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        <title>Denver Realty Experts Denver Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.denverrealtyexperts.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Join Greg Eckler and Denver Realty Experts for a look at Denver real estate, local events, Colorado real estate news and issues affecting Realtors ® and real estate investors.</description>
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            <guid>http://www.denverrealtyexperts.com/blog/selling-your-home-keep-the-deal-on-the-table1.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denverrealtyexperts.com/blog/selling-your-home-keep-the-deal-on-the-table1.html</link>
            <author>agents@denverrealtyexperts.com (Greg Eckler)</author>
            <title>Selling Your Home - Keep the Deal on the Table</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
You've decided to sell your home. It's been de-cluttered, staged, priced according to the current market, and now all you need is a buyer. 


Your agent calls you up with the first offer. "Brace yourself," he says, "It's not as high as we would have liked..."


At 30% below the asking price, it's not even in the ballpark, and frankly you're pissed. The house has never looked better, it's priced smartly, you're insulted by the nerve of this lowball offer. So, how do you handle it? Your first reaction is to instruct your agent to tell this person you're not interested, and not to come back until they have something more realistic. 


Even though this is your first offer, what if it's your last? What if this person is a serious buyer, but just testing the waters to see how low you will go?


It's up to your agent to act as negotiator, treat every offer seriously, and do everything he can to keep the deal on the table.  Even a ridiculous offer should be countered. Whether it's  only a 1% decrease, the bid should be acknowledged. 


By keeping  the deal alive, at least you have a better chance of coming to an agreement, closing a deal and moving on. 


For more information about dealing with lowball offers, read: Denver Home Sellers: Every Offer is a Good Offer.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:40:17 -0500</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.denverrealtyexperts.com/blog/selling-your-home-keep-the-deal-on-the-table.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denverrealtyexperts.com/blog/selling-your-home-keep-the-deal-on-the-table.html</link>
            <author>agents@denverrealtyexperts.com (Greg Eckler)</author>
            <title>Selling Your Home - Keep the Deal on the Table</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
You've decided to sell your home. It's been de-cluttered, staged, priced according to the current market, and now all you need is a buyer. 


Your agent calls you up with the first offer. "Brace yourself," he says, "It's not as high as we would have liked..."


At 30% below the asking price, it's not even in the ballpark, and frankly you're pissed. The house has never looked better, it's priced smartly, you're insulted by the nerve of this lowball offer. So, how do you handle it? Your first reaction is to instruct your agent to tell this person you're not interested, and not to come back until they have something more realistic. 


Even though this is your first offer, what if it's your last? What if this person is a serious buyer, but just testing the waters to see how low you will go?


It's up to your agent to act as negotiator, treat every offer seriously, and do everything he can to keep the deal on the table.  Even a ridiculous offer should be countered. Whether it's  only a 1% decrease, the bid should be acknowledged. 


By keeping  the deal alive, at least you have a better chance of coming to an agreement, closing a deal and moving on. 


For more information about dealing with lowball offers, read: Denver Home Sellers: Every Offer is a Good Offer.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:39:56 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denverrealtyexperts.com/blog/jaywalking-in-denver-can-cost-you-over-250000.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denverrealtyexperts.com/blog/jaywalking-in-denver-can-cost-you-over-250000.html</link>
            <author>agents@denverrealtyexperts.com (Greg Eckler)</author>
            <title>Jaywalking in Denver Can Cost You Over $250,000!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
or...How home values change from one neighborhood to another...


Did you know that crossing a street in Denver can cost you over $250,000?  That won’t be a fine levied by the police, but it will be the average cost increase of a house when you cross from one neighborhood to another. 


Obviously, each neighborhood has its pros and cons. But when two nearby neighborhoods contrast greatly, the prices can vary quite a bit.  


Here are some examples of Denver neighborhoods that really exemplify this fact:


Congress Park vs Cherry Creek North – Cross 6th Avenue and your home could cost an extra $873,000.


