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        <title>Denver Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Denver real estate topics including local metro Denver community news and events.</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/first-time-home-buyer-denver.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/first-time-home-buyer-denver.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>First Time Home Buyer Denver</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME CAN BE EASIER THAN YOU THINK!


Buying your first home may seem overwhelming in the beginning. There are dozens of different things to consider and tasks to complete. We have been there, right where you are hundreds of times and are committed to assisting you to understand each step while taking you through the process. The homeownership club is exclusive and fun, we are committed to helping those who want to become homeowners become a part of it.


We provide you through this website with direct access to the information you need to help guide you through the process of buying your first, second or tenth home. If you can’t find it quickly on our site simply give us a call, No Strings Attached! You will be making good decisions based upon understanding the process and not guesswork in no time.


SERIES : First Time Home Buyer Denver


DENVER FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS COULD QUALIFY FOR SPECIAL PROGRAMS


One of the first things that we do will be determining your eligibility for Special Colorado Grant Programs. These programs are available to both First Time Home Buyers and those who have not owned a home in the past three years.


QUALIFIED BENEFITS INCLUDE:




Purchase with low to no downpayment.


Deferred payments


Grants that never need to be repaid


Interest costs subsidized




GETTING STARTED




Get Pre-Qualified for your loan – The first step of meeting with a loan officer face to face is important. Your income, credit and current debts will be reviewed to discuss your different options for financing. You need to know how much of a loan you can afford to understand how much you can pay for your home. In some cases actions may need to be taken so that your credit report can stand up to future scrutiny. We will put together a plan for your home purchase that matches your timeline.


Getting the Go-Ahead – After meeting with the loan officer you will make the actual loan application in order to get a pre-approval. Having an actual pre-approval lets a potential seller know the strength of your offer and will aid in negotiations. Despite a pre-approval the home which you move forward on will still need to appraise at the purchase price or more. If a home does not appraise for at least the agreed upon price, there is no obligation to continue with the purchase.


Sign up for access to search the Denver MLS – IDX – Knowing the price of the home you can afford to buy and with your pre-approval in hand it is time to get serious about the home search. This is the fun part of searching for the right home in the communities that meet your lifestyle and budget requirements. Searching online enables you to do the initial steps of learning about the properties and neighborhoods available. You can have new listings delivered to your email box as soon as they become available and even save your favorites to easily find them again later.


House Hunting – Pre-approval in hand and understanding the process it is now time to tour a selection of the best homes that meet your budget and requirements. A good number of homes to tour is in the range of 4 to 6 at a time. If the first home does not make your heart flutter, it only brings us closer to finding the one that will.


Make the offer – This will cover both price and terms derived through our discussions of the market conditions and property. Items that are typically covered in the offer include:




     - The date of closing and possession


     - Any included personal property


     - Closing costs assistanceInspection deadlines


     - Terms of financing





THE RIGHT REALTOR


Choosing the right Realtor to represent your best interests throughout the home buying process is extremely important. Too many times home buyers fail when choosing a Realtor by merely calling the name that is on the sign in front of the home and working with that agent by default.


YOU MAY NOT REALIZE – REALTORS CAN BE VERY DIFFERENT


You should choose a Realtor that works as a real estate professional full time so they are able to devote themselves to your home search and providing top notch service throughout the transaction.


Experience matters in real estate, so choose a Realtor who has experience working as a full time real estate professional. Relying on a “newbie” for the largest transaction of your life may not be in your best interests.


See out a Realtor that is ready to work diligently on your behalf to represent your best interests. Your Realtor should be able to answer your questions and provide guidance through all the phases of the transaction.


We are here not only to serve your needs but to exceed your expectations. To discuss your goals and the possibility of having us represent you take a moment to email or call. No time like the present, I look forward to hearing from you.
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            <pubDate>Sun, 06 May 2012 15:43:52 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/5-low-cost-kitchen-upgrades-that-appeal-to-buyers.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/5-low-cost-kitchen-upgrades-that-appeal-to-buyers.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>5 Low-Cost Kitchen Upgrades that Appeal to Buyers</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Throughout history the kitchen has always been considered the heart of the home and is a key feature to selling a home. Most home buyers prefer modern, updated kitchens because they will be using it daily and often it is the place where guests and family congregate.


When selling your home take time to visit other homes for sale in your neighborhood to see how the kitchens in those homes compare to yours. If the other homes have modern designs and new appliances, potential buyers visiting your home will expect the same or better.


