Join me Saturday, September 1o from 2- 4 to check out the beauty!  Immaculate home is ready for move-in.  Designer Paint Colors and Gleaming floors in this 3 Bedroom, 2 FULL Bathroom Ranch Style Home.

Roomy Master Bedroom features fantastic Master Bath with double sinks, extra deep soaking tub and huge walk-in closet.

Eat-in Kitchen has pantry, kitchen island and opens to Great Room.

Great basement has plenty of storage- or finish as a Rec Room, Extra Bedroom or Play Room.  The possibilities are endless!

While the New York Times report on job growth looks dismal given the headline- Job Growth at Halt in U.S. – Worst Showing in 11 Months – NYTimes.com.- there are some counter points to note:

• The jobs report did not include 45,000 Verizon employees who are on strike, making the number appear slightly more negative than it is.
• Businesses are holding off on hiring, yet they are not laying workers off.
• The healthcare sector added 29,700 jobs in August.
• In July, retail sales and sales of durable goods- usually more expensive items purchased on credit- were up 4%.

While times are still tight, at least they are holding steady right now.

But as our friends at Runner’s World remind us, easy days are as essential as speedwork and hills for optimum performance when it counts.  Just remember, it all boils down to how a run feels.  If you are wiped out after every run, you are overdoing it.  Check out some of the great ways to make sure you are training hard and smart here: Easy Does It.

I’m off to meander around Belle Creek.  After all, today is an easy run!

HOA- a GOOD thing?

Now, I know what you are thinking.  How can an HOA possibly be a GOOD thing?  Aren’t they the ones who won’t let me build a deck without permission and charge me out the wazoo for “management” that I can’t even see?  Why don’t they concentrate on putting in a pool, or something useful like that?

Believe me, I have heard these questions and MUCH more when it comes to HOAs.  And when I read through the covenants when I am working with my buyers, I can get downright confused.  But you can bet there is a GOOD reason why HOA docs have become lengthy tomes of encyclopedic proportion.  Way back in the ancient times, like in 1950BC (Before Covenants), unsuspecting home buyers would move into a neighborhood and lovingly plant grass and flowers and erect decorative white picket fences.  They might hang an elegant porch swing and gently rock whilst sipping lemonade.  Nearly any town could have the happy semblance of Mayberry, and covenants were nearly unheard-of.

Until…Here are 3 examples from the trenches that have helped me see why HOAs can be a GOOD thing:

1.  House paint. Many of the homes in my own neighborhood were due for paint this summer.  Most of houses are between 10 and 6 years old.  That hot Colorado sun can be brutal, and some were-dare I say- overdue.  Those who were planning on painting were welcome to visit the Family Center/gym to see which of the 4 colors of trim and 5 home colors were allowed.

Now, I am all for freedom of expression.  Truly.  If you want to write poetry or design your own clothes, or paint a huge self portrait to hang over your bed, go right on ahead.  When it comes to painting your house…. that’s another story.  Bank in my rental days, my husband and I lived in the carriage house of a 125 year old manse that had been divided into about 5 apartments.

When our landlady decided it was time to paint, she wanted to have a “painted lady” feel to the house.  This meant that the red brick home was accented by neon green, hot pink, traffic cone orange and lavender.  I am not kidding.  She thought it looked beautiful.  Her neighbors thought maybe Willy Wonka’s illegitimate offspring had taken up residence.  Compared to that, I’ll take the friendly- and muted- colors of my community any day.

2. But do you actually know where it’s been?

Several years ago, there was a VW ad on TV that had 2 young men driving through the city when they come upon a perfectly good easy chair by the side of the road, awaiting trash pick up.  Ostensibly, they were frugal roomies who felt this would be a welcome addition to their apartment.  So they put it in the back of their surprising roomy car and head on down the road.  Until they notice the smell.  Easy chair ends up back on the corner, awaiting trash pickup.

