See 10 Things to Know About Real Estate in 2010 http://bit.ly/8K1aMU

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writing a letter of intent for client who is bring a brand new entertainment venue to downtown Denver.

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Fall Is In The Air...almost

I love the fall- it's my favorite season. I love the way the trees and plants display their fall foliage like so many peacocks' plummage and the cold crisp mornings that give way to mild sunny days. I like the smell of fireplaces burning in the evenings when I walk my dog. I like the idea that's it fleeting- soon all of the leaves will be gone, the mild afternoons replaced with cold snowflakes, my flip flops replaced by Keenes and I will once again don my hoodies. I will change from beer to red wine and an occasional coffee with Baileys or the like....so as I see it fall heralds huge change.

And with fall comes a change in the the federal government's first time home buyer incentives, actually the end of the program. The program that provides the tax credit is set to expire on December 1st 2009. This means that we are effectively nearing the end of the time during which a buyer can place a property under contract and reasonably expect to close on the property prior to November 3oth. Given new lending rules, most transactions will take 45 days to close and as the deadline gets closer, quicker closings will become less likley. With all of that said, I know there has been some confusion about how the credit works so here is what I know:

• First time home buyers can receive a credit of up to $8000 on their federal income tax. The credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home, (which can be a condo- it is not restricted to single family homes). The maximum amount is $8000. So you have to spend at least $80,000 to get the full credit.


• Once the purchaser has closed on the property they will receive a certificate which they can use to amend their 2008 income taxes and the refund will typically be sent to them in around 2 weeks.


• Once the check is received it can be used in any way the purchaser wishes.


• For those people who are struggling with downpayment money, FHA only requires 3.5% of the purchase price as down payment and it is often possible to get a seller concession for additional closing costs that the buyer will incur.

There is talk of both extending the program into next year and expanding it to include all homebuyers not just first timers, but to my knowledge it has not yet been ratified. If you can, take advantage of this once in a lifetime deal, because the way I see it, even if you buy an $80000 property you can come out ahead , with a little planning. You put $2800 downpayment, you ask the seller to pay all of your closing costs, another $2800 or so, and you net $5200 with which to fix up your new pad or buy some cool new furniture or take a vacation. And all of that is not to mention the yearly income tax credits related to the interest on your loan, or the potential for equity gain. I see it this way: You can go on paying rent, paying down someone else's mortgage or you can buy a home, get the IRS to give you money for doing so, know that every time you make a payment you are paying down the principal amount of your mortgage, and you can take income tax credits every year so that your net income is higher. And with a little bit of luck perhaps you will start gaining equity after the markets begin to thaw. If you are thinking about buying or you have questions about the first time home buyers credit- don't hesitate to contact me or one of the other professinal realtors at Cygnus Real Estate.

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Condos- To Buy or Not to Buy?

As I was on my way to the townhomes at Upper Larimer to work my open house the other day I noticed an entire development project for sale- not just individual units for sale but the whole project-all of the units to be sold to one buyer. The construction seemed to be over and the units were just sitting like so many forgotten toy soldiers- still at attention... waiting...just waiting for their new owners- for the families, the people, who would move in and bring the project to life, much as children bring their toys to life.

So you wonder: why is it that some developer who had the knowledge (or know-how) and the moxy to purchase land and go through the entitlement process- the process of getting the city to agree to let you build whatever you intend to build on your land, as well as actually bringing a development out of the ground and getting to the point where he or she could "turn the lights on" would essentially give up. Why didn't this apparently savvy developer who built what appears to be a reasonably viable project turn his back on it instead of renegotiating his pricing and his loans? Unfortunately, mis amigos, I suspicion ze answer lies with the current mortgage market.

The mortgage industry has essentially turned its back on condominiums, both acquisition financing and refinance monies. As my grandfather would say, "it's scarcer than hens' teeth." Much if not most, of what happens in the mortgage world is predicated by the infamous Fannie Mae. And Fannie Mae currently says that she doesn't care if it's a townhome or a traditional condominium there will not be any conforming conventional financing until at least 70% of the units are sold. That means that the consumer, the buyer, can not get a fixed rate conventional loan to buy a condo until the majority have already sold...the buyer has to rely on so called portfolio loans which can have a higher interest rate and a shorter term. In a strange quirk most of the existing condos can qualify...if and only if they were built as condos adn not converted from apartments to condos. Sound confusing? It is but none of it is insurmountable. However, it makes it all the more important to have a qualified mortgage lender- be it banker or broker and an experienced Realtor to help you navigate the waters.

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Sneakers....

