With the increase of the price of homes over the last several years and perhaps the economic crunch hitting savings a bit, can this really be done?  Perhaps. It depends on you. If you have been planning for this, keeping your debt low and credit history excellent then you really can buy your first home here.  Of course, what I run into often are people not satisfied with needing to start out in anything less than what mom and dad have, or friends, etc…  This is where you need to look hard at the magic reality mirror and ask yourself what you can comfortably afford. I always say that it is better to hop on at the caboose than to miss the whole train.  Owning your home and building equity over time can do amazing things for your life.  But you may need to buy something less than you imagi... 06/07/2008

photo credit: David Watson My goal in working with Buyer clients with a contract to purchase a home is always to make the Closing a non-event. I strive to make sure all the footwork is done beforehand so when we sit down at the Title Company to sign the forest of documents that is a real estate transaction there are no surprises. That means all the items in the contract have been addressed, and the financed money is final and has been wired to the Closing Company. As the day for closing approached, the lender had been in constant contact and had the figures ready. The Title Company had prepared the settlement sheets for review. It is very important to look through these figures carefully as any concessions may not be called out specifically. Rather, numbers that would typically appear ... 06/02/2008

Here are current mortgage rates for the Denver Metropolitan area. These rates change constantly, so they are subject to change. I will post new rate information if these figures increase, or decrease dramatically. Conventional 30 year fixed: 6.25% up from 5.875% last week FHA/VA 30 year fixed: 6.125 up from 5.875% last week 5 year interest only ARM: 5.5% up from 5.375% last week Jumbo 30 year Fixed: 8.125% (OUCH!) We actually have some news this week. Mortgage Bonds have made a decisive cross below the 200 day moving average, which is a STRONG indication of rising rates. Barring a quick reversal of the bond markets, we will most certainly continue to see a rise in mortgage rates. Stay Tuned! If you have any questions about mortgages, or how to lock in a rate, please contact us at any t... 05/29/2008

  photo credit: cioproject I'm witnessing an interesting trend. Investment property opportunities are much tougher to come by than only a couple months ago! Earlier this year, we were finding 2-3 properties per week that would meet our "Great Deal" or "Wholesale" criteria. That is, a property available for purchase at a price that was at least 20% below pre-2005 values. Its been over 3 weeks since one of these deals has surfaced. Additionally, [...read the rest] To keep in the loop about Denver Real Estate and the Get Home Denver Team, make sure and sign up for our feed. 05/28/2008

  photo credit: EverySpoon Here are current mortgage rates for the Denver Metropolitan area. These rates change constantly, so they are subject to change. I will post new rate information if these figures increase, or decrease dramatically. Conventional 30 year fixed: 5.875% FHA 30 year fixed: 5.75% VA 30 year fixed: 5.75% 5 year interest only ARM: 5.375% Jumbo 30 year fixed:  7.875% Jumbo 5/1 ARM 5.5% Rates for Government programs (FHA & VA) have improved slightly over last week.  Conventional and Jumbo products have remained about the same.  There are fears from inflation that may move rates higher (Oil at record highs!) If you have any questions about mortgages, or how to lock in a rate, please contact us at any time. 05/22/2008

Here are current mortgage rates for the Denver Metropolitan area. These rates change constantly, so they are subject to change. I will post new rate information if these figures increase, or decrease dramatically. Conventional 30 year fixed: 5.875% FHA 30 year fixed: 5.875% VA 30 year fixed: 5.875% 5 year interest only ARM: 5.375% Jumbo 5/1 ARM 5.5% You'll notice the market is not wanting to play on adjustable rate mortgages, and they are making sure to get a premium for the Jumbo loan programs. But the market is loosening up a bit for this type of money. If you have any questions about mortgages, or how to lock in a rate, please contact us at any time. To keep in the loop about Denver Real Estate and the Get Home Denver Team, make sure and sign up for our feed.   05/15/2008

When it comes to investing in Real Estate, no one wants the cash flow pimp of an empty unit!  Cash flow is king,  and if the market is saturated with available units, it means the owner/investor will have to eat a monthly payment, or reduce the rent charged to gain a tenant.  Both of these options kill cash flow! The Denver Real Estate market keeps getting stronger for investors!  Great value on the buy side, low vacancy rates, and HUGE upside in a 3-5 year period. Click here to read our full post on newest numbers on Vacancy Rates in the Denver area.   To keep in the loop about Denver Real Estate and the Get Home Denver Team, make sure and sign up for our feed. 05/13/2008