Now, there is a reason why there is “outdoor” furniture.  “Indoor” furniture is usually soft and not waterproof, and will deteriorate and rot if neft outside, even under a covered porch.  Animals like the soft stuff too, and it makes a great winter habitat for mice and squirrels.  And depending on where you live, maybe raccoons or rats.  So, why, pray tell, would you want that at the front door of your house?  Please, keep the indoor furniture in, and the outdoor furniture out.  Just saying.

3. Livestock?  Are you serious?

I have friends who live in Salt Lake City.  According to city ordinance, they are allowed to have up to a certain number of chickens in their yard.  For a few years, they happily experimented with feeding them different leftover greens and grains from their dinners.  They could tell the difference in flavor between eggs that had been laid after eating chives, or garlic, or brown rice.  They don’t have those anymore, however.  After  feeding the chicks dinner scraps for a couple of years, the rats caught on.  The rats also discovered that there is even better stuff in the house.  Who’d a thunk it?!

I have known people who kept pigs, multiple cats (at one time 8 of them in one house), pit bulls, and even a miniature goat.  I love animals, but I do not want to live on a farm.  Nor do I want a “farmette” on the other side of the fence from me.  (The poop from 1 dog is bad enough.  And I’m talking about my own dog!)

There are some people who share my opinions, and others who do not, when it comes to these points.  For those who do- the HOA is a necessary entity and can be a big help sometimes.

For those who don’t, there are non-covenant communities.  And I would be happy to help you research them!

Realty Times – ‘Robo-Signing’ Moves into New Mortgages, Refinancing.

Be sure you know your lender!  Broderick Perkins’ article underscores the reason why we should know who our lenders are and how they operate.

Do your research and make sure your lender is honest and you understand your mortgage docs.  Keep in mind that Robo-signing is a federal offense!

If you are looking for a mortgage referral, contact your REALTOR.  We work closely with lenders every day and can give you several good resources.

Fixed mortgage rates mostly unchanged last week – NOCO5 – News, Weather, and Sports for Northern Colorado.

It’s still a great time to buy in Colorado- no matter where you are looking.  Prices are stable and mortgage rates remain low!

Spring is in the air, and home owners are shaking off the cold.  A spirit of rebirth is in the air with the grass greening up and flowers blooming!

Inevitably, some home owners start thinking it’s time for a change.  It might be time to think about a larger or smaller home, a new school district or job opportunity.

Today’s market is still heavily skewed toward buyers.  How do you make sure your home stands out without spending an arm and a leg?

The answer may surprise you.  Here are 3 FREE Fixes to help get your home in top shape, no matter when you decide to sell:

1.  Re-organize your closets. As a REALTOR, I see many homes that need this simple fix.  Trust me, a buyerwill open closet doors.  What they see inside may be the proverbial straw- for good or for bad.

Time Spent: 20-45 minutes.

How to: Take everything out of the closet. Re-fold all sheets, towels, blankets and linens.  While you are doing so, assess the condition of the items.  Are they frayed? Thin?  Torn?  Consider keeping them to use as cushioning to protect breakables during your move.  Still in good shape, but not really your style?  Donate them or have a garage sale!

Why Should I? Home buyers are always looking at storage space. Take a look at the photos.  Which one do you feel depicts a closet with enough room for all your stuff?

2.  Clean the baseboards. Baseboards are one of the most neglected details of a home, but they can make a huge impact. When baseboards are scuffed and dusty, it can be a big turn-off and can make a house feel downright dirty.

Time Spent: 30 minute to 3 hours. This seems like a big time discrepancy, but it really depends on the size of your home.

How to: Good old elbow grease is the best way.  Fill a bucket with warm water and your cleaner of choice.  A capful or white vinegar in a gallon of water is an economical option.  Use a sponge dipped in the solution and wrung of excess liquid and go to work.  For black scuffs, a “Magic Eraser” can do wonders.  If they are really scratched up and scuffed, get out the paint (after cleaning) for touch ups.

