Mar 9, 2017

Colorado Treasures: The History Behind Castlewood Canyon State Park


Castlewood Canyon State Park is a Colorado state park near Franktown, Colorado. Castlewood Canyon State Park is one of Colorado's treasures. This jewel of the prairie is about 30 miles southeast of Denver. You can see part of the canyon off Highway 83 just south of Franktown. Also contained within the park is the historic Cherry Creek Bridge.
Whether you're a Colorado native or not, the Centennial state shines when it comes to outdoor recreation. This park hosts a multitude of hiking/running trails, handicapped access trails and rock climbing opportunities, as well as a nature preservation area on the eastern side that is home to wildlife and interesting geological features.
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The park sits on 2,600 acres with 17 miles of trails and there's much more to the state park than meets the eye. It retains a unique part of Colorado's history, the remains of Castlewood Canyon Dam. The dam was built in 1889 and eighty-nine men worked tirelessly for 11 months to build the wall that would retain a large body of water behind it.
After the dam was completed, people would ride their buggies out to the dam and would spend a week out there, camp along the sides, and fish.
The dam failed after days of thunderstorms and rain as disaster struck on August 3, 1933. It was 43-years-old when it let go. Fifteen feet of water rushed down the Cherry Creek. The water made it all the way to downtown Denver, flooding the streets. The partial dam still sits on the west side of the park. If you're caught climbing on it, you could be fined up to $50 a person.
The ruins have a sense of beauty now and Cherry Creek Reservoir now serves as a replacement of the Castlewood Canyon dam.
If you're thinking of selling your Denver home, The Bandy Team can answer your questions and can help you take all the steps needed to help your home sell quickly and for the best price. Our team will guide you through all phases of the home buying and home selling process in Denver. Let us show you homes in some of the fine communities of Parker, including real estate in The Pinery, homes in Canterberry, or property in Stonegate.
We are here to guide you every step of the way!

Until next time,
Marianne Bandy, Team Leader
The Bandy Team
 Keller Williams Park Meadows
720-466-3790

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Mar 2, 2017

4 Tips for Success in Making an Offer for a Denver Home


Buying a home is frustrating enough as it is, but it’s even harder when you’ve made offers on multiple homes only to lose out each time. Once you find a house that fits your needs, it’s time to buckle down and actually make an offer that will be accepted.
Freddie Mac covered “4 Tips for Making an Offer” in their latest Executive Perspective. Here are the 4 Tips they covered on how to make an offer that will give you an edge over other homebuyers.
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  1. Understand How Much You Can Afford
This tip should really be your first step before you start your home search process. Fully understanding your finances is critical and before making any offers, ask your lender for a pre-approval letter, which states that you’re provisionally approved for a mortgage loan up to a certain dollar amount.
Getting pre-approved will also show home sellers that you are serious about buying, and will allow you to make your offer with the confidence of knowing that you have already been approved for a mortgage for that amount.
  1. Act Fast
According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report for Denver, the inventory of homes for sale is currently at a 6-week supply; this is well below the 6-month supply that is needed for a ‘normal’ balanced market. When home inventory is low, the sooner you can make an offer, the better. Work with your agent to present it as soon as possible.
  1. Make a Solid Offer
Freddie Mac offers this advice to help make your offer the strongest it can be:
“Your strongest offer will be on the high sides of other sales and listings in the neighborhood. A licensed real estate agent active in the neighborhoods you are considering will be instrumental in helping you put in a solid offer based on their experience and other key considerations such as recent sales of similar homes, the condition of the house and what you can afford.”
Also, make your offer clean and sweet. Add value to your offer in ways that may save the seller some bucks. Many buyers write a personal letter to the seller letting them know how much they would love to be the new homeowners.
Other strategies to strengthen your offer include waiving inspection or limiting negotiable inspection items to health and safety issues, offering to bring extra money should the appraisal come up short of the agreed selling price, or including an escalation clause where you agree to pay X dollars above the highest offer, not to exceed a specific $ cap.
Give the sellers enough reasons to pick your offer over offers from other bidders.
  1. Be Prepared to Negotiate
In some situations, sellers who receive multiple offers at once negotiate with each prospective buyer individually in an attempt to get the best possible deal. When negotiating, make sure you don't get carried away by how much you like the property and overstretch yourself with an offer that exceeds what you can realistically afford.
Also, if the inspection uncovers undisclosed problems or issues, you can discuss any repairs that may need to be made with the seller.
If you’re ready to look at getting started on your path to home ownership, contact your local metro Denver real estate professionals, The Bandy Team! Our team will guide you through all phases of the home buying or home selling process in Denver. Let us show you homes in some of the fine communities of Castle Rock, including real estate in Castle Pines, homes in Founder's Village, or property in The Meadows.
We are here to help you find your dream home and will guide you every step of the way!

