My Mission Statement

Just Moved? 7 Tips for Making Your New Community Feel Like Home - Via Realtor.com

Moving into a new house involves more than arranging furniture and getting your kids acclimated to a different school. To feel truly comfortable and settled in another city or state, you'll want to make connections with neighbors and community members. Sure, it can feel awkward extending a hand to introduce yourself. But if you dive right in, you'll soon get beyond the "new guy" label and feel welcome. 

Here are seven ways to settle in after a move and make your new community feel like you've been there for years.

1. Network before you move

It's much easier to go from one friend to two than it is to start from zero, points out Ali Wenzke, a blogger at the Art of Happy Moving.

"Reach out to your network of friends to see if anyone knows someone in your new city ... and then reach out via email and maybe meet up for coffee" once you're there, she suggests.

If you hit it off, great. But if you don't, at least you've met someone who can possibly steer you toward fun things to do in the area—where you can meet your new BFF.

2. Host an open house after you move in

Throwing a party for a bunch of strangers may be the last thing you feel like doing, but it's a great way to meet a ton of new people in one shot. Plus, your neighbors are probably dying to see the inside of the place you just bought.

Make your open house casual and easy by scheduling it for a few hours on a quiet Sunday afternoon and offering simple fare (think beer, chips, apple cider, and brownies). Your new neighbors will have a chance to meet you, and you'll get to hear some news about the community.

3. Venture outside

Still dealing with a ton of cardboard and packing peanuts? Rather than work in the garage, take your box cutter out to the lawn or driveway and break down your boxes outside. Bagging recyclables and tying up cardboard bundles are more fun when you can take a break to chat with passers-by.

Or do a little gardening such as potting hardy mums, raking leaves, or planting bulbs. Time these tasks for when people are picking up kids at the bus stop, and you'll create an easy meet-and-greet opportunity.

4. Hit the local shops

Sure, you'll shop at Target and the other big-box stores for new throw pillows, but make an effort to patronize the smaller shops in town, too. And do the same at restaurants—because who wants to cook after days of unpacking?

Frequent a couple of cafes or diners and get to know the servers and owner by name, suggests David Meek, a broker at Keller Williams Arizona Realty. "Restaurateurs are well-networked members of their community," he points out.

5. Grab the dog's leash

Your pup might be able to run out the back door to exercise, but you can also use it to your advantage when it comes to meeting new people.

"Dogs allow you to make quick and smooth introductions to other pet owners," Meek says. "Plus you'll meet more community members if you hang out at the local dog run."

6. Join a group

Love to fish? Or is pottery your jam? Indulging in a hobby might not be top of mind right after a big move, but now's the time to make yourself have a little fun. Try a site such as Meetup.com to find folks with similar interests.

In Phoenix, "hiking is really popular here and there are hundreds of Meetups on the trails for singles, seniors, and beginners," Meek says.

Michael Kelczewski, a Delaware- and Pennnsylvania-based Realtor® with Brandywine Fine Properties Sotheby's International, is a fan of the social network Nextdoor.com. "And many homeowners associations have websites and Facebook groups you can join," he adds.

Or sign up for your local CSA, or community-supported agriculture, suggests Jill Ginsberg, a licensed salesperson with Bohemia Realty in New York City. "You'll get to meet new people and support local farmers at the same time," she adds.

7. Stuff some mailboxes

Theresa Jones, a Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway in San Diego who's moved a half-dozen times in the past decade, suggests putting together a fun letter or postcard.

"Write a little bit about your family in the note and then leave it in your new neighbors' mailboxes," she says. You'll spread the news of your arrival and inform people of your contact info.

Or bake a batch of your house specialty and share it, suggests Lorrie Cozzens, communications manager at Help-U-Sell Real Estate. "Pick up inexpensive containers and make little gifts to drop off as you introduce yourself," she says.

5 Steps to the Perfect Guest Room - Via Home Advisor

Though homeowners spend quite a bit of time on living rooms, kitchens, and bathroom remodels, guest rooms are one of the most often neglected spaces in the house. If you’re planning on having overnight guests within the next year, consider remodeling your guest room to make it more appealing and welcoming.

Step 1: Revitalizing Spare Room Walls and Flooring

First, examine the condition of the walls and flooring. Is the paint looking dull? Is the wallpaper outdated? Painting is the easiest and most inexpensive remodeling step, yet it can instantly create a fresh atmosphere that friends or family staying in your guest room will appreciate. Keep in mind that neutral or warm tones are generally the most inviting. If you want to put up new wallpaper, choose a nice soft pattern with a border to keep it simple.

