Denver Metro Real Estate

Denver Metro Real Estate http://activerain.com/blogs/martyreiswig en-us http://activerain.com/blogsview/3383519/we-re-still-proud-to-live-in-aurora-colorado We're Still Proud to Live in Aurora, Colorado <p>We're still reeling from the event that is plastered on every television screen in the nation. It's hard to believe that something so senseless and violent could happen anywhere, <strong>let alone in our city.</strong> There is much to grieve for. But even in this dark time, there are some things we are thankful for.</p> <p>We're told that police responded to the theater within 90 seconds of receiving the call. <strong>One of the first to arrive was our friend and neighbor, Lt. Jad Lanigan.</strong> He was only an intersection away in his cruiser.</p> <p>He was also the Watch Commander that night. That means he was calling the shots and making the split-second decisions. <strong>It's his voice you've heard on the news, calling for gas masks, ambulances, and backup.</strong></p> <p>We're thankful that he was so close. We're thankful that James Holmes didn't put up a fight. With all the defensive gear he was outfitted in and all the firepower he had, I imagine he could have waged a lengthy gun battle with police, and we'd likely have lost even more lives.</p> <p>We're thankful that the FBI has made it into the apartment without any explosions. <strong>We're thankful that with 71 people injured in the attack that there weren't more fatalities.</strong></p> <p>It's an awful thing that has happened. But it could have happened anywhere. We don't believe the actions of one madman say anything about our community as a whole. Aurora is a large city: the third largest in Colorado. There are nice areas and there are not-so-nice areas. But at a time like this, we can all come together and support one another.</p> <p>That's the opportunity we are presented with now. <strong>We believe Aurora will pull through.</strong></p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Sat, 21 Jul 2012 15:07:52 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3383519/we-re-still-proud-to-live-in-aurora-colorado http://activerain.com/blogsview/3348793/new-home-builders-gaining-confidence-this-home-is-an-example-of-why New Home Builders Gaining Confidence: This Home is an Example of Why <p>HousingWire reports this week that new home sales are up this month thanks to buyers taking advantage of low interest rates and affordable prices. Also, <strong>builder confidence is at its highest level in 4 years</strong>.</p> <p>We can attest that this report is accurate: We have two clients closing on their own new custom homes in the next 2 months. Coincidentally, they're each buying <strong>the same model in the same neighborhood.</strong> The builder is <a href="http://www.centurycommunities.com/" title="Century Communities" target="_blank">Century Communities</a>, the neighborhood is <a href="http://www.centurycommunities.com/community/the-reserve-at-wheatlands-homes-in-aurora" title="The Reserve at Wheatlands" target="_blank">The Reserve at Wheatlands</a>, and the model is the <a href="http://www.centurycommunities.com/home/sequoia" title="The Sequoia" target="_blank">Sequoia</a>. While we were all out together on Father's Day, Marty gave us a tour. It was <strong>so stinking awesome</strong> that I had to write about it.</p> <p>The awesomeness starts on the front patio with an optional 2-way fireplace. You can see most of it in this exterior shot:</p> <p><img title="New Home Builders Gaining Confidence" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/1/2/7/5/ar134021465557211.jpg" height="340" alt="" width="600" style="float: left;"></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>                   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Then you step through the front door into the most visually impressive part of the house: a formal dining area flanked by a curving staircase, sitting beneath a vaulted ceiling with really cool molding details. At first I thought walking right into a formal dining area was odd, but Marty pointed out that an entryway is usually one of the least lived-in areas of a house, and so is the formal dining room. It's actually a <strong>really smart use of the space.</strong> (I do wish this shot was from further back so you get a better feel for how impressive it is.)</p> <p><img title="New Home Builders Gaining Confidence" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/4/3/5/8/ar134021495685347.jpg" height="340" alt="" width="600" style="float: left;">                        </p> <p>I will mention that just off the breakfast nook there is a really nice-sized office room with French doors. After this I'm going to focus on the awesomest parts.</p> <p><img title="New Home Builders Gaining Confidence" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/0/1/2/0/ar134021515102102.jpg" height="340" alt="" width="600" style="float: left;">                  </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Ok. So, as realtors know, kitchens sell houses. Because as any woman (or man, for that matter) who cooks knows, you spend a whole lot of time in there. And this, my friends,<strong> is a place I wouldn't mind spending lots of time:</strong></p> <p><img title="New Home Builders Gaining Confidence" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/7/3/3/7/ar134022175873379.jpg" height="340" alt="" width="600" style="float: left;">              </p> <p><strong><br></strong></p> <p><strong><br></strong></p> <p><strong><br></strong></p> <p><strong><br></strong></p> <p><strong><br></strong></p> <p><strong><br></strong></p> <p><strong><br></strong></p> <p><strong><br></strong></p> <p><strong><br></strong></p> <p><strong><br></strong></p> <p><strong><br></strong></p> <p><strong><br></strong></p> <p><strong>I mean, you could tell me that my bedroom would be a 6 by 8 cell with a cot and I'd probably still want this house.</strong> Just look at that kitchen! You can't see it, but just past the double oven is a "butler's kitchen" with extra cabinets. And behind the white door is a fabulous <strong>walk-in pantry</strong>. Heaven on earth, I'm telling you. And of course, you get to choose the flooring and cabinetry and countertops and backsplash that you want while you're in the design center.</p> <p>But back to that 6 by 8 cell: Not so much. The master suite is basically one entire wing of the second floor. The other 3 bedrooms are separate. (2 of them share a Jack & Jill bathroom, and the 3rd has its own very nice bathroom: perfect for guests.) But the master suite...Oh, I wish we were there right now so I could watch your face as we walked through it! The bedroom is lovely, of course. It has a private balcony overlooking the back yard. From the bedroom, you step through a doorway into the gorgeous master bath. It has a beautiful tub, and <strong>his and hers shower</strong>. That's right: 2 showerheads.</p> <p>From the bathroom, you step into the walk-in closet. <strong>And by walk-in closet, I mean room-the-size-of-my-kid's-bedroom-with-an-island-in-the-middle.</strong> Maybe you're like me and have to store your off-season clothes in tubs and boxes and go through the days-long ordeal every fall and spring of reopening, rewashing, and rehanging everything. Not if you lived in this house.