Friday, November 14, 2008

November Featured Listings








Aurora Colorado $229,000







IT'S SNOWING

It's taken a little longer this year than most but today November 14th we finnaly got our first dusting of Colorado Champage Powder. Now truth be told it wasn't actually the light bright sweep off your drive way kind of snow but rather a heavy late fall wet and cold, but either way today is a good day in the rockies.


Living in Colorado offers so much. An outdoor lifestyle that would be hard to beat anywhere. When the tempature changes in Colorado you just bundle up and swith gears from the hiking, boating, biking mode to more of the skiing, snow shoeing, ice fishing mind of thinking. We must be REI's favorite state, as a matter of fact REI is located in a restored 1901 Denver Tramway building, the Denver Flagship is a complete outdoor resource, a historic landmark and an award-winning architectural accomplishment. Denverites keep them busy year round as one of the most active populations in the nation.
Living in Colorado offers home owners a wide choice of lifestyles. From the HOT Denver loft market to master planned communities that offer something to everyone to country living that is city close!
If you've been thinking about making the move to the mountain west, check us out. To find your perfect home start here.

Friday, October 31, 2008

TAKE THE DAY OFF AND VOTE!

Realtors take the day off! Yes take November 4th and make it a day to serve your community. Help staff a polling station or maybe take a senior citizen to the polls, or just hang out and watch the process. Take the time to explain to your children how this all works or what this all means. Now I'm not saying if that one buyer you have been working with for the past 6 months decides to finally write that offer you tell him to wait, but for the most part take the day off. Yes that means you might have to cram your schedule or miss that round of golf next week but take the day off! It Matters!

Thursday, September 4, 2008

A Mothers Joy!

Now I must admit most of the time I don't know the difference between offense & defense and I have been reprimanded more than once about cheering for the wrong team, but there's not much else that give me the joy of Fridays nights & high school football. The atmosphere is like no other sporting event. These kids give all they have to give, not for money or fame, just for the love of the game!

This year I took on a more committed role in our Quarterback Club, and with all the extra work, time involved, early mornings & late nights I've found I love this game even more. Volunteering for something that brings so much excitement to a school just makes me feel good. And face it where else can you get admission for $5, a hot dog for a buck and the thrill of the game included!

Please watch the video

Friday, August 22, 2008

WOW! Summer Sales Sparkle!




Home Sales Update for Washington Park....Strong Sales show 44 single family homes sold in Washington Park, in the last 30 days. Houses sold from $289,900 to $1,526,325 with an average sales price of $555,423. That gave Washington Park homes an average price per square foot of $339.92. This tells us Buyers still desire the beautiful Washington Park area and active lifestyle it offers and are willing to pay top dollar to own it! With restaurants and shops near by this area gives you the convienence of the city and includes a fun and family athmosphere. Washington Park is continues to be a good home investment!

Ready or Not...Here Come the Democrates!


Friday morning a sneak preview was given to local & national news organizations. The set is a mix of patriotism and high-end technology with video screens that actually curve out over the stage. A 600-person crew has been working on the project for months and some have even been on a 20-hour a day schedule to stay on track. The DNC has brought in upwards of 300,000 pounds of lights and speakers, so much so that the ceiling had to be reinforced to hold them. 95 of the luxury suites in the Pepsi Center were stripped of their furnishing and transformed into broadcasting booths. Some had to have walls knocked down and carpeting covered with hardboard sheeting.
This is a wonderful opportunity for the city of Denver to showcase the beautiful Mile High City and have rolled out the red carpet in anticipation of the thousands of people attending the convention.
City officials have also prepared for protesters with riot control training and a temporary jail site that can house several detainees. Video
As we get closer to Mondays kick-off, preperations are at a fever pitch and with the added job of moving the DNC to Invesco Field for Thursdays acceptance speech by Senator Obama, this guarantees to be a fun week in the Mile High City!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

WHY EXIT? WHY NOW?


IT'S ALL ABOUT THE COMPANY YOU KEEP...

Working at EXIT means the opportunity to actually build an exciting and profitable business and not just work in one.

No Desk Fees
Earn More Than 100%
10% Sponsorships ( Piece Of The Action)
7% Retirement Benefits (Piece Of Mind)
5% Beneficiary Benefits
Health and Vision Plans
World Class Training
National Advertising
National Convention
EXIT Online University

SEE THE EXIT STORY


The EXIT formula was created with one person in mind—you!

Step-By-Step Training
Mentoring Programs
Weekly Training - 12 x Per Month
Full Service Support Staff
In-House Mortgage
In-House Leads Generation
Innovative Marketing Programs
Class A Office Building
Private Offices
High Tech Office - High Touch Support



If you’re looking for a fun and exciting office to help you take your career to the next level, call today! 303-790-7200

Town Center @ The Meadows

After many false starts the dirt is now moving at the Town Center of the Meadows @ Castle Rock. The final plan calls for a wonderful mix of new retail, luxury office and a"urban" living style not found any where else in Castle Rock or for that matter Douglas County. The first phase of this project is comprised of three buildings with first floor retail and second floor office space. The collective development will be 50+ acres of mixed use commercial. Mercantile Street is located across the street from the NEW Centura Health Castle Rock Adventist Hospital coming in 2009. The retail experience will be pedestrian, authentic, and organic in nature.