What is the condition of the flooring? Is the carpet stained or worn? If so, replacing it with new carpeting will change the look of the entire room. If the carpet is in decent shape but a little matted down, you should consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner. If you have hardwood flooring, simply adding a new area rug will give your guest room a warmer touch and will make the area softer underfoot and more comfortable for visitors.

Step 2: Coordinate a Color Scheme

After deciding on colors for the room, try to coordinate comforters, sheets, window treatment, throw pillows, and chairs to match. A unified color scheme looks elegant and will make guests feel special.

Step 3: Increase Guest Room Storage Space

No one likes living out of a suitcase. No matter your guest’s length of stay, it is considerate to create storage space for their clothing and personal items while they are visiting. Clear out a drawer or two or make some space in the closet where they can hang clothes. Be sure to tuck some extra toiletries and fresh towels in one of the drawers as well!

Step 4: Remember Bathroom Access

How is the bathroom access from your guest room? Do guests have to walk down a long hall to get to the bathroom? If there isn’t a convenient bathroom near the guest room and space allows, maybe a small bathroom could be added and sectioned off within the room. This would require a larger budget but if it’s possible, your guests will be grateful.

Even a half bathroom could be added for extra convenience. This is an especially good idea if your family has frequent houseguests. A private bath in the spare room is a convenience that your company will appreciate, and will also cut down on crowding in the existing bathrooms when visitors come to town.

Step 5: Finishing Touches to Complete Your Guest Room

Sometimes the details can make all the difference in the world. Any of the following additions to your guest room will be much appreciated by all visiting guests: alarm clock, TV, radio, phone, reading lamp, fresh flowers or plants, and recent magazines or books.

Think about all of the things that make you feel comfortable when staying in someone else’s home and aim to include any luxuries you can afford in your guest room renovation. Even a few quick and simple touches can make all the difference, and your guests will surely thank you.

6515 S Dudley Way Littleton CO

Just Sold In Roxborough!

Just sold in Roxborough! 

This 4 bed 3 bath home is turnkey!

Complete with hardwood flooring throughout the living spaces, tile in the kitchen and granite counters, this home is truly exquisite!

I almost forgot about the FULLY FINISHED basement and the hot tub as well!!

D-Met Market Trends

Good afternoon! First off I'd like to thank you for stopping by and checking out my blog. If you need any help with anything real estate related please don't hesitate to ask!! OR if you know of someone who may need some assistance please pass along my info or better yet, give me their contact info and I will personally reach out to them!

Anyways here are the current market trends for the entire Denver Metro Market, courtesy of Land Title! 

Things are still looking food for sellers. However, buyers you're in for a fight! Having said that it will be well worth it with interest rates still in historic lows, but don't wait too long! Interest rates are predicted to gradually increase from here on out!!

I Made The Switch To RE/MAX!!

In case you can't tell from my background and color changes, I made the switch to RE/MAX! Coldwell Banker will always have a place in my heart. I had a great experience there with great colleagues and great managers but I felt that it was time for a change.

I chose a smaller RE/MAX office called RE/MAX Synergy. I have known my new managing broker from her time in my Coldwell Banker office. I think her and I will be a good team and I know she can help excel my business not only for my own personal needs, but also extend out a better service to my clients.

So to all my past, present, and future clients: I know you will be as joyed about this switch as I am. I am 100% confident I have made the right decision and I know I can be a better agent for you because of it!



So the obligatory statement goes here: If you need any real estate assitance, please don't hesitate to ask! If you know of anyone needing any help, PLEASE give them my contact information or better yet, ask for theirs and pass it along and I will be in touch with them!

Thank you and I look forward to what this change brings!!!

Please Join Me For A Breast Cancer Fund Raiser

Wednesday, May 18, 2016 myself along with my Thursday night hockey team are holding a special surprise fundraiser for a teammates fiance. She is currently undergoing breast cancer treatment and the fundraiser is to help with out of pocket costs! For $20 you get 2 beer coupons as well as a raffle ticket for many great raffle prizes!! 

This is surely to be a lot of fun and a great cause!

So please join me and my team at:

JD's Bait Shop Sports Bar and Grill

9555 E. Arapahoe Rd. Greenwood Village, CO 80112

Just Sold At Full Price!! Highlands Ranch, Colorado

After a long, tough, and stressful sale we were finally able to sell 9859 Eliza Court! 

