Foodies in and around Denver have been waiting for Restaurant Week!   Denver Restaurant Week will provide two weeks where patrons will enjoy a multi-course dinner for $25, $35 or $45 not including tip or tax, and some offer a glass of wine!     There are hundreds of restaurants participating in Restaurant Week, and see a few more this year joining in.  Servers work their hardest during these two weeks and patrons should be generous with tipping!       Some restaurants have reduced the portions of the meals and included liquor/wine or dessert.     All restaurants are offering a special menu at these prices!   Reservations at high-end restaurants and popular local spots fill quickly.   (Do check back frequently, as cancellations do happen.)    On this site, you can browse by All Menus,... 02/22/2022

 Xcel** will implement a change in the way they bill their customers, and you may want to think about when you utilize the energy consumption.The new rate plan will charge higher rates during peak hours of 3 pm to 7 pm on weekdays.   Rates would be slightly less during the "mid-peak" period from 1 pm to 3 pm on weekdays and the lowest, off-peak rates will run from 7 pm through the night and early morning hours until 1 pm the next day.With the Smart Meters installed, they can bill according to when you use the energy.   Some using more energy but at different times of day will actually see lower bills.   Xcel is stating this will go into effect in March 2022. **in Denver Xcel provides electricity and gas to most homes in the metro area 02/21/2022

 Seller:   We went under contract last week, when will you put up the Pending sign?   We are seeing many cars drive by the house.   Early in my career, I did place a magnetic "Under Contract" sign up soon as it went under contract until one contract failed.     My seller had a neighbor ask  "what's wrong with your house?"    And that was one neighbor that asked, many just wondered.     Did they know the buyer's loan did not go through?   Did they know the buyer's earnest money check bounced?    Did they get cold feet and opt-out at the inspection?     Having to take down the magnetic "Under Contract" sign tells all the neighbors that it failed.   I would prefer having that information only in MLS, and not damage your chances at another contract that will go to closing! Yes, I have a mag... 02/18/2022

  Should I paint and replace the carpet or sell the home like it is?     Many Sellers ask these questions, and always recommend getting this done prior to listing.   These two items make such an impression when buyers walk in the door.     It gives the home a "face-lift", and smells good.  Some other items that would make great impressions for buyers - old bathtubs - reglazing (especially with chips) bathtub re-caulking outdated lighting in kitchen, baths and hallways replaced old wrought iron railings getting a new coat of paint old appliances replaced have your furnace and A/C cleaned/serviced have your roof checked out  After all, buyers will "guesstimate" way too high for what it would truly cost to do minor updating.    In fact, by doing a few things to update your home, you could ... 02/17/2022

 We see the HOA takes care of grounds maintenance.   Does that mean they will have the snow shoveled in the winter?  When an HOA says they will take care of grounds maintenance, this means they maintain the entry or common areas within the community.     If you are buying a single-family detached home, snow shoveling is not included in the HOA fee.    Homeowners are responsible for the removal of snow from all sidewalks (if it is a corner lot - all sidewalks) and must be shoveled within 24 hours from the time the snowfall stops.    A homeowner needs to have all sidewalks and a path on the driveway to the front door removed.    If you are repeat offender, the City of Denver (and other cities in the metro area) will fine you. On the other hand, if you purchase a "cluster/patio home or con... 02/16/2022

 The stats are out for the month of January, and sales this time of year are slower due to seasonally, and the stats support that.   As of mid-February, we are still experiencing low inventory (hovering around 1,800 on weekends). I have had potential Sellers who want to list and buy, but are fearful of not finding a replacement home, so they will stay put, or wait until they see more inventory.   But when they do list, they sure are seeing a great bottom line!   Multiple offers are back, and saw 15 offers on a home my buyer wrote on this week.  With only around 1,800 listings available on the weekends, we are seeing fewer price reductions each week also.   Hopefully the inventory will continue to increase.   The lowest I have seen daily so far this year was 1,200.   Keep in mind, for a ... 02/11/2022

