Just Sold in Denver

There is nothing more satisfying than finding the perfect home for a buyer, especially in this difficult market. Being an art teacher, this space offers my buyer the opportunity for an art studio, room to store her art work and plenty of entertaining space for her and all her friends. The home's distinctive personality matches Stephanie's bubbly, charismatic personality perfectly!

Thanks Stephanie for letting me help you find your first home. I am so happy that we have become friends through this process. 

Looking to purchase a home? I would love to help!

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with  Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, luxury, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Just Sold in Lakewood

Nothing makes me happier than a young woman grabbing life by the horns. Kudos to my buyer (and dear friend), Kelsey for buying her first home in her early 20's! Real estate can be a great investment to help you build a concrete base for your future. 

Are you looking for a home? Take a look here for homes for sale.

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with  Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, luxury, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Buyer Series: Sewer Scope

A majority of the home in the Denver Metro area are public water. This was a new concept to me as I grew up with a well. When you are buying a home, you have the opportunity to compile due diligence on the new home during an inspection. A buyer may perform a sewer scope during the inspection period. 

A sewer scope is when a professional from a sewer company inspects the sewer line. A camera is attached to a hose which is run from the house to the main sewer line. The sewer scope will show any breaks or build up in the sewer line. Most sewer scopes cost around $100-$175. 

Are you wondering if you should perform a sewer scope during your inspection? Make sure to ask your agent of the pros and cons.

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with  Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Just listed in Green Valley Ranch.

Check this three bedroom, 2 bath tri level ranch just listed in Green Valley Ranch. This home boasts an open concept with two living areas, a fireplace, granite counter in the kitchen, and a fenced in yard, This home is waiting for your finishing touches to make it your own.

Take a look here for a virtual tour. 

Who do you know that may be interested in this home? I'd be happy to give a personal tour!

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with  Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, luxury, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

The One Thing

While on vacation I read The One Thing by Gary Keller. Yes, I guess I do eat, breathe and READ real estate. I had heard it was a great business book about how to prioritize what is important to you and your career and in everyday life, I don't typically have time to read books. The book spoke about living with purpose and holdings yourself accountable. Words that everyone needs to hear but being self employed I have found that it can get hard. Purpose gets drained by deals, paperwork, new homes to show and a packed full schedule. 

How true. This statement made me stop. A little over a year ago I sold everything I owed, packed my car and left NH to CO for something different. Vowing for a different life; one with purpose, one with passion. It is interesting how adjusting to Denver my old habits have snuck in. Not that my habits were bad or unhealthy; they just were not going to create a different life than what I had in NH. I am a firm believer that success happens outside of your comfort zone and that is not where I've been living. 

Create new habits if you want something different. I've identified of number of things I need to change to expand in both my business and personal life. What do you need to change to live outside of your comfort zone? 

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with  Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Just Sold in Bennett

One of the best parts of this job is helping a very good friend find a home. My friend, Elizabeth and her two sons are the proud owner of this 4 bedroom, 2 bath ranch in Bennett Colorado. The home boasts an open floor plan, first floor master and a backyard perfect for entertaining!

Looking for a home in the Denver Metro area? Take a look here for your new home! 

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with  Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

The hustle mentality.

Hustle (n) - busy movement and activity.

In real estate or really any industry, the ability to hustle is a great quality to have. It keeps you moving forward. I used to date a man who was in sales and his amazing knack at hustling was like an art form. I think of him and his ambition often as I entered into this new career. The concept of hustling to me is similar to the childhood game of hot potato, you NEVER WANT TO STOP, as that is when you will drop the potato and lose. You constantly want to be charging forward.

I started following some of the big names in real estate - Ryan Serhant, Katrina Campins and Luis Ortiz and, man, can they hustle. They eat, breathe and sleep real estate. Every waking moment they have is dedicated to real estate. For a woman that loves real estate, it is incredibly admirable to see how much these icons can get done in a day. In the end, it is about steering your career forward and in the direction that you want it to take. 

In real estate it's quite easy to get pulled in multiple directions. Most of your day is spent in the car and the details of a transaction can be time consuming. I recently read this article which outlined a curtail flaw in the hustle mentality as lack of strategy. You can work as hard as you want/can but if you do not have a plan or strategy, you may be wasting your time.

The ability to hustle and constantly be moving forward is an act that we can see. We can see the number of sales or closed transaction an agent has or how many hours they clocked. The plan is personal. From the outside, it may look like these real estate superstars just hustle, they most definitely have a plan and goals to meet. While all of us will inevitably get bogged with life's twists and turns, it's crucial to keep moving forward in the direction of our goals, making it necessary to detail our goals for both our life and career.

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with  Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Just Sold In First Creek!

