| Looking Up! |
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Did you ever see Fred Astaire looking down at his shoes? Have you noticed that in dancing, the dancers lead with their heads, letting the feet go where the eyes go. A downhill skiier rarely looks at the skis or bindings; the eyes look forward allowing the rhythm of the bumps the energy to guide the skiier.
The Dow hit 13000, things are looking up. The residential real estate market is also looking up! In Cherry Creek North, the stats for the year 2011 show that the price per square foot is steadily moving up. In Condominiums the low price per square foot was $139 compared to the high at $913 leaving an average per square foot price at $377. In the single family home category the low price per square foot was $302, the high was $855 leaving an average per square foot price at $424. In looking up and forward to 2012, there are still many great values in the market with low per square foot prices, but the inventory is low and sellers are gearing up for a brisk spring market. The timing for an upward Seller's market may correspond with an increase in interest rates. What does this mean?
Look forward, move forward...start looking up!
Email judy@kentwoodcity.com for more information on the market or a free market analysis of your home.
posted: February 22, 2012
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| Congratulations Douglas |
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Douglas County ranked #6 in the nation for the wealthiest counties. It was the only county in Colorado to make the list and the only county west of the Mississippi. Most of the counties that came in the top 15 were near and around Washington DC, counties in Maryland and Virginia and New Jersey listed a few counties.
The median household income in Douglas Country is $94,909! This is an impressive number, but the wow factor is that 30.5% of the residents in Douglas County are under the age of 18 suggesting it is a great place for families. There is an average of 340 people per square mile, another attractive feature for living in the wide open spaces of Colorado.
Douglas County is located city close to Denver, a short travel up I 25. It borders the foothills, and features the famed red rocks along the fountain fault. It enjoyed a 62% increase in population from 2000 to 2010.
The gorgeous lot at 89 Indigo Way is located in Douglas County, in Castle Pines Village. It is located on the tenth green of the Castle Pines Golf Club, ready for a new build.
The home featured in the blog image is located in Douglas County, sitting on an acre of scrub oak and ponderosa pines with mountain and golf course views.
Email me at judy@kentwoodcity.com for more information on the lot at 89 Indigo Way or the featured house.
posted: February 20, 2012
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| Million Dollar Baby |
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You look like a million bucks! Or so say the buyers that have purchased Million Dollar Plus properties in the Denver area. In recapping January of 2012, buyers have purchased $56,193,722 in single family and condominium Million Dollar Plus properties compared to last year at this time of $49,760,083. This resulted in an increase of 14.7 % in transactions and a 12.9 % increase in volume...now this is "news you can use!". As the inventory has decreased so has the number of days on the market from 264 to 211. All of this information is from the Kentwood marketing department and it is good news.
The Million Dollar Baby is making a comeback, so get started and climb aboard before the train leaves the station. If you are thinking about listing a property email me at judy@kentwoodcity.com. If you are thinking about buying a property let's get started while the interest rates are still low. If you have a property that is listed, this is not meant as a solicitation but a congratulation and let the momentum continue.
www.judy@kentwoodcity.com" target="_blank">www.judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: February 16, 2012
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| Million Dollar Baby |
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You look like a million bucks! Or so say the buyers that have purchased Million Dollar plus properties in the Denver area. In recapping January of 2012, buyers have purchased $56,193,722 in single family and condominium Million Dollar Plus properties compared to last year at this time of $49,760,083. This resulted in an increase of 14.7 % in transactions and a 12.9% increase in volume....now this is "news you can use!". As the inventory is decreased so has the number of days on the market, from 264 to 211. All of this information is from the Kentwood marketing department and it is good news.
The Million Dollar Baby is making a comeback, so get started and climb aboard before the train leaves the station. If you are thinking about listing a property contact me at judy@kentwoodcity.com. If you are thinking about buying a property let's get started while the interest rates are still low. If you have a property listed, this is not meant as a solicitation but a congratulation, and let the momentum continue.
email: judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: February 16, 2012
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| Bespoke |
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Design After Dark, the annual fund raiser for the Design Council of the Denver Art Museum, was sold out on Friday night. Patrons from the art, architectural and design communities convened to admire each other's accomplishments as well as the auction items that represented "Bespoke". Bespoke is a term that describes a high degree of customization and involvement by the end user in the production of goods. In clothing it would represent more than custom tailoring, it involves the selection of fabrics and features as well as the custom measurement.
Do you "bespoke"? The opportunity awaits with a great building site within Castle Pines Village. Set at the 10th green of the number one handicap hole of the Castle Pines Golf Club, the building site offers views of the golf course, ponds, mountains and the ponderosa pines. It sits at the end of the cul-de-sac on Indigo Way and encompasses close to two acres. This is the ultimate opportunity to bespoke your dream home in a dream setting. There are approved architectural plans, if you prefer to defer, however the lot itself is a cleared etch a sketch....a clean slate if you so desire.
89 Indigo Way sits in the heart of Castle Pines Village, a gated community of 2800 acres of ponerosa pines, scrub oak and relief.
It is located approximately 20 minutes from the heart of Denver's urban circle. It is 10 minutes from major shopping at the Park Meadows Mall location at I-25 and C-470. It is less than 10 minutes from Sky Ridge hospital and medical center.
For more information on Castle Pines Village or 89 Indigo Way, email me at judy@kentwoodcity.com.
Do you bespoke? It's time!
posted: February 13, 2012
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| Caveat Emptor |
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"A maxim of Roman law, now part of British-tradition common law, that a buyer's omission to make funamental inquiries and inspection of property leaves the purchase of deficient property at the buyer's peril." This is the common definition of the Latin words Caveat Emptor, or "let the buyer beware". This rule has been assailed but it is too well established to be dismissed, therefore, buyers in a transaction to purchase lands or other real estate must take heed to see the the title he is buying is good. A person who buys a house without a third party inspection, who later seeks to reverse the sale because of some issue related to fitness for habitation may have no rememdy. This is caveat emptor and unfortunately this definition was not disclosed in a recent article in a daily newspaper, but the definition is readily available compliments of Google.
In the recent article, the author mentioned a couple that purchased a home without the expertise of a buyer broker. It made note that the couple "saved" $2,000 on the purchase because a commission was not paid to the selling agent. Most buyer broker fees/selling commissions are paid by the seller and not by the buyer, so a savings is not necessarily related to buying a property without the advantage of a buyer broker representing your interests. This was not mentioned in the article, nor what services a Realtor provides during agency with a buyer. In addition to selecting appropriate homes in the appropriate price range for buyers to tour, the broker also provides expertise in neighborhoods and communities as well as up to date zoning, environmental and landmark issues. Brokers receive on going training and education in all matters related to the contracts to buy and sell real estate, contracts that protect both buyers and sellers. In a normal contract, the buyer goes through the inspection process, survey process, lending process, appraisal process and the due diligence of documents relating to the real estate prior to reaching the closing table. Buying and selling real estate has been anything but normal the last few years. Horror stories abound, many involved misrepresentation or no representation by a professional real estate broker. You actually do get what you pay for in this area of the economy, usually $2,000 rarely covers the costs to remedy.
The internet is a marvelous tool for buyers to search on their own, saves time and eliminates the obvious during a home search. The internet cannot provide information or notice on the proposed Dollar Store strip mall that is going in across from the million dollar home for sale that looks like a "steal" because the seller will look at all offers. The internet will not help when the funds are not wired prior to the closing deadline. The internet cannot write an amendment to the contract nor negotiate the options. Protecting one of the major assets in a financial portfolio is more critical today than ever before, and the competence of a professional realtor is key.
For more information on the services that I provide as a Realtor with over 30 years in the Denver area real estate market, email me at judy@kentwood city.com.
posted: February 11, 2012
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| Jumping In |
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According to the Denver Post, the metro area home sales are up from a year ago...by 14.7 % and the dollar value is up 13%. The latest mortgage rates are 3.01% for a 15 year fixed, last week it was 2.99%. The number of houses that are currently listed has dropped since a year ago and more houses are going under contract prior to being listed in the MLS!
The water is fine...time to jump in.
Timing is everything and jumping in at the right time is a matter of timing.
With the inventory dwindling, sellers need to stop pacing the edge of the pool...time to jump in because there are buyers wading in. A strong indication that the market is changing is the number of new retailers that are jumping into the Denver area market. Trader Joe's announcement that new stores will launch in the metro area received rave reviews, as well as the announcement that Dunkin Donuts will open 11 new stores. The Union Station redevelopment project has brought excitement to the lower downtown area with a flurry of residential sales. The Four Seasons reportedly put several condos under contract during there 3 week price drop, most will close before the outdoor pools open. Time to jump in!
If you are looking for someone to encourage you to take the plunge, email me at judy@kentwoodcity.com.
Working in the Kentwood City Properties lower downtown office affords buyers and sellers opportunities in real estate that no other location can offer. The marketing materials exceed any in the Denver area and the listing inventory is exceptional, allowing my clients first hand market information and previews of real estate prior to a market launch. Working with a professional realtor is akin to swimming high tide with a lifeguard,...
email:judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: February 9, 2012
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| Game On! |
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The Denver real estate market is well into the first quarter, and 2012 could be a game changer. The low inventory has well priced homes positioned to receive multiple and back-up offers. Open House Season is near, let the March Madness begin.
If you are undecided on listing your home this spring take a look at a few economic projections. Heather Draper, journalist with the Denver Business Journal summarized the comments by James Paulson, Chief Investment Strategist for Wells Capital Management. In her view, he was quite optimistic with declarations that there is growth in the GDP and a dip in the unemployment. He named 2012 the "gear year" because it is the third year of the recession recovery and the year the economy will gear up. Paulson claims there is a lot of pent up demand and that consumers will start spending again. In other words, there is cash on the sidelines!
As a Seller, the game plane consists of a strategic timeline. Prior to listing the home, Sellers need to take a hard nosed look at the team. Choosing an experienced Realtor that is familiar with the neighborhood is critical. One rarely hears of a patient choosing a doctor based on low cost services and fresh/new to the business. Similarly, a professional sports franchise will mix up the head coach to get to the play-offs, but they rarely choose a coach from a different sport or based on low-salary options. They never choose a relative or "my wife's brother- in -law from her first marriage". Sellers need to choose the broker and the brokerage firm with reputation, experience, knowledge and marketing tools.
The second most important team player in listing a house is the house!
The house must be ready prior to the first showing. Many sellers are electing to do a pre-listing home inspection based on the mantra, "If it's broke, fix it". A pre-inspection allows the Seller to call the plays, if a sink doesn't drain properly you can call your plumber. If a problem is expensive and requires bids, your position in the game is more advantageous if it occurs prior to a Buyer's inspection. A pre-inspection allows the Seller to complete the Seller's Property Disclosure with confidence and documented knowledge.
Another member of the Seller's team is the Seller or Sellers. Everyone needs to be on board for having the home "show ready" daily. Homes tend to show better with lights and music, kitchen and baths spotless, pets in agreement with their showing arrangements as well as children. It is the half-time show that only last minutes, so it needs to be spectacular.
If the game plan seems daunting, call or email me at judy@kentwoodcity.com. I will be the offensive coordinator from pre-listing to closing and the post season.
Game on!
posted: February 3, 2012
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| TWO HANDS |
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We are born with two hands for a reason....one to give and the other to receive. It was never more evident than the other evening when the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame inducted several honorees, each one placing Colorado on the map for world class tennis. All the proceeds went to the Colorado Youth Tennis Association with the mission to promote diversity and inclusion. Serving the underserved, and we are not talking match - point - game. Tennis is a game that mixes athleticism with intelligence, a game that requires perseverance and concentration. Bringing tennis to the inner city schools allows educators to instill values and positive thinking skills to Colorado's youth. One such elementary school has seen academics and test scores rise due to the school wide effort to include tennis and chess into the after school curriculum.
It was my pleasure and honor to be in the audience when Scott Humphries received his induction into the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame. Scott's mother was a Californian that played on the University of Colorado tennis team and helped bring youth tennis to Greeley. His talents went beyond the state tournaments as he went on to win at Wimbledon and enroll at Stanford University. Congratulations Scott and to Colorado for promoting our youth through a game that requires a serve and return, two hands ...one to give and one to receive...a game of love!
posted: January 31, 2012
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| Innovation |
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What do Secretariat and Steve Jobs have in common? Innovation.
Secreatariat, with deep Colorado roots, was owned by Penny Tweedy. The innovation behind Secretariat was that the breeding empire that gave us Secretariat was built on broodmares recasting the destiny of horse racing. Steve Jobs' innovative brain changed the world and continues to change our world through innovations.
One change to watch is the Articulated Naturality Web, which is the future of augmented reality. This will be the next renaissance in computer vision, taking the world as a scene through a smart phone and then allowing the user to see the elements within. It is totally 3 dimensional and reveals what you don't see in the flat. An example would be to take a picture of a hotel from the street, ANW will allow the user to go within a room and virtually see how it is laid out and the amenities. It can go within a commercial space in a building and articulate the interior by adding desks and workspace and then rearranging or modifying. This will change industries across the world.
Check out the link to learn more at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnRJaHZH9lo.
Email me at judy@kentwoodcity.com to learn more about the innovative ways we can market your home.
posted: January 27, 2012
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| The Crown Jewel |
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Denver has oft been referred to as the "Queen City", the nomer dates back to the mining days but is relevant today. Another jewel in the crown of the most successful and locally owned real estate company in the "Queen City" is a new affiliation with Christies International. The Kentwood Company has formally announced to brokers and staff that it has affiliated with Christies International Real Estate.
One of the world's oldest art auction houses and currently showing the famed Elizabeth jewels, Christies started its real estate arm in 1995. The original auction house was established in 1766, ten years before Colorado established statehood!
Adding the Christie's brand to the familiar and respected Kentwood brand is a win for all. The luxury home market is one sector of all the real estate services that are offered by the three Kentwood offices, the company markets and sells properties in all price ranges. This new affiliation allows properties valued at more than one million a broad international showcase through internet and print marketing.
The gorgeous Christie's International Real Estate magazine is rich in its color, photography and design. The magazine has a distribution to more than 1,300 cities in 48 countries from Denver to Dubai. It is available in fashionable resorts, hotels, private airport lounges and newstands and Affiliate offices and client mailings. Look for the next Kentwood City Properties listing under Judy Fahrenkrog in the next magazine.
