Featured neighborhood Cherry Creek North (1st Ave to 6th Ave/University Blvd to Colorado Blvd)

Cherry Creek North is one of the premier walkable neighborhoods in Denver! Spend a day shopping and eating here, and then call us when you decide this is where you want to live! 

Here are some of our favorite places to shop and play:

Need something fun to wear to a party? Stop by Garbarini at 239 Detroit and have one of their stylists help you look your best from head to toe.  They are masterful at pulling a look together! 

Looking for some luxurious bath products? Stroll around the corner to Spinster Sisters at 2628 E. 3rd Ave for some natural handmade soaps, candles and creams. Buy a variety to give as gifts and treat yourself while you're there. 

Once you're ready for a refreshment break, head to SOL Mexican Cocina at the corner of 2nd and Columbine for a spicy bite and refreshing beverage. The chips and black bean dip just might be addictive! 

As of December 10 2016, there are 34 listings for sale ranging in price from $535,000 to $12,750,000. 
Let us know if you're interested in learning more about the homes for sale in Cherry Creek North. Contact us Donna Ryan, Donna@Kentwoodcity.com; 720-261-4316 or Christine Nicholson, Christine@ KentwoodCity.com; 720-319-5591.

Don't Make These 5 Mistakes When You Choose a Real Estate Broker to Sell Your House

So many factors go into selling your home. And the Denver market is sought after ~ you want to garner the most you can for your home. For example, the house should offer the amenities for which buyers are searching. It must be marketed well, researched and appropriately priced. Fortunately, working with a real estate broker will give you a tremendous boost and minimize the chances of missteps. That is, if you choose your agent wisely by avoiding these five common errors.

1. Using Discount Brokers

Discount real estate brokers are easy to find and they purport to save sellers thousands of dollars by offering lower commissions. That sounds great on the surface, but you get fewer services and much less counseling when you go the discount route. This could cost you in terms of obtaining the most for your home; even in a city like Denver, which is 2016’s top housing market, according to Zillow. Home appreciation rates are soaring, and sellers can get a lot out of their home investment now, but its not just obtaining an offer. Seasoned brokers see you through all of the steps to a successful closing and their negotiating skills can be priceless. 

2. Asking the Wrong Questions (Or No Questions)

Many agents market themselves by saying, “I’ve sold X number of homes!” While that figure may sound impressive, you need to ask how many transactions the agent has had and how many of these sales came close to the asking price or exceeded it. These figures give you a better overall picture of an agent’s skills.

3. Going with a Family Member or Friend

Enlisting a relative or pal as your real estate agent is risky. Yes, it works out for a few people, but choose wisely. A professional relationship with your agent helps your sale be successful, and many people are unable to set aside personal issues. A sale that falls through or that comes in far under the asking price can wreck your relationship, too.

4. Interviewing Only One Person

You may have clicked instantly with the first agent you met. Search over, right? Not so fast. After talking with two other agents, you may find that their homes are on the market for significantly fewer days than the initial agent’s homes, or you may discover that they are clueless about the Denver market compared with the first agent. Either way, you have complete confidence that you chose the right person. Talk to your friends that have sold homes and ask for recommendations. Most top tier brokers have large referral based businesses. Clients are happy to sing their praises.

5. Neglecting Background Research

Check out your prospective agents and brokers on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Read their blogs (if they have any). Do they sound professional, helpful and knowledgeable? They should!

Bypass the five mistakes above to start your home selling process on the right path.

Art For the Budget Conscious: 5 Places to Buy Affordable Art Online

Painting by Samantha Carrell

The high price point of original art and prints can be challenging if you just moved into a new home, but that doesn't mean you can't deck your place out in great art without breaking your budget. In fact, you don't even need to leave your couch if you use these sites to buy affordable art online. 

Etsy

Etsy is the largest handmade marketplace, with over one million independent sellers offering their goods. You can find originals and prints at very affordable prices and support artists directly by purchasing through their storefronts. Some Etsy sellers offer Art Card Originals and Editions, or ACEOs, which are 2.5-inch by 3.5-inch playing card-sized pieces. 

Everything But the House

Everything But the House is an estate sale website that allows you to bid on pieces online, rather than showing up for an in-person auction. You'll find a wide variety of styles, as the art comes from personal collections. In most cases, they are framed so they're ready to go up on your walls. 

