Bruce's Denver Realtor Blog

Opportunity Knocks In Real Estate Market

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 15:30:45 -0500

Right now the Denver Real Estate market is offering up a bevy of investment opportunities for people willing to take advantage of the market.

There are a few conditions at play in the real estate market that are making it a ripe time to buy an investment property. Those conditions are listed briefly below

The mortgage situation has caused many first time home buyers to be excluded from the market due to an inability to get financing.
The sub prime adjustable rate mortgages issued over previous years and now adjusting are causing foreclosures to increase. The inability for home owners to get refinanced out of these mortgages because of the tightening of underwriting standards is also at play here.
With substantially less buyers on the market and more foreclosure properties available, the supply and demand curve is hitting home sellers. Causing them to lower prices.
With substantially less people able to obtain financing and purchase they still need to have a place to live. That means rentals. Over the past 9 months the rental market has seen a shift that is tightening the available rental units available.

To break it down it means it is an ideal time to purchase properties with the intention of renting them for a time frame of three to five years or longer if preferred.

During that time you can use the rental income to offset the mortgage payment while waiting for the market to rebound from the current low prices. When the market does rebound you should see substantial gains in equity from your property investments and at that time can consider putting the properties on the market and taking profits.

So what do you need to take advantage of this market? You need good credit and an ability to make the mortgage payment. Ideally you will have 20% to put towards the purchase price of the home. Most of all you need a desire to take advantage of this market and cash in. Other than the desire, most other obstacles can be overcome.

Lastly you need a quality Realtor that knows the market with a network that can make this happen for you. So don't be shy, give me a call or visit me online today.

If you are considering buying or selling a home in the Denver real estate Please don't hesitate to click the link and give me a call.

View our featured listing and list your own website at the Authority Real Estate Directory.

Ghosts of the Abyss!

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 11:14:54 -0500

This months giveaway from your Denver Real Estate professional is fantastic!

As a gift enjoy $4 off up to two tickets to this IMAX feature at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

Travel deep below the surface of the ocean and far inside Titanic's ghostly remnants in the first documentary film by Academy Award - winning directory James Cameron. The film is a perfect complement to Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition.

This offer expires October 4, 2007 and only while supplies last. One per request.

Location is the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

To receive yours just visit my website. My contact information is there and you can contact me via email or phone. What I will need is your name and address to send it to. I will send out yours right away.

For optimal internet marketing results get your site listed at the powerful Authority Web Directory today!

Quick Possession - Littleton Home!

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 17:30:51 -0500

*Quick Possession!*
5237 Wangaratta Way, Littleton

Property Summary
(ID # 550680)

Type	Single Family Home
Beds	3
Baths	3
Sq.Ft.	1363
Price	$232,000

Family room

Forced air heating

Gas heating

2-car garage

Close to shopping

No waiting for this home!

View this listing online at www.bruceswedal.com

Brought to you by:
Bruce Swedal
Email: Bruce@bruceswedal.com
Web: http://www.bruceswedal.com

The Bruce Swedal Home Selling System
Bruce Swedal 303-437-8611
BA MKT ABR NAR CAR SMDRA

Disclaimer: All information is believed to be accurate. While we do not doubt its accuracy, we have not verified it and make no guarantee, warranty, or representation about it. It is your responsibility to independently confirm accuracy and completeness.

Littleton Home - Great Value!

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 17:29:38 -0500

*Great Value!*
5204 Camargo Rd, Littleton

Property Summary
(ID # 540650)

Type	Single Family Home
Beds	3
Baths	3
Sq.Ft.	2080
Price	$240,000

Family room

Forced air heating

Gas heating

2-car garage

Close to shopping

This home will not last long at this price!

View this listing online at www.bruceswedal.com

Brought to you by:
Bruce Swedal
Email: Bruce@bruceswedal.com
Web: http://www.bruceswedal.com

The Bruce Swedal Home Selling System
Bruce Swedal 303-437-8611
BA MKT ABR NAR CAR SMDRA

Highlands Ranch Colorado Real Estate

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 00:20:01 -0500

Denver Real Estate - Highlands Ranch Colorado's beautiful settings offer hiking, biking, parks and recreation within minutes of downtown Denver. Outdoor lovers will quickly appreciate the bountiful recreation opportunities in Highlands Ranch.

