Above information in the video is based on Information from Metrolist, Inc. Note: This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by Metrolist, Inc. Metrolist,Inc. does not guarantee nor is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by Metrolist, Inc. may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

Above information in the video is based on Information from Metrolist, Inc. Note: This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by Metrolist, Inc. Metrolist,Inc. does not guarantee nor is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by Metrolist, Inc. may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

Above information in the video is based on Information from Metrolist, Inc. for the period Jan 1, 2006 through December 31, 2010. Note: This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by Metrolist, Inc. Metrolist,Inc. does not guarantee nor is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by Metrolist, Inc. may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

Highlands Ranch real estate inventory remains pretty low again this month. There is less to choose from and fewer buyers making these choices.  Surprisingly, since interest rates remain at all time lows and sellers are mostly pricing very competitively.  Another sign of the times, I think, with concern abouth the ecomonmy in general. The months of inventory for homes priced above $500k have crept up some making the switch to a buyer’s market for the most part, with the exception this month for the $900k-$1M market.

So now more than ever, sellers need to stay focused on price, condition and keep in tune with the market. We’re winding down the summer season and heading into Fall. There are still plenty of folks that want to purchase their home this year and settle in before the holidays.  So keep competitive and ready.

Buyers can still take advantage of the biggest factor in leveraging your purchasing power, interest rates! Rates impact buying power far more than typical price adjustments.  So with less inventory to pick from, when you find the right home it is a great time to “pull the trigger” and make it happen. The best inventory still sells the fastest, always.

If you’re looking to sell or buy in Highlands Ranch or anywhere in the Denver area, contact me I would love to help.

Highlands Ranch homes as well as many homes in many areas of Denver may be equipped with pressure reducing valves. The Centennial Water District has written an article on pressure reducing valves, or PRV valves.  The article is very informative and helps with an understanding of why they are there and signs that they may need to be replaced or adjusted.

I really didn’t know the pressure reducing valve was my problem. I had to have a hot water heater replaced and I asked the plumber what it could be at the time.  He immediately checked the pressure, discovered that it was way too high for the home and once he replaced the valve, everything is working as it should now. I really haven’t noticed any change in the pressure from the sinks or showers at all, which I thought would happen.

Take time to maintain your home, it is a very valuable investment.   There are plenty of things that you may be able to handle yourself with a few trips to the home improvement store.  If it is a job that requires more experience and expertise, get in touch with a handyman of contractor to have it done.  In any case, don’t neglect your home since little problems can often turn into huge, costly problems later on.  If you need referrals for different contractors, plumbers, electricians, handyman, etc…just let me know and I’ll be happy to point you to a proven professional.

With such big focus on the kitchen, you may be thinking of a remodel, design or spruce up. Cabinets are difficult and expensive to change out, often the best bet is a re facing or paint.  However, the counters are another big focal point and with counters come a lot of choices.  Kitchen counters can totally change the look and feel of the entire home. So what is HOT these days?

Granite is still a good bet.  High quality, slab granite can really make a statement in the kitchen. However, the days of granite being in only high end, luxury homes is long gone.  Most builders offer granite in even mid level homes.  One trend emerging is the use of engineered quartz.  Quartz can be produced in many color choices, some even very vibrant. Another trend is glass. Glass can be designed and colored to really compliment the look of the kitchen, often lit from below to create a very unique glow for a look and feel much different from the average kitchen.  Marble and other natural stones are also coming back into style.

Kitchen counters can definitely make a huge difference in any home.  Don’t forget to compliment the counters with an attractive back splash if the space calls for one.  Back splash is usually a different material that sets off, or compliments the counters. Make sure it is durable enough to do it’s intended job which is to protect the walls around the kitchen counters from water and other liquids.

If you’re considering a change in your kitchen counters, take a few trips out to the home improvement stores, model homes, designers showcases or just thumb through home magazines for ideas, inspiration and the latest trends. If you may be considering selling your home here in Denver and wonder if this type of an improvement is needed, give me a call or email and I would love to come by to visit and give an honest opinion.