Why Should I? Attention to detail!  A Buyer’s first impression will last.  On the first pass through your house, they won’t necessarily be assessing the plumbing or furnace.  A house that looks clean down to the details will leave an impression of a house that is well cared-for all around.  This will go a long way toward getting a good offer!

3. Pick up the Yard. You love Fido.  He is the best friend a family could have, and you have spent many happy hours playing in the yard with him.  So, PLEASE, pick up after him!

Time Spent: 10 minutes.  (More if you haven’t done it in awhile….)

How to: This one should be self explanatory – especially if you are a pet owner.

Why Should I? Buyers are looking at your house and your yard.  If your yard looks inviting, they will step outside and walk around.  A yard full of Fido bombs is a major turn-off and will convey a sense that the current owner hasn’t taken care of the yard or the home.

Take a little time to show that you have loved your house.  It will go a long way toward finding a buyer who will love it as their home.

Places to Run Near Belle Creek and Dunes Park

My Top 3: Running with Jennifer Prestwich Your Belle Creek and Dunes Park REALTOR

Just this morning, Parade Magazine (supplement to the Denver Post) published its America by the Numbers article.  Guess who was right smack there in the first part of the article?  Colorado!

Seems Coloradans enjoy 2 of the top distinctions:  Skinniest State, and Top for Physical Activity.  In honor of these distinctive awards, here are 3 of my favorite outdoor fitness endeavors.

1. Adams County Regional Park Trails. I positively love running.  It can be done anywhere, alone or with a group, and-aside from the shoes- it costs nothing.  I prefer to run outdoors to get a taste of fresh air.  Plus, you can really get to know an area when you are on foot. I have discovered a few nooks and crannies within a mile of my home that I never would have known were there just by driving.

The coolest part: There is an irrigation ditch that runs off the beaten path, with a gravel access road alongside it.  On this trail, I have seen coyotes, a vulture, bald eagles, numerous hawks, and most recently- a huge owl.  Belle Creek and Dunes Park are situated very close to I76, so it’s easy to forget that we have all of this wildlife right outside our doors.  I have trained for numerous races by running this backtrail leading to the Adams County Trail System.

2. Platte River and Cherry Creek Trails. Another favorite spot when my Denver- based friends and I get together to run.  There are over 75 miles of trails in this connected trail system- More than enough to bike, hike, run or roller blade.  The neates part for me is that you are running on a paved path without worrying about cars, but you can still enjoy the sights of Denver.  You’ll fly past the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Auraria Campus, Elitch’s and teh Denver Aquarium, just to name a few.

The coolest part, however, is when you get to Confluence Park.  There is an enormous REI store in the former Forney Train Museum, and often kayakers can be seen riding the rapids that form along the river in front of the building.  Who needs a walkman when you’ve got so many entertaining things to see in Denver? (Does anyone out there remember Walkman besides me?)

3. Bolder Boulder. Ok, admittedly, this one is not free.  But the experience is worth its weight in (the ever skyrocketing price of) gold.  A large portion of Boulder is blocked off as roughly 50,000 runners take to this street for this epic 10k race.  It starts in waves, so all 50,000 people aren’t clamoring to be at the forefront of the starting line at once.

The coolest part: I have seen running Elvises and a team of 4 that leap-frogged (is that a word?) the entire 6.2 miles.  There are bands, belly dancers, and high school cheer teams interspersed about every half mile.  The finish takes you into CU’s Folsom field where they install a floor (to protect the football field) that actually bounces. I am not kidding- after running all that way and finishing on a hill, it slopes down onto this flooring that makes you feel like you are flying.  Then, they hand you a beer.  Awesome!

I could go on for days, but I’ll limit myself for now.  Get out there and get to know your town!

If you live in Denver, you have no doubt experienced the looks of envy from your out of state friends as you have crossed a downtown intersection on the diagonal without any risk of being arrested for jaywalking.  Some of the sassier residents of Denver have no doubt even filmed and photographed themselves breaking all known laws of physics and traffic by boldly strutting from one point to the next, talking the shortest route between two points, walking as the crow flies to get to the opposite corner!