Ever wonder where all those unsightly tennis shoes suspended from various power and phone lines around the city come from? Or even more interestingly why are they there? I don't know why this bothers me so much but it does. I was driving west on 13th Avenue the other day and counted more than 6 pairs in one spot. It certainly doesn't improve a neighborhood to see old dirty sneakers dangling precariously over your head as you drive down the street. Now admittedly as a realtor I have a vested interest in seeing our neighborhoods and communities be the best they can be so perhaps I am overly sensitive; however, while listening to National Public Radio (NPR) earlier this spring I discovered that this is an advertising model for drug dealers.

Apparently all across the country it means, "you can buy drugs here." Now if this is common enough knowledge for NPR to pick it up and broadcast it I should think that law enforcement officials and perhaps even the power companies are aware of the significance of the "suspended sneakers." And likewise it would seem to me that a pretty basic way of slowing down the street drug trade and cleaning up neighborhoods might be to pull the shoes down and at least obscure the location of the local drug traders. In fact I might even suggest that whoever pulls them down could probably create an alliance with a laundromat and/or some other charity minded group, arrange for the errant shoes to get laundered and bleached and then perhaps donate them to a local hoemless shelter.

That's a concept- our tax dollars really at work. Our local law enforcement being proactive instead of reactive and giving back to the community as well. I think this could qualify as a "green project," too. Instead of filling a landfill with the offensive sneakers this would put them back in circulation.

And speaking of circulation, many neighborhoods are starting to see the appearance of bright green door hangers on their front doors. Yes that's us and before you dismiss the door hangers as just so much propaganda give them a good read because each one has an incentive coupon for you to try one of our favorite neighborhood establishments. Don't add them to the land fill use the coupon and then tell us what you think. And about the sneakers: until local law enforcement hears that this is important I am afraid we are on our own for removing the sneakers from the power lines. I recommend using a tree trimmer and cutting the laces and of course if you see them in your hood I recommend removing them. And if you are thinking of buying or selling real estate we hope you will call us. We want to be your city realtor (and we will need new sneakers soon).

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Where's the doggy door?

Over the last few weeks Dylan has developed a keen knack for finding beautiful streets in the neighborhood. (Okay, it's not that hard, but I like to make him feel like he has a job besides chasing his ball.) He likes to take us up to around Meade or Newton and 32nd and show me the gardens and gorgeous front doors. Yup, front doors. I have a thing for them. Growing up I never gave much thought to doors because I lived in a house that couldn't be seen from the street. For years I lived in apartments or condos so didn't have much choice. Now that I have my own front door I am obsessed with them. Red ones, black ones, stained wood, stained glass, giant doors, gnome doors, double doors, opened and you are welcomed, closed and you are safe inside.
Perhaps that's why I enjoy marching up and down the streets of our neighborhood putting bright green flyer's on everyone's door. Haven't got one yet? Don't worry, you will. We wouldn't want to miss an opportunity to introduce ourselves (Dylan is very photogenic) and offer a coupon for some of our favorite local businesses. This month we are featuring Seafood Landing owned by Bruce Johnson. This is a fish market, not a restaurant. Bruce is always there offering expert prepping advice and the freshest seafood at fantastic prices. Seriously, go meet Bruce and help support local businesses!
Speaking of local businesses, I have to catch you all up on three restaurants we just tried. All of them are on 32nd and almost right next to each other. First is Stella. It's Italian and bursting with flavor. The sauces are unusual (I'm not a huge fan of traditional) and the pastas are fresh! There is also a nice wine list. My favorite part though is dessert. They make the best bread pudding I have ever had, made with chocolate and a Kahlua sauce (I normally don't like Kahlua either). Sunday offers brunch including a brunch only cocktail menu.
Next is Bang! Enter in the rear of the building. Quiet outside patio serving up comfort food better than mama makes it. The Jalapeno corn bread was amazing. We had wine and I'm not sure that they have a full bar??? Anyway for dinner I had the chicken, Brandi had the pork. For dessert we split a slice of coconut cream pie. Very nice overall and are definitely coming back.
Finally we visited BOA and sat on the patio in the back. We were delighted with the menu. First, I'm not Miss Fusion so I didn't know what to expect. But the menu was laid out easily for me. On one side are the Asian choices, on the other are the Mexican choices, and in the middle are suggested fusions in case you feel inclined. I had an Asian chicken taco dish which I loved, Brandi had a Korean bowl that was fabulous. We drank Sapporo's and had the trio appetizer (three dips including guacamole) and chips. BOA was a delightful surprise!
All are worth a visit or re-visit and are pretty easy on the wallet.
Well that about wraps up this edition: If you see us out and about, don't be shy! Come say "Hello." We are very chit-chatty (yes, even Dylan) and will be very helpful in answering any of your real estate questions.

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Relocating To Denver?