</p> <p><img title="New Home Builders Gaining Confidence" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/8/2/1/ar134022249812883.jpg" height="340" alt="" width="600" style="float: left;">              </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>So, are you still with me? We started in the master bedroom, walked into the master bath, from which we entered the cavernous closet. From there, we walk straight into the laundry room. <strong>And by laundry room, I mean room-the-size-of-my-other-kid's-bedroom</strong> with cabinets and wonderfulness everywhere. Now, you might be thinking this is a really weird, long, dead-end tunnel sort of way to have to get to the laundry room. <strong>But here's the brilliance:</strong> the laundry room opens out onto the balcony overlooking the dining room, just feet from the door to the master bedroom! It's like a dream-come-true Corridor of Convenience with entrances on both ends!</p> <p>Sigh.</p> <p>So, if you're thinking the Sequoia sounds right up your alley, Marty would be thrilled to take you on your own tour. (Did I mention the neighborhood is right across from <a href="http://www.shopsouthlands.com/" title="New Home Builders Gaining Confidence" target="_blank">Southlands Mall</a>?)</p> <p>Of course, you can stop by and view it on your own. Just a word of warning: Don't put your name or signature on ANYTHING without telling them you have a realtor. <strong>If you do, you will be stuck without representation for the entire process.</strong> And new home contracts are much more slanted toward the builder than traditional contracts, which are slanted toward the buyer.</p> <p>Lots at the <a href="http://www.centurycommunities.com/community/the-reserve-at-wheatlands-homes-in-aurora" title="New Home Builders Gaining Confidence" target="_blank">Wheatlands</a> are going fast, so give Marty a call today if you'd like to get in on the dream home action!</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Wed, 20 Jun 2012 13:14:48 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3348793/new-home-builders-gaining-confidence-this-home-is-an-example-of-why http://activerain.com/blogsview/3339575/one-more-reason-i-love-living-in-colorado One More Reason I Love Living in Colorado <p>This past Sunday, I got to take my 10-year-old nephew, Jack, on his first 14er. Jack lives in Oklahoma, and he loves visiting Colorado. I know that a 14er would be a tall order for any kid, but Jack is a phenomenal soccer player and quite the little athlete. I told him in advance that it would be difficult and long. He loves a challenge.</p> <p>It was hard, and there were a couple of times that he wanted to quit. (It helped that there was an 11-year-old girl hiking with her mom who overtook us once or twice. He wasn't going to let a girl beat him.) In the end, he powered through and we made the summit of Mt. Elbert: the highest peak in Colorado!</p> <p>Congratulations to you, Jack: I'm so glad we got to have that experience together. I'm looking forward to taking my own kids once they're big enough.</p> <p>Why do you love living in or visiting Colorado? Leave a comment!</p> <p><img title="reason I love living in Colorado" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/6/5/9/ar133952155695692.jpg" height="300" alt="Jack's first 14er" width="400" style="vertical-align: bottom;"></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Tue, 12 Jun 2012 10:22:36 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3339575/one-more-reason-i-love-living-in-colorado http://activerain.com/blogsview/3261225/why-our-website-owns-zillow Why Our Website OWNS Zillow <p>It seems like few folks in the market for a house these days <em>haven't</em> searched Zillow (or Trulia, or any other number of real estate sites.) You can even use Zillow to find out the current value of your home. <img title="why our website owns Zillow" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/0/1/7/ar13371280171072.jpg" height="185" alt="why our website OWNS Zillow" width="273" style="float: right;"></p> <p>But we're learning that Zillow isn't always all it's cracked up to be. On the sell side, Zillow's famous "Zestimates" are based on general information such as comps (sold prices of nearby homes), number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and not much more. If the house down the street from yours was a filthy dungheap that sold for a song six months ago, but your home is immaculate, <strong>Zillow doesn't know</strong>. Your Zestimate is going to take a big hit.</p> <p>On the buy side, it's worse. Zillow does not have what can be called an "accurate inventory" by any stretch of the words. Listings are not kept up-to-date. Homes that go under contract, or are sold or even withdrawn from the market are left on the site. (These real estate sites like to claim to have more listings than their competition.)</p> <p>For this article, I did a bit of my own research. I used Zillow's search tool to look for 3-bed, 2-bath, single-family homes for sale in our zip code from $150,000 to $200,000. The search returned 51 properties that matched my search. For simplicity, I ignored each house that was labeled as Pending or Foreclosure/Bank-Owned. That left 29 houses.</p> <p>Of those 29, 7 were categorized as "Make Me Move." This is a feature that lets homeowners enter their address and the price that they would be willing to sell their home for. <strong>To me, this is a joke.</strong> First of all, most of these entries were over 3 years old. More importantly, <em>none of these houses are even on the market</em>, so the whole thing seems pointless.</p> <p>Ok. So if we take away the absurd Make Me Move category, we're left with 22 houses. I went through, house by house, checking these against the MLS (the Multiple Listing Service used by all realtors.) Three of them had incomplete or incorrect addresses and were impossible to look up. <strong>Eleven of them were already pending, under contract, sold or withdrawn.</strong> Eleven! The remaining nine were actually active, available listings that someone else hasn't already gotten to first.</p> <p>So, folks, based on my unscientific experiment, when you search for homes on Zillow, <strong>you can expect about 31% of your results to be accurate, reliable information.</strong> If you are careful to ignore the "Make Me Move" homes, then your accuracy rate jumps all the way up to 50%. </p> <p>What's a tech-savvy, self-motivated, Denver Metro Area homebuyer to do? I'm glad you asked! Registering for free on <a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">our website</a> will give you access to a search tool that uses the MLS: <strong>the same one we realtors use.</strong> It's the most up-to-date, accurate information on housing inventory there is. Don't waste time requesting showings for houses that aren't even for sale.</p> <p>And if you're wondering what your home is worth, you can <a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/sell/" target="_blank">request a free estimate</a> from Marty. We guarantee it will be more accurate than Zillow.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Tue, 15 May 2012 17:29:21 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3261225/why-our-website-owns-zillow http://activerain.com/blogsview/3247811/final-months-to-cash-in-on-weak-housing-market Final Months to Cash In on Weak Housing Market <p>CNN Money recently published an article titled "<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2012/05/03/buying-a-home-wont-get-much-cheaper/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">Buying a Home Won't Get Much Cheaper</a>." It cites housing experts who explain that national home prices are still down 34% from 2006, and mortgage rates that are still at historic lows.