Many are talking about "Fall", but Denver has not really experienced much cooler weather yet.   BUT, today we shall see temperatures in the 60's.   It will feel nice to finally have cooler temperatures.   Over the last couple of weeks, we have broken records for high temperatures, as we have set new records of days in the 90's.   We need some RAIN!    It is quite nice in the early mornings, as this morning it was 45 degrees when I got up this morning.   The mountains will be busy with leaf peepers all over.    It is fun to see all the beautiful colors, the elk, moose and whatever animal decides to make an appearance!    There has already been snowfall in the higher peaks, and skiers are watching with excitement. Bears are supposed to be starting to hibernate, but still seeing some comi... 09/22/2022

As we wave a sad goodbye to Summer, and welcome in Fall, there are lots of things you and your family can enjoy this weekend! Of course, the first thing is the Home Opener for the Denver Broncos!   We have new management, a new quarterback, and some high hopes for this coming year.   The home opener will be Monday night at Empower Field.   Denver vs Houston Sunday 2:25 pm. NORTHGLENN — The Northglenn Pirate Festival is back this Septembarrr weekend. The festival begins with Pirate Night on Friday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. with live music, sword fighting, dinner, and drinks. The main Pirate Festival on Saturday, Sept. 17 is for kids, families, and individuals with crafts, activities, bounce houses, pirate demonstrations, character appearances, and Carboard Boat Regatta. See the festival schedu... 09/16/2022

 Typically builders have a preferred lender, and if a Buyer uses this lender, you may have some of your closing costs paid.    The most recent contract with a builder was giving $7500 towards closing costs. Be sure to ask what their current interest rate is, and approximately what their fees will be.  Also, call another lender (maybe the REALTOR's suggestion) and get another estimate to know whether you want to go with the Builder's lender or not. I went over the LE (Loan Estimate) with my Buyers, and they sure add a bunch of what we (REALTORS) call junk fees.   Most of my lenders do not charge an origination fee or processing fees. Buying a brand new home from a Builder, you will be paying fees you normally would not pay if buying a resale home.     09/12/2022

The Labor Day Holiday is over, and typically the real estate market picks back up and home sales are strong.   Even over the holiday weekend, there were homes seeing multiple offers.     Listings have increased since earlier this year, which definitely is a good sign for Buyers.   In February & March, there were only around 2,000 listings for sale.   (A stable market would be 8,000-10,000 listings)   We are now seeing close to 8,000 listings each week.    The Holiday weekend was a bit slower, and that is normal. Even though schools are back in session, there are Buyers out and wanting to find their Dream Home.    Some homes may last longer than a weekend, but it won't be months on the market!    The current days in MLS with sold listings in the last 30 days is 21 days, and that includes... 09/10/2022

While many are enjoying a 3-day weekend, there are still some that are working.      Many are spending the day on the water at the reservoirs in Denver, as the weather should be very warm.  There is the Taste of Colorado and the Chalk Festival too.  Maybe a barbeque is on the schedule with friends and/or family.    Have fun!    09/05/2022

Our Local MLS REColorado puts out news to keep us abreast of the changing market and love to hear their take on what is happening - "Aug 16 2022 Metro Area Inventory Up 50%, Prices Stay Firm Market Trends, Market Trends & Statistics, REALTOR News, REALTORS In The News, Stats & Trends The metro area experienced a 50% increase in active listings and a 72% increase in single-family home inventory for July 2021. There was a slight decrease in the median sale price to $723,750 in July 2022 from June 2022, which was $750,000.“Before you read that last number and wonder if that means prices are decreasing, the answer is a resounding no,” according to CAR Spokesperson Matthew Leprino of Denver. He notes June historically records the highest home prices, and this July’s prices are still high.For... 08/29/2022

The original contract was for a 7-day cash closing and the Buyer had plans of allowing the tenant to stay until the end of the year, which at that time he would start working on the remodel.   At inspection there had to be 8 people in the house, and it was obvious not just one person lived there.    There was a HUGE cavern (5') where there was a break in the sewer line, so perfect time to renegotiate.    The Buyer got half of the repair off the sales price, and the Buyer asked to close once the tenants had vacated.   Their lease ended 8/15, but they needed a bit more time to move out.GOOD thing he asked for this, the Seller had three truckloads of their discarded belongings and still a couch and a mattress thrown into the alley that needs to be picked up.    Think he dodged a huge bulle... 08/25/2022