Until next time,
Marianne Bandy, Team Leader
The Bandy Team
 Keller Williams Park Meadows
720-466-3790
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Feb 27, 2017

Denver Real Estate Market Update – February 2017


Positive Momentum for Denver Metro Housing Market Carries into 2017

 According to the latest data from REcolorado, the Denver Metro housing market carried its positive momentum into 2017 with single-family home sales and prices both rising in January.
Market statistics for the 11-county metro area showed strong demand for homes during the month with 3,179 homes sold, up six percent as compared to this time last year.
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Inventory remained tight in January, with both the number of new listings that came on the market and the number of available listings of homes for sale seeing year-over-year decreases. Throughout the month, 3,804 new listings came on the market, one percent less than this time last year. January ended with 4,677 active listings of homes for sale, a nine percent decrease as compared to January last year.
At the current sales pace, there are enough listings on the market to last six weeks. Generally, five to six months of supply is considered a balanced market.
The year has started off strong thanks to demand from buyers ready to jump into the housing market now. Buyers have been motivated by rising prices and the prospect of higher mortgage interest rates, which have increased slightly over the past several months.
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The average sale price of a home sold in the Denver area increased in January to $401,766, a two percent month-over-month increase and an increase of eight percent year over year. At the end of January, the average sale price for a single family detached home was $446,798 and the average sale price for a condo/townhome was $288,615.
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If you have any questions, feel free to contact your local metro Denver real estate professionals, The Bandy Team! Our team will guide you through all phases of the home buying and home selling process in Denver. Let us show you homes in some of the fine communities of Denver, including real estate in Cherry Creek , homes in Lowry or property in Stapleton.
We are here to help you find your dream home and will guide you every step of the way!

Until next time,
Marianne Bandy, Team Leader
The Bandy Team
 Keller Williams Park Meadows
720-466-3790
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Feb 24, 2017