</p> <p>Additionally, the volume of foreclosures is expected to decrease, and job growth is expected to continue. One chief economist <strong>expects to see across-the-board increases in home prices as early as this summer.</strong></p> <p>Denver Metro appears to be ahead of the curve, as we have already seen buyer competition result in multiple offers and homes selling for even more than asking price in some cases.</p> <p>So, the advice to buyers seems to be that if you're looking for a bargain, <strong>now is probably your last chance to take advantage of the weakened housing market</strong>, because it looks to be on the mend.</p> <p>Find out what homes are available in the Denver Metro Area with a <a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">search tool</a> that accesses the MLS that realtors use. <strong>Call Marty today at 720-891-9000 to get started on your home search!</strong></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Thu, 10 May 2012 10:52:44 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3247811/final-months-to-cash-in-on-weak-housing-market http://activerain.com/blogsview/3219247/this-crazy-realtor-is-talking-out-of-both-sides-of-his-mouth This Crazy Realtor is Talking Out of Both Sides of his Mouth <p>For those of you on our mailing list (who actually read our emails) you may have been confused by the most recent message. It <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/7/1/1/2/ar133592508021178.jpg" height="150" alt="talking out both sides of your mouth" width="200" style="float: right;">was a brief note claming that the full housing inventory is giving buyers the upper hand.</p> <p>If you've been reading our blogs, you know that we've been saying the exact opposite for months now: the market is so desperate for inventory that buyers are in for cutthroat competition.</p> <p>To clear things up: our email newsletter makes use of a system of Keller Williams-designed messages that refer to the <em>national</em> market. So it's true that there are indeed many areas that are saturated and buyers can just take their pick.</p> <p>However, when we blog, we write about <em>our</em> neck of the woods, the Denver Metro Area. And here, we are seeing buyers being beaten to the punch or outbid all the time. Last month, inventory was down 57% compared with 2011.</p> <p>So, hopefully that clears up any confusion for our hordes of obsessive internet fans.</p> <p>Call Marty today at 720-891-9000 if you'd like to put your house (in our area) on the market and watch the offers flood in! If you're in a saturated area and still need to sell, call Marty and he can get the inside scoop on who's the rock star listing agent near you. </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Tue, 01 May 2012 19:21:00 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3219247/this-crazy-realtor-is-talking-out-of-both-sides-of-his-mouth http://activerain.com/blogsview/3177784/denver-2-in-nation-for-quick-sales Denver #2 in Nation for Quick Sales <p>If you're in (or will soon be in) the market to buy a home in the Denver area, we hope you're comfortable with making fast decisions. It turns out that when you take several years of pent-up demand and combine it with very low inventory, the result is a <strong>market that resembles a shark feeding frenzy.</strong> Houses are flying off the shelf as soon as they're listed. See the (very good) Denver Post story <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_20429074/denver-housing-market-second-nation-quick-sales" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p>We <a href="http://www.martytherealtor.com/2012/03/06/now-is-a-great-time-to-sell-and-weve-got-proof/" target="_blank">wrote recently</a> about our first-ever listing, which received a winning offer after 5 days of nonstop showings. Our second listing <img title="Denver #2 in Nation for Quick Sales" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/7/6/5/8/ar133486351785676.JPG" height="225" alt="" width="300" style="float: right;">went under contract just a few days ago. It spent 32 days on the market: one day fewer than Denver's median, and 57 days fewer than the national median. <strong>Both homes received multiple offers.</strong></p> <p><strong>While this is fantastic news for sellers, it's a wake-up call to buyers.</strong> In this current market, you can't afford to be a casual shopper unless your price range is upwards of $400,000. You need to be on top of new inventory, watching your listing alerts like a hawk. (Sign up for daily listing alerts that match your needs <a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.) <strong>And keep in mind that you will be unable to make any offers until you are prequalified and have a lender approval letter.</strong> See our recommended mortgage brokers on the home page of <a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">our website.</a></p> <p>Once again, if you are considering selling your house any time in the forseeable future, it will be tough to find a better time than now. <strong>Call Marty today</strong> (720-891-9000) and find out what you can expect your house to sell for! If you're outside the Denver area, Marty can still help by getting the inside scoop on the most reliable realtors in your area.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:28:31 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3177784/denver-2-in-nation-for-quick-sales http://activerain.com/blogsview/3132090/tooting-our-own-horn Tooting Our Own Horn <p>First of all, hi there, folks: it's me, Jaclyn, writing this post. (I write pretty much every post, but just wanted to be especially clear this time.)</p> <p>Once Marty earned his realtor's license, we had to decide who he was going to work for. Last June, after several weeks of pretty intense deliberations, Marty signed on with Keller Williams DTC. He appreciated the supportive atmosphere, was impressed with the wide variety of resources, and felt he really connected with the team leader, the dynamic Tony Carnesi. It didn't hurt that no office in Colorado sells more real estate than KW DTC.</p> <p>Even with all of the support and mentoring we've received, starting a business from scratch is pretty darn scary--especially in an economy like this--and an awful lot of hard, hard work. One good month can get you by for a little while, but it's hard to ignore that voice in the back of your head mumbling, "But what if the next good month turns out to be April 2013? What will we do? Then the only work we'll have is selling our own house to avoid foreclosure. Better find out how the schools are in Greeley since we'll be enrolling the kids there after we're forced to move in with Marty's folks."</p> <p>So it was a very pleasant surprise and encouragement last week when, out of 300+ agents, Marty was presented with the "Emerging Agent" award. Tony had some nice things to say, and I just thought it was pretty cool for Marty to be recognized for his hard work and awesomeness. So since he didn't really want to toot his own horn, it's a good thing I'm here to do it for him.</p> <p>The video is under a minute. Take a look and join me in congratulating Marty!