For more information on the real estate services that I provide for buyers and sellers, or for a marketing presentation please contact me at
judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: January 25, 2012
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| Three Days |
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The Super Bowl has become the East Coast bowl but the talk of this town is "win or lose, they still have to live on the east coast". So, what is so intriguing about the life and style in the mile high city, home of the AFC West champions and four other professional sports teams? Let's take a look at the last three days in Denver.
Friday afternoon, temperatures hovered around 60 degrees with a front range chinook...golf anyone? The city's municipal courses hosted foursomes from around town and the mountain communities. City Park's golf course was spectacular with views of snow capped mountain peaks and sweater weather. After an afternoon of fresh air, time to breathe in the city views from a rooftop deck at one of the newer nightspots opening in the boutique Denver communities. Linger, in the Highlands has a rooftop deck with views of the luminous Denver skyline, but don't linger (double pun intended) two days to go.
Saturday, temperatures hovered between the late fifties and early sixties so time to cruise through the morning. Everyone had a ride, from Schwinn to Harley to muttons.
The last weekend of the National Western Stock Show features the Mutton Bustin contest along with the finals for the other bronco bustin. This was the weekend to get your chaps on! Part of the National Western Stock Show tradition is to keep the holiday lights lit, so it was the final weekend to take in the post holiday glow, including the spectacular canopy of lights at Larimer Square. The nightlife on Larimer Square rivets with the block long selection of bars and restaurants, including a speakeasy under the street. You do not need to go where everyone knows your name in Larimer, between the food, bars and music you will find plenty of "cheers" and a closing time of 2 am is not a deterrent as fresh tracks await.
Sunday, early start for winter sports in the high country. While Denver enjoyed a mid-winter thaw, the mountains received inches to feet of the white stuff. The many world class ski resorts are less than a two hour drive so Denverites can pick and choose, no flights required. To round out the three days, a leisurely afternoon at an apres ski spot to catch the final two minutes. With the Rocky playground in the background, many a Denverite smiled, the East Coasst may have two Super Bowl contenders but we get to live here.
For more information on the life and style of Denver and the many real estate opportunities to help you live here, please contact me at:
judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: January 23, 2012
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| TWELVE |
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Twelve is a composite number, the smallest number with exactly six divisors. There are twelve inches in a foot and one dozen equals twelve. There are twelve star signs and twelve signs of the Chinese Zodiac. In Hindu the sun god Surya has twelve names and the western zodiac has twelve signs. There are twelve tribes of Israel in Judaism and twelve days to Ephiphany in Christianity. The Mayan calendar ends in two thousand twelve. Twelve men have walked on the moon and twelve is the symbol for the crowd roar in football. There are twelve months in a year....now that is enough time to buy or sell so do that in 2012!
The current real estate market is proving to be an opportunity that one should not miss, whether you are a first time home buyer, looking for a second home, looking to relocate or looking for a real estate investment. There are twelve reasons why you should not wait, the top of the list is the fantastic interest rate for a buyer and the low inventory for sellers.
If you would like more information about buying or selling in this come back market email me at
judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: January 18, 2012
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| 2012 |
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Not the score of the Bronco-Pats play off game tomorrow evening but the toast to a really great year, 2012.
So many positive things are happening in Denver, and real estate trumps Tebow according to a Fox news report on investments.
Greg Rand of the real estate website Own America was interviewed on Fox News and he stated that the number one place to live is Denver, Colorado. Why? The lifestyle! He stated that the low cost of living mixed with the high quality of life has pushed Denver into the top. People from all over the nation are migrating to Denver, and the average age is young, young. The lifestyle is the fresh air, the hiking, biking, skiing not to mention the spectator sports.
The foreclosure rate is 1/2 the national average so with rental rates rising, Greg is targeting single family home REITS as the next great investment for your money and the place to do that investing is Denver!
2012 will introduce the single family REIT and I will introduce you to Denver!
Email me now at :
judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: January 13, 2012
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| Reboot... Recharge...Restart |
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Rebooting or recharging, we actually tend to complete those tasks daily with all of our electronics. We are a tech society, linked in to our info and tethered to the tweet. This is the future and as 2011 closes, it is time to rethink 2012 and the future.
As you resolve to rethink your financial future, plan ahead and take charge of your household planning, including your real estate needs.
The residential real estate market is gaining strength, interest rates are low and inventory is low in many areas; this should reboot the sellers market. Buyers are finding financing options and are taking advantage of the last of the great bargains; this should reboot the fence sitters. Many homes are going under contract prior to hitting the metro list marketing system, giving new meaning to the words "Start Your Engines".
While you click the flute and ring in the New Year, think about the cupboard you will store it in until next year. Maybe it's time to put moving at the top of your New Year's List!
Happy New Year To All!
posted: December 27, 2011
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| Twas the Night be...FORE! |
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The New York Times Magazine's cover story on Sunday was titled, "Is There Anything Wrong With This Economy That A Jack Nicklaus-Designed Golf Course Can't Fix?"
The answer is NO! The article centered around reviving an area in Michigan by giving it a second life with a golf course community. If you build it they will come, the recurring motto for areas across America.
Castle Pines Village, just south of Denver but within the metro area boasts two Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses, one famous for the many years it hosted the International PGA golf tournament. The advantage of living in a community with a beautifully designed golf course is the acre upon acre of open fairways and greens, lush landscaping and manicured boundaries. Most golf courses offer a clubhouse for entertaining and traditionally great food. In Castle Pines Village, the golf courses offer fields of deep white virgin snow on this first day of winter. You may see an occasional animal or human track, as many of the residents will enjoy snowshoeing on a wintry morning.
Both courses in Castle Pines Village are member only, but the Country Club at Castle Pines has both golf and social memberships available.
The community is near complete so premier lots are unique, especially lots with location and views.
89 Indigo Way is offered as a near two acre lot located at the green of the Castle Pine's Golf Club's number one handicap hole, a long par 5 sloping fairway with a spectacular pond at the green. It is offered below the appraised value, and is available with approved architectural plans if so desired.
For more information on building the home of your dreams on a spectacular lot in an established community, contact me at:
judy@kentwoodcity.com
Your dream house is just a tee shot away!
posted: December 22, 2011
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| Happy |
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It's the most wonderful time of the year, the Colidays...not a typo but the Holidays in Colorado. Take a look at a holiday trip around the Denver area the weekend before Christmas and Chanukah.
Day One:
Friday evening brings a walk through the Denver Botanic Gardens spectacular light show, Blossoms of Light or the whimsical display at the Denver Zoo for Zoo Lights. Both are so illuminating that you need to see both, don't forget the 3 D glasses as seeing is believing. After cups of hot cocoa it is time to dine at one of the many new organic and "foodie" restaurants that have just opened in Denver...Charcoal, Linger, Bittersweet, even the names tempt the palate.
Day Two:
A Saturday stroll down Larimer Square with performing carolers, swags of evergreens and local shops. Stop into the French Bistro Vendome for a quick Croq or Tartare before walking up to the Denver Performing Arts Center for the Colorado Ballet Company's performance of Tschaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet or Broadway's revival of West Side Story. It makes you want "to live in America"!
A quiet evening of wrapping gifts or driving through the Denver neighborhoods for to view the holiday home decorations and lights. Country Club, Morgan's District, Cheesman and Park Hill are appealing and Dickensian with tudor architecture and towering pines.
Day Three:
Teeing the Bow on your favorite Bronco fan and tailgating on a sunny Sunday Funday in the mile high city.
Temps in Colorado can swing from 40 to 60 in one day. A Patriot win is not really a Denver loss as they had to go home to Boston and Bronco fans were soon planning a trip up the hill for fresh tracks on Monday morning. With skiing out the back door, it is easy to shut the front door on a bah humbug loss.
The perfect ending to a Sunday evening with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra's sold out performance of Handel's Messiah.
What city offers a weekend of world class ballet, symphony, theatre, dining, shopping, football and skiing?
For more information on the Denver area's residential real estate market email: judy@kentwoodcity.com.
Spend the "Colidays" here!
posted: December 19, 2011
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| The Eyes Have It |
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Eye contact, no, not a new class offering at all the major colleges and ,yes, almost a thing of the past.
In today's world of texting, robo texting, IM messaging, tweets and on and on, eye contact is a forgotten form of communication.
The average two year old can scroll through Mom's I-phone in seconds to find a favorite game. Many toddlers walk to the television screeen and slide their tiny hands across expecting the screen to move. The teenager is probably dutifully watching the same toddler from the couch but sending several simultaneous texts without looking at the electronic device. Walk into many a corporate meeting and you will see all heads down, listening to the speaker or checking email. Electronic communication is immediate and current, but it is not eye contact.
Eye contact is one of the most critical tools available in negotiating a real estate transaction. Many a buyer has walked through a listing and made verbal comments, but the truth about the buyer's feeback appears when reading between the eyes. That same non verbal messaging occurs when writing contracts and negotiating contracts, much of the truth lies behind the contacts. The email contracts are fast and immediate yet devoid of eye contact and the instant messaging the eyes reveal.
When choosing a broker to represent you and your family, remember the value of all communicative tools.
If you are currently working with a broker this blog is not meant as a solicitation, but, if you are looking...
Contact Me!
judy@kentwoodcity.com
We can meet, in person, and communicate!
posted: December 16, 2011
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| A Gingerbread Condo |
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An update from a fan client revealed that he was referring a new client, his eight year old daughter. This adorable, intelligent and somewhat precocious daughter prefers the word "peeps" when referring to her school chums. Seems the word "people" takes up too much time, or perhaps 2 many syllables?
She has also requested an alternative to the traditional holiday baking, instead of a Gingerbread House she wants to bake a Gingerbread Condo! Wow, game on, this is the client of the future and it is beginning to look bright!
According to the Case Schiller report as reported in Inside Real Estate News, Denver home prices did not collapse to the level of many major cities. The negative media headline news has been highlighting markets such as Las Vegas and Phoenis, markets that built and developed right through the bubble. Their housing became too big too sustain, too big to fit. Those markets declined on the average of 60 percent, most markets lost 30 percent while Denver dropped 14 percent. Surprisingly, if you purchased a home in Denver in 2000, there has been an increase of about 13 percent on the average. These numbers fit, and are reasonably comfortable for buyers and sellers to negotiate around.
Having a Goldilocks moment yet?
Not to worry, the future is bright for the Denver area as the inventory is quickly diminishing and the buyers are increasing. With low interest rate opportunities, it is a great time to buy or sell in Denver...
in fact in Denver, you might even hear the phrase it's a Tebow time to make things happen...courtesy of my newest client!
posted: December 12, 2011
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| Must Love Dogs... |
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.....a job skill for residential real estate professionals.
On a recent zero degree snowy Denver morning, the Kentwood City Properties brokers toured several properties that were just listed or are listed as coming soon. Since the temps dropped to well below zero the night before, and the snow had fallen in inches on the two previous days, the sidewalks were hard packed and icy. Job skill set #3 for selling residential properties, a background in figure skating.
Undaunted by the snow and ice, the lock boxes containing house keys provided ample opportunity for flesh adhering to cold metal. Job skill set #2, prior work experience as a locksmith.
Selling residential real estate is not for the meek nor weary. Upon entering a property on tour, a rather old, precious, blind and hard of hearing Lassie-esque dog was standing on guard in the hallway on her bed. Skill set #1 Must Love Dogs.
The notion that residential real estate brokers must be schooled and tested in real estate law, real estate agency, real estate finance, real estate commission approved contracts, real estate markets and marketing, real estate web sites, the internet, real estate development, mortgage rates and other lending opportunities, real estate titles and commitments is correct. Residential real esate brokers must also be current on mandatory subjects as it relates to contract changes and inspection issues, must keep a license current with several hours of continuing education course work and keep a current ethics class certificate to be members of the local, state and national realtor boards. All of this is what makes a real estate broker a professional. What is not commonly known are the other skill sets involved, including #1 Must Love Dogs.
A fews years back, a well known and beloved dog in the Castle Pines Village neighborhood was at home when a broker with a scheduled appointment arrived with a client. The adorable Bichon greeted the broker and client with a coquettish wagging of tail and the obligatory asana (original dog pose) of rolling on his back for a tummy rub. The broker and client toured the all three floors of the house unaccompanied and upon leaving they were greeted at the door by the same dog in full palace dress...teeth bared and growling. It seems, his technique for getting the house sold was to keep the client in the house. The broker did not panic, made a few phone calls (luckily Castle Pines Village is a 24 hour gated community with emergency services personnel) and the real guards showed up with none other than Popcorn treats. You just can't make this stuff up.
So when considering a brokerage firm to represent you and your family, including the furry friends, trust a company whose brokers have the skill sets necessary.
You can email me at judy@kentwoodcity.com for a market analysis of your home and current marketing strategies or if you are interested in purchasing a new home, rates are still at all time lows so it is a good time to buy.
Or, if you are interested in learning more about becoming involved with one of my favorite non-profits ...you guessed it....The Denver Dumb Friends League, I would be happy to share that information.
posted: December 6, 2011
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| Casa |
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The best, the first, the biggest...the significance of a word can take on a new meaning by adding a superlative or diminutive to the end. There is nothing theatrical or affected by the use of superlatives, they are just a way of making language more colorful and a truly colorful language is Italian.
The Italian word for house is casa, the same word in many languages. As small house is a casina, casita in Spanish. A simple little cottage is a casupola while a farmhouse is a casale, the shed and the little shed are the casotto and casottino appropriately. If you live in a casetta, you live in an insignificant house. A casino is a bordello, hmmmm, wonder if Vegas knows that term; a casino there might prove lucky for you and you could end up in a castello or castle. Hopefully your castello is bello and not a casona, which is a big and slightly ugly house as opposed to a casaccia, big and really ugly.
Whatever type house you have, the Italians probably have a word for that house and that word would make it more interesting.
In real estate the marketing words used to describe houses are also colorful. For instance, in describing a small bungalow in Wash Park you might see the word "cream puff" or "dollhouse"; a new home on an old lot in the Highlands might receive words such as "urban mod" or "contemporary chic". The more exclusive suburbs have homes that are "estate like" or "old world" with a touch of "Euro". The descriptive word for a home can be the defining selling point.