Are you moving to Denver? Not sure which neighborhood is right for you? Need information about schools, employers, and financing? Whether you are relocation to the metro Denver area for a new job or to retire, let us help make your move successful and stress free. Denver Relocation. Set up automatic email notification and never miss a hot new listing again! If you need assistance, just ask we will set up the MLS IDX search for you. Search Denver Real Estate.

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Colorado’s Summer Festivals

Boulder Creek Festival

rocks downtown Boulder on May 23 through May 25, 2009. The festival features five stages of diverse live music ranging from world beat to Latin, jazz, blues and modern rock. Enjoy a wide variety of activities including a juried art show, arts and crafts vendors and fair-style foods plus a “beer garden.”

Downtown Denver Arts Festival

Denver's 11th Annual art festive, May 22 through May 25. This festival is “mile high” with talent. It showcases the work of Colorado’s most inspiring artists as chosen by a panel of seasoned judges. With over 100 artists’ displays and multiple mediums of visual art for sale.

Upper Larimer Beer Tasting

May 22, 2009 6-10pm. Taste and judge a variety of Colorado's local micro brews.

Colorado Medieval Festival

Experience life in the Middle Ages, June 6 and June 7 at Riverside Park in Evans. Eat with your hands as you sample old world-style fare from this intriguing period in history. Wares available for purchase include medieval costumes and clothing, chainmail, medieval inspired jewelry, pottery and more. It will be a time you won’t soon forget with thrilling entertainment including live stunts and sword duels, wandering minstrels, belly dancers, artisan demonstrations, tarot card readings, art and archery contests and more.

Glenwood Springs Strawberry Days Festival

It’s a big summer party in appreciation of one little red berry, being held June 19 through June 21 in Sayre Park, located at the corner of Hyde Park and Grand Avenue in Glenwood Springs. What began as a simple picnic over 100 years ago is now “the oldest civic celebration in Colorado.” Enjoy good times with fun activities for all including carnival rides, a live rodeo show, a Chinese celebration themed parade, the “Miss Strawberry Days” pageant, arts and crafts exhibits and activities for the kids.

PaddleFest 2009

This rafting festival, May 22, 2009 - May 24, 2009 starts off in Buena Vista, CO. The kick-off to the Arkansas River paddling season; this weekend is filled with boating, instruction and river education.

Mountain Film Festival

This film festival, May 22 -May 25, 2009 is in Telluride, Colorado. In its 31st year, Mountainfilm is a 4-day, 6-senses experience of art, adventure, culture, & environment.

Pagosa Folk 'N Bluegrass Festival

This music festival, June 05 -June 07, 2009 is in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Outdoor, family friends music festival with 3 stages, workshops, on-site camping and kids programs.

Ballon-A-Vista

Annual June Balloon Festival, June 06, 2009 - June 07, 2009 at the Buena Vista Rodeo Grounds. Fun and colorful balloons fly 6am. Saturday and Sunday and "glow" on Saturday at dusk.

61st Annual Blue Paddle Whitewater Festival

This rafting festival, June 18 - June 21, 2009 is in Salida, CO. Free live bands noon to night, parade, world-renowned kayak/raft rodeo and races, kid zone, carnage-filled Hooligan homemade boat race and an insane Crazy River Dog Fetch!

16th Annual Colorado BBQ Challenge

This food fest, June 19 - June 20, 2009 is in Frisco, CO. Enjoy world-class barbecue, pig races and entertainment on Main Street Frisco.

Grand County Blues Festival

This music fest, June 27 - June 28, 2009 is in Winter Park, CO. Nationally known blues artists from around the country gather in Winter Park for the seventh year of this popular two-day music festival in Hideaway Park.

Crested Butte Wild Flower Festival

This nature festival, July 6 - July 12, 2009 is in downtown Crested Butte. Proclaimed the Wildflower Capital of Colorado in the early '90s and rightfully so! Experience workshops, photography classes, hikes and more, focusing on nature's beauty.

Dragon Boat Festival

The biggest Asian cultural festival in Colorado and one of the biggest nationally is still in its infancy. Six years after the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival opened, Denver wants to improve its dragon boat race, the festival's main draw, to include competitive teams, homegrown coxswain and expanded divisions. The celebration includes demonstrations of Asian culture, a food marketplace and the boat race.

Art in the Park

This art festival, July 11 -July 12, 2009 is in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. We Feature 150 artist vendors, 15 food vendors, Live entertainment and an interactive kids art area.

Crested Butte Music Festival

This music fest, July 4 - July 28, 2009 is in Crested Butte, CO. Music for all ages at free and ticketed events. Educational and fun world-renowned artists participate in performances of opera, orchestra, chamber, dance, jazz and bluegrass.

ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL AND SCHOOL

400 events over 9 weeks each summer draw classical music's biggest stars to this Rocky Mountain oasis of culture and natural beauty. June 25-August 23, 2009.