Looking at properties online, the list prices for a fixer property sure look better than the list price for a ready-to-move-in property!      FIXERORReady to Move in!   Things to think about when looking and considering a fixer - ~ Can you fix the obsolete functionality of the home?   ie. one bathroom for 3 bedrooms on the main level?   The stairs into the basement are very steep.....   ~ Can you move in and live with the issues for a while?   Contractors are booked out, and if you cannot do the repairs yourself, it could take a while to get the home "up to speed".~ How much will it take to bring the home up to your standards?   This is an important question!   And, be careful not to over improve.   Not every penny you spend on improving your home will equate to the bottom line when you... 08/12/2022

Many homeowners have been contemplating a move, then COVID interrupted those thoughts, so what about remodeling?    The kitchen could use a facelift and so could the primary bathroom! The market has been fast and furious for a couple of years, and many did not want to "play in the sandbox" and compete with so many other buyers.    With homeowners seeing a lot of equity in their home, there is still that burning desire to move. Now that the market has cooled off, and has become more stable, it could be time to make that move!    If you need to sell to complete a purchase, be prepared to price your home at fair market value.   Those days of listing high and knowing you will get that price or higher are long gone.   If you price your home too high now, you will be chasing the market down f... 08/11/2022

The Colorado Office of Radon Professionals began regulating Radon Measurement Professionals and Radon Mitigation Professionals on July 1, 2022. Consumers should hire a licensed professional in their area as part of the home inspection process, as a radon check is included in this safety inspection. This will ensure that proper measurement and/or mitigation is conducted.Real Estate Brokers should be aware that a list of licensees is available at dpo.colorado.gov. Use the "Search a License" feature to locate licensee details, including any disciplinary actions taken against a radon professional. I have used the same radon mitigation company for at least 15 years, and they are not on this list, so will need to check in with them to see if they are getting qualified.  08/03/2022

 If you are looking for an attached property near the Denver Tech Center (DTC), this neighborhood could fit the bill.   Those who choose not to do exterior maintenance on their property - this is it!    No lawn work, no house painting, and no snow removal is needed by the homeowner.  Stoney Brook is located south of I-225, West of Yosemite, and North of Belleview in zip code 80237.    This community has a picturesque & park-like feel with plentiful mature trees, bushes, plants, and ponds.    You will find both townhomes and condos, but all have two-car garages.   These properties were built from 1971 to 1992 and have from 1,020 to 2,872 square feet above ground, and all townhomes have basements, some are finished.    The condos have a storage unit.  The townhomes have fenced-in small ba... 08/01/2022

It has been over a year since I got a referral from a past client that moved to Phoenix and now is a REALTOR!    Her best friend from Houston was planning to buy a place, but due to the frenzied market, did not.    Her business partner stayed here in Denver and rented, and now is ready to find a property.I have shown a few homes over the last couple of months, but last week we found the right one!    It was built in 1939, is in need of LOTS of remodeling, and perfect for this buyer desiring a "project".   He was shocked to hear he did not have to compete, which shows our market is really flattening. It is especially fun to work with this buyer, as he is a first-time buyer from Australia.   If you think there are differences between states, there are HUGE differences between countries.He... 07/20/2022

A Luxury Home can be identified differently in cities across the country, but in Denver, my Luxury blog posts will report on detached single-family homes listed in the Denver metro area for over $1.3 million.  (Over the years I have used $1 million as luxury, but with our rising home values, had the need to increase this amount.)  Some have mountain and/or city views, and some properties back to a golf course, or have water views all to compliment one's lifestyle.  (however, we don't have much water)  Some are updated with products from around the world, and some have expansive square footage or acreage.     Whatever a Buyer is looking for, most likely if you have over $1.3 million, you can find it in Denver or in the surrounding suburbs.     Here is how the luxury market fared for the ... 07/19/2022