Denver was among the first cities to use the diagonal crosswalk system, and is considered by some to be the inventor of them in the 1940s.  Cities around the world followed Denver’s example and began using the diagonal crosswalks.  The city of Denver has announced that it will discontinue the usage of the 45 diagonal crosswalks in the city starting May 14, 2011.

Traffic engineers say the the diagonal crosswalks are no longer working with the city traffic flow as they require all four directions of traffic to stop for 75 seconds to give pedestrians the right of way.  The new/old system will give each direction 90 seconds.

The diagonal crosswalks are believed to have been started by a man named Harry Barnes (Denver traffic engineer from 1947-1953) after he saw the difficulty that his daughter was having crossing busy intersections to get to school.  His idea was to stop all traffic so the crowds of people at busy intersections could all get where they were going at once.

At the time, a newspaper reporter claimed it made people so happy they were “dancing across the street”, thereby coining the phrase “the Barnes Dance” to describe the diagonal crossing.  Barnes never claimed to have invented it, just to have helped make it possible.

Sources for this article include KDVR-TV and National Wacky Questions.

I sat at the kitchen table with my client.  We had been in contact over the last several months as She fixed up the home that renters hadn’t cared to keep up.  They had, indeed let the dogs use the floors instead of going outside, and smoked like chimneys in the home. She has restored it better than new.

It was truly a labor of love for her, rebuilding window boxes, painting, re-doing the kitchen, adding brand new carpet throughout.  The results were spectacular.  Any buyer would be proud to purchase it.

We poured over the recent sold data in the area and I suggested a price range.  ”But, I can’t,” she said with a sigh.  ”I owe $Xxx,000.  I need to price it about $25,000 higher than you are suggesting.  Let’s do that and see what happens.”

The Moment of Truth. Many agents have been here before.  As have many sellers.

For whatever reason, it is time to sell a home.  Maybe you are moving up, down-sizing, relocating.  Maybe you are a landlord and you have grown weary of the late night calls when the toilet overflows, and you don’t see the upside to a property management company.  Whatever the case, one must determine a price.  So,what’s wrong with “seeing what happens”?

A few things:

• In many markets, the buyer has a lot of inventory to choose from. Buyers will start their search in with a certain number of beds and baths, and a price range.  If your home is over-priced for the area, your home will help sell other homes. Imagine going to see a $250,000 home with 3 beds and 2.5 baths, and 2200 square feet.  It’s clean and has a lot of upgrades, including new paint and carpet.  Just down the street is another home listed at $255,000.  Except this one has 4 beds, 3 baths and 2900 square feet, plus an unfinished basement.  It needs paint, but the appliances are in good shape….  Which do you think might appeal to you?
• Even if you don’t “have to” sell your home, you are competing with others who do.  Imagine the first home in the scenario above.  Now imagine that on the next block there is a home with the same floor plan, square footage and beds and baths. Except this couple is getting a divorce and they want to get as far away from the home (and each other) as they can.  They’ve listed theirs at $205,000, even though the comps in the area are closer to $225,000.  Do you think the buyers will go for the $205,000 or that $250,000?
• Your home will sit on the market.  For awhile. When homes sit on the market for many months and other homes around it are selling a few things happen.  First, it’s a lot of work to keep your home listed and the payments that you will continue to make start to add up.  Second, agents and buyers start to see it asstale, and may even start to assume something is wrong with the home. Especially when the buyer and agent see the continuing price drops over the months with no action.

The truth is that your home is only worth as much as a buyer is willing to pay. And even then, if the buyer is using a lender, the lender will order an appraisal.  If your house doesn’t appraise, the buyer may not be able to cover the difference and may decide to walk away.

Beware the Perils of Overpricing. (Your REALTOR can help you explore the options.)