Denver Lofts-Denver Real Estate

TARP, returning vets and business personal property tax on tap for this week’s DBJ – Denver Business Journal

Brendan Bartic — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 22:25:43 +0000

Colorado banks still on the hook for TARP money. . . signs of relief in the business personal property tax issue. . . and returning war vets who are ready to go back to work. These stories and more in this week’s edition of the Denver Business Journal.

Colorado banks owe millions in bailout funds under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and the cost of loans is only getting more expensive. But, as the DBJ’s Heather Draper reports, not all of the banks are anxious to pay it back too soon. The money is helping the banks’ balance sheets so they can make more loans.

This may be the year Colorado businesses see some change in the state’s business personal property tax system, which is often blamed for blunting business expansion and economic development. Rep. Chris Holbert, a Douglas County Republican, has managed to move a bill through the House that allows counties to reduce or eliminate the amount collected by the state on business personal property, such as machinery and equipment.Ed Sealover reports.

With the wind down of U.S. military presence in Iraq, and the planned withdrawal from Afghanistan, nearly 40,000 U.S. soldiers will be coming home in the next several years and federal laws require employers to give to national guardsmen and other service personnel their former positions. The DBJ’s Heather Draper talks to employment law experts on how employers can navigate the system.

A recent audit of the state’s system for property tax valuation appeals found that it can take more than a year to settle disputes, which racks up huge tax bills for commercial property owners. In the case of commercial real estate developers, it can be a huge carrying expense. Dennis Huspeni reports on what’s being done to pare the backlog. Century Link expects continued declines in revenue, but sees better times ahead, the DBJ’s Greg Avery reports.

via bizjournals.com

Posted on Denver Real Estate-Denver Homes For Sale

TARP, returning vets and business personal property tax on tap for this week’s DBJ – Denver Business Journal is a post from: Denver Lofts-Denver Real Estate

1580 S Quebec Way Unit 31, Denver, CO 80231

Brendan Bartic — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 20:32:43 +0000

A rare find in Villa Marbella! A beautiful end unit, featuring 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. This home is located in a quaint community where residents can take advantage of the Highline Canal trail and the stunning mountain views.

1580 S Quebec Way Unit 31, Denver, CO 80231 is a post from: Denver Lofts-Denver Real Estate

14300 Waterside Ln V5 Broomfield, CO 80023

Brendan Bartic — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:06:45 +0000

This two bedroom two bathroom unit has everything, including over 1,100 finished square feet. The open floor plan is perfect for entertaining guests and provides endless options for decorating and adding your personal touch. The kitchen was recently remodeled to include stainless steel appliances and slate tile. The home also features tons of storage with walk-in closets, a cozy fire place, a new washer and dryer, new paint and new carpet throughout. The spacious balcony is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful Colorado sun!

Residents of Waterside Lane can experience a traditional small town atmosphere while they take in its beautiful surroundings. With numerous footpaths and trails extending from McKay Lake, community members never fall short of recreational activities to enjoy. It is easy to take advantage of Colorado’s 300 days of sunshine! These activities connect the community and keep it active. Not only does this neighborhood provide excellent lifestyle choices but it is also located in the Adams Five Star Schools, school district. Don’t miss this great opportunity!

14300 Waterside Ln V5 Broomfield, CO 80023 is a post from: Denver Lofts-Denver Real Estate

3615 S Roslyn Way Denver, CO 80237

Brendan Bartic — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:43:24 +0000

Every level of this impeccable home offers style and comfort within the quaint and sought-after neighborhood of Pine Ridge Estates in Denver. This four bedroom, three bathroom home has over 3,600 finished square feet. The updated eat-in kitchen is perfect for entertaining with stainless steel appliances, a large center island and direct access to the spacious family room. The expansive lot offers outdoor living space that is wonderful for entertaining or relaxing in the hot tub on the covered back patio. This breathtaking home features beautiful refinished hardwood floors and new paint. The home is ideally located only blocks from the infamous Southmoor Park. A 17.5 acre, fully developed park that consists of a park trail, two un-skinned softball fields, two soccer fields, picnic shelter area, new playground and a basketball court.

3615 S Roslyn Way Denver, CO 80237 is a post from: Denver Lofts-Denver Real Estate

8273 S Catawba Ct Aurora, CO 80016

Brendan Bartic — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:36:32 +0000

Every level of this impeccable home offers style and comfort within the quaint and sought-after gated community of Heritage Eagle Bend. From the moment you walk in the top-of-the-line finishes and immaculate detail will amaze you. The gourmet kitchen is perfect for entertaining with a large center island, granite counters, top-of-the-line appliances, and direct access to the formal dining room. The spacious main floor master suite is the perfect retreat after a long day. The large windows provide amazing light to the basement with an additional family room and two bedrooms, all finished with gleaming hardwood floors.