Visitors are greeted by warm sunny days followed by refreshing, cool evenings. At night, Denver's big city culture comes to life with concerts and festivals. Enjoy unexpected entertainment on the 6^th Street Mall in historic Downtown Denver. Dine at one of the malls quaint sidewalk cafes, browse through its many boutiques and galleries or enjoy free entertainment watching the quirky street performers. Highlands Ranch is a unique fusion a modern community and old town charm. Plus, Colorado is a place of natural wonders attractions, festivals, limitless cultural experiences and friendly people. Mix these ingredients, and the result is an exciting place to live.

Highlands Ranch has always been a city rich in pride. It has quickly become one of the best places in the entire country to raise a family. With a low crime rate, the streets are safe and secure. The public education system award winning and is extremely solid.

With the popular winter ski areas close by, neighboring Colorado real estate markets have become hot properties. Many custom single family homes are available for rent as well as Denver Colorado condos and town houses.

Enjoy the beautiful Rocky Mountains all year round. The housing prices are affordable, and there is an abundance of access to business opportunities here. Due to the areas beautiful architecture, a warm and friendly feeling is projected. Newly constructed development projects and housing starts have continued the Highlands Ranch relocation allure. The residents have all the benefits offered by nearby Denver, while living in a convenient, charming area.

Highlands Ranch is truly and ideal relocation option. A Highlands Ranch Colorado realtor can help with your property search and location of your choice. Visit your local realtor online to see the up to date MLS Listings to view all the Denver real estate for sale both there and in the surrounding areas.

Huge Price Reduction on Beautiful Denver Home!

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 11:21:49 -0500

*This Home has it All!*
20330 E 47th Place, Denver

Property Summary
(ID # 542375)

Type	Single Family Home
Beds	3
Baths	3
Sq.Ft.	1779
Price	$265,000

Close to shopping

Near schools

Family room

Formal dining room

Den/study room

Guest room

Eat-in kitchen

A Truely Exceptional Home! See it today, you will not be disappointed. 2500 finished square feet, 3br, 3ba, ranch home with 3 car garage, all appliances included, vaulted ceilings, finished basement, buyers warranty and so much more. Must See!

View this listing online at www.bruceswedal.com

Brought to you by:
Bruce Swedal
Email: Bruce@bruceswedal.com
Web: http://www.bruceswedal.com

The Bruce Swedal Home Selling System
Bruce Swedal 303-437-8611
BA MKT ABR NAR CAR SMDRA

Another Free Offer From Your Denver Realtor

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 12:45:58 -0500

This months giveaway from your Denver Real Estate professional is a

Free Day of Fun for Your Furry Friend!

Canine Campus is is a pioneer in the world of dog daycare! Your best friend's day will be full of group games, activities and professionally trained supervision by true dog lovers!

I have a limited number of coupons available for anyone interested that I can send you.

Once you receive it you bring in the card for one free day of daycare for new customers, or a free Campus Shower for existing customers as a gift from me. Your Firelight Real Estate professional serving all metro Denver real estate markets.

This offer expires September 30, 2007 and only while supplies last. One per request.

Locations for Canine Campus in Castle Rock, Aurora and Westminster Colorado.

Get your site listed at the powerful Authority Web Directory today!

Love-in-a-mist ????

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:25:40 -0500

Has anyone other than me noticed that the verification words have changed over the past few weeks?

They used to be fruits and various simple words, that after a while would get programmed into my computer so they would autofill after the first couple characters.

Lately I have been getting much more difficult words with the capper coming just a few moments ago. The word was love-in-a-mist and spelled just like that with the hyphens. That confirmation word came up when leaving a comment on "The Lovely Wife's" blog. AKA Broker Bryants wife.

I swear, it took me five minutes just to find the hyphen so I could type it in.

I guess it must be a barrage of comment spam that caused a shift to more difficult verification words when we post a comment.

I am going to have to practice up on my typing skills. Better safe than sorry.

Castle Rock Colorado Real Estate Market

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:50:03 -0500

Castle Rocks' population in 2007 was 34,393 which is a growth rate of 70.40% since 2000. This rate of growth makes Castle Rock one of the fastest growing real estate markets in Colorado.