There are many other uses within the town center. You can see a few drawings of the project by clicking here


THIS WEEKS FEATURED HOME

Friday, July 25, 2008

DENVER IS ON THE RISE!

Denver is 1 of Only 12 of the nations 50 Metropolitan areas have a low risk of price declines, according to the PMI Mortgage Insurance companys Winter 2008 Market Risk index. This index is based on the 3rd quarter Office of Federal Housing Oversight data, and ranks the 50 largest metropolitan areas according to the likelihood in price declines. 12 of these metropolitan areas have a 1% or less risk of price declines. Denver is one of the twelve low risk areas. Areas that had the highest price run-ups in recent years are at highest risk of price deterioration.
Watch the full story here!
http://www.brokeriptv.com/denver-ofheo-lowest-price-devaluation-nation

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Moving With Your Pets

If pets are a part of your family, remember that moving, whether down the block or across the country, is just as stressful for them as it is for you. But this stress can be greatly reduced with good planning and the tips that you'll find here. "Animals can sense and react to stress just like people," says Dr. William Fortney, a veterinarian at Kansas State University. "Anything we can do to make it easier on them can make recovering from the move easier on us." Here are some suggestions from top veterinarians, zoo experts and experienced pet owners on how to minimize the stress of moving with pets. Read the general guidelines, then check out the specific pets that make up your family's menagerie:

1- General Guidelines
2- Cats
3- Dogs
4- Birds
5- Fish
6- Reptiles (including snakes, turtles, iguanas, and other lizards)
7- Small Mammals (like mice, gerbils, guinea pigs, and hamsters)
8- Pet Rocks
9- Gorillas (how NOT to move one)


GENERAL GUIDELINES
Keep your pets' routines as regular as possible as you prepare to move. If you normally feed, exercise or play with them at a certain time, continue to do so. During the final crunch of moving, you may find it works best to keep your pet either at a friend's house or a kennel, reducing the chance of your pet getting upset and running away, or in the case of cats, hiding in a box about to be shipped.
Keep some form of identification on the pet at all times and be sure you have current pictures along with a written description available. This will reduce a lot of stress should your pet escape. If the length of the move requires the animal be provided with food and water, be sure the food is bland and easily digested and that the water comes from your home supply. Changing diet or water sources are common causes of diarrhea and vomiting from upset stomachs. If in doubt, check with your veterinarian for food recommendations.
Prior to moving, schedule a visit with your veterinarian for a thorough physical exam, making sure all vaccinations are current, especially the rabies vaccination. While at your veterinarian's office, get copies of your pets' records and check to see if he can recommend another veterinarian at your new location. You can also call the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) at (800) 883-6301 for the names of AAHA veterinarians near your new home.
If your pet is on any medication be sure to have an ample supply so you won't run out before getting settled in your new location. Also discuss with your veterinarian whether your pet should be tranquilized during the move. If so, get enough to try it out prior to the move to be sure the dosage works properly.
Since each state has different laws and regulations regarding the importation of animals and some counties and municipalities have their own ordinances, check with a veterinarian in the new area to be sure your pet complies. It is important to do this several weeks before your move to allow time for all paper work to be completed.
Temperature extremes should be avoided. In most cases, it's best to transport your animal in a sturdy, insulated carrier to help regulate the changing temperature. Never leave a pet in a hot car during the summer time or a cold car in the winter.
If you are transporting the pet by plane, try to book a direct flight to minimize the time the animal may be sitting outside the plane in inclement weather conditions. Some airlines provide counter-to-counter service so your pet will be carried on and off the plane by an airline employee. While this service costs a little more, it may be worth it for your peace of mind.

CATS
Cats are notorious for getting into trouble during the moving process since they are particularly sensitive to stress. "Stress for a cat involves three things," says animal behaviorist and psychologist, John Wright, author of Is Your Cat Crazy? "It involves reaction to novelty -- cats don't like novelty. They like sameness. It involves reaction to unpredictability -- cats don't like events to be unpredictable. The third thing is the degree of control-- cats don't like to be out of control. When you move, you have a high degree of all three, until things settle down."
For these reasons it is particularly important to maintain your cat's normal routine. During the move itself, keep your cat confined to one room with food, water, a litter pan, some favorite toys, and the carrier you plan to use so your cat can get used to it. The door should be locked or have a large, "Do Not Open" sign on it, so the movers won't inadvertently let the "cat out of the bag."
Transport your cat in a well constructed cat carrier large enough to have room for food, water and a small litter box. Upon arrival at your destination, place the cat and carrier in one secure room with at least two doors between the cat and the outside. Open the door of the carrier and let the cat decide when to come out. Allow your cat to become acclimated to the one room before releasing him to the rest of the house. If the cat scurries for cover when you open the door, wait a day or two longer, then try again. Let the cat explore other rooms of the house when it meets you at the door.
If your cat is accustomed to going outdoors, wait several days after arriving at your new home before letting the cat out, placing him on a leash or harness for short exploratory trips. After 2 or 3 days of these trips, you can begin to let your cat out on its own.

