Stefan | Colorado Realtor & Certified Appraiser

4th of July at Southlands | Aurora, Colorado

Stefan Geyer, South Aurora Eco Broker/Realtor (Home Real Estate) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:28:43 -0500

Do you have plans for the 4th of July? The Southlands Shopping Center in South Aurora, Colorado is having its annual 'Fireworks on the Fourth' Celebration. There will be live music beginning at 5:30pm and a large fireworks show at 9:30pm to cap off the party. There is plenty to do for the entire family for certain (shopping, eating, kids fountain playground and more). If you live in the area, it is not far to drive or walk. If you are not near the area, it will give you a chance to come take a look at the great development taking place in South Aurora. It is a great place to live and hang out. Take a look at the SCHEDULE for more information and pictures. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Colorado Eco Broker / Realtor

www.SOALounge.com

Southshore in Aurora, Colorado. Waterside Life.

Stefan Geyer, South Aurora Eco Broker/Realtor (Home Real Estate) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:22:38 -0500

Southshore is a waterside master planned community located in southeast Aurora, which overlooks the Aurora Reservoir. This community was developed by John Laing Homes and Village Homes. The community was named the "National Master Planned Community of the Year" by the National Sales & Marketing Council of the National Association of Homebuilders, or the NAHB. This is the first development in Colorado to win this designation.

The community has an ominous 11,000 square foot lake house with a theater, gym, fitness room, and library. Outside the lake house is a salt water infinity pool, volleyball area, and fire pit. A great place to spend time with friends and neighbors! Other neighborhood features include a four acre scenic lake (kayak friendly), parks, trails, gate access to Aurora Reservoir, and...well, maybe you should just go see! You will likely fall in love with the community, as many have.

Home facts: Homes range in size from approximately 1600 to 3800 square feet and are priced from the low 300K's. Custom homes start in the 800K's. There are still lake front lots available as well as some of the outstanding homes from the 2007 Parade of Homes. Always feel free to contact me if you would like to take a peek at this 'lifestyle' living.

Xcel Energy; Saver's AC Switch. Money in your pocket and a hug to the environment!

Stefan Geyer, South Aurora Eco Broker/Realtor (Home Real Estate) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:32:50 -0500

Do you have central air-conditioning? Do you like to save money? Do you like to conserve energy? Me too. That is why I am going to call Excel Energy and take advantage of their Saver's Switch. The Saver's Switch is a free energy conservation program that helps preserve natural resources, keeps electricity available during periods of high demand, and helps keep rates low.

Furthermore, if you volunteer for the program, you will receive a $25 credit on your October or September electric bill each year you participate in the program. For further detail, click on the fan below. When you get to the Excel website, enter your zip code. Pass this information on to your clients to add value to their lives and the environment!

Beacon Point Community; Aurora, Colorado

Stefan Geyer, South Aurora Eco Broker/Realtor (Home Real Estate) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:51:56 -0500

Bike Path/Aurora Reservoir

I drove through the luxury waterfront community of Beacon Point in Aurora, Colorado today (near Smoky Hill and Arapahoe Parkway), in order to access one of the handful of gates granting access to Aurora Reservoir. These gates provide easy access to the Reservoir, whether on bike or on foot; much quicker and easier than driving to the main entrance.

Have you been to Beacon Point? If so, let me know your impressions. I think it is an impressive community, with sweeping views of the lake, and in close proximity to Southland's Mall (popular new outdoor mall), Cherry Creek Schools, and a major highway (E-470). Popular Park Meadows Mall and Denver International Airport are an approximate 20-30 minutes drive time from the neighborhood. Below is some additional information regarding Beacon Point:

Community Center and Pool

Amenities:

Community center and clubhouse(w/fitness center and lounge)
Neighborhood pool(with water slide)
Tennis courts
Lake access
Multiple modern playgrounds
Picnic and park areas
Walking trails
HOA (master planned community)

Prices of homes range from the low $300's up to the low $600's. There are some existing water front lots available. Land values are reasonable, so you can get a great deal for your money.

Homes located in Beacon Point

If you would like me to obtain additional information for you or would like to look at any of the homes in Beacon Point or any other community is South Aurora, feel free to contact me at any time, as I live and work primarily in this area. After looking at homes, maybe we could take a bike ride around the Aurora Reservoir!

Realtor/Eco Broker

www.StefanMax.com

303-766-(HOME)4663

Banks not in the Lawn Care business? Arapahoe County begs to differ!

Stefan Geyer, South Aurora Eco Broker/Realtor (Home Real Estate) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 17:25:34 -0500

It is starting to become a common sight in many neighborhoods across the country > the home that has been overgrown with weeds, bushes, trees, and the grass is either dead or out of control. The suburban bunny rabbit's dream! Of course, most of these lawns belong to the banks that obtained them through foreclosure.