</p> <iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uemwXYklDuM" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:09:07 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3132090/tooting-our-own-horn http://activerain.com/blogsview/3125197/optimism-about-home-prices-increasing-dramatically Optimism About Home Prices Increasing Dramatically <p><img title="optimism home prices increasing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/6/4/6/8/ar133348365286466.jpeg" height="194" alt="optimism home prices increasing" width="259" style="float: left;">The percentage of realtors who expect home prices to increase in the next six months has <strong>more than doubled</strong> from last quarter, a recent survey reveals. </p> <p>HomeGain, the website administering the surveys, says that this is the first time since the second quarter of 2009 that more than 25% of respondents have had a favorable outlook on housing prices. Read the full article <a href="http://www.inman.com/news/2012/04/2/real-estate-professionals-optimistic-about-home-values" title="optimism home prices" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p>Part of the reason for the positive trend may be the level of inventory. As of January, the <strong>nationwide inventory fell to its lowest point since 2005</strong>. The laws of supply and demand affect the housing market, too. </p> <p>Of course, this survey is not about hard facts or currently measurable price trends. It's opinions. But, it's the opinons of those who eat, sleep and breathe the housing market. So we'll choose to take it as an encouraging sign.</p> <p>For a free estimate of what your home is currently worth, <a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/sell/" title="home prices" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:09:15 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3125197/optimism-about-home-prices-increasing-dramatically http://activerain.com/blogsview/3078547/open-letter-to-peyton-manning-from-a-fellow-indy-to-denver-transplant- Open Letter to Peyton Manning (From a Fellow Indy-to-Denver Transplant) <p>Dear Peyton,<img title="Open Letter to Peyton Manning" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/6/2/2/ar133244859622674.jpeg" height="259" alt="Open Letter to Peyton Manning" width="194" style="float: right;"></p> <p>I'm a pretty unemotional gal. Some would say I'm a borderline cyborg. But on March 7th, 2012, I may or may not have wept. Copiously. The whole day. A scenario that only a few short months ago would never have entered my darkest dreams was playing out before my waking eyes. Peyton Manning no longer a Colt? What next? The sun will rise in the west? Will it even rise again at all?</p> <p>Indiana was my home for 25 years. I'm fanatically proud to be a Hoosier. The more places I visit, the more I'm convinced that <strong>Indiana has the nicest people in the world.</strong> And of course the Rockies are impressive, but I contend that there's plenty of beauty in a cornfield bordered by oak trees if you're willing to see it.</p> <p>I was a junior in high school when the Colts drafted you to their floundering franchise. I had never paid much attention to football before: I was a Hoosier; basketball was my thing. But watching you trailblaze a miraculous turnaround over the next two years converted me. <strong>You are the reason I love football.</strong> </p> <p>In 2006, I moved to Denver with my native-Coloradan husband. Five months later, my Colts won the Superbowl. In late September 2007, the Colts played the Broncos on the Sunday that we brought our newborn son home from the hospital. Both sides of the family were on hand to root for our teams. <strong>So I was recovering from giving birth. Like that was going to stop me from gearing up in my #18 jersey and cheering on the Horseshoe?</strong> (The Colts won, natch.)</p> <p>We've really had no business paying for NFL Sunday Ticket, but what choice did I have? Only watching the Colts when they're on Sunday or Monday Night Football? Yeah, right.</p> <p><img title="Open Letter to Peyton Manning Indy to Denver transplant" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/2/1/2/4/ar133244875142121.JPG" height="267" alt="Open Letter to Peyton Manning Indy to Denver transplant" width="200" style="float: left;">For the sake of my marriage, I have been supporting the Broncos for nearly 11 years--anytime they're not playing against Indy. This past season was...well, I've never tripped on LSD, but I imagine that it's sort of like this past season in Denver. We were just never quite sure we could believe what we were seeing. It was exciting, and it was a welcome distraction from the alien feelings of grief and despair that snowballed with each passing week that you didn't return to the field for the Colts.</p> <p>And then came March 7th. One of life's incontrovertible truths, that Peyton Manning would only ever play for Indy, was disintegrating into dust. Your irreproachable tactfulness, your grace in a wrenching situation, and most of all, your choked-up voice, were just too much. <strong>"I have truly enjoyed being your quarterback."</strong> I was useless for the rest of the day. </p> <p>But then you visited Denver. <strong>Your coming here would be the one thing, the only thing, that would be bearable.</strong> I had left Indy, too, and I had learned to love it here. I could still cheer for #18 and my adopted team as well as my Colts. I hardly dared to get my hopes up, but I couldn't help it.</p> <p>That's why, since roughly 10 am on March 19th, I've been walkin' on Colorado sunshine. Standing in front of the tv, hearing the glorious news, my husband hugged me and said, "Our teams are finally merging!" and I yelled, "It's like we're getting married all over again!" <strong>All week I've been fighting the urge to hug everyone I see. </strong></p> <p>So, Peyton, from one reluctant Indy-to-Denver transplant to another: Welcome to Colorado. I literally could not be any happier that you're here. <strong>You're still my quarterback.</strong></p> <p>Here's to new beginnings,</p> <p>Jaclyn Reiswig</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:27:17 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3078547/open-letter-to-peyton-manning-from-a-fellow-indy-to-denver-transplant- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3023595/senate-proposes-bill-to-speed-short-sale-process Senate Proposes Bill to Speed Short Sale Process <p>You know that short sales have become a national problem when the Senate steps in. For the uninitiated, <strong>a short sale is <img title="Senate proposes bill to speed short sale process" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/5/2/5/1/ar133124050215254.jpeg" height="174" alt="Senate proposes bill to speed short sale process" width="290" style="float: right;">a way to avoid foreclosure</strong>. The homeowner sells the house for less than the unpaid balance of his mortgage, with the lender's approval. </p> <p>Short sales, in theory, are a win-win. The homeowner avoids foreclosure, the lender receives more for the property than they would if they foreclosed, and the buyer gets a great deal. Not to mention that short sales don't drag down the value of neighboring homes to the extent that foreclosures do.</p> <p>But in reality, short sales are such a headache that many buyers avoid them like the plague. <strong>The majority of real estate agents polled said that short sales take from 4 to 9 months to close.</strong> Many buyers don't have the luxury of that much time. We personally have walked away from more than one short sale in our own house searches--we just didn't have the patience.