Society 6

Society 6 is a marketplace entirely dedicated to artists. They have thousands of unique styles, offered on everything from canvas to duvet covers. If you want to create coordinating looks in your new home, you have plenty of flexibility through this website. 

Tiny Showcase

Sometimes too many choices can be overwhelming when you're trying to figure out your home's unique style. Tiny Showcase curates a small selection of prints every week, with new options going up Tuesday. The site mixes up emerging artists with well-established names while maintaining an affordable price point.

1000 Museums

Ever see a painting at a museum and wish you could bring it home with you? 1000 Museums lets you do exactly that, by offering a platform that features a well-organized print collection revolving around specific art styles, museums and famous artists. You get multiple print size options, allowing you to mix and match based on your available space.

You don't need to lament over bare walls any longer. Use these websites to create a personal gallery that brings a smile to your face every single day. 

Denver Fall Real Estate Outlook

Some people think that as the weather cools down, so too does the real estate market. However, whether you're looking to buy or sell a home after Labor Day, you'll likely discover that your options are as vibrant as the trees in autumn.

A Season of Home Buying

Why look for a home in the fall? There are few major holidays to distract you, and most families don't travel then. Plus, if you don't get your new place in autumn, you'll either have to wait until spring or move during the cold of winter.

If you're selling, realize that significantly fewer people list their homes in the fall than in the spring. Thus, you'll have less competition. At the same time, be aware that people buy fewer homes in November than in September or October.

A Glorious Time of Year

Maybe the top reason to sell real estate in the autumn is that its glow can make a home even more beautiful. If your property boasts brilliant foliage, it can really draw out the colors of your home or community.

The crisp, invigorating air, the pumpkins in the windows, the scarecrows, the aroma of cider and other seasonal details can make a home seem irresistible. Upon arriving, many of your visitors may instantly imagine themselves living a dream life there.

Be sure to place a fresh welcome mat by your front door. Fall can be muddy, and you want all of your prospective buyers to see your home at its cleanest.

Very ‘Interest’ing News

Fall 2016 is an especially attractive season for purchasing a home because mortgage interest rates are extremely low. In fact, due to these low rates, the number of U.S. home sales in July 2016 was higher than in any month since October 2007. Of course, you shouldn't expect these rates to stay down for too much longer; if impending job reports are strong, the Federal Reserve may soon raise them.

In short, when interest rates as well as autumn leaves have fallen, home buying and home selling can be as easy as pumpkin pie.

What's It Worth?

Maybe you're thinking of selling, maybe you're thinking of refinancing, or maybe you're just curious about the market. But the question is, "What is that domicile of your's worth?”


Such a simple question should be returned with a simple answer, right? Well unfortunately, determining the value of your home--or any home for that matter--can be a tricky process. You can go online and nowadays there are endless websites that will promise you a fast answer with fancy charts and graphs. As tempting as it may be to trust this information, be wary of letting a computer program tell you what your largest investment is worth. Every neighborhood has its own nuances which can affect value, and a knowledgeable expert is what you need.


The trouble with these websites (yes, I'm talking about Zillow, Trulia, really anyone who says give me an address and I'll give you a magic value number) is that they have little to no local market information. They are not aware that a new park is being built, or that a four-lane highway is being re-routed, that highly rated school families are clamoring to get in, or that you've lovingly cared for and maintained your home.


The bottom line is this: If you're serious about getting an informative valuation for your home you should contact a local real estate professional ~ me. We professionals work with the actual people who will ultimately determine the value of your home--the home buyer themselves. This is our profession and I am happy to sit with you and explain the current market conditions that affect your home value. The best part? I do this as a complimentary service. No fees. Free market knowledge. Sounds like a no-brainer.