Median home cost in Castle Rock is $287,500 with home appreciation last year at 4.4%. This in a year which most industry experts would say was a down year in real estate. Where many markets saw declines in home prices. The rapid expansion that Castle Rock is experiencing is making for a strong real estate market for the foreseeable future. The Castle Pines real estate market will also feel those positive effects.

Castle Pines Village, a high end prestigious address in the Castle Rock real estate market will benefit from the strong market in the area. With towering pines, sandstone cliffs, breathtaking views of the front range and downtown Denver. It is one of the premiere attractions to the Castle Rock communities.

Clear days and blue skies are the norm with an average of 255 days of sunshine a year. The average high temperature is 85 degrees in the summer months and 44 degrees in the winter. Annual snowfall is 62.2 inches and the average humidity is 40 percent.

With the growth being experienced in the Castle Rock communities, if you're thinking of moving there, there is no better time than now. To get further information on the Castle Pines real estate market visit your Castle Rock Realtor online now.

Claiming your technorati blog

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 14:51:53 -0500

How many of us have gone through the process of claiming our technorati blog? I am currently doing that which is the purpose of this post. First step is signing up for an account with technorati and they will walk you through the claiming process. One of the steps of that process is placing a new post on your blog with a comment to verify your ownership. Such as the one below. Technorati Profile

Which Home is Best for Me?

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 23:56:40 -0500

There are a number of things to consider when you're buying a home. Where do you want to live? Do you want to live in the suburbs? This can obviously affect your commute. Is this a neighborhood where you want to live? Don't forget to consider the investment value of where you want to live. Make sure the area has seen consistent price appreciation.

I addition, there's the question of what type of home should you buy. This will depend on your lifestyle, but be sure you are buying the right type of home, in the right area, based on investment value. After all, buying a home is also an investment.

Some say that newer homes are better investments. After all, they're brand new, everything is sparkling. They have current architectural styles. The new neighborhood amenities (such as, pool, recreation centers and shopping) make the neighborhood very convenient. Plus, you've probably heard that most new homes appreciate faster.

However, from an investment standpoint, pre existing homes can offer just as much, in some cases even more opportunity for appreciation. Older homes are generally closer to the city, which means convenient areas. Then many older homes actually have better quality construction than today's newer homes. On older homes you may find slate roofs, copper gutters, chimney flashing and hardwood floors. Finally, older neighborhoods are established, which means, "what you see is usually what you get."

But, older home may not have the newest style. The kitchens and bathrooms could be outdated. Finally, newer homes are usually maintenance-free, while you may have repair bills with older homes. Newer homes have downsides too, including the possibility of poor workmanship, poor location or unsettled.

Your real estate professional can help you make the best decision. Both older and newer homes have advantages and disadvantages, but both can be excellent investments.

Should I buy a single-family home, condo or town home? The answer to this question depends upon your lifestyle and each type of home has different investment potential. If you have a growing family, then avoid a condo. If your family is small, you may not need the space of single-family home. A condo may offer you a better fit..

Consider that the largest percentage of buyers end up buying a single-family homes. Most families have children and a lot of things to store, so they want single-family homes with more space. Therefore, single-family homes are often easiest to resell and have higher price appreciation potential. Town homes and condominiums also can offer excellent investment opportunities. Make sure you buy one in an area that is likely to see price appreciation. Real estate is about location. Your real estate agent can help you with this evaluation.

Please remember, you can contact me any time for advice at my Denver Real Estate website.

6 Reasons Why Homes Should have Home Warranties

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:12:08 -0500

There are several good reasons for Denver home sellers to provide a warranty and for Denver home buyers to request one. Here are just a few.

Should there be a failure of a covered item during the listing period the seller pays a small service call for repair and/or replacement on each occurrence.

Unknown pre-existing defects of covered items are included so long as the defect could not be detected through normal operation, maintenance or inspection.

It protects the seller from potential liabilities after the closing on some of the most frequent reasons for disputes by a purchaser.

A home with a warranty can remove a buyers concern over the condition of the property and prevent downward price negotiations.

Homes offered for sale with a warranty have a competitive edge over other competing homes in the market that do not have a warranty. In this market we need to do whatever it takes to gain the edge over competing homes.

Even though the seller receives the benefits of coverage during the listing period, payment is only made when the home sale closes.

