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 July 2021Total sales - 462 homes ranging from $1,000,000 to $5,100,000 (last month was 563 homes, 2020 was 335)Averag... 08/19/2021

This home is now closed and buyers can go in and start doing a few remodeling items prior to their moving in.   They loved this gated community and the fact it was mostly a patio home, with no yard to take care of to speak of.    The HOA does the front yards!    Congratulations to this lovely couple, and know they will be happy for years to come!     Congratulations to Laura Erwin for finding the RIGHT property for them!   Over the past weekend, I took  Sellers out to locate their replacement home while Laura was on vacation.   We saw quite a few on Saturday, but none of them pulled at their heartstrings.   We went to the Lighthouse on Sunday morning, and they just KNEW.   It is a patio home, with just enough room in the back for outdoor entertaining, but no yardwork!   It is in a gated... 08/17/2021

 After record months of sales - we are seeing a slight shift in August.   Inventory is down over last year (-50.8%), but at least seeing more listings coming on each month!  In a more stable market, we usually see 8-10,000 listings.    Sellers sure are seeing a great bottom line with the average sales price increasing 18% over last year!   We are seeing more price reductions now in some areas, telling Sellers to be careful with their listing price.    Back in March we saw less than 2,000 listings, and now mid-August we are seeing over 4,000 every weekend, so this is good news for buyers!    The following data is courtesy of Joan Cox - House to Home, Inc. With Buyers offering thousands over appraised value, buyers were having to bring those extra dollars to the closing table, along with ... 08/13/2021

  This beautiful home was on the market through a weekend with multiple offers.    The buyers gave a 45 day post-closing to the Sellers, as they needed to locate a replacement home.    They did, and will be closing next week on that home.  Congratulations to these Sellers and Laura on a job well done!    Sold for $785,000.  Lovely, updated ranch in Hutchinson Hills on a large, landscaped lot. Rare indoor pool!  ~ Four bedrooms, four bathrooms ~ 3,060 finished square feet, total 3,676 square feet~ Over-sized 2-car attached garage (527 sf)~ Indoor pool  ~ Built in 1968Listed for $750,000 The main floor includes a light-filled living room that is open to the dining room and adjacent to the vintage-inspired kitchen and family room. Just off the kitchen is a breezeway that connects the garag... 08/12/2021

 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 June 2021Total sales - 563 homes ranging from $1,000,000 to $9,000,000 (last month was 428 homes, 2020 was 225)Averag... 08/02/2021

 The call comes in with an interested buyer, and they have found the home of their dreams online.    You can you show it right away.    They want to write an offer and get it under contract as soon as possible.  Photos can (and do) sell a home, but the photos do not show some of the very important sectors of the home.   Have had a transaction terminate after the inspection, and the photos showed a beautiful home.   The photos did not reveal the 60 amp Federal Pacific electrical panel, the structural issues, negative drainage, sewer line blockage, roof issues or the 30-year-old furnace.   Maybe that home with awful photos is the one that is the best!   Many times buyers get their heart set on a home they have seen online, but I always recommend showing more than just that one home.   Thi... 08/02/2021

 The lenders always remind Buyers not to buy items prior to closing or change their credit situation, but the same can be said for the Seller.    Our Sellers are seeing HUGE bottom lines from the equity increases over the last few years. Even though a Seller knows they will see a giant wire transfer in 30 days, don't go on a spending spree and put everything on credit, thinking you will pay it off when the property closes.    Even if a transaction looks smooth, there can be last-minute snafus that can delay or eliminate a closing.   Some items that derail a transaction -  Big-ticket inspection items - roof, sewer, furnace that the Seller was not aware had issues.The appraisal may come in low, and the buyer is not willing to bridge the gap.Buyers may have items in their credit show up an... 07/26/2021