6 Reasons Why Your Denver House May Not Sell


The public perception, true or not, is that this is a total Seller’s Market. If you're not serious and well prepared for the market, and if you haven't hired an agent, you may not be prepared for what happens. Homes are selling and buyers are buying, but this is a serious game. To be a serious, committed player, check out the tips below.
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  1. Your property won't sell because your photos are not impressive.
The vast majority of homebuyers start their search on the Internet, so your property should look fantastic. Nowadays, an Internet view is considered a "virtual showing." Today's online viewers expect good photos and the photos need to be high quality.
  1. Your property won't sell because it's overpriced.
It's important to be as objective as you possibly can. Look at the home as though you were a "buyer." If necessary, make an appointment with your Realtor to view other properties that are priced comparably to yours. Be brutally objective. You may need to "update" your home to meet or beat the competition. If you can't afford to sell it for the price that the market will support, this may not be the right time for you to sell. Consider waiting until the economics improve.
  1. Your property won't sell because it shows badly.
This could mean almost anything, from the 60-pound Rottweiler, barking and drooling at the potential buyers or to the lingering smell of 30-years of smoking. Maybe the carpeting shows stains or traffic-pattern wear, or your windows allow in more than daylight.
  1. Your property won't sell because you're invisible.
Today's buyer comes from the Internet, almost exclusively. Have you checked your property on the MLS? Are you on all the websites (Trulia, Zillow, Craigslist, Realtor.com, etc.); all the places that buyers are searching? If not, you need to be, don't be a secret listing in today's electronic world.
  1. Your property won't sell because your listing is tired and stale on the market.
Okay, maybe you overpriced your home initially when you first came on the market a year and a half ago. But since then you have reduced your price and constantly chased the market down. Now, finally you're truly priced where you believe should be, but your listing (not your house) has become tired and stale. Everyone who is looking for your type of property in your area has already seen the listing online and they remember that there was "something" about it that they didn't like. It's time to take the listing off market. Let it cool off and bring it back on fresh in the spring. People think that homes in the market a long time have something wrong with them.
  1. Your property won't sell because your house won't appraise.
The house looks great; and you've finally gotten someone to bring you a bid on your slightly over-priced, but beautiful home. But the bank appraiser says it's worth $20,000 less than your buyer has agreed to pay. If you're not willing to negotiate the difference, you may find yourself with no buyer, and have to accept a lower offer somewhere down the line.
If you're thinking of selling your Denver home, The Bandy Team can answer your questions and can help you take all the steps needed to help your home sell quickly and for the best price. Our team will guide you through all phases of the home buying and home selling process in Denver. Let us show you homes in some of the fine communities of Parker, including real estate in The Pinery, homes in Canterberry, or property in Stonegate.
We are here to guide you every step of the way!

Until next time,
Marianne Bandy, Team Leader
The Bandy Team
 Keller Williams Park Meadows
720-466-3790

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Feb 22, 2017

Castlewood Ranch- Master Planned Community Southeast of Castle Rock


The master-planned community of Castlewood Ranch sits southeast of Castle Rock, Colorado, and is one of the finest communities in the area to call home. Nestled in gently rolling countryside, this spacious community provides residents with beautiful views of Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains. This relaxed rural setting offers housing options that will meet the needs of a wide array of buyers. Housing options include single-family homes, multifamily homes, and semi-custom to custom single-family homes (on half-acre to full-acre home sites). Home prices range from the $300,000’s to $900,000 plus.
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The community park is the hub of the community, and it offers many amenities. You will find walking trails, a turf athletic field, pavilions, and a great playground. The park also offers three miles of trails that cover 159 acres as they meander thru the community and its surrounding preserve area.
Castlewood Ranch is convenient to downtown Castle Rock and the local Founders Marketplace. In nearby Castle Rock, you will find the town owned recreation center. The recreation center is over 84,000 square feet and is open to all community residents. At the center, you will find a wide array of activities such as: swimming, basketball, racquetball and volleyball.  There is a gymnasium with indoor track, weight and cardiovascular equipment, steam and sauna rooms, and fitness programs.
Children in Castlewood Ranch attend the highly acclaimed Douglas County School District. Situated in the community, you will find Flagstone Elementary School and the new Mesa Middle School. Not too far away is the high school, Douglas County High School.
If you're interested in living in a relaxed community away from the hustle and bustle of city life, contact The Bandy Team! Our team will guide you through all phases of the home buying or home selling process in Denver. Let us show you homes in some of the fine communities of Castle Rock, including real estate in Castle Pines, homes in Founder's Village, or property in The Meadows.
We are here to help you find your dream home and will guide you every step of the way!

