It has been a tough playoff, and both the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Colorado Avalanche have played hard for this trophy.We in Denver were HOPING to win the Stanley Cup Friday night but wasn't in the cards. so had to wait for tonight. SOOOO cool to watch the players enjoy the hoopla of raising the cup and the group photo of the Avalanche team!   From the time the puck dropped, it was A GAME!   Not either of the teams was complacent, they were all OVER IT!   Tampa Bay got the first goal, but Avs didn't lay low, they kept playing HARD!   There will be a parade for our team on Thursday 9 am downtown!   Come show your support! So proud of our team --- CONGRATULATIONS COLORADO AVALANCHE! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE COLORADO AVALANCHE! 06/26/2022

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 million, you can find it in Denver or in the surrounding suburbs.     Here is how the luxury market fared for the mo... 06/23/2022

With home buyers searching the Internet for their home, these listings are plastered all over many websites.      They are searching for certain specific criteria in their Dream Home in the neighborhoods of their choice. If the listing has erroneous information in the listing, or criteria left off that could possibly sell the listing you just lost buyers.    This week I found two condo listings with over 2 acres....thinking that was an oversight.      Taking as many photos as possible to show off the new listing is critical.   In Denver, we can have up to 40 photos, and why not take advantage of this!    Some smaller properties may not have as many photos, so use the neighborhood or community amenities, like the pool and tennis courts.     How many times do we see dark photos of rooms o... 06/22/2022

With many homeowners preferring not to move, but to stay put and enjoy the pile of equity they currently have, they have thought about remodeling instead.    But, where do you put your hard-earned money, so it will help you if you should sell down the road? A kitchen is always a great place to spend some dollars.~ Update the appliances~ Change out laminate counters to granite or quartz.   (we are seeing concrete and stainless steel too in some areas)~ Change out lower end flooring to tile or hardwood flooring~ Sink & faucet - if you have chips in the sink or the faucet has seen better days, time to change it out.~ If you have old fluorescent lighting, time to change it out.    Can lighting and some accent pendant lights are nice.If you replace old cabinetry, that will definitely be an u... 06/21/2022

Buyers get stuck in a rut when they are focusing on a small area for their new home.    I know you LOVE that neighborhood, but there are a few others that are similar, with the same school district you may enjoy. I had one Buyer earlier this year that actually gave up and stopped looking when NOT ONE house came up in the neighborhood they wanted.    I tried and tried to get them to look at another that had a community pool that they said was important, and the school district was the same.  But, no way. That is where we come into play --- we CAN think out of the box a bit, maybe not have as many "must haves" in the criteria.    Some things can be changed once you are in your new home.   Location and layout, not so much.   Those granite counters can be added later, and so can the hardwoo... 06/20/2022

The 2nd game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs was last night, and BOY, our boys --- The Colorado Avalanche showed up and played like they wanted to WIN! I did not know the Tampa Bay Lightning had won the Cup for the last two years, but many said they were "on fire".    Well, I watched all the playoff games the Avs played, and they too seemed "on fire".   In fact, they swept the Edmonton Oilers 4-0 for the Western Conference.   They are playing REALLY well.   Like a well-oiled team that has played for years together. The first two games were here in Denver, and just MAYBE Tampa Bay had a hard time breathing?    We do have thin air here in Denver!     We shall see, as Game 3 and 4 will be held in Tampa this coming week. We won Game 2, hands down, and ALMOST felt sorry for the fans of Tampa Bay.  06/19/2022

 Buyers coming into Denver, or buying their first property always have this question.   Most people have at least one pet, so this is a fair question.   In the Denver metro area, almost all condo buildings accept pets.   Some have a size restriction, some limit pets to two in a condo, and there are a few that do not allow pets of any kind.    In each listing, it will state if there are pet restrictions, so you don't fall in love, then find out there are restrictions.  In some condos downtown, there are areas on a certain floor, so you can take the pup for a walk, but must clean up after them. Looking for a condo in Denver - check out these listings for sale.   06/17/2022

The stats are out for the month of May, and the numbers revolve around the increase in interest rates.    With the increase it priced out a few first-time buyers, and some buyers opted out when they couldn't get what they wanted.   This slowed the market, but not drastically.   The inventory rose 13% for the month of May.   In the first quarter, we saw a high of around 2,000 listings, April's high hit 3,200 for one weekend, and May saw a high of 4,292.   It is almost mid-June and has hit 5,200. This data is courtesy of Joan Cox - House to Home, Inc. I track data daily for the Denver metro area and are seeing around 1,464 price reductions (30%) every week and around 300 homes returning to the market in a week's period of time.   Both of these numbers have been steadily increasing. See wh... 06/14/2022

Buyers looking for a new home are looking for a safe environment.   Buyers are encouraged to consider these items to assist them in making a good decision.SafetyAs REALTORS, we are not allowed to discuss this topic, but there are many sights online with crime stats, as well as calling the local police to understand what has happened around the home they are considering.    Buyers can also check these sights for pedophiles (Megan's Law) in the area.AmenitiesWhat are you looking for in a neighborhood as far as amenities?   Would you like a pool, tennis court, playgrounds, common area, etc.?    These items are searchable fields and can locate neighborhoods with these features.    It is good to drive by these amenities and check the condition and ensure they are being maintained.Location Do... 06/11/2022

This weekend has lots going on in and around the Denver metro area --- Parker Days FestivalPARKER — “Colorado's Hometown Festival” is back for three days of shows, carnival rides, food and more. Located on Mainstreet, the 45th annual Parker Days is loaded with festival booths, face painting, a silent disco, inflatable activities, music, crafts, axe throwing, buskers, and carnival rides. The free festival runs Friday, June 10, to Sunday, June 12. See the festival schedule at ParkerDaysFestival.com.Carnival on the PlazaAURORA — The City of Aurora is hosting the 2nd annual Carnival on the Plaza event on Saturday, June 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fletcher Plaza, 9800 East Colfax Ave. Carnival on the Plaza is a free event with carnival games, ring toss, skee-ball, face painting, balloon tw... 06/09/2022

