TWO HANDS |
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We are born with two hands for a reason....one to give and the other to receive. It was never more evident than the other evening when the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame inducted several honorees, each one placing Colorado on the map for world class tennis. All the proceeds went to the Colorado Youth Tennis Association with the mission to promote diversity and inclusion. Serving the underserved, and we are not talking match - point - game. Tennis is a game that mixes athleticism with intelligence, a game that requires perseverance and concentration. Bringing tennis to the inner city schools allows educators to instill values and positive thinking skills to Colorado's youth. One such elementary school has seen academics and test scores rise due to the school wide effort to include tennis and chess into the after school curriculum.
It was my pleasure and honor to be in the audience when Scott Humphries received his induction into the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame. Scott's mother was a Californian that played on the University of Colorado tennis team and helped bring youth tennis to Greeley. His talents went beyond the state tournaments as he went on to win at Wimbledon and enroll at Stanford University. Congratulations Scott and to Colorado for promoting our youth through a game that requires a serve and return, two hands ...one to give and one to receive...a game of love!
posted: January 31, 2012
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Stage Right |
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One could argue that Sophia Loren is the perfect example of the Italian phrase or obsession "fare bella figura", but in fact since it is an obsession, most Italians are examples. "Fare bella figura" means to make a good impression...at all times. Italians never go out shopping or running errands without looking presentable, you will never see an Italian in work-out clothes or sweats in the market or anywhere outside the gym. Even the waste management personnel in Rome wear uniforms that look very Prada, complete with knee high boots that could make the cover of Vogue. Italians take great care in that first impression, they inherently know that it sets the stage.
In a competitive real estate market, staging is now the first step in marketing a home. When buyers walk through the front door, a well staged home sets the tone for the length of time for the visit, the target price for an offer, even setting the stage for the inspection process. There is nothing more distracting to a buyer than to be expected to "see past" the clutter or the family photos or the shelves of souvenirs. Buyers want to see themselves in the home as owners of the home, not spontaneous guests.
What constitutes staging...right? A good stager will visit the home then not only decide which pieces of furniture and art stay, but where they should be placed. The movement of furniture in the home or out of the home may be uncomfortable for some sellers, but the goal is the verb within the noun...sell.
Prior to the appointment with a professional stager, most work on an hourly rate, do some of the leg work in advance.
For instance, the kitchen pantry should be cleared. Most of the shelves in the pantry should be bare and wiped clean. It not only gives the appearance of space but it sets the tone for the cleanliness of the home. Along with the pantry, take an overview of the home and set the move in motion. If you are not going to move an item to a new location, get rid of the item prior to the staging appointment. If you plan to move items such as family photos or souvenirs, box them for the move immediately, the stager will always make that suggestion so you will be saving time and money if you accomplish that task prior to the staging appointment.
The Denver area real estate market is positive, sellers are beginning to see a rise in values and the return of the long forgotten word "home equity". If you plan to market your home to sell, give it a chance. Allow your home the opportunity to make that good impression, fare bella figura.
If you are interested in the value of your home in today's rising marketplace, don't hesitate to send me an email or call. I would be happy to walk through a market analysis of the sales in your neighborhood as well as a walk through of your home for marketing suggestions.
Judy Fahrenkrog
Kentwood City Properties
303-820-2489
email: judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: January 23, 2013
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Do The Math |
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Today is the first day of the Chinese New Year, a signal for Spring's arrival and new beginnings. The Chinese culture has given so much to many generations in the form of art and literature, philosophy and ancient traditions. One tradition of note is house numerology, the process to find the ideal house for your lifestyle.
In house numerology, take the full house number, including an apartment or unit number, add all the numbers together and then reduce to a one digit number. One house I recently sold, 100 Detroit #501 reduces to the number 7. What do the numbers mean?