Please visit your online Denver Real Estate resource. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

This Denver Home has it All!

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 11:39:48 -0500

*This Home has it All!*
20330 E 47th Place, Denver

Property Summary
(ID # 1)

Type	Single Family Home
Beds	3
Baths	3
Sq.Ft.	1779
Price	$279,900

Formal dining room

Den/study room

Guest room

Eat-in kitchen

Finished basement

Central A/C

Fireplace

View this listing online at www.bruceswedal.com

Castle Pines North - A Welcoming Community in Castle Rock

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:10:15 -0500

Castle Pines North is a community located in unincorporated Douglas County and is home to more than 10,000 Colorado residents.

Castle Pines North residents enjoy the beauty of more than 560 acres of open space, three parks and a skateboard park facility, and more than 14 miles of nature trails, which are visited frequently by an abundance of wildlife. Many play on one of the best golf courses in the country, located right within the community. More than 15,000 acres of open space surround the entire community - which will forever remain open.

A small but comprehensive commercial district of more than 65 local businesses, including two major grocery stores, provides convenient services along with tax savings for residents.

As a result of this government structure, residents and local businesses are intimately involved in the planning and decision making for the entire community.

Find more information about the Castle Pines North community. For current home listings in Castle Pines North visit your Castle Pines Realtor and see the Castle Pines Homes for Sale.

7 Secrets to Successful Real Estate Investing

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:02:56 -0500

There are typically two types of real estate investors. Let's call the first type a "true investor" and the second type the "expert investor". The true investor will typically have several completed transactions and no matter how many deals they have completed, they are still listening, learning and trying to gain knowledge. Your expert investor has yet to purchase an investment property. They don't understand the difficulties of making a real estate investment yet attempt to overwhelm others with their vast knowledge attained at last weekends' seminar. When what they need to do is listen and learn.

Being a successful real estate investor hinges on finding good real estate investment deals. It does not hinge on being a property management expert, a repair person or closing attorney. Successful investors use professionals.

A successful investor must understand leverage. The less money you need to put down on each property means the more properties you can buy. It also increases your return on investment for the property. The smaller your initial investment, the higher percentage your return on that investment is.

With this in mind, here are some basics of real estate investing.

TV makes it look easy: The home flipping programs lead you to believe that there are home owners just standing in line to give you the equity out of their homes. This is absolutely untrue. The programs downplay all the work involved and accentuate the money made by investors. They don't show what goes into finding that property, the networking required to take on the project, the management skills and market knowledge needed to understand the numbers. Investing can be lucrative, but it is hard work.

Test the waters: So today is the day for you to find that perfect flip or rental property with a hefty price tag that is going to make you millions. That is like stepping onto the course with Tiger Woods and expecting to win. In real estate where one mistake can turn a deal sour, you need to walk before you can run. By starting out small you can reduce your costs and overall risk. What does that mean? If you're looking for a rental property, look for one that is already rented. It will make it easier to calculate your cash flow. If you're buying a rehab project, carrying costs can be substantial. Buy the home as your residence to lessen the effects of the carrying costs. Or make sure to build plenty of carrying costs into your calculations.

Use Professionals: The worlds leading corporations have a board of directors made up with professionals that are experts in their fields. You should too. Good Realtors have networks of quality professionals already in place. Finding that good Realtor is where your search should start. Don't hire any agent that crosses your path. Find a full time agent that works with investors, there are many that don't. You should be wary of any that say they can help you before first evaluating your situation and goals. You don't want the Realtor who takes anyone that comes along. You want the one that first hears you out and evaluates your goals. Then based on your goals and the market conditions your Realtor can give an honest opinion of where you stand. You want to make sure that Realtor is someone you feel you can trust even if they don't always agree with you.

Once you find your Realtor don't go after their commission: A good Realtor with a solid network can make you a lot of money and is worth every penny of their commission. A good realtor will have many clients and you don't want to be in second place due to commission issues. When they take you on they are making a commitment to you. Expect to make a commitment to them in return.

It is not a get rich quick scheme: Successful investors realize that long term wealth lies in income producing properties. Purchase properties in markets that you feel will appreciate. Then hire a property management company. Hold the property and check its value on a yearly basis. Over time the property should appreciate in value and earn big returns.