Riverside Fine Arts Festival

This art festival, Aug 15 -Aug 16, 2009 is in Salida, Colorado. A juried fine arts festival on the banks of the Arkansas River in the south central Rocky Mountains.

Labor Day Fall Color Festival

This art festival, Sept 04 -Sept 06, 2009 is in Cortez, Colorado. Arts and crafts, music, kids play area, food, car show and Chili cook off.

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Is Your Realtor A Dog?

Bad dog! Let us wrangle with details. Need a really good Realtor to buy or sell your home? Give us a call 303.422.SWAH.

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Team Day at the Rockies game!

Baseball, brews and fun for the Realtors of Cygnus Real Estate

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Anticipation...Tales of the Giant Green Balloon

I have recently realized that Carly Simon was not entirely correct in that well worn track that all of us from a certain era remember so well.  (And those not from our era likley caught snippets of it on a catsup commercial, which is a bit of a travesty but probably fodder for a different blog). Anticipation does "keep us waiting;" however, I was given an epiphany on the topic...yes given not had.  It may keep us waiting but sometimes the wait is vastly more exciting than the reality.  We have a tendency to build things up in our minds, and the longer the wait the more glorious the imagined outcome until they become prodigous events.  In my experience seldom does reality match that anticipation.

For those of you that don't really know me I am one of the myraid of dreaded real estate brokers in Denver.  My team and I have been working frantically or perhaps even frenetically to market and sell a townhome project which we have listed in North LoDo at 34th and Larimer.  Recently, Susan, who works for the developer on a Nevada rental project as well as in Denver, mentioned ordering a huge helium balloon for the Nevada project.  Instantly I was enamoured with the idea...I went on line to take a peek and they looked even more amazing than I had imagined.  Well, needless to say-I had to have one.

We scraped and budgeted and talked to our developer partner and made the arrangements to purchase a ginormous lime green helium balloon (10' in diameter) emblazoned with the words "FOR SALE" in giant purple letters, for the mere price of $900. Within about 10 days my prize arrived, on a snowy cold day.  And for days and days after it arrived, Colorado gave us a dazzling display of its unpredictable weather with temperatures shifting from a sunny 70+ degrees to a miserable 30 degrees or less with bouts of spring snow, spring hail, spring rain and everything in between. Helium doesn't like cold and snow and harsh weather is not all that conducive to ballon flight so my balloon sat forlornly in its box.  And like a kid at Christmas I behaved until I couldn't stand it any more and I ripped open the box only to see a mountain of green plastic or rubber; it was so big I couldn't even find the lettering so I had to content myself with knowing it was there.

Finally the day came that we could raise the ballon.  My husband Greg, Susan, and I convened on the rooftop deck of one of our townhomes and after some debate about logistics we attached the tubing for the helium and opened the valve on the tank.  Slowly we saw our very large beautiful balloon come to life. She lifted herself off the pavers like a sleepy green giant just waking up from a long hibernation.  Once she was filled, we moved her about a bit until we were certain she was in the very best spot for maximum viewing.  Satisfied with our labors we drove around the block afew times like proud parents and then went back to our office for what was left of the day.  (Who knew it would take 3 hours to raise a helium balloon?) I planned to check on her on my way home; however, it wouldn't be even that long before we were summoned back up to the Upper Larimer Project.

Around 4pm that same day Greg received a phone call from one of the neighbors saying there was a problem with the balloon. So we raced up to the project only to discover that despite what we had estimated from the ground we had raised her too close to a power pole and she had wrapped her "leash" around the top of the pole.  We called the power company and asked them to come and free my balloon.  Of course they couldn't tell me when someone would get there, so I helpfully called them every 20 to 30 minutes to remind them I was still waiting.  During those calls we were able to clarify things like- "the balloon is 10 feet in diameter and contains well over 200 cubic feet of helium."  "No I didn't put her there on purpose," and so on. 

After several hours Susan decided to call a friend, who referred us to a tree trimmer.  The tree trimmer came out with the tools of his trade including some very nifty boots that allowed him to climb the power pole.  He retrieved our beauty and inflicted minimal damage to her in the process.  We placed her in one of the units to rest and await some minor surgery.  Needless to say after all of this I realized that I maybe didn't even like my giant ballon that well.  In all of those weeks of waiting to fly her I hadn't really considered the work of getting her in the air and keeping her there.  And why would I since the directions for inflating her consisted of one typed page no pictures and no diagrams?  I inflate small miniatures of her every week by the dozens right in the comfort of my own office...As I ponder my experience I suspicion that much of life is like this- just not nearly as dramatic or as much of a pain as my balloon.

