties following just behind.
Relocating to Colorado?  You aren't alone! One thing we know as Colorado residents, people WANT to live here!
Good weather, outstanding views, friendly … (1 comments)

New Upgrade Available for Bloggers...do you qualify? - 10/16/06 09:55 PM
Are you a Spammer? 
Well today maybe your lucky day!  Now for a LIMITED TIME only you may qualify for an Active Rain Upgrade, a lovely, collector's item Etch a Sketch, with possible wireless connectively.  This can be yours if and only if you qualify...
Can you answer "YES" to the following:
1) Do you enjoy posting useless information on every corner of the World Wide Web?2) Do you religiously harvest e-mails to send additional spam to people who could care less about you or your product?3) Do you make pointless points and NEVER follow UP?4) Are you willing to continue spamming until your … (15 comments)

Teenagers and empty houses... - 10/15/06 11:57 PM
A few months ago I sold a home, sight unseen to California buyers.  They had visited the Denver metro area, and fell in love with a certain neighborhood.  At first it looked like we were going to purchase an existing new home, but the on site broker made it too hard to do business with her, so we killed the contract.
The buyers knew they loved the neighborhood, so that was half of the decision.  They noticed a resale home for sale and asked me to go photograph it.  I did. 
From the photos they decided to buy it, sight  unseen.  All went well, … (32 comments)

Branding doesn't hurt! - 10/15/06 11:34 PM
Talk about branding is everywhere.  Branding can be a complicated and simple as a Nike Swoosh, recognizable in sound as your PC booting up to play the Microsoft chimes.
OK, but these examples are of big companies with marketing departments and huge budgets. What can we, as real estate industry professionals can do to become a brand?
Using Available toolsI'd like to dispel the myth that you need a BIG budget to create a brand.  Blogging here on Active Rain costs how much?  OK it takes time, some thought and a certain amount of skill to click the keyboard.  True.  But … (24 comments)

Rookie mistakes and other blunders... - 10/14/06 09:47 PM
New people sometimes fall prey to foolish blunders when beginning in the real estate business. 
They tend to be looking everywhere for The Answers.  Rookies and even more seasoned people seem to expect there is an EASY ANSWER to having success in real estate.  This is true in the industry as a whole, not just Realtors.
Training classes are good, but going from one to another following the Flavor Trainer of the Month is not going to solve any problems or make money. 
A word from the wise, find a trainer or real estate theory that incorporates The Basics.  It should be … (9 comments)

Good Grammar doesn't end in grade school...or does it? - 10/14/06 08:11 PM
Bloggers on AR talk about spelling and grammar errors frequently. We all agree it's important to to avoid making errors, but the problem is, we don't know when we make them!
Errors occur also, because many times the message is not proof read. I for one get in a hurry or fool myself into thinking what I see on the screen is right! Yes, I should wear glasses to work on the computer, but I don't always do...thus errors crop up.
Not knowing when an error is made, is partly due to forgetting, or never knowing the proper usage.
Here's my … (24 comments)

Ever been accused of being full of hot air... - 10/14/06 12:29 PM
Salesman are famous for rhetoric that induces people to purchase. As Realtors we sometimes fall under the old salesman banner.
I don't know about you, but I hate being categorized as a salesperson. I don't think of myself as a salesperson, although I know I am in "sales."
What is the difference? To me, there's a big difference. As a Realtor I assist people in making decisions.  I don't encourage or force them.  Never do you hear puffery or high pressure come from my lips.
My concerns are with understanding what the customer wants, needs and can afford.  On many occasion, I can offer suggests … (59 comments)

Weekend Road Trip - 10/13/06 11:29 PM
After a busy week of selling Denver real estate, I'm on the road going due south to Santa Fe, New Mexico.  It's not too far away from Denver, but far enough away in spirit to feel as though I've left town.  There's nothing like a road trip to make me appreciate the vastness of this wonderful country we live in! 
It takes about 5 hours to get to Santa Fe, the last three are rural beyond words for most people who live on the coast.  You literally can see for a hundred miles, with no obstructions.
If you ever have the chance … (12 comments)

The BIG Shakedown..following up. - 10/13/06 11:05 PM
We had good news today after the Shakedown for a referral fee, the TPR calling the Big Broker Boss to tell him the customer would not lose his relocation benefits if he worked with our agency. Additionally, we didn't need to pay a referral fee.
Of course we all knew that, it sure is nice to know they agree!
My compliments to her for following up as promised.  Our bets were on never hearing from her again.
The take away here folks...stand up for your rights. Dig in your heels. You don't have to be nasty, just firm and logical.
Do the right thing.
kk
… (4 comments)