DOGS
Dogs are generally easier to move than cats since they aren't as affected by the stress. A few special considerations to keep in mind include being prepared to clean up after your dog at rest stops. Carry a roll of paper towels and disposable plastic bags. Place a piece of paper towel over the solid matter, and your hand in one of the plastic bags. Pick up the towel and solid matter and pull the bag down over your hand and towel, turning it inside out. Then, twist, seal and dispose.
If you have a small dog and plan on flying to your new home, he may be able to fly with you in the passenger compartment if he is small enough to fit into a carry-on bag that will fit under the seat. Check with the airlines for details. If you are transporting a larger dog by plane, try to book a direct flight to prevent your pet from having to spend long periods in a distant airport, and have someone scheduled to pick up your dog at the other end.
Never leave any pet in the car for more than a few minutes. This is especially important during warm weather. If you are carrying your dog with you in the car and plan to stop overnight, be sure to call ahead to find a hotel that accepts pets.

BIRDS
Birds need a health certificate to enter most states and depending on the species may be required to have tests done for certain diseases. Since these regulations can change, it is important that your present veterinarian verify these requirements well in advance of your moving.
If you will be taking your bird in the car, maintain a warm, constant temperature since birds are particularly sensitive to temperature changes. It is possible to carry the bird in its cage as long as you have a cover for it to prevent drafts and keep the bird in a darkened setting to reduce the bird's anxiety. If you have an excitable bird, it may be necessary to cushion the cage or crate with a soft material to reduce self-inflicted trauma.
Place slices of apple, grapes or other fruit in the cage to supplement the bird's water supply and be sure they have adequate places to perch.

FISH
If you have a small number of fish and are moving only a short distance, you can move them to their new location by using plastic bags half filled with water and the other half with air. Place the bags in an insulated container such as an ice chest or Styrofoam container to help maintain a steady temperature.
For a larger number of fish or for transporting over a greater distance, 5-10 gallon plastic containers can be used. First, fill them with water (either salt or fresh water, depending on the type of fish) and change the water often to remove any toxins that might leach from the plastic. On moving day fill the containers half full with water and place the fish in the water, about 1-2 fish per gallon.
If your trip is going to take more than a couple of days, it's best to invest in some portable aerators to keep the water well oxygenated. Do not keep the containers in the car overnight since the drop in temperature is likely to be too severe.

REPTILES
If you are going to ship a venomous snake, it must be placed inside two sturdy boxes or a box inside a wooden crate. With non-venomous ones only one box is needed. Be sure the containers are well insulated and contain air holes for ventilation and are clearly marked with both the common and scientific name of the species.
If you are transporting your snake in your car, be sure not to leave it in the car overnight. Take it into the hotel room (be sure they allow pets), and let it soak for about an hour in the tub. (You will have to take turns.)
The easiest pet to move is a turtle, which can be overnight expressed in a well cushioned, insulated box with air holes.
American Tortoise Rescue (http://www.tortoise.com), a nonprofit organization founded to provide for the rescue of turtles and tortoises, recommends using overnight mail. Be sure to write "Fragile, Live Cargo" and "this side up" on the outside of the box to increase the chances of a softer ride. You can also place leaves or grass inside the container for added cushion and to give the box a more homey environment.
Remember to keep the surroundings of all reptiles moist but not wet. Dampening a cloth and placing it inside the container is the best approach.
Since there are some governmental regulations regarding the shipment of reptiles, consult with A Fieldguide to Reptiles and the Law by J. P. Levell. (published by Serpent's Tale)

SMALL MAMMALS
The best way to move small mammals such as mice, gerbils, guinea pigs and hamsters are to keep them in the car with you and in their normal container. Take their water bottle out to avoid it leaking and soaking the bedding. At rest stops, check the animal and place the bottle back in the cage so it can drink.
Be sure to maintain a comfortable, steady temperature even if it means parking your car away from the rest rooms to get it under the shade of a tree. These little critters are comfortable at about the same temperatures people are so if you are cold or hot, they are too.


PET ROCKS
Probably the only pet easier to move than a turtle. Be careful to not let your pet rock out of its box while you are driving the car. It's simply too easy for them to cause an accident by slipping under your gas or brake pedal.