Don't be afraid to move on a good deal: When you see an opportunity, seize it. Once under contract, there are many ways to terminate the agreement and get your earnest money back. That gives you additional time to further evaluate a property. Waiting and missing out on a good property could cost you big if another investor steps in and gets the property.

Lastly, successful real estate investors are successful because they find deals they can make money on. Plan for the worst and if you can still make something it is a good deal.

Bruce Swedal is a Highlands Ranch Realtor providing professional real estate services to the Denver real estate market. Visit for your FREE online Denver Home Search. For a great online real estate investment resource go to ColoradoFixerUppers.com

Littleton Home for Sale!

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 22:51:52 -0500

*Littleton Home!*
9712 Canberra Drive, Littleton

Property Summary
(ID # 534289)

Type	Single Family Home
Beds	3
Baths	3
Sq.Ft.	1717
Price	$240,000

Guest room

Forced air heating

Gas heating

2-car garage

Close to shopping

Family room

This one will sell fast! Great price!

View this listing online at www.bruceswedal.com

Happy Independence Day!

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 20:15:43 -0500

I wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a wonderful, but most of all a safe Independence Day. I am a Military Veteran and I think it is very important that at times like this we forget about politics. Remember that the soldiers who are fighting don't make the policy, they only carry it out. Our prayers should always be with them.

5 Deadly Trade Up Mistakes

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 22:41:38 -0500

So you're thinking of trading up. This time when you buy there is a new wrinkle. It's not like the last time when you didn't already own a home, this time you already own a home. Not only are there additional considerations for financing your next home, there is the timing issue. Would you rather have the possibility of owning two homes or the dilemma of having to find temporary housing between homes?

Here are 5 strategies to avoid the most common mistakes that homeowners make when moving up. Knowing about them beforehand will give you the opportunity to overcome them by making informed decisions.

The Dream Home: Let's face it, we all dream of improving our lifestyle and moving to a larger home. What prevents us from doing that is the discrepancy between our hearts and our bank accounts. It is easy to drive by a home and find out it is sold or more than you are willing to pay and many home owners get caught up in this hit or miss strategy. Find out if your agent offers a Buyer Profile System or House Hunting Service, which takes the guesswork out and helps put you in the home of your dreams. It takes into account your criteria and all the available homes to supply you with updated information on an on-going basis. This helps to remove those rose-colored glasses.

Making the Necessary Improvements: Are you interested in getting the best price for the home you are selling? Then there are certainly things that you can do to enhance it for the buyer. Fix-ups don't need to be expensive to be effective. Making minor investments can come back to you ten-fold when you get ready to sell. If you don't have the cash, investigate an equity loan that can be repaid when you close.

Sell First: If you don't want to find yourself at a disadvantage at the closing table, sell before you buy. If you don't, you may feel pressured to accept a below market offer to meet a purchase deadline. Selling first allows you to buy with no strings attached. This not only helps your bargaining position in selling your old home, but also in purchasing the new one. It may be possible to sell your current home and rent it back for a short time. Another possibility could be to rent out your current home to put it on the market later.

Get your Mortgage Pre-Approved: Pre-Approval does not cost you anything or obligate you, but many homeowners fail to take advantage. This step gives you a significant advantage when submitting an offer to purchase a home. It lets the seller know that you already have the green light from your lending institution. It helps you ascertain how much home you qualify for and your projected payment. Don't fail to take this important step.

Coordinate Closings: When coordinating two major transactions together with all the people involved like mortgage experts, appraisers, lawyers, loan officers, title company representatives and home inspectors, the chance of a mix-up or miscommunication goes up dramatically. If you want to avoid a nightmare make sure you work closely with your agent.

Keep these strategies in mind and you should have a great experience and remember.

A down market represents an excellent time to trade up. By understanding that more expensive homes typically get hit harder on prices you will get the concept. Let's say homes in a down market have depreciated 5% in value. That two hundred thousand dollar home you are selling has taking a $10,000 hit in value, but that $400,000 home you are purchasing has taken a $20,000 hit in value. It means your overall cost in moving up to your new home is reduced by $10,000. That accounted with the gap reduction between the prices of the two homes. A down market represents the best financial time to trade up.

