Life Style Denver by Gretchen Faber

Buying a Denver Home? Make Sure Your Cash is Unlocked!

Section 4.3.2 of the Colorado real estate contract requires you to choose whether your "cash to close" is immediately verifiable or not. The clause in the contract states: 4.3.2. Available Funds. All funds required to be paid at Closing or as otherwise agreed in writing between the parties shall be timely paid to allow disbursement by Closing Company at Closing OR SUCH PARTY SHALL BE IN DEFAULT. Buyer represents that Buyer, as of the date of this Contract, Ο Does  Ο Does...Continue Reading!

5 Things You Should Know About Relocating to Denver

If you're moving into the Mile High City, there are a few things you may find helpful as you pull up stakes and head to the Rocky Mountains. 1. Denver isn't actually in the mountains. During college, one of my friends from home commented, "Wow!  You must be in good shape to ride your bike in Denver!"  It took a minute to realize she was under the impression I was riding over mountain passes.  I explained that Denver is on...Continue Reading!

Shop Denver Small Businesses on 11/26/2011

This is shop local weekend on Small Business Saturday. Time to support your favorite local Denver area businesses. Here are a few Gretchen Faber favorites: Pine Creek Clothing Company in the Washington Park neighborhood. The Tattered Cover Bookstore at Colfax and Elizabeth. PJ's Boutique and 5 Green Boxes on Old South Pearl Street. The Tended Thicket on Old South Gaylord Street. Bonnie Brae Wine & Liquor. Mariel's and Cry Baby Ranch at Larimer Square. Antique Row on South Broadway. Feel free to comment below and add your own favorite locally...Continue Reading!

Why You Want Your Broker to Show You Properties

A few days ago I had a call from a buyer who wanted to see properties in Cherry Creek North. This seems to be a trend lately.  Call the listing agent directly. He found the homes on my web site, www.GretchensDenver.com, and gave me a list of what he wanted to see, which weren't actually my listings.  I asked if he was working with a broker.  At first he said, "no."  Then he said, "well, my wife is, but the broker...Continue Reading!

Low Denver Inventory Leads to Multiple Offers

I've been working with a family relocating from the mid-west for several months.  We look at a few properties whenever they make it to Denver for a visit. There haven't been many great matches for their specific needs (picture a giant playset.)  This week, we've narrowed it down to three really good possibilities, with a fourth thrown in for good measure. Here's what we found out this afternoon as we're deciding which one to make an offer on: 1 went under contract 1 got...Continue Reading!

Denver – B Cycle Program in Winter

When I lived in Germany, I was flabergasted that they would ride their bicycles throughout the winter.  On snow-packed roads! I guess being California raised meant that I had no clue you could bike all winter. Denver's B-Cycle program is out to prove it this year, and the rental bikes will be available in sunshine or blizzard. Today's storm didn't slow down many people.  The Denver Public Schools think their students are like postal workers.  School is rarely canceled - rain, sleet or...Continue Reading!

Denver Calling – Why London Can’t Match Denver’s Lifestyle

Denver, Colorado, USA.  A great place to live and a fabulous opportunity for anyone moving here. The 80's band The Clash sang about London Calling.  I may have danced to that song in college, but I danced in Denver.  Denver is a marvelous place to live and work, and now is a great time for buying a home in here. In Denver, property values are lower than  London.  A lot lower!  We may not have Big Ben or the Changing of the...Continue Reading!

Sellers – Are You Taking the Sale of Your Home Seriously?

I've been working with two families who will be relocating to Denver in the next few weeks.  Both are lovely couples with school-age children, both are motivated to find a home to land in as soon as their houses sell. When buyers who are moving to a new town come for a house hunting trip it can be a whirlwind.  We hit the ground running, whether it's 95 degrees out, raining cats and dogs or the snow is anything less than...Continue Reading!

Real Estate Buyers Facing Greater Lending Hurdles

Denver, Colorado - Buyers who want to finance the purchase of their home should rethink carefully what they do financially in the time between obtaining their first conditional loan approval and the time they close on their new home. Lenders are facing more regulations for underwriting mortgages. These standards will certainly ensure that buyers will need to do more than fog a mirror to get a loan. If you're considering purchasing a home, here's what you'll need to know: The lender will be...Continue Reading!

Bad Score, Bad Score – What You Gonna Do?

What you gonna do when they deny you? I got my credit score the other day.  We're about to refinance our house and this was the beginning of the process.  My score was always stellar - high 700's at one time over 780. This time my score was just below 720.  By some people's standards, not bad. Well, in this lending climate it's not great. When I began selling real estate over 14 years ago, a score of 620 or higher was considered...Continue Reading!