My husband and I will make a reservation at a restaurant that we have been waiting to try and then get there and think- Hhhm we really like one of our old favorites just as well. But while anticipating going there we are some times certain that it will be the best ever. Likewise, buyers come to me wide eyed and innocent in their excitement to buy property.  Those that have bought before know it's hard work for the buyer as well as the agent but nothing really prepares the first time home buyer for the amount of work that goes into buying a home...the media doesn't tell them that and certainly the American dream of owning your own home doesn't come with an addendum reminding them that this could be very hard work.  Nope it's just anticipation- anticipation of buying the home, moving in and starting a  family or having that first dinner party, or barbeque or inviting the guys over to watch a game on the old flat panel. 

But nothing has really prepared any of us for the real estate market in which we now find ourselves.  I often tell my agents that every deal is a new deal, the banks have turned their backs on condo projects so that in new projects only the lucky last 30% who buy get the benefit of conforming loans.  (We were fortunate to get our Upper Larimer Project approved at Wells Fargo before they completely turned their backs on condos, so we are able to offer conforming products to all qualified buyers) And of course the guidelines for various loans seem to change daily if not more frequently.  Lending programs come and go, as do mortgage brokers and realtors.  But as I have said before if you have the energy and perhaps just the plain old gumption there are definitely bargains to be had, so don't toss in the towel at the first sign of a quagmire.  Work with your broker to find a creative solution, there are some out there if you dig. And if you need a creative city broker don't hesitate to call us or email us- we are a great downtown resource.

I leave you with an invitaion to be a part of our second attempt at flying my prized balloon.  Weather permitting we anticipate raising her for our beer tasting on May 22nd at the Upper Larimer project.  Even if you don't want the beer it might be worth the adventure to see if we can actually keep her in the air this time.  So join us under the giant green ballon. 

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We're on Twitter

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A dog's life

Ahh... it is a lovely day here in sunny Denver Colorado. The grass is greening and my little friends the squirrels are out. As the weather gets warmer I enjoy getting out more and working the neighborhoods. Lately I have spent a lot of time in the Upper Larimer Arts District, which is a gritty urban neighborhood. You wouldn't think spring time would make much difference amongst all of those warehouse buildings- but there are unexpected little pleasures. I see the trees beginning to leaf out which should beckon my squirrel friends to join me and I see small patches of green with unexpected plots of flowers here and there. They are worth stopping for a quick sniff and sometimes I enjoy a quick roll in them, too. I don't know why my colleagues don't indulge in these fantastic rites of Spring time. I also note many of my breathern walking around the hood, making it a challenge to keep my own territory marked.

Actually, you wouldn't believe how many people are out in this neighborhood. They bike, they walk their dogs, they chase the "lucky ones" who have made their escape from the yard and they talk a great deal about art, and beer at the Walnut Room and eating at the Blake Street Tavern. Clearly eating and drinking is as important to humans as it is to dogs despite all the fuss they make over the dogs. My colleagues often engage the people in conversation about the lovely townhomes we have for sale, their stunning views, and of course those gourmet kitchens and rooftop grills where of course we dogs will want to spend a great deal of time offering our assistance. I myself have rarely been up to those rooftop decks as I am a little small to take chances; however, they held me up to see the dizzying view of downtown and the mountains. I don't mind saying that I am glad the walls around the deck are as high as they are.

Well I should invite all of you- dogs and humans alike to a beer tasting event at thees townhomes on May 22nd from 6pm to 10pm. My human colleagues are going to a great deal of trouble to provide some local beers and some tasty snax for their guests. I will provide some treats for any of my breathern that wish to attend and perhaps we can swipe a nibble from the humans as well. So join us at 3403 Larimer for some fun times. I smell some good deals happening there. OKay-
ADios amigos until the next time.
Max

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Spring time In The Rockies

Well here I am a native of Colorado and I can still be surprised by the whacky weather. From snow storms to sunshine to sunshine and snow it's still the best place to be. When I was a kid folks used to say, "Don't like the weather? Give it a few minutes and it will change..." I guess in this time of uncertainties it's good to know some things are consistent....even if those things are actually inconsistency. Real estate and the weather are the same in that way and you must constantly adapt.

For the Colorado climate one is well advised to wear layers- things that can be shed as the weather warms and slipped back on with the inevitable cooling off that will follow, particularly as the sun sets. In the case of real estate, it is wise for all of us realtors, buyers and sellers alike to pause and at the very least re-adjust our thinking if not being actually prepared to shed some of our preconceived notions formed from "how the market used to be." It is a whole different market than the one we knew just 3 or 4 years ago.