  It is that time of year once again when we see afternoon storms pass over Denver almost every afternoon.   Some areas are spared, and some are hit hard with rain and/or hail.   Yesterday there were even tornado warnings around Colorado Springs. Lightning was plentiful, even if there wasn't much rain.   According to the experts, lightning rarely will strike someone directly.   The lightning usually hits another source, like a tree, and then is transferred to a person under the tree.    You are safe in a car, and in a home.  However, if lightning hits a home, stay away from the plumbing, that can transfer also.   This is a good reason to keep your trees trimmed so they are not touching your home. We are ranked 19th in the Country for the number of lightning flashes that hit the ground, ... 06/09/2022

All bids for the Denver Bronco football enterprise were to be received by 3 pm on Monday, and there were several bids received.It does look like the Walton Family may win the bid, and all new prospective owners were requesting Peyton Manning's participation with the team.When this sale is completed, it will be the highest sale of a football team - as the offer received is for $4.5 BILLION. 06/08/2022

Can you walk into a new development and buy a home, of course.    Will it be an easy way to buy a home?    May or may not be, read on!The sales representative will be very helpful in answering all of your questions and concerns - but they work for the BUILDER!    Who is protecting your best interests? ~ Buying a brand new home is exciting.  The ability to choose your favorite floor plan, and personalize your interior decor by selecting the colors, options, and features that suit your needs and wants can be a satisfying experience that enhances your enjoyment of living in a beautiful new space you designed.~Buying a home is a complex process and is probably the most expensive transaction an individual will ever make.   All home transactions have serious financial obligations that you'll ... 06/07/2022

First, we are in desperate need of lifeguards this summer in Denver!   City of Denver has pushed back the opening of pools due to lack of staffing, and now will open June 13th.   This will allow more time to get more certified as lifeguards.One place that is not mentioned below is:  Water World - 8801 N. Pecos St., which is now open.   If you have questions - here are the FAQs.So far, here is the status around town:ArvadaApex Park and Recreation District will open two outdoor pools and a splash pad but will not open the Lake Arbor Outdoor Pool this summer.The Fitzmorris Outdoor Pool will now be open seven days per week. > Find Arvada pool schedules at APEXPRD.org. Aurora All six City of Aurora outdoor pools will be open this summer beginning Saturday, May 28. Pools will be open on a lim... 05/29/2022

Over the last several years, it has been a very strong Seller's market, and the Sellers are definitely driving the bus!    With that being said, when you ask the homeowner what they believe their home is worth, oftentimes they answer with a price WAY over the fair market value!Maybe they are comparing a home in the neighborhood to theirs, but the one sold had 200-300 square feet more than their home has!   This makes a huge difference.   Maybe they were on a site that gives "estimates", but is WAY off.    Maybe even looking at the assessor's value, can be wrong.The only way to arrive at a fair market value is to look at the properties that have sold that are a similar style home and square footage.   (you shouldn't use a ranch to compare to a tri-level home)  If there are none to compar... 05/28/2022

This weekend will be Memorial Day weekend, and having Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, we have quite a few military men and women, along with retired military living here.    You will see many homeowners displaying their American Flag proudly, showing our support.Check to be sure your flag is in good condition.    When displaying the Flag this weekend, you need to follow these rules: On Memorial Day only, raise the flag to full mast and then lower to half-mast until noon. This honors those that have died in service. Then at noon raise it to the full mast for the rest of the day. Never allow the flag to touch the ground. Display it by hanging the blue square at the top of it unless it is hung during distress. Your American flag should be clean and not tattered. If it is too worn, replac... 05/27/2022

We get this question often, and some of which should have been addressed prior to putting the home on the market.   Things to do prior to listing:It is always good to have your roof inspected, especially if you know there has been hail, wind, or if it is really old.    I have a company in town that will come and inspect it for free, and give you three estimates.   (if you call your insurance company, this will be "a claim")If you haven't had your furnace and A/C cleaned and serviced for years, you should have this done too.  Keep your receipt as the buyers may want a copy for their records.   Also, change your filter prior to the inspection.If you know there could be a broken window, this absolutely needs replacing.  Again, prior to listing!    If you have broken seals, it is a good ide... 05/26/2022

 This time of year afternoon storms come over the mountains and we can see hail, rain, and an occasional tornado.   We don't usually see tornadoes in the City, but we have a few times.  The tornadoes usually stay out East and develop over open land.  When we see hail damage the roofers come out of the woodwork, and not all of these companies are legitimate.   Over the years we hear, that they take a large amount of the total bill, get started, and then take off, without completing the work.    Don't be SCAMMED, check out the roofing company before giving a deposit! Roofing companies should have a business listed in Denver, most often can find them on BBB, and if you need any assistance, give me a call.   I know many good roofing companies that do a great job and have a history of being ... 05/23/2022

Got a text from my mobile carrier and they said effective 6/17/22, area code 983 will be added to our current 303 and 720 area codes. Remember those days when you dialed ONLY seven numbers?   It has been a while.   Years ago, everyone had 303 for a home phone as well as a cell number, then 720 was added.   When you saw a home number you knew what part of town they lived.  Today, not so much.   The 720 numbers were usually for cell numbers only.     05/18/2022

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 million, you can find it in Denver or in the surrounding suburbs.     Here is how the luxury market fared for the mo... 05/17/2022