In terms of Denver, Colorado Real Estate, there may be a new definition to "Buyer's Market." The typical definition of a "Buyer's Market" is one that says the conditions of the market place are more favorable to the buyer than the seller.  With the number of foreclosures still hitting the market, the mass amounts of publicity to the nationwide Mortgage Fiasco and the potential long term implications it is causing, it is easy to fall into the "trap."Unfortunately, many home buyer's in the Denver area are getting a not so pleasant wake up call.  My team has two separate clients that are thinking that Buyer's Market equates to Bidding War! Over the past month Client "A" has put in 5 bids on 2 different properties and has yet to have one accepted.  Each time others have outbid them, and we ... 04/28/2008

When it comes time to sell a home, Seller's ALWAYS ask, What should I do to get ready?  A great answer to this is the topic of a recent post on my Denver Real Estate blog.Short of paint, carpet and the remodeling of Kitchens and Baths, the simple answer is to get your home ready like you were throwing a party!  How do you want your guests buyers to see your home?  How would you like these guests buyers to feel after they have left?If you can instinctively answer these questions, then you're on the right track.  If not, then call in a professional stager to help!  My stager of choice is Elaine Manes.  To read a full post by Elaine on this subject, go here! Find out more about Denver Real Estate and the Get Home Denver Team!  04/22/2008

Have you been to the new Landmark shopping area?  It is located off of Quebec Street between Belleview and Orchard, on the east side of the street.  I have been several times to the Landmark Theater.  It's not the cheapest movie theater in town,  but it has to be the most luxurious!  Unlimited popcorn and drinks are included in the price of your movie ticket.  They also have a bar area when you can get drinks and other food items.   A great place to hang out, if you are waiting to meet someone before the show and you love the covered parking.  You can also upgrade your ticket, which will put at the head of the line, get you some fabulous seats and waitress service.  I haven't splurged yet, but it would be a nice treat on a special occasion.After the show, walk over to Jing Restuarant fo... 04/14/2008

Centennial Real Estate - Aurora Real Estate - Homes Sales Statistics - March 2008 Spring has sprung in the Denver real estate market and there are buyers out there but it is taking a little bit longer in the Centennial and Aurora real estate markets that are marked by the Denver MLS at "Aurora South - AUS" Average days on market for this part of Centennial (the east side of Centennial) and Aurora is 105 days- while not as great as other parts of the Denver metro area - still not completely terrible.  Bottom line, homes are selling and there are buyers.  Price it properly, listen to the advice of your Denver REALTOR® and you could get it sold faster than your selling competition.   Here are the AUS Aurora South numbers for March 2008 - Aurora South and parts of Centennial Aurora South - ... 04/13/2008

The Centennial City Council voted unanimously on February 20th, to purchase two properties adjacent to the City Civic Center.  The Westerra Credit Union located at 13133 East Arapahoe Road will become the new City offices later this year.  In addition, the 11 acres surrounding the building can be designated as parks, open space, trails as well as other community uses.The cost for the building and properties is $6.7 million.  Of this amount, $4.1 million will come out of the City's General Fund and $2.6 million will come out of the Open Space and Conservation Trust Fund (Centennial's share of the Arapahoe County Open Space Tax and the Colorado Lottery).The Advisory Board for Parks, Open Space, Recreation and Trails has been asked to help design the 11 acre parkland.The City had been leas... 03/25/2008

Not only because of the Holiday, family, too much Ham, etc...but also because with the arrival of Easter, also comes the start of the selling season.  In the Denver area, historically speaking, January and February are the slowest closing months of the year.  March isn't much better, but it really starts opening up in April and May!  This year is particularly interesting because of the well publicized, national, real estate fiasco.I've been talking for six months about how I think the Denver Real Estate Market is on the rebound.  Statistically, we have seen increased showing activity and the winter months were actually better than last summer.  Now, with the seasonal excuse for "sluggish" behind us, we'll find out a lot more information regarding our proximity to the bottom of this real... 03/23/2008