The majestic Rocky Mountains provide a scenic backdrop for Heritage Eagle Bend, conveniently located in the southeastern Denver metro area on the border of Arapahoe and Douglas Counties. This community is easily accessible just off E 470 and Gartrell Road. Golf Digest described Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club as “one of the best places to play in Colorado.” Designed by Arthur Hills, the links-style 18-hole championship course makes use of the dramatic elevation changes, native areas, panoramic views and wide, accommodating fairways to appeal to players of all levels and ages. An impressive 35,000 square foot Colorado lodge-style clubhouse enhances the Heritage Eagle Bend experience. With a variety of venues ranging from the Antero Ballroom, outdoor terrace, Eagle’s Nest Restaurant and patio, as well as numerous smaller rooms, Heritage Eagle Bend provides the perfect locations for golf tournaments, weddings, banquets, corporate meetings and personal milestone celebrations.

8273 S Catawba Ct Aurora, CO 80016 is a post from: Denver Lofts-Denver Real Estate

1100 16th Ave #2 Denver, CO 80218

Brendan Bartic — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:47:45 +0000

Exquisitely maintained Victorian condo located in Uptown. The former Ronald McDonald House provides history and character blended with modern updates. The living room features beautiful woodwork, a wood burning fireplace and exposed brick. The adorable kitchen is perfect for entertaining with a large center island. Up the spiral staircase to second level you will find the master retreat with a balcony overlooking the city and mountains. This breathtaking home features beautiful hardwood floors, new paint, plantation shutters, and walk-in closets. Let the energy and excitement of the city surround you at this perfect location. Walk to local amenities including parks, shops, restaurants and Downtown!

1100 16th Ave #2 Denver, CO 80218 is a post from: Denver Lofts-Denver Real Estate

Drought finally eases for real estate

Brendan Bartic — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 22:27:52 +0000

NEW YORK — The first two months of the year are usually the slowest for Mark Prather’s real estate agency.

Not in 2012.

“On Jan. 5, the phones started to ring” with would-be buyers and sellers hoping to make a deal, says Prather, whose ERA Buy America Real Estate Services is in La Palma, Calif., on the border between Los Angeles and Orange counties. That quickly lifted the mood at his agency, where business plunged when the housing market collapsed.

“I’ve come to work with people who have optimism in their eyes as opposed to people who look like they’re coming to the morgue,” Prather says.

It looks like the prolonged dry spell at real estate agencies is finally ending. The housing market peaked in 2005, fell in 2006 and by “2007, the wheels fell off,” Prather said.

Agents got a respite in early 2010, when the government was giving first-time homebuyers tax credits of up to $8,000. But sales immediately plunged when the credits expired that April.

Business started gaining momentum in late 2011. The National Association of Realtors has said that the number of people who signed home-sales contracts rose in the last three months of 2011 after dropping for three straight months. In January, they hit the highest level since April 2010. Meanwhile, sales of previously occupied homes in January were at the highest level since May 2010.

Reports from the field back the headlines. Prather, who also is a mortgage broker, says his company closed 50 loans in February. More than half of them were for purchases. A year ago, it was closing 25 to 30 loans a month.

Chappy Adams, president of Illustrated Properties in central and south Florida, says the number of sales contracts his agents have handled this year is up 50 percent from a year ago. Florida was one of the hardest-hit markets when sales and prices plunged.

“I’m looking at opening new offices” because demand for houses is up, Adams says. “Two years ago, I wouldn’t have thought of it.”

He had 650 agents at the peak of the housing boom and 450 about a year ago. Now he’s back up to 530 agents.

Prather had to lay off 80 percent of his staff after the market crashed. His company went from 200 agents in the spring of 2005 to 30 at the market’s low point. He began hiring last year as the market started looking a little stronger. He’s now up to 70.

The arrival of 2012 brought a change in the psychology of the housing market, Prather said. He credits the stock market’s recovery for helping would-be buyers decide it’s safe to start shopping. The Dow Jones industrial average passed 13,000 last month for the first time since 2008. The Dow “is the most publicly broadcasted number that the average layman can see and say, are things good or bad?” Prather says.

Buyers are also seeing the unemployment rate creep lower, and the number of new jobs rising, and that’s making them more secure about investing in a home. The housing market is also benefiting from renting becoming more expensive. Government figures show that the cost of renting climbed 2.4 percent from January 2011 to January 2012.

“With interest rates at 4 percent or less, prices 35 to 40 percent below the peak of 2005, the cost of home ownership is less than renting in our area,” says Joseph Boniakowski, who owns E.A. Boniakowski Agency in Greenbrook, N.J.

Real estate agents in metro Denver are reporting a similar uptick.

