About Denver's Washington Park

As I wrapped up the first six weeks of 2009, I decided to assess the current state of affairs in the Denver real estate market. The results brought a smile:

1. First time homebuyers continue to find tremendous value in the low home prices, low interest rates and the $8,000 tax credit. I'm currently advising several young professionals who are interested in building wealth through real estate investment.

2. Investors are competitive bidding on bank-owned properties that are priced below market value. One of my Denver real estate clients bid $112k on a house listed for $104k. Think he's crazy? He lost the first two houses to competitive bidding and was tired of not getting the structurally-solid homes that are almost ready-to-go. The appraisal came in today at $129k. He's going to invest about $20k in repairs (new windows, kitchen appliances, flooring, new light fixtures and new interior doors/doorknobs). And then he'll sell it for $170k. Not bad for a month's work.

3. There's a great deal of pent-up demand among move-up and down-size clients. They're watching the market with great interest, and they're ready to list and sell their properties as soon as we see indications of balance in the market.

4. Many Denver neighborhoods have strong home values. Sales in Highlands Ranch were down 48% in January, but the prices weren't down significantly. Wash Park and Potter Highland are doing exceptionally well, too.

5. The Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation issued its study, Toward a More Competitive Colorado, noting several positive factors about Colorado:

• First in students scoring at the highest levels of ACT & SAT college-entrance exams
• Second in Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grants
• Third-highest percentage of adults with bachelor's degrees
• Fourth in venture capital investments
• Fifth in creating new companies

All-in-all, it appears that 2009 will be a great year to buy and sell real estate in the Denver area. I'm pleased that I have several clients whose short and long-term financial goals are well-served by the current economic conditions in the Denver real estate market.

I'm open for business. If you have questions about Denver real estate investments, call 800-515-0657. You can find me at www.Denver-HomesForSale.com.

Washinton Park sold 14 homes in the last 30 days. The average sales price was $642,136 and the average square foot was 2001. The good news is that 21 homes are under contract and scheduled to close in the next few weeks. An increase in sales will bring homeowners some enjoyable sunshine in this crazy Real Estate market. For those of you who might want to live in this prime Denver neighborhood, there are currently 112 homes for sale. Price points start at $244,900 and go up to $1991,000. There is a home here for everyone. If you want to experience living in Denver near the amazing, active Park, recreation center, restaurants and shops...Come down and take a look at why the Washington Park neighborhood is so desirable and vibrant.

It’s been awhile since I’ve written about a great local restaurant. Lately, I’ve been concentrating on real estate information. The recent stressful developments all over the news makes me think that getting a fine cup of coffee and a great breakfast treat would be a welcome distraction.

Devil’s Food is just the place. Located on Gaylord street, Devil’s Food is a bakery and restaurant serving up imaginative fare at a low key pace. I went there recently with a client and while we talked about Denver real estate, we enjoyed an omelete, fresh fruit and yummy bakery goods. The service is neighborly and easy going. Attentive but non-intrusive.

Parking is usually easy to find, but occasionally you’ll need to drive around the block once to get a space. Leave 5 extra minutes to park and walk a block or so, if needed. Walking along Gaylord street is fun, you can window shop all the way to breakfast.

There is a wonderful bakery case at Devil’s Food for picking up to go items. You’ll find not only breakfast treats, but desserts to take home for a special occasion. It’s probably a good thing you walked a block…

The Washington Park neighborhood appeals to both urban buyers, and people who love the feel of a homey neighborhood. The park, the neighborhood shops and restaurants, people walking dogs and pushing strollers give you a sense that not much has changed from 30 years ago (aside from all of the new construction adding more livable space to the homes).

The markets will go up and down and we’re definitely in for interesting, and quite possibly stressful, months ahead. Remember that a great stress-reliever is taking time to stop and smell the roses, a meal with a friend and a chocolate brownie.

Read the original post at LifeStyle Denver.

Home Sales Update for Washington Park....Strong Sales show 44 single family homes sold in Washington Park, in the last 30 days. Houses sold from $289,900 to $1,526,325 with an average sales price of $555,423. That gave Washington Park homes an average price per square foot of $339.92. This tells us Buyers still desire the beautiful Washington Park area and active lifestyle it offers and are willing to pay top dollar to own it! With restaurants and shops near by this area gives you the convienence of the city and includes a fun and family athmosphere. Washington Park is continues to be a good home investment!

With all the "sky is falling" talk we here every day, I thought I'd share a few of the postives we are experiencing her in Colorado.

Windmill-blade firm to bring 650 jobs to Brighton:

Brighton's City Council scored a big victory on 7/22 in its quest to bring primary jobs to the city: Vestas Blades America is bringing 650 of those jobs - and potentially up to 1,500 - with a manufacturing plant. (The Daily Post)

Fort Collins named the Second - Best Place to live in the USA:

Money magazine named Fort Collins the second-best place to live in America. Highlands Ranch also came in 12 ^{th out of the top 100 small cities nationwide as rated by Money. This is great news for Colorado - and it follows on the heels of last week's ranking by CNBC of Colorado as one of the Top Five Best States to do Business in America.}

Colorado sixth for VC investments during Q2:

Colorado ranked sixth in the nation for an infusion of venture capital investments during the second quarter, according to a new report. (Denver Business Journal)

Denver spared worst of record home-price plunge: