5 Things You Should Know About Relocating to Denver
November 29th, 2011 categories: Relocation Tips
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.
- 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 the Plains, and suggested she come visit – maybe branch out from Santa Barbara.
- We do have traffic, but it’s not as bad as Chicago or LA. It will be worse during rush hour and definitely bad when the snow is heavy. Then the sun comes out and melts it all away (and creates our wicked pot holes.) If you want to keep your drive a certain time frame, use Map Quest or Google Maps. They’re both pretty accurate, but won’t account for rush hour or snow.
- We have great public schools, great private schools, and our population is among the most educated in the nation. For school information go to the Great Schools website as a start. Always visit the school and meet the Principal and staff. Don’t choose based on web sites. That’s just a good place to begin. Like looking for houses on the internet. You’ll still need to visit, see it, smell it and look around.
- We name a lot of places “Cherry.” There is “Cherry Creek” (meaning Cherry Creek North and the Cherry Creek Shopping Center,) Cherry Creek Schools (down south by the Cherry Creek Reservoir,) Cherry Hills and finally there’s actually a Cherry Creek, with the Cherry Creek bike path along it that connects Cherry Creek Reservoir and Cherry Creek North. Confused? Come out to Denver and I’ll show you around.
- Westword and 5280 Magazines will fill you in on local flavor. 5280 is known for publishing annual editions on the Best Doctors, Best Neighborhoods and Best Restaurants. Westword is irreverent and edgy and publishes interesting exposes on Denver misadventures. We used to wait expectantly every spring for the annual summer concert edition.
There is so much more to know about Denver, but this gives you a start. Don’t be afraid to explore, we have many terrific neighborhoods and there’s something for everyone, except for a beach. Well, maybe you could call the dirt at edge of Cherry Creek Reservoir a beach… never mind.
Gretchen Faber, LifeStyle Denver author, is a local Denver real estate broker. Contact Gretchen for information on Denver area real estate.
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Why You Want Your Broker to Show You Properties
November 9th, 2011 categories: Market Trends, Relocation Tips
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 isn’t here this weekend.”
While I would love to grab new buyers, “double-end” a listing if it’s my listing and get another closing in before the end of the year, I also thought it best to warn him about why he should be represented, and what “procuring cause” is.
If you’re a buyer and you’re not real estate savvy or an attorney, then you should have your very own broker representing your best interests. If you have a broker who goes away for the weekend, then find out who is covering for him. If you call the listing agent directly, your broker will not earn a commission. Or you could be in jeopardy of paying your broker’s commission.
The same goes for builder properties and FSBO’s (for sale by owner.) Let your broker call them and set the appointment.
There’s more to real estate than checking out nice houses, and you need your broker involved to help you wend your way through complicated contracts, inspection issues and the appraisal. Not to mention the closing, settlement statements and other documents.
So when you find a property you like on the internet, call or email me. Or click the “contact” button at the top - if you don’t already have a broker representing you. If you do, have your broker call.
Thanks, Gretchen Faber
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221 South Garfield Street in Denver’s Cherry Creek
November 6th, 2011 categories: LifeStyle Listings
Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood has been called the “Gold Coast” of Denver real estate.
You can live the Cherry Creek lifestyle for a bargain in your own renovated condominium at 221 South Garfield Street #105. The price for 1,580 square feet in the heart of Denver is $319,900. The unit has 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2 underground parking spaces and a lovely patio.
The owners have recently repainted, re-carpeted and added new kitchen appliances. You’ll be walking distance to the dining and shopping in Cherry Creek North, the Cherry Creek Shopping Center and only 10 minutes to downtown. Contact Me to check it out! And search for other Cherry Creek properties at www.GretchensDenver.com.
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Whole Foods Denver – Cherry Creek is Busy!
November 25th, 2009 categories: Life In Denver
Shopping at Whole Foods in Cherry Creek can be an exercise in frustration. Trying to pick up a few last minute items there on Thanksgiving Eve is completely insane.
The store has lovely displays, great produce, hormone-free meats and amazing cheeses. It also has parking issues and high prices. Nonetheless, I find myself there at least twice a month picking up a few things that Safeway or King Soopers don’t carry.
I was there this evening. Next year, I need to plan ahead better. The time it took to get into and out of the parking lot was more time than it took to do the shopping.
I did manage to find a beautiful bouquet of flowers and picked up my favorite tuna salad with cranberries.
If you need a few quick items, you may prefer the Whole Foods on Colorado Boulevard or on Hampden Avenue – fewer parking issues. If you want to pick up some information on Denver Real Estate – read the latest article in the Denver Post. I was quoted about yesterday’s Case Shiller report and what the trends bode for our local real estate market.
Real estate sales in Denver are up from last month, prices are down just a little. The price reduction is most likely due the change in seasons from summer to fall. It’s also a reflection of what specific properties have sold.
Enjoy your holiday and stay away from the crowds on Friday!
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Denver’s Gold Coast Offers a Screamin’ Deal
April 3rd, 2008 categories: LifeStyle Listings, Real Estate News
SOLD – March 2009
The best location in Cherry Creek North!
Real Estate in Denver is not faltering as many in the media would have you believe. The Cherry Creek neighborhood is truly a gem in our city. This neighborhood offers world-renowned boutiques and restaurants. 423 Detroit is a sanctuary of sunny airiness to relax in after a hard day of shopping and dining. The outdoor patio is an oasis in the summer and the expansive living space – with a fully finished basement – gives a sense of privacy and luxury in a town home.
- Freshly painted & hardwood floors refinished
- Wired for Surround Sound Throughout
- Custom beveled/stained glass entry
- Sautillo tile entry & bath
- Sunny loft/office overlooks 2 story “greatroom” living room with skylights and Gas Fireplace
- Bird’s Eye Maple & Birch Built-Ins
- Birch Cabinetry
- Granite Countertops & Back Splash
- Private Vine-Covered Patio in Summer
- Plantation Shutters & Vaulted Ceilings
- Kohler Fixtures & Pedestal Sink
- Mirrored Exercise Room/Family Room
- Kitchenette in Basement—Could be Mother-In-Law Apartment
- Master Suite with Jetted Tub, Balcony and Walk-in Closet
- Two-car attached garage
- Walk to Clayton Lane, Cherry Creek North and Cherry Creek Mall, Shopping and Dining Galore
This stunning townhome is offered for $830,000 and is available for immediate possession.
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Garfield Residences
March 16th, 2008 categories: LifeStyle Listings, Real Estate News
Urban Luxury Living at its Finest
You can live the life of extravagance and luxury when you live at Garfield Residences. A luxury town home development in the prime Denver neighborhood – Cherry Creek East. You’ll enjoy top-of-the-line finishes and fixtures, the finished basement, the high-end kitchen and baths, the roof-top deck and private patio area.
The floor plans are free-flowing and comfortable. Upon entering your residence, guests will be amazed at the dramatic open, curved staircase rising from the basement to the rooftop. Floor to ceiling French windows open to an elegant terrace from the living room. A rooftop deck with marvelous views adds another out-door living option.
Each home has four bedrooms, with a luxurious master suite. There are three and one-half baths which are all beautifully appointed. You even have the option of installing an elevator. Reservations are being taken now and the first two units reserved will offer purchasers the additional benefit of choosing fixtures and finishes.
Priced from $1,212,525 to $1,278,825.
Units range from 4214 to 4447 square feet.
Construction indefinitely delayed. Winter 2010.
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