*  Congress Park:  average home price was $412,000 over the past 12 months.
*  Cherry Creek North: average home price was $1,285,000 over the past 12 months. 


Homes in Cherry Creek North are newer and larger than in Congress Park. And its residents enjoy several unique shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars right in the neighborhood so walkability scores are very high.  Cherry Creek North is truly a destination place in Denver.


On the other hand, Congress Park has a limited number of neighborhood amenities and walkability to Cherry Creek North’s amenities is harder. So Congress  Park residents don’t pay the premium for walkability like in Cherry Creek North, but they still have a great neighborhood with tree-lined streets and older, more historic homes with lots of character.  


Nothing wrong with crossing this street, but the cost of your next home could be significantly different depending on which direction you go.





Park Hill South vs Park Hill East vs Stapleton – Cross Monaco Parkway or Quebec Street and the price of your next home could jump by about $250,000.


*  Park Hill South:  average home price was $459,000 over the past 12 months.
  *  Park Hill East:  average home price was $207,000 over the past 12 months. 
*  Stapleton:  average home price was $453,000 over the past 12 months. 


Although these three neighborhoods vary quite a bit, they are next to each other as you head east from downtown Denver. And the changes you experience as you drive through each neighborhood are influenced by Denver’s history and the closing of Stapleton  International Airport in 1995.  


Yes, the Stapleton neighborhood is a former airport site. How does an airport affect real estate prices? Usually it’s a negative impact – before the first homes were built in 2002 the only “amenities” for the surrounding neighborhoods were planes, traffic and lots of noise. But today Stapleton is Denver’s newest planned community with homes, schools, parks, trails and more. And its redevelopment has positively impacted the neighborhoods of Park Hill. 


Park Hill South – A coveted historic neighborhood with beautiful tree-lined streets and classic architecture. Distinctly residential, most of the homes are single-family brick built in the 1930s. Residents enjoy two retail “town centers” that include a mix of independently owned restaurants, pastry shops and services. Just three miles east of downtown and the furthest west from the old airport, Park Hill South has historically been a very desirable Denver neighborhood.


Park Hill East – Cross over Monaco Parkway from Park Hill South and everything changes.  These homes bordered the airport so they are smaller, mostly one-story ranches from the 1940s; some even had reinforced windows to help reduce noise levels.  Now that the airport is gone, Park Hill East is appreciating and seeing more development and investor money. Located between Park Hill South and Stapleton, its residents benefit from the proximity of both neighborhoods … without paying a premium.  That’s why Park Hill East is becoming a great neighborhood for single family homes.


Stapleton – Cross over Quebec from Park Hill East and you enter Stapleton – Denver’s newest planned community. This premier neighborhood didn’t exist before 2002; today it currently features a town center, three new schools, and five maturing neighborhoods with timeless architecture, pools and pocket parks. In addition to the homes, nearly 30% of Stapleton is dedicated to green and open spaces.


 


West Wash Park vs East Wash Park – Cross Downing Street and through Washington Park and property values increase around $249,000.


*  West Wash Park:  average home price was $401,000 over the past 12 months.
  *  East Wash Park:  average home price was $650,000 over the past 12 months. 


The single family homes on both sides of Washington Park are similar, but the consistency of homes is what causes the variation between East and West  Wash Park.


West  Wash Park has a more diverse mix of residential options – older single-family homes and duplexes share the street with newly-built condos, duplexes and apartment buildings.  Yes, you’re still paying to be close to the park. But West  Wash Park home prices and variety make it a more affordable option for homebuyers.


East Wash Park is one of the most consistent – and most expensive – neighborhoods Denver. Its beautiful tree-lined streets offer a wide range of single-family homes from the early 1900s, including: “Denver Squares,” Craftsman Bungalows, remodeled Tudors, and some great Prairie houses. New construction also exists – higher-end homes designed with luxury and spaciousness in mind – all within walking distance of the park.


In my opinion, consistency of homes in a neighborhood brings higher prices.  In the past 12 months, only 76% of the homes sold in West Wash Park were detached single family while in East  Wash Park, that number jumps to 92%.  Conclusion:  East Wash Park has very consistent homes, and it draws a home buyer that is willing to pay for that consistency.