The Denver homes search is up, and I know that is what most of you are looking for.  So search away!

Hope you like it!

July statistics indicate that Highlands Ranch real estate is pretty balanced in nearly all price ranges.  Overall inventory is still lower than previous years numbers, however for the inventory we have to work with, things look optimistic for sellers.

The bulk of the activity is once again, between $200-$400k.  This price range is attractive to many first time home buyers and with interest rates now at incredible lows, I forsee this activity to continue through the August statistics.

Sellers can know that the inventory levels favor them as far as supply/demand in the Highlands Ranch real estate market.  However, I caution again that an overpriced home in less than good condition will struggle to sell in any market.  Pay attention to the trends in your neighborhood.

Buyers continue to have mortgage rates at all time lows, so if you are borrowing to purchase your Highlands Ranch home then now may be the strongest buying power you may have, maybe ever.  Take advantage of the mortgage markets and if you find the home you love, act on it more sooner than later.  Supply remains low and the best inventory never lasts long.

If you want help finding your next Highlands Ranch home or selling your existing home, please let me know.  I follow the market values and with nearly two decades of experience, I would love to help you out as well.

So you have a contract coming in on your home and there will be a lot of details to consider when handling that offer. One of the details will be a possession date and time. Of course there will be the all important closing day but that isn’t always the day the buyer gets possession, at least not here in Colorado.  Here we fund the closing at the table and there is no required escrow period.  Therefore, the buyer could be allowed possession immediately at closing.

The possession date and time is negotiated in the contract and agreed upon by all parties. With that said, let’s give it some food for thought.  Often times the seller would prefer some time after closing to allow possession to the buyer, typically 48 hours or so after closing.  In fact, that is often indicated in the MLS  for other agents to see and know the seller’s preference.  Keep in mind, everything is negotiable depending on which point of view you see the situation.

For the seller, allowing possession after closing can provide some desirable breathing room to finish up the packing and final clean up, not to mention the comfort of knowing that the closing actually took place before completely moving out of the house.  After all, what if something happens, even at the closing table and you still own the home now with all your belongings in a truck?  Yikes!

For the buyer, this is such an exciting time usually and you can’t wait to get into your new home and start making it your own.  Besides, if the seller is still in the house moving out, what if they accidentally damage it or worse?  Not to mention the fact that since closing you’re now paying for it and not living in the house.

So what to do?  There are strong reasons for both sides of the story. Most transactions are flexible with sellers and buyers working out an understanding.  In some cases possession time may be set and required by a third party such as a bank or relocation company.  It’s up to a buyer to agree to that.  In most cases, allowing possession at closing is probably the least troublesome way to go as far as potential liability is concerned.  In any case, if possession will not be at closing a best practice might be to have a written agreement, much like a rental agreement, set forth and agreed to before closing.  Perhaps this agreement may have a deposit made part of it which lends to some level of security.

There is a lot to consider in all parts of a real estate transaction.  After all, our contracts here are now over a dozen pages long, typically with many addenda to accompany it. Possession time is but one small yet very important detail to the whole transaction.

Note: This article is intended to provide general information and is not intended to provide specific advice.

The Real Estate Transaction Series | Posession is one of several posts on the subject of real estate transactions.

Tucked away at the end of a cul de sac and situated on an oversized lot, this remarkable home is just what you have been waiting for.  This stunning home is wonderful to entertain in and a pleasure to come home to! The dramatic floor plan offers extensive tile flooring, Berber carpet, beautiful cherry cabinets and slab granite counters. Daily living is enhanced by the central vacuum system, gas cooktop, stainless steel appliances and of course, central a/c.

This home has style and flair with two story ceilings, curved staircase and upstairs bonus room for movie watching or just relaxing.  The master suite boasts his and hers walk in closets and a gorgeous private bath with oval soaking tub, perfect to get away!

But, Colorado is for the outdoors and this home is ideal to get out and enjoy.  The large, thoughtfully landscaped lot is a private oasis complete with a stunning covered deck spanning the entire length of the home.  The custom outdoor living space compliments this impeccable Highlands Ranch home!

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