The Denver Market Heads Toward More Balance

The Denver market is starting to inch toward a more balanced market and this is great news for buyers who have been overwhelmed by the insane lack of inventory and huge demand that has defined 2015 and much of 2016. Thankfully gone are the listings that receive a dozen or more offers within the first 48 hours of being in the MLS. Buyers are able to make more thoughtful choices given a wee bit of breathing room and this is actually better for all parties ~ less contracts fall due to buyer's remorse and sellers have better peace of mind that they can pursue their next purchase successfully.  Additionally interest rates are still at their lowest levels historically enabling buyers to have greater purchasing power than in years past. The bottom line is this ~ late summer into fall is an excellent time to purchase a new home. Sellers have become much more realistic in terms of pricing giving buyers a chance to get into the next home of their dreams before the holidays. Sounds like a win-win to me.

Don't Forget About These Homeowner Tax Breaks

One of the many perks of homeownership is big tax breaks. So whether you’re doing your taxes yourself or getting help from a professional, it’s important to take advantage of those breaks!

Mortgage Interest Deduction: Before buying a home, a standard deduction may have made the most sense when you prepared your taxes. But homeowners can deduct the interest portion of their mortgage payments, and the earlier you are in your mortgage, the greater the percentage of each payment that goes toward interest, so take advantage right away! Contact your mortgage servicer if you need a copy of your 1098, which will have the total amount of interest paid for last year.

Home Office: This deduction is often overlooked, which is unfortunate since one of the items Buyer's are looking for is a dedicated home office space. Utilizing a home office is the trend as computers connect us more each day and allow us to avoid a commute one or several days each week. There are specific criteria that have to be met in order to deduct home office expenses, but it can lead to a very large deduction. In general, your home office has to be used specifically for business purposes. Check with a tax professional to see if your home office qualifies for a deduction—it’s a little extra work, but can make a big difference in your tax burden.

As always, if you need a referral for an excellent CPA, or any other help, please let me know. Happy to share my vendors with you.

What Buyers Are Searching For In Their Next Home

Thinking about selling your home? That's great! There is very little inventory in the Denver market and if your home is well priced, modestly updated and well maintained you will sell quickly and for top dollar.

Buyers today have high expectations. The internet and reality TV has created a demand for updated homes in every price point; from first time home/condo buyer all the way up to luxury real estate purchase.

The brokers in Kentwood City Properties were recently queried about the features buyers are seeking today in the Denver real estate market. Below is the compilation of that list. Home Sellers take note. Many of these items can be easily accomplished for modest sums and in a short amount of time. Little updates bring major financial rewards. Below, in no particular order, is the list:

• Gourmet "Cooks" Kitchen
• Tidy Garage with Organized Storage
• Closet with Built In Storage Space
• Stellar Master Bath
• Walkability ~ proximity to a coffee shop, restaurant, etc.
• Close to Public Transportation/Light Rail
• Out Door Living Areas (fire pits, patios, ponds/fountains)
• Secondary Building (loft over garage, studio space, workshop, etc.)
• Views 
• Open Floor Plans
• Roof Top Patios
• Modern Finishes (if it was updated ten years ago it is dated)
• Grey tones. Grey is our neutral palette today.
• Smart thermostats (Nest is one ~ there are others). Xcel is currently rebating on this one!
• Smart Home features ~ can control systems, lights, etc. from phone
• Energy efficiency (solar panels, new windows)
• Private Yard
• Reasonable HOA fees (amenities are great, but HOAs rivaling mortgage payments are not).
• Stone countertops (soapstone, quartz, etc. Granite is taking a backseat here.)
• Lots of Natural Light
• Nicely Finished Basement
• Efficient Square Footage. People are looking to use every bit of their space. Especially nice are rooms that can be used for dual purposes (i.e., office with a Murphy Bed for guests). No formal living and dining rooms that sit empty most of the year.

Reach out to me if you need a vendor recommendation to assist you in any of these projects. In fact, why not tackle some of them now, before you are thinking about Selling! That way you get to enjoy the project results too. I'm happy to help you figure out what to do to make your home even more appealing.

Go Big or Go Home ~ Bold colors for your front door.

Without fail a cold wintry day makes me want to feather my nest. While hunkered down at home watching the white, calm quiet of snow falling I start trolling for ideas to make my home even more "me" before the holidays.

I have always been struck by bold front door colors. While in Scotland about a decade ago, I was charmed by the array of beautifully brightly painted front doors. A cheery smile against a mostly gray and green backdrop. Increasingly I am seeing homeowners taking a leap of faith and painting their front door something bold and lovely. Just the front door, leaving the rest of the home coordinated but not matching the punch of the door color.