GORILLAS (How NOT to Move One)
On October 16, 1996, travel plans for the people on Delta Flight 709 were delayed when one of the passengers became upset during a stopover in Salt Lake City. The passenger, a 490-pound gorilla, named Vip, had been traveling for over 12 hours in the cargo hold. Having endured a stopover in Cincinnati and a change of planes in Salt Lake City on his way from Boston to his new home in Seattle, Vip expressed his exasperation by rattling his reinforced aluminum cage, resulting in a "rather loud" noise. "It just turned into a long day," said Brian Rutledge of Boston's Franklin Park Zoo, where Vip had lived. "And when you weigh 490 pounds, you can let people know you've had enough." He was unloaded in Salt Lake City where he spent the night in Hogle Zoo before continuing on to Seattle on the ground.
THE END

Monday, July 14, 2008

My Computer dies ( or was it killed)

It was a tough day at work, a typical Monday you would expect. Nothing going right and what could go wrong did go wrong. The fact is it's over now and Tuesdays are always so much better.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Lovely Highlands Ranch Home



Address:2735 CANYON CREST DRIVE
Property Type:RESIDENTIAL
Price:$619,900
Listing #:676891
Status:ACTIVE
Backup/First:
Area:DOUG/HIGH/LONETR
Parcel ID#:680613304008
County:DOUGLAS
Type:DETACH SINGL FAM
Sub Area:LANTERN HILLS
City:HIGHLANDS RANCH
Style:TWO STORY
Architecture:TRADITIONAL
Zip:80126
Faces:EAST
Construction:FRAME
Year Built:2001
NS Direction:OUT OF AREA
#:0
Roofing Material:COMPOSITION SHGL
Builder:
EW Direction:OUT OF AREA
#:0
Car Storage:GARAGE,ATTACHED
Model:
Map/Section:405 - J
Car Spaces:3
Lot Size:9147
HOA Name:
School District:DOUGLAS
Acres:0.00
HOA Phone:
Elementary:7195,SUMMIT VIEW
Zoned:RR1
Total HOA Fees:121
Jr High/Middle:7345,MOUNTAIN RIDGE
Unincorporated:
Fee Quoted:QUARTERLY
Multiple HOAs:
Sr High:7545,MOUNTAIN VISTA
Taxes:4,111
Fee Includes:CLUBHSE W/FITNES
Horses:
TOTAL
UPPER
MAIN
LOWER
BASEMENT
Bedrooms
4
3
1
Baths
4
FF
H
F
Square Feet
3569
1134
Finished Sq Ft Total:4423
Total Sq Ft:4703
Date Measured:
Basement:PARTIAL,WALK-OUT
Bsmt Finished:PARTIALLY
%Bsmt Finished:75
Master Bedroom:
UPPER LEVEL
Living Room:
Water:
PUBLIC
Family Room:
MAIN LEVEL
Dining Room:
Sewer:
PUBLIC
Study/Den:
MAIN LEVEL
Kitchen:
Laundry Loc:
Heat:
GAS,FORCED AIR
# Of Fireplaces:
3
Average Utility:$
Fireplace Loc:
FAMILY ROOM,MASTER BEDROOM
Subfloor:
Description: AIR COND-CENTRAL,BACKS TO OPEN SP,CABLE AVAILABLE,COOK TOP,COMPACTOR,DOUBLE OVEN,DECK,DRYER,DISPOSAL,DISHWASHER,EATING SPACE/KIT,FORMAL DINING,FENCE,GARAGE DR OPENER,KITCHEN ISLAND,LOFT,LANDSCAPED PROF, MASTER BATHROOM,MICROWAVE OVEN,MASTER SUITE,REFRIGERATOR,SMOKE FREE,WASHER,WALK-IN CLOSETS
Public Remarks:BEAUTIFUL FAMILY HOME. BACKS TO OPEN SPACE. CHERRY CABINETS, MASTER SUITE W/ BAR AND FIREPLACE. LOTS OF PRIVATE SPACE, LOFT AND SEPERATE OFFICE, FABULOUS WALK OUT BASEMEN , GAS FIRE PIT IN BACK YARD, THIS HOME IS A MUST SEE!!
Listing Office:EXIT REALTY DENVER TECH CENTER
Portions of this document include intellectual property of ESRI and Metrolist, Inc. and are used herein under license. © 1998-2008 Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. and Metrolist, Inc. All rights reserved. All information is subject to change and should be independently verified.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

WHAT NOW?