Until next time,
Marianne Bandy, Team Leader
The Bandy Team
 Keller Williams Park Meadows
720-466-3790
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Feb 17, 2017

Spruce Up Your Denver Home’s Front Porch For Under $500


If you are looking to add some curb appeal to your Denver home, here are five budget-friendly ways to spruce up your front porch for under $500.
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Architectural appeal- Make your front porch more appealing by adding trim pieces that are architecturally pleasing to look at. These pieces are available in weather-resistant wood or a low-maintenance synthetic (PVC or polyurethane) at many home improvement centers in the Denver area. The trim installs easily with basic tools and usually requires nails or screws. Adding decorative brackets where the support posts align with the ceiling will also dress up your porch. Adding shapely corbels under the eaves of your porch will add more architectural design.
Paint- Add some color to your porch by painting it. A good-quality exterior paint that is made especially for porch floors will cost you on average $30-$45. If your porch is already painted and it needs to be redone check to see if the old paint dates before 1978 and if so, be sure to remove it due to lead exposure before you apply a new coat.
Add a fan- if you enjoy spending time on your front porch, add a ceiling fan to help add a cooling breeze. When choosing a ceiling fan, choose one that is specially designed for the outdoors.
Privacy- if you want to add some privacy to your porch, add tall, louvered panels or shutters that will not only provide privacy, but allow for light to filter through and a breeze to flow. Prices, on average, start at $50 for a 12x64-inch shutter. The shutters should reach from floor to ceiling, or to just above the railing if you have one. If you want to add a little bit more privacy, install weather-resistant curtains. If you do not want to use shutters, lattice panels are also a good alternative.
Add a screen- Adding a screen to your porch will help get rid of those bugging pests that can ruin your time sitting outdoors. You can use your current porch railing as a frame to add screens to. If you do not have a porch railing you can build a frame using ¾-inch thick lumber that has been pressure-treated. Stretch the screen and then staple it into place.
If you’re ready to look at getting started on your path to home ownership, contact your local metro Denver real estate professionals, The Bandy Team! Our team will guide you through all phases of the home buying or home selling process in Denver. Let us show you homes in some of the fine communities of Castle Rock, including real estate in Castle Pines, homes in Founder's Village, or property in The Meadows.
We are here to help you find your dream home and will guide you every step of the way!

Until next time,
Marianne Bandy, Team Leader
The Bandy Team
 Keller Williams Park Meadows
720-466-3790
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Feb 8, 2017

Greenwood Village- A Prestigious Community in Denver


Many people think the most desirable community in Arapahoe County is Greenwood Village. A prominent suburb of the Denver metro area, this city provides residents the perfect place to live and raise a family, start a career, retire, or operate a business. A top-notch experience and nothing less is what you can expect in Greenwood Village, CO.
The village was developed in the 1860’s when settlers began traveling from the east and mid-west in search of gold. Up until fifty years ago the village was still full of farms and gravel roads, and had a population of 500. Today, many of the rural elements remain intact, resulting in the perfect blend of urban and residential areas.
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Greenwood Village also houses most of the Denver Tech Center, a development of large buildings outside of Denver where many technology-oriented companies are based. Commuters into the Tech Center raise Greenwood Village's daytime population from around 13,000 to more than 70,000 people.
Students living in Greenwood Village attend schools in the Cherry Creek School District, which has been recognized as one of the top performing districts in the state. The district has an arts-focused elementary school, a K-8 magnet school, alternative schools for at-risk students, and a transition program for special needs students. It also provides special education services.
The community is full of events that keep residents of Greenwood Village busy if they so wish.  Art classes, dance classes, and acting workshops are available for adults. There are plenty of activities for youth from art classes, theater camp, to recreational sports.
Greenwood Village is an equestrian’s paradise. Parks and trails designed for equestrians can be found in the village, as well as several equestrian parks. Preserving open spaces is very important here, and so is protecting the wetlands. Parks are abundant providing plenty of places to go for a walk or to take your children to play.
Real estate available includes single-family homes, townhomes, lofts and flats.
If you have any real estate related questions, feel free to contact your local metro Denver real estate professionals, The Bandy Team! Our team will guide you through all phases of the home buying and home selling process in Denver. Let us show you homes in some of the fine communities of Denver, including real estate in Cherry Creek , homes in Greenwood Village, or property in Cherry Hills Village.
We are here to help you find your dream home and will guide you every step of the way!

Until next time,
Marianne Bandy, Team Leader
The Bandy Team
 Keller Williams Park Meadows
720-466-3790

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