Many US citizens are preparing taxes this time of year, and discovering with the new tax rates, you don't have enough to claims deductions. Maybe it is time to BUY A HOME!   Buying a home may be the most expensive and important purchase you make in your life. The IRS provides several tax breaks to make homeownership more affordable. Common tax deductions include those for mortgage interest, mortgage points, and private mortgage insurance. To claim the deductions, you have to itemize your taxes (and not take the standard deduction). Tax credits are available for qualified first-time homebuyers and homeowners who invest in energy improvements (e.g., solar panels and energy-efficient windows). CHECK WITH YOUR TAX PROFESSIONAL TO GET THE DETAILS OF WHAT YOU CAN DEDUCT!  Besides the tax bene... 02/10/2022

Although the City does not have a mandatory mask mandate for indoor spaces, there will be places still requiring a mask.   Good chance the grocery stores will still mandate them, and other retail stores may also.Bottom line, don't throw the masks away just yet, you probably will need them again.   I know I will still be wearing them.I was out yesterday in many retail stores, and probably 80% of the patrons were wearing masks, and the retailers were offering the N95 masks if you didn't already have one.  02/08/2022

If you have thought about selling your property this year, and have wondered what your property is worth, or how much you could make from the sale, contact me and I will provide you with this information!  Over the last five to six years, Sellers have seen more equity than over the previous decade!I have sold homes across the Denver metro area for years, and have been able to surprise many sellers with more than they anticipated at closing, especially now with increasing values.  During a frenzied market, there will be homes that receive multiple offers, and I can guide you through this process!  Selling your home in today's market still helps when you have a completely turnkey home.   Clean, repairs made, etc.  Homes that need TLC will reap less on an offer than one with little to no r... 02/04/2022

ADUs are becoming higher in demand, with families wanting to have their loved ones nearby, especially if they are aging.   For years, these were not approved in the Denver metro area, but now are slowly starting to get approved.Per the City of Denver- "Accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, are self-contained, smaller living spaces that are an extension of an existing property. They are often called mother-in-law suites, granny flats, casitas, backyard cottages, garage apartments or basement apartments. An ADU has its own kitchen, bath and sleeping area, but is not considered a separate property that could be sold on its own. Beginning fall 2021, city planners will look at how the Denver Zoning Code regulates ADUs. This project will not change where in the city ADUs are allowed, but will lo... 02/01/2022

  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 million.   Some have mountain and/or city views, 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 on acreage.     Whatever a Buyer is looking for, most likely if you have over $1 million, you can find it in Denver or in the surrounding suburbs.     Here is how the luxury market fared for the month of December 2021Total sales - 311 homes ranging from $1,000,000 to $12,500,000 (last month was 365 homes, 2020 was 271)... 01/29/2022

 It has long since been said, owning a home provides the homeowner with many benefits.     ~ Feels more successful~ Write off the Mortgage Interest paid~ Write off the Property Taxes paid~ No need to get approval to make changes in your home~ When you sell you should have equity You don't have to "live with" upgrades, or lack thereof in a rental property.   Do you want to paint, or add hardwood flooring?    You CAN when you own the property! Do you know you are giving your landlord A LOT of equity right now?   In May 2021, Denver saw an average of 24% increase in home values.   This COULD HAVE been yours! Home values are still increasing (average 11%), and interest rates are expected to increase this year.    Why wait until you get priced out of the market - get pre-approved today, and ... 01/28/2022

  I was helping a potential buyer trying to decide what community they wanted to live and the question was posed - "If a community has an HOA, does it stop in 20 years, or when does the HOA stop making rules for those homeowners?"      GOOD QUESTION, and one I did not have an immediate answer for.  I found out they are permanently in place. However, there is no blanket answer for all questions either, as it differs with every HOA and will spell it out in the governing documents.     You will find this information in the Declarations which is usually written by the builders or developers per development.     In these declarations, it will also state how to modify or resolve any HOA issues.  The declarations is the Bible and prevail over bylaws or regulations.  The rules and regs will spe... 01/27/2022