We are still laboring under a very clear and present lending crisis. It is difficult for even well qualified buyers with substantial down payments to get loans and it is virtually impossible to get loans for condominiums. The lending market appears to have turned its back on condominiums. If the condo that you or your buyer have your eye on is not in a project that is at least 70% sold there will be no fannie mae approval. And what you ask does that mean? Well it means that your lender cannot send a loan package through automated underwriting and will likely have a very difficult time selling the loan- hence they won't make the loan. However, there are still a few options if you look hard enough or work with a savvy city realtor. If the project is at least 51% owner occupied and the HOAs look good a buyer may be able to get an FHA loan, through a process known as spot approval for a purchase price of $417,000. or less. And if that isn't a possibility there are things called portfolio loans that allow a buyer to obtain a loan for a few years until such time as the market corrects itself. These loans are made by banks, typically smaller state chartered banks and they do not sell the loan, instead holding it in their portfolio. Knowing where and how to find some of these products will allow condo buyers to purchase property and take advantage of some really great opportunities that prevail in this market place.

Yes I did say opportunities. Many brand new condos have not been able to sell because of these very lending practices and so developers are a bit more motivated not only to sell but to help the buyer obtain their loan and get to the closing table. Now this is the part where I say be prepared to slip some of those old notions back on...there is a point beyond which a seller can not or will not go. If a deal seems unbelievable- it probably isn't real; there is probably something that you don't know or are missing so as always, "caveat emptor" (latin for buyer beware).

If you get to the point of making an offer and you have your financing figured out- at least in theory- there are some things you should consider. When dealing with a developer of a new project know that often times the developer is not the only one negotiating. It may be that the developer's lender is directly involved in the release prices- that is the number at which the bank is willing to make a partial release of the construction/acquisition loan enabling the developer to provide you with a clear title. The developer is still there to try to make money or at the very least to escape without losing money.

When making an offer on any property whether it be a private party seller or a developer remember that nothing counts unless it is in writing and signed by all parties. Don't ask your realtor to field verbal offers- they don't mean anything anyway. Your realtor is there to help you and if you have chosen wisely your realtor has likely been through many many closings, even in this market so trust them. If you don't value the realtor's opinion then get another realtor. And last but not least, when negotiating remember what our mamas always told us, "you get farther with honey than you do with vinegar." All negotiaitions are contentious- the mark of a good negotiaition is when both parties feel like they had to give a bit more than they wanted to, but that doesn't mean it has to be personal or ugly. Placating a seller who is accepting a lesser price costs the buyer nothing and can make a big difference throughout the transaction.
Contemplating a condo? Need city realtors? Call us or email

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My last post seems to have jinxed spring!  So while we are getting 8" of snow right now I will only say this...We mowed the lawn and planted flowers in the front yard last weekend and are so pleased.  I feel like I'm contributing to the neighborhood finally.  

I have two new (new to me) restaurants to report on, both Mexican.  One is Patzcuaro's on 32nd east of Federal.  The other is La Cocinita on 29th just a few blocks east of Sheridan.  Both are delicious and I recommend them for varying reasons.  One thing in common is that they are very "locals" populated.

The best margarita  I have had in Denver (and I don't say this lightly) is at Patzcuaro's.  There is only one variety and I think only one size.   It costs 4 or 5 bucks and is served in a jumbo goblet.  It is made with a mix that DOES NOT give you heart burn!!! It tastes so good that I had to remind myself to slow down drinking it.  I couldn't stop saying "Wow, this is so good.  Possibly the best.  In fact, the best."  The chips are salty (which I love) and the salsa is awesome.  I can best describe the food as simple and straight forward.  I ordered carnitas taco's and the tampiquena which is a grilled thinly cut steak and includes a chicken enchilada (which was covered in a fantastic enchilada sauce).  The taco's: tortilla & marinated meat, with guacamole and a lime wedge on the side. Simple and good.  The place: lots of wood booths and the walls covered in Mexican Revolution posters.  I didn't notice sombrero's or any other "typical" mexican restaurant decor.  There was a large screen T.V. that was playing college basketball.  It was comfortable and I will be back.  

La Cocinita on the other hand is what I would call a family style place more interested in serving good food than in fancy decorations and furniture.  Not a trendy place whatsoever and thank God for that.  The margarita's are good and cheap... order a pitcher (again, I think only one kind). They are huge and more than enough for two diners.  While the chips and salsa are standard, portions here are generous and the food is yummy.  The menu is pretty extensive and could be overwhelming unless you are me who 9 times out of 10 order the same thing.  There is outside seating in the front but I don't know if I can bring Dylan or not.  My girlfriend and I each order entrees and share a pitcher of Margs, are absolutely stuffed and a bit tipsy, all for $34 bucks.  You heard me.  $34 bucks.  OK, best deal in town. 

Two weeks ago Dylan was diagnosed with some kind of bone disease that eventually goes away but causes excruciating pain for him. We took him in because he started to limp.  We are giving him pain and anti-flamatory pills hidden in peanut butter and he is doing very well.  He is very busy making friends but hasn't had a chance to go out to eat lately (the economy and all).  He is currently in the backyard making snow angels.  Once again I am so glad that we have hardwood floors.  