 FOR FULL PRICE TO BOOT!

     

  With 5 Beds  

And 5 Baths

This home is a true gem! 

Just look at the Huge living room!!                  

And this spacious, walkout, FINISHED, basement!

And of course I can't leave out the yard! This home sits on just under a half an acre...in HIGHLANDS RANCH!!

This home was truly magnificent!!

A Highlands Ranch Gem

Just Listed!!!

9859 Eliza Ct. 

Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

List Price: $760,000

Immediately Step Into A     Beautiful Foyer                                  

Beautiful Formal Dining Room and Formal Living Room

Enter Into A Stellar Great Room. Including The Spacious Family Room and Kitchen 

 These Mountain Views From Your Deck Are Some Of The Best I've Seen From ANY Home In Highlands Ranch!

Don't Miss Out On This Gem!!

9859elizact.cbrb.com

A Great Post About Radon By Scott Home Inspections

Click the picture to be directed to Scott Home Inspection's blog post about radon. This is something all homeowners should test for and/or should be knowledgeable about. 

Guardian Of The Flame Charity Hockey Tournament

First of all...APOLOGIES!! 

I haven't posted in a very long time!!

I was privileged to be a part of a charity event called the Guardian Of The Flame hockey tournament. I do several charity tournaments every year but this one was extra special because it was dedicated to the Special Olympics. Now one thing that made this tourney so special was because we had a special athlete play with us for an entire game. It was truly a privilege and an inspiration to play with this young man who's name was Andrew. He has down-syndrome, but when he plays the game it's like he doesn't even have this disability. I was privileged to play on a line with him quite a few times and I even managed to assist on a COUPLE (out of 4) of his goals! He also gave me a beautiful pass in which I happily put into the net!

Aurora Police Department hockey team with Andrew, our special athlete.

It was truly amazing to play with such an inspirational young man! 

Open House: Saturday June 27 From 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

300 S. High St.
Denver, CO 80209

I will be holding this BEAUTIFUL home open this Saturday (6/27) from 10 AM to 2 PM. 

Unbeatable location! Take a paddle boat out on Smith Lake; Take a run through Wash Park or dine nearby in Cherry Creek or on Gaylord. Golf at Denver Country Club, run on the Cherry Creek Trail, or visit the fantastic shops in Cherry Creek Mall and Cherry Creek North.

Enjoy your breakfast bar and a glass of wine while preparing a gourmet meal for your guests. 

The bonus room area is perfect for movies and staying warm by the fireplace.

NOW IS THE TIME TO SELL!!! SIMPLE SUPPLY AND DEMAND, FOLKS!

Have you thought about selling your house? 

If you thought about selling your house this year, now may be the time to do it.  The inventory of homes for sale is well below historic norms and buyer demand is skyrocketing.  We were still in high school when we learned the concept of supply and demand: The best time to sell something is when supply of that item is low and demand for that item is high.  That defines today's real estate market.

Johnathan Smoke, the chief economist of Realtor.com, in a recent article revealed: 

"Our preliminary review of April activity on Realtor.com shows that traffic, searches, and listing views are up more than 35% over last year.  With 3 million jobs created and close to 1.5 million new households formed in the past 12 months, many more people want a new home of their own, and they want it bad.  Their patience will be tested with tight supply - indeed, the No. 1 impediment of active shoppers in April was not being able to find a home that meets their needs."

In this type of market, a seller may hold a major negotiating advantage when it comes to price and other aspects of the real estate transaction including the inspection, appraisal and financing contingencies.

Bottom Line

As a potential seller you are in the driver's seat right now.  It may be time to hit the gas!

A Little Shout Out To An Amazing Local Brewery!

So here's the scoop. I like to think I'm a craft beer connoisseur. I love all types of beer from Lagers to Imperial Stouts. My favorite type of beers are Nut Browns or Imperial Reds. 

Now because I love craft beer (and being in the greatest state for craft beers in the western half of the world) I like to try as many of my local breweries as possible. My favorite of all the ones that I've been to is a super small brewery that would probably never be seen if you're driving past it. The name is Living The Dream Brewing Co. If I could describe the decor of this brewery, the word I would choose is...Coloradoesque. Their beer list is written on skis on the wall and their tap handles are ski poles! It just emanates Colorado. 

