Emelyn Morris-Sayre, CRS, REALTOR Lakewood and Denver Metro homes

As of October 1, 2009, based on figures from our local multilple listing service, Metrolist and analyzed by Your Castle Real Estate, overall, the Denver metro market of single family homes has about five months of inventory. The inventory increases dramatically from the lower price points to the higher price points.

Number of Active Listings Number of Sold Listings Months of Inventory

0 - $85,000 184 0 - $85,000 2,807 0 - $85,000 0.8

85-135,000 678 85 - 135,000 4,551 85 - 135,000 1.8

135 - 210,000 1,985 135 - 210,000 8.186 135 - 210,000 2.9

210-315,000 3,614 210 - 315,000 8,548 210 - 315,000 5.1

315-460,000 3,034 315-460,000 4,847 315 - 460,000 7.5

460,000 + 4,874 460,000 + 2,920 460,000 + 20.0

Since the first quarter, detached single family homes inventory has increased while the number of sales has declined. As a result, the months of inventory has increased to 5.4 from 4.9.

We are fortunate in Denver - the rest of the front range (Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs) has 9.7 months of inventory.

For additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

We are having so much moisture in the foothills (that translates to SNOW) the gorgeous colors of the leaves will quickly disappear. I was able to capture a few shots of some of the vivid orange and gold aspens. They are so striking against a backdrop of green evergreens. Hopefully, you have been able to get up to the hills....one of my favorite drives is Golden Gate Canyon to Hwy 119, also known as the Peak to Peak Highway then north towards Nederland. Lots of color and gorgeous views.

Tonight kicks off the fall class of Denver's Transit Alliance Citizens' Academy and as a former graduate, I have been asked to make a short presentation to the class. All participants are asked to put together a personal action plan as to how they will take the information garnered from the training and participate in community outreach.

I have been asked to share how I came up with my action plan, present it to the class and then update them on what I have accomplished so far. Participating in the Academy was a terrific experiece and I would encourage members of the community, no matter what your profession, to consider applying.

I had such a great time on Saturday at the Festival Italiano and was mesmerized by the talented chalk artists creating masterpieces on the sidewalk and street. Due to the amount of time it takes for these artists to complete their work, I returned on Sunday to see how they had progressed. I took so many photos at the Festival, but I found myself being drawn back over and over again to the chalk art.

By the time I left Sunday afternoon, clouds were forming to the west. A light drizzle began early evening and I was so thankful that I had captured the beautiful, colorful works of art before the brilliant colors were washed away. Monday brought constant rain which surely eliminated any remnants of the creations. I hope you enjoy the photos.

I just got home from spending over 5 hours at the 6th Annual Festival Italiano at Belmar in Lakewood, CO. If you are anywhere in the metro-Denver area, this is one event you DO NOT want to miss! There is something for everyone - from grape stomping for kids to wine lectures and tastings. The streets are lined with a large variety of food including Italian sausage and pepper sandwiches, pizza of all kinds, gelato, sushi, fresh baked breads and pasta.

I especially enjoyed the chef demonstrations including Jon Emanuel, Project Angel Heart, who made hot italian sausage in hog casings.

Another highlight of the day was the progression of the chalk artwork on the streets. By tomorrow, the work will be completed - there are 6 different artists rendering a wide variety of designs throughout the festival. The first time I attended, I fell in love with the beautiful work these artists created on the streets and sidewalks. Be sure to bring your camera, because these works of art are fleeting.

For more information check out Festival Italiano