This seductive ranch will steal your heart!               

Do you like entertaining and family get togethers?  This former Shea model has spacious formals and a great room, all with vaulted ceilings, for memorable times with family and friends. 

The study is a dream with it's rich cherry cabinets and wall-to-wall shelving.  You'll find the same beautiful cabinets in the laundry room, bathrooms, and, of course, the kitchen.

Add to the above great features a large master bedroom with a five piece bath and a large walk-in closet with built-ins and a second bedroom and your sanctuary is complete.  Except  for the expansive 2100 sq ft. basement, that is.  It awaits your creative design.

What else will you love about this house?  It could be the cul-de-sac location in the popular Kentley Hills neighborhood of Highlands Ranch, Colorado.  Or it could be the wonderful neighbors.  And the annual 4th of July get- togethers and Christmas parties.   Maybe it will be the desireable stucco and rock exterior.  It might be the complete security system that has contacts on all doors and windows including the basement.  Or you might really enjoy the professionally landscaped, low maintenance yard and the great patio.  Or many of the other great features. too many to list. 

Why not see it for yourself?  Just go to www.obeo.com/580785.  Or, if you're in town, call me, Barbara Salisbury, at 720-884-6040, or your realtor. 

 Your Highlands Ranch expert,

Barbara Salisbury

Kenna Real Estate

720-884-6040

barbara@kennarealestate.com

Previously I spoke of the Five Things Most Important to Buyers - Kitchen, Bathrooms, Hardwoods, Wired and Outside.

Today, I want to expound on those areas with respect to higher end homes.  In the Denver area that would be homes over $400,000. 

Kitchens

• Backsplashes should be all the way to the upper cabinets and finished in decorator tiles, travertine or granite.
• Warming drawers, drawer type dishwashers, built-in refrigerators, gas cooktops with 5 or more burners, double
• Trivection and convection ovens and professional vent hoods are appliances these buyers are looking for.
• Cabinet panel front appliances are very desirable
• Cabinets with built-in spice racks, chef's pantries, cutting boards, soft close, end panels and other specialties will appeal to this buyer
• Pot fillers, veggies sinks, wine refrigerators, built-in wine and glass racks and second dishwashers are acoutrements the more particular buyer of this price range will be looking for in their new kitchen.
• Islands will need to be even larger and with more unique shape, more levels and seating more people.  Having a painted or different finish than the other cabinets and incorporating more of the look of fine furniture with columns sand mouldings are the popular trends that will appeal to this potential buyer. 

 Bathrooms

  This price range buyer loves luxurious master baths with many of these great features:

• • Large showers with many shower heads and sprays as well as rain shower heads
  • Jetted tubs surround with lavish decks covered with travertine, granite or marble. 
  • Double sinks are a must and separate vanities are even better
  • TVs mounted on the wall or in the mirror
  • Elaborate tiling, faucets, cabinetry, mirrors and light fixtures add to the appeal
  • Lots of lighting! 
  • Granite or marble counters
  • Warming drawers or towel holders
  • Radiant heat floors

Hardwoods

Oak is really tabu.  These buyers are looking for all the woods I mentioned yesterday and love a rustic look.  Hardwood should extend from the front door through the family room, kitchen and eating area at minimum.

Wired

This is a high tech buyer.  They are looking generally for a minimum of Cat 5 wiring for multiple phone lines and cable.  This buyer will want sound wired in the living areas and to the rear of the house with sophisticated all home control systems. 

Outside

Professional landscaping is very important to this buyer.  It will be worthwhile to bring in one if your yard is aging or was never professionally done.  Accessibility to large decks or patios for entertaining are extremely important to attracting buyers in this price range.

Yes!  It's a great way to go.  FHA loans usually require a little lower credit score, only 3.5% down and they also currently have great rates!

There are still more reasons to take a long look at an FHA loan for your home.  The FHA has loosened its appraisal guidelines which were very stringent in the past.  Some of the fees that were not negotiable before, now are.  They are allowing down payment assistance programs that are not seller funded. 

Last, here are some really tantalizing reasons for using FHA.  Sellers can finance up to 6% of the buyer's closing costs, homeowners can take out cash up to 95% of the home's value, and non-occupying co-signers are allowed, even if the occupying signer has no income.  Specific restrictions do apply.

I was informed about all of these great benefits by a great mortgage guy, Giuseppe Battaglioli of  Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation.  Call him.  I'm sure he will be glad to fill you in on the details.  His number is 303-789-1701 or email him at gb@fairwaymc.com. 

