Denver Homes for Sale

This is good news for the housing market.  It’s a YouTube video from Fox Business News a couple of days ago.  The housing market in Denver is improving.  It’s a good place to live!

This is good news for buyers as well!

Today’s well-qualified home buyers are purchasing new homes.  This is partly due to the poor showings in the stock market as well as the very low interest rates. Builders are also offering inviting incentives to attract new home buyers.

New starts by private developers were up down a bit in October of 2011, but 16.5% above the starts in October of 2010. These numbers are the latest from the U.S. Commerce Department.  Builder confidence is at its highest level since May of 2010.

If you are in the market for a new home, please contact me before you look at new developments,  as the builder will not give you the extra representation that you need.  Remember, the home builder is the seller and the new home developments are staffed by agents for the seller.

When you think about buying a home in the metro Denver area, does it scare you because of the financial risk? Right now, you need to consider if buying a home in Denver, Colorado is a safer investment than the stock market. It’s possible you really haven’t thought about the “risk” of not buying.

For the majority of people, owning a home in Denver or the surrounding areas is the most reliable way to achieve financial security. Without it, you may find that in the future you will not have access to the capital necessary to pay for your children’s education, retire when you want or even start a new business.

Equity is the solution. When you make a monthly mortgage payment you are putting your money into a type of savings plan. Over time, you build “equity” in your property that can be converted into cash when you sell or used as collateral if you should want to remodel, send kids to college, etc. However, think twice about using your home to buy cars, pay off credit card debt or take vacations. You don’t want to think of your home as an ATM. It is a long-term investment.

Tax advantages are for homeowners, not renters. As a renter, you are being deprived of tax breaks. Homeownership is one of the last remaining tax shelters. You can save a substantial amount each year on your federal income taxes. There could also be tax advantages when you make your home more energy efficient with new appliances, solar systems, etc. Check out the federal government websites for more information, or talk to your tax adviser.

Investing for the near future makes good sense. Over time, your house could significantly increase in value, making it one of your best investments. It can also make it possible for you to “move up” to a larger home in the future.

If you are ready, let me know. I’ll help you find your next home.

Copyright © 2001-2011 Buyers Best Choice Real Estate, All Rights Reserved

Security is a wonderful feeling.  Owning your own home in the Denver area gives you a sense of security.  You can plan on your housing costs staying the same over time, with the exception of taxes, insurance and, if applicable, home owners association dues.   When you finance your home with a 30 year fixed mortgage, your principal and interest payments never change.  Financial experts generally suggest that to retire, you will need to build up enough in savings and investments to generate a yearly income of 70% of your pre-retirement income.  For that reason alone, now is a good time to buy a home!

The home buying process is simple and straightforward. You will be making two purchases, a home and a loan. I will help you through both processes to ensure that you have access to all the information I can provide so that you make a smart decision and have a position experience.

In the State of Colorado you have the right to full representation when purchasing a home.  I firmly believe that the smart way to buy a home is with a Buyer’s Agent.

 The seller’s agent will never give you that type of representation.  The seller’s agent can treat you as a “customer”, which means that the relationship is only between the seller and the seller’s agent.  Or, the agent can become a Transaction Broker that means the agent will represent both parties in reaching an agreement, but a Transaction Broker cannot counsel either party on what or what not to do.

Buyer’s Best Choice Brokers act as Buyer’s Brokers.  We believe in you!  It’s a smart way to go!

When you are ready to buy a home in Denver, Arvada, Aurora, Castle Rock, Centennial or Wheat Ridge, let me know.  I’ll be happy to help you!

Copyright © 2001-2011 Buyers Best Choice Real Estate, All Rights

 Gardening in Denver, Colorado has always been a challenge.  The dry air, soils that do not retain water and the various temperature changes make watering during the fall and winter months essential. You should water one to two times per month depending on the weather conditions.  Do not water if the temperature is below 40 or if there is snow covering the growth.

To prevent root damage of tree, lawns, flowers and shrubs you need to water periodically during the months of October through March or April. Water about mid-day to allow the water to soak in as the night time temperatures can freeze and inhibit the water reaching the roots.