If you're looking to do a quick project, and low cost (as well as easy to erase!), this might be your ticket. Here is a link to a great post on going big with door color ~ http://bit.ly/1GPFmrT. Post some pictures of doors you like too. I'd love to see what you've done or what you've found. And if you're thinking of sprucing up to sell your space or find a new one, give me a call. I'd love to help.

Be Sunnyside. Be Part of the Next Big Thing. 
Call me to find out how. 720-319-5591

Christine@ KentwoodCity.com

The New Neutrals ~ Spruce up your Space for the Holidays.

Thinking about sprucing up your home before the holidays? As I am in residential real estate here in Denver, I get to see new trends in decorating all the time. I am loving the greys I am seeing being used as the new neutral. I see less and less of the builder beige and decorator white and more of this rich, warm grey. It feels sophisticated and current, while not being so new that it feels unfriendly. What I love about it is that you can make this neutral be as modern or traditional as you like ~ it really goes both ways!! Play upon the tonal elements or add bright colors in accessories which will really pop. This article shares how to choose a grey, or a green (yes, a new one. Not the icky hospital one!) as your neutral backdrop. http://bit.ly/1AG8jG1

If you are tackling a a fresh look in your home, feel free to post some before and after photos. I'd love to see how it unfolds! And if you'd like to find a new space, or need to sell your current one, please give me a call.

Be Sunnyside. Be Part of the Next Big Thing. 
Call me to find out how. 720-319-5591

Christine@ KentwoodCity.com 

My Top Ten Fave Places to "Work From Home"

Top Ten Places to Work From “Home”

We all need to have a go to place from time-to-time, when we need to work, but perhaps your home isn’t quiet enough, or your office desk isn’t the right environment. I have compiled a list of my Top Ten “Home” Office work locations. Go ahead and change it up ~ you might be inspired! Most offer free WiFi. I can often be found scouring new listings for my clients, finding them the perfect home while visiting one of the fabulous establishments listed below.

1. Common Grounds Coffeehouse, 2139 E 44^th Avenue. Common Grounds Coffeehouse has been providing a community gathering place for North Denver for over 20 years. The Sunnyside neighborhood is truly a melting pot ~ it’s history of hardworking immigrants from all over the world is the kind of vibe you feel at Common Grounds. Located in the “Radiator Shop” building, it is spacious and gregarious. Like walking into your best friend’s kitchen and pulling up a chair.

2. Union Station : 1225 Seventeenth Street.  Have you been to visit the newly reopened Union Station? It’s challenging to describe just how breathtaking the new space is. The original train station elements have remained intact while updating the facility for today’s needs. The large central terminal is light and bright, with lots of large sofas, tables  and free wifi ~ a super place to grab a coffee (Pig Train) or a cocktail (The Terminal Bar and The Cooper Lounge).

3. Downpours Coffee: 3937 Tennyson Street. A most delicious, artfully crafted cup of coffee awaits you. Also recommended are the delectable handmade pastries and nibbles. Tennyson Street is the new local main-street type retail area, still chock full of independent small business. You’ll be in the company of other self-employed folks here, and the staff is friendly.

4. Mangiamo Pronto:  1601 17^th Street. Located on the corner of 17^th and Wazee in the lodo neighborhood, Mangiamo Pronto is an Italian coffee shop and bistro, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring delicious egg dishes, paninis and pizzettis, pasta, gelato and drinks too! The space is bright, the staff is friendly, and the food, if you’re so inclined, delicious.

5. Crema: 2962 Larimer St. Craving a more industrial chic feel? Then stop by Crema. The creamiest smooth coffee, mouthwatering entrees, and industrial cool décor.

6. Gallop Café: 2401 W 32^nd Ave. A long time neighborhood favorite, this corner café and restaurant has a liquor license ~ so if you’re craving a masterpiece of a Bloody Mary, Gallop serves one, with a short glass of PBR. Breakfast and lunch entrées are delicious and innovative. Indoor and outdoor café seating is available.

7. Huckleberry Roasters: 4301 Pecos Street. Two friends create a space combining their passion for community, music and coffee. A belief that a coffee shop can be a cornerstone of a strong community. It’s a cool space on the west side of town.