DAM in Denver - 10/12/06 11:00 PM
 Denver Real Estate & Current Events
Last week the Denver Art Museum opened, with rave reviews.  People stood in line before the sun came up to get free timed tickets to enter.  Some even came back in the middle of the night just to be among the first to see the museum. 
Have I seen it?  No.  Have I been stalking it?  Yes.  I keep trying to find the perfect spot to photograph it.  Here is it looking at it from the east on 13th Street at about 2 p.m.  Still a couple blocks away my 55-200mm pulls it in.
Note the Denver … (13 comments)

The Big Shakedown....NOT! - 10/12/06 10:32 PM
An agent in my office has been diligently working with a gentleman who is relocating here with a large company.  Although they have not met, the agent has developed a very good rapport.  This coming week they will meet to start the actual home search.
The customer (who is not yet a client) received a telephone call from a THIRD PARTY Company, wanting to set him up with an agent.  He politely told them he already had an agent and would  not be needing their services. The Third Party Representative (who shall now be known as TPR) said, "Great!  Is your agent … (40 comments)

Foreclosure Hotline...need help...call now. - 10/12/06 10:19 AM

Denver Colorado Real Estate Issues 
Facing Foreclosure in Colorado?...Call for help
Colorado launched a Foreclosure Hotline this week.  It's purpose is to assist people who are delinquent on the mortgages.  Counselors will act as intermediaries between homeowners and lenders, to work out a game plan, help organize finances, avoid scams, reduce potential liability and possible sell or keep the home.
If you are delinquent on your mortgage payments, please call for help.  The number is 1-877-601-HOPE (4673).
Irony in action
The Foreclosure Hotline is expected to cost $300,000- $500,000 over the next two years.  It is being funded in part, by the Division of Housing.  Additionally the Attorney … (19 comments)

Change ~ how do you deal with it? - 10/11/06 11:27 PM
Changes occur everyday.  Some people manage to deal with change and embrace it, others don't fare so well. 
To a control freak, change is very difficult.  Learning to cope with change and by going with the flow is hard to do.
When changes come, we spend so much time looking over our shoulder back to what was instead of welcoming what is coming.  Helen Keller said it best, "When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door we do not see the one which has been opened before us."
In real estate we deal with change all … (9 comments)

Who is your audience? - 10/11/06 10:58 PM
Blogging is much easier when you know who your audience is.  Who is listening to you?  Who do you want to listen to you?
When I get to writing, I often think of a situation  I need to speak to.  Solving a problem for someone is simple when I know what the problem is.  The same holds true for writing a blog, if I know what my point is, I can address it. 
Who is your audience?  Are you playing to the Realtor crowd?  Looking to make a name for yourself in your area? Are you an affiliate in the community...who is … (11 comments)

Second string... - 10/11/06 12:35 PM
I've been working with a very savvy investor lately.  She does her homework, than calls me to see the home.  We aren't your typical "looky loues" we mean business.
I find myself constantly making excuses for listing agents for a variety of reasons.
 A 4 plex without proper access available to all units on the first visit.  It took 3 visits to see the whole thing.Basements without  a working light fixture ~ what are you hiding?Brochures with outdated, incorrect information ~ if you can't ammend it, burn the brochures and start over!Seller's disclosures not filled out, or worse yet with N/A's ~ so … (11 comments)

Our Field Trip... - 10/10/06 10:52 PM
The broker at my company believes in knowing all about the area we serve.  From time to time we get to go on a field trip to learn more.  As agents, we enjoy our little trips out into the field. Today we visited the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, aka DCPA.
What many don't know about Denver is the town's wonderful appreciation for the arts.  This year the renovation of the Opera House was complete.  We got to tour this wonderful facility, even venturing back stage into the "stars" dressing rooms!  The Ellie Caulkins Opera House is among the top Opera … (5 comments)

When buyers remorse strikes...is there a cure? - 10/10/06 10:05 PM
Denver real estate reports...on Buyer's Remorse.
 Buyers experience a flood of emotions at time of purchase.  If the buyer is about to commit to a home purchase those emotions can become very intense.  It is not usual to be working with a buyer for months on end only to have them dissolve into a puddle of anxious aversion.
Is there a cure? The best cure is found in prevention.  By that I mean having a frank discussion about the merits of the home and the possibility the buyer may experience a brief period of anxiety.
We review our goals, and reasons for purchase, just … (13 comments)