I'm writing a series of 6 posts on the necessary items a home seller must do in order to get top dollar, in the least amount of time.  It doesn't matter what kind of market you are in, these tips will put your home on the fast track for a top dollar sale.Posts 2 and 3 are up and ready for your review!  The homes that sell for the most money are always the ones that show the best.  These posts are very common sense, and cost very little, if any money.The first priority is cleaning!  A clean home is a happy home, is also a home that will sell for more money!  If you're not cleaning, you're leaving money on the table.  Check out all the details here.The next tip is regarding personal tastes, and the problems of being non-neutral.  You may love the blue carpet, and matching wallpaper, but i... 03/18/2008

I'm writing a series of 6 posts on the necessary items a home seller must do in order to get top dollar, in the least amount of time.  It doesn't matter what kind of market you are in, these tips will put your home on the fast track for a top dollar sale.Post one is on repairs.  The homes that sell for the most money are always the ones that show the best.  This means your kitchen and bathrooms must be remodeled, and not a relic of the 70's.  Besides these two rooms I've outlined some other things every home seller should consider.  Go here to check out the full post.With over 17 years of Home Selling Experience in Denver Colorado, the Get Home Denver Team can handle all your real estate needs. 03/17/2008

I recently posted a few articles relating to the home buying process, and will be adding tips for home buyer's and home seller's, as well.  This information will be useful to anyone looking for general real estate purchasing or selling education.  As markets have different traditions, and protocols, this is intended to be most relevant to the Denver, Metropolitan area.  For example, many parts of the County use attorney's for much of the transaction.  In Denver, attorney's usually, are not involved with real estate transactions.So, with the disclaimer out of the way, here we go...What does my Lender want from me?The Home Search!The Offer to PurchaseImportant Points when Selling a Home!Go here to check out all of our Buyer Information, or here to view Seller Info.Please subscribe to our ... 03/10/2008

Centennial, CO - Centennial REAL ESTATE & HOMES SALES NUMBERS FROM February 2008 REAL ESTATE MARKET ACTIVITY REPORT - SINGLE FAMILY HOMES Centennial, Colorado located in Arapahoe County covers a wide area in the South Metro Denver.  With this wide scope comes a wide variety of neighborhoods, home styles and other things to consider such as schools and commuting options.  Some areas of Centennial are doing very well still, others are a bit slower.  This emphasizes the point- real estate is local, very local - not just as in the Denver market - but each little area of a town or city can have its own story to tell as far as the real estate market is concerned.  And Centennial is no exception. Inventory levels in Centennial are high right now with quite a bit of Centennial real estate on th... 03/09/2008

Denver has a less than a 1% risk of declining values.  This from third quarter data released from the Office of Federal Housing Oversight.  Only twelve of the largest 50 metropolitan markets have such a low risk. The areas of greatest risk tended to be those with large price increases over the past 3 years. The Rocky Mountain News also reported the Denver area is stronger than many others.Check out the video below, with some more facts and figures!  Contact the Get Home Denver Team for more information! 03/04/2008

The Get Home Denver Real Estate Team works primarily by referral only!  What this means is in order for us to do business we need to have some kind of working relationship.  Over 90% of our business comes from people we have worked with in the past, or a referral from one of these people. We also love talking with new people we meet online!  Our focus with our on-line presence is to provide valuable information and insight, then when you are ready to buy or sell real estate, we hope you will consider our services.The truth is, most agents spend most of their time, effort and energy trying to find new clients.  Things like cold calling, mass mailing or print advertising.  I'm sure you've seen plenty of it!  We don't do any of that!  We spend the majority of our time servicing the needs o... 03/04/2008

Colorado Realty Professionals and The Get Home Denver Team, take pride in our educational approach to homebuying.  We understand the many questions and concerns of homebuyers, and we counsel our clients in every aspect of a possible transaction.  Since purchasing a home is one of the largest investments most people make, we want to assure you that it is our goal to offer the most professional and informative service available in the Denver Metro Area!  We sit down with every buyer client and answer all your questions before we start looking at homes.  Some areas we cover are:Brokerage relationships/Agency Confidential, personal counseling to determine your needs Financing options Lender selection and loan application Selecting neighborhoods and viewing potential homes Writing and explai... 02/28/2008