</p> <p>And the reason for the lengthy waiting periods? Unresponsive banks. Thus the <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/news?actionBar=&articleID=5577406286816878657&ids=czcTc3wSdzcOdPkMd3oPczwRdiMUdPcQcjkMe34PcPkMej8Oe3kRb38Sc3sTdPANc3kMcjcNejATdjkIdPkSe3sUdz4UdzwOdz0QdPsRdiMTdz4Uc3AOe3gScjkPcPsTdzkR&aag=true&freq=weekly&trk=eml-tod2-b-pub-1&ut=14EDOgStoPzl81" title="Senate proposes bill to speed short sale process" target="_blank">action by the Senate</a>.</p> <p><strong>The proposed bi-partisan legislation would give banks a 75-day deadline to respond to written offers from buyers.</strong> There is even a penalty of $1000--to be paid to the buyers--should the bank fail to comply with the language of the bill. </p> <p>Moe Veissi, president of the National Association of Realtors, weighed in that due to the current time-consuming and inefficient process, many homebuyers walk away from deals that could have saved homeowners from foreclosure. "As the leading advocates for homeownership, realtors are supportive of any effort to improve the process for approving short sales."</p> <p><strong>This legislation is, to us, a welcome sign that some folks in Washington are taking common-sense measures to help the economy.</strong> Heck, we may even contact our senator and encourage him to support this bill. Speeding up the short sale process can only help the housing market recover--and that's something we can all get behind.</p> <p>If you need some help selling your home, give Marty a call at 720-891-9000. He'd love to help.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:04:49 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3023595/senate-proposes-bill-to-speed-short-sale-process http://activerain.com/blogsview/3014509/now-is-a-great-time-to-sell-here-s-proof Now is a Great Time to Sell: Here's Proof <p>We've been beating this dead horse for a while now: inventory is so low right now that there is stiff competition for homes, especially equity sales (non-short sales/foreclosures.) And now we've got a story to prove it:</p> <p><img title="Now is a great time to sell" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/5/3/5/6/ar133105354565355.jpeg" height="251" alt="Now is a great time to sell" width="201" style="float: left;">Some folks who regularly read our blog decided to give it a shot and put their house up for sale. They got it all cleaned up and staged, and Marty took care of scheduling a good photographer and marketing. <strong>In one week on the market, they had 32 showings and received two offers.</strong> They went under contract (with the better offer) just one week to the day after the house hit the MLS.</p> <p>We expect the number of available homes to increase as we move into the spring. That's good news for buyers. But if you're thinking of selling, it's a good idea to beat the rush and hit the market soon. </p> <p>Give Marty a call at 720-891-9000 if you'd like to talk some more about why now is a great time to sell.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Tue, 06 Mar 2012 09:08:12 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3014509/now-is-a-great-time-to-sell-here-s-proof http://activerain.com/blogsview/2982126/fha-to-increase-premiums FHA to Increase Premiums <p>Beginning in April, the FHA will increase the cost of up-front mortgage insurance premiums. The increase will apply to new single-family 30-year loans. The new, higher rate is part of an effort to replenish the agency's insurance fund. Read the full story <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-02-28/fha-to-increase-cost-of-up-front-mortgage-insurance-premiums.html" title="FHA to Increase Premiums" target="_blank">here</a>.                                                                                              <img title="FHA to Increase Premiums" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/9/5/0/ar133045529505983.jpeg" height="194" alt="" width="259" style="float: right;"></p> <p>Many first-time home buyers utilize FHA financing. If you're one of them, or if you're considering purchasing a home (which is a great idea considering the historically low interest rates and overall low housing prices), you may want to find a lender and complete your application before the end of March. That way, you will beat the deadline and avoid the new, higher mortgage insurance premiums. </p> <p>Just a friendly heads-up!</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:56:33 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2982126/fha-to-increase-premiums http://activerain.com/blogsview/2915150/sellers-pricing-it-right-is-key Sellers: Pricing it Right is Key <h2 class="single-entry-title">Sellers: Pricing it Right is Key</h2> <div class="linebreak" style="padding-top: 1em; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 2px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-color: #f1f2f4; color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left; margin: 0px;"> </div> <div class="entry-content" style="text-align: justify; padding: 0px; margin: auto;"> <p style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.3em; line-height: 1.8em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0em; padding-right: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0em; color: #111111;">When selling your house, it’s tempting to ask top dollar and hope for the best, knowing that you can always negotiate later. The problem is, by not pricing competitively, you are actually more likely to end up selling for LESS.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.3em; line-height: 1.8em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0em; padding-right: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0em; color: #111111;">An overpriced house will be ignored by most buyers. Chances are, it will sit on the market receiving little or no attention, until its owners are forced to lower the price. For many buyers, a lowered price is like blood in the water. “This house isn’t selling,” they think. “Either there’s something wrong with it or the sellers are getting desperate.” Better brace yourself for the lowball offers you’ll start getting.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.3em; line-height: 1.8em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0em; padding-right: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0em; color: #111111;">On the other hand, a competitively priced house attracts buyers like moths to a flame. Let’s just put it this way: overpriced houses don’t end up with competing offers.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.3em; line-height: 1.8em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0em; padding-right: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0em; color: #111111;">Of course, there are exceptions to every rule; but it general, this is the way it works. But don’t take our word for it:</p> <iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/V-GRz1vaBmI?rel=0" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640"></iframe> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0em; padding-right: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0em;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 23px;"><br></span></span></p> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:47:39 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2915150/sellers-pricing-it-right-is-key http://activerain.com/blogsview/2852405/colorado-metro-foreclosures-are-at-a-5-year-low Colorado Metro Foreclosures are at a 5 Year Low <p>Foreclosure filings in Colorado's metro areas have now fallen for 14 months in a row. The number of foreclosure filings last month was lower than any other January since 2008. It was also 28.2% lower than January of 2011. Read the full story <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_19978117" title="Colorado Metro Foreclosures are at a 5 Year Low" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p>It's unknown exactly how the recent legal settlement regarding the handling of foreclosures will affect this trend--only time will tell.