A 1 House is where you would feel motivated, this house shines and the owner will always have the energy to initiate. A 2 House nurtures all kinds of relationships, "tea for two", and makes an ideal place for weddings, a perfect setting for a gazebo. A 3 House vibrates self-expression, perfect for entertaining and creativity and will do well with an expansion. A 4 House represents security with a strong foundation, the owner will succeed in this house. A 5 House represents change and movement, the residents will travel and the houe will be filled with computers and technology. A 6 House is beauty, associated with the planet Venus, this decor will express style and class.
A 7 House is contemplative, a great home to build a library. The 8 House means power, money and success, its occupants would make great doctors, attorneys and high executives. The 9 House is the house of the humanitarian, with its connection to the past the house will welcome a lot of visitors, friends past and present, and will host lots of charity events.
Does your house reflect your lifestyle, personality, family? Are you house hunting now, or planning a future move? Start with the right Realtor, and while you are navigating the home search...do the math.
posted: February 3, 2011
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Where In The World? |
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Many customer service reps that receive the phone calls from the customer that pressed zero for service, have never been to Denver, Colorado or the areas surrounding the Denver area. Many have never stepped onto to US soil. These customer service reps are responding to inquiries from the various companies that require their services due to the large volume of calls received. The cable and mobile carriers rely on these services and it keeps the personal contact at a minimum. Shocking to find out that many real estate brokerage firms rely on the same call banks, but they do. Do you know which brokerage firms outsource the most important employee in the company is the employee that answers the phone? Do you really want to list your home with a company where the only contact with brokers setting showings is a receptionist that lives in Kansas City? Didn't think so!
Sellers in a very volatile real estate market need the professional expertise and services of brokers that not only know the weather but know the values.
Appraisers have come under scrutiny because many times an appraiser for a property is not only unfamiliar with the neighborhood but has been known to ask "Where in the world is LoHi or Country Club or Slavens?" If you live and work in Grand County, you might not know the demographics of Castle Pines Village, tough to get apprised of market activity over the last three months if you are getting a crash course in GPS! If the appraisers are under such scrutiny, it is a curiosity to them that a property in Vail may be represented by a broker in Denver or vice versa. Sellers should focus on brokers that specialize not only in the Seller's area but a brokerage company that is well represented in that area. The second cousin in Fort Collins that brokers through a national chain of brokerage firms will not have the expertise to market a home in Castle Pines Village. This is why a company such as Kentwood, locally owned with three office locations in the Denver area remains the premier real estate brokerage service! The top awards from Realtor Roundtable went to all three Kentwood offices, brokers that specialize and know Denver and brokers that refer clients to our Luxury Relocation service when the client is out of the Denver area. Kentwood's branding is nationally known, and also the relocation service offered is nationally recognized. Kentwood is affiliated with Christie's for international marketing exposure, but Kentwood is locally owned. If a broker calls to set a showing at any one of the Kentwood offices, that broker will connect with a real person that is actually at that office! Our showing desk takes pride in efficiency and professionalism, with the utmost courtesy to clients and brokers. They know where in the world your home is!
"Please hold" is not an option for Erin and Gloria, the showing desk team. They also receive all the incoming calls from buyers that have located a listing from print advertising or on the web or a drive-by with a Kentwood sign. They are pros at immediately getting the correct information to the caller, essential in an ever changing market place.
So if your home is already listed, this is not meant as a solicitation but an information blog. If you are thinking of buying or selling in the future, contact me at judy@kentwoodcity.com.
As a fourth generation Denverite, I specialize in the neighborhoods where I have lived, Country Club, Cherry Creek, Hilltop, Park Hill and Lower Downtown. I also specialize in Castle Pines Village, twenty minutes south of Denver center, a community I called home for twenty years. If I don't specialize in your area, I am happy to refer you to a specialist from our network.
posted: April 13, 2012
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Million Dollar Baby |
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You look like a million bucks! Or so say the buyers that have purchased Million Dollar plus properties in the Denver area. In recapping January of 2012, buyers have purchased $56,193,722 in single family and condominium Million Dollar Plus properties compared to last year at this time of $49,760,083. This resulted in an increase of 14.7 % in transactions and a 12.9% increase in volume....now this is "news you can use!". As the inventory is decreased so has the number of days on the market, from 264 to 211. All of this information is from the Kentwood marketing department and it is good news.
