~Pay It Forward - A Gift to Myself ~ As I mentioned in an earlier Pay It Forward post, our office was raising money for Keller Williams Red Day,  Red Day stands for RENEW-ENERGIZE-DONATE.  I had explained that we needed to raise money in order to complete the community project we had chosen.  I was in charge of the task along with Steve & Leslie Spencer in my office.  The task was big and we needed a lot of commitment from our office. Our goal was also to raise $2,000 to complete the task.  Well, we got it.  We raised over $2,400 AND we had around 50 volunteers!  That in itself is a task to get that many agents to give up their time. What was our community project that needed so much money and so many volunteers, you ask?  I am going to tell you, but I am going to also say that our proj... 05/24/2011

If you live in the city of Aurora the water restrictions went into effect on May 1st.Aurora has always had plenty of water because the residents have been very respectful of the restrictions.Aurora residents cannot water more than 3 times a week or between the hours of 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.                                                             The city recommends that you can hand water your trees for just 30 minutes once a month all year long starting May1st. To see how much water is being used to water the lawn put a empty tuna can in the center of the yard and when it’s full your lawn has had enough watering.The City of Aurora for a fee of $30.00 will come to your house and give you a full water assessment, They will go through your house and examine all of your water outlets and... 05/23/2011

It's Spring! It's Time To Start Talking Real Estate! Spring has sprung in the Aurora area and its time to start thinking about Aurora real estate. Now is the perfect time to start looking for a new home. There are a lot of houses on the market during this time of year and you'll have more choices now than ever! Spring housing trends Spring is the sign of new life and growth. This sense of blossoming carries forward to homeowners that are ready for a new start and put their homes up for sale. Nature lets us know that there is hope and opportunity all around us at this time of the year and this has an influence on the real estate market.                                                                                                                  Housing comes alive in the spring! A hou... 05/23/2011

Why Aurora Short Sales Are Not Always A Good Option If you have been thinking about entering the real estate market you should understand a few things about Aurora short sales before considering them as a real investment opportunity. Short sales are a much more complicated procedure than regular Aurora real estate sales. Waiting for approval                                      Putting in an offer for a short sale can be a very exhausting process for the buyer, the seller and the Aurora real estate agent. It can take up to two months or longer to find out if an offer is accepted and many buyers simply walk away from the deal because of all of the red tape involved.The lender that approved the mortgage for this property is the one that will also have to approve the offer for the short sa... 05/23/2011

The time to buy is now! Aurora Bank Owned Homes up for sale with a variety of great deals for any buyer. Take advantage of these deals quickly or the Aurora Bank Owned Homes may dissapear, taking your dream home with them.  The Francis Team has been developing quick links so that those looking for Aurora Bank Owned Homes  can click on them and book the showings quickly.  Although the market in the past gave the buyers the opportunity to mull over their decisions concerning Aurora Bank Owned Homes , idleness can no longer exist .  The search to find a home has become a race of wills and wallets, so buy soon and buy quick and prevent the attack on your wallet.  The savvy buyer has learned to put their Aurora Bank Owned Homes under contract during the week instead of fighting it out with ... 05/22/2011

~ Parker Rd. and Arapahoe Rd. Intersection - Aurora, Colorado ~ Construction is all around us.  You can't avoid it.  Especially those of us that cross rthe intersection of Parker Road and Arapahoe Road right by Arapahoe Crossings in southeast Aurora.  For those of you planning on being in that area tomorrow, Saturday, May 21st, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will have all east bound and west bound lanes closed near Parker Road for bridge work from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM. The work had been planned to be done earlier in the week at night, but because of the weather, it was not completed and had to be postponed.  The detours that will be in place are as follows: Eastbound Arapahoe Road Detour: Motorists on eastbound Arapahoe Roadwill take a right onto Chambers Way and drive b... 05/20/2011

The Cherry Creek School district in Aurora has been rated among the highest in Colorado for effective use of funds for academic achievement.                                                                        The Cherry Creek School District has a 60 year history of dedication to excellence.The district is quite large with about 50,000 students. More than 40% are children of color and 28% are on free and reduced lunch programs. The students continue to score well above the state average in reading, writing, math and science. This is determined by the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP).  The students continue to progress at a faster pace than their peers across the state.Read the Cherry Creek School District Performance Plan  for the details.Plans for the future include a focu... 05/19/2011

