Joetta’s Neighborhood Newsletter
Hello, Friends & Neighbors!
I hope you’re having a great summer, and staying healthy. I’ve been having a lot of fun, taking advantage of as many local summer events as I can (no one could do them all!).
I’ve also been spending a LOT of time at my computer. I’ve come to call it my task-Mac-ster!
Do You Own a ‘Vintage’ Home?
“What once was old is new again” – that could be good news to those of you who live in homes built in the 1960s or before, if your home still retains its original character.
I answer real estate questions on a site called Trulia, and recently someone wrote in complaining that all the granite and stainless steel remodels going on are ruining the character of older homes. He said people want ‘retro-cool Mad Men style’, and that he would offer less for a house that had been ‘ruined’ by modern updates.
I was so interested in his opinion and the variety of responses he got that I wrote a post about it. You can read it here.
That same week, some clients of mine got a 1961 home under contract, which is being sold by the original owner. It had some very cute original features, although the roof, furnace, electrical, insulation, and some plumbing were new. I also wrote a post about that adorable house, you’ve got to see the unique oven.
Then, I got the August/September issue of The Arvada Report and read ‘Preservation for Living Kicks Off in Four Arvada Neighborhoods’. It’s a program that provides a series of workshops and will soon offer a ‘pattern book’ to help homeowners sensitively remodel or make additions to older homes.
They’re focusing on Stocke-Walter, Reno Park, Alta Vista, and Allendale. The article said, “The community workshops and pattern book will demonstrate ways to adapt the dream homes of the past into homes that fit the needs and desires of today’s residents.”
I admit it – if I bought a 1950s or 1960s home, I’d want to decorate it in step with its era. If you have the same interest, and want more info on this program, call Kim Grant at 720-898-7125 or Cheryl Drake at 720-898-7436.
Fun With Permits in the City of Arvada
Recently, the City of Arvada made news over their strict enforcement of some ordinances regarding permits. For instance, I got a call when I listed a house with 5 bedrooms because one bedroom was in the basement and had never been permitted. The City rep said if I didn’t stop advertising it as a 5-bedroom the seller could be fined. Apparently, someone had called to complain. I don’t know why, but that’s what happened.
Now, the City has made some changes. For instance, such a complaint would have to be in writing.
Other changes: property owners will be held to a ‘reasonable compliance’ standard instead of a ‘strict compliance’ standard
-egress windows will not be required if the property was permitted at construction
-new rule allows after-the-fact permits for remodels or additions with certain conditions
-new rule that inspections will be limited to the area of actual construction, for the purpose requested, and remediate obvious health and safety issues plainly visible
If you plan to do work that requires a permit, or to buy or sell a house with unpermitted work, please don’t base your decisions on this short synopsis. Call the City and get the official answers to your questions.
New Tokyo Joe’s to Open in Arvada
Billed as healthy Japanese fast food, a big new Tokyo Joe’s opened in Arvada August 6. This is good to see, after the closing of several restaurants in the area in the past couple of years. I think this place is going to be a hit with the locals! 8770 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada CO 303-928-8725
Scrumptious
If you’ve been to Olde town Arvada lately, you’re sure to have noticed the new ice cream and candy shop. If you haven’t been, you need to stop in at Scrumptious.
They make their ice cream on the premises, the store is quaint and fun to roam, and they have old-fashioned candy. I wonder how many times a day they hear their customers say, “I haven’t seen this candy in years!” It’s right on Grandview.
Yes, I wrote a post about Scrumptious.
281 S. Zinnia Way 2-B, Lakewood CO
Know anyone who’d like a totally remodeled condo in the vicinity of 6th and Union for $109,996?
2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, on greenbelt with stream, A/C, fireplace, washer/dryer hookups, extra parking, and ~$25,000 recently invested into new countertops, bathroom vanities/sinks, lighting, custom wall texture, toilets, 3-tone paint, appliances, carpet and tile.
Located behind Jose Oshea’s, near lake, park, restaurants, walking distance to RTD main hub and light rail and new hospital.
This is not my listing, it’s a FSBO. But I’ve worked with the seller before, and definitely would again. Contact me if you’d like more pictures, or a tour.
4445 W. 63rd Pl., Arvada
My newest listing, which has been getting a lot of interest, is a newer 2-story home with four bedrooms on the upper floor. In covenant-controlled Tennyson Park, it’s listed for $238,750.
Tennyson Park has shown increasing sale prices in 2009 and so far in 2010, so now’s the time to buy if this is the right home for you.
This home has new paint, sides to a green space, has no other homes directly behind, a big backyard with low-maintenance fencing, sprinkler system, a low-maintenance deck, main floor laundry, a spacious master with walk-in closets and master bathroom, and an unfinished basement. The kitchen is open to the dining area and family room and has lots of cabinets and counter space, and a center island.
Of course I wrote a post about it, and here’s the link to the property website.
1213 Alexandria St., Lafayette
I wrote about this one last month, but the price has been reduced to $217,000. It’s a pre-approved short sale, so will move to closing much faster tha most short sales.
The buyer of this home will be rewarded with a great deal. This home backs to open space with a mountain view, has a shady deck to enjoy that view, 1858 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, wood floors, a 2-car garage, and a big fenced yard.
See the post for more info and pictures. Or, check out the property website.
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I write posts on real estate issues and local events in the Denver metro area, especially those *communities between Denver and Boulder, as a public service. My hope is to give people an idea of the 'flavor' of our community, in case they're new or moving to the Denver area.
I am a residential real estate agent, happily helping folks buy a house or sell a house in the beautiful and friendly *suburbs northwest of Denver.
*Arvada, Broomfield, Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, Westminster; also Thornton, Golden, Wheat Ridge, Northglen, Lakewood
Read more about Arvada Colorado, a historic small town between Denver and Boulder.
Find Homes for Sale, no Matter Who Listed Them, at Dream House Hunting.
Gardeners - please visit my blog about high plains gardening, Beauty of Gardening.
Copyright © 2011 Joetta Fortailable in Arvada, Westminster, Broomfield, Superior, Lakewood, Thornton Wheat Ridge and Golden.
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