Give me a call to stop by and see your house, let's brainstorm words and perhaps take a look at some other marketing strategies for you or your neighbors. There is a considerable drop in inventory in homes for sale in the Denver area, might be a "primo" time to sell!
Email me at judy@kentwoodcity.com.
The Italian terms for houses was researched in the book "Italianissimo" by Louise Fili and Lise Apatoff
posted: December 4, 2011
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| Some Like It Haute! |
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A white December snowfall welcomed many a Coloradoan this morning. Time to get your cozy on and light the candles, stoke the fire, sip a "haute" toddy from a comfy couch in your "haute" property. With December's short days and cold wintry nights, isn't it time for you to get "haute"?
There are plenty of "haute" properties in the Denver metro area, from Boulder to Castle Pines Village, but many of these properties are quiet listings. A quiet listing is a property that is not officially listed in the area's metro list service, nor can be found on the internet. The marketing is a cozy "word of mouth" transaction and many are getting sold quickly. A quiet listing is always "haute"!
The elegant but cozy fireplace shown in this blog is one of four in a quiet listing on a spectacular lot in Castle Pines Village. Four fireplaces to get "haute".
For more information on this Frank Lloyd Wright styled masterpiece, email me at judy@kentwoodcity.com.
posted: December 1, 2011
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| If I Had a Wagon |
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...I would go to Colorado! On the last day of November, Coloradoans are experiencing a fairly typical Colorado late autumn day. The late autumn foliage is ready to change out the closet for winter white. While temperatures are going to be mildly 60 something with bluebird skies, there will be a sudden drop as the clock strikes midnight and an expected five inches of snow will arrive with December. This is Colorado and this is why people want to live here.
If it snows five inches Coloradoans don't expect school to be cancelled and will probably wear flip flops to that early morning yoga or spin class. Humidity? It is humid to the average Coloradoan if it is over 25%, which is why it never seems too cold or too hot.
The determining factor if someone is from Colorado is that they give directions by saying toward the mountains or away from the mountains and they know what the Continental Divide is and where it is.
Spotting a bear on your front porch or a herd of elk across your golf course doesn't bother you...if you are from Colorado. You probably have a ski pass hanging next to your car keys and you have experienced off roading in a vehicle that was never intended for such activities. You don't store your bike for the winter and you keep your holiday outdoor lights up through Stock Show. You have been to the Brown Palace for Christmas tea and the showing of the prize bull in January.
You own a cowboy hat.
Sounds like fun, right? This is why Colorado hits the top ten list for desirable places to reside in every category, so why not make that move to Colorado. We have plenty of room! One option is to build your dream home on the most spectacular lot in Castle Pines Village on the prestigious Castle Pines Golf Club's hole #10. There is a foundation ready on this nearly 2 acre wooded lot with views of the ponds and mountains and the golf course. Castle Pines is one of the most desirable residential communities because it has mountain living yet it is city close. Only a 20 minute drive down the Interstate (another Colorado term and you are there! Check out 89 Indigo Way in Castle Pines Village on this website and the Kentwood website at
www.denverrealestate.com
If you are interested in exploring options for your new life in Colorado email me at judy@kentwoodcity.com.
posted: November 30, 2011
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| Occupy Home |
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Colorado was the perfect setting for the Thanksgiving holiday week. Temperatures were mild to unseasonal, with an afternoon round of golf as the major rival to an afternoon of football. Biking around the Denver area there were sightings of homeowners hanging outdoor holiday lights and greens and a few just hangin' on a sprawling porch catching a late autumn tan. Denver's rating as the number one city for male, female and pet fitness was obvious as the parks and corridors were teaming with joggers, bikers, tennis players, volleyball gamers and dog walkers. All were out with family and friends from near and far and all were headed to one place this evening....home.
Home is still the number one fan favorite for Thanksgiving. Home is where one goes to fire up the olfactory receptors, to ignite the inner child and to rekindle memories. Home is the yin and the yang of family relationships, the alpha and omega of our personal transparency. Home is the plate of our lives, so why not live in the home that reflects you and your family.
As you took the time to Occupy Home this holiday weekend, if it didn't fit, now is the time to make that change. A few of the holiday classic movies that played had themes around moves to make the home fit the family. "Miracle on 34th Street" was themed around believing in something bigger than yourself, something that can't be seen and to Susan's surprise, the one dream she wanted was a wish granted...a new home. "With Six You Get Eggroll" is a movie about a blended family trying to make the new step relationships work with little room to spare. In the end, they made room in their hearts and lives for each other but they also moved to a new home...their home.
The movies may have been filmed in the 40's and 60's, but the themes are as current today. The home is the cornerstone of our society, it is as American as turkey and gravy.
If you want to spend some time looking at the possibility of making a move with your home, phone or email me. The holiday season is a great time to tour homes for sale. Interest rates are still incredibly low and lenders are lending.
email: judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: November 27, 2011
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| Abundance |
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Giving thanks for abundant lives is natural this time of year. Spreading gratitude for abundance gives true meaning to the Thanksgiving season.
Abundance and gratitude were ever present at the Phoebe Theresa Salon in Cherry Creek North. On Sunday, the salon opened its doors to the wives and significant others of servicemen in Iraq and Afghanistan. The owners, Phoebe and Theresa and their staff hosted the women to a day of total make-overs. The salon was abundant with scissors and dyes, hugs and tears. The wife of a serviceman in Kabul was doubtful that her husband would approve of a total make-over. He was doubtful, of the change in her look and of the cost but gave her the "go for it" when he learned that all costs were covered as a thank you for his service. She looked so fabulous, she skyped her husband in the salon. The salon is planning on doing this day of thank you to the troops quarterly. The day's event did not receive any media publicity or nod, but they did receive a complimentary lunch for the stylists and customers from an anonymous donor.
This Saturday, Denver will celebrate Small Business Saturday. There are many locally owned shops and restaurants in the Cherry Creek North area. Supporting the small business owner keeps the district unique and trendy. The salon Phoebe Theresa is one of them, located at 3037 Easte Third Avenue, next to the locally owned boutiques Alicia and Garbarini. While you are out supporting the small business owners in Cherry Creek, stop in to give your thanks to Phoebe and Theresa, set an appointment and you too can look fabulous!
For more information on the small business shops and restaurants in the Cherry Creek North area, email me at judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: November 17, 2011
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| Yes, Grasshopper! |
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In March of 2011, a vintage Grasshopper Lamp sold for $13,750 at Wright Auction House in Chicago. Designed in 1947, the lamp has a tripod stand and elongated conical shade that rotates. You can direct the light where needed. The dsigner was Greta Magnusson Grossman who immigrated to America with her husband in 1940. Her Swedish modern style became a staple for movie stars, architects, designers and more. She went on to design homes in the Los Angeles area during an era where Case Study houses were being designed and built by architects with iconic names such as Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen. Mid-century modern has stood the test of time, but you do not have to buy a mid-century product to achieve the look. Modernism is more approachable than ever with prices that will fit within many budgets.
The community of modernism is vast and well represented throughout the design community in the Denver area.
The lot at 89 Indigo Way,on the 10th green of the Castle Pines Gold Club's international course, has the perfect setting for any style home, and one can catch a slight glimpse of a home that has a modern flair. The Arts and Crafts home that is contiguous to the lot at 89 and situated on the 10th fairway, is a newer build with a Gustavian flair. A remodelled home at the 11 th tee box is of the "Beaver Creek" look that so many Coloradoans prefer when nestled into the trees. A recent sale on Indigo Way was a Colorado flagstone contemporary with a Wrightian feel. The street is the perfect community for inspired design. Time to build!
While you are getting in touch with your inner modernism or design inspiration, you might need a Grasshopper Lamp, or a reproduction built to Greta's original specs. You can find it a Design Within Reach in Cherry Creek North, and you can find a variety of light fixtures and furnishings that have been the inspiration and invention of the most elite community of designers. It's worthy of your time.
For more information on Lot 89 Indigo Way or the DWR store location or catalogue that provided much of the information on the iconic lamp, please email me at
judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: November 14, 2011
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| Giving Thanks! |
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Land of the free, because of the brave!
posted: November 11, 2011
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| Numbers Game |
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Friday's date is 11-11-11, the eleventh day of the eleventh month in the eleventh year of this century. It is a very cool number and if you are into numerology it reduces to the number 1! Numerology exists with an address too and it is easy to discern the type of house that you inhabit by doing some simple math.
According to Fran Ouelette's House Numbers, based on the 12 houses of astrology, two numbers may be working in your address, the Master Number and the Choice Numbers. Adding the numbers in the address across and continuing to reduce down will give you a single digit number, the Master Number. Adding up all the numbers in the address and subracting from 12 will give you the Choice Number, subtract until you have a number from 1-12. Condo and Apartment numbers are included in the math, but not rural routes as they are too general. So let's play.
89 Indigo Way in Castle Pines Village is a fantastic lot that is available for a lucky buyer. Let's look at the numbers to see what luck this house will bring! 89 reduces to 17 down to 8 for the Master Number and subracting 12 from 89 brings a 5 to the Choice Number. What does it mean?
A Master Number 8 house will bring a bountiful harvest, for here are the results of your performance as a unit or as a part of another (an 8 house also deals with the process of relationship). Here your relationships become potentially fruitful by proper management, seems like we're talking buyer, architect, builder here. In a #8 you may find the type of experience that causes you to make perhaps the deepest and most vital choices of you life. Wow! All that on a gorgeous home site!
A Choice Number 5 house occupant may be a bit of a dare-devil taking some risks possibly through activities. Creativity is high in this home and compatibility is a high note. I think we can see the buyer - architect - builder pattern again! What are you waiting for?
Tomorrow is as good a day as any to explore the creative potential of building you dream home. Tomorrow is a #1 day and 89 Indigo Way is the perfectly creative spot to get going!
If you would like to find out the meanings behind your current home's Master and Choice Numbers email me at judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: November 10, 2011
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| Got Talent? |
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Denver's got talent, and scoring more points at a national level than any other local player is the multi talented Kim Dawson.
Locals in the Cherry Creek neighborhood might remember Kim as a budding oenologist, consultant on the varied grapes at the Vineyard. Kim's knowledge of wine is extensive and she served her customers with class and talent. Oh it was a sad day to not see her smile, or hear her opinion on the subtleties of a certain grape. As with all talents, Kim needed to follow her own dream to see where it would take her....and soon it will be a contract with a Sony record label.
Kim is a member of the very local and extremely talented vocal group Urban Method. Urban Method has just advanced past Week 8 of Season 3 on the NBC hit show The Sing Off is a contest of a cappella groups singing varied selections from different genres. The judges are acclaimed grammy singers, Ben Folds, Shawn Stockman and Sara Bareilles and the critiques are centered on informed musicality. If you live in Denver, this is your new "Must See TV".
If you don't live in Denver, then get here now. Denver is home to several music professionals and owns its own theatre company, opera company, ballet company, theatre company and symphony. Denver sports professional teams with talented names such as Broncos football, Avalanche hockey, Rockies baseball, Nuggets basketball and Rapids soccer. Denver is home to the world class Denver Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the new Clyfford Still Museum opening on 11-11-11! In addition to all this talent, Denver's climate ranks among the best of all the major cities.
This is the time to discover your inner talent in Denver. There has never been a better time to buy into the dream. For more information on homes, condos and townhomes in the mile high city contact me by email.
judy@kentwoodcity.com.
The talented Kim Dawson and Urban Method, from Denver, will appear again on November 14 on NBC or Channel 9.
posted: November 8, 2011
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| Light Up Your Life |
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As the winter soltice approaches, afternoon dusk will play the early visitor. Daylight is officially shortened. Adjusting to the dark? The brilliance of less daylight, is discovering what we can do with darkness...light it up!
A quick drive around the micro neighborhoods of this late autumn/ early winter wonderland will lighten any life. Larimer Square is dazzling in a canopy of white lights that stretch the entire city block. Cherry Creek North is wired in tiny white lights along Third and Second Avenues. Soon the Denver Botanic Gardens will be lit with their holiday display of light themes that coordinate with the garden themes; a great spot for a romantic evening under a riot of illuminated color.
Urbanites can enjoy window views of the Denver skyline, spectacular in the evening, and views of the Elitch amusement theme park's whimsical ferris wheel. Neighborhoods from Lo-Hi and Riverfront to Washington Park offer a kaleidescope at night. Add the bonus of a mile high sunrise with the pink alpen glow and your life will be light.
So whether you are enjoying the lights around the city or with mantels of candles in your own home, take a moment to light it up.
For more information on homes, condos and townhomes that will light up your life email me at
judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: November 7, 2011
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| The Keys |
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"My mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down "happy". They told me I didn't understand the assignment and I told them they didn't understand life" John Lennon
The key to happiness is in your purse or pocket or on your desk or counter or in your mind or imagination. They key to happiness is under your thumb, near your being every minute and you are the keeper of the keys.
Every time you unlock the door to your home, or car or place of work you are unlocking the doors to your life and ultimately your happiness. If home is where the heart is, let this be your happy place and if your current key does not unlock that happiness, maybe it is time to build a new lock and grab a new set of keys.
There is a magical community in Colorado where one can build, a new home with a new key to a new kind of happiness. Lot 89 Indigo Way in Castle Pines Village is available at a below appraised value and can be purchased with or without Craig Bush architectural plans in collaboration with reknowned builder, Don Andrews.
Castle Pines Village is internationally recognized for its award-winning architecture and great natural beauty. Within 2800 acres of ponderosa pines, scrub oaks, cliffs and meadows is a master planned gated community with distinctive residential areas. 89 Indigo Way is situated in the heart of the "old" Village near the green on Number Ten of the Jack Nicklaus signature private eighteen hole course at the Golf Club of Castle Pines. The 1.94 acre lot provides views back up the fairway towards the Ridge, a view of the pond near the green, views towards Castle Rock and Pike's Peak and views of the Seventeenth fairway. The views are spectacular, the setting is fantastic and the lot is one of a kind. This is the Colorado that the Denver area suburbs can never be, it is the postcard Colorado with pure air, bluebird skies, wildflower meadows and photo ops at every turn. Castle Pines is the Currier and Ives Thanksgiving spot or the holiday winter fairyland, the community where children can sled or bike or participate in home grown Fourth of July parades. It is a childholld haven and adult sanctuary, it is happiness. Find your keys and build your dream.