The Million Dollar Baby is making a comeback, so get started and climb aboard before the train leaves the station. If you are thinking about listing a property contact me at judy@kentwoodcity.com. If you are thinking about buying a property let's get started while the interest rates are still low. If you have a property listed, this is not meant as a solicitation but a congratulation, and let the momentum continue.
email: judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: February 16, 2012
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Yes, Grasshopper! |
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In March of 2011, a vintage Grasshopper Lamp sold for $13,750 at Wright Auction House in Chicago. Designed in 1947, the lamp has a tripod stand and elongated conical shade that rotates. You can direct the light where needed. The dsigner was Greta Magnusson Grossman who immigrated to America with her husband in 1940. Her Swedish modern style became a staple for movie stars, architects, designers and more. She went on to design homes in the Los Angeles area during an era where Case Study houses were being designed and built by architects with iconic names such as Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen. Mid-century modern has stood the test of time, but you do not have to buy a mid-century product to achieve the look. Modernism is more approachable than ever with prices that will fit within many budgets.
The community of modernism is vast and well represented throughout the design community in the Denver area.
The lot at 89 Indigo Way,on the 10th green of the Castle Pines Gold Club's international course, has the perfect setting for any style home, and one can catch a slight glimpse of a home that has a modern flair. The Arts and Crafts home that is contiguous to the lot at 89 and situated on the 10th fairway, is a newer build with a Gustavian flair. A remodelled home at the 11 th tee box is of the "Beaver Creek" look that so many Coloradoans prefer when nestled into the trees. A recent sale on Indigo Way was a Colorado flagstone contemporary with a Wrightian feel. The street is the perfect community for inspired design. Time to build!
While you are getting in touch with your inner modernism or design inspiration, you might need a Grasshopper Lamp, or a reproduction built to Greta's original specs. You can find it a Design Within Reach in Cherry Creek North, and you can find a variety of light fixtures and furnishings that have been the inspiration and invention of the most elite community of designers. It's worthy of your time.
For more information on Lot 89 Indigo Way or the DWR store location or catalogue that provided much of the information on the iconic lamp, please email me at
judy@kentwoodcity.com
posted: November 14, 2011
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Spring Into Action |
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Springtime in the Rockies is the celebration of renewed energy and the joy of living in one of the most desired areas in the country. Spring awakens the inner child that wants to get outside and be playful, so jot down a few of these activities to get you started.
The Santa Fe Arts District celebrates the First Friday Art Walk on April 1st. You can stroll the Art District and sample foods and sip wines while enjoying culture and waking the senses with visual sensations from the many art galleries that line the district. For the animal lovers, there will be a tribute to cats, sculpted to a 2 to 3 foot size, in several galleries and proceeds go to CatCare, a non-profit.
Rockpile seats and brats, the best way to spend the first day of April at the Colorado Rockies Opening Day. If you go wear a hat, sunglasses and grab a mitt for the action. The weatherman promises a "chamber of commerce" afternoon.
The Denver Botanic Gardens will be announcing the Summer Concert Series in April and the annual Spring Plant Sale in May. The concerts run throughout the summer, popular musicians mixed with summer nights and picnics in the gardens. Educational programs are also abundant this Spring, classes from Backyard Aquaponics to Kundalini Yoga. The Gardens and special events are open to the public, but membership is affordable and fun. Spring is a beautiful time to visit the promenade of cherry blossoms.
There are many venues for springtime activity, the Denver Zoo is abundant with spring arrivals and the stroll provides plenty of entertainment for all ages.
If you are looking to connect with spring, get connected with a Denver native.
www.judysdenver.com
posted: March 31, 2011
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Start It Up! |
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Denver welcomed the latest and greatest in the techno savvy world! MapQuest has moved into 17,000 square feet of office space in the Sugar Cube building in Lower Downtown...the newest heroes since the original Bombers. Mapquest and AOL celebrated the office opening and the 15th anniversary of MapQuest. On hand for the champagne toasts and press conferences were the President and Editor in Chief of AOL's Huffington Post, Arianna Huffington, and the COO Jon Brod.