Denver has about 78 neighborhoods and most don’t vary like the above examples.  But I sight them in order to demonstrate how important it is to know where you are, and how crossing into the next neighborhood could potentially save you a lot of money or satisfy that need for walkability or consistency in your neighborhood.  Food for thought.


Have more questions about Denver Real Estate? We'd love to help. Contact Denver Realty Experts via email, phone 1-800-261-3311 ext 500 or try  a custom  Denver Area MLS Search
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:55:00 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denverrealtyexperts.com/blog/the-spring-selling-season-is-approaching-are-you-ready-to-sell.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denverrealtyexperts.com/blog/the-spring-selling-season-is-approaching-are-you-ready-to-sell.html</link>
            <author>agents@denverrealtyexperts.com (Greg Eckler)</author>
            <title>The Spring Selling Season Is Approaching - Are You Ready To Sell?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The spring selling season is quickly approaching and buyers are gearing up to find the perfect home. It's well known in the real estate industry that, if you pan to sell a home, the spring is the best time to do it. Buyers come out in droves and the market bares more rewards for those sellers who are ready. Here are some quick ways you can get your home in top shape for maximum return.


Curb Appeal And First Impressions


First impressions are key to a quick sell. Buyers want to walk up to a home and feel this is the one. Taking advantage of a buyers first impression is as simple as cleaning up the front yard and getting rid of the clutter. Rake the dead leaves from the fall, add some fresh potted plants to the curb, and if needed, touch up chipped or faded paint.


Now, walk across the street and take a good hard look at your entire yard. Does your home say welcome when you look at it? Does your lawn need some touch up, shrubs or trees need to be trimmed, flowerbeds and gardens need some gardeners love? Are your windows in need of cleaning? Make sure your home sparkles from the outside before you move to the inside.


Cleaning Brings Maximum Profit


When a buyer sees a home for the first time it has to be perfect. They want to envision themselves living there and it's up to you to make that happen. Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning, remove all personal items including family photos, clean out closets and pantries, and touch up paint where necessary.


If you have carpets get them cleaned by a professional, especially if you have pets. During showings, if you do have pets, ask the neighbors or a family member if they will take care of them while you're showing the home. The whole idea here is to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. Pets will eliminate half of your buyer pool due to allergens and pet dander.


Enhance Your Main Selling Features


Kitchens and bathrooms are your main selling features in a home so they have to look their best. In the kitchen, keep the counter tops spotless and remove unnecessary appliances and cookware.  You can spruce up your kitchen by replacing old cabinet knobs, adding new blinds or draperies, and giving it a fresh coat of neutral paint.


Bathrooms should have fresh-clean towels, new shower curtains, and replace worn or defective faucets. Bathrooms can easily be transformed with a new mirror and new light fixtures. Buyers are looking for updated kitchens and bathrooms, so if your's is in need of some updating, get it done now.


Selling a home for top dollar is all about enhancing your best selling features and creating an inviting atmosphere. These are quick, easy and low-cost ways to prepare your home for the spring selling season. Check with a Realtor if you have any questions and good luck!

About The Author: Lisa Udy is owner of Platinum Real Estate Group, a boutique real estate agency in Logan Utah. If you have questions regarding the Logan Utah real estate market, please visit Lisa's website at www.LisaUdy.com. ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:56:33 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denverrealtyexperts.com/blog/park-hill-real-estate-the-great-divide.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denverrealtyexperts.com/blog/park-hill-real-estate-the-great-divide.html</link>
            <author>agents@denverrealtyexperts.com (Greg Eckler)</author>
            <title>Park Hill Real Estate - The Great Divide</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Park Hill is a hidden gem in Denver. Washington Park and Highlands get the most word of mouth but can often cost more because of the higher demand. Park Hill real estate offers a great neighborhood with average prices that can meet the needs of almost every buyer.