Ron Thorne, an agent and coach for Keller Williams Realty in Denver, said there has been a big increase in the showing of properties in the past three weeks.

“We’ve had multiple showings of properties and multiple offers on properties,” said Thorne, who attributed the situation, in part, to a low inventory of homes.

Unsold homes on the market dropped sharply, with the current inventory at 10,086, down 41.9 percent from February 2011, according to a report issued earlier this month.

Meanwhile, properties under contract for sale totaled 4,150 in February, an increase of 12.4 percent from the same month in 2011.

The sales recovery is stronger in some parts of the country than others. New England, the Northeast and the Midwest are busier.

via denverpost.com

Business started gaining momentum in late 2011. The National Association of Realtors has said that the number of people who signed home-sales contracts rose in the last three months of 2011 after dropping for three straight months. In January, they hit the highest level since April 2010. Meanwhile, sales of previously occupied homes in January were at the highest level since May 2010.

Posted on Denver Real Estate-Denver Homes For Sale

Drought finally eases for real estate is a post from: Denver Lofts-Denver Real Estate

Staging Your Home

Brendan Bartic — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 19:13:28 +0000

One of the most vital parts when selling your home is making sure that it is presentable to prospective buyers. When people tour your home, they look through it envisioning their new life. If you don’t have a presentable living space that your buyer can see themselves living in, then why would they want to buy your house? That is when home staging comes in. Home staging is preparing your house to make it cleaner, roomier, and appealing to your buyer. Depending on your home, staging can be as simple as keeping your grass trimmed to something more challenging like rearranging the furniture in many of your rooms. Here are some tips to staging your home.

Change the way you see things. Walk into your home and try to put yourself in the shoes of a buyer. Look at all of your rooms and assess what’s fine and what needs to go. Is your living room cluttered? If so, your living room will feel stuffy and cramped to your buyer. Does your bathroom need cleaning? Your buyers might think that your bathroom is permanently filthy. Assess what you need to change and switch up your home.

Declutter! As stated in the tip before, a cluttered home will leave a bad taste in your buyer’s mouth as they’ll feel like the rooms are much smaller than they appear. Start a simple decluttering project by deciding to get rid of a few things, or simply move them in a simpler area. Of course, there are things that clutter your home, but are things that you don’t necessarily want to get rid of. Having a treadmill in the middle of the living room might not be the wisest thing to have when showing your home off. Think about using a storage unit to hold those things. It will definitely help you declutter your home. Need help finding a storage unit? Find a storage facility near you with SpareFoot. SpareFoot lists storage facilities near you according to their location and price.

Do the simple things. When selling your home, you might want to do it as soon as possible. Because of this, you’ll have a lot of things on your mind. Don’t forget to do the simple things. Arrange your throw pillows nicely. Vacuum your home often. Make your bed. These simple things can be overlooked when you’re rushing to leave your home when a prospective buyer checks it out.

Do you have any other home staging tips? Let me know!

Joseph Ver is an intern at SpareFoot. He is a double major in Digital Media Management and Marketing at Saint Edward’s University. His hobbies include cooking, exploring the city of Austin, and finding good places to eat. Searching for a storage unit is very easy with SpareFoot. With SpareFoot, you can compare prices and locations to help you with your next move.

Staging Your Home is a post from: Denver Lofts-Denver Real Estate

4453 S Eagle Cir Aurora, CO 80015

Brendan Bartic — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:38:33 +0000

Every level of this impeccable home offers style and comfort within the quaint and sought-after neighborhood of Pheasant Run. This three bedroom, two bathroom home has over 1,800 square feet. From the moment you walk in finishes and immaculate detail will amaze you. The updated eat-in kitchen is perfect for entertaining with direct access to the spacious family room. The home is very well-maintained with newer carpet and paint throughout with new bathrooms and a newer furnace.

The spacious outdoor living space is wonderful for entertaining or relaxing. There is a patio that overlooks the spacious backyard with views of Pike’s Peak! The large lot allows for a perfect retreat after a long day!

4453 S Eagle Cir Aurora, CO 80015 is a post from: Denver Lofts-Denver Real Estate

382 S Tucson Way Aurora, CO 80012

Brendan Bartic — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:27:04 +0000

Every level of this impeccable five bedroom, three bathroom home offers style and comfort. It features over 2,500 completely remodeled finished square feet. The eat-in kitchen is perfect for entertaining with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and direct access to the spacious family room. Hardwood floors, new carpet and new paint flow throughout the interior of the home. Upstairs past three of the bedrooms is the spacious master suite that is the perfect retreat after a long day! Outside you can enjoy the expansive corner lot that is wonderful for entertaining or relaxing on the quite cul-de-sac street. This is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!

382 S Tucson Way Aurora, CO 80012 is a post from: Denver Lofts-Denver Real Estate