</p> <p>But for now, we're taking these numbers as a good sign. Fewer foreclosures means fewer people losing their homes, as well as fewer distressed properties dragging down the values of neighboring houses. </p> <p>Here's hoping that 2012 sees the market upswing we've all been hoping for!  <img title="Colorado Metro Foreclosures 5 Year Low" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/6/4/8/6/ar132942264368463.jpeg" height="188" alt="" width="180" style="float: right;"></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>                                                                                                                   Don't take this exit.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:06:45 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2852405/colorado-metro-foreclosures-are-at-a-5-year-low http://activerain.com/blogsview/2844726/can-t-get-a-date-buy-a-home- Can't Get a Date? Buy a Home. <p>For singles looking to make themselves more attractive to the opposite sex, apparently being a homeowner is a big draw. According to <a href="http://money.cnn.com/" target="_blank">CNNMoney</a>, a recent survey shows that over one third of women would "much rather" date a homeowner than a renter. Eighteen percent of men would prefer dating a gal with her own digs.</p> <p>If those numbers don't impress you, consider this: in the same survey, only two percent of women and three percent of men said they would prefer to date a renter over a homeowner.</p> <p>And bad news if you're among those who've had to move back in with mom and dad for whatever reason: Fewer than five percent of all respondents said they'd date someone who lives in their childhood home. See the full story <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2012/02/14/real_estate/dating_homeownership/index.htm" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p>So, singles: you can consider the keys to your own home the same as a peacock's brilliant feathers, telegraphing your <img title="Can't Get a Date? Buy a Home." src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/7/4/ar132924585347897.jpeg" height="186" alt="" width="272" style="float: right;">desirablility to everyone around you. Consider us your very own Cupid this Valentine's Day. Maybe the white picket fence should come before the wedding bells.</p> <p><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/contact/" target="_blank">Email Marty</a>, or call him at 720-891-9000. Imagine he's got a little bow and heart-tipped arrow.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:02:44 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2844726/can-t-get-a-date-buy-a-home- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2813607/latest-trends-in-home-styles Latest Trends in Home Styles <div style="margin: 8px;"> <p>What are the lastest trends in home styles that buyers are looking for? Well, McMansions are out. Smaller and greener is in.</p> <p>Modern interiors with clean lines are favored by many builders, although they're sticking with more traditional exteriors. </p> <p><img title="Latest Trends in Home Styles" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/8/1/7/5/ar132865483957185.jpeg" height="266" alt="Latest Trends in Home Styles" width="400" style="border-color: initial;"></p> <p>There is an emphasis on free-flowing floor plans as well as efficiency. Split-level models are nearly obsolete.</p> <p>The National Association of Home Builders debuted the "New American Home 2012" (pictured above) at the International Builders' Show this week. See the full story <a href="http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/whats-hot-and-not-in-home-styles-this-year.html" title="Latest Trends in Home Styles" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p>Learn what your home is worth using our <a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/sell/" title="What is my home worth?" target="_blank">simple tool</a>. See what homes are available in your area using our awesome <a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/search/" title="Search for homes" target="_blank">search tool</a>. If you're thinking of buying, selling, or both, give Marty a call at 720-891-9000. He'll help you find a home with the style trends you're looking for.</p> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:16:15 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2813607/latest-trends-in-home-styles http://activerain.com/blogsview/2782344/solar-shingles-coming-to-colorado Solar Shingles coming to Colorado <p>We heard about this recently, and the idea seems so simple and brilliant we can't believe no one has thought of it before. Solar shingles! <a href="http://www.dowsolar.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=power+source" title="Solar shingles coming to Colorado" target="_blank">DowSolar</a> is bringing them to Colorado. They are part of your roof and protect your house the same as regular shingles, without changing your roof's sight line like old-fashioned solar panels.  <img title="Solar Shingles coming to Colorado" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/4/9/4/5/ar13280337454948.jpeg" height="183" alt="" width="275"></p> <p>With the 300 or so days of sunlight Colorado receives each year, it makes sense to take advantage of all that energy. According to DowSolar, the shingles will pay for themselves over the life of the roof. </p> <p>Currently, there are three authorized dealers in Colorado for the Powerhouse Solar Shingle: <a href="http://www.academyroofinginc.com/" title="Solar shingles coming to Colorado" target="_blank">Academy Roofing</a>, <a href="http://www.bmroofing.com/" title="Solar shingles coming to Colorado" target="_blank">B&M Roofing of Colorado</a>, and <a href="http://www.danddroofing.com/" title="Solar Shingles coming to Colorado" target="_blank">D&D Roofing</a>.</p> <p>With the current trend toward green building, we expect to see some homebuilders feature solar shingles in their model homes. Let us know if you see this new product around Denver, or if you decide to install some for yourself. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:58:51 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2782344/solar-shingles-coming-to-colorado http://activerain.com/blogsview/2755969/ten-things-to-do-in-colorado-before-you-die Ten Things to do in Colorado Before You Die <p>There are so many gorgeous sights in Colorado: how to narrow down the list? In our case, we'll just choose our favorites and let the commenters argue over what was left out. Without further ado: Ten Things to do in Colorado Before You Die!</p> <p><strong>10. Ride the Durango/Silverton Railroad. </strong>I did this with my family as a kid. My folks opted for the open (read: cheaper) train car. It was really nice until we got caught in a mountain thunderstorm. We ended up soaked to the bone and freezing, but I've never forgotten it, and the hot chicken noodle soup I got in Silverton was the best I've ever had.