 Several years ago I received a phone call from a buyer that was referred to me by a past client.    It was not long into the conversation, and I was asked - Are you a real estate snob?      Having never been asked that, I asked if they would explain this question. They had a REALTOR® they had used for years with many family members, co-workers and neighbors, but when they asked if that Realtor could help them with a condo for their 20-year-old son they said this was not a niche they worked in.     This was upsetting to this family so much, they not only allowed me to help their son, but I was able to gain respect for their business and referrals.      They shared with me that they felt this REALTOR® only wanted the "big paychecks" and wasn't willing to work for the smaller deals.      ... 07/24/2021

 In this fast-paced Denver real estate market, buyers are having to make quick decisions and this can be difficult for the first-time home buyers.   This is the largest purchase you will make, and have heard from some - they "need to sleep on it". It is imperative to call the listing agents to not only find out if there are other offers, but what the Seller prefers for possession, and other terms.     With more listings that came on the market a month or so ago, we are seeing less multiple offers, but if a home shows well, is priced well and in a good location, some are seeing multiple offers.   There are times you "hear" about another offer, but is there?    I did hear this earlier this year, and the home never did go under contract.   If a Buyer does love the home, write on it, and sh... 07/23/2021

 The stats are out for the month of June, and it was another very busy month!   We are still down over last year with inventory (-61.8%), but at least seeing more listings coming on this month!  Sellers sure are seeing a great bottom line with the Average sales price increasing 27.6% over last year!   We are seeing more price reductions now in some areas, telling Sellers to be careful with their listing price.    Back in March we saw less than 2,000 listings, and now mid-July we are seeing almost 4,000, so this is assisting buyers!    The following data is courtesy of Joan Cox - House to Home, Inc. With Buyers offering thousands over appraised value, buyers were having to bring those extra dollars to the closing table, along with their down payment and closing costs.   Appraisers were d... 07/14/2021

 With the All-Star Game being held in Denver this year, Trevor Story was the fav for the hometown league.   In the opening, it showed all the stadiums and what the altitude was at each of them.  They were not far apart until it came to Coors Field.  We are a mile high! Have to say, probably have never watched the Home Run Derby, but that was what everyone has been talking about over the last few days.  All the hype about how the baseball flies further with the thin air.  Will someone set a new record for how far they hit the ball? Pete Alonso gave quite the performance with 35 home runs in the qualifying round.  With two ties in the preliminary round, Soto and Ohtani has to continue to complete for the next round.  That was exciting!  In the preliminary round baseballs went from 514 to ... 07/12/2021

 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/valves~ Exterior paint and caulking - usually every 5 years~ Change the batteries in the smoke alarms & CO detector, change out smoke alarms every 10 years~ Seal granite countertops every year~ Carpet every 8-10 years (depending on how it is maintained)~ Wood flooring can use screening and sealing every 5-8 years (depending on how it is maintained)~ Interior paint (baseboard... 07/12/2021

 Having the All-Star Baseball game here in Denver, there are many events you can enjoy leading up to this big game!  The big game will begin on Tuesday July 13th at 5:30 pm. at Coors Field. Thursday - July 8th MLB Pitch Hit & Run and the MLB Jr. Home Run Derby begin at 4:00 p.m. at the Assembly Athletic Complex at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Friday - July 9th The Play Ball Park opens at the Colorado Convention Center opens at 9:30 a.m. in Downtown Denver. Located about a 20-minute walk from Coors Field, fans will be able to take batting practice and play softball, bid on or buy memorabilia, and get autographs There will also be an MLB the Show gaming center, a MLB Network set, and plenty of food from across the league’s various stadiums to try. The Play Ball Park will be op... 07/09/2021