I first went to this brewery on my Birthday this past year in December while they were taking part in a Doppelbock tour. After discovering this place I had to sign up for their newsletter so I could stay in touch with all the happenings in this place. Now I haven't been back in a while, I do read their weekly newsletter. Recently, I noticed that they added a section (or changed a section) of

their newsletter to something that reads "Complete Lies About The Staff." Obviously they realized that not very many people read their newsletter thoroughly. This section is hilarious and clearly shows that the staff of Living The Dream Brewery loves their jobs and doesn't take life too seriously.

Well that's all I have to say about this place. If you're ever in S.W. D-Met, I recommend you stop in to Living The Dream Brewing Company and have one of their brews. I guarantee you won't be disappointed, and if you are...I will buy your next round. 

6 Spring Style Tips For Your Home

The following is a guest blog post from Patti Stern of PJ & Company

The start of spring means its time to celebrate the season with some fresh style for your home, both inside and out! Not sure where to begin? We hope the following tips will inspire your imagination when deciding the best ways to brighten, renew and add curb appeal.

Bring The Outdoors Inside. Place a variety of natural garden-like elements such as potted plants, topiaries and moss-covered balls on mantels, floors and shelves. Accessorize with beautiful botanical prints, fresh cut fern or boxwood clippings in glass vases, dried flower or pussy willow twig wreaths, ceramic bird figurines and plates which will make you feel closer to nature.

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint. Go brighter, crisper and cleaner for spring. Start by choosing one new color such as yellow or green for an accent wall and combine with complimentary accessories which will make the room feel cohesively inviting. For your front door or shutters, try a fresh coat of a trending spring color such as Benjamin Moore’s Champion Cobalt to add instant curb appeal.

Update Bedding. Now is the time to consider some new bedding for your master bedroom, guest room, or kids room. Layer your bed starting with white and add some of the freshest colors for spring — coral, turquoise, or butter yellow. And, if your bedding is in great shape, just add accent pillows, new shams, and large European size pillows to transform the look of your room.

Get Bold With Fresh Colored Accents. Add color and texture to your entertaining areas (living rooms and patios) by switching out winter pillows with new spring colors and organic designs. Navy and white, orange and yellow, and linen pillows are great accessories to liven up any space. Don’t forget about your lamps which are also available in many different colors this season from green to orange. Add special string lighting and colorful hanging lanterns for garden ambiance in the evenings.

Refresh Kitchen and Patio Dining Accessories. Switch out dinnerware for ones with bright, garden-inspired patterns which pair well with lighter weight tablecloths and place mats in natural woven textures. Replace umbrellas that are stained and damaged with the latest trending patterns and colors. Add complimentary accent pillows along with a cozy rug for under the table. Finish off with some beachy scented candles and you’ll be reminded that summer is just around the corner!

Spruce Up Your Curb Appeal. Repair cracks in driveway, walkway, front porch steps and patios. Add personal touches to entryway with a beautiful floral swag or wreath, a new welcome mat, clusters of potted spring flowers on the porch and a hanging swing if space allows. Refresh with new accessories such as house numbers, lighting fixtures, door handles and knocker to create added appeal. Remove dead shrubs, prune bushes, and add pops of color with new annuals. Assess the condition of your lawn and decide whether to reseed or add sod if uneven and patchy. Add a generous layer of natural mulch to beds to complete the whole look.

For more examples of interior decorating and home staging, visit www.pjstagingdecorating.com.

Patti Stern, principal, interior decorator and professional stager of PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating, has been decorating and staging homes since 2005. She and her team provide turnkey, full service home-staging and interior decorating to clients across Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts. She also developed an award winning staging program for luxury home builder, Toll Brothers.

Patti has been featured in Connecticut Magazine, the Hartford Courant, Danbury News-Times and on NBC Connecticut and FOX TV.  She is a regular contributor to the National Association of Realtor’s Blog, “Style, Staged and Sold".

Congratulations! You’re a new homeowner. While you may not be able to wait to move in, there are a few things you should consider tackling before hanging those family photos on the walls.

1. Change the locks – For peace of mind, it’s a good idea to change out the locks on your exterior doors to ensure that anyone the previous owners may have given a key to can no longer access the property. According to Home Advisor, the average homeowner spends between $100-$300 hiring alocksmith.

2. Paint – Don’t love the lemon yellow the previous homeowners chose for the master bedroom? Painting your new home will be infinitely easier if you can do so before moving furniture into the space. Head to your local paint store to pick up a few samples to test before committing. Take your time and be sure to view the color swatches in different lights before committing. There are also handy online visualization tool like the Benjamin Moore Personal Color Viewer.