PLANTS AND GROUND COVER

Many Denver homes have plants that do not receive sufficient watering during the fall and winter may be weakened or die.  If plants have been damaged, even though in the spring they seem normal, they die when temperatures in the spring and summer rise.  They may also be susceptible to insects or plant diseases.

The result of long, dry periods during fall and winter is injury or death to parts of plant root systems. Affected plants may appear perfectly normal and resume growth in the spring using stored food energy. Plants may be weakened and all or parts may die in late spring or summer when temperatures rise. Weakened plants also may be subject to insect and disease problems.

Plants that are protected by buildings or fences could be damaged especially with the low angle of the sun.  The buildings or fences can reflect collected heat, drying out the plants faster than normal.

Plants in windy sites can also dry faster. 

Bare-root plants such as roses take a little longer to establish themselves than do container plants.  Fall-transplanted perennial plants will need extra water. 

Winter freezing and thawing causes the soil to crack and expose roots to the cold and dry climate.  Protect with mulch and watering during the winter.

LAWNS

Lawns may need special attention.  Lawns that have south or west exposures tend to dry out quickly.  New lawns as well need extra water.

Should snow pack or ice cover the turf for three plus weeks, the lawn may show signs of matting or actually it could die from suffocation.  Lawns that receive extra sun and warmth could make it prone to mite damage later in the winter.

Sellers Market Analysis

Denver Home Financing.

It seems like in the housing industry whenever someone says, “Mold”, there is an instant panic. Probably panic is not the best way to deal with mold.

There are a number of different types of mold; some are easy to eradicate, and, unfortunately, others aren’t. Knowing the differences, the remedies and the costs can let you determine if the house to want to buy makes sense, or should you look at others.

Not only is mold destructive to homes, but it can cause serious health issues. This is certainly something to have checked out by an expert.

We are fortunate to live in the Denver area where the climate does not promote as much mold as other areas of the country. I always tell my clients that if you can smell mold, there are issues. I also let them know that chances are mold is somewhere in every house. Preventing circumstances which will allow the mold to grow is how to control it.

What Causes Mold

Mold grows on plants and fibers. It digests the organic matter and then releases additional mold spores.

In today’s market, Denver houses for sale that have been unoccupied for any length of time can have serious mold issues caused by leaks in the roof, water leaking in the home due to improper water shut off, a leaking hot water heat and/or clogged gutters. Buyers need to be aware of such issues. A well-trained home inspector can help you identify these issues and give you information on the remedies.

Artificial stucco, also known as EFIS has become a mold issue. Moisture can seep between the stucco/siding and the interior walls. The mold spores will attach themselves to the wood used for the framing. You should 1) make sure the stucco is not artificial, and 2) if it is, have the home tested. Testing for mold can be fairly expensive. Contact an expert!

Improperly installed or damaged gutters can be a real culprit. If they become clogged with leaves the water runoff can seep into the basement and mold can start to grow on the framing. The sad thing is that a little prevention can avert a huge disaster and many homeowners are unaware.

In the Front Range area, many of the newer homes have started using structural basement flooring. This is a wood floor laid over a crawl space. When the foundation has been dug, a plastic sheeting material/water vapor barrier is laid down on top of the dirt, then the floor is laid over several feet of air space. Many times construction workers have left debris in the form of food behind and the food, as it decays, begins to generate mold which will then attach itself to the floor. Also if the structure is not well sealed, water from heavy rains or over-watering can seep into the crawl space. The best fix? Talk to an expert.

Artificial stucco, also known as EFIS has become a mold issue. Moisture can seep between the stucco/siding and the interior walls. The mold spores will attach themselves to the wood used for the framing. You should 1) make sure the stucco is not artificial, and 2) if it is, have the home tested. Testing for mold can be fairly expensive. Contact an expert!

How to Control Moisture

There are a variety of things you can do to keep condensation at bay, and water out of your home.

Many every day things add moisture into the air. Cooking a big pot of pasta, showering and doing laundry can increase the moisture content.

