2009 April | Denver Real Estate

Live Where You Golf – One Perspective on the Southern Denver Suburb Courses

April 4, 2009 By michelleapotter Leave a Comment

Perry Park, near Larkspur, is a magnificent course. A slightly errant drive can hit one of the many beautiful red rock formations, one being smack in the middle of the fairway. The greens are tough, but what greens aren’t tough when your putting skills are inadequate? However, as I endure the incessant provocations of missed putts, the frustrations quickly neutralized by the baby fox (kits?) happily playing near the green! Additionally, deer quizzically gaze at my not-so-perfect shots as if to question why on earth I’m pursuing this sport. One day an elk looked on furtively.

The two courses at Castle Pines are unequivocally the classiest I’ve ever enjoyed. (I’ve played many resort courses from Hawaii to Florida – none compare!) Even the restrooms on the course are amazingly constructed! While haloed in the splendor of one of the elevated tee boxes, views of Devil’s Head near Sedalia leave the most calloused person saying, “WOW”.

During the 80′s, I was a member of the Pinery CC, near Parker. Recently I revisited that course as a guest. A splendid renovation has been completed, leaving the club so updated and charming. Side hill lies on the Mountain Course and can pulverize even the stoutest ego. (Have you noticed how we golfers are far more affable when we are playing well?) The wildflowers are abundant and as colorful as a spring bouquet. The beauty of the mountains in the distance makes me quickly forget the burdens of my self-imposed bondage,i.e. GOLF!

You know golf. Seductive. One good shot, one good hole, and before you leave the course you are making the next tee-time and looking for a foursome. If I could just stay “in golf” and out of “ego”, perhaps my golfing language wouldn’t be so X-rated and I’d be an incarnation of purity! Worthy goal, I say with wisdom and clarity.

Guest Blogger: Augusta P.

Filed Under: Living in Denver & Denver Suburbs Tagged With: Homes on Golf Courses, Living in Denver Suburbs

Downsizing in Denver: Are You Ready to Take the Plunge? Read a Real Life Tale

April 4, 2009 By michelleapotter Leave a Comment

Living the “downsizer” lifestyle in the DTC has been a great experience. Like many others, my husband and I found ourselves “empty nesters” with a 5 bedroom, 4 bath home on a large lot with a playground in the backyard. The task of downsizing and changing lifestyles scared us for awhile, but when we had the opportunity to sell our home at a great price, we took the leap.

We now live in a “flat” in the tech center and take an elevator to get to our floor. We park underground, never shovel snow, have gardeners that take care of these beautiful grounds and fill our free time with golf, biking and hiking. We are within 5 miles of Park Meadows, can walk to Maggiano’s or Maxwell’s, the beautiful Landmark Theatres are just minutes away and the Inverness Golf Course is our backyard. Oh, and the light-trail comes right to our back door!

Best of all our neighbors are fantastic! We call this kind of living “adult dormitory”. We get together for sporting events, card games, and very interesting nights of karaoke (the things you learn about one another when that machine comes out!) This decision to downsize and explore this lifestyle has been a truly fun decision!

Guest Blogger: Terri Connors, Broker Associate

Filed Under: Living in Denver & Denver Suburbs Tagged With: Downsizing Your Denver Home

Denver’s Uptown/West Capitol Hill Neighborhood: Up Close & Personal

April 4, 2009 By michelleapotter Leave a Comment

I am a real estate investor and currently live in Denver’s Uptown neighborhood. I consider this one of the very best neighborhoods in metro Denver.