Fannie and Freddie: A wild rideBy Chris Isidore, CNNMoney.com senior writer
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The anxiety over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, crucial to a recovery of the battered housing market and the economy as a whole, took stocks on a wild ride Friday.
An early selloff was fanned by speculation of a looming government bailout. The stocks recovered on assurances by a leading senator that no rescue is needed and a report that said the Federal Reserve is opening up its discount window to Fannie and Freddie.
Immediately after the markets opened, shares of Fannie and Freddie fell more than 47% from their already battered closing price the day before.
But with about a half hour left in the day, shares of Fannie were down 24% and Freddie's stock was down about 10%.
Shares of both companies started their recovery shortly after 2 p.m. when Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, defended the strength of both firms.
Dodd said his discussions with Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, the regulators who oversee the firms and the two companies' CEOs convinced him they have more than adequate capital and that there was no need to even discuss failure or a bailout.
He also vowed quick passage of a long-debated housing bill to give greater oversight of the two companies, saying he expected it to passed and ready to be signed into law sometime next week.
"There is a sort of a panic going on," he said. "The facts don't warrant that reaction in my view. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were never bottom feeders in the residential mortgage markets. People ought to feel confident about them."
Shares of Freddie even moved briefly higher Friday afternoon following a report from wire service Reuters that said Bernanke had told Freddie Mac CEO Richard Syron that Freddie and Fannie would be eligible to borrow money directly from the central bank through what is known as the discount window.
The discount window is a source of funds that traditionally was only available to commercial banks. But after the Fed engineered the purchase of Wall Street firm Bear Stearns in March, it opened the window to investment banks as well.
The Fed was not immediately available for comment about the Reuters report. Freddie issued a statement that did not address the report but the company reiterated it had adequate capital.
"Freddie Mac has held a substantial stabilizing presence in ...the housing market and will continue to support the market and the nation's homebuyers during this time of turbulence," said the statement. "The fact is that it was circumstances such as those we are seeing today for which Congress created Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae."
A Fannie spokesman said Friday morning that the company had no comment about recent reports. But it issued a statement Thursday saying that it had the necessary capital to continue operating
The problems for Freddie and Fannie weighed on broader markets, causing a sell-off in U.S. stocks, especially hitting major banks, Wall Street firms and home builders.
Crucial to home market
Fannie and Freddie hold or back $5 trillion between them, or about half the mortgage debt in the country.
They play a central role in the U.S. housing market, providing a crucial source of funding for banks and other home lenders, especially since a credit market crisis last summer left them the only major players in packaging pools of mortgage loans into securities for sale to investors.
If they were unable to do so, it would significantly raise the cost and restrict the availability of mortgage loans, causing significantly more problems for already battered housing prices and sales. That in turn would be another significant problem for the overall U.S. economy, as well as global credit markets.
The New York Times reported Friday that senior Bush administration officials are considering a plan to have the government take over one or both of the companies if their problems worsen.
The shares started to erase early losses when word came that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson was set to speak. He said that the government's primary focus is making sure that mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac remain as presently constituted to carry out their mission.
Even before the latest report on a possible rescue plan, speculation about the future of the firms this week sparked a run by investors away from their shares. That in turn raised questions about how difficult and expensive it will be for them to raise needed capital in the future, which fed into the stock plunge in a vicious cycle.
In the first four trading days of the week, the shares of Fannie have lost 30% of their value, while Freddie shares have tumbled 45%. For the year, Fannie is down 67% and Freddie 77%.
"Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have lost investor confidence evidenced by the rapid brutal sell-off in their stocks, which could dramatically hinder their ability to raise any additional capital going forward," wrote Richard Hofmann of research firm CreditSights in a note Friday. He added that the firms' ability to function normally "remain at the core of government efforts to stabilize the mortgage markets."
A number of scenarios were being discussed by bankers and analysts about what the government may do to deal with investors' current crisis of confidence in the firms.
Jaret Seiberg, a financial services analyst for the Stanford Group, a Washington research firm, said Thursday options that among the options are: The Federal Reserve could purchase some of the Freddie and Fannie debt or mortgage-backed securities; the Treasury Department could make billions of dollars in loans to the companies or even buy stock in the companies.
"Government officials are always planning for worst-case scenarios and our note is intended to highlight some options that may be available to policymakers," he wrote. "We suspect hybrid versions of these plans also are possible."
Under current law, the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO), the regulator of Fannie and Freddie, could take control of the firms if their capital falls too far below required levels. It is unclear how the firms would operate in that situation, known as a conservatorship.
OFHEO Director James Lockhart issued a statement late Thursday saying that his agency was closely monitoring the firms' credit and capital positions. But he pointed out that they had already raised $20 billion in capital and that they adequately capitalized, holding funds well in excess of his agency's requirements.
Investor panic
Still investors were worried that continued problems in the housing market would cause more than the $12.7 billion losses the two firms have lost between them since last July. The decline in their stock value makes raising additional capital to cover those future losses that much more expensive and difficult.
"Our primary concern about Freddie and Fannie is that credit losses are likely to be worse than the management's current judgment, which will further pressure the capital base, and we remain cautious until we are better able to quantify these risks," wrote UBS analyst Eric Wasserstrom in a note Thursday.
Those concerns prompted him to raise his estimated loss for Freddie and to cut his price target for the stock, although, he retained his neutral rating on both firms, rather than urging clients to sell their holdings.
But the biggest concern Fannie and Freddie shareholders faced Friday was what would happen if the government did have to step into rescue them. Certainly, the big selloff earlier in the day reflected some investor fears that shares of Fannie and Freddie could become worthless in a bailout scenario.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Housing not in the worst shape ever

It's difficult to get away from negative real estate reports with so much of it circulating around, but Barbara Corcoran, real estate veteran and founder of Corcoran Group, reminds us that we are not in the worst shape ever. In an interview with CNN's Poppy Harlow, she reminds us that we have been in more dire situations before - and come back. Barbara recalls the market in 1989 where housing prices fell more than 15% in one year. The current housing market is nowhere near as bad, and, "that's an interesting lesson to learn. Things do come back around and real estate always comes back up," says Barbara.The interview also touches on where to buy, staying "within the bottom", and when things are expected to pick back up.