The stats are out for the month of June, and all the numbers revolve around the increase in the inventory along with the lack of buyers.   The inventory climbed 39% from May.  Most weekends in March we saw 2,000 or less.   April's high hit 3,200 for one weekend.   May we saw it top 5,000, and for June we saw a high of 6,300.  This data is courtesy of Joan Cox - House to Home, Inc. I track data daily for the Denver metro area, and are seeing between 1,500 and 2,000 price reductions every week (to 6,300 listings) and almost 400 homes returning to market in a week's period of time.   Both of these numbers have been steadily increasing daily. See what homes are currently available - Active Homes for sale in Denver Buyers - If you have thought about buying a home this year, rates have increa... 07/15/2022

 I obtained my CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) designation over 20 years ago, and have completely enjoyed working with Buyers coming into Denver, and also those Sellers that SADLY are transferring out of Denver.     Each year I am blessed to have a few! Over the years, I have done outdoorsy videos of attractions that the residents seem to enjoy, and have had Buyers contact me and want to live near those attractions.  A big one is Aurora Reservoir, where you have lots of water activities, a sand beach, a picnic area, but also 8 miles of trails to bike or run.    Denver is very outdoorsy, and has lots to do with our many days of sunshine!     Having a need to nurture, I love working with Relocation buyers from out of state, out of the country, or even out of the City.    Usually, a... 07/15/2022

It is so nice to have a company that will come out and inspect your roof FOR FREE!   When you get ready to list a home, you want to be sure you have all the major components of the home in good condition and not be surprised with unexpected repairs. Roof Brokers work with several roofing companies, and after inspection will send the homeowner three bids if there are repairs needed. By calling Roof Brokers first, you don't have to worry about a claim being filed with your insurance company until you know you need them.   I personally have recommended them to my clients for years, and have always been quick to get out, especially when you have deadlines. It has now been a couple of years without severe hail damage to our roofs! 07/14/2022

  Listing and buying a home for ourselves can complicate our lives for sure!    Trying to get our own stuff done and keeping our business thriving can be a challenge. I think the best lesson I have learned, is what we put our clients through each time we list a home.    From telling them all their STUFF has to be put away, making daily duties difficult.   Where did we put that????  That is a common question.   I know my jewelry went in the car, and every time I get dressed I have to remember to go to the car! My master bedroom is a dark dungeon, which I have to have to sleep every night, (and still don't....), but needed to remember to open every single blind in the home.    There are usually things I leave out, but needed to put away each and every day ..... just in case there is a sho... 07/07/2022

 We just closed on our first home and wondering how much we should put aside each year for home maintenance or upgrades each year? So glad you are thinking ahead, as you do need to keep up home maintenance to keep your home in good condition.    This can depend heavily on the age of your home!~ Have furnace and A/C cleaned and serviced~ Blow out your sprinklers in the fall and possible replacement of sprinkler heads~ Exterior paint and caulking - usually every 5 years~ Change the batteries in the smoke alarms & CO detector, and change out smoke alarms every 10 years (there are smoke alarms now that last for 10 years without changing batteries)~ Seal granite countertops every year~ Carpet every 8-10 years (depending on how it is maintained)~ Wood flooring can use screening and sealing ev... 07/06/2022

The Denver real estate market has slowed a bit, but with some properties, buyers are having to make quick decisions with other offers coming in.    When homes are priced well, in great condition, and in a great location, you will see multiple offers. It is imperative to call the listing agent to not only find out if there are other offers, but what the Seller prefers for possession, and to verify what will convey.   With more listings that have come on the market over the last few months, we are seeing fewer multiple offers.   There are times you "hear" about another offer, but is there?   This past weekend the listing agent said they had one offer and over listing price.    This morning, the home remains active.   My Buyer liked the home but wasn't completely SOLD on it.    When Buyers... 07/05/2022

Over the last couple of years, Denver has seen a frenzied market, with Sellers definitely "driving the bus".    The prices have skyrocketed, and buyers are still trying to secure their Dream Home. Many of my buyers ask when it says AS-IS in the MLS, what does that mean for them?    USUALLY, that means the Seller will do NOTHING when it comes to repairs/replacements.    What you see, is what you get!    BUT, I have had buyers write a very good offer (over list price) and get some things done.     Many times this has everything to do with how the listing agent does business.   Sometimes it is a hard-headed Seller.     If a Buyer writes a good offer over list price and has an appraisal gap included with the offer, there could be a chance if it is important, you may get something fixed by t... 07/01/2022