Successful Closing in Southshore - Aurora, Colorado Another great home in Aurora closed and now have very happy buyers.     These relocation buyers found this home to be perfect with the gourmet kitchen and the spectacular views of Aurora Reservoir.      This home had meticulous sellers that had definite Pride of Ownership.     The home was ready to move-in and showed wonderfully.           The gourmet kitchen was the focal point for these buyers as there will be a chef in the home.    This kitchen was laid out well for these buyers, and they cannot wait to have their first gourmet meal in their new home. Sure hope they invite me!         Southshore was the location for the 2007 Parade of Homes and features custom homes backing to the reservoir.       This home was built by Village Home... 05/18/2011

Farmer’s Market Southland’s Mall Town Square Saturday’s 8:00am-1:00 pm Come to Southland’s Mall every Saturday this summer and enjoy products from local vendors!  You’ll find all the usual things you have come to expect at any Farmer’s Market and so much more!  There will be organic and pesticide-free produce and fresh dairy products.  They bring in delicious baked goods, homemade salsa,  tamales and tortillas, and gourmet pasta.  In addition to produce, dairy products and all the homemade food items, you’ll be able to buy natural soaps and handmade goods.  Hosted at the beautiful Southland’s Mall, this is one that has something for everyone!  Come early and stay long to enjoy the Southland’s Mall Farmer’s Market and shops!  05/18/2011

Aurora Real Estate - Understanding Square Footage If you are purchasing Aurora real estate, or are putting your property up for sale, you may not understand how square footage is calculated in the home. A real estate agent will be calculating the square footage for you if you're selling your home, and there are some parts of the house that may not be included in the calculations. Measuring the exterior The first thing that gets done when calculating Aurora real estate square footage is an exterior measurement. The exterior walls are measured and then sketches are made showing the home's perimeter. Unfinished areas Unfinished areas such as a garage or unfinished utility area will not count as part of the overall square footage. They are not considered as part of the living space so this ... 05/17/2011

One upon a time in the land of Aurora, Co there was this man who thought he lived alone.As he prepared for bed his house was silent. He dozed off to sleep and after a few hourshe awoke with this strange noise downstairs in his family room.Was it a burgurlar? Could have been.. in fact you may could call what he found an intrusion!As he eased himself down the stairs what he found was hilarious.A family of Raccoons..Mom, Dad and 3 babies were having a party in the family room. M&M’s were spilled on the floor which did not matter because they ate them anyway, They certainly had a sugar high by now because they were jumping on and off the furniture squeeling happily. Mom and Dad were trying to get into the kitchen cupboards for more treats. The Raccoons had torn up newspaper and shredded it ... 05/14/2011

Farmers Markets are the freshest of the fresh fruits and vegetables.  I love the corn on the cob all year long.  When the markets come to town I buy all the fresh corn I can then freeze it for the winter months. We need to support our farmers.  It’s a very hard job they do from sun up to sun down.  They are at the mercy of the weather each year for their income and support of their families. Let’s support them this summer and buy from them instead of the grocery stores.SaturdayAuroraSouthlands Retail CenterSmoky Hill & E4709 am. - 2 p.m .• May - Oct.farmersmarkelonline.comBoulder13th SlBetween Canyon Blvd. &Arapahoe Ave.                                                                          8 a.m. - 2 p.m., April- Nov.boulderfarmers.orgCastleRockbetween Wilcox & Perry St8 a.m. - 12 p.... 05/14/2011

What do you do with outdated or beat up electronics, mattresses, televisions and so on?  It doesn’t take long to accumulate boxes of useless wires, cables and cell phones.I have a few boxes full of these things thinking  I just might need one of them for something. We had an old printer and we put it in the trash can by the curb. Somebody took it!The City of Aurora has a great recycling plan for just about anything.For appliances: Reliable Appliance                       988 Dayton St.                       Aurora Co                                                                              $20.00 for home pickupMattress and box springs:                      Drop off at Aurora Municipal Center                      south parking lotDVD players,microwaves, printers, fax machines, small... 05/13/2011