Watch CNN Video
http://money.cnn.com/video/#/video/news/2008/06/20/news.harlow.corcoran.062308.cnnmoney

TOO TRUE TO BE FUNNY

This is too true to be funny.
The next time you hear a politician use the word 'billion' in a casual manner, think about whether you want the 'politicians' spending YOUR tax money.
A billion is a difficult number to comprehend,but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure into some perspective in one of it's releases.
A.A billion seconds ago it was 1959.
B.A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.
C.A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.
D.A billion days ago no-one walked on the earth on two feet.
E. A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our governmentis spending it. While this thought is still fresh in our brain...let's take a look at New Orleans ... It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division.
Louisiana Senator,Mary Landrieu (D) is presently asking Congress for 250 BILLION DOLLARSto rebuild New Orleans . Interesting number...what does it mean?
A.Well... if you are one of the 484,674 residents of New Orleans (every man, woman, and child) you each get $516,528.
B.Or... if you have one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans , your home gets $1,329,787.
C.Or... if you are a family of four... your family gets $2,066,012.
Washington, D. C <>Are all your calculators broken??
Accounts Receivable Tax Building Permit Tax CDL License Tax Cigarette Tax Corporate Income Tax Dog License Tax Federal Income Tax Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA) Fishing License Tax Food License Tax Fuel Permit Tax Gasoline Tax Hunting License Tax Inheritance Tax Inventory Tax IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax) IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax) Liquor Tax Luxury Tax Marriage License Tax Medicare Tax Property Tax Real Estate Tax Service charge taxes Social Security Tax Road Usage Tax (Truckers) Sales Taxes Recreational Vehicle TaxSchool Tax State Income Tax State Unemployment Tax (SUTA) Telephone Federal Excise Tax Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge TaxTelephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax Telephone State and Local Tax Telephone Usage Charge Tax Utility Tax Vehicle License Registration Tax Vehicle Sales Tax Watercraft Registration Tax Well Permit Tax Workers Compensation Tax
STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago...and our nation was the most prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt... We had the largest middle class in the world... and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What happened?Can you spell 'politicians!'
And I still have to press '1' for English.
I hope this goes around the USA at least 100 times No at least a BILLION Times

Thursday, June 26, 2008

GOOD NEWS!

Metro home prices rise- 0.8 PERCENT GAIN. Home prices in metro Denver rose in April from March, bucking a national trend of declining home values, according to a report Tuesday from the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices. April's 0.8 percent monthly gain in metro Denver compares favorably with a 1.4 percent decline the index reported across 20 large metro areas that included Denver. And it represents the first month- over-month gain in Denver captured in the index since August, about the same time the subprime-mortgage mess tanked credit markets. "I believe both the prime selling season and fewer new homes has helped the resale home market," said independent real-estate analyst Gary Bauer. But Bauer said mortgage financing has remained tight, which has slowed closings. Boulder mortgage banker Lou Barnes said that tightness combined with a weakening economy made it premature to call a bottom. "Locally, we are closer to bottom than nationally, if only because our price peak passed in 2001," Barnes said. "Foreclosures here may soon stop rising, but the plague will be with us for another couple of years." Housing experts have long argued that weaker rates of home-price appreciation in Denver compared with overheated markets such as Las Vegas and Miami this decade would eventually translate into a quicker recovery here. Las Vegas and Miami home prices are down more than 26.5 percent in the past year, according to S&P/ Case-Shiller. Despite those stomach- curdling declines, home values are double 2000 levels in Miami and 65 percent higher in Las Vegas. Denver's increase this decade is a more modest 28.5 percent. And Denver's annual home-price decline of 4.7 percent, while not pleasant, is much less disruptive than the 15.3 percent decline captured in the 20-city index. Another home-price index Tuesday from the Office of Federal Housing and Enterprise Oversight showed a 0.8 percent decline nationally in April from March and a 4.6 percent decline over the past year. That more conservative OFHEO index looks at homes financed with government-backed mortgages and includes refinancings. In Colorado, the index showed a price increase of 2.29 percent for the first quarter. In Denver, the price increase was 0.9 percent. Barnes said he prefers the OFHEO index because it isn't as heavily influenced by foreclosures. Poor maintenance on foreclosed homes typically results in a 10 to 20 percent discount from resales under more normal conditions. Out of an estimated 5 million resales this year, about 1.4 million will represent foreclosures, more than double last year's level, Barnes said.

Friday, June 20, 2008

EXIT Realty - Habitat For Humanity

EXIT Realty - Habitat For Humanity

By being an EXIT agent you are a part of one of the premier housing charities; Habitat For Humanity. A donation is made each time an EXIT agent has a closing.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

EXIT Realty - Entrepreneur

EXIT Realty - Entrepreneur

WHY EXIT? WHY NOW?

EXIT Realty

EXIT Realty

Why Exit? Why Now?