I think we can agree that these lawns are not aesthetically pleasing, but furthermore, they may lessen the overall appeal of a neighborhood...scaring away potential buyer's.

Today I saw a sign on the garage doors of two homes in an area I was in today, near Saddlerock, in Aurora, Colorado. Below is a picture of the sign:

The sign essentially states that the owner of the property has 15 days from the notice date to clear the lawn of weeds, or Arapahoe County will come and do it for them...and send them the bill. Haha! I applaud Arapahoe County for taking this proactive approach. This does not solve bush and tree problems, but it is a good start.

If you would like to file a complaint in Arapahoe County, you can do so if grass or weeds are 6" tall or higher(one acre lot or less only). It is a violation of County Ordinance #88-2, and can be reported by calling 720-874-6711. Time for banks to get in the lawn care business!

Stefan Geyer, South Aurora Realtor/Eco Broker

www.StefanMax.com

26th Annual Highlands Square Street Fair

Stefan Geyer, South Aurora Eco Broker/Realtor (Home Real Estate) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:23:13 -0500

Saturday June 14, 2008 is this year's date for the 26th Annual Highlands Square Street Fair. Happy times ahead! The event is free and has historically attracted over 40,000 visitors. The event will have the following:

-Live music on 3 stages

-Food

-Beer and cocktails

-Over 150 vendors

-A special 'fun zone' for kids

-Classic car show

Go to the link below for more information:

http://www.highlands-square.com/fair/fair.asp

Stefan Geyer

Realtor, Home Real Estate

www.StefanMax.com

Aurora: 2008 All-America City Award WINNER!

Stefan Geyer, South Aurora Eco Broker/Realtor (Home Real Estate) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:36:29 -0500

Congratulations to Aurora for winning the 2008 All-American City Award. Aurora is one of ten cities in the United States to win the award in 2008. The award is given to communities that demonstrate an ability to address serious challenges with strategies that promote cooperation between private, public and non-profit sectors.

The President of the National Civic League, Gloria Rubio-Cortes, stated 'These communities really give us hope...because they show others what can happen when people roll up their sleeves and work together."

I live and work primarily in Aurora, and I am very proud to do so. If you take a look at Aurora now, it is filled with attractive neighborhoods, new commercial development (i.e., Southlands outdoor shopping mall), recreation (Aurora Reservoir), great open space areas, and MUCH more!. Come take a look!

Stefan Geyer, Realtor/Eco Broker/Certified Appraiser

Stefan@StefanMax.com / www.stefanmax.com

Find the Cheapest Gas in your Zip Code

Stefan Geyer, South Aurora Eco Broker/Realtor (Home Real Estate) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:35:17 -0500

I have never paid much attention to gas prices, or where I buy gas > they were both trumped by convenience. With gas prices where they are at now, I now am starting to shift my priorities. Below is a link that can help you find the best gas prices on a daily basis. Just enter your zip code in the site below, and it tells you which gas stations have the cheapest prices (and the highest) on gas in your zip code area. It's updated every evening.

http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx?zip=&src=Netx

Stefan Geyer

303-766-4663

HOME Real Estate / Broker Associate Magazine

Wow! Remodeled Gem in Centennial. Lush Backyard Retreat.

Stefan Geyer, South Aurora Eco Broker/Realtor (Home Real Estate) — Tue, 20 May 2008 10:56:53 -0500

Stefan Geyer | Home Real Estate | stefan@stefanmax.com | 303-766-4663

6772 S Cherry St, Centennial, CO

Impressive home in Nob Hill > Littleton School District

3BR/1.5BA Single Family House

offered at $259,950

Year Built	1965
Sq Footage	1,834
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	1 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	0.23 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Wow! Large lush outdoor retreat with 2 decks, cozy hot tub, gazebo, water feature, and utility shed. Total kitchen and baths remodel. New maple cabinets, extra large master bedroom suite, stainless appliances, slab granite, beautiful hardwood flooring, new tile entry, stone mantle fireplace. Newer washer and dryer included! Amazing price for an amazing home!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central heat	Fireplace	Hardwood floor
Tile floor	Family room	Living room
Breakfast nook	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Granite countertop
Stainless steel appliances	Washer	Dryer
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard
Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

14 month Blue Ribbon Warranty included with purchase = peace of mind

Washer and Dryer Included with purchase

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Stefan Geyer

Home Real Estate

stefan@stefanmax.com

303-766-4663

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 20, 2008, 6:48am PDT

Not all appraisers equal: Appraiser License Levels & Appraisal Limits

Stefan Geyer, South Aurora Eco Broker/Realtor (Home Real Estate) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:05:27 -0500

I mentioned in a blog earlier today that not all appraisers are created equal. In today's market, it is crucial that qualified and experienced appraisers be used. Below is a breakdown of each appraiser license level(based upon definitions provided by the Colorado Department of Real Estate):

1. REGISTERED Appraiser- Must complete the following courses and pass a state exam:

75-hour Real Estate Appraisal Principles Practices and Report Writing Course - This course gives you a solid background of the appraisal field, and the facts and reasoning to provide accurate property appraisals. Learn how to become an effective appraiser with the tools to estimate the current market value of a home.