Building a Business .... in my own backyard. - 10/10/06 08:20 AM
Jeff Belonger asked a very good question on his blog this morning.  Jeff is a lender who was wondering if us Realtors will refer to a lender out of state.  My response to him was among the first from a Realtor and the answer we negative.  Why?  It's  not because I don't like Jeff or Brian or Nima or Joshua or the other hundreds of lenders networking here on AR.  I DO like them.  They are a great part of our community, I learn from them and certainly do appreciate having their input here.
The reality is, I am a very loyal … (35 comments)

Mile High Magic - 10/09/06 10:34 PM
Football season is here, the Rain neighborhood is quiet, Monday Night football is on.  Tell me are you guys watching the Denver Broncos? 
If so, good choice!
Our town, no our state goes nuts with Bronco fever.  It's fun to watch, it's even better to participate.
Everyone needs a hero.  In Colorado our heroes are the  Broncos...at least at the moment...
Jake, your face is so pretty...if we promise not to compare you to Elway, will you act like a good guy and shave? Pretty please?
<photo is Larimer Street in Lodo, Denver's cool loft district, always colorful, always Colorado.>
… (7 comments)

More Fraud - 10/09/06 08:15 PM
As fraud becomes more and more prevalent, we have to watch not just our back pockets, but our pocket books as well.  As citizens of this country, we have fraud...almost on every street corner. 
What can we do about it? I suggest for starters we zip up the purse...
Is this AFLAC Fraud?
 
 
 
 
 
Help!
<I cannot take credit for this photo.  It's origin is unknown ~ it arrived as a joke in my inbox today ~ I wanted to share it.>
… (15 comments)

Colorado Ranks in the middle for closing costs... - 10/09/06 12:36 AM
Colorado real estate closing costs...
Last month Bankrate released the 2006 National Closing Cost Survey results.  The findings indicted Colorado as being about in the middle (#23) of the rankings.  New York had the second highest closing costs, for the second year in a row.
The survey compares fees of the lender, title and settlement charges in 51 locations (The District of Columbia included).
To view the survey go to Bankrate.
… (9 comments)

Catching up... - 10/08/06 11:12 PM
  Every now and then I have to put aside anything new and take time to finish up what's started.  I'm speaking not just work projects, but home chores as well.  You know, the shirt with the missing button, that's been sitting in the same spot for a month. Or it's the checkbook that needs balancing or any other of millions of little details I have overlook everyday.
There is something about taking time to finish the todo list and get re-organized that energizes me.
Tomorrow, as busy as Monday's are, I will be able to blaze right through it....
Look out Monday!
 
… (11 comments)

We mess with Mother Nature... - 10/08/06 10:13 PM
Colorado Ski areas aren't content to wait for nature to take it's course.  They are happy, because tonight the temperatures are dropping low enough to fire up the snow making machines.
The Kiwi Team in charge of making snow at Loveland said 24 hours of cold, they can blast enough snow to cover a run.
The snow making lady at A Basin said it's going to be a busy month.  Their goal is to be the first to open here in Colorado!
Personally, I prefer powder...fresh Colorado powder is the best. There's no other snow like it in the world...(except maybe utah.....sssshhhhhh!)
 
… (6 comments)

A good plan....changed - 10/08/06 09:04 PM
Yesterday was an awesome fall day, the sky was beautiful and clear, it was nice and warm.  I showed a commercial property before breakfast so I found myself with some time on my hands.  Off for my favorite photo spot to see if I could catch some fall color in Denver's city park. 
Well, when I discovered my scene was obscured by a fair of some sort I was disappointed.  There was music and animals.  I never did figure out what is was all about, but I got to turn down the offer of a pet iguana, actually 2. They were … (11 comments)

Cyber Recycling - 10/07/06 11:51 PM
Denver Real Estate Cyber Recyling Plan
Awhile back several of the Rainers (Ben, Rory, Bill French) mentioned how we are coining too many Domain Names.  The fad as of late is to buy the address of your listing for a domain name. 
Naturally the Registras LOVE this practice.  It brings in money. Sign makers must love it too.  Sellers probably enjoy the thrill of telling their friends about the marketing efforts being made on behalf of their home for sale.
I never really bought into the entire address for the domain.  i.e. 5MainStreet.com  I have however purchased the street name, i.e. http://www.lookoutmtnrd.com/ or … (21 comments)

Question!!! Regarding the ratings... - 10/07/06 08:58 AM
Once again I find myself confused.  The ratings used to be easy, up or down. 
Now I find myself wondering which way good is or not so good.  I know the middle is neutral.  So, can anyone tell me is (1) good - meaning The Top Scoring? 
Or is (5) the top scoring? 
I can justify it either way, remember the movie "10?"  Or being #1 is better than having to work harder at #2!
So tell me which way is it...pretty please?
 