Green Valley Ranch is one of the hottest neighborhoods in Denver. It's locale, close to the Airport, and lower home prices makes it incredibly desirable. Nestled north of Green Valley Ranch is a development called First Creek. First Creek has both town homes and condos and average days on market is roughly a week while average price is roughly $172,000 for townhomes. The closest comp to 5770 Ceylon St had sold at $192,000 only a few days after putting 5770 Ceylon St. on the market. 

This complex had some hurdles to overcome as the HOA is in the process of a litigation with the builder. Although potential buyers may be impartial to the litigation, lending on it may have been difficult. After close to 30 offers on this one property we closed on the home at $206,000, a record breaking price for First Creek!

Are you wondering what your home is worth? Let's chat! I can give you a free market analysis and go into detail how I can market your home, including any items that may deter buyers, such as a current HOA litigation. 

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with  Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

The trials and tribulations of an Open House...

I have a love/hate relationship with open houses. I love them because it allows me to interact with potential buyers and neighbors. Open houses present me with the opportunity to sell the home to everyone, I can speak to the home's features, tell a story so buyers can envision themselves in the home and talk about the school system.

The downside is the amount of work that goes into it. Until you lug 15+ signs around a neighborhood in 85 degree weather, fight with balloons, leave your hazards on to drop off a sign at a stop sign pissing off the cars behind you, you will not realize the amount of preparation. It is physical work. By the time you actually get to the home, you are dripping with sweat. Balloons typically pop or fly away. Signs get stolen or turned around to point in an opposite direction or neighbors get mad about the signs. By the time I am opening the doors to the home, I am sweating, starving because of all the work with aching feet. And, of course, since I am overheated, dehydrated with low blood sugar, I time the time to devour all the candy I have brought for guests, because, why not? 

If you follow me on Facebook, I recently posted about an experience while picking up signs after an open house. While hilarious, it is, unfortunately, very typical.

 

You have to laugh through it all because there is nothing else you can do. As they say, everything good takes work and coming home from an open house while my stomach is growling, I am an reminded it is work. 

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with  Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Keep Going....

It is no secret that the Denver real estate market is incredibly tight. Low inventory and many buyers s a multiple offer, auction style situation is created. I could talk to you into I am blue in the face about the unique dilemma the Denver real estate market is in but I will not. This post will speak to the emotional side of this market; it is heartbreaking at times to be a buyer. Your real estate agent can set you up with perfect expectations - you WILL have to put in more than one offer, you WILL lose out on a home but once it happens, it still stings.

At times the market can be draining for all involved. The other afternoon I found myself feeling probably very similar to what buyers feel in this market - frustrated, hopeless and overwhelmed. I was on the phone with a family member who is going through some health issues, and after listening to me speak she said, "I understand the feeling of wanting to be somewhere that you are not at yet". Well, yes, isn't that really what is driving these emotions? In essence, we are all fighting this same battle whether with our health, career, home, family and/or relationships. The process is what causes the emotions.

So, here are six ways a person can cope with tough times, such as buying a home in the Denver market.

The current Denver market mandates a lot of work in order to get a home. It is crucial to be able to trust your real estate agent and know they are working with and FOR you. Always ask what other creative solutions that may have to find a home in a market like this one.


In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with  Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352

What it means to be a buyer in the Denver area

Denver's real estate market still remains very tight with low inventory and many buyers. This article in the Denver Post clearly depicts the realities that most buyers face in this market. Homes under $400,000 are under contract typically in a week, multiple offers start coming in within hours of the home hitting the market and most offers come along with a letter playing to the emotions of the seller. 

Knowing that this is the market that buyer's walk into they need to pull out all the stops. A buyer in the Denver market has to be flexible with their time and their wish list knowing they may not get the home they put in an offer for. They must react quickly or the home will be gone within days. Buyers also need to be realistic with price and financing. This is not a typical market where there is a lot of negotiating, highest and best is asked for up front. Buyers also must be aware of what a seller and listing agent are looking for. 

"Full-price cash offers still typically move to the front of the pack. Next in line are those who have pre-qualified for a mortgage and have the cash on hand to cover any shortfall between what they offer and the appraisal.

Listing agents say that they look closely at a buyer's source of financing — bank, mortgage lender or broker. Within that, they weigh the reputation of the lender, downgrading those known for stringing out the approval process or stranding buyers at the closing table."

The below graphic shows how severe the lack of inventory actually is.

Buyers in this market must ensure they work closely with their agent. Open communication between buyer and agent is required now more than ever. Both the buyer and the agent have to be creative on ways to get a home in this market. 