The city and county of Denver has Park Hill defined as one neighborhood. This may be correct as a geographical boundary, but in real estate I see four distinct areas. These areas include Park Hill South, Park Hill Central, Park Hill North, and Park Hill East. My dividing lines are determined by several factors: consistency of homes, character, price ranges, proximity to Martin Luther King Blvd, the airport affect, and even opinions expressed by past clients and contacts.


See below to learn why each district in Park Hill is so unique, and discover which one is the best fit for your lifestyle:



Park Hill South 


This historic neighborhood just oozes charm with its tree-lined streets and lovely character homes. Proximity to the 2 town centers makes this area especially popular.


South Park Hill real estate competes with Washington Park and Congress Park for my “top 3” list of Denver neighborhoods that have the character buyers are looking for.


Park Hill Central


Tucked between Park Hill South and North, between 26th and 29th streets, Park Hill Central offers a lovely neighborhood with affordable prices. Instead of large show homes, you'll find cozy bungalows on nice lots with plenty of mature trees.


Park Hill North 


Real estate in Park Hill North will provide reasonably priced single-family homes located close to shops, restaurants, parks, and main roads.


Park Hill East 


Another affordable neighborhood, Park Hill East is nestled between 2 higher priced communities. Residents benefit from proximity to their upscale neighbors without having to pay the premium prices. A local town center is close by - perfect for grabbing a cheesesteak, pizza or Asian cuisine.



 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:38:11 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denverrealtyexperts.com/blog/home-vs-investment-lets-have-both.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denverrealtyexperts.com/blog/home-vs-investment-lets-have-both.html</link>
            <author>agents@denverrealtyexperts.com (Greg Eckler)</author>
            <title>Home vs. Investment – Let's Have Both </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
I will often ask buyers what ratio of their purchase is the “perfect home” and what ratio is the “perfect investment”.  If I had to generalize, I'd say most buyers are looking for a home, and the investment is a secondary concern.  The ratio may be be 80/20 or 70/30 in favor of the perfect home.


I tend to place more emphasis on the investment side of the equation, or more importantly, how the house appeals to the largest audience so it sells quickly later when these buyers are ready to sell. In most cases, you can find a nice home with great resale potential on the market.  Pointing this out to buyers can help them have the best of both worlds.


Buyers can raise the investment potential of their purchase simply by considering a few factors when buying a detached single family home.




Avoid      busy streets – families with kids may shun these homes due to excess      traffic and noise.


Power      Lines – Don't buy a home near power lines.       I don't have the research to back this up, but power lines are unattractive      and some buyers feel it's a health hazard.  


TV      Location – Is there a place for the TV in the main living area?  Even if you don't watch much television,      others do.  Keeping this in mind      will help.


Bedroom/Bathroom      – How many showers does the house have?       If there is one shower and three bedrooms, how will that work when      everyone is getting ready for school or work?


Neighborhood      and Block – Most neighborhoods in Denver have a block or two that just don't fit. Make sure the area around your new home meets the standards of the      neighborhood.


Floor Plan – How will people occupy the home? Is there an Office/Den?  Will the floor plan be suitable for buyers with kids, or buyers without kids?


Shopping      – Can you walk to nearby shops from the house?  A pedestrian-friendly neighborhood is in high demand these days. Often these homes will cost more, but it should pay off in the future.




“Better investment” is hard to define without predicting the future but maybe that means having the ability to sell quickly in a bad market, or realize higher appreciation levels in a good market.  Keeping the above points in mind should help, regardless of the market.


As a Realtor, I think this information is important.  Down the road, when buyers are ready to make a change, these considerations could greatly assist in the sale of their property. Good advice now, translates to a smooth transaction later, and great referrals from these and other clients.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:47:03 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denverrealtyexperts.com/blog/denverrealtyexpertscom-gets-a-makeover.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denverrealtyexperts.com/blog/denverrealtyexpertscom-gets-a-makeover.html</link>
            <author>agents@denverrealtyexperts.com (Greg Eckler)</author>
            <title>DenverRealtyExperts.com Gets a Makeover!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Welcome to the new face of DenverRealtyExperts.com. It's still the same great website, but we've added some   features that will make your search for Denver real estate a breeze. 