Barbara Salisbury, Your Highlands Ranch Expert!

720-884-6040

Barbara@kennarealestate.com

I have been training in the area of window decorating for the past few months.  I am embarking on a new career and adding decorating windows to my repertoire.

I am very excited about this new career because I have always been very interested in decorating.  That is one of the main reasons I love being a realtor.  The two seem to compliment each other so well. 

My new career involves helping clients to design window treatments such as draperies, swags and cascades, valances, cornices, all types of shades from roller to Roman to cellular, blinds, shutters, verticals and more.  The company I am working for has been in this business for over 50 years and are the best!

Please feel free to call me if you have need of this type of service.  Telephone me at 720-884-6040 or email me at Barbara@kennarealestate.com.

These five words RULE!  These five things are most important to the majority of home buyers.  If your home is lacking in any of these, decrease your price because your home will not sell quickly if you don't.

In this article I will list these five parts of your home and tell you the most important things most buyers are looking for in these areas.  My aim is to help you know what you can do to your home to make it more desirable.  Tomorrow I will list some additional things that most buyers of higher priced homes are looking for in these areas.  In the Denver area, this would apply to homes over $400,000. 

The Five Words in order of importance:  Kitchen, Bathrooms, Hardwoods, Wired and Outside.

Kitchen

Since this is the most important room in the house, consider as many of these as is possible.

• Islands are big!  Buyers like the extra storage, additional counter space and seating area.  With the kitchen becoming more of an entertaining or gathering area, islands create a perfect place for cooking while interacting with family or friends.
• Stainless Steel appliances are very popular
• Cheerful, not boring.  Whites are popular for cabinets. 
  Colored walls in yellows, golds, oranges and reds are the most popular although keeping the boldness down with a pale gold or yellow are more likely to please the most people. 
• Rustic woods, shaker styles, and cherry woods are all well received.
• Metallics are gaining popularity for backsplashes and other accents.
• Lighting is huge!  Overhead, under cabinet, in cabinet, pendant and natural lighting.  More is better.  Light up your kitchen!
• People love big pantries.  If you don't have one and can find a way to create one without making your kitchen smaller, do it!  Knocking out a wall to a laundry, closet or other room might be a way to create space for a pantry.  If  that cannot be done, a cabinetry type pantry is a good second choice, but make sure it matches other cabinets. 
• If you are going to be changing out your cabinets for new ones, keep in mind these popular cabinet features; moulding at the top, roll-out shelves, lazy susans, end panels, 42" heights on upper cabinets and staggered heights.
• Hardwood is becoming more and more popular for kitchen flooring.
• Upgrade that faucet with a newer design and one with pull-out sprayer.
• Stainless Steel and composite granite sinks are the most popular.

Bathrooms

• Lighting again is huge!  Above and to the side is the best for vanity areas.  Lighting over the tub is the most left out, but desirable.  Use separate switches for different lighting fixtures so all lights do not need to be on each time one enters the bath. 
• Tile is a must, no linoleum.  You can spruce up on tile by either bringing in a grout cleaning service or replacing the grout.  If you will be putting in new tile, there are so many beautiful choices now.  The look of stone is extremely popular.  Plain white or off-white ceramic tile is not desirable.
• Mildewed or dirty grout around the tile in the tub area is one of the surest ways to keep your house from selling.  Once again, hire a grout cleaning service, re-grout, or replace grout and tile.
• Bathroom cabinets take a beating.  Replacing those worn-out ones with a popular new style or wood will help your bathroom values incredibly. 
• Likewise with faucets, shower heads and sinks.
• Here are some bathroom additions that will add sale-ability to your home; tile additions on walls and backsplash, additional shower heads, stand alone shower, second vanity in master bath, additional lighting, additional storage-as in a linen closet or more cabinets.

 Hardwoods

•  Hardwood throughout many areas of the home is a very strong trend  Oak is okay, but something different is better.  Hickory is one of the hardest and has lots of variations is color making it very interesting.  Other woods gaining in popularity are walnut, distressed pine, Brazillian cherry, bamboo and eucalyptus.  Walnut is a little softer than oak.  Distressed pine is beautiful if you like that rustic look, but not everyone does and it is not a great floor when you have toddlers.  Brazillian cherry, unlike regular American cherry, is the hardest of woods.  Any cherry, including Brazillian, will turn darker from the exposure to sun.  This creates lighter areas where furniture or rugs are located so that these items cannot be moved with refinishing the floor.  Many people like the idea of using woods that replace themselves faster like bamboo and eucalyptus. 
• Most popular areas for hardwood; entry, hallway, breakfast area and kitchen. 

