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Mike Hendren, Your Castle Rock Realtor®

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Staying in Touch - And - Talking Dogs?

10-21-09
Mike Hendren, Your Castle Rock Realtor®

I've been thinking about this for a while. We all stay in touch - sporadically - occasional emails and phone calls where we try to "catch up", but there are so many things that happen to us between times, it would be impossible to remember to talk about all of them. So we try to update the really important highlights and some of the other stuff gets lost.

Sophie & Bella

But, you see, some of "the other stuff" - the little things - funny or heartwarming things - can also be helpful in keeping up with what we're feeling and experiencing on a daily basis. It can be a window into who we really are.

For instance - A couple of nights ago, just before bedtime, Sophie was hurriedly trying to eat a bedtime snack - a little something to get her through the night. Bella wasn't participating like she normally does so I looked around to see what she was doing. I saw her sitting there, in the dark, on the fireplace hearth. When I called she wouldn't come (she never does), so I went over to her. There, about 8 inches away, was an Oreo cookie. It was like she was purposely drawing my attention so I would find that "stray cookie".

Now, we give the dogs tiny snacks of what we eat, every day, and they are also interested in the rare chocolate snacks we have but we NEVER share those - supposedly, chocolate can be really bad for dogs.

So, has Bella learned that chocolate is bad? Was she showing me that cookie so I would find it before Sophie did, knowing that Sophie wouldn't care if it was chocolate - she would have gulped that thing down in about 2 bites?!? Or, maybe she was hoping I would come see the cookie, change my mind about chocolate, and give it to her.

Dogs may be smart but I don't think they think at quite that level of logic, although, I think most dog owners believe that their dogs understand a lot more than they're given credit for. Unfortunately, until dogs talk, we will never know for sure.

12 Comments
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Denver Market Update - Oct., 2009

10-19-09
Mike Hendren, Your Castle Rock Realtor®

So . . . How's the Market in October, 2009?

According to Jack O'Connor, an Owner/Broker of Re/Max Professionals, LLC, our market is showing signs of turning around. The statistics show that Sept., 2009, actually had more sales close than in Sept., 2007, and the number of properties under contract is at the highest level (for October) in 5 years.

Another very positive indicator is that the current number of active listings is at the lowest level in the last 5 years as listing inventories continue to decline. This has decreased the average time on the market to less than 100 days and should help prices begin to increase.

It's not all good news yet as the better performing segments are still in the lower price ranges below $300,000.

If you do consider selling your home, there are some things you can do to optimize your market position:

  • Use a professional stager to make your home shine and stand out among your competitors.
  • Make your home the best conditioned home in your area to differentiate and help justify your price point.
  • Add carbon monoxide detectors - they're required now.
  • Consider financial incentives like prepaying HOA dues for a period of time to attract buyers.

4 Comments
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Friday's Fotos...New York City - Central Park in Autumn

10-16-09
Mike Hendren, Your Castle Rock Realtor®

Central Park path in autumn



New York City is such a vibrant, exciting city and there is so much to do and see.

It's really easy to run yourself ragged in a short time just trying to see the main attractions like The Statue of Liberty, Time Square, and the Empire State Building - - oh, and don't forget to take in a Broadway play while you're there.

But be sure and make time to slow things down for a while and take a stroll through Central Park. I was lucky enough to be there on this cool autumn afternoon when the colors were changing, the leaves were falling, and the park was absolutely stunning.

Photo © Mike Hendren, 2009

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Misty Fall Day in Central Park - New York City

10-04-09
Mike Hendren, Your Castle Rock Realtor®

Fall Day in Central Park

Photo © Mike Hendren, 2009

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Aspen on the Edge of Black Canyon

10-02-09
Mike Hendren, Your Castle Rock Realtor®

Aspen at Black Canyon

Photo © Mike Hendren, 2009

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is an awe inspiring site. The most common place to view it is from the South Rim Visitor Center at the west end not far from Montrose, Colorado.

My favorite part of the canyon starts at the east end where you cross the Blue Mesa Dam and drive Hwy 50 along the north rim of the canyon. Obviously, my favorite time of year is in the fall, when the leaves are changing and colors are breathtaking!

I found this lone aspen sitting near the edge of the canyon shortly after sunrise one morning. The sun made the tree light up like pure gold while the canyon behind was still in deep shadow.

The canyon is a great place to visit at any time of year, but if you wait till late September you may be rewarded with cool temperatures and some extra color!

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