 
 
… (44 comments)

Are you a Bookie? - 10/07/06 12:01 AM

Well, maybe not a bookie, but a BOOKMARKER...let me explain.
If you are like me, days pass by before you notice an enhancement on Active Rain.  Recently, the boys on the backend of The Rain added a "Bookmark" feature.
Have you noticed it?
It's very cool.  I've been busy bookmarking all the wonderful, helpful, inspiring and funny blogs.  Now I will never have to search for them, they will be placed in my own private library, for me to see and save.
So yes, if you want you to can be a BOOKIE!
… (12 comments)

Carpetbaggers are on the loose...lookout for dirty deals - 10/06/06 11:00 PM
When times get rough, some people get creative.  Not creative in a GOOD way.  As we all know loan fraud is running rampant these days. 
Homeowners expecting and needing to sell homes are anxious and frustrated.  Investors (aka Carpetbaggers) are coming in offering them outrageous prices in return for a fraudulent scheme.
In today's Rocky Mountain News an interesting quote relating to mortgage and appraisal fraud:
"We have been seeing many more homes on the market, and average prices (in most months) are going up, which does not make any economic sense," Mygatt said.
Two days ago, a Coldwell Banker broker severed a listing … (19 comments)

Colorado Home Values - 10/06/06 07:56 AM
 COLORADO HOME VALUES
Over the past 15 years Colorado Home values have climbed at a higher pace than the national average.  These numbers are according to the U.S. Census Bureau report released this past week.
Over the past 5 years, Colorado has lagged in median home value as compared to the national average.  Looking at values from 1990 forward Colorado has in fact outpaced the national average.
The State with the highest median value is California, at $477,700.  Colorado comes up #13 with a  median value of $223,300.  Other states with higher median values are Hawaii, The Distict of Columbia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Nevada, Rhode … (12 comments)

Big Blue Bear - 10/05/06 10:38 PM
Denver Real Estate Highlights the Colorado Convention Center
Denver opened the new Colorado Convention Center this year.  It's a beautiful and very practical Convention Center located downtown, just off the Light Rail.
Outside the Convention Center is a wonderful great BIG blue bear, peering in the window.
I always like to take my relocation clients downtown to show them around. This is one of my favorite places to show off!
The bear looks very friendly to me.  I had a client think it was very scary, but she had just watched "King Kong" with her son, so with that in mind, I can understand … (17 comments)

Learning the Ropes - 10/04/06 11:52 PM
Denver Real Estate Advice for Learning how to Learn! 
Between real estate and technology there seems to always be something to learn.  I remember on more than one occasion when I sat in front of a computer trying to figure out what the heck I was doing wrong.  Over and over I would try something only to find whatever I was trying to do was escaping me.
Today, I was sitting at the computer when I noticed a new comment on an old blog I wrote.  The comment was from Candi Kinney who was having trouble linking.  Reflecting back to my past frustrations, … (18 comments)

So you want to be a blogger? - 10/04/06 11:30 PM
Now that you have signed up , it's time to blog.
Before jumping in with your original post, read what others are saying.  Contribute to the conversation by leaving comments on other blogs.  Say something that adds value, don't just say, "nice blog" or something short and meaningless.  If you have nothing to add, don't worry, it's ok to be silent!
What topic can you write about?
 pose a question and answer it discuss a real estate situation talk about issues in the industry share your knowledge share a new found techie toy, software share your notes from a great real estate or tech … (53 comments)

Change Your Perspective ~ Change Your Mind - 10/04/06 11:00 PM
Perspective , what an interesting word.  It relates to so many things, visual, graphical, cognitive and point of view.  Today I was trying to gain some perspective on where my current client is coming from.  She is moving here from New York, the Borough of Queens.  I've been to this area, but I can't say that I paid attention to the real estate there.  So with the help of my trusty computer, I pulled up some comparables.
After about 5 minutes or so, I now have a reasonable perspective of where my new client is coming from and what her expectations will … (0 comments)

Denver metro home for sale ~ Sold and closed - 10/03/06 11:35 PM
Priced at $620,000.00
SOLD & Closed 12-15-2006
View the Visual Tour
View the website Im Beautiful Inside!
You will love this large home on a beautifully landscaped lot in The Farm in the prestigious Cherry Creek School District.  Sanford built with quality in mind, this home has over 4500 square feet of finished living space.  Located on an acre lot the home has plenty of room for that side-entry garage everyone wishes they had! The long driveway affords parking and turn-around room for extra guest cars or just some elbow room for you when you need it.  Having a totally fenced in back yard will … (3 comments)