Updating a kitchen does not always have to be extensive or expensive. Sometimes lower-cost kitchen upgrades can do the trick.




Use a neutral color to repaint.


Clean, clean and clean some more.


Change light fixtures and kitchen hardware.


Use lower cost granite.


Eliminate all clutter and open up the countertops.


 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:01:46 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/how-to-react-to-a-low-offer.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/how-to-react-to-a-low-offer.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>How to React to a Low Offer</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
You have waited for what seems like eternity and now, out of the blue an offer comes in to purchase your home. The excitement builds and turns into relief, then you realize that the offer is much lower than your list price. What should you do?


Give every purchase offer for your home due consideration. Is it truely unacceptable? If so, your best response is to propose a counteroffer with price and terms that are acceptable. In this market many home buyers submit an offer to check the motivation level of the seller, expecting a counteroffer if it is unacceptable. Keeping a dialog going with a potential puchaser of your home and keeping them involved often times will result in a sale.


Check your Emotions at the Door


Even a low purchase offer still means that there is someone interested in purchasing your home. It deserves a response so stay calm and talk over the different options you have in responding with your Realtor. 


Prepare a Counter


A counteroffer signals the buyer that you are willing to negotiate. Some buyers have a fear of paying too much for a home and want to test a sellers limits. The best response to unacceptable offers is to counteroffer with a price and terms that you are willing to accept. This is true even in multiple offer situations because in competition a low offer could come back with the best offer in the end.


Be careful in how you counter an offer because you could counter yourself out of a deal by changing some things. It is common practice today for a seller to request closing cost assistance. Often times the purchaser needs this assistance in order to close and countering it out of the offer could kill a deal. Make sure your Realtor discusses what is truely important to buyer with their agent.


Talking Terms


Price is usually the first component of any agreement but it is not the only factor. Other negotiating points include closing dates, posession dates, inclusions. In some cases it may make sense to leave price and remove the refrigerator, change a closing date or possession date. By making one part of a transaction more appealing it can make the entire package more appealing.


Check Comparable Home Prices


Check with your Realtor for any new comparable homes either on the market or sold since you listed your home for sale. If those new market statistics indicate the prices have fallen you may need to lower your expectations to match the marketplace if you truly want to sell.


Check the Buyers Comparables


Many times a purchaser or their agent will submit comparable prices with an offer to convince a seller that the offer is fair. Give any comparables submitted with an offer due consideration. Are they similar and truly comapable? If they are, you may have to adjust your expectations. If those comparables are not valid you may want to include comparables with your counteroffer to the purchaser to validate your own price. If the buyer does not include comparables to try and justify the low purchase offer, your Realtor can ask the buyers agent to provide those comparables.


Talk it Out


In many cases having your Realtor discuss the offer with the buyers agent can help to identify what is truly important to both parties and make a counteroffer more likely to be acceptable.


 
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            <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:36:27 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/highlands-ranch-park-shelters-offer-great-party-venue.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/highlands-ranch-park-shelters-offer-great-party-venue.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Highlands Ranch Park Shelters Offer Great Party Venue</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Highlands Ranch parks provide a great setting to host graduation, birthday and family reunion events. Twenty-two of the 25 parks in Highlands Ranch feature park shelters and they are booking fast for 2012 events. Park shelters, sports fields, horseshoes and bocce ball courts may be reserved for your private event.


“Marcy Park was absolutely perfect for my nine-year-old son’s birthday party! We had shade, play area, the stream, clean bathroom, and a lot of fun, “ said Brenda Kallas.


Civic Green Park, located in the heart of the community, is available to rent for community or private events such as concerts, fundraisers, cultural performances, holiday celebrations, graduation and birthday parties, art events, company outings and more. In addition to three park shelters, Civic Green Park features Case Pavilion, the Fountain Plaza and an amphitheater with seating for up to 3,000 people on the grass.


“The event went well and we couldn’t have asked for better weather or a more beautiful venue! We always enjoy working with you and your staff,” said Julie with Living Way Fellowship.


To enhance your special event, the Metro District offers Picnic Packs for daily rentals. Picnic Packs feature outdoor games varying from volleyball to horseshoes, to games for the youngest crowd in mind. They are a popular addition to youth birthday parties as well as large company picnics.


To find out which park shelter is right for your 2012 event, or to learn about the various Picnic Pack options available, contact Pam Moisey, Metro District reservation specialist, at 720-240-5932, or visit the Metro District’s reservations page online at www.highlandsranch.org.