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with  Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352

My Corporate America Experience

Last week was my one year anniversary of leaving Fidelity. First of all, the year flew by! I thought I would take some time to talk about what I have learned since departing corporate America but then I realized it would be no different than this post. So, I figured I would take some time to mention what I learned from my years in corporate America because my time there was invaluable. Although, some people may scratch their heads wondering how finance could have helped a real estate career, my time in finance built a solid foundation to be successful in real estate. 

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Buyer Need

Meet Debra. Debra is looking for a home after years of renting. She is a facilitates manager at Columbine Elementary School in Denver and is crucial to the Columbine community. She is looking for a 2-3 bedroom home in Montbello, Green Vally Ranch or Aurora. She is looking for a home to call her own with enough room for entertaining her four adult children and ten grandchildren! A must have is a yard for all her grandkids to play in and room for a dinning table for all the family.

Who do you know who might have a home to fit Debra's needs? 

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with  Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352

Out-Of-Pocket Expenses for Buyers

Buying a new home can be daunting for the first time home buyer and the experienced buyer, alike. Through the process there are a lot of numbers being thrown around. Numbers related to the loan such as payments, insurance, terms and, also, out-of-pocket expenses. So many numbers that it can make your head spin! I put together a flyer regarding out-of pocket-expenses that you can expect with your home purchase in Denver.

Hopefully this helps set expectations about what the buyer will be responsible to pay out-of-pocket. As always, consult your real estate agent to get a better estimate of costs and when they will be due. Often times these expenses are due at time of service, such as inspection and appraisal.

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with  Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352

Denver Public Schools

I have gotten very integrated into the school system through offering the Homes for Heroes program which gives discounts for teachers (also, administrators and support) when buying or selling a home. Denver Public Schools is the school system for the city of Denver and it covers elementary, junior and high school. 

 

Source 

With so many moving to Denver, the school district is thriving but also has had to accommodate which has resulted in change in the schools. Go here to see the facts about the school district. As I have mentioned before, there are 50,000 people expected to move to Denver yearly and that trend will continue for upwards of ten years. All of the new people will change not only the landscape of the Denver Metro area but also the school districts. The Denver Public School has a long-term plan for the schools in the District to accommodate the change and provide the best education for its students.

Are you relocating to Denver or changing school districts? There are a number of resources that could be helpful to you. Take a look here for the individual school's ratings for both the current year and years past. On this page you can also find a description of the rating system to help you better understand how the schools rate. In addition to the public schools offered in the District, Denver Public Schools also offers the option of Magnet Schools. Students that join the Magnet Schools are chosen through a lottery system or based on academics.  

If you are wondering about the public's view on individual schools; greatschools.org offers a forum for the public to rate schools and provide their comments about their experience of the school. If you have any questions about a school, please do not hesitate to Contact me. 

I spend a lot of time weekly in the schools talking about how I provide discounts to teachers buying or selling a home through Homes for Heroes and have met a large network of people in the Denver Public School System. I can offer a high level of support helping you chose the right neighborhood and school for your little one. 

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with  Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352

 

The Go-Giver

While on vacation I read a great book called The Go-Giver. It had been recommended by a number of people in real estate and finance who proclaimed that it matched my business philosphy. When I started my real estate business, I never wanted my clients to feel manipulated, controlled or not represented. I wanted (and still want) each and every one of my clients to have my undivided attention, to know they are represented, to offer an expert opinion of Denver real estate, the schools systems, the neighborhoods and the community. To perfect this I read everything and anything that I could get my hands on about Denver. I visited schools, parks, recreational buildings and drove around the city to get a feel for the different and ever-changing neighborhoods. My business philosophy is a simple one - give before receiving. I was entering a city that I had just moved to and was looking to gain trust and business. To do this I started volunteering at local hospitals and schools which had many benefits such as giving back, learning the community and gaining people's trust.

Starting any business can be terrifying and often times I would stop and question whether you can build a business under the premise of doing and being good. Enter the Go-Giver, a small but mighty book emphasizing that you can do just that. The concepts in the book not only apply to business but also life. Without spoiling the book, I would like to make mention of the five laws of success:

1. The Law of Value - Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.
2. The Law of Compensation - Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them. 
3. The Law of Influence - Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people's interest first. 
4. The Law of Authenticity - The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.
5. The Law of Receptivity - The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.

If you ever get the chance, read The Go-Giver. I promise it is worth the time. Although a quick read it offers a great philosophy on giving and receiving in the business world. 

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with  Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352

The 16th Street Bus

The 16th Street bus is a free shuttle that runs up and down 16th Street. Originally, I thought the bus was mainly used by tourists but my love for the 16th Street Mall has only gotten stronger since moving Downtown. I live on one side of 16th Street and my meetings during the day are on the other side of 16th street. Recently, I have found myself on the 16th Street bus traveling to and from meetings through the weeks.