However, more and more hardwoods throughout the living areas of kitchen, dining, family and living rooms is what my buyers are seeking. 

 Wired

• Wired with Cat 5
• Wired for cable
• Wired for surround sound
• Wired for outside speakers
• Wired for multiple phone lines

Outside

•  All buyers want either a deck or patio, decks being most popular. Decks need to be in good shape.  Trex decking or similar is most desirable.  The larger the deck or patio, the better. 
• Most buyers with families want a large yard with quite a bit of grass.  However, if you don't have a large one, don't fret.  You may still be able to sell.  Empty nesters often want a smaller yard with less grass.
• Mainly make sure your yard is picture perfect which includes being well manicured and maintained.  Some blooming flowers in the spring, summer and early fall will draw buyers even if they are only in pots. 
• Remember, the first impression you make on your potential buyer is when they pull up to the curb.  The front of your home and yard should be very appealing.  Money spent to fix-up the front of the house and the front yard is well spent.  Ask your friends for suggestions or better yet, ask a stranger.
• The condition of your front door tells buyers a lot about the condition of your home.  It is another very important "first impression."  Clean it, paint it and change the door knob if worn. 
• Sure turn-offs; trash of any kind, toys and sports equipment left in driveway or front yard, trash cans left out, untrimmed trees and bushes, weeds, half dead trees, grass or bushes, no bushes, trees or grass, front porches or patios used for storage, old worn-out lawn furniture, peeling paint, broken down cars, too many cars parked in front of house, oil on driveway, severely cracked or broken concrete on drive way or sidewalks. 

During the month of June in Denver the housing market saw increases in both the average price  and in the number of sold homes for the 5^th month straight while "days on market" decreased.  These are all good signs. 

The average price has increase steadily from $213,330 in January to $258,434 in June.  That is a 21% increase and indicates a reviving market.

The number of sold homes in January stood at 2469.  That number has increased every month since to a current high in June of 4186.  That is a 41% increase!  Quite a bounce!

Other good signs are the under contract numbers which have also increased steadily since January when the number was 3831 to June which had 5664.  Average "days on market" has decrease to 100 from a high of 107 in February. 

Denver Home Sales Statistics

                          January       February       March        April           May          June       

Active                 19,748         20,059       20,628     20,705       20,734      20,853

Under Contract        3831           4183          4826        5183         5343         5664

 Sold                       2469           2484          3206        3390         3628         4186

 Avg DOM                 101              107            106          104         105            100

 Avg Price           213,330       218,010    232,395      233,482   243,022      258,434

% of Orig Price         90%            90%          91%          91%         91%           92%

More houses are selling, at higher prices and in less days.  That is music to sellers ears.

Another bit of good news, the percentage of selling prices to original prices is up to 92%, a 2 point increase since January.  

As we predicted the housing market is improving.  The improvement is steady and some of it is just normal for this time of year.  We are not out of the woods, yet.  The job market being down is probably a damper on the housing market.  However, the $8000 buyer tax credit is helping.  Since we will have the tax credit around until November, that factor will continue to help home sales.  How the job market improves or gets worse will also have an effect on them. 

Highlands Ranch Statistics

                                 Jan              Feb             March             April             May                 June

HOMES                  

Active                         570              611             667                692             714                  717

Under  Contract           121              135             186                156             204                  203

Sold                            53                57             121                136              135                 172

 Ave. Price             368,011       307,185       349,459          325,073       349,744          368,011

% of Original Price 

                                 91%            93%            91%               95%            94%               94%

CONDOS 

Active                          113             120            120                143            139                 133

Under Contract               18               17              25                 19              36                  45

Sold                               14              13              13                  14             29                   28

Ave. Price                235,534       251,730        225,842        235,658      274,552          240,788

% of Original Price

                                    92%            94%              90%             91%           92%               94%

From 1937 to 1976 the land on which Highlands Ranch now sits was a large ranch owned by Lawrence Phipps, Jr.  In 1979 it was purchased by Mission Viejo Company.  Mission Viejo filed a plan with Douglas County call the Highlands Ranch Development Plan.  It called for a broad range of housing types and sizes.  The plan called for 61% of the land to be devoted to non-urban uses like open space and recreation, 31% for residential and 8% to business. 