Founded in 1981 as the local government in Highlands Ranch, Colo., the Metro District provides a variety of municipal services to this planned community of 96,000 people. Learn more about the Metro District at www.highlandsranch.org.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:43:22 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/graduate-realtor-institute.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/graduate-realtor-institute.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Graduate Realtor Institute</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Bruce Swedal earns the Graduate Realtor® Institute Designation.


It takes much more than motivation and initiative to succeed in the current Denver real estate environment. In this competitive field it takes commitment to pushing the boundaries in technology and gaining in-depth knowledge of both the fundamentals and technical aspects of Real Estate. Earning the Graduate, Realtor® Institute designation demonstrates a commitment to provide exemplary services for both home buyers and home sellers.


GRI designees:




Have pursued a course of study that represents the minimum common body of knowledge for progressive real estate professionals.


Have developed a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to navigate the current real estate climate—no matter what its condition.


Are recognized nationally.


Act with professionalism and are committed to serving their clients and customers with the highest ethical standards.




A Realtor® with the GRI Designation has taken their professional training to the next level. Gaining in-depth knowledge and training with regulatory and legal issues, professional standards, technology and the real estate sales process. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 25 Dec 2011 15:41:05 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/spring-forward-and-fall-back.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/spring-forward-and-fall-back.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Spring Forward and Fall Back</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Everytime this spring forward or fall back happens causing my family to go through the house changing our clocks I wonder, why do we do this? 


Daylight Savings Time started way back in 1918 though at the time was not followed too closely. It was left up to the local communities as to whether they wanted to change their clocks forward or backwards an hour. So it was until 1966 when Congress passed legislation called the Uniform Time Act that established Standard Times begin and end dates. The legislations did not make it mandatory that each state followed it - that was left up to each individual states legislature. The states of Hawaii, in addition to the territories of Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico actually don't follow daylight savings time which means they always use standard time. 2005 saw Congress passing additional legislation that extended daylight savings time by an additional month.


The reason that Daylight savings time was initiated was to maximize the light provided by the sun while people were awake to benefit from it. Daylight savings time increases the amount of sunlight during evening hours and decreases it during the morning. There are many studies that show this has beneficial effects such as lower power consumption, less crime and decreased accidents.


I know that when we experience several overcast days if has an effect on me and I can see its effects on others. Thankfully we have great weather in Colorado and this seldom happens. If daylight savings time can bring more sunshine into my day I am more than happy to change my clocks a couple times a year.


 
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            <pubDate>Sun, 06 Nov 2011 18:04:30 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/ten-safety-tips-for-halloween.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/ten-safety-tips-for-halloween.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Ten Safety Tips for Halloween</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Kids love trick-or-treating and Halloween is a fun annual event that kids look forward to. There are potential dangers in the dark that both parents and kids need to be aware of. With that in mind here are some tips that can make for a safer and happier Halloween for your kids:




Trick or treat in groups - by using the buddy system where kids go with parents, siblings or friends. If parents will not be going with the group make sure that the kids know the area well that they will be trick or treating in.


Don't ever go into a stranger's home - If someone invited you in to see their decorations, get candy or whatever - say no thank you and leave. Only take candy from those homes that give it out at the door.


Eat a healty meal prior to trick-or-treating - Eating something healty prior to going out will curtail hunger and kids will not be as likely to snack on their treats while out. 


Set a return time - If parents will not be going with the group make sure to set a curfew for when they need to be home or when they should check in via a phone call. 


Only cross streets at intersections - Ensure that your children know how to safely cross streets. It is likely to be dark and more difficult for cars to see the kids.


Check the candy first - Check candy to make sure that it has not been opened or looks like it could have been tampered with in any way. Also for smaller kids make sure that it is not something they could choke on.


Check for sex offenders in the area - Visit the local police website and check for any sex offenders in the area your kids will be trick or treating. Yeah it may seem excessively cautious but stay away of those homes or neighborhoods.


Carry a light and wear reflective clothing - It gets dark and there will be more cars out than on a normal night, so make sure the kids are clearly visible. It is a good idea to put reflective tape on bags and clothing.


Costumes should fit - The kids will be running from house to house so their costumes should allow for this comforably. Capes should not be too long as to pose a tripping hazzard and wear running shoes. Make sure that the mask does not obstruct any of the childs vision.


Costume material should be flame resistant - There are usually candles and open flames at homes on Halloween so make sure to use costumes with materials that are flame resistant to avoid any possibility of burns.


