Life Style Denver by Gretchen Faber

Kentwood Real Estate Teams Up With Christie’s International

Kentwood Real Estate is Denver's leading independent residential real estate brokerage, and with this month's affiliation with Christie's International Real Estate the powerhouse brokerage adds another strategic tool to our toolbox. Christie's International Real Estate is the largest international real estate network in the world and hosts over 9,300 properties $1 million and higher on their web site.  Kentwood Real Estate's web site, www.DenverRealEstate.com, hosts all of the MLS-IDX listings in Denver, with numerous luxury homes prominently featured. Kentwood Real Estate began...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!

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!

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!

Research the History of Your Denver Home at the Library

Do you like to do research?  The Denver Public Library offers you the ability to learn about the history of your house. If you're interested in your home's past, who lived there, if  any businesses were there, or what it looked like then plan a day at the DPL main branch. The helpful librarians can find copies of original building permits, some blueprints and ownership records.   The library sometimes has early photographs of a building or the neighborhood and...Continue Reading!

Denver’s Parade of Lights 2011

In Denver we have a colorful tradition to kick off the Holiday Season every year. The first weekend of December, after all the leftovers are polished off, we head to downtown Denver for the Parade of Lights.  Plan to bundle up, put hot cocoa in your thermos and stake out your corner early.  This is an annual event you won't want to miss. Floats are covered in lights and Elves toss candy to the crowd, bands march with lights strung across their...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 Colorado Real Estate Statistics | June 2011

June 2011 was the month we were waiting for.  Real estate professionals all over the U.S. were predicting that year-over-year sales from June 2010 would rise in June 2011. In 2010, the Homebuyer Tax Credit ended in April, and at the time all under contract or pending properties were required to close by the end of June to qualify.  The closing date was later pushed out to September, but in April everyone thought June 30 was the final date for the...Continue Reading!

6,000 Square Feet in Cherry Hills Village, Colorado

SOLD: October 2011. $803,000. This home is situated on nearly an acre in one of Metro Denver's most charming bedroom communities, Cherry Hills Village. The first thing you'll notice as you walk through the door is light. This warm, inviting home has the space you'll need to spread out, entertain guests and enjoy the Colorado lifestyle. The kitchen has been updated with slab granite and you'll also find formal and informal living spaces and a great layout for togetherness or privacy....Continue Reading!