</p> <p><strong>9. Go to a concert at Red Rocks. </strong>Ok, so I've never actually done this myself. But I have been to <a href="http://www.redrocksonline.com/" title="Ten things to do in Colorado" target="_blank">Red Rocks</a>, and clearly, it's the coolest amphitheatre around.</p> <p><strong>8. Explore Mesa Verde. </strong>My family did this together, too, on the same trip. <a href="http://www.visitmesaverde.com/" title="Ten things to do in colorado" target="_blank">Seeing the houses</a> carved out of the side of cliffs will amaze kids and parents alike.</p> <p><strong>7. Visit the Royal Gorge. </strong>So it's not the Grand Canyon. It's still pretty darn impressive. Cross it by foot over the suspension bridge if you dare.</p> <p><strong>6. Drive Trail Ridge Road. </strong>Take in the views on the highest continuous highway in the U.S., and tell your friends you've crossed the Continental Divide.</p> <p><strong>5. Ski. </strong>Duh. There are plenty of places to choose from, but we're partial to <a href="http://www.breckenridge.com/" title="Ten Things to do in Colorado" target="_blank">Breckenridge</a>.</p> <p><strong>4. Take a soak in Glenwood Springs. </strong>Sure, there are bike trails, golf, rides, restaurants, and more; but all you really need is a relaxing dip in the <a href="http://www.yampahspa.com/" target="_blank">vapor caves</a>.</p> <p><strong>3. Raft the Arkansas River. </strong>Try to go in May, when you'll get <a href="http://www.arkansasrivertours.com/arkansas/" title="Ten things to do in Colorado" target="_blank">wild rapids</a> from all the snowmelt. Talk about adventure.</p> <p><strong>2. See the aspens change. </strong>There's nothing quite like seeing miles of mountainside and fearing, for a moment, that huge swaths of it are on fire. Time your trip right, and you'll have some serious frame-worthy photos.</p> <p><strong>1. Hike a Fourteener. </strong>It's hard. It takes most of the day. It makes you realize how out-of-shape you really are. And it is 100% worth it when you summit that peak. <img title="Ten Things to do in Colorado Before You Die" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/6/6/3/ar132744088236692.JPG" height="214" alt="Ten Things to do in Colorado Before You Die" width="300" style="float: right;"></p> <p>Of course, there are many more that we could add. Which of your favorites did we snub? What are you determined to do in Colorado before you die?</p> <p><strong><br></strong></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:43:17 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2755969/ten-things-to-do-in-colorado-before-you-die http://activerain.com/blogsview/2735533/if-you-re-asking-should-i-sell-my-house-the-answer-is-yes- If you're asking "Should I Sell My House?" the answer is YES! <p>If you have had any thoughts of selling your house, you really need to know what your house is worth. (Use our <a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/sell/" target="_blank">simple tool</a> to find out.) The next step is to compare what it's worth to what you owe. If it's worth more than you owe on your mortgage, congratulations! You have <strong>equity</strong>!</p> <p>And friend, we are here to tell you that our market (Aurora, Centennial, Parker, Denver) is <strong>begging</strong> for equity sales. We wrote about this topic <a href="http://www.martytherealtor.com/2012/01/12/pros-and-cons-of-buying-and-selling-in-aurora-co-right-now/" target="_blank">last week</a>, and in <a href="http://www.martytherealtor.com/2011/11/16/real-estate-market-stabilizing-in-denver-colorado/" target="_blank">November</a>, and <a href="http://www.martytherealtor.com/2011/11/03/now-is-the-time-to-sell-in-denver-believe-it-or-not/" target="_blank">explained it most thoroughly</a> a few weeks before that. We keep beating this dead horse because everywhere we go, people (not realtors) keep telling us how dreadful the real estate market is and how nothing is selling and it's an awful time to sell. This is simply not the case--and knowledge is power. <img title="Proving everyone wrong will be the icing on the selling-your-house cake." src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/6/7/8/5/ar132699455158764.jpg" height="242" alt="should sell house" width="300" style="float: right;"></p> <p>Here's one example: <strong>Our office put an equity sale on the market at 6:00 p.m. this Tuesday. Within 24 hours, the house had 6 showings and a full-price offer</strong>. True story.</p> <p>Let me repeat: inventory is down 25% over last year, and over 50% of it is bank-owned properties and short sales. If you have a well-cared-for house and you have some equity, you will be a very big fish in a very small pond. </p> <p>So, to sum up: should you sell your house? If you have even the vaguest intention of selling your home any time in the next few years, you may want to consider jumping in right now. Find out what your house is worth, <a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/search/" target="_blank">take a look</a> at what else  is available, and call (720-891-9000) or <a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/contact/" target="_blank">email</a> Marty. He'll set up a time to discuss your options. We would love to help you get it prepped and sold in record time, at a price you can feel good about. </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:42:24 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2735533/if-you-re-asking-should-i-sell-my-house-the-answer-is-yes- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2713901/the-pros-and-cons-of-buying-and-selling-in-aurora-colorado-today The Pros and Cons of Buying and Selling in Aurora, Colorado Today <p>There are some interesting things happening in the housing market in Aurora, Colorado right now. Average sales prices are up 10-15% over last year, and the average time on the market is 60-90 days. Homes are moving. There are considerably more buyers than sellers in the market. Just in the past 90 days, buyer activity has increased and seller activity has decreased.</p> <p>More than 50% of Aurora's housing inventory is made up of short sales and bank-owned properties. More than 50%! And inventory is down overall. We've mentioned this in a few recent blog posts: Buyers who are looking for non-distressed, move-in ready homes have very little to choose from. Hint, hint for those of you who are having any thoughts of selling!</p> <p>So, taking this information, here are the pros and cons for buyers:<img title="Let's make a list." src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/2/3/9/3/ar132640284539322.jpeg" height="183" alt="Pros and Cons of buying and selling in Aurora Colorado" width="275" style="float: right;"></p> <p><strong>PROS:</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Interest rates still near historic lows</strong></li> <li><strong>Plenty of short sales, HUDs, and bank-owned properties available at good prices</strong></li> <li><strong>Home prices have been stabilizing and will likely gradually increase from this point</strong></li> </ul> <div><strong>CONS:</strong></div> <div> <ul> <li><strong>Low inventory of equity sales (fewer homes to choose from)</strong></li> <li><strong>Higher competition means greater chance of being outbid</strong></li> </ul> <div>And the pros and cons for sellers:</div> </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>PROS:</strong></div> <div> <ul> <li><strong>Low inventory means you'll be a big fish in a small pond</strong></li> <li><strong>Home sale prices are up over last year</strong></li> <li><strong>Higher competition among buyers increases chances of multiple offers</strong></li> </ul> <div><strong>CONS:</strong></div> <div> <ul> <li><strong>If you owe more than your house is worth, you'll have to request a short sale from your lender</strong></li> </ul> <div>Hopefully this simple list of pros and cons of buying and selling is helpful to you. And as always, if you know anyone in Aurora who could use a realtor's advice, please tell them we'd be glad to help. If you're not in Aurora or even Colorado, Marty will be happy to refer you to a competent realtor in your area.