Novelty or Necessity, what is the Internet to you? - 10/03/06 10:30 PM
Denver Real Estate Questions Internet Use, where is it heading?
Tonight the news had a feature about the Internet being 15 years old now. They said almost everyone is online now keeping in touch with family, learning or doing business.
The Internet has changed my life.  In fact my life evolves around the Internet.  Not only do I use it to earn a living, learn, shop, communicate I also rely on the Internet to entertain me (AR).
Where do you think the Internet will be taking us over the next 15 years? Will we be showing homes that have "up/down rankings" based on consumer comments?  … (28 comments)

The Naming Game - 10/03/06 07:01 PM
There's a lot of noise about names here on Active Rain. 
One poor misbehaving girl has lost her fine name (not really but her reality thinks it so).  Others are naming babies...yet another tricky task.  Sometimes we here about naming a domain. Which is better top level domain, to hyphenate or not...
What about picking a name for a real estate company?  Now there's a task for you.  First you have to figure out what names are left and work yourself into finding something that is suitable.  Many brokers who lack creativity o(or is it major in ego) name the company after themselves.  … (22 comments)

Stretch Your Mind...Bend Your Brain... - 10/03/06 05:48 PM
Wisdom from many sources is being dispersed on Active Rain daily.  Sage wisdom comes from a variety of people, young, old and everywhere in between.  I wonder is the wisdom bouncing over heads are is some being absorbed?
Have you ever heard of Scotomas?
Scotomas are "blind spots" that derail your ability to clearly process information and prevent you from reaching your true personal potential. You develop blind-spots to real truths about your world or yourself due to:Preconceived ideas orPerceptions given to us by othersScotomas prevent you fromOpening your mind to alternatives andLimits your possibilities for solutionsBlind spots as road blocks to true potential.  That's scary.  How do you … (23 comments)

Living In Denver ~ my phone call today - 10/02/06 11:22 PM
Monday's are always busy days on the phone. I field calls from people all over the country coming to Denver, thinking about taking a job in Denver and just plain wondering about Denver.
One of my calls today was from a very nice lady in North Carolina.  Her hubby will be flying out here for an interview in a couple weeks.  She has been nervously researching Denver, with regard to the cost of living, home prices, Denver metro taxes, schools and the people.
She was very nervous, which is most normal for a person who is faced with moving to a new area, … (8 comments)

What does your Inbox look like? - 10/02/06 10:10 PM
Email I love it, I hate it.
Well let me qualify that, I love the ease and freedom email offers, I hate spam.  I despise unsolicited junk mail that seems to follow me where ever I go.
My Inbox is neatly configured with filters for newsletters, online classes, AR, Listings, Leads, Sales and yaddy, yaddy, etc.  My Outlook handles all the filters neatly and efficiently.
But what do I do with the things that don't have a file?  They sit in my inbox.  Waiting for attention.  Sometimes they wait well beyond the attention dateline, until they are totally expired and of no use to … (27 comments)

Kiss me, Kiss me - 10/01/06 10:41 PM
The importance of understanding and being understood...
As I traveled the world I've noticed people in other cultures making a huge effort to learn to speak English.  My observations noted that people who spoke English were prosperous.  It became very obvious to me that English is the International language of commerce.  Successful people make an effort to communicate in the language of business.
With that said, I have a funny story to relate. 
While on a tour we decided to take a vacation from our vacation.  Sarah and I flew to Hue which was once the Imperial capital of Viet nam.  The city is fascinating and we … (8 comments)

 
Kristalkraftdenverrealtor Ambassador_large

Kristal Kraft ~Denver Real Estate~720-279-4599

Denver, CO

More about me…

The Berkshire Group Realtors

Address: 3801 E. Florida Avenue Suite 400, Denver, CO, 80210

Office Phone: (720) 279-4599

Cell Phone: (720) 279-4599

Email Me

Soapbox musings for and about Denver relocation and real estate.

Author Bio: Kristal Kraft is a Colorado Real Estate Broker specializing in relocation to and from the Denver Metro area. She is an amateur photographer, cyclist, golfer and enjoys traveling just for the fun of it!


Denver Real Estate
The /Berkshire Group, REALTORS
Kristal Kraft, ABR, CRS, PMN
Denver Photo Blog
KK on Google
Denver Dwellings ala blog!
KrisTalks
Denver Relocation

Join Active Rain... Click Here!






Add to Technorati Favorites


Denver Real Estate

Denver Real Estate Denver Real Estate


Google+



Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find CO real estate agents and Denver real estate on ActiveRain.