For more information of Castle Pines Village or a chance to tour the lot at 89 Indigo Way email judy@kentwoodcity.com.
posted: November 3, 2011
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| Hunted House |
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No, the title is not a typo from the robo spell check on the Iphone, there really is a Hunted House on this very Halloween, in fact there are plenty of hunted houses in this unusual real estate market and many are available for quite a bit less than a few years back. Sellers have dusted off the cobwebs from earlier aggressive pricing and have had a "come to spirit" meeting with the market, so the pricing is better than last Halloween.
Mixing scary low interest rates (and how long will that last?) with dropping prices, you can't afford not to drink the brew!
Many of the houses that are available are easily viewed on line, but many of the new "under contracts" in our downtown Kentwood City Properties office are not available on line as they are sold before they hit the MLS! The opportunities are there, and Buyer Brokers are finding them...snoozing is losing so contact your realtor or email me at judy@kentwoodcity.com to search the market and develop a game plan.
Happy Hunting!
posted: October 31, 2011
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| Indian Summer Castle Pines Style |
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'Tis a privilege to live in Colorado and Coloradoans are enjoying that privilege today.
Along the front range, snow fell and temperatures dropped wreaking havoc on the Denver area's deciduous trees that have not changed color after a mild autumn. The streets have been lined with limbs and leaves, but not in the glorious Castle Pines Village.
Castle Pines Village is nestled in a century plus Ponderosa Pine forest with acres of the majestic evergreens that withstand an early winter storm. The Village is home to two Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses and a cornucopia of homes from large estates to zero lot line townhomes. The Village was planned and developed in the early eighties and has adhered to blending unique architecture with the beauty of the forest. Residents include CEO's of oil, technological, medical, educational, aerospace, legal, sports and more; including your basic CEO of the homefront. The diversity in family dynamics gives this community a special warmth, the residents span several generations. The community's homeowner's associaiton is active and communicative with a website, newsletter and open board meetings. There is an active design review committee that monitors pre-construction through post construction as well as changes to existing homes, including landscape design. The community's plan is to preserve the natural landscape, flora and fauna, with little disruption to the natural residents that range from owls to pussycats.
Castle Pines Village is a gated controlled access community with an Emergency Services Department housed near a major Fire Department. There are three community swimming pools, a fitness center, tennis courts, children's playgrounds, soccer/play fields, and hiking and biking trails that wind up and down the hills and valleys of the village.
Castle Pines Village is minutes from the Denver Tech Center, Park Meadows Mall with anchor stores such as Nordstrom's and IKEA. It is an easy commute to downtown Denver and is convenient to E470 to the Denver International Airport and C470 to the I70 corridor and Colorado's lush mountain resorts. Castle Pines Village has a small boutique shopping area, just outside the guard gates, that is home to a Tony's Market, a floral shop, restaurants and more, Pizza Delivery too!
For more information on Castle Pines Village or a chance to see the most spectacular lot, 89 Indigo Way, that is available on the prestigious Castle Pines Golf Club email me at judy@kentwoodcity.com.
posted: October 28, 2011
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| A Perfect 10 |
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Another average day in Paradise, or so the new owner of 89 Indigo will say every morning, noon and night!
Picture views back up the Castle Pines Golf Club's Fairway #10 from the morning deck with a fresh cup of coffee. This is your view! Or sip an afternoon glass and watch the stillness of the pond on the edge of the green on #10. Lounge on the deck off the Master Suite and listen to the rippling waters of Cally's Creek or the distant train whistle while gazing at the Indigo blue night sky. All angles and corners of the site on #10 seductively present picturesque views as it is the premier spot in Castle Pines Village.
Number 10 of the internationally acclaimed Jack Nicklaus signature golf course leads from the club house towards a spectacular pond near the sloping green. It is the number one handicap hole on the prestigious course. It is the perfect 10!
For more information or to schedule a tour email:
judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: October 21, 2011
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| Prestigious Par |
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What do Ernie Els, Tiger Woods and you have in common? Access to one of the most prestigious golf holes in America and the most talked about on the PGA tour. Situated on the Castle Pines Golf Club's internationally acclaimed and very private golf course, this sweet piece of land is going on the market at a sweet price. The treed lot with mountain and golf course views is located at the end of a cul de sac and will be listed below the most recent 2011 appraisal.
Put yourself on Ernie's turf, he once remarked that it was the most beautiful spot in the world. Once you have built that dream home on this gorgeous piece of ground, maybe you can treat a foursome for dinner on the deck....the invitations are ready.
For more information contact me at judy@kentwoodcity.com or Kentwood City Properties
303-820-2489
posted: October 12, 2011
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| To Market To Market |
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Washington Park is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in the Denver metro area. Tree lined streets, a major park circling two lakes with a boathouse, playground, tennis courts and jogging/cycling paths, blocks of Denver brick bungalows mixed with contemporary new builds and restaurants abound on cozy corners in the area known as Wash Park. Inventory is low, but coming to market soon is a unique gem. Built in 1929 and thoughtfully expanded, this home mixes styles with ease. Owned by a renowned architect, the home incorporates large patios, a courtyard and porch; it also features green and energy efficient qualities such as solar collectors and two high efficiency furnaces. Only one and one-half blocks to Washington Park , a half block from Steele Elementary and only two short blocks to the north end of Denver Country Club's golf course and Speer Blvd....location, location, location!
Email judy@kentwoodcity.com or contact me at Kentwood City Properties 303-820-2489!
posted: October 10, 2011
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| Someone's In The Kitchen With..... |
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The kitchen, the focal point of any home be it condo, apartment, bungalow or estate is the central chakra of the home. It reads all the senses; the eyes, nose, mouth, throat, heart and the solar plexus. The kitchen feeds! The kitchen greets, the kitchen chats and cries and laughs, it is the well being of the home. It is the most travelled room in the house, it makes the home's statement.
The family kitchen acts as control center and usually is equipped with a planning desk, nurturing room, "whining" room (Kitchen, we have a problem), brag board, media room and the immediate go to gossip center. Singles and couples that entertain often usually find it difficult to move the party out of the kitchen, it is the party statement.
Does your kitchen measure up? Would Dinah dig your digs? If not, it's time to either remodel or hang the pots in the kitchen that speaks to your soul. With interest rates at a record low, below 4% for a 30 year fixed mortgage, you can find the kitchen of you dreams, house included! Buy one and you'll be strummin on the old banjo!
Contact me for a tour of some of the best kitchens in Denver and the Denver metro area.
email me at judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: October 7, 2011
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| Home Chic Home |
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If STAYING HOME IS THE NEW GOING OUT TO A FANCY PLACE, does your home qualify?
Today's economy does not have to take a toll on your leisure downtime. Picture a Sunday morning, lolling around with French press coffee and stacks of the New York Times, Wall Street Journal or that electronic book or book you have earmarked. Are you picturing yourself in that outdoor living room with autumn foliage and a water feature or on a comfy shabby chic couch in front of a cozy fireplace readying for a day of football? You can create these spaces in a 1000 square foot house or a sprawling estate, it only takes a wish list.
Rather than spending the bank at a local steak house, open that special bottle at home and fire up the grill, indoor or outdoor. Kitchens are now more coveted than a luxury auto, and with a little networking with the cooking network, you can stun your friends and family for a quarter of the cost. Put that on your wish list.
Is your home ready to be the new great place to entertain or hang out?
There are options to update and "chic" the home front, with interest rates at an all time low, the possibilities are endless for purchasing the home that fits the wish list. If you purchase soon, you could be in for the next round of holidays.
Contact me at this website or at judy@kentwoodcity.com. I work with buyers and preferred mortgage lenders to make the home buying process easy breasy. So, Got Gourmet? If not let's chic you up!
judy@kentwoodcity.com
View homes at www.denverrealestate.com
posted: October 3, 2011
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| To Your Health |
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Struggling to get back to a healthy economy...housing, recovering and showing signs of health...a healthy retail forecast for the holidays...
so many predictions and forecasts, but are we headed back to health or wavering on the brink. The best way to insure that your home and home marketing is on the positive health side is to do the work, afterall, when it comes to health, the path is diligent.
Get the house healthy, as you would your own body, to present it to a housing market where the healthy houses get sold. A pre-sale routine should include a pre-inspection. Sellers that conduct a home inspection prior to launching the home to market are well rewarded at the time of a sale. Any issue that might arise from the inspection can be thoughtfully addressed without the pressure of a contract deadline, and once the inspection items have been corrected the house can be marketed as a "healthy" house. Another step towards good health for your house is to do the heavy lifting! Just as in weight training, put some muscle into the yard work by extracting dead or unhealthy shrubs, trim the trees, manicure the lawn, weed out the gardens and seasonally prepare, just get it "buffed" up! Nothing suggests health more than a refreshed face, so give the front of your house that face lift by fillers in the home's hard wrinkles....caulk, caulk, caulk. Also, if the roots show, color it, nothing freshens a home and projects good health like fresh paint and crystal windows.
If this seems overwhelming, start with the easiest task and build or get a trainer! Contact a realtor to help be the trainer for a healthy home, it will pay off with a healthy sale. The slippery path that many home owners take is to assume that the buyer will want to make changes or corrections, but do not go down that path or your home may wind up as a nominee for the Biggest Loser.
Get busy and get going, afterall it's your health.
posted: October 2, 2011
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| Winning |
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Football season is here and all thoughts and emotions are focused on the win. When teams win, the fans and near fans walk around with complete ownership; as in "we brought home the win"; but when the team doesn't win there is total disassociation and the "we" becomes "they".
Not dissimilar in real estate, when a transaction is winning, the high fives are all around but if a deal crashes, disassociation is rampant. This is human nature, but in order to have a successful season we need to learn from the disassociation and become owners in the process.
Get on board with the process, get involved with a realtor with a winning attitude, contact info at judy@kentwoodcity.com.
A nod and a "like" to Scott at
www.warrioracademy.com! Namaste!
posted: September 18, 2011
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| Assertiveness Training |
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A recent publication made the statement that it takes a lot of courage to be assertive. A simple notion but a profound thought, especially in a mercurial economic environment. Assertive courage is key in maneuvering through the process of buying or selling real estate.
A seller needs to present the product to a number of critics, the buyer, the inspector and the appraiser. A buyer needs to compare the benefits of the chosen product to the reports that appear through the inspection and the appraisal. Getting to closing can be tricky without proper representation, assertive representation. This is not the time nor the economy to be represented by the "Ms. Congeniality" award winner. This is the time to be careful in your decisions! Be assertive in your choice, and choose wisely.
The National Association of Realtors is one of the oldest trade associations in the United States, one needs to be a realtor to join. Realtors are professionals that have achieved the training and state license requirements and the required ethics training of the association. I am proud to have served as a Director on the Denver Board of Realtors, an arm of the Colorado Association of Relators and the National Association of Realtors. The elected position is an opportunity for realtors to work on issues in an assertive manner that affect buyers and sellers, at the local and national level. The issues range from zoning changes and requirements to efforts that will lobby to preserve the mortgage interest tax deductions for American homeowners. Realtors are professionals with the courage to be assertive.
If you would like more information on the process of buying or selling homes feel free to contact me at my email address:
judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: September 15, 2011
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| Finding Energy |
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The word clutter derives from the mid-English word clotter meaning coagulate or clot. To quote attorney/life coach Laurie Hawley clutter is "stuck energy".
In launching a home to today's market, sellers are often told to de-clutter their homes. The first task in this process is to go through each room and remove all the items that you are not going to move at all. Box all of these "unmovables" and deliver them to any number of charity drop-off spots for a tax write-off or a consignment shop for a bit of cash, or if it is really a former treasure the local dump. After removing the "unmovables" or former treasures, go back through each room and remove all of the "movables" and box them in boxes provided by the moving company. The "movables" include all the photos, photo albums, most of the books (including cookbooks), objets d'art or fragile and valuable sculptures, crystals, etc. Removing valuables from view also prevents accidental breakage and loss.
Once you have carefully boxed and removed all the "movables" you will have immediate "Clutter Shock"! This is the natural response to looking at your home as a "house" not your home, a very important step in getting emotionally ready to let go and view your home as a business transaction rather than your first real home or the home where you raised your family. Removing the emotion from the house that is launching to market is key preparation in the marketing of the home, bringing new energy to the house that is for sale, creating an open and inviting environment to the buyer that will become the new home owner.
Get unstuck now, create the new energy and get ready because the Denver area market is better than many of the major cities. For more information on preparing your home for market contact me at this website or my email address:
judy@kentwoodcity.com
The Kentwood Company has relationships with several of the local and professional moving and storage companies that will assist you in preparing your home for the move.
Contact me to get started!
posted: September 8, 2011
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| Labor of Love |
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"I believe in the dignity of labor, whether with head or hand" John Rockefeller...via Aha Life Design.
The dignity of labor, I am loving this concept especially in today's world. An architect was once told, upon being asked his profession, that being an architect is a "noble" profession. There are many noble professions, but when an architect uses the mind and creates a design and a construction firm uses the hand to confirm the vision, it is true dignity.
This labor of love can be seen through the many listings that you can access through www.judysdenver.com.
The modern house that sold in ten days at 980 South Vine with a Wrightian influence is a lovely example of dignified labor.
The spectacular custom design in Castle Pines Village at 762 Valderrama, a delayed collaboration between architect and interior designer extroadinaire. This home doesn't compete, with nature or any other homes! It can be shown by appointment.
The newest listing at 984 South Vine is currently available and attracting showings and offers. It is located one block from Gaylord Street and constructed by Muscle Builders, Inc.
For information on any of these homes or other fine examples of the dignity of labor, contact me at
judy@kentwoodcity.com
Have an enjoyable Labor Day Weekend!
posted: September 2, 2011
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| Stackable Design |
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Massimo Vignelli introduced an iconic mid-century design, his concept was a "design to be semantically correct, syntactically consistent and pragmatically understandable". He created the stackable dinnerware that has been included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, aka MOMA. The genius in this design is in the way it stacks, maximizing space with tremendous appeal. It became an instant classic.
The architectural design of 984 South Vine has incorporated the stackable design concept by layering nearly 6000 finished square feet and 21 rooms with tremendous appeal. All three levels of the home are stacked to a supreme level of finish.