 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:50:01 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/tips-to-make-moving-easier-after-selling-your-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/tips-to-make-moving-easier-after-selling-your-home.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Tips to Make Moving Easier After Selling Your Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
You have sold your home and now it is the time to move, but where to start is the big question. You want to be able to make the move as easy as possible and you want to be able to put your furniture and boxes in the right rooms so you do not have to search every box for your coffee maker, your pajamas, your toothbrush, etc.   


Here are some tips to have a smooth transition from one home to the other.   




The first thing that you need to decide is how you are going to move. Are you going to do it all yourself, part of it yourself, or hire a mover to do it all. The answer to that question depends on your household size, the amount of time you have to move, and your budget. Before you decide to hire a professional mover, you should get at least three estimates from licensed moving companies.     


If possible, go to the new house and take pictures of every room so you can write down in a notebook where the items should go in your new home. Make sure that you write on the list which major items need to be assembled first, like the beds. This will make it easier to place your furniture where it goes so you do not have to move it later unless you want to.   


If you have a month before you have to move out, start as soon as you can. Fill out change of addresses and get the utilities scheduled to be turned off in your old home and turned on at the new house. Before you start packing, go through stuff and get rid of things that you no longer need or use. Have a yard sale or donate use-able items to charity.


This way you are not bringing items to your new home that you do not need. There will be less to pack and unpack.   


If you have children arrange for someone to watch them on moving day because there is a lot going on and you will probably not have time to watch the children to make sure that they do not get in the way or get hurt. The same thing goes for your pets. Ask a friend or family member if they can watch your pets. You can also check to see if you can


board them for a couple of days until you are settled in.   




Using these tips will help make your move smoother. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:34:48 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/sell-your-home-during-the-holidays.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/sell-your-home-during-the-holidays.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Sell Your Home During the Holidays</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you are in the process of selling your home and the holidays are approaching, the question comes up as to whether you should take your home off the market during the holiday season. The answer to that question depends on the seller. There are reasons to take it off the market and reasons to keep it on the market. Sure the seller needs to take into account that from Thanksgiving to New Years potential buyers and the seller themselves will be busy with family obligations and showing their home may not be convenient. On the other side of that coin any buyers out looking at homes during the holidays are serious about finding and buying. There may not be as many buyers out, however the best offers from motivated buyers may come during the holidays.


If you do decide to keep it on the market, here are some things that you should consider:  




You should downsize your Christmas tree and consider decorating a tabletop tree that is around three to four feet tall instead of a six-foot or higher tree. If you have children, they may not like this idea so that is also something to consider when keeping your home on the market during the holidays.   


Keep the presents in the closet or in an out-of-the-way corner   


When you decorate use more red than green because red is a color that is more emotionally appealing   


Use greenery such as rosemary or evergreen garlands instead of banners   


Use centerpieces of wintry pieces of nature such as pine cones   


If you are using candles as decorations make sure that you do not leave them burning and unattended   


If you are having an open house or your real estate agent is showing your house, put out a plate of cookies next to holiday paper napkins for the potential buyers and the real estate agent


You can simmer some spicy apple cider on the stove and set out a ladle and cups for them to enjoy with their cookies.   




Without having all the decorations, large Christmas tree, and presents setting around under the tree, you are making your home seem more spacious. You want the potential buyers to imagine them living in your home with their own furniture and decorations, not yours. Before you do consider keeping your home on the market over the holidays, consider all the advantages and disadvantages prior to making the final decision.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:54:07 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/refrigerators-in-the-garage-wasting-money.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/refrigerators-in-the-garage-wasting-money.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Refrigerators in the Garage Wasting Money</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The other day at a home inspection the buyers, inspector and I were discussing ways to save money in their new home. 


One of the inspectors major points during the conversation concerned the refrigerator in the garage being the devil in disguise when it came to energy consumption.


The garage is one of the worst places a homeowner can place a refrigerator due to the following reasons.




If your garage is like mine - it may be the dirtiest place in the home.


Most garage refrigerators are not full which means they work far more to keep less items cool.


The garage is not climate controlled in most homes. It is exposed to extreme temperature changes.




So the simple truth is that you are asking a lot of an appliance that is placed in a garage setting with it's less than optimal environment.


Now take a moment to consider what you have stored in that garage refrigerator. If you are like most people it may not contain much and the cost to run it could be as high as $30 per month or $360 annually. That is a high price tag for keeping a six pack of beer and a few bottles of water cool. If you do have a garage refrigerator that you are not fully utilizing you may be wasting your money. Even if you are making good use of it you may want to consider moving it to a better environment to increase its efficiency.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:19:30 -0600</pubDate>
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