Life Style Denver by Gretchen Faber

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!

Denver Among Top 10 Healthiest Housing Markets

Recently, Builder Magazine listed Denver as among the top 10 healthiest housing markets in their  "Healthiest Housing Markets: Mid-2011 Update." We've been experiencing such low vacancy rates for rentals, that much of what's driving home sales is investor interest.  Investors are willing to take a risk on our market and are snapping up good rentals.  With investors getting back in, more buyers will feel confident in the coming months. Builder Magazine says permits for new construction look to double in 2012 and...Continue Reading!

Pine Needles Plauge Denver Area Gutters

Have you cleaned your gutters lately? I was showing a home in Park Hill recently, and we noticed piles of pine needles in the gutters.  The buyers remarked that it looked like a fire hazard. Denver area pine trees shed massive numbers of needles this time of year, which clog gutters and prevent proper drainage.  Remember to check your gutters for needles and leaves, and clean them out before the rain and snow descend.  This should be one of your regular home...Continue Reading!

Mother-In-Law Suites Gaining Favor

While showing homes this year to several of my clients, one new trend seemed to stand out. Several people mentioned a need to have an accessible second master suite for their parents.  Bloomberg News confirmed this trend today in their online post "Homebuilders Target In-Laws, Dogs as Extended Families Grow."  We joke about our 20-somethings moving home and whether we could live with our mothers-in-law, but the reality is that many families are consolidating and cohabiting. That's a great trend for families. ...Continue Reading!

Should I Decorate My Listed House for the Holidays?

Every year, sellers ask whether they should decorate for the holidays. The answer is yes!  Within reason.  Here are 5 things to keep in mind: Keep it simple. Don't overdo the clutter or festive air.  Less is more.  Just like you cleaned out your closets to make your home feel larger, resist the temptation to pull out every decoration you've collected over the years and fill up the space. Tasteful decorations add to the warmth and homey feeling, but over-the-top or outlandish...Continue Reading!

Know Your Denver Zoning When Buying Property

Denver's zoning code was entirely revamped last year, changing dramatically how areas are zoned, what is considered appropriate for new development and even changing the "code" attached to each parcel. If you've been considering buying a property within  the City of Denver, and you plan to do work to the property, then you should pay close attention to the zoning. Get the code for all of Denver's parcels at the Denver Zoning Code site, and stay informed of the construction and building...Continue Reading!

What the Press Has to Say About Real Estate

10/15/11.  The Wall Street Journal. "It's time to buy that house." 10/21/11. Business Week. "Crazy deals await." 10/03. Market Watch. "Now could be the best time in history to buy a home." US News & World Report. "Many buyers who waited for rock bottom are finding now is the time to buy." Denver's inventory is low and buyers are searching for great properties.  If you're thinking of selling your home, get it on the market soon! These headlines should begin to foster the consumer...Continue Reading!