</div> </div> </div> <p><strong><br></strong></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:17:50 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2713901/the-pros-and-cons-of-buying-and-selling-in-aurora-colorado-today http://activerain.com/blogsview/2690880/grand-opening-of-king-soopers-in-aurora-co Grand Opening of King Soopers in Aurora, CO <p> </p> <p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">The <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=18211+E+Hampden+Ave&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x876c89a2b2b85833:0x510fff32192078b6,18211+E+Hampden+Ave,+Aurora,+CO+80013&gl=us&ei=HuQET-SpMMXYiAKX7dC8Dg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA" target="_blank">King Soopers store</a> at the northwest corner of Tower and Hampden in Aurora, CO celebrates its Grand Opening today. It's technically a Grand Re-Opening since the store already existed--I shopped there for 3 years before we moved closer to the Smoky Hill location. The store has just undergone a 4-month renovation, and now I'm jealous!</p> <div class="mceTemp" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://www.martytherealtor.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P10409761.jpg"><img title="King Soopers Grand Opening" class="size-medium wp-image-170" src="http://www.martytherealtor.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P10409761-300x225.jpg" height="225" alt="" width="300" style="border-color: initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"></a></div> <div class="mceTemp" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><em>It is like a garden. Only everything is picked for you</em></div> <div class="mceTemp" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><em>and there are no earwigs.</em></div> <p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">There was a quite festive atmosphere when I visited earlier today. I noticed a few associates and assistant managers wearing boutonnieres and corsages. Several stations throughout the store were handing out free samples, and many employees are on loan from other locations to handle the extra crowds of customers for this Grand Opening week.</p> <p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">The produce and bakery section, which is on the far right-hand side of the store, has a new open layout, and the deli now offers fresh sushi.</p> <p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">This King Soopers is offering some tempting sales not available at other locations to entice shoppers, such as a 5-pound box of Cuties Clementines for $3.88, and a gallon of milk for $1.49.</p> <p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">When I asked store manager Dave Yoho what is the very best thing about his new, improved store, he said, "The people. We have fun here."</p> <p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Earth-tone paint on the walls and attractive new signage over every aisle add to the fresh feel. In the ladies' room, I overhead a woman walk in and say "Wow! This is nice!"</p> <p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Our congratulations to Dave Yoho and his team on their great new store. We recommend stopping in and seeing the King Soopers Grand Opening in southeast Aurora for yourself!</p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:39:19 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2690880/grand-opening-of-king-soopers-in-aurora-co http://activerain.com/blogsview/2647142/innovation-pavilion-coming-soon-to-denver-tech-center Innovation Pavilion Coming Soon to Denver Tech Center <p>A new business "incubator" is underway in the <strong>Denver Tech Center</strong>. It's called the Innovation Pavilion, and it will be home to  business startups and entrepreneurs as well as established businesses. Academic and government organizations will also take up residence. All will be united by their focus on technology. </p> <p>Similar "incubators" have met with success in California, and the Innovation Pavilion will be the first model of its kind in Colorado. Work space and WiFi will be available to entrepreneurs for as little as $200 a month.</p> <p>The Pavilion will be 4 stories high and 80,000 square feet, and is expected to be finished within a year. (Read more about the project <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_19513723" target="_blank">here</a>.) Perhaps some of the jobs Colorado needs will be generated within those walls. We extend the Innovation Pavilion and its future tenants a warm welcome to the Denver Tech Center!</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:50:21 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2647142/innovation-pavilion-coming-soon-to-denver-tech-center http://activerain.com/blogsview/2635615/relocating-to-denver-great-idea- Relocating to Denver? Great idea! <p>In Colorado, it's surprising to meet someone who was born and raised here because so many people relocate to Denver (or other popular cities) from out of state. And it's no wonder.</p> <p>The front range of the Rocky Mountains is reason enough to move to Denver. That view never gets old. But there are plenty  more practical reasons as well. </p> <p>Colorado is expected to <a href="http://www.vivacolorado.com/ci_19479343?source=most_viewed" target="_blank">create more jobs</a> in 2012 compared with the rest of the nation. </p> <p>Colorado is ranked as one of the <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_19481571" target="_blank">top ten healthiest states</a> in the U.S.</p> <p>Colorado has over 300 days of sunshine per year.</p> <p>And best of all, if you live in Denver, you've got a perfect excuse to talk about <a href="http://tebowing.com/" target="_blank">Tim Tebow</a> all day, every day.</p> <p>So what are you waiting for? Relocate to Denver and join us in Colorful Colorado! <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS_TyUM2OJ1Ur34Aamay0N19i7JO9wdLRp8BGrDw2jcZmNigOxx" height="194" alt="" width="260"></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Connect with us:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.centennialhousesforsale.com/" target="_blank">Search Homes</a>   //   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Facebook</a>   //   <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodFitHomes" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p> </div> Marty & Jaclyn Reiswig - Specialty: First-timers (GoodFit Homes (with Keller Williams)) Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:10:05 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2635615/relocating-to-denver-great-idea-