Here’s why:

In the past 3 months, I have:

Visited the Colorado Symphony to listen to concerts on numerous occasions
Gone to the Museum of Contemporary Arts
Seen special exhibits at the Denver’s Museum of Science and Industry
Explored the Santa Fe Arts Districts, with thousands of other art aficionado’s, visiting an eclectic collection of art galleries
Gone to the Denver Zoo
Spent hours at the Denver Botanic Gardens taking reprieve in their tropical exhibits, while the outdoor temperature hoovers around 3 degrees
Spent time strolling the 16TH Street mall, shopping for books and going to movie theaters
Relaxed with massage and steams at a local old-fashioned “spa”
Ridden my bicycle on designated street bicycle trails (we have one of the largest and most extensive system of trails in the country)
Swam at 1 of 5 of the City of Denver Recreation Centers
Eaten at perhaps 20 local restaurants and visited 2 clubs

The best part:

Every single of these activities took less than 10 minutes to get to from my front door – Many of them are within walking distance! Additionally…

There are so many summer festivals in downtown’s Civic Center Park as well as weekly FREE jazz concerts in City Park during warmer months.

Uptown is one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the entire 7 state Rocky Mountain region and is really of very fine urban existence here in the Rockies. For decades, City planners have recognized the importance of sustainability and “green” land use forms – and it shows. It is convenient, stable, and desirable – The Europeans have understood this for centuries.

I am an urban animal, as are my dogs, squirrels, fish, the coyotes in my alley, the huge flock of geese in the parks, the pigeons, seagulls, robins and of course the feral alley cats.

I am a student of the Urban Experience, and currently Denver is in a renaissance of construction, despite the recession. I love to drive the one way streets and watch the all the new construction going on which changes the Denver scape by the month. It is truly fascinating.

My alley is pedestrian-oriented and anchored by a 7-11 store on the south entrance and the Starbucks on the north end. This creates a constantly entertaining parade of pedestrians who I can watch from my home office, which faces the alley.

However, all is not rosy in the City. My cars have been broken into more times than I can count. I am contending with graffiti “artists” who use my alley as their gallery on a routine basis. Oh - and,of course it can be quite noisy with the flow of commercial traffic. But – so what? This is what it means to live urban.

Guest Blogger – Kerry B., Property Investor

Filed Under: Living in Denver & Denver Suburbs Tagged With: Denver, Life in Uptown, Moving to Capitol Hill in Denver, Moving to Uptown in Denver, Uptown Neighborhood Denver

Thinking of Moving to Denver and Wondering Where to Stay?

April 4, 2009 By michelleapotter Leave a Comment

If you are considering moving to Denver and want to stay downtown, the options are endless. From historical choices (my preference as it gives a better feel of our city) to the standard chains, these all afford great luxury options.

Downtown Denver Historic Hotel Choices

The Oxford Hotel – Situated in LoDo (Lower Downtown Historic District) at 1600 17^th Street, the Oxford is about 35 minutes from Denver International Airport and within 3 to 8 blocks of the following: Coors Field, the Denver Performing Arts Center and the Denver Convention Center. The lobby and surrounding public areas boast an amazing collection of Western Art, antiques and classical furnishings. Interestingly, rooms are decorated differently and one can find Art Deco, English, French or Classic American décor. McCormick’s Fish House is attached to the Oxford and I suggest passing on dining here, as there are far better restaurant choices.

RESERVATIONS: (800) 228-5838

The Brown Palace – This Mobil Four-Star hotel, located in the heart of Denver, exudes an old fashioned ambiance with contemporary amenities. Local’s love the ever so civilized “traditional afternoon tea”, complete with Devonshire cream imported from England, against a backdrop of delightful music performed by the harpist or pianist. I am forever jealous of my friends who have girls who make this tea a bi-annual ritual. Amenities are everything one would expect, including multiple restaurants, amazing concierge services, masterfully decorated rooms and spa services to name a few.

RESERVATIONS: (303) 297-3111

Hotel Teatro – This charming boutique hotel is a favorite weekend get-a-way for local suburbanites and Denver urbanites alike. It is located across from the Denver Performing Arts Center, making it perfect for out-of-towners to get a glimpse of our cultural offerings. Additionally, the concierge team is incredibly attentive whether the request is from a guest or the guest’s pet. Oh, did I fail to mention Hotel Teatro is pet friendly – another bonus! Perhaps best of all are the dining experiences offered by locally acclaimed Chef Kevin Taylor – The “Kevin Taylor Restaurant” offers French cuisine and is the recipient of numerous culinary awards. The “Prima” offers a delicious array of Italian fare.