The walk-out level entertains with a media, exercise and recreational room plus a wet bar that leads out to a sunken patio with stairs to the main entrance. The walk-out level also hosts a guest bedroom, full bath and a laundry room. The main level's open floor plan accommodates a large living and dining room with a wet bar, a great room off the kitchen with eating nook plus access to the outdoor patio and yard. The main level's library study charms with a private patio. The third level's master suite has a private balcony deck, fireplace, ceiling fan, five piece bath with jetted tub, steam shower, double sinks and a vanity. Three additional bedrooms and two full baths complete the third level, plus an additional laundry room. All three levels are accessed by a dramatic floating hardwood staircase that is approximately 35 vertical feet from the floor of the walk-out to the third floor ceiling. Now this is taking stackable design to new heights!
Visit the virtual tour at www.denverrealestate.com!
For a private showing of this spectacular Wash Park home email
judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: August 25, 2011
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| Market Muscle |
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New to the marketplace is a custom home by Muscle Builders, constructed in 2008. The six bedroom, five bath home has 5623 finished square feet, putting it at a price per square foot of $231.19! The 6300 square foot lot boasts professional landscape, two outdoor patios, a side yard and a true 3 car garage! The HVAC system is hot water heat and the home is air conditioned. The construction is stucco with stone with interior finishes of hardwoods, granites, marbles and slate. A floating staircase creates height and volume to the interior, many ceiling heights average between 10 and 11 feet.
Adding this kind of "Muscle" to the Washington Park neighborhood is a boost for the marketplace.
See for yourself on the video tour at
http://rtvpix.com/RE-9481-GZ7UK1-01 or the slideshow at http://rtvpix.com/slideshow/17040.
posted: August 22, 2011
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| Modern A MileHi |
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The newest member of the MileHiModern team at www.milehimodern.com has just listed a Modern in Washington Park located at 984 South Vine. The home's exterior architecture and interior floor plan exudes modern themes but has the unique ability for a transition to more traditional themes.
The hardwoods, granites and marble warm the home's interior, creating the perfect blank slate for a more traditional feel in furniture and art. This is the perfect home for the eclectic taste aka... picture Mad Men mixologists in Hyannis Port.
Seeing is believing, so email now for a private showing to judy@kentwoodcity.com...the newest member of the MileHiModern team! Visit the website at
www.milehimodern.com
posted: August 17, 2011
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| Get Your MODERN ON! |
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One block from eclectic Old South Gaylord is a new modern in Washington Park and new to the market. 984 South Vine is just listed at $1.3 million, $231 price per square foot with approximately 5623 finished square feet. The stucco and stone two story is constructed with top of the line in marbles, slates, granites, stones, custom cabinetry, stainless, and more.
Entertain from two large great rooms and outdoor patios and decks. Three wet bars, one on each floor, add to the fab in this contemporary interior. The master suite is complete with a balcony deck, fireplace, and bath suite with floor to ceiling marble steam shower and jetted tub. The walk-out literally walks out to an outdoor patio with stairs to the front door...cocktails on the terrace? Which terrace?
A media room, exercise room, recreation room and guest room top the bottom off.
Just a block from Old South Gaylord, known for locally owned boutiques, restaurants, floral and gift shops, hair salons and studios from art to abs.
For a private showing of this Modern South Vine Masterpiece near Old South Gaylord email:
judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: August 13, 2011
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| Modern to Market |
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Launching to market in one of the most sought after "hoods" in the mile high city is 984 South Vine, a super chic modern home in East Wash Park. The home, organically constructed, represents modern architecture that blends with the traditional architecture of the neighborhood, dubbed Denver's Crown Jewel by the most recent 5280 Magazine.
Aspenites and Telluridistas love the trendy lifestyle demographic of East Wash Park with its convenience to local restaurants, boutique shopping, salons, spas, yoga and pilates studios, coffee houses and bike shops. It is the "ultimate" in living local, not a chain store or chain restaurant on site. It is also close to the park, minutes from downtown and the Cherry Creek shopping district.
This modern home at 984 South Vine is crafted of granites, hardwoods, stainless and key elements of modern/contemporary design. Over 5600 finished square feet with 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, a wired multi media room, great outdoor patio and deck spaces, a living/dining room wet bar plus a full bar in the lower recreational room and a mini wet bar in the upper master bedroom. Call now for showing information or email:
judy@kentwoodcity.com
The new Modern in Denver will sell quickly.
posted: August 10, 2011
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| 48 Hours In Castle Pines Village |
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Hot Town Summer In the City...are you looking for a way to beat the heat? Take a short twenty minute drive from 5280 south towards Castle Pines Village where it is 6280, we are talking a whole new altitude for the attitude.
Castle Pines Village is the planned community south of Denver and north of Castle Rock built on approximately 2800 acres of a Ponderosa Pines forest with two signature Jack Nicklaus 18 hole golf courses. If you drive down on Friday, you can arrive in time to stop by Tony's Meat Market in the village shopping center, load a basket with gourmet delicacies and head up to Daniel's Park for an al fresco picnic while wishing upon one of the million stars that will light up the sky. If you see that shooting star, make a quick wish that you will find the perfect place to settle (as in a home in the village).
Saturday morning brings a delightful round of golf; in addition to the Country Club at Castle Pines and the Golf Club of Castle Pines, the Ridge at Castle Pines is a daily use course that ranks amongst the best in Colorado according to Avid Golfer and Golf Digest. During the famed International Golf tourney, many a pro player was sited at Bud's Bar in nearby Sedalia Colorado. Bud's Bar is a 50's styled biker bar complete with juke box and a menu of 4 items, hamburger, cheeseburger, dbl burger, dbl cheeseburger...do not ask for fries and be prepared to wait for a table behind golf foursomes, polo players, anglers and bikers...tour de Sedalia and Harleys.
If you plan a weekend around the Douglas Country Fair, be prepared for the parade down main street Castle Rock, a rodeo and country western concert and carnival. Don't forget to grab an old fashioned shake at the B & B Cafe, either right before the Shriner's miniature car show or after the Douglas County High marching band.
Wrap up your Saturday with a hike up around Decker's and drop a rod or head back to the village for a dip in one of the community outdoor swimming pools. A quick lounge chair nap in the park like setting and you are ready for dinner!
Castle Pines Village is home to two member clubs, with the ultimate in dining experiences and wide wine lists, but the surrounding Village shopping area, Castle Pines North, and Castle Rock offer unique dining experiences from country to European.
Sunday arrives with many opportunities for relaxing or shopping....as in homes! You can't leave without stepping a toe into one of the homes available for sale in Castle Pines Village. The architectural design review committee has worked with developers, builders and homeowners to assure that the beauty of the area would be preserved through its architecture. One such magnificent property is a quiet listing at 762 Valerrama Court, featured on this website.
For more information on this home or any of the other homes available for sale in Castle Pines Village, contact by email:
judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: July 21, 2011
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| 48 Hours in Cherry Creek |
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The number one tourist attraction in Denver is the Cherry Creek Mall but there is so much more to this toney hood than a mall crawl.
Spend 48 hours this weekend and discover what is currently happening in the Cherry Creek and what is soon to open.
Friday afternoon, the sneak peek of the Cherry Creek North Sidewalk sale. This is the signature event for stores such as SOL, Store of Lingerie, they need a limit for women maxing out on the Hanky Panky but you can return and buy more! Slip next door to the forever chic boutique MAX, he moved his Highlands Ranch store to Cherry Creek....hmmmm....that speaks volumes as in MAX the volume.
Next stop, crepes, oooh la la are we in Paris yet? The Creperie serves up the most delicious French food this side of Provence, food without the "tude"...the servers are gracious!
A short walk to the Denver Botanic Gardens (they want to have an 06 area code) for a delightful stroll through the most amazing installation of the Allan Houser sculptures integrated amongst the flora that you never thought would grow in Colorado.
A quick stop by the Vineyard for a wine tasting before the late Friday nap and dinner at any one of the "grills" where you will see locals mix with the tourists. Or, if you want to be seen in the scene, Barolo Grill's bar seating is the place, complete with a splendid wine list and great Italian fare. Ooops, they may be travelling in Italy for more wine and cuisine knowledge. No worries as Satchel's is down the street on Sixth next to the iconic Oliver's Meat Market for the local country club foodies! Satchel's has a wine list and small plates, also a rumored chef.
Saturday, only 24 hours to go and hours to burn...starting in the sun drenched Farmers Market, okay it's Colorado, so you'll buy baskets and provencal linens until the Olathe corn comes in but the tastings are great from homemade tamales to biscuits and gravy....gluten free...well not the tamaes.
Guilty of the pleasures? Bike the sins away with Denver's BCycle Bike program at several locations, Milwaukee St. is the most pristine! Take a bike and travel the Cherry Creek to the confluence of the rivers. You can drop the bike and pick one up later for the ride back. Dine in LoDo or the Cherry Creek area, your choice, it's summer! But wait, fall approaches and with it some great new store openings including the new Sugarliscious candy store by Ralph Lauren's offspring, stay tuned!
For more information on how you can spend 48 hours in Cherry Creek, or if you want to look at some real estate on the clock...contact me at my email address:
judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: July 13, 2011
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| Canon del Cerro |
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The City Different brings to market the most spectacular architectural gem that dares different. This modern 4,000 square foot semi-circular home built on the side of the Cerro Pinon Mountain is designed to "float" the landscape. Sweeping panoramic views of the entire Pojoaque Valley, Chama Canyon, Navajo Peak, the Sandia and the Ortiz mountains from the 3500 square foot outdoor living space. A kaliedoscope of ochra, umber, magenta and tourquoise from the rocky plateaus and northern New Mexican sky provide the backdrop from the walls of windows or the intimate balconies and decks. Inspiration abounds with the integration of the sky and sculputural landscape that dominate the setting and dominated the themes of O'Keefe, Baumann, and Parsons.
Santa Fe adobe construction and a 100 year metal roof, glycol radiant heating, block limestone floors, clerestory windows, Bose sound system throughout , Lutron low-voltage lighting, custom cabinetry, gourmet kitchen and Venetian diamond finish plaster walls make up the sustainable quality. The home is ADA compliant with a discreet lift.
This 5 acre lot in a gated compound is zoned horse property with access to riding trails.
The home is located in Nambe, minutes from Chimayo and a short commute to the Santa Fe Opera, Georgia O'Keefe's Abiquiu ranch, and the world class restaurants, galleries, shops and museums of Santa Fe. The home is aggressively priced at $1,650,000 with motivation to dialogue offers, perhaps under the Enrico Embroli canvas in the dining room titled "Dialog".
For more information visit my website or email me at judy@kentwoodcity.com
visit the home on my link at
www.cherrycreekrealestate.net/53-Canon-del-Cerro.htm.
posted: July 12, 2011
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| Shared Intelligence |
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Painters and Architects, Architects and Artists, Artists and Scientists, Scientists and Artists...when art shares life, intelligence and beauty prevail.
This is the story of the ultra cool and uber sexy modern home that recently SOLD in Belcaro in the Mile High City.
As seen in Modern In Denver magazine, this home was co-listed ...Judy Fahrenkrog and Peter Blank, www.milehimodern.com. Multiple offers caught heightened interest when the Under Contract sign was posted bringing the highest price this year for the Wright inspired home in the Belcaro, Polo Club and Bonnie Brae area. The home's architecture and contruction bring new meaning to beautiful sustainability; architecture and science. The floor plan lays out for the entertaining of friends or musicians as many areas are conducive to a cello or two. The private study with a two way fireplace to the master offers privacy yet convenience for any inspiration or invention. The landcaped palette, set high on the lot offers stunning intimacy. The shared intelligence of urban living with chosen privacy.
If you missed this home, contact me for other quality homes in the Denver area.
Contact judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: July 5, 2011
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| Shared Intelligence |
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Painters and Architects, Architects and Artists, Artists and Scientists, Scientists and Artists...when art shares life, intelligence and beauty prevail.
This is the story of the ultra cool and uber sexy modern home that recently SOLD in Belcaro in the Mile High City.
As seen in Modern In Denver magazine, the home that was co-listed...Judy Fahrenkrog and Peter Blank, www.milehi modern.com. Multiple offers, and heightened interest when the Under Contract sign was posted brought the highest price this year for the Wright inspired home in the Belcaro, Polo Club and Bonnie Brae area. The home's architecture and construction bring new meaning to beautiful sustainability, recognized by shared intelligence.
For more information on homed of this quality contact me at Judy@kentwoodcity .com
posted: July 5, 2011
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| Shared Intelligence |
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Painters and Architects, Architects and Artists, Artists and Scientists, Scientists and Artists...when art shares life, intelligence and beauty prevail.
This is the story of the ultra cool and uber sexy modern home that recently SOLD in Belcaro in the Mile High City.
As seen in Modern In Denver magazine, this home was co-listed ...Judy Fahrenkrog and Peter Blank, www.milehimodern.com. Multiple offers caught heightened interest when the Under Contract sign was posted bringing the highest price this year for the Wright inspired home in the Belcaro, Polo Club and Bonnie Brae area. The home's architecture and contruction bring new meaning to beautiful sustainability; architecture and science. The floor plan lays out for the entertaining of friends or musicians as many areas are conducive to a cello or two. The private study with a two way fireplace to the master offers privacy yet convenience for any inspiration or invention. The landcaped palette, set high on the lot offers stunning intimacy. The shared intelligence of urban living with chosen privacy.
If you missed this home, contact me for other quality homes in the Denver area.
Contact judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: July 5, 2011
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| Shared Intelligence |
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Painters and Architects, Architects and Artists, Artists and Scientists, Scientists and Artists...when art shares life, intelligence and beauty prevail.
This is the story of the ultra cool and uber sexy modern home that recently SOLD in Belcaro in the Mile High City.
As seen in Modern In Denver magazine, this home was co-listed ...Judy Fahrenkrog and Peter Blank, www.milehimodern.com. Multiple offers caught heightened interest when the Under Contract sign was posted bringing the highest price this year for the Wright inspired home in the Belcaro, Polo Club and Bonnie Brae area. The home's architecture and contruction bring new meaning to beautiful sustainability; architecture and science. The floor plan lays out for the entertaining of friends or musicians as many areas are conducive to a cello or two. The private study with a two way fireplace to the master offers privacy yet convenience for any inspiration or invention. The landcaped palette, set high on the lot offers stunning intimacy. The shared intelligence of urban living with chosen privacy.