1. Fix any leaks you may have in pipes in baths and kitchens. Check under the sinks on a regular basis to ensure all is dry.

2. Occasionally apply a slight pressure to the tiles around your bath tub and shower. If you feel a little give, call a plumber right away.

3. Check to make sure the flooring around toilets, showers and tubs has no give to it. If it feels a little spongy, call a plumber!

4. Use exhaust fans in the baths and kitchen area. These fans should vent to the outside, not your attic area.

5. Vent your dryer to the outside. If that’s not possible, use a fan to circulate the heat and moisture.

6. Changes in temperature can also cause condensation on windows. You will need add insulation and caulk around window sills.

7. Open doors in the house. Make sure there is adequate circulation. You may want to try fans when temperatures are extreme. Make sure that your heat vents are not covered by heavy furniture.

8, Dehumidifiers and air conditioners help. However, if they are not kept clean and in good working order, they, too, can become a source for bacteria and mold.

9. Make sure that your landscaping always slopes away from the house. Add additional soil, rocks, mulch, etc. to raise the level. Also, planting right next to the house is never a good idea.

10. If you run your sprinklers at night, once or twice during the season, run them when you can see them to ensure that they are not sending inordinate amounts of water toward the house and foundation. Check the drainage.

11. Add a vapor barrier and seal it in crawl spaces. You made need to add a fan if moisture is a problem.

12. Check the carpet in the basement periodically to ensure that it is dry. It is always a good idea to check near walls after receiving large amounts of rain or snow.

Don’t forget, that not all mold is bad – it gives us penicillin!

Additional information can be found at:

http://www.epa.gov/mold/pdfs/moldguide.pdf

Any Denver homes built prior to 1978 have the possibility of having lead-based paint on walls, floors, pipes, etc.  The majority of these homes may have had at least one or more coats of paint over the lead-based paint or have been remodeled and the lead-based painted surfaces removed. 

The EPA has a very comprehensive website that can help you deal with lead-based paint issues.

http://www.epa.gov/lead/

If you are remodeling your own home, there is a chance you could uncover a lead-based painted surface.  The pamphlet listed below will give you some great tips.

http://www.idph.state.ia.us/eh/common/pdf/lead/epa_reducing_hazards.pdf

Should you decide to use a contractor, the EPA has now set standards that the contractors needs to follow to ensure the health and safety of everyone concerned.  You can contact me for names of certified lead-based paint abatement contractors.

Remember, just a few tips can make everything easier:

            Have plenty of ventilation

            Wear a protective mask

            Don’t eat the paint!  Keep an eye on small children and animals as you are remodeling.

Green-built communities are alive and well in Denver Colorado as well as around the country..  Some are new, and some have been around for quite a while.  More and more homes are being built-green and homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes more efficient when remodeling.

The Smart Communities Network is a great place to go for information on the green building industry.  Read about their philosophie and look at the building ideas.  Whether you are looking for a new home or doing remodeling on your current home this is a useful resource.

One of the earliest socially aware communities in Denver was owned and still is, by Mile High Housing Co-op. It has been environmentally concerned and active since 1950.  It is a good example of a socially conscience and sustainable community. The homes were well designed on the lots with a park in the middle, a community garden, tennis courts and a small outdoor theater.

The neighborhood design was the work of well-known architect, Eugene Sternberg. He and a group of professors from the University of Denver formed the co-op.  There are 32 homes located around the park.  It’s a quiet neighborhood tucked away from prying eyes.  It is in  unincorporated Arapahoe County and the children go to Cherry Creek Schools.  This neighborhood is the perfect definition of community.

Highline Crossing, in Littleton, is another early environmentally aware community. There is a community center and community garden.  No cars allowed in the main housing area which makes it a great place for children to play and neighbors to socialized.  The neighborhood reminds me a little of the small towns in Mexico.  There is liberal use of stucco and wood, two story and ranch designs.  Many of the homes back to green space and have wonderful mountain views.

Arvada boasts a new community called Geos.  All of the homes are heated and cooled using thermal energy  from the sun and earth.

These are affordable communities.  I believe in the future, more of these will become the standard.