Source

The bus offers residents and tourists, alike, the ability to travel around the city free and efficiently. During the weekdays many business people use the bus, just as I do, to travel to and from meetings. As this article mentions, with the real estate marketing booming, many developers are snatching up parking lots or garages to build apartment complexes on. This helps solve the lack of inventory in the Downtown real estate market but does impact the availability (and cost) of parking spots. As parking becomes more of an issue, the 16th Street Mall bus will become a great luxury.

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with  Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Sell? Pop the Top? Renovate?

 With the high demand for real estate and very minimal inventory prices for homes are drastically rising. In addition, Denver's high demand is also changing many neighborhoods. Smaller homes are scraped and larger homes are built on the lot. Neighborhoods of original ranches, Denver squares and tudors are now amongst massive modern homes. Homeowners in Denver that need more space face a number of decisions with what to do with their home. 

Sell.

The lack of inventory, low interest rates and high number of buyers make it a great time to sell. Homeowners can get top dollar for their home and in most cases walk away with a hefty profit. 

Pop the Top.

If you need more square footage popping the top is always an option. This would involve creating another level on the home. 

Renovate.

The final option is to renovate - which would encompass any general updates to the home. Updates may be to kitchen appliances, floors or adding a bed/bath for the space to work better for you. 

If you find yourself at a crossroad with what to do with your home, I'd be happy to help go over the options. Most importantly we can discuss how much any additions or upgrades would add to your home's value vs. what you would get if you sold as is. 

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with  Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352

Trust

Trust was a common theme in my life this week. Trust is the building block of my business, I spend time getting to know my clients and have consultative conversations about what they are looking for to build a strong level of trust. This allows me to work for them by selling their home at top dollar and/or finding them the home of their dreams. 

Along with trusting others is the opportunity to trust yourself. This is one concept that is more difficult for some (myself included). Although, I have heard the saying "trust your gut" plenty of times, I seemingly have heard it more in Denver. You know that feeling that you get in the pit of your stomach when you meet someone, are presented with an idea, have a dream, etc.? Go ahead and listen to it. We have a tendency to add logic to that feeling which will immediately discount the gut feeling experienced. 

This week I moved all my accounts to a dear friend I met in Denver. I spent years in finance and am very logic and numbers based and as I was driving away from our appt., I thought to myself I really didn't run as many numbers regarding the decision as I would have before. It just felt that it was right. I thought back to this as someone told me that they did not jive with someone they recently met and she had no explanation for it. My thought is, first and foremost, you have to jive with the person that is working with you. If you do not, do not question it, rather, go find someone you jive with.

This week I also found myself on the opposite side of a real estate transaction as I am trying to rent my condo in New Hampshire. The new real estate agent wanted to change the rent I charged slightly and seemed to be very confident that my condo would be rented quickly. I was skeptical. I was nervous and probably micro managing the process a bit too much. Want to know what happened? We had a person put a deposit on my condo sight unseen before we allowed showings and we had about 10 showings the first day. Moral of story? I probably should have trusted the professional I hired. 

Sometimes it is hard to just trust yourself or give up your trust to someone else. Life is more emotional than we give it credit for. Buy or selling a home can be emotional but you have to trust the process and the people in place to help you. Sometimes you have to walk away from the perfect house and trust that there is something better. Or, maybe you have to trust that selling your home is the last step to your next chapter. 

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with  Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352

The Good Neighbor Next Door

The Good Neighbor Next Door is a program offered through HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). It offers a 50% discount of the list price of a home eligible for certain occupations - teachers, police, firefighters and EMTs. The condition is that you must live in the home for 36 months. HUD requires you to take out a silent second mortgage for the other half of the listing price but no payments are required and as long as you stay in the home for 36 months, the second mortgage is forgiven. If you do not stay for 36 months, HUD will require that you pay a pro-rata on the portion of the second mortgage. 

The number of properties eligible for the Good Neighbor Next Door program is limited and located in areas that HUD would like revitalized. The homes are typically only listed for 7 days and are a lottery system if there are multiple offers (which there are in Denver!) The Good Neighbor Next Door  is a great program to consider. Currently in the Denver metro area there are very few homes available through the program. In fact, today there are no listings eligible for this program. As you can imagine, when a home does come on the market eligible for The Good Neighbor Next Door program, it goes very quickly. If you are in an occupation that is eligible for this program and have time and patience to find a home, this is a great option. Search for HUD homes (including those for The Good Neighbor Next Door) here. In addition, be sure you choose an agent that is both familiar with the Good Neighbor Next Door program and the HUD bidding process. 

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352