If you missed this home, contact me for other quality homes in the Denver area.
Contact judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: July 5, 2011
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| Shared Intelligence |
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Painters and Architects, Architects and Artists, Artists and Scientists, Scientists and Artists...when art shares life, intelligence and beauty prevail.
This is the story of the ultra cool and uber sexy modern home that recently SOLD in Belcaro in the Mile High City.
As seen in Modern In Denver magazine, the home that was co-listed...Judy Fahrenkrog and Peter Blank, www.milehi modern.com. Multiple offers, and heightened interest when the Under Contract sign was posted brought the highest price this year for the Wright inspired home in the Belcaro, Polo Club and Bonnie Brae area. The home's architecture and construction bring new meaning to beautiful sustainability, recognized by shared intelligence.
For more information on homed of this quality contact me at Judy@kentwoodcity .com
posted: July 3, 2011
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| Mile Hi Modern |
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Launching to market in one of the most sought after "hoods" in the mile high city is 984 South Vine, a super chic modern home in East Wash Park. The home, organically constructed, represents modern architecture that blends with the traditional architecture of the neighborhood, dubbed Denver's Crown Jewel by 5280 Magazine.
Aspenites and Telluridistas love the trendy lifestyle demographic of East Wash Park with its convenience to local restaurants, boutique shopping, salons, spas, yoga and pilates studios, coffee houses and bike shops. It is the ultimate in living local, not a chain store or restaurant on site. It is also close to the park, minutes from downtown and the Cherry Creek shopping district.
This modern home at 980 South Vine is crafted of granites, hardwoods, stainless and key elements of modern/contemporary design
For more information or a private showing email:
judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: June 24, 2011
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| # SOLD |
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"Hashtags are words or phrases preceeded by the # symbol and have become the new cultural shorthand." Ashley Parker, New York Times.
Twitter has made the # symbol a fast short cut to categories, so if you are looking for comments about certain politicos and celebs, all you need to do is type the #symbol and the name, or the free association to the name...e.g. #Winning, you will not come up with the Dallas Mavericks but you will find all comments associated with a certain former television sitcom star.
Tweeting in real estate is relatively new, but extremely point to service for checking the status of a property. Now that the market has picked up its pace, the hashtag may become the new norm for checking a listing. For example, 762 Valderrama Court in Castle Pines Village is a much anticipated listing due to launch to market in the near future. When it launches a tweet with the hashtag #Active will appear. Think of the possibilities:
# Under Contract
# Taking Back-ups
# SOLD
# Price Reduction
# New Listing
Amazing opportunities exist with this cultural shorthand. Let's give it a try!
posted: June 13, 2011
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| Game Changer |
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CBS Sunday Morning featured cities throughout the United States that buyers are flocking too. The requirements were simple, lifestyle lifestyle and lifestyle. The number one city on the list was Boulder, and the buyer profile was the 40 something plus, early retirees, and more individuals or families looking to combine work and recreation in one day. A restaurant owner was featured fishing in the morning then off to work for the lunch crowd. Boulder and Denver are short commutes back and forth, so both areas are attractive to buyers but the game changer for Boulder's real estate market was the special attention it received, things have changed and the market is as hot as summer.
That renewed energy has been noted in several of the Denver markets, we have the same attractions and more, and we have the benefit of a lower price per square foot. A recent under contract in the Boulder area was approximately $900 per square foot, higher than Denver for the same quality house. Many of the homes in the Denver area are priced to sell, an advantage for the buyer.
Vacancy rates for rental homes, condos and apartments are at record lows and seller inventory has decreased, more game changing moves in the residential market.
With interest rates at record lows, it is time to change your game or get in the game.
For an overview of the market, contact me by email at
judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: June 10, 2011
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| A Mile Hi Contract! |
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One of the most inspired homes in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Denver was for sale and then... gone, under contract within days. Belcaro's gem, 980 South Steele Street, is the Frank Lloyd Wright inspired testament to living MODERN! As seen in milehimodern and featured in the upcoming issue of Modern In Denver, the home is sited on a 16,000 plus square foot lot and is designed around towering evergreen trees and professionally landscaped tiered steps in the wrightian style. The home is constructed of organics such as stone and copper, concrete tile and marbles, glass subway and penny round tiles. Walls of windows capture the tree and cityscape, electronic woven windowshades are installed. The fenced back yard boasts a glass gravel firepit and waterfall feature, along with soffit down lighting, with two covered patios. Entertainment areas are abundant, complete with state of the art technology. The William Ohs kitchen and bar area provide ample convenience and ease, a wall of burled wood cabinetry hides the double sided refrigerator and freezer and top shelf appliances for modern cuisine.
The house was listed at $3.2 million, and sold in two weeks.
There are many modern homes in the Denver area, I can connect you.
For more information you may email:
judy@kentwoodcity.com.
posted: May 31, 2011
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| The Pose |
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The "asana" in yoga is the practice of posturing, the positioning of the body while incorporating natural elements to achieve a greater awareness, it is the pose. How one moves through or stays in a pose is the art of the practice.
Architecture is similar to the asana because the design is based on how the structure is positioned on the site, how it incorporates the foliage, topography and environment to achieve greater awareness. A truly great design is reflective of the way the architect poses, it becomes the home's asana.
The Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home at 980 South Steele stands proud in its pose. Angular lines, the abundant use of organic materials along with the positioning of the home, sited high on the lot with the preservation of the towering pine trees is the greater awareness. This is modern, this is cool, this is unique. It is the asana.
For more detailed information about this home, email:
judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: May 17, 2011
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| Staging Future Cities |
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Sustainable development is dependent on the staging of future cities, according to the IJNR, International Journal of Neighborhood Renewal. They are hosting an international symposium in London that will focus on several themes that will bring cities into a sustainable future. The major themes are culture, neighborhood, connectivity, sport, enterprise, beauty, health and global and regional issues. The Connected City is a theme that carries particular interest for futurists as we move through this century, connectivity via communications/internet and transportation models.
The future of the Denver area is very optimistic with its focus on many of the themes: Denver is quickly becoming a Cultural City with world class opera, ballet, theatre, symphony companies, major art museums and the Starz Film Festival has developed
an international presence.
No doubt that Denver is a Sporting City, with professional football, basketball, baseball, hockey and soccer and the region allows access to world class skiing and snow sports along with hiking, biking and fly fishing.
Beauty and healthy, two words that are synonymous with Colorado, are themes that were also highlighted in the recent CBS Sunday Morning feature on the happiest cities to live in the USA. Boulder ranked number one, it is regionally very close to Denver neighborhoods, also a short commuter trip from both downtown areas. Denverites often frequent Boulder's great restaurants, outdoor experiences, Farmers market and the infamous pedestrian mall. Both cities have easy access to international travel and commerce, a global theme for future cities.
Sustainable development in Denver, the urban center of Colorado, the future looks very bright; so bright you may have to wear shades.
Connect with Denver and the realtor with a sustainable career in helping buyers and sellers move Denver.
www.judysdenver.com
email judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: May 13, 2011
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| Inspired! |
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Frank Lloyd Wright was quoted as saying that architecture is the "mother of all arts". When you see any of the many buildings and homes designed by Wright, the architect, you can't help think that any structure "inspired" by Wright would be a work of art. Belcaro is the setting for a Wright inspired home that is flawless in design and construction and ready for art.
If Wright is considered the visionary for sustainabile architecture, this home is the offspring of that vision. Built with site sensitivity, the two story home was built around each of the several massive, towering pine trees. Constructed of natural stones and woods, the walls of windows and clear story windows capture the brilliance of Colorado's abundant sunshine. The linear nature of the home, with deep overhangs, harken back to many of the Wright homes that sit perched on lovely wooded lots. He was an enthusiast for local, organic materials and this nearly 7,000 square foot home does not disappoint. The home's interior design connects to living with art, floor to ceiling wall space and exceptional lighting for flat work as well as sculpture.
This architectural work of art will launch to market mid-May and is co-listed with Peter Blank of Kentwood City Properties. Photos will be uploaded on several websites:
www.milehimodern.com
www.denverrealestate.com
www.kentwoodcityproperties.com
The home will be featured as well in the next issure of the new hip magazine MODERN IN DENVER.
If you want to preview the home prior to market launch, connect with:
Judy Fahrenkrog, judy@kentwoodcity.com or
Peter Blank,
Peter@milehimodern.com
posted: May 9, 2011
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| Ichiban! |
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The latest 5280 Magazine has published the annual neighborhood guide, introducing it with the adage that if you don't know what "it" is you will know "it" when you see it. What defines "it"? You know it when you see it as in walking into a crowded room and seeing the stand out, the "it" person to meet. This is the individual that exudes a charismatic attitude with effortless elegance, in dress and stature even the accessories, a simple pearl necklace or an exceptional escort.
The Japanese have a word for "it" defining what you can't describe, you just know it when you see it. The word is "ichiban" and when someone has plenty of ichi it shows.
A listing coming soon defines living with effortless elegance. Artistic architecture and organically constructed; natural sandstones and woods mix well with the sense of style and color that the owner brought to the home. There is an energy in the home, a certain ichi that one feels as you walk into the entry and see the airy crystal light fill the rooms through the walls of windows. From the same windows, mountain and golf course views are visible through the towering pine trees. If you don't know what ichi is, this house will show you. As Henry David Thoreau said, "It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."
Connect with me for a preview of this home that will soon be listed for sale.
email: judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: May 3, 2011
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| Start It Up! |
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Denver welcomed the latest and greatest in the techno savvy world! MapQuest has moved into 17,000 square feet of office space in the Sugar Cube building in Lower Downtown...the newest heroes since the original Bombers. Mapquest and AOL celebrated the office opening and the 15th anniversary of MapQuest. On hand for the champagne toasts and press conferences were the President and Editor in Chief of AOL's Huffington Post, Arianna Huffington, and the COO Jon Brod.
The interior space was designed by the architectural firm IA Interior Architects, a global firm with an office in Denver headed by Larry King who dialogued with Jon Brod about the concepts of the new MapQuest office. Jon's vision for the office was to have the feel of a "start up" firm as most of the skill sets of their employees are based on the "start up" culture; Facebook, Twitter, Google, etc. The cooperative efforts of King's firm and MapQuest culminated in a space that is filled with walls of windows and tremendous ambient lighting. The interiors were done to LEED specifications with a downtown loft feel. The work stations/office desks are centered in the space and clustered together in a collegial setting. Jon Brod re-labeled the conference rooms, they are referred to as huddle rooms, with state of the art technology for video conferencing, tele conferencing and more, in each room space. The huddle rooms are named after international locales that can be found through MapQuest, such as Mt. Everest, Grand Canyon, the Eiffel Tower and so on. The walls of the huddle rooms are strategically placed and treated for idea brainstorming sessions, capable of withstanding sticky notes and markers.
The graphics throughout the entire office are in keeping with the MapQuest graphics.
MapQuest is located in the Sugar Cube building that has residences for short and long term leases as well. The building also houses the hip start up restaurant Cholon. If you would like a tour of Sugar Cube please connect with me at judy@kentwoodcity.com.
posted: April 28, 2011
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| Friends With Benefits |
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A recent 5280 Magazine article poked some fun at the Urbanite vs Suburbanite, or City Mouse vs Country Mouse. Many of the differences are obvious, for example a 20 minute drive for the Suburbanite is a daily occurence, many times twice daily and for the Urbanite it requires an overnight bag. The bicycle is eco-friendly and now super convenient with the BCycle Share program for the City Mouse. The bicycle for the Country Mouse is serious exercise dedication, a Tour de Workout. Take-out dinner? Not so simple for the Country Mouse, but the options are expanding. Take-out for the City Mouse is a challenge in the simple task of getting to a short list. The lifestyles are indeed varied and separate but having been both a Country Mouse, Castle Pines Village, and a City Mouse, Cherry Creek North
it is the best of both worlds. Two different communities bringing out the best of the Colorado lifestyle, friends with benefits.
For more information about these communities or others in the metro Denver area connect with www.judy@kentwoodcity.com" target="_blank">www.judy@kentwoodcity.com
I can find that pied a terre that is the perfect "city fix" or the estate home on a major league golf course. Choose one or the other or both!
posted: April 25, 2011
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| Friends With Benefits |
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A recent 5280 Magazine article poked some fun at the Urbanite vs Suburbanite, or City Mouse vs Country Mouse. Many of the differences are obvious, for example a 20 minute drive for the Suburbanite is a daily occurence, many times twice daily and for the Urbanite it requires an overnight bag. The bicycle, eco-friendly and now super convenient with the BCycle Share program for the City Mouse. The bicycle for the Country Mouse is serious exercies dedication, a Tour de Workout. Take-out dinner? Not so simple for the Country Mouse, but the options are expanding. Take-out for the City Mouse is a challenging in the simple task of getting to a short list. The lifestyles are indeed varied and separate but having been both a Country Mouse, Castle Pines Village, and a City Mouse, Cherry Creek North
it is the best of both worlds. Two different communities bringing out the best of the Colorado lifestyle, friends with benefits.
For more information about these communities or others in the metro Denver area connect with www.judy@kentwoodcity.com" target="_blank">www.judy@kentwoodcity.com
I can find that pied a terre that is the perfect "city fix" or the estate home on a major league golf course. Choose one or the other or both!
posted: April 25, 2011
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| Good Earth Friday |
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Wondrous spring and the celebration of earth's rebirth brings energy and a renewed spirit. With Earth Day falling on Good Friday, we have time to recommit to preserving the blessings of Earth for future generations. Decide to reduce the carbon footprint, and explore ways to recycle or reuse. Appreciate the efforts of architects, builders, city planners and citizens that promote awareness and commitment to a green environment. As a realtor with the National Association of Realtor's Green Designation, this day is a re-commitment to finding more avenues to reduce the carbon footprint.
posted: April 22, 2011
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| Ideas |
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"Adults are always asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up because they're looking for ideas."
