There is still a lot of warm weather ahead in most parts of the country.  If you are selling your home, don’t forget the “extra” living space you have. Of course, I’m referring to your deck or patio.  There are almost as many design magazines focusing on outdoor spaces, as there are for interiors.  If you are not utilizing this space, you are missing the opportunity to add square feet to your home.
Think of your deck or patio as an outdoor living room, and include comfortable seating, soft lighting, and …

This week President Bush signed the $300 billion housing bill aimed at helping homeowners avoid foreclosure and it’s estimated that roughly 400,000 families will benefit. The changes are scheduled to begin October 1, 2008. It’s a very detailed bill but some of the highlights include:
FHA Changes
Mortgage limits for high cost areas will be increased to the greater of $417,000 or 115% of the local area median home price, capped at $625,000. The FHA floor will go from 48% to 65% of the current conforming loan limit or $271,050.
The FHA down …

I wanted to let everyone know of an exciting new feature on this site!  On the Top Right of the “HOME” page, you now see a Market Profile section.  This section shows you a graphical display of the Median Price of Homes in the Denver Metro Area.
It’s alway helpful to know where you have been, and where you may be headed.  It is especially useful when trying to predict trends.
By clicking on the graphic, you will be able to see other trending statistics such as:

Market Conditions
Days on Market
Price per Square …

The 2008 Parade of Homes in Denver kicked off last week, and will run through Labor Day.  The Parade is an annual showcase of high end homes, with trendy, high end finishes.
This years version is hosted at Solterra, in Lakewood, Colorado.  (Click here for map and directions)  The subdivision is brand new, and will be a great little community.  Located on the far west side of Metro Denver, at approximately C-470 and Alameda, it sits atop some high ground with good views to the south.  Unfortunately, it is currently a …

photo credit: Skyriser / Lix
Tomorrow, July 26th is the Annual Greenwood Village Day!  This event is one of the reasons Greenwood Village is unlike most other municipalities.
Every resident is invited to attend a fabulous, FREE event, celebrating those who live in Greenwood Village.  Starting at 2pm and running until 10pm this is a big party!  Specifically planned to make sure the whole family enjoys themselves, the day includes events, activities, games and food!
This is one of the events my family attends EVERY year, it’s truly great!
Everyone gets a free …

Rates got a little scary late this week.  These are up about .25% above where we were earlier in the week.  The equities market rally for the last 2 or 3 days is partly to blame for this increase along with some of the FNMA, FHLMC turmoil filtering into the bond market as well.

Program

Rates

Orig.+ Discount Fees

Conv. 30 Year Fixed

6.500%

1.00% + 0.00%

FHA 30 Year Fixed

6.500%

0.00% + 0.00%

VA 30 Year Fixed

6.500%

0.25% + 0..00%

5/1 Int. Only ARM

6.125%

1.00% + 0.00%

Jumbo 5/1 ARM

5.750%

0.50% + 0.00%

Please call or email if we can be of assistance!

The City and County of Denver announce the traffic plans for next months Democratic National Convention.
The major areas of concern will be two major thoroughfares through the city, Speer Blvd., and Auraria Pkwy. will be closed for the majority of the week.
Trust me, this will be a mess.  You don’t want to be anywhere near Downtown Denver during the last week of August!  Click here for a complete description of the gridlock that will be!

I am asked quite often “What is the difference between decorating and staging?” I thought I would provide you with a quick explanation, and some definitions of other terms we use in staging.
Decorating is furnishing and accessorizing a space, with the taste and lifestyle of the homeowners in mind.
Staging is decorating, also, but in a manner which showcases the best features of the home, detracts from any negative features, and appeals to the greatest number of buyers.
Neutralizing is removing a particular style or theme. For example, if a home …

Arapahoe County Colorado residents now have a way to save on the ever-rising costs of perscription drug costs.  On July 3rd the County Commissioners announced the program.
Commissioner Susan Beckman said:
“Using the NACo prescription discount is easy, simply present it at a participating pharmacy.  There is no enrollment fee and no restrictions or limits on frequency of use.  Cardholders and family members may use the card any time their prescriptions ar not covered by insurance.”
The card will save residents 20% off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs and may be …

Metro Brokers – DMV from Chris Rock on Vimeo.