Bruce Swedal provides professional real estate services to the Denver real estate market. Visit now for your Free Denver Home Search. Also serving Highlands Ranch, Firelight, Littleton, Castle Rock, Castle Pines real estate, Parker and all the Denver area markets.

Experience Castle Pines Village

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 17:33:59 -0500

Castle Pines Village is a prestigious address with first class amenities along with a proximity to conveniences. This luxurious community of estate homes offers the best of Colorado living with the area's most exclusive country club community. It has towering pines with sandstone cliffs and breathtaking views of the front range nad downtown Denver. It creats the perfect backdrop for your new home. There are miles of walking/biking trails that are perfect for exploring the wildlife that is found throughout the community. Wildlife such as golden eagles, elk and deer. There is also nearly endless recreational opportunities. Play a game of tennis, swim in the pool or workout in the state of the art fitness facitilities. Not to mention its world class golf, with two of Colorado's most acclaimed private courses. All this only 15 minutes from the Denver Tech Center and an easy commute to downtown Denver.

The community is recognized internationally for its award winning architecture, sensitivity to the environment through careful planning and its amenities.

To view any of the Castle Pines Properties for sale visit the website of your Castle Pines Realtor at the Castle Pines Real Estate website.

Castle Rock Colorado - A Family Community

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 13:05:00 -0500

Castle Rock, incorporated in 1881, is nestled in the heart of East Plum Creek Valley, surrounded by rocky buttes and featuring stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

Named for the prominent rock formation that overlooks the Town, Castle Rock features several planned developments tied together by its historic downtown. First settled in the 1870s, the Town soon became a center for rhyolite mining and an important station for north-south railroad traffic.

The Town has grown from 3,900 people in 1980 to an estimated 42,000 in 2006, and retains its small-town character and distinct community boundaries.

Castle Rock provides several indoor and outdoor leisure opportunities including the Community Recreation Center, 400 acres of parks, the Red Hawk Ridge municipal golf course, and Hidden Mesa open space. Residents and visitors can also enjoy a full range of shopping experiences from downtown boutiques to department stores and the Outlets at Castle Rock, or enjoy dining on anything from fast food to gourmet.

The small town charm, beautiful views and unique culture attract more than 2,500 new residents annually. You can learn more about our community by watching our award winning television news magazine, Castle Rock View, on DC8, channel 22 or online.

Interested in Castle Rock Real Estate? Just contact your Castle Rock Realtor and get online access to all Castle Rock Homes for Sale.

Highlands Ranch Colorado - A Little History

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 21:32:50 -0500

Our Highlands Ranch Colorado was prime hunting land for the Ute, Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians before being claimed as a Spanish territory in the mid-1500's. Before being sold to the United States by Napoleon as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the territory passed back and forth between Spain and France.

Some of the visitors who homesteaded or passed through portions of the land included: David Gregory, the first person to actually live on land now recognized as Highlands Ranch; Lewis Wales Cleveland, the cousin of President Grover Cleveland; John W. Springer, a descendant of the russian czar; Johanne Welte and Plazidus Gassner, owners of a ranch that made brick and Limburger cheeses; and Rufus H. Clark - ol' Dad Clark himself!

Then Dad Clark filed a 160-acre homestead on the site of today's Highlands Ranch Golf Club in 1859. Colorado farmers were having success growing potatoes so Rufus decided to try it. His first attempt met with great success and he became known as Colorado's Potato King. Eventually he donated 80 acres of land and $500 to a Methodist college which bacame the University of Denver at University Park. He later sold some of his land to the City of Denver to use for Jewell Park and Overland Park.

The first phase of the Highlands Ranch Mansion was built from 1891 to 1904 and was called Castle Isabel. Then property owner John Springer purchased additional land, bringing the total holdings to 23,000 acres. The property then changed hands several more times until 1937 when Lawrence Phipps bought it for cattle ranching.

After Phipps died the property passed though Highland Ventures and Mission Viejo. Phil and Kay Scott led the first homeowners to Highlands Ranch in 1981. August 1997 Shea Homes purchased the property and began the community we know today.

Are you considering buying or selling Highlands Ranch real estate? Then visit the website of your Highlands Ranch Realtor and expert. You can access all the Highlands Ranch Homes for Sale.