Paula Poundstone
Internet and computer technology was not on the list of "things to be" when the Kentwood Company's Chief Information Officer was small but it became his career and he was just honored for his efforts. The Denver Business Journal and Society for Information Management nominated Lance Smith as CIO of the Year. This is a great honor for Lance as well as the Kentwood Company as the competition was stiff and included organizations such as Level 3 Communications, Time Warner Telecom and the Daniels Fund. Kentwood has been an innovator in marketing technology, giving clients maximum exposure to today's real estate markets. Internet technology is the primary marketing source for the newest wave of home buyers, the Millennials, the children of the baby boomers (1978 - 20001). Millions of homes will sell in the next few years to this group, most of the home research will be via the internet and social networks. With Lance Smith as CIO of the Kentwood Company and three strong locally owned offices in the metro Denver area, it is the leader in residential real estate.
So connect with kids, ask them what they want to be when they grow up, get the ideas and act or get a MOVE on.
To connect with the leaders email
judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: April 21, 2011
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| Priceless |
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A before and after photo from a client was received with the following text:
Construction Gloves $ 12
Bottle of Sunscreen $ 5
Bosch Saw $ 129
Tearing off Deck Priceless
The satisfaction and reward of actually knowing that a task needs to be accomplished and actually getting to "yes" on that accomplishment is priceless. Whether you are gifted at "do it yourself" home improvements or gifted at "out-sourcing" the work, getting it done insures that your investment will grow. The economy has presented sellers with the growing challenge of preparing their homes for sale. In listing a property, the first discussion is list price and the second discussion is home staging. Home staging is essential in a competitive buyers market, and a well staged home usually gets a second showing. Home staging begins with the de-clutter process that requires no expertise but a little hard work. Packing up everything that you are certain you will not move to a new home and getting it to the appropriate charity or consignment shop is the first step. After you have done that "spring cleaning" the next step is to pack up and organize the things you will move that are personal; all the family photos, all the framed wall photos and all those souvenirs or objects of art from family and friends. Although your #1 Mom coffee mug is your priceless treasure, it needs to be packed and ready to move.
After the de-clutter process, the next step is to assess each room. The master suite needs to be clean and pressed, in other words counter tops free of bottles, brushes and well worn linens. Giving the master suite the fresh look of an expensive hotel room adds subliminal value to the home...and don't forget the closets! A well organized closet adds volume.
While you are in the de-clutter mode, go through the wardrobe and store or pack the off-season clothing. The next room is the kitchen, one of the most important rooms in any home and the room that usually is the easiest to stage. Free the counters again, the food processor and blenders, etc. get a time-out in the cabinets. Giving a kitchen a clean modern look does not have to be an expensive or time consuming project. Replacing the cannisters with a simple bowl of fresh apples and one cookbook on the counter is all you need. Remember, you don't have to be barefoot or a contessa to give your kitchen the look of a chef. After staging the two most important rooms in the home, the rest is easy and you'll quickly notice the necessity of bringing the other rooms up to speed. If you have a garage whether attached or detached, it is a room too, so get it done. You may be the next client that sends a text reading:
Moving and Storage boxes $ 15
Rubber gloves $ 4
Ibuprofen $ 8
Staged Home PRICELESS
Contact me to get connected with a few moving and storage companies in Denver that will provide storage, boxes and pods with considerable discounts and savings if you are a Kentwood client.
email: judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: April 20, 2011
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| Embarras du Choix |
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In France as in Italy, imbarazzo della scelta, the description of a state in which the only difficulty is in choosing among so many choices. Choices, our lives are filled with choices and in today's real estate market there are many choices, but the task is not an "embarras" when working with the right real estate broker. During the buying process, a good agent will frame a property search around the buyer's parameters, search the MLS daily and find new properties to match criteria, preview properties and make appointments, analyze comparable property values and advise on current market conditions and bringing the myriad of choices to a manageable list. Many buyers in today's market recognize the value of time and money, choosing an experienced realtor will add value and savings. Make the right choice.
www.cherrycreekrealestate.net.
posted: April 17, 2011
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| Prosperity |
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"The return of good times is not wholly a matter of money. There is a prosperity of living which is quite as important as prosperity of the pocketbook." Ladies Home Journal, October 1932. The magazine stressed that resignation was not an option and that the country needed to revive the ideals of the founders and learn the new value of money, "where we were specialists in spending, we are becoming specialists in living." This magazine article resonates today as this country has moved through tough economic times hitting the housing industry hard. The Amercian dream of home ownership has been challenged, but with interest rates low and a new generation of home buyers entering the market, the rebound is a reality.
Kentwood City Properties reported the highest volume in residential real estate sales since opening its doors in 1999 with $340 million in sales. Most of the sales were first time home buyers taking advantage of low interest rates and tax credits, however, many luxury home sales were represented in that number. The prosperity of living, the American dream for our home and lifestyles.
Connect with dream-makers and positive brokerage services.
www.judysdenver.com
posted: April 14, 2011
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| Death and Taxes |
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...two things that are certain in life, and one of them is coming right up. Whether you procrastinate the inevitable or even extend, you have to plan for taxes. As we move through each year, the constant knowledge that we will be paying taxes is ever present so we plan for it. How different the concept of death as many do not plan for that inevitable event. Many consider a long term estate, but a short term plan is as valuable. In developing a short term plan a basic decision to make is whether you are in the right home, need to sell a home or perhaps change to a different community or area. If you have longed for a beach house as "soon as we sell the big family house with the never ending yard", maybe now is the time to list that house so you can plan for the beach house. If you have not tried but have yearned for an urban loft style existence, what are you waiting for? Make a short term plan to get that house listed. There has never been a better time to make a short term plan that will eventually fit the long term goal. We are seeing a low number of listings in a variety of neighborhoods throughout the Denver area and a large number of buyers. With interest rates remaining at record lows, buyers are looking but many are not satisfied with the lack of inventory, so it is a great time to buy and a great time to sell. A new product on the market is a 10 Year ARM at a 4.375% fixed rate. You can make a lot of plans during a 10 year period, even a few "change of plans". If you are interested in developing a new plan, listing and selling a home or purchasing a new home and taking advantage of the low interest rates and how they fit into your tax planning, contact me.
The IRS has extended the tax deadline to April 18th, so you have some extra time to start planning.
As always, if you are currently contracted with a broker as a seller or purchaser, this is not meant as a solicitation.
www.cherrycreekrealestate.com
Referrals are the "cornerstone" of my business and appreciated.
posted: April 12, 2011
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| Change Optimists |
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"People who resist change are either very naive or very wise". This profound statement was spoken by the Chinese philosopher, Confucius. Most of us are somewhat in between, neither wise nor naive, nor resistant to change because we are change optimists. Necessity forces us to adjust to change throughout our lives. Our family dynamics are in a constant state of change through marriage and partnerships, kids coming and going, career paths and ultimately residences. Many feel that change is good, these are the change optimists as the change is viewed as growth, the journey of life. Others fear change and become somewhat stuck in the middle. The phrase "stuck in the eighties" connotes many images from our sense of style to our sense of technology. We picture suits with shoulder pads, sedans with phone consoles and television sets that houses were built around. Viewing the world as a change optimist is the challenge. Are you looking for a "fifties ranch style home" or a "mid-century modern"? Is your video library a VHS or an IPAD, skis long and narrow or a shaped dynamic? Optimistically changing the perspective, becoming unstuck is the journey of the change optimist.
Spring is a great season to become a change optimist. The renewed energy from nature's rebirth inspires change. Take an inventory this spring of the change that is needed. Being stuck is the direct opposite of change, and the only way to become un-stuck is to move.
Let's move!
posted: April 10, 2011
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| Among Friends |
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"It's been said that everlasting friends can go long periods of time without speaking and never question the friendship. These friends pick up as if they just spoke yesterday, regardless of how long it's been or how far away they are. They understand that life's busy and you'll always love them." a Facebook profile post.
Friends from the past, friends forever akin to neighborhoods from the past. Have you walked through your childhood neighborhood lately? Changed of course, but still so familiar in so many ways.
Growing up in Park Hill was not only blissful and blessed, and the bonus is that it is unchanged thanks to some very forward thinking developers and city planners. A stretch of Park Hill, from City Park at Colorado Boulevard and Montview Boulevard to Monaco Parkway and Seventeenth Avenue and as far south as Colfax Avenue, was known as the Downington neighborhood in the "Roaring Twenties". The neighborhood was a planned development, the names of the streets; e.g. Forest, Grape, Elm and Boulevard and Parkway were deliberate, it was to be an extension of a beautiful park dotted by homes. The original brochure featured Forest Parkway and Seventeenth Avenue Parkway, at the time a stretch of prairie grass but with a development plan for large elms and spruce. Childhood memories consist of walking from Montview and Bellaire (the air was indeed bella) to the elementary schools on Elm, both public and parochial, and on to the candy store or the grandparents house for after school treats. Crunching leaves underneath our feet in the fall and blossoms of pompoms and lilacs in the spring while we raced around the trunks of elm trees filled with childhood make believe became our play dates. They were our friends, old friends. This neighborhood has not changed, the classic architecture and craftsman construction are tributes to the artisans and designers and they remain little changed, like old friends.
Take a tour of this majestic neighborhood and meet a few of my friends, on bicycle or on foot. Sunday, May 15th, Kentwood City Properties is hosting a B Cycle tour of Park Hill. For more information phone us at 303-820-2489 or email judy@kentwoodcity.com. Bring a friend!
posted: April 6, 2011
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| Hat Tricks |
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This is not an April Fool's joke, you can really have the ultimate Hat Trick in Colorado on this Friday, April 1. It is a bluebird skiing day in the high country with a foot of powder, fresh tracks await the early spring bird. After a glorious morning of runs, it is down the hill to the urban golf courses for a quick round of nine. After snacks at the turn, hop on the light rail to see the Colorado Rockies Home Opener at Coors Field for an afternoon of peanuts and cracker jacks, you really won't care if you ever get back.
You might be able to accomplish the Hat Trick in other states, but probably not two days in a row. On Saturday, begin again and add an hour or two of fly fishing on your way down the mountain....tis a privilege.
Get connected with the broker that can connect you with your local Hat Trick venues. As a Colorado native, I know the fast track to downhill skiing, fly fishing, glorious public and private golf courses and of course, the coveted baseball ticket. I have a number of listings available to show in all of the wonderful neighborhoods in the Denver area. This is no April Fool's.
www.judysdenver.com
posted: April 1, 2011
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| Spring Into Action |
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Springtime in the Rockies is the celebration of renewed energy and the joy of living in one of the most desired areas in the country. Spring awakens the inner child that wants to get outside and be playful, so jot down a few of these activities to get you started.
The Santa Fe Arts District celebrates the First Friday Art Walk on April 1st. You can stroll the Art District and sample foods and sip wines while enjoying culture and waking the senses with visual sensations from the many art galleries that line the district. For the animal lovers, there will be a tribute to cats, sculpted to a 2 to 3 foot size, in several galleries and proceeds go to CatCare, a non-profit.
Rockpile seats and brats, the best way to spend the first day of April at the Colorado Rockies Opening Day. If you go wear a hat, sunglasses and grab a mitt for the action. The weatherman promises a "chamber of commerce" afternoon.
The Denver Botanic Gardens will be announcing the Summer Concert Series in April and the annual Spring Plant Sale in May. The concerts run throughout the summer, popular musicians mixed with summer nights and picnics in the gardens. Educational programs are also abundant this Spring, classes from Backyard Aquaponics to Kundalini Yoga. The Gardens and special events are open to the public, but membership is affordable and fun. Spring is a beautiful time to visit the promenade of cherry blossoms.
There are many venues for springtime activity, the Denver Zoo is abundant with spring arrivals and the stroll provides plenty of entertainment for all ages.
If you are looking to connect with spring, get connected with a Denver native.
www.judysdenver.com
posted: March 31, 2011
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| The Bigs |
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Over the latte at the local coffe bars the conversation was the general state of affairs on the court, it appears that everyone's "bracket" is lopsided...the Bigs are gone. The Bigs are the coaches that lead their schools to the Final Four generally every year or at a minimum every other year. This year, the Bigs such as Duke, Vanderbilt, Louisville, Purdue, Gonzaga along with their players are going on an early spring break. There are a few Bigs left, but not as many so the brackets are weak. The same scenario played out in the real estate market over the last few years. Some of the Bigs have either been sold, closed or restructured to be able to stay in the game. In a tough market, a buyer or seller needs to connect with a Big company with the presence, marketing expertise, solid foundation and the most successful and professional brokers. The Kentwood Company is the Big in residential real estate in Denver. Kentwood is locally owned, and Kentwood City Properties posted its best year since it opened, yes, in 2010!
So get in the game, go with the bigs and be a winner.
Judy Fahrenkrog, Kentwood City Properties. www.judy@kentwoodcity.com" target="_blank">www.judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: March 25, 2011
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| Going Green |
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Well, Kermit, indeed it is easy being green...just ask any Kentwood City Broker! Kentwood City Properties is proud to be a promoter of Denver's B-Cycle Program. The B-Cycle program began during the Democratic National Convention and was so well received that Denver Bike Sharing installed B-Stations throughout the city. There are stations from downtown Denver to multiple neighborhoods. For a nominal fee, a rider can check a bicycle out at any number of stations with one swipe of a credit card, a membersip makes it ever so easy and breezy with the B-Cycle card that can be secured off their website. The Bike Rental Charges are $0.00 for the first half hour, $1.00 for the second half hour and $4.00 for each half hour after that. You have the ability to check the bike out at one B-Station and return it to another, if it is within the half hour you are not charged. If you check the bike out at a Cherry Creek North B-Station and drop the bike off at Riverfront, a 30 minute bike ride, you will not be charged. When you are ready to ride back or to another location, you check out a new bike and will not be charged if it is under 30 minutes. Your ride route from station to station is an encouraged practice, and very economic. You will be greening Denver without spending the green. This is also the perfect travel option to a sporting or cultural event, farmer's markets and any of the many Rockies games. The B-Cycle Stations are effortless, the red bikes are equipped with baskets and locks, helmets are strongly encouraged.
An easy way to get started with B-Cycle is to tour Denver's neighborhood with one of the high energy brokers at Kentwood City Properties. You will be able to see Denver Landmarks, learn the history of the neighborhoods, tour a few available properties and get educated on the market from the neighborhood specialists. It is a fun, informative, sustainable and healthy way to see Denver real estate. The tours will be held from April through October, generally on a Sunday and will cover neighborhoods such as LoDo/Riverfront, the Highlands, Curtis Park, Park Hill, Stapleton, Congress Park, Cherry Creek, Denver Country Club, Washington Park and Platte Park. Promoting Denver is one of my passions, I will be hosting two tours, my childhood neighborhood Park Hill and Cherry Creek North where I currently live.