60-Hour Additional Appraisal Courses - New 2008 AQB regulations require you to complete an additional 60 hours of education to get your appraisal license. Allied's Real Estate Appraisal Market Analysis, Real Estate Appraisal Sales Comparison, and Real Estate Appraisal Site Valuation and Cost provide you with the hours you need.

15-Hour National USPAP Course - This course provides you with information on the generally-accepted and recognized standards of appraisal practice in the United States. Learn the rules used in appraising the value of property.

2. LICENSED Appraiser- To become a Licensed Appraiser, one must be a Registered Appraiser and complete an additional 75 hours of specified licensing education. They must also complete 2,000 hours of supervised appraisal experience(supervised by a Certified Appraiser) during a minimum period of one year, and then pass the Licensed Appraiser exam. Can appraise no more than four residential units in one transaction, total value cannot exceed $1,000,000.

3. CERTIFIED Residential Appraiser- Must complete the 150 hours of approved education required to become a Licensed Appraiser PLUS and additional 50 hours of approved education for a total of 200 hours of approved appraisal education. Additionally, they must have attained a college level associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university. In lieu of the required degree, you may complete twenty-one (21) semester credit hours covering the following subject matter courses: English Composition; Principles of Economics (Micro or Macro); Finance; Algebra, Geometry or higher mathematics; Statistics; Computer Science; and Business or Real Estate Law. Can appraise no more than four residential units in one transaction, with no limit on value.

4. CERTIFIED GENERAL Appraiser- Must complete the 200 hours of approved education required to become a Certified Residential Appraiser PLUS and additional 100 hours of approved appraisal education for a total of 300 hours of approved education. Additionally, you must have attained a college level Bachelors degree or higher from an accredited college or university. In lieu of the required degree, you may complete thirty (30) semester credit hours covering the following subject matter courses: English Composition; Micro Economics; Macro Economics; Finance; Algebra, Geometry or higher mathematics; Statistics; Computer Science; Business or Real Estate Law; and two (2) elective courses in Accounting, Geography, Economics, Business Management, or Real Estate. May perform an appraisal for any real property.

Stefan Geyer

Certified Appraiser / Realtor

http://www.stefanmax.com/

Denver City Council to Vote on Sloan Lake and West Highlands April 28th

Stefan Geyer, South Aurora Eco Broker/Realtor (Home Real Estate) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 19:30:54 -0500

Denver City Council will vote on the rezoning applications in the Sloan Lake and West Highlands neighborhoods after a public hearing on April 28^th. The hearing is scheduled for 5:30 PM in the City Council chambers.

The Denver Board of REALTORS generally opposes involuntary "downzonings". Downzoning from R-2 to R-1 limits potential use of the property and could negatively impact values. Duplex properties are very popular in these neighborhoods and have always been common. Some of the new contemporary styles can draw higher than average demand, evident in marketing time and price. Keeping the zoning as R-2 will help retain character, appeal and owner/builder flexibility.

An article regarding this issue can can be found following the following link to the North Denver News: http://northdenvernews.com/content/view/1288/2/

Stefan Geyer

www.stefanmax.com

New Contemporary Art Building in Denver | MCA

Stefan Geyer, South Aurora Eco Broker/Realtor (Home Real Estate) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:36:26 -0500

The Museum of Contemporary Art has a new building in Denver, further establishing our city as a Meca for art! The new building is modern in design and is an environmentally-efficient building, designed by David Adjaye. Take a look via the link below:

http://www.mcadenver.org/engine.aspx?startid=newbuilding

Modern construction is taking a foothold in Denver. If you have not seen this in the residential market, take some time to drive around the general Highlands area, especially LOHI, as well as Five Points area, where you will see a significant number of contemporary homes, duplexes, and multi-unit buildings. The contemporary style homes are typically on the market for less than average time and can demand premium prices.

All the best,

Stefan Geyer, www.stefanmax.com

GAMBARU

Stefan Geyer, South Aurora Eco Broker/Realtor (Home Real Estate) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:09:10 -0500

I was watching The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch last night and heard one of his guests discuss a very unique word...'Gambaru'. Heard of it? The guest indicated that it stems from Japan and means essentially to never give up, even if there is no chance to win. I think this is incredible. I know there have been times in my life when I have given up, or limited my efforts due to fear of failure, or expectation that my efforts would not result in total success. I am reminded that the journey defines me, and if I choose to be a person of continual perseverence, then I will succeed whenever there is opportunity for me to do so. I hope this word and concept has inspired you as it did me. GAMBARU!!

-Stefan Geyer, http://www.stefanmax.com/