Emelyn Morris-Sayre, CRS, REALTOR's Blog

Marketing Meetings Result in Closings

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:37:33 -0600

Every Thursday morning, the Jefferson County Association of Realtors hosts a marketing meeting for members and affiliates. Each Realtor is given an opportunity to present their new listings as well as the needs of buyers with whom they are working. Just two weeks ago, my business partner and I (Royal Kingdom Associates) had a successful closing of one of our listings in Lakewood. The buyer was represented by another member of JCAR who had heard about the condo at the marketing meeting.

Yesterday, at our weekly meeting, another Realtor announced that he had just closed on a $380K home - a direct result of sharing his listing at the marketing meeting.

Sharing your listings and needs of your buyers, DOES result in closed transactions.

Update on Impact of Light Rail on Property Values - Denver

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 07:59:36 -0600

This morning I am making a short presentation to the Government Affairs Committee of the Jefferson County Association of Realtors regarding the impact of light rail on property values. This will be an update of a Your Castle Real Estate (Lon Welsh) analysis of 2008 comparing property values two years after the first two light rail lines (SW and SE) were completed. The update covers sales from October, 2007 through September, 2009. Raw data was obtained from Metrolist.

The West Corridor line is well under construction as funding questions for the additional proposed lines continue to make headlines.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:01:01 -0600

So much has happened over the past year that I have to be thankful for...the birth of my first grandchild, Colin, living through and recovering from a bad accident, my mom's remarkable recovery from lung cancer (at 87 and back to playing tennis!) and so much more. My family is truly blessed.

Even with the tough real estate market, my business partner, Robin Lucy, and I have been able to help families find homes in which they, too, will be celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow. I am also so grateful for all of my ActiveRain friends.

Enjoy this time and appreciate all that we have. Best wishes to your families!

CRS Referral Network Really Works!

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:07:27 -0600

Today, my business partner, Robin Lucy, and I (Royal Kingdom Associates) closed on a cute townhome in Golden, Colorado. The buyers were taking advantage of the $8,000 first time homebuyer's credit and we got the listing through a CRS referral from Pueblo, CO. The buyer's agent is a member of Jefferson County Association of REALTORS (our board) and had heard about the home at our weekly marketing meeting. Talk about a win, win, win and win!!!!!

This is the third CRS referral we have received in the past four months. If you haven't earned the CRS designation, you really need to check out the new requirements. There are several options (based on transactions and education) and just recently the Council of Residential Specialists re-introduced the CRS-Pro which allows REALTORS with a minimum of 10 yrs of experience to streamline their application.

Check out the Council of Residential Specialists site and get your designation now! If you have any questions, please feel free to call me personally at 303-517-5116.

Fragrant and Flawless

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:30:32 -0600

CRS Convention in San Diego - Days overflowed with information, friends and fun!

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:22:45 -0600

I just returned from a week in San Diego, California where I attended the CRS (Council of Residential Specialists) annual convention. As traditionally done in the past, our meetings overlapped with the National Association of REALTORS Annual Convention. Having never been to San Diego, I arrived several days early so that I could enjoy some of the sights. Six of my friends from our CRS family also had the same idea, so we filled our days with as much as we could.

On our first day, with some trepidation, we purchased light-rail passes and took the train to Tijuana, Mexico.....we spent the day shopping, browsing the stores, shopping, more shopping and eating.

I laughed so hard as I watched everyone gather around the kiosk to purchase a multiple day pass.....

Upon returning safely to San Diego ("Duck and Cover" to my traveling companions), we headed to the famous San Diego Zoo. I took so many pictures, I could fill an entire album, but the pandas, lions and monkeys captured my hear.

The Leadership meetings provided a wealth of information as well as an opportunity for us to see old friends and make new contacts across the country. Above, Mary Nelson, 2010 President, Colorado CRS Chapter #1 visits with Joe Prunty, RVP for Region 15 prior to one of the ongoing meetings.

Although I live and my real estate business is in Colorado, specifically metro Denver, Lakewood and Golden, I am very excited to announce that I have been appointed Regional Vice President for Region 5 by the Council of Residential Specialists. Beginning in January 2010, I will be working with the leadership teams for the Alabama, North Alabama, Georgia and Northern Florida as a liaison. At these meetings, I had the opportunity to meet the incoming presidents of these chapters and I look forward to a very productive new year.

Wordless Wednesdays - Hang in There

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:41:10 -0600

Just like the real estate market, you have got to hang in there......

Don't forget to Vote!

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:20:04 -0600

It is Tuesday, November 3, 2009 and Voting Day across the country. Here in Lakewood, voters either had to mail their ballots in or they can drop off their ballots at different sites across Jefferson County. In our community, there were only a couple of issues to vote on and several ward elections. Even if there isn't much on the ballot, we should all do our civic duty and VOTE. Let's celebrate that we have the opportunity and obligation to participate in the elections!