The interior space was designed by the architectural firm IA Interior Architects, a global firm with an office in Denver headed by Larry King who dialogued with Jon Brod about the concepts of the new MapQuest office. Jon's vision for the office was to have the feel of a "start up" firm as most of the skill sets of their employees are based on the "start up" culture; Facebook, Twitter, Google, etc. The cooperative efforts of King's firm and MapQuest culminated in a space that is filled with walls of windows and tremendous ambient lighting. The interiors were done to LEED specifications with a downtown loft feel. The work stations/office desks are centered in the space and clustered together in a collegial setting. Jon Brod re-labeled the conference rooms, they are referred to as huddle rooms, with state of the art technology for video conferencing, tele conferencing and more, in each room space. The huddle rooms are named after international locales that can be found through MapQuest, such as Mt. Everest, Grand Canyon, the Eiffel Tower and so on. The walls of the huddle rooms are strategically placed and treated for idea brainstorming sessions, capable of withstanding sticky notes and markers.
The graphics throughout the entire office are in keeping with the MapQuest graphics.
MapQuest is located in the Sugar Cube building that has residences for short and long term leases as well. The building also houses the hip start up restaurant Cholon. If you would like a tour of Sugar Cube please connect with me at judy@kentwoodcity.com.
posted: April 28, 2011
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Hat Tricks |
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This is not an April Fool's joke, you can really have the ultimate Hat Trick in Colorado on this Friday, April 1. It is a bluebird skiing day in the high country with a foot of powder, fresh tracks await the early spring bird. After a glorious morning of runs, it is down the hill to the urban golf courses for a quick round of nine. After snacks at the turn, hop on the light rail to see the Colorado Rockies Home Opener at Coors Field for an afternoon of peanuts and cracker jacks, you really won't care if you ever get back.
You might be able to accomplish the Hat Trick in other states, but probably not two days in a row. On Saturday, begin again and add an hour or two of fly fishing on your way down the mountain....tis a privilege.
Get connected with the broker that can connect you with your local Hat Trick venues. As a Colorado native, I know the fast track to downhill skiing, fly fishing, glorious public and private golf courses and of course, the coveted baseball ticket. I have a number of listings available to show in all of the wonderful neighborhoods in the Denver area. This is no April Fool's.
www.judysdenver.com
posted: April 1, 2011
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Finding Energy |
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The word clutter derives from the mid-English word clotter meaning coagulate or clot. To quote attorney/life coach Laurie Hawley clutter is "stuck energy".
In launching a home to today's market, sellers are often told to de-clutter their homes. The first task in this process is to go through each room and remove all the items that you are not going to move at all. Box all of these "unmovables" and deliver them to any number of charity drop-off spots for a tax write-off or a consignment shop for a bit of cash, or if it is really a former treasure the local dump. After removing the "unmovables" or former treasures, go back through each room and remove all of the "movables" and box them in boxes provided by the moving company. The "movables" include all the photos, photo albums, most of the books (including cookbooks), objets d'art or fragile and valuable sculptures, crystals, etc. Removing valuables from view also prevents accidental breakage and loss.
Once you have carefully boxed and removed all the "movables" you will have immediate "Clutter Shock"! This is the natural response to looking at your home as a "house" not your home, a very important step in getting emotionally ready to let go and view your home as a business transaction rather than your first real home or the home where you raised your family. Removing the emotion from the house that is launching to market is key preparation in the marketing of the home, bringing new energy to the house that is for sale, creating an open and inviting environment to the buyer that will become the new home owner.
Get unstuck now, create the new energy and get ready because the Denver area market is better than many of the major cities. For more information on preparing your home for market contact me at this website or my email address:
judy@kentwoodcity.com
The Kentwood Company has relationships with several of the local and professional moving and storage companies that will assist you in preparing your home for the move.
Contact me to get started!
posted: September 8, 2011
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