OK, does Mondo Vino deliver? Perhaps I can get Dylan to pull me by sled for a beer run...

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DBR Mixer

The Denver Board of Realtor will be having a mixer event on May 28th, from 4 to 7pm. Cygnus Real Estate will be hosting the event at their exclusive listing, The Residences At Upper Larimer. Please join us to see this fabulous new development and experience the RiNo art district at it's best.

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Beer Tasting Event

Since our wine tasting event was so wildly popular, we have decided to have beer tasting event this May 22 to kick off Memorial weekend. We will be sending out invitations soon. The event is expected to be a big one and limited to the public. To be added to our guest list please request an invitation to Beer Invite

After the Denver Art Festival closes down Friday evening head on up to The Residences at Upper Larimer for a free beer tasting event. There will be food, beverages and local microbrews. The Residences at Upper Larimer is in the heart of the RiNo art district. We will have local artists on exhibit. Don't miss it!

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Upper Larimer Party A Big Hit

The Residences At Upper Larimer hosted a wine tasting event last Friday evening. The event was a huge success. People turned out to sample great wine from Sonoma, CA and tour the new development project in the Upper Larimer neighborhood. Upper Larimer is changing rapidly and becoming the place to be in downtown. Upper Larimer is located just north of LoDo and has a lot to offer. We can give you a special tour, just call 303.422.SWAN or stop by our showroom at 3403 Larimer St.

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Dylan on a witch hunt

Spring spring spring is finally here! I can't wait to see what kinds of plants and trees are in our back yard. We moved in January and our backyard was "under construction". Literally. Let me back up. Our house was built in 1904 and was set to be demolished last year. In order to be saved it had to be moved. The search was on for some land when an interesting property showed up. It was a double lot with a house already existing on it. So the property was purchased and divided in let's say two to make it easy. Our house was moved, and if you will, imagine the mess Dorothy's house made when it landed. We haven't found a wicked witch yet, but Dylan is furiosly digging around for one. The amount of work, trucks, machinery, and tools it took was incredible. And fortunately not as destructive as it could have been. What it did leave us are some trees, a few bushes, some iris's and a mystery red flower that has sprouted up in random areas of the yard. Did I mention grass? No, because instead we have lots and lots of dirt and debris, including half buried construction material and plenty of rocks. Sod is going in the first week of April hopefully (weather permitting). I sure won't miss the ever present and ever changing pattern of Dylan paw prints all over the hardwood floors.



It sure is tough designing landscaping. I feel a bit overwhelmed. Especially when we walk the neighborhood. Some of our favorite streets include Hooker between 24th and 20th, most of Julian from 20th to 28th, and Java. Well really, there are too many beautiful homes to designate. Not only am I excited about what our yard will turn up, I'm equally excited about everyone elses. There are tons of trees here, and the front yards are spilling over with everything from riverstone to bark, fountains to gargoyles and lions, flowers to grasses to herbs.



I haven't really had a yard since I was a wee one. When I was about twelve I dug out a section of our back yard and planted a vegetable and herb garden. It was expertly done and quite successful. Why is it that when you're a kid you know how to do it all?



Dylan and I agree that it's already time for a beer. We will be going to Meade St. to enjoy one of my favorite beers, O'Dells IPA on tap. (Now if you are a well behaved dog this is the place to see and be seen.) We usually order potato wedges (spicy is the best) with a ranch or chipotle sauce for dip. To die for. My next favorite dish: fish and chips. The fish is dipped in a Guiness batter which makes it stand out from the run of the mill pub standard. There's a good selection of sandwiches and salads, but I prefer the entres which include a few Mexican style items and a fabulous seared Ahi. Meade St. is a local favorite no matter what you're in the mood for and is usually pretty busy, giving it a fun bustle-y atmosphere. Yes, they do have live music some evenings...I don't know the schedule.



I just wanted to mention one more thing today. My girlfriend and I went out of town this weekend and left our boy in the trusting hands of Kim with Wag-on Wheels. When Dylan came home from his holiday he was calm, happy and unscathed. These folks know and LOVE animals. If you need a sitter for the day or an increment of the day, or perhaps a weekend, be sure to look them up to find out what all they offer and discover how affordable it is.



Until next time...

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Wine Tasting Event

Please Join Us For This Special Event

March 27th from 7pm to 11pm

Join The Fun

• Wine Tasting with "Petra Loves Wine".


• Share wine and food with your friends.


• Bring your favorite bottle of red or white wine from Sonoma CA, some Hors d’oeuvres and your wine glass.


• Art by “Bill Gian”.


• Visit the Grand Opening of Dry Ice Factory Studio right across the street.


• Tour The Residences At Upper Larimer.

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Highland: tour the neighborhood, escorted by Dylan the Dog

Thank you West Highlands/ Sloan's Lake for so graciously welcoming me and my family to the neighborhood.  I was born and raised in San Diego, and lived as an adult in L.A. San Francisco, and western Washington State.  I have also spent several months backpacking through Europe, India and Thailand, Singapore and Bali before finally returning home just so that I could turn around and move to Chicago where I lived for 7 long cold years. I relocated to Denver, specifically Westminster in August of 2007 when I yearned for mild weather, friendly people, and access to both the pleasures of big city living combined with all of the wonder that the great outdoors can offer.

But when the city girl in me began to weep, we set our sights on Denver City Neighborhoods. And so began the search which could have lasted a lifetime because we were going it alone without the help of an agent.  We searched some great sites that helped us get familiar with neighborhoods and proximity's to the city, sites which included names of restaurants and bars, shops and parks.  Frankly, we overlooked Highlands because we thought it was out of our price range.  Everything that turned up on the real estate sites was discouraging.   Finally a friend recommended Carole at Cygnus Real Estate and 2 months later we were in our house in Highlands.  

Ode to Highland:  

We favored W. Highland/Sloans Lake for many reasons.  a) Proximity to downtown, b)character, c) access to highways, d) we had our own cute little neighborhood , and e) it reminded us of big city neighborhoods with such attributes as local flare, cultural and economic variety, friendly neighbors, walking distance to our cute little neighborhood which offers shopping, eating and drinking, and finally the most important factor... it's super dog friendly.  Wow, that was a long sentence.

Going forward this blog will focus on our neighborhood, Denver,  and Colorado in general as seen mostly through our experiences with our four and a half month old German Shepherd Dog puppy named Dylan.  (If you're not a dog person, it's ok... all of the dogs we've met have been very well behaved and don't interfere with folks who aren't comfortable with such beings.)

Socializing and Happy Hour:

Dylan is privately trained and so far in his young life has had limited access to other dogs, to cars, to babies etc.  Oh no...what are the girls to do?  First, we love taking him for walks around the neighborhood.  We get to look at all of the cool houses, meet the neighbors, meet other dogs, and practice our training techniques in a friendly environment.  We look forward to our walks because it gives us a chance to really appreciate where we live.  

Next, we can easily hop down to the city via car or bike and enjoy hikes, bike paths, food and drink, museums, shops and on and on to eternity.  But mostly, we love to take Dylan up to 32nd and Lowell where we can do things as a family. 

Well you probably didn't think this was a restaurant review blog either, but it is...

Tonight, March 8th, I took Dylan to happy hour at Mead Street. But as I was approaching it, I was saddened to see that the protective plastic covering was over the patio.  I wasn't sure if they would be ok with Dylan in there, and besides, I wanted to sit in the sun.  Mead Street is a great pub style place, dog friendly too, but I will review them next time.  

Anyway, where was I? Ah yes...as I was pondering my next move a gal emerged from a shop to play with Dylan.  Well, it wasn't  a shop, it was the restaurant Venue.  I didn't realize that they were open at 4 for happy hour, so was surprised to find myself being invited onto the patio where I would soon discover half off beers and wine.  The entire staff at one point or another came out to meet Dylan and made us feel very welcomed.  

Sooner or later you will find out that I am a beer snob of sorts and was delighted to find an extraordinary beer list sans Coors, Bud and Miller.  The wine list was extensive and not typical.  I ordered from the happy hour menu some of the best mussels I've ever had.  While the mussels were great, the sauce yummy, it was the bread soaking up the sauce that thrilled me, and for only $5 to top it off.  Dylan was hanging with me drinking water from a community dog bowl and saying hi to all passers-by... dogs, kids and adults alike.  We really enjoyed being able to interact with the neighborhood folks who stopped to chit chat about dogs, food, wine, the weather.  I was compelled to stay for dinner, and Dylan gave his paws up in approval.  Next I ordered pork loin with cherries and bacon corn grits, and asked for a recommendation regarding wine.  It was a french granache that complimented my tender delicious dish perfectly.  I was about to polish off the bread and butter when I was offered the dessert menu which included a dessert drink menu.  I went with what was recommended: the raspberry crepes with (my first experience with) a white port. Amazing. 

  

Completely satisfied well beyond expectation, Dylan and I went home... eight blocks away.  We couldn't have had a more enjoyable evening together.

Stay tuned for further adventures, including our first trip to the Platte river, dog friendly downtown, and dogscapades in Boulder and Estes Park.  Also, find out who our famous dog trainer is, and who we use for doggy day care, as well as the best places to eat, drink, hike and generally carouse with (and sometimes without :( )your dog. 

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