 Over the past weekend, I took  Sellers out to locate their replacement home while Laura was on vacation.   We saw quite a few on Saturday, but none of them pulled at their heartstrings.   We went to the Lighthouse on Sunday morning, and they just KNEW.   It is a patio home, with just enough room in the back for outdoor entertaining, but no yardwork!   It is in a gated community with a community pool, which they know they will use often!  It was priced quite a bit above fair market value, so they wrote what they felt the home was worth and got a counter for a little change.   Buyers accepted, and they were THRILLED.    They know what updates they want to do after closing to make it THEIR HOME. Luckily, these Sellers have a place to move to, and did not need a rent-back.   07/08/2021

 With fires so prevalent, many cities have bans on fireworks, and there are some hefty fines if found shooting illegal fireworks off.    Let the professionals provide you a great show.   Below you will find the scheduled displays by city.  ARVADA — July 4Arvada’s Fourth of July fireworks display will be held at Stenger Sports Complex. Gates will open to vehicles at 7 p.m., and fireworks will start around 9 p.m., according to the city. W. 58th Avenue. will be closed to traffic starting at 8 p.m. Parking will be free but first-come, first-served.Personal fireworks are banned, and no RVs, drones, alcohol, charcoal grills, or pets will be allowed. Propane grills will be allowed.AURORA — July 4Aurora’s fireworks display is planned for Sunday, July 4 starting at 9:30 p.m. at Bicentennial Park... 07/02/2021

 I was thinking this home would not make it through the weekend, and this beautiful home got contracts the first day on the market!    Now the Sellers need to locate their replacement home!  Lovely, updated ranch in Hutchinson Hills on a large, landscaped lot. Rare indoor pool!  ~ Four bedrooms, four bathrooms ~ 3,060 finished square feet, total 3,676 square feet~ Over-sized 2-car attached garage (527 sf)~ Indoor pool  ~ Built in 1968Listed for $750,000 The main floor includes a light-filled living room that is open to the dining room and adjacent to the vintage-inspired kitchen and family room. Just off the kitchen is a breezeway that connects the garage, half bath, laundry room, and indoor pool. Three bedrooms and two baths are located on the opposite side of the main floor.  Downstai... 07/01/2021

 If you hike, you need to be aware that it is Rattlesnake Season.   From May to October, you could see them around, and they are the only venomous snake in Colorado.   Stay on the paths, and if you venture off the path, be aware of everything around you, and listen for the "rattle".  It is best if you wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.    These snakes do prefer to hide, but if they feel threatened, they will strike.   What happens if you get bit?"Seek medical treatment. The first thing you should do is call 911, and if you're not in cell range, which is harder and harder not to be, get into cell range and call 911. There aren't a lot of things you can do on your own to treat a venomous snake bite, so just try to stay calm and let the medical professionals take care of it." Do you bri... 06/30/2021

 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 May 2021Total sales - 428 homes ranging from $1,000,000 to $6,075,000 (last month was 343 homes, 2020 was 97)Average ... 06/26/2021

  Lovely, updated ranch in Hutchinson Hills on a large, landscaped lot. Rare indoor pool!  ~ Four bedrooms, four bathrooms ~ 3,060 finished square feet, total 3,676 square feet~ Over-sized 2-car attached garage (527 sf)~ Indoor pool  ~ Built in 1968Listed for $750,000 The main floor includes a light-filled living room that is open to the dining room and adjacent to the vintage-inspired kitchen and family room. Just off the kitchen is a breezeway that connects the garage, half bath, laundry room, and indoor pool. Three bedrooms and two baths are located on the opposite side of the main floor.  Downstairs in the basement, you'll find a bedroom, bathroom, craft room, and plenty of storage. Each bathroom has been updated in a beautiful and unique way. Both front and back yards are landscape... 06/25/2021

 I remember last year in our first really hot days I had to call my trusted HVAC technician (plus past client).   He came over the same day, checked the compressor, furnace/motor, etc. and said I should have changed the furnace filter quicker.     OK, not good at remembering this part.....most often I go home after an inspection and change them.   My friend's A/C stopped running too, and was the filter. Change it, it will be cheaper than an HVAC visit!   06/17/2021