The first homes were built in 1981 and in September 1981 the first residents moved in.  In 1997, J. F. Shea Co., parent company of Shea Homes, purchased Highlands Ranch.  Since those first homes were built in 1981, Highlands Ranch, CO grew to approximately 93,352 residents in February of 2008.  There are 28,997 homes and 3,289 apartments.  Once the community is fully developed in 2020, there are expected to be 100,000 residents in approximately 36,700 homes. 

Highlands Ranch is not an incorporated city and is under the jurisdiction of Douglas County.  Due to the large planned population, the Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District was formed to provide services usually provided by city governments such as water, sewage, parks and trails, landscaping and maintenance.  The board of HRMD is made up of seven directors who are elected by the residents.  HRMD has established a partnership with the City of Littleton for fire protection and two fire stations are located in Highlands Ranch.  The community has an enhanced 911 emergency phone system.  Douglas County Sheriff's Department provides law enforcement in Highlands Ranch. 

Also established was the Highlands Ranch Community Association which has a five member governing board and a community manager.  They are charged with operating and maintaining the community four recreation centers, a portion of the Back Country Wilderness Area and provide architectural control, covenant enforcement, community events and recreation programs.  Every homeowner in Highlands Ranch is a member and pays dues to the HRCA.

Highlands Ranch is a very unique community that is well run, beautiful, has lots of exciting things to do and has been the model for other similar communities around the country. 

Interested in knowing more about Highlands Ranch or in possibly relocated here?  I will be glad to help you.  Just call 720-884-6040 or email barbara@kennarealestate.com.

Barbara Salisbury

Your Highlands Ranch Expert

Kenna Real Estate

Kennarealestate.com

Recently we Highlands Ranch and Douglas County received our Spring/Summer issue of “Access, The Magazine for Douglas County Libraries.”  While browsing its contents I found these pieces of information about our wonderful Douglas County Libraries. 

In 2008:

178,867 people attended library programs and events.

7,126,027 items were checked out.

There were 1,868,010 visits to Douglas County Libraries.

There were 721,267 items in their collection.

There were 500,000 visits to douglascountylibraries.org and over 4 million pages were viewed.

351,172 reference questions were answered.

There 173,660 library patrons, 24.905 of them new.

22,308 adults, teens and children signed up for reading programs.

20,012 audio books and movies downloaded.

24,265 hours were donated by volunteers.

3,508 storytimes were performed by youth librarians.

350 people were employed by Douglas County Libraries.

Amazing statistics!  But then I always knew we have a superior library system in Douglas County.

Barbara Salisbury

Your Highlands Ranch Expert

Kenna Real Estate

720-884-6040

Barbara@kennarealestate.com

Highlands Ranch will soon be home to a new historic park, Fly’n B Park.  This park will encompass 37 acres that were once part of the 140 acre cattle ranch of Johnny Bowen which he called “the best little cattle ranch in Colorado.”  

The area which is in the northeastern corner of Highlands Ranch off Plaza Dr., is currently being transformed.  The park will have a theme of water, its history, imprortance and benefit.  Highline Canal, dating back to the 19^th century, travels through what will be the park and there are numerous ponds in the area.

The first phase of the park is underway.  It includes the renovation of the Plews House, built in 1906.  This historic home will be the center of activities and a focal point for the park.  Other parts of this first phase include parking facilities, trails, a bridge over Highline Canal, play features and a park shelter with a pier at one of the ponds. 

I am excited about this new historical park.  It sounds like it will be a great spot for relaxation.  You can learn more by visiting www.highlandsranch.org and clicking on the Parks link where you will find a project file.

Barbara Salisbury

Your Highlands Ranch Expert

Kenna Real Estate

720-884-6040

barbara@kennarealestate.com

Open House, Saturday, May 23, 12- 4 pm

10721 Briarglen Circle, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130

Priced at $469,900

Large 4 bedroom home on a corner lot in Firelight.
Close by to Southridge Rec. Center.

Many Great Features:
4 beds / 3 baths (all 4 bedrooms upstairs)
Den/office in main floor with french doors
Balcony off master bedroom
Large tiered deck in the back with views of greenbelt
Approx. 2965 finished square feet
Open full basement
3 car-garage (see picture)
Built in 2003
Hardwoods
Upgraded cabinets
Formal Living and Dining Rooms
Great Entrance with curved staircase
Warm colors
Vaulted ceiling
Sprinkler
Refrigerator
Stainless appliances
Breakfast area
Deck
AC
Fireplace

Douglas County School District
One of the best elementary schools in Highlands Ranch, Heritage!
Mountain Ridge Middle School and Mountain Vista High School

Check out the photos at http://www.kennarealestate.com/10721briarglencircle.php