RESERVATIONS: (303) 288-1100

Downtown Denver Upscale Chain Hotels

Grand Hyatt – This 26 floor hotel with 516 rooms offers everything you would expect in an upscale Hyatt. While the prices seem quite reasonable for this caliber of a hotel, keep in mind that parking is additional fee. Amenities include the onsite restaurant “1876”, a fitness center, an indoor pool and spa tub and a running track to name a few.

RESERVATIONS: (303) 295-1234

The Ritz Carlton – This is a new hotel to the Denver scene as it was recently (late 2007) converted from an Embassy Suite Hotel. Sophistication meets high tech as the amenities are plentiful in both departments. FORZA Fitness is located adjacently and offers an indoor lap pool, basketball court and state-of-the-art fitness equipment (please checks as there are age restrictions for children’s use of the fitness center). Spa treatments are also available as are children’s programs. Well trained pets are welcome under the guidelines outlined by the hotel.

RESERVATIONS: (303) 312-3800

Denver Marriot® City Center – This hotel, located close to the financial district, is within 2 miles of some of Denver’s best eateries including: Jax Fish House, Tamayo, Vesta Dipping Grill and Panzano. In house choices include Allies American open for breakfast and lunch and the D-Spot Lounge open for lunch and dinner. While there is no on-site spa there is a Marriot fitness center and pool. Another bonus is that many rooms either have views of downtown or of the Rocky Mountains. Be sure and ask!

RESERVATIONS: (303) 297-1300

Leaning towards the Suburbs or are Undecided and Wondering Where to Stay?

Staying at one of the 50 hotels in the Denver Technological Center is perfect if you are considering moving to either Denver’s South Central (Denver and Arapahoe Counties) or Southern suburbs (Douglas County). The Denver Tech Center is also great for out-of-towners who are completely unfamiliar with Denver as it is also within 20 minutes to downtown Denver, Stapleton, and many other Denver neighborhoods. I think you will find this centrally located area perfect for really getting an understanding of our geographical layout as well as getting a feel for various community/neighborhood nuances in the noted areas. Most of the hotels in the Denver Tech Center are standard chains so you will know what to expect in terms of lodging.

Please feel free to call me with any of your real estate needs while you are visiting our beautiful Mile-High City. Visit www.DenverRelocationBroker.com for additional information.

Filed Under: Relocating to Denver Tagged With: Denver Relocation, Hotels in Denver, moving to Denver

Denver Housing Market Stability

April 4, 2009 By michelleapotter Leave a Comment

PMI Mortgage Insurance Company released their 2008 3^rd quarter “Market Risk Index” with good news for Denver.

January 18, 2009

The Denver/Aurora Colorado’s real estate residential market is faring considerably better than most of the 50 U.S. cities measured in the PMI’s “Market Risk Index”. This comprehensive risk index uses economic, housing, employment, foreclosure activity, and additional indicators to forecast future real estate activity.

Denver’s risk index rank was one of the 10 lowest cities in the U.S. According to PMI Mortgage Insurance Company’s 3^rd quarter/2008 report, Denver received a risk index rating status as “minimal” with a score of 4.1) – meaning, we are only at a 4.1 risk of home prices dropping beyond what they are today. While this index doesn’t predict future appreciations, it certainly inspires confidence that the Denver market is stabilizing. To gain further perspective on Denver’s low rating, take a look at the following areas with the highest risk rank of 99.8 to 99.9:

Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario CA

Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall FL

Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach FL

Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale CA

If your city is in one of the “red-zones”, and you are considering purchasing property in Denver or a Denver suburb, feel free to give me a call.

Filed Under: Denver Real Estate News Tagged With: Denver Housing Market, PMI Mortgage Report