Map Feature





Click on the large map at the top of the home page, you'll discover a whole new way to search through Denver communities. Select either the Polygon or Radius Search and you can outline the area specific to your needs. Once you've set your borders, view available homes within those boundaries. Simply zoom the map to get the level of detail you require. Narrow down your search by selecting specific property types, schools, or features, such as swimming pool, or waterfront. 


All the standard searches by City, Subdivision, Zip Code or MLS # are still available.


Denver Neighborhood Information


Denver has so many amazing neighborhoods to choose from, but unless you're familiar with the area, they all just blend together. We've provided a brief description  to give you an idea of the types of homes, or particular vibe you can expect to find in each location. Whether it be the urban scene in Downtown Denver, or the tree-lined community of Platt Park, you can read about these places and view listings specific to each. Remember, these are just guidelines, and written words can't replace speaking to an experienced realtor with first-hand knowledge of the area. 


Flat Fee, Full-Service Listing Package  


Denver Realty Experts has introduced a Flat Fee Full-Service Listing Package designed to save you money, but not sacrifice any of those vital realtor services. This is a common sense approach to selling a home that benefits everyone - contact Greg for more details.


Denver Real Estate Blog


Watch for the latest news on all things "Denver real estate" related. We'll be discussing everything from the pros and cons of different neighborhoods, investment tips, to finding a good school. Take a peek at some of our future topics: Baker - Above Average Investment Potential; Risk vs. Return; Washington Park - West vs. East; Buyer &amp; Agent Beware - Resale is King...,and so much more. 


Please have a look around, and don't hesitate to email or call 1-800-261-3311, ext. 500 when you're ready to speak to a live person.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:51:03 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denverrealtyexperts.com/blog/flat-fee-listing-package-a-new-way-to-sell-denver-homes.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denverrealtyexperts.com/blog/flat-fee-listing-package-a-new-way-to-sell-denver-homes.html</link>
            <author>agents@denverrealtyexperts.com (Greg Eckler)</author>
            <title>Flat Fee Listing Package: A New Way To Sell Denver Homes</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ My 
Flat Fee Listing Package is something new for Denver home sellers to 
consider.  For a flat fee, plus 2.8% for the broker that refers them to me, 
home sellers can enjoy a full-service home selling experience for much less than 
the traditional 6% listing commission.

Denver 
home buyers already are making a huge investment in their homes.  
We’re talking the biggest investment of their lives here.  
When I became a Realtor ®, I struggled with charging the standard 6% for 
selling Denver homes.


I 
did a little research to find out why 6% seemed to be the ‘magic number’ for 
American Realtors ®.  I did find information about “anti-competitive 
practices” and “price fixing” (a violation of 
the Sherman Act).  However, there is nothing that I could 
find to explain the arbitrary 6%.


I 
started to think about the Denver home selling process and the real estate 
services I offer.  They are basically the same whether the 
home sells for $225,000 or $810,000.  My commission was pretty 
good – or great – thanks to the arbitrary 6%!


Even 
if this is good for me and my business, was it really good for my 
clients?  Was it really the best way to sell myself and the 
services of Denver Realty Experts to Denver home sellers?


I 
decided ‘No’, it wasn’t.  I decided that charging a different 
dollar amount for the same level of service wasn’t how I wanted to do business 
with Denver home owners.  I have a very successful business 
and I don’t need a 6% commission to continue succeeding in the Denver home 
market.  


Plus, 
this way, I believe I can assist more Denver home sellers.  In 
return for charging less, I can gain more satisfied clients and offer a new kind 
of Denver Realtor ® service.


Re/Max 
is not a discount brokerage, and I am not discounting service. I am just 
charging what I believe is a reasonable commission for the services I 
provide.


Picture courtesy of Real Estate Clipart
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:55:56 -0500</pubDate>
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