A Little About Firelight In Highlands Ranch Colorado

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 19:20:52 -0500

Firelight in Highlands Ranch offers residents a great community to live and raise their family.

Just a short bicycle ride away, Daniels Park, home to one of Colorado's two buffalo herds, offers picnic facilities and some of the best sunset viewing in the region.

With four full-featured recreation centers, dozens of community parks, miles of trails, and a wealth of playgrounds and picnic areas, residents may have trouble deciding which of their favorite activities to pursue first.

Family friendly means pets, too, and you don't have to venture far to let your dog romp in the company of others. Off-leash areas can be found at Hound Hill at Highland Heritage Park, Diggers at Dad Clark Park, Fido's Field at Foothills Park, and Rover's Run at Redstone Park.

Area schools, part of the award-winning Douglas County School System, include Mountain Vista High School, Mountain Ridge Middle School, Copper Mesa Elementary, and Heritage Elementary. Meanwhile, the ultra-modern Skyridge Medical Center provides a full-suite of state-of-the-art medical services.

The mixed-use Highlands Ranch Town Center and other community commercial districts offer everything from sundries to gourmet foods to haute couture and regional travel is a snap with nearby C-470, I-25, and Light Rail lines providing efficient routes to mountain resorts, Centennial Airport, DIA, and major shopping centers and business parks.

Needless to say fine dining and entertainment abound within Highlands Ranch and adjacent communities.

Considering a move to Firelight? Then visit the website of your Firelight Realtor to view all the Firelight Homes for Sale and learn more about Firelight Real Estate.

Create A Free Dream Dinner from Bruce Swedal - Highlands Ranch Real Estate

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:39:58 -0500

Because Meal Time is Family Time!

As a gift from Bruce Swedal at ReMax Professionals you can attend a Dream Dinners free "sneak peak" and prepare a FREE dinner for two from a select gourmet menu.

Dream Dinners is an innovative concept in meal preparation that eliminates menu planning, shopping and clean up! Dream Dinners provides everything you need to assemble delicious dinners for your family, including great menus, easy-to-follow instructions and fresh-cut ingredients. With four convenient locations it is time to try something new!

I will send these valuable coupons right away with no cost or obligation. To get yours just email with your name, address and mention Dream Dinners. They are good at any of four Denver area locations, but I have only a limited amount of these available so it will be first come first serve. You can easily find my email address on my website at the very bottom or right here. Bruce@BruceSwedal.com

These expire on August 31, 2007.

This is just one example of what I do for my clients. If you are thinking of purchasing or selling a home in the Denver area, please visit my Denver Colorado Real Estate site for your Denver Home Search access with community and real estate information.

New Tree Watering this Summer

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 20:39:58 -0500

If you were one of the many people who planted a new tree this year here are a few tips.

When your tree was dug from the nursery field about 90% of its roots were severed. That would traumatize you and it traumatizes the tree. It becomes much harder for your new tree to get the moisture it needs to sustain itself.

The question then becomes how much rain does my tree need? About one inch per week, which can be measured with a rain gauge. The local weather station can also keep you informed.

If there is a draught and you fall behind that 1 inch per week your tree could be in trouble. To compensate for the lack of water you will need to water your tree. 10 gallons of water will approximate the one inch of rainfall.

The key is the water should be applied slowly to be effective. To do that you can use a 10 gallon bucket with a small hole in the bottom of one side. Place that by the roots and fill it up. Then allow the water to slowly drain into the ground. Slowly is a key so it can seep into the ground.

The first summer will be the hardest for your new tree as it works to rebuild its root system. You can help by making sure it gets the right amount of water.

I hope that this information was useful to you. If you are looking for information on the Denver Real Estate market please just follow the link to visit and get a Free Denver Home Search.

Littleton Home for Sale - Bruce Swedal

Bruce Swedal = Denver Real Estate (Herman Group Real Estate) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 21:30:39 -0500

*Don't Miss this One!*
1506 Spring Water Way, Littleton

Property Summary
(ID # 531067)

Type	Single Family Home
Beds	3
Baths	3
Sq.Ft.	1782
Price	$273,000

Family room

Guest room

Forced air heating

Gas heating

2-car garage

Close to shopping

Close to gym/workout facility

Excellent newer home buildt in 1995

View this listing online at www.bruceswedal.com

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