My National Association of Realtor's Green Designation is also another passion so I look forward to being a part of a city wide effort to go green with the B-Cycle program. Look for our advertisements and schedule of bike tours so you can get out and have some fun!
posted: March 17, 2011
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| The Final Four! |
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Springing forward in residential real estate is equivalent to March Madness in college basketball. Now is the time to choose the brackets and select the winner that will bring your home to the enviable position of the Final Four, the short list. As open house signs pop up all over the metro area and cars loaded with buyers are seen driving around neighborhoods, maps, smart phones and Ipads in hand, the search brackets down. Just as the Final Four center court bracket lays out, so does the buyer/seller home bracket...region pitted against region or neighborhood to neighborhood. If a homeowner was to strategize with a bracket, the start date would be now, prepping the home for the first weekend of competition or putting the home on the market against 60 plus other homes and this is considered the second round, the first round was narrowed via the internet. The typical home in Cherry Creek North would compete against the east and southeast region of the Denver area, Cherry Hills and Greenwood Village, likely candidates for fierce competition. The west and southwest regions would include Littleton, Lone Tree and Castle Pines Village or other gated/golf communities. Then there is the constant influence of the central region with LoDo, Riverfront and the Highlands bringing more players to the dance, in addition to the areas that are considered to be on the "bubble"...Boulder, Evergreen and Parker. Round three only narrows the list of available homes down, the number of neighborhoods reduce as well but not until the Regionals begin. That fourth round of regionals will narrow the playing field down to one or two neighborhoods and one or two micro-neighborhoods, the search narrows to a Sweet Sixteen. The Sweet Sixteen takes possibly one or two days to bring the working number to a shortened list of eight down to the ultimate semi final and final round, the Final Four. In less than a month, a home could be listed, visited and purchased during the ultimate of selling seasons with the right strategy and the right team. Whether you are a buyer or seller, your first priority is to connect with a Realtor that will position you in the marketplace, do not get passed over.
Let the games begin!
posted: March 14, 2011
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| The Art of the Move |
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In a recent article in Inside Real Estate News, John Rebchook highlights the trend to downsize from a sprawling estate home to a low maintenance lock and leave home, without downsizing the lifestyle.
Many of the newer luxury condominium, townhome, lofts and flats that are available in the Denver area accomodate the downsizer by designing floor plans that will highlight what will be moved. The typical downsizing client will move what cannot be replaced; designer clothing, Italian dinner ware, art.
In a recent sale of a Cherry Creek North townhome the buyer had an options list that read as follows...
additional master bedroom closet space with variable hanging space and an additional shoe closet, a Miele built-in espresso machine and Fisher Paykel dishwasher for the wine goblets, a show stopper La Cornue stove and lots of wall space for the art collection. It's not about the size of the home anymore, it is about the quality of design and the content. If you are considering a downsizing move, connect with a specialist that connects with the builders and developers that have designed these spaces. To quote from the Rebchook article
"One of the things we found is that people not only brought their art collections with them, but they kept collecting," said Judy Fahrenkrog
"It's not about the move, it's about the art of the move".
posted: March 7, 2011
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| Bottoms Up |
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Spring has made an early arrival, time to celebrate not only the arrival of early morning tweets from our feathery friends, as well as the webbed friends, but to celebrate the return of spring's housing market. Many buyers are still pondering the timing issue or if the market has "bottomed out". Interest rates are still holding a favorable mark and new inventory is hitting the market, the timing is now. All signs for Colorado point up, Aspen just recorded the median price point at 4.5 million making it the most expensive town in the USA, allowing Denver to look up not down. With such favorable news in the housing arena for Colorado, now is the time to connect with a buyer's agent with connections.
I have two brilliant homes that will launch to market in late spring, but available by appointment only now. So connect with me to move on pre-market pricing and raise a glass to spring...."Bottoms Up"!
posted: March 4, 2011
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| Zenderful Chi |
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It has been said by many that even if you do not know what zen is, something happens when you drive down Happy Canyon Road into Castle Pines Village. The mind has that switch, where you turn the day off, the world off and you actually feel your blood pressure drop. Castle Pines Village is just south of Denver off the I 25 corridor with acres of Ponderosa pines, mountain scrub oak and breathtaking views from many of the cliffs and ridges.
Located on the world reknowned Golf Club at Castle Pines is an estate home that defines zen and embodies the feng shui principle of chi. Chi is the invisible flow of energy circulating though earth and sky, man lives best when the structures he creates echo nature. By appointment only, 762 Valderrama Court was designed and appointed with the harmony of the environment. The San Francisco based architect spent days on site studying the colors from sun rise to sunset, different seasons and the changes in the mountains and sky. The blend of stone and steel, abundant use of clear story windows capturing either a ridge or a pine adds to the zen like quality of the home. This home lives in harmony with nature, giving warmth in the winter and shade during summer. A preview of the home's interior, designed by a notable Denver area professional, are posted under my Listings, watch for more photos of the exterior landscape and views as spring appears.
posted: February 24, 2011
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| Denver Is The Best |
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According to John Rebchook's Inside Real Estate News, the S & P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices released today ranked Denver as the best performing housing market between the coasts!
Peter Niederman, CEO of the Kentwood Co was quoted in the article along with Chris Behrens, a broker with New Era Realty Inc. Both noted that with job growth in the Denver area, Denver fares pretty well. The states noted for re-location to Denver are Texas and other Southern states due to the energy business. Behrens and Niederman noted the high quality of life in Denver, moderate weather and lots of activity. It was also noted that buyers from the East and West coast see Denver as having a lot of inventory for buyers and based on today's interest rates it is advantageous to buy rather than wait.
In a buyers market, Denver is the best, and connected with the best.
posted: February 22, 2011
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| Comparative Jeopardy |
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Watson defeats Jeopardy champions! Watson, the IBM brainchild, made international news and history by beating his human competitors, creating the dialogue that one day technology may advance ahead of human capability. In the 3 day tournament, Watson stayed cool and calm, needing neither rest nor nourishment an occasional "battery charge" and an edge over the humans. However, Watson missed a question, lacking what the human brain uses daily, comparative knowledge. Watson missed a simple question, answering..."What is Toronto", the correct answer..."What is Chicago". The question asked to name a US city that had airports named for a World War II hero and battle. If Watson had comparative knowledge he would have eliminated a Canadian city immediately, comparative jeopardy.
Comparative knowledge and the emotional capacity of the human brain is what will always keep ultimate choice and decision making out of the realm of technology.
In residential real estate, buyers and sellers use comparative knowledge while selecting a list price or a sale price. The internet has opened a wealth of competitive information to the real estate consumer, but it cannot think for that consumer. A comparable market analysis will compute the data, search the criteria and give the answer, but it cannot do the work. The buyer needs to tap into the emotional resources of a home purchase and use his ability to compare the knowledge that the internet makes available to make the correct choice. Another tool available to buyers and sellers is a seasoned realtor with a track record and a long list of clients. A realtor has the advantage of experience and market knowledge that will give you the competitive advantage in today's market.
Specializing in the Denver area, I am your real estate connection, call me for a comparative market analysis for your area and we will put our human brains to work.
posted: February 20, 2011
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| Denver Gem |
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Are you thinking of living in the Front Range's commercial epicenter that is bordered by 22 miles of bike path connecting downtown to Cherry Creek State Park? Take the thinking cap off and bask in the brilliance of a neighborhood that boasts outdoor seating at many of its bistros and coffee shops. According to the Kentwood Company's Gallery Magazine editor this neighborhood gem of Denver is Cherry Creek North, a 16 block area tucked within the greater Cherry Creek area. Dense mixed use urban development has given a chic and eclectic feel to this upscale residential community filled with townhomes, patio homes and single family homes on mature city lots. Two avenues and two boulevards encase the commercial arena with shopping, salons, spas, restaurants, clinics, grocery and health foods, art galleries, furniture galleries and more. There is a public library and an award winning elementary school. A Cherry Creek address will present a 100% walkscore.
So put that cap back on and stroll through the Cherry Creek North neighborhood and discover why it claims to be the community to "have it all" or call me for a market analysis of the neighborhood. I live here!
posted: February 18, 2011
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| Outperforming The Market |
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During 2010, Denver MLS closed sales volume was down 3.0% and transactions were down 7.7%, however, Kentwood Real Estate was up 22.2% in closed sales and up 13.3% in transactions. Kentwood Real Estate continues to outperform the Denver MLS for closed sales volume and transactions and continues to outperform all other brokers in market share.
In the Cherry Creek area, Kentwood took 42% of sales and in Cherry Hills Kentwood brought home 44% of the market share.
These statistics are impressive in a robust real estate market, outstanding for 2009 and 2010! The forecast for 2011 is that the Denver real estate market will remain steady and stable with moderate growth. Kentwood outperformed during a decrease, imagine the numbers with growth. Choosing a real estate broker with the best performing company is not only a wise choice, it is your only choice.
"When you enter a dark room and turn on the light, you soon forget how long the room was dark."
posted: February 16, 2011
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| The Skins Game |
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The Skins Game, well not the highly watched PGA tournament nor the famed football team in Washington DC, but the real skins game is back!
According to the National Association of Realtor's Realtor Magazine a locally owned brokerage firm, such as the Kentwood Company, is the new norm for successful real estate brokerage firms because they have "skin in the game". A locally owned real estate brokerage firm has great success in today's market because it is their town, their money, their connections, their clients and their deals. There has been a dramatic shift in the way consumers purchase real estate because of the Internet. A nationally owned company is less meaningful to the average buyer because when you log on to the national firm's name, navigating the web page and locating the desired city or community is lost on the consumer. Logging on to a national brand is equivalent to a search for PGA rated golf courses, you have to drill down too far to reach a suitable site. The consumer is now choosing a local brand for the myriad of choices in residential real estate. The Kentwood Company is local branding at its best!
It is for this very reason that NAR's Realtor Magazine has recently named the Kentwood Company the #1 Real Estate Brokerage Firm in the country for highest closed sales production per Broker Associate on an annual basis. This means that the Kentwood Broker lists and sells properties in the Denver area, what is listed on the Internet in the nation's capital doesn't compete with a Kentwood listing.
Local branding and local ownership because it's our town, or my town.
Visit the Kentwood website at www.Denverrealestate.com and view our game plan!
posted: February 10, 2011
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| Do The Math |
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Today is the first day of the Chinese New Year, a signal for Spring's arrival and new beginnings. The Chinese culture has given so much to many generations in the form of art and literature, philosophy and ancient traditions. One tradition of note is house numerology, the process to find the ideal house for your lifestyle.
In house numerology, take the full house number, including an apartment or unit number, add all the numbers together and then reduce to a one digit number. One house I recently sold, 100 Detroit #501 reduces to the number 7. What do the numbers mean?
A 1 House is where you would feel motivated, this house shines and the owner will always have the energy to initiate. A 2 House nurtures all kinds of relationships, "tea for two", and makes an ideal place for weddings, a perfect setting for a gazebo. A 3 House vibrates self-expression, perfect for entertaining and creativity and will do well with an expansion. A 4 House represents security with a strong foundation, the owner will succeed in this house. A 5 House represents change and movement, the residents will travel and the houe will be filled with computers and technology. A 6 House is beauty, associated with the planet Venus, this decor will express style and class.
A 7 House is contemplative, a great home to build a library. The 8 House means power, money and success, its occupants would make great doctors, attorneys and high executives. The 9 House is the house of the humanitarian, with its connection to the past the house will welcome a lot of visitors, friends past and present, and will host lots of charity events.
Does your house reflect your lifestyle, personality, family? Are you house hunting now, or planning a future move? Start with the right Realtor, and while you are navigating the home search...do the math.
posted: February 3, 2011
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| Cherry Creek North Solds - 4th Quarter |
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Cherry Creek North is one of the premier neighborhoods in the Denver area. The community boasts the city's top restaurants, shops, salons, spas, clinics, art galleries, coffee shops and more. The following list reflects the recent solds, showing an increase in activity. There has never been a better time to purchase, so don't hesitate. For your connectivity into the Cherry Creek North Area phone or email Judy Fahrenkrog, your connection.
478 Saint Paul...$3,050,000
100 Detroit #501...$2,084,810
370 Clayton...$1,674,000
521 Columbine... $1,400,000
566 Monroe...$1,325,000
211 Madison...$1,075,000
344 Saint Paul...$1,050,000
217 Madison...$1,000,000
2930 E 4th Ave...$ 950,000
277 Garfield...$ 610,000
450 Monroe...$ 587,500
340 Madison..$ 525,000
posted: January 31, 2011
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| Best of Belcaro |
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One of the loveliest and most quiet neighborhoods in Denver, Belcaro, is known for the Phipps Mansion, that was nicknamed Belcaro. Lawrence C Phipps, a US Senator from 1919-1931, developed the community known for its ranch style homes on large sprawling lots along tree lined streets. Many of the homes are mid century but a few lots were scraped to accomodate new architecture and design.
Coming to the market soon is a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired masterpiece on a 1600 square foot lot with towering pines.
Built in 2008, the contemporary floor plan is ideal for the modern lifestyle, main floor master, six bedrooms and eight baths, over 6500 finished square feet. A bonus spa/massage room and William Ohs kitchen makes this a must see!
Call for an appointment today and see before it goes to market!
posted: January 29, 2011
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| The Home Connection |
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According to Suze Orman, "Owning a home is a keystone of wealth, both financial affluence and emotional security". There has never been a better time to buy a home than the present, interest rates are low and seller incentives are high. If you have been thinking of a lifestyle change, whether it is to buy up into that home that represents your keystone or to downsize your current home to reflect your financial plan for the future, connect the dots now.
Connect with Judy Fahrenkrog, she will introduce you to homes currently on the market and homes that will be listed in the near future.
posted: January 27, 2011
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| Judy is back with Kentwood City! |
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With over 30 years experience in Denver, Judy is your connection to the Mile High City. Give her a call and learn about what this great city has to offer.
posted: January 20, 2011
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