Your friend at Royal Kingdom Associates at Your Castle Real Estate

Happy Halloween....from my wrist to yours!

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:47:49 -0500

Snow hits Lakewood Colorado hard

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:32:20 -0500

I woke up this morning knowing that we were expecting snow. At 6 a.m., we had just a few inches of the white stuff...I had several errands that I needed to get done early in the day, so around 9 a.m. I dressed for the weather and headed out.

This is my front yard early this morning as I headed out. This is a very wet, heavy snow and it is still coming down.

Just two days ago, we were grilling steaks on our Weber grill in the backyard. Can't hardly even find it today.

It is now around 2:30, I am so tired from shoveling snow. I made a headway, but I still have a lot to go. I think it is time to stop, get a blanket, dry off - not only me but my dog, Jake, who really loves the snow.....

Black and White Security

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:18:31 -0500

Afternoon light

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:47:16 -0500

My first attempt at making homemade sausage

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:39:25 -0500

Plains Conservation site a tribute to Colorado homesteaders

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:35:44 -0500

On friday, I participated in a DAR field trip to the Plains Conservation site in Aurora. Colorado history has always fascinated me, especially since my husband's family homesteaded here back in the mid 1800's. As a former member of "The Shady Ladies of Central City" I have spent many hours studying the roles of women in the settling of the West...from soiled doves to wives of military men...all trying to survive in a harsh environment. So visiting this preserved rendition of an old homestead had special meaning to me.

Touring the small home built of sod and mud, to sitting on the stiff, wooden bench in the one room school house, I could imagine the hardships our families endured as they set down roots in Colorado. Even as the suburban developments creep towards this beautiful park, you can look towards the horizon and transport yourself back in time.

All photos are copyrighted by Emelyn Morris-Sayre, 2009.

Victorian Tea the epitome of good taste

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:33:35 -0500

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend and help at the Daughters of the British Empire's Annual Victorian Tea in Denver. I am in the process of joining this distinguished group....my mother is Australian which qualifies me to become a member. My papers are in order and I have now met the additional requirements to join.

Being a part and helping with the event (even though I am not yet an official member) was a delightful experience. To see the epitome of manners, etiquette and hospitality was so heartwarming and inspiring...to know that we haven't lost these wonderful elements of civility...I am so impressed.

Here are a few photos of the day....

The Ladies gather just before the opening of the craft fair.

Mother and Daughter enjoy the tea together.

Members of the Daughters of the British Empire work hard in the kitchen to prepare wonderful food for all of the guests.

TRC opens the World's door to referrals

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:07:22 -0500

Earlier this week, I attended the Colorado Association of REALTORS annual conference in Colorado Springs. I have attended the conference for close to 13 years and really appreciate the learning opportunities it affords. For the past few years, I have helped with the CRS booth (Board of Directors and officer) but this year, I made it a point to try to fit in as many classes and speakers as possible.

On the first day, I took the Transnational Referral Certification course that prepares real estate professionals to make and receive compensated referrals using the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations (ICREA) referral system and integrate intrnational referrals into their business plans.

We discussed how to recognize regulations and business practices that impact referrals, etiquette and regulations of Consortium member countries. We also learned how to create a network of contacts in key markets by using a systematic approach to building and nurturing relationships.

The class was taught by Gail Lyons who is recognized internationally as a futurist, expert in agency law and practice and international real estate. She has taught hundreds of seminars throughout the U.S., Canada and numerous foreign venues. Gail is broker/owner of Boulder Real Estate Services, Ltd.

I went away from the class with a headful of ideas that I want to implement right away. If you the opportunity to take this course and get the certification, I encourage you to do so.

Emelyn Morris-Sayre, CRS

Central City Voters Should Vote No to New Taxes

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:45:40 -0500

I am having a hard time embracing, much less understanding, the push for an additional tax on tickets to the Central City Opera, the ghost tours and such that is on the upcoming November ballot. I would hope the local government could work within its current means - and I do understand and appreciate that revenues are down - but most of the money spent on these items are already discretionary and to add to the cost just doesn't make sense in today's market.

My husband's family's roots go back to the gold rush in Central City, I am a former member of the Shady Ladies of Central City and the majority of my business comes from the mountain communities in Gilpin County. I want and continue to support the area, but I don't believe that adding this tax will help in the long run.

I would encourage the Central City Opera to work with the City of Central to co-sponsor events that would help off-set the reduced revenues....let's work together and make it a win-win situation.....for all of the people who frequent our mountain communities.