 I obtained my CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) designation around 22 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, and just did Cherry Creek State Park, 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 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 ... 01/26/2022

 If a Buyer will be financing a property, there will be an appraisal ordered.  (a few exceptions may be considered)     Buyers in Denver always ask about this process, as being in a strong Seller's market, some Buyers are making offers over List Price.   Some of these prices are over Fair Market value, and concerns arise about whether or not the property will appraise. That is always a great conversation to have so Buyers know what their options are if a property does not appraise.    If the home appraises at fair market value, and the contract purchase price is $25,000 above, you should address this gap in the contract.   In the current market, the buyer will pay for the amount offered over appraised value.   (This is in addition to the down payment and closing costs.)  If the contract... 01/21/2022

 The stats are out for the month of December, and sales this time of year do slow down seasonally, and the stats support that.   As of mid-January, we are still experiencing low inventory (hovering around 1,500 on weekends), down 64.7% over one year ago. I have had potential Sellers who want to list and buy, but are fearful of not finding a replacement home, so they will stay put, or wait until they see more inventory.   But when they do list, they sure are seeing a great bottom line!   Multiple offers are still happening, just not at the same pace, as we saw earlier this year.  With only around 1,500 listings available on the weekends, we are seeing fewer price reductions each week also.   The inventory generally picks back up after the New Year.This data is courtesy of Joan Cox - Hous... 01/13/2022

Even though homes are selling lickety-split, there are still items that if WE (Seller and me) work together on, this will ensure lots of showings, and better - multiple offers above list price!    It is expected to see interest rates increase at least twice, and have heard maybe even three times this year, so if the market slows, marketing and preparation of the home are imperative!     I will walk your home to give a homeowner ideas of how to present the home and possible repairs that may need to be done prior to listing.   Buyers either want a total fix-up property or move-in ready.    Some items will result in a higher bottom line, some items will make the home more desirable. Putting a home on the market is definitely more than putting a sign in the ground, and together the homeowne... 01/13/2022

  The National Western Stock Show  is in town and is celebrating their 116th birthday in Denver for 16 days!  January 8-23, 2022  The Parade was canceled due to the very cold weather and snow.        This time of year, everyone can be proud to be a COWBOY (or COWGIRL)!     There is an abundance of events to choose from in the 16 days, 350 vendors, along with the rodeo, the showing of prize horses, cows, hogs, and poultry, here are some other fun events:   Prize showings of Hogs, Llamas & Alpacas Stick horse championship Sheep Shearing Quarter Horse Showing Wool Show Mutton bustin' Magic Shows Catch a Calf Old West Cowboy Antics   The festivities will be held at the National Western Complex located off Brighton Blvd. and I-70.   There is FREE parking.   You can purchase tickets to the m... 01/07/2022

 Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that comes from the ground into your home.   You cannot see, smell or taste it, but may still be there.  And the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today.    Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. Radon can be found anywhere and comes from the radioactive breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water.     It can be detected in any type of building - homes, offices, and schools.    To be sure you do not have radon in your home, testing is the only way to know you are/or not at risk.    Testing can be done two ways - short-term testing - with a charcoal canister in your basement for 2 days, and then sent away to the lab for your results.   There are many inspectors that hav... 01/05/2022

The multitude of COVID cases have once again stalled the jury trials for the month of January.   They will be suspended until January 21st at the earliest due to the highly contagious variant Omicron.    There has been an increase in positive COVID cases in and around the Denver metro area. Counties of Boulder, Jefferson, Broomfield, Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln Counties will be suspended to at least January 21st, if not longer, the judicial judges have decided.   This decision was made to help protect everyone's health.  01/04/2022