Life Style Denver by Gretchen Faber

Free Credit Score is Good Karma

If you're interested in knowing your credit score, get your once-yearly credit score free from the three major credit-rating agencies. Trans Union, Equifax and Experian will provide you a free credit score through the Annual Credit Report site. I've found the site to be a bit clunky, but if you have some time, you can work your way through it. When you're getting ready to buy your next house, a good credit score is vital. Not only a good score, but an...Continue Reading!

Denver Colorado Real Estate Statistics | December 2011

The end of 2011 came with few surprises for those of us in real estate, and one big one. The inventory of homes for sale in Metro Denver is nearly 40% below this time last year.  It's so low, that I can remember a time when it was almost triple what it is now. What this will most likely do is accelerate the pace of home sales. With less on the market, it should take less time to sell your house. Eventually, the...Continue Reading!

Denver is THE Top Real Estate City for 2012

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9frmEv-vPA[/youtube] Have you seen this recent news report about Denver real estate? Denver is cited as the number one city to invest in real estate by Greg Rand of Own America. Watch the clip as Greg covers the metrics that influenced his decision: Lifestyle and livability Relatively low unemployment as compared with the national average In-migration of people relocating to Denver A foreclosure rate that is half the national average A young population Low cost of living Fresh air 9 Fortune 500 companies and growing Denver isn't a secret any longer.  The...Continue Reading!

October 2011 Case Shiller Shows Strength in Denver Home Values

The S & P Case Shiller Home Price Indices were published yesterday for the period ending October 2011. Seasonally adjusted home prices, from September to October were up .5%.  Denver lagged only Phoenix in terms of non-seasonally adjusted figures at a drop of .2%.  Phoenix was the single city in positive territory, non-seasonally adjusted September to October. Overall, the national market was down 1.2% for the 20 City composite used by Case Shiller.  Denver continues to outpace the country, and the gap...Continue Reading!

Denver Colorado Real Estate Statistics | November 2011

Imagine you want to move from your city, small town, or suburb to a new location. This new city isn't as large as NYC or LA, but it's big enough to offer you the company of over 2 million residents metro-wide, all the major professional sports, plenty of arts and culture and great restaurants for foodies. Added to that, a fun outdoorsy lifestyle. Now imagine that you begin your home search in this city, only to learn that there are a little...Continue Reading!

S & P Case Shiller Report Ranks Denver Real Estate Market in Top 5

The S & P Case Shiller Report was issued yesterday and Denver was ranked in the top 5 housing markets at number 5. This report reflects September 2011 housing sales.  Year over year prices in Denver were down, with a 1.5% decline.  September 2011 prices were also down a little over August.  The Case Shiller Report lags by 2 months, and this is a snapshot of where we were 60 days ago. Denver has been consistently ranked in the top 5 housing...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!

1115 Madison Street in Denver’s Congress Park

This lovely cottage will make the perfect starter home or rental. Denver's rental vacancy rate is unusually low, and as an investor this home would make an excellent rental property.  The location is stellar. Updated kitchen & bath, bright, sunny rooms and a lovely yard. Enjoy summer evenings on your front porch. Wood and travertine tile floors add elegance. The finished basement with recessed lighting adds amazing space for a family room or office. Just steps to restaurants, ...Continue Reading!

Denver’s Economic Growth Strong by Some Measures

The Denver Post published a story this morning based upon research comparing Denver to 9 other U.S. cities. According to their study, Denver continues to outpace most other regional cities for Economic Power, Earning Power, Brain Power and Innovation Attractiveness. It's been our hope, here in Denver, that the Innovation Attractiveness will help fuel employment, but apparently we're lagging in jobs creation.  We rank 6th out of the 10 for job creation and 5th for housing affordability. I spent two days last week...Continue Reading!

Colorado Gives Day is Big in Denver

On the 2010 Colorado Gives Day, $8.7 million was donated to local charities. The 2011 Colorado Gives Day hopes to outpace that amount.  Donate at their site by clicking the big green button "Donate Now."  You can designate from over 880 local non-profits.  This event is sponsored by the Community First Foundation. Give early, give often and extend a helping hand.  The giving begins at 12:01 am on December 6th. For that one day, let's remember our friends in need.Continue Reading!