3. Take care of your floors – Like with painting, treating and refinishing floors is much easier without furniture in the way. Costs for this project will vary depending on the size of the job, but you can estimate roughly $200 for supplies and equipment. Check out this useful guide torefinishing wood floors from This Old House before heading to the hardware store.

4. Make any necessary repairs – Does the bathtub need to be re-caulked or the tile re-grouted? Do the floor boards creak? Make a list of priority repairs and tackle them one by one. You’ll be happy you did a few months from now when other projects crop up on the honey do list.

5. Clean from top to bottom – The only thing better than a new home is a clean new home. Now is the best time to give every nook and cranny of your home a deep clean. Scrub the inside of appliances like the refrigerator, oven, dishwasher and microwave. Wipe down walls and baseboards with a damp cloth. Looking for clever ways to banish grease and grime? Check out our Home Tip of the Day video series.

6. Set up your utilities – Call your electric, gas, cable and water utility providers to make sure service is transferred to you after closing. You’ll also want to research when trash and recycling pick-up are scheduled for your zone.

7. Change your Address – While you may want those mortgage bills to be sent elsewhere, it’s important to file a change of address with the US Postal Service to ensure that all mail is forwarded to your new address following your move. Also be sure to alert friends and family of your new address. They’ll need to know where to send that housewarming gift!

Now, the only thing left to do is celebrate! Looking for great housewarming party ideas? Try one of these backyard flings!

Article written by Victoria Lee

How To Deter Your Dog From Chewing Up Furniture

If your dog chews up your sofa and pillows like they were treats then you’ve a bit of a problem on your hands. Luckily there’s an inexpensive product you can buy that should curb their destructive and potentially dangerous chewing habit.

For other clever home tips & tricks, subscribe to Coldwell Banker On Location to view the complete Home Tip of the Day video series.

Article written by Gustavo Gonzales 

Creating A Zenful Yoga And Meditation Space In Your Home

September is national yoga month, and I haven’t been to my local yoga studio once this month. However, I did make sure to designate a place for my yoga and meditation practice when I moved into my new house a few months ago. I love taking classes at my yoga studio, but sometimes it can be difficult to fit in a class during the work week. Creating your own personal zen spot at home can be the perfect remedy to releasing the day’s pressures while also having another reason to love home. Here are 9 things to keep in mind when creating your yoga and meditation space at home.

1. Choosing the location: I used fung shui to help guide me to the area of my home that I set up as my yoga and meditation spot. The front left corner of your home is called the knowledge and wisdom bagua (area), which I thought was the perfect location for my personal zen corner.

2. Flooring: If you already have hardwood floors, you don’t need to incorporate a different surface into your space. However, if you have carpet you’ll need to consider bringing in a board to place under your mat.

3. Mirror mirror on the wall: There’s no need to bring mirrors into your yoga space. If you already have them in this room, consider relocating them to another spot in your home. Why bring potential judgment of your practice (and yourself) into the space that you’re setting up for well-being?

4. Alter of thanks: Why not find a small piece of furniture to place in your yoga and meditation spot that you can place items that remind you of gratitude? Consider filling it with intentions of the commitment you are making to yourself.

5. Flora friends: Maybe you already have some house plants that might want to join you in your new zen spot, or perhaps the next time you’re in the garden center you might want to pick up a few new friends to green up your new yoga and meditation space. Either way, bringing in plant life helps improve the indoor air quality.

6. Soothing sounds: Don’t forget to find a spot for a speaker so that you can bring in those zenful sounds of nature.

7. Lighting: If your yoga spot is located in an area of the home that doesn’t get much natural light, think about adding a dimmer so you can adjust the lighting during your practice.

8. No pet zone: I learned the hard way during my first meditation at home that my cat didn’t understand why I was sitting on the floor and had to come sniff me out. Talk about jolting me right out of my skin.

9. Clearing the room: Now that you have your new home yoga and meditation space set up, be sure to clear it energetically by burning some sage in the room.

Looking for some visual inspiration, check out this ColdwellBanker Pinterest board.

Article written by Athena Snow

A Great Investment Opportunity In The Highlands (LoHi)

If you or someone you know is in to real estate investments, this is a great opportunity! This is a Duplex listed for $570,000 for the ENTIRE Duplex or $285,000 for either side. Average rent in this area for this type of unit (2 bed 1 bath) is around $2000 a month. 

You could live in one side and rent out the other, rent the entire thing, or even possibly scrape!

Check it out!

2315/2317 W. 31st Ave., Denver, CO 80211