WHY EXIT? WHY NOW?


EXIT REALTY IS GROWING!
While other real estate companies are consolidating, cutting back or even shutting down, EXIT continues to grow across North America. EXIT has revolutionized the real estate industry by allowing real estate agents to own a successful & profitable business and not just work in one. For more information about a career with EXIT Realty call Marc @ 303-790-7200

EXIT Realty - Consider it Sold

We know selling a home is hard work, let our experts guide you through the real estate maze. Call today 303-790-7200

EXIT Realty - Consider it Sold

EXIT Realty - Channel 10-7-5 Videos

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED A CAREER IN REAL ESTATE? WHY NOT FIND OUT HOW EXIT REALTY HAS BECOME ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING REAL ESTATE COMPANIES IN THE HISTORY OF THE INDUSTRY. VISIT S ONLINE NOW EXIT Realty - Channel 10-7-5 Videos

Staging to Sell!

Can staging my home make a difference?

You bet it can! Research shows that well staged homes sell approximately 32% faster than non-staged homes. They also sell for 3 to 10% more. Do the math and tell me how many thousands of dollars we are talking. Homes which are properly staged; that are warm, cozy, romantic and have sex appeal, sell fastest. As a seller, you may hire a professional home stager or stage your home yourself. Naturally, if you do it yourself, you should have a plan, some guidelines and a checklist to follow.

Selling a "Lifestyle"

To sell your home faster, you must sell more than just two bedrooms, two baths and so many square feet with a garage. You must sell a lifestyle:
Where buyers’ imagine themselves raising their families or entertaining their friends.
Where they can relax on the patio or listen to their favorite music.
Where they imagine themselves preparing gourmet meals or taking luxurious baths. Where dreams come true.

When selling in a slow market

You have two choices 1. Lower your pricePrice your home below that of your competition for the same amenities, size, etc. or 2. Make your home more desirable. To do this, you need to have a home with the right atmosphere and looks. There is nothing more important when it comes to selling your home, than to have one which has a strong emotional appeal to buyers. Properly staging your home will create this emotional appeal, otherwise you will need to lower your price.

If you would like a FREE COPY of our report "Staging on a budget" Please respond with your email address to sheryll@exitrealtydtc.com

Monday, June 9, 2008

Denver's Market

Denver’s housing market shows signs of shift from buyer’s to “normal” market
Posted May 17, 2008 Denver’s real estate market is showing signs of a precipitous shift from a buyer’s market to a “normal” market, according to a newly released report by Jack O’Connor, Managing Broker of Prestige Real Estate Group and a widely read industry analyst. The shift is evident, O’Connor reported May 5, in the continued drop of market-wide inventory to just over 27,000 homes, down from peak levels of 2006; as well as in the market’s supply of homes, now indicated at just over seven months of supply. Traditionally, a buyer’s market is defined by a supply greater than eight months. A seller’s market, one with high demand where sellers have flexibility in pricing their homes, is defined by a supply of less than six months.“What we’re seeing is a return to a normal market in Denver,” said Leeann Iacino, President of Prestige Real Estate Group, in releasing the report. “This is further evidence of the countercyclical performance of Colorado’s market, which went into a post-911 slowdown faster than other national markets, and now appears to be recovering faster, as well.”Iacino added that the data are for the seven-county Denver-Boulder area, which includes portions of northeastern counties that were abnormally affected by foreclosures in the wake of heavy production homebuilding during recent years. “In talking with our own agents, we’re seeing signs of an even stronger turnaround in mid-priced markets of south-central Denver and the south and southwestern metro area,” she added.The report also suggests that a combination of staff reductions in the banking and real estate service industry, along with the challenging mortgage environment, may be causing a backlog of homes headed for closing. Although the number of properties under contract this month is up 6.87% compared to May 2007, year-to-date properties closed through April are lagging behind those posted year-to-date April 2007 by around 1,300 sales, indicating a lag in processing time. “In the past, buyers who could rightfully afford a home could be approved for a loan in less than 14 days,” O’Connor noted in the report. “But lenders’ reduced staffs over the last eight months and the challenges faced in obtaining financing are causing delays of as much as eight weeks.” Iacino noted that national studies are corroborating the indications that Denver is returning to a normal market and has little resemblance to markets seen as “overvalued.” Prestige Real Estate Group serves the entire Denver area and is particularly strong in popular neighborhoods of south Denver, Arapahoe County, Highlands Ranch and Douglas County, with offices in the I-25/Tech Center corridor, Highlands Ranch, Cherry Creek, Castle Pines North, and Conifer/Evergreen

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Getting From Point A to Point B

Things continue to get tough in the airline industry. Getting from pint A to pint B took another blow yesterday as United Airlines' no-frills carrier Ted, launched in Denver in 2003, will be permanently grounded next year as part of a sweeping downsizing effort by the nation's No. 2 airline. United said Wednesday that it will cut more than 1,100 jobs and 100 aircraft in an effort to counter soaring fuel prices. The carrier did not specify how many local jobs would be affected.
It's the latest in a series of cutbacks by U.S. airlines to slash costs in one of the toughest economic environments ever to hit the industry.