When selling your house there are many things to do and think about as you prepare for getting your house on the market.   I am going to uncover one selling myth to help you understand the truth!  This myth involves pricing.  Many people believe they should price their home high and then negotiate down once they get an offer.  The problem with this reasoning involves missing out on the "Window of Opportunity". As you can see from this chart, there is a lot of excitement with new listings from buyers and Real Estate Agents in the first few weeks of homes being on the market. After that there is a dip in interest as the interest has moved on to the next newer listings.  If you list too high, you will miss out on buyers who are looking in the price range where your house should be.  You wo... 05/09/2011

Finding The Right Aurora,Co Realtor At The Right Office An Aurora,Co Realtor is usually a part of a team working out of one office. Together, the team has put together their own expectations of what they expect from each agent as far as professionalism, customer service team commitment and dedication to excellence go. When you visit one agent in the office it is a reflection of the whole team’s values and integrity. You'll know you're dealing with their right agent when the following are in place.   Customer service An Aurora,Co Realtor should make you feel that you are always important and special. You should never feel rushed in any conversations you have with the agent. If the person you are talking is busy, he will politely tell you that he will call you back as soon as possible. He... 05/07/2011

Being a active member in my Aurora Board of  REALTORS® has been a positive aspect in my life for nearly 15 years.     I have made friendships with other REALTORS® and affiliates that will be lifelong, and would not be, had I chosen a different avenue in my career.   In 2001, with only a few full time years in the real estate industry, I decided to "take the plunge" and run for Board of Director VERY new in the industry.     For some streak of luck, I was elected to be a Board of Director for three years.      If you have never volunteered for this position, you NEED to, it is so rewarding.   Last year I again thought I would want to run for Board of Director, but in the end I decided there were too many distractions in my life, and thought it best if I bow out and support my friends th... 05/06/2011

Every year, the Aurora Association of Realtors host its annual bowling tournament.  This year, the event falls on Friday the 13th.  The theme will be superstition.  Everyone is supposed to dress up in a superstitious manner.  I suspect we will see a few black cats or broken mirrors.  Every years is a different theme and the members always surprise me with their creativity. The tournament starts at 1:00 pm at the Brunszwick Zone Lanes in Aurora.  Free practice is from 12:00 until 1:00 and then the fun begins.  Many of the affiliates provide great door prizes.  Last year I won a round of golf for four at the Heather Ridge Gold Course.  That gift was right up my "ALLEY".  I might have to go to the costume shop and find a fake axe to put on my head to make it look like my business partner, ... 05/03/2011

Visiting Aurora, Colorado for Mother's Day?  Visit Southland's Mall and treat mom to one of these fantastic brunches & specials!!!   Let mom off the hook for cooking this Sunday and treat her to one of these great Mother's Day Brunches and Specials La Crepere Cafe has free mimosa's for Mom's on Mother's Day.  Make reservations for Mother's day Brunch 720-274-5310   Wine Experience Cafe invites you to a special Mother's day Brunch. Call for reservations 303-690-1025   McCabe's Irish Bistro & Pub Mother's Day Special- Prime Rib (10 oz) for $10.99.  Call for reservations 303-627-6234   Many of the retail stores are also offering specials for mom.  Click for full details on all the deals for mom at Southland's Mall!   05/02/2011

Open House This Saturday, April 30th, from 1-3pm Seven Lakes Neighborhood 18952 E. Bates Ave., Aurora, CO 80013 Priced at $237,500 This tri-level home offers 1,978 square feet plus an additional 598 square feet in the finished basement. This home is so gorgeous, it will knock your socks off! It features beautiful hardwood floors in the living and dining rooms, a great sunroom of the back, stamped concrete patio and water fall out back and a work room added on to the side of the garage (man cave).  Come by and check this home out - or - for more information, contact Will Hamm at (303) 358-1147. 04/28/2011

You know it's Springtime in the Rockies as you drive through the neighborhoods and take in the magnificent colors from all of the blooming crab apple trees.  Their blossums are so bright and colorful they brighten up any neighborhood. The colors range from pearly white, to soft pink, to dark pink to almost red.  In Colorado, the carb apple trees start blooming in late April and last about three weeks, or until an unexpected snow sneeks in to ruin the beautiful palette of color. These trees can grow as tall as forty feet at maturity. In late summer and fall, they produce a small apple usually under 2 inches in diameter.  This makes for a feast for birds and squirrels. Here are some pictures of the beautiful trees in my neighborhood and in my front yard. 04/28/2011