A garden variety.....

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:38:30 -0500

Even when I am working, I have to stop and smell the roses!

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 12:33:40 -0500

Or maybe, stop and take in the view. I had an early appointment today with a client who purchased a home up in the foothills of Jefferson County, just west of Denver. I hadn't seen them in almost two years and they wanted me to see what they had done to the home as well as get some advice of local lenders whom they could talk to about re-financing.

As I turned on to Highway 72 (Coal Creek Canyon) off of North 93, I was struck by the incredible beauty of the foothills and Flatirons. The sun was just in the right position to enhance the incredible topography that so many times we take for granted. I had to pull over and take a picture.

Well-maintained home on large lot with views - Golden, CO $225,000

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:09:05 -0500

5945 Blanca Ct. Golden, CO 80403

MLS #: 815923

$225,000

3 bedrooms 2.00 bath

This well-maintained ranch style home sits on a large .25 acre lot in Apple Meadows. The exterior of brick and vinyl affords low maintenance to a busy lifestyle.

On the main level, you will find three bedrooms, a full bath, living room and kitchen. The kitchen has been updated with new cabinets and appliances and offers a nice view of the large, fenced in backyard.

The spacious family room, located downstairs, complete with a brick walled fireplace, is great for entertaining or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home.

Great curb appeal, convenient location and nice views come with this well-priced home.

View the Photos and Virtual Tour: Click Here

Your Castle Real Estate
Emelyn and Robin/ Royal Kingdom Assoc.

Phone: 303-517-5116
Mobile:

This information is deemed reliable, but is not completely guaranteed. Buyer to verify all information.

E-mail: emsayre@movingexperience.com

Equal Opportunity Housing

Denver Real Estate Market Better Than Most

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:26:17 -0500

As of October 1, 2009, based on figures from our local multilple listing service, Metrolist and analyzed by Your Castle Real Estate, overall, the Denver metro market of single family homes has about five months of inventory. The inventory increases dramatically from the lower price points to the higher price points.

Number of Active Listings Number of Sold Listings Months of Inventory

0 - $85,000 184 0 - $85,000 2,807 0 - $85,000 0.8

85-135,000 678 85 - 135,000 4,551 85 - 135,000 1.8

135 - 210,000 1,985 135 - 210,000 8.186 135 - 210,000 2.9

210-315,000 3,614 210 - 315,000 8,548 210 - 315,000 5.1

315-460,000 3,034 315-460,000 4,847 315 - 460,000 7.5

460,000 + 4,874 460,000 + 2,920 460,000 + 20.0

Since the first quarter, detached single family homes inventory has increased while the number of sales has declined. As a result, the months of inventory has increased to 5.4 from 4.9.

We are fortunate in Denver - the rest of the front range (Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs) has 9.7 months of inventory.

For additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Prayers for Howard Brinton

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:44:53 -0500

Hi everyone....I just wanted to ask you all to pray for our good friend Howard Brinton who is fighting cancer. Howard has touched so many of our lives and inspired us to be the best that we can be....both in our personal and professional lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Fall Colors Paint the Rocky Mountains

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:30:19 -0500

We are having so much moisture in the foothills (that translates to SNOW) the gorgeous colors of the leaves will quickly disappear. I was able to capture a few shots of some of the vivid orange and gold aspens. They are so striking against a backdrop of green evergreens. Hopefully, you have been able to get up to the hills....one of my favorite drives is Golden Gate Canyon to Hwy 119, also known as the Peak to Peak Highway then north towards Nederland. Lots of color and gorgeous views.

New Transit Alliance Citizens' Academy Begins Tonight

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:00:17 -0500

Tonight kicks off the fall class of Denver's Transit Alliance Citizens' Academy and as a former graduate, I have been asked to make a short presentation to the class. All participants are asked to put together a personal action plan as to how they will take the information garnered from the training and participate in community outreach.

I have been asked to share how I came up with my action plan, present it to the class and then update them on what I have accomplished so far. Participating in the Academy was a terrific experiece and I would encourage members of the community, no matter what your profession, to consider applying.

Artwork is fleeting.....

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:14:30 -0500

I had such a great time on Saturday at the Festival Italiano and was mesmerized by the talented chalk artists creating masterpieces on the sidewalk and street. Due to the amount of time it takes for these artists to complete their work, I returned on Sunday to see how they had progressed. I took so many photos at the Festival, but I found myself being drawn back over and over again to the chalk art.

By the time I left Sunday afternoon, clouds were forming to the west. A light drizzle began early evening and I was so thankful that I had captured the beautiful, colorful works of art before the brilliant colors were washed away. Monday brought constant rain which surely eliminated any remnants of the creations. I hope you enjoy the photos.