Life Style Denver by Gretchen Faber

Denver Colorado Real Estate | February 2011 Market Statistics

Prices are down.  The February market statistics are plain. Last year, when prices were down it was because lower end homes were selling. The "mix" of homes was skewing to starter homes, reflecting a "reduction" in prices. The past few months, we've actually seen a firming up of the high end in Denver (although there is still about 5 years' of inventory in Cherry Hills Village.)  With luxury homes rebounding, the reduction in prices can only mean one thing. Prices have come...Continue Reading!

Top 5 Reasons Why Home Sellers Need to Position Themselves for 1st Place

There are many reasons to position your home to be the next in line to sell.  Here are the top 5: 1. You've put your house on the market.  That means it's time to sell! You've decided to move for a variety of reasons.  Maybe a job transfer, maybe a move up or down, maybe a tightening mortgage payment.  Regardless, Sellers can't rely on the old theory, "I'll just put it on the market and see what I get." ...Continue Reading!

Inspiring – Spire Condominium Rises in Denver

Downtown Denver has seen several developments taking shape.  One particularly interesting building is Spire. Developer Randy Nichols is building a mid-priced condo development aimed at the average price range for a downtown buyer.  The development is rapidly rising across from the Denver Convention Center and includes cool amenities like loaner cars and a doggie park on one of the decks. With 41 stories (483 feet high) and 503 homes (714 bedrooms), Spire will be one of the tallest residential buildings in the...Continue Reading!

Building a New Home Wonderland in Denver

I've been reading the news about home builders throughout the U.S. cutting back, downsizing or going out of business altogether. Here in Denver, Colorado we've lost Village Homes, John Laing, and more. McStain is hanging on by a thread.  The downturn in real estate is taking its toll.  I hate to see builders leaving our city and the resulting job losses, but it may be a good thing for construction to slow down a bit - and for builders to realize...Continue Reading!

Knowing When It’s Time to Buy a Move Up House

In today's real estate market, there is a very compelling argument that it's a good time to buy a move up property. You say, "I can't sell now, I've lost money on my house."  Assuming you're not upside down and owe more than the house is worth, you may not be losing as much as you think. Say you've lost 20% in value - as shown in the first slide - your "loss" compared with the loss the larger property incurs wouldn't...Continue Reading!

Your IRA and 401k Can Buy a House! Five Ways to Become a Landlord on Someone Else’s Money

You know that this would be a great time to get into investing.  You know that mortgage rates are down.  You know that the millions of people losing their homes to foreclosure can't stay on their mother-in-law's couch much longer. And you know that sellers are bargaining when a buyer finally does walk through the door. Why not buy a rental property? Yes, I know.  You're thinking: I don't have any money for down payment or fix up costs I don't think I'd make...Continue Reading!

Heard on the Street – Denver Real Estate and the Mall

It's just 8 days until Christmas, and even fewer until Hanukkah.  What have I been doing?  Baking cookies for 80 people. The agents in my office are hungry for cookies, and I'm accommodating them in their time of need. I've also been asking around, observing and trying not to shop unless absolutely necessary. One of my father's favorite Christmas movies is A Christmas Story.  He watches it every year and laments that he'll miss it this year since he's on a boat...Continue Reading!

Gretchen Faber Garners Omega Tau Rho Medallion of Service Award

I just noticed that my company issued the following notice. I thought I'd share it with you, and take this opportunity to thank my colleagues who make real estate truly a cooperative business: Gretchen Faber, managing broker for The Kentwood Company at Cherry Creek, recently garnered the Omega Tau Rho Medallion of Service Award for leadership. The award is bestowed upon Realtors who meet specific leadership criteria on local, state, and national levels. Once a Medallion is awarded, the recipient is...Continue Reading!