8. Thump: 1201 E 13^th Ave. With locations in Denver and Bend, Oregon, Thump is almost library-like in it’s quiet atmosphere in which to get your work done.

9.  Black Eye: 3408 Navajo Street. With the roll up garage door front, tile backsplash, distressed wood furniture, this space is inviting and nostalgic.

10. Steam Espresso Bar: 1801 S Pearl Street. Platt Park is home to this phenomenal coffee bar. Cutting edge brewing and sustainably raised coffee make this a come back fave.

Be Part of the Next Big Thing. 
Call me to find out how. 720-319-5591

Whenever we change the clocks for that lovely hour of extra sleep, I know it's time for my husband and me to get through our list of items to prepare our home for the winter months. While its not the most enjoyable of projects, we're always so very grateful come spring time to have done the work. In my world of selling homes, I see countless inspection items that could have been easily (and inexpensively) avoided by a little proper maintenance. So here's my list ~ feel free to comment with items that you tackle too!

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist:

1. Have the sprinklers blown out and winterized. It's about $55-$65, takes but a half hour or so, and can save you hundreds in repair costs on your system should water freeze in your lines. I like Earthservices, 303-935-7193; but there are lots of others out there as well. Drain your outdoor hoses and store in your garage or basement. Cover your outdoor spigots with a foam insulated cover. You can find one in our neighborhood Ace Hardware store at 3758 Osage St.

2. Call your HVAC vendor to come out and clean and service your furnace. Mine does it for under $150. An annual clean and check is one of the most important things you can do to keep your furnace in good shape. While you're at it, have the tech show you how to change the filter, and go and purchase a half dozen or so. Change the filters on the first of each month. It will keep your furnace working more efficiently and your home cleaner. My fave vendor is Rodney King, The Heat Guy, 303-432-9100. 

3. Clean your gutters. As my favorite home inspector likes to say, "www stands for Water Will Win, all day everyday." Water is destructive to the exterior of your home, so make sure that it has a swift path to flow away from your home. Start by cleaning out the gutters of leaves and debris. Visually inspect the gutters to ensure that they are secure and don't have holes or corrosion.

4. Check and seal any gaps around your windows and doors. Weatherstripping and caulking is inexpensive and easy to install ~ even for novices. It will save you money on your heating bills, and in the case of caulking around entry points for cable, gas, and such, will help keep heat-seeking critters out of your home.

5. Change the batteries in your smoke and CO detectors. By now I think we are all trained to to this when we change the clocks, but it really can save your life. And there seems to be an immutable law of nature that if a detector battery is going to fail, it will happen at 3:00 am when I am not at my best.

6. Fireplace Flue Cleaning. If you are lucky enough to have a wood burning fireplace (they are becoming less common in Denver), then by all means have a Chimney Sweep come and clean your flue, check on the operation of the damper and ensure that no wildlife has decided to make your chimney their home.

7. Outdoor Patio Spaces. If you are lucky enough to have storage space indoors, your furniture will last much longer. If that's not you, then furniture covers are a wise investment. If you can move your furniture under a covered space, even better.

Once I've worked through the list, we like to enjoy a little treat ~ perhaps a libation at Ernies Bar & Pizza or a warm sweet beverage at Common Grounds?

1123 Wabash St

1123 Wabash St: Visual shows :: Great short sale opportunity. $145K

Where Are House Prices Headed?

Where Are House Prices Headed?

THIS SOPHISTICATED 2 BED/2 BATH UNIT IN THE LEED CERTIFIED SPIRE BUILDING FEATURES THE FINEST IN MODERN DESIGN AND EFFICIENCY. FLOOR-TO-CEILING WINDOWS ALLOW BREATHTAKING CITY AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS. THE UNIT IS FINISHED WITH SLEEK DARK WOOD FLOORS AND CABINETRY, CHANDILIER LIGHTING AND GRANITE COUNTERS. WALK TO THE THEATER, CONCERTS AND THE UBER-HOT DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT SCENE. YOU WILL NOT FIND THIS LEVEL OF SERVICE OR AMENITIES AT THIS PRICE POINT WITH SUCH AN AFFORDABLE HOA IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA!!