"While these are difficult decisions that will impact many of our employees, they nevertheless must be made if we are to assure United's long-term viability," chief operating officer John Tague said in a message to employees. United, the dominant carrier at Denver International Airport, said it hasn't yet determined the impact of the cutbacks on routes and flight schedules, but analysts said it undoubtedly will mean higher fares and less convenience for travelers.
"It will be very painful for United," said airline-industry analyst Henry Harteveldt of San Francisco-based Forrester Research. "They're going to have to let go of a lot of employees.
United is projecting that fuel costs will jump from $5 billion last year to $8 billion this year if crude-oil prices remain near $125 a barrel. Oil futures closed Wednesday at $122.30. The record high was $135.14 on May 22.

American Airlines, the nation's biggest carrier, said last month that it would cut domestic flights by up to 12 percent by retiring at least 75 older, fuel-guzzling aircraft. On Wednesday, Delta Air Lines, which previously had announced a 10 percent flight reduction, said it also was considering further cuts.

Denver-based Frontier Airlines has abandoned some routes and is attempting to restructure after filing for bankruptcy protection in April, largely because of high fuel costs.
"What we're seeing is the impact of $130-a-barrel oil on an air industry that is not designed to handle those costs," Harteveldt said. Ted's demise, beginning next spring, follows the failure of several other low-cost offshoots of major carriers.

Saturday, May 31, 2008

What Makes A Listing Sell?

A recent report showed what agents are doing in today's market to help them sell their listings. I found this very helpful and hope you might also.
1. Make your listings stand out: Staging is critical. One agent suggested walking through each room with the sellers and dividing what must be done into one of three categories: "necessary changes," "you really ought to," and "desirable changes." Sellers are often overwhelmed at how much they may have to do to make their houses saleable. This strategy allows the sellers to identify what is absolutely critical as compared to what is desirable.
2. Provide financial incentives: A large number of agents are having sellers use financial incentives to attract buyers. Strategies include contributing money to closing costs, offering a higher cooperating commission to buyers' brokers, and paying the buyers' homeowner association dues for one year. Two additional strategies are to buy down the buyer's interest rate for one to three years or to purchase a home warranty for the buyer.
3. Avoid chasing the market down: Agents had a variety of strategies to help sellers be more realistic. Among these were discussing absorption rates and how they relate to the market. For example, if there is eight months of inventory on the market, the probability that the property will go under contract in a given month is 12.5 percent. The probability that the property will not sell is 87.5 percent.A second approach is to ask sellers how much time they have to sell their property and whether they are willing to wait for the market to come to their price. You could also ask whether the sellers want to run a sprint or a marathon. Follow up by asking what happens if their house does not sell. The third alternative is to show sellers how well-priced properties stay on the market a shorter period of time. If prices are declining, the sellers have a choice. They can be the trend setters who get their property sold or the sellers who chase the market down. Finally, you can ask sellers which section of the multiple listing service that they want to be in: the "solds" or the "expireds."
4. Offer strategies: One strategy that we used for many years in California was to obtain a price reduction whenever the seller writes a counteroffer at less than asking price. This puts additional pressure on the buyers to act. Also, many sellers become discouraged when they receive an especially low offer. Instead of becoming discouraged, tell them to feel good about generating an offer in this market.
5. Show the sellers how much they're saving: When the seller is purchasing a less expensive property, calculate how much the seller saves each month when they are in their new property. For example, if the seller's mortgage will be reduced by $1,000 per month, that represents a $12,000 savings per year. Each month they don't sell costs them another $1,000. On the other hand, when prices are going up, show them how much they gain by buying a trade-up property. If your clients are listing a $300,000 property and they are purchasing a $500,000 home, calculate how much your current market has declined. Assume the market has declined by 5 percent. The sellers will reduce their price on their $300,000 property by $15,000. The same 5 percent reduction results in $25,000 on the $500,000 property. Thus, the seller picks up an additional $10,000 in appreciation by purchasing a more expensive property.
6. Reverse contracts: This may be the most innovative idea in the entire book. When the buyer is having difficulty deciding about purchasing a specific property, the listing agent can launch the negotiation by asking the seller to issue a "reverse contract." This involves the seller drafting an offer to the buyer, generally at a price slightly under asking price. While this may not always work, it is an excellent way to see whether the buyer is actually serious about purchasing. Ultimately, the best way to cope with this market is to change your mind set:"Let's stop talking about the boom days and lamenting the bust days. Let's start talking about the benefits of home ownership, the pride in neighborhoods, and taking a positive approach to the market and to life in general."

Monday, May 26, 2008

Drive A New Jeep!




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EXIT is opening offices across Colorado and looking for Colorado's best real estate professionals to join more than 46,000 agents across North America who have joined EXIT!
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Friday, May 23, 2008

Things could be worse


AND YOU THOUGHT YOU HAD A TOUGH HOME TO SELL

Teal360.com - Who we are


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