Friday, March 30, 2012
Colorado Movers - Yelp review of the week
Few of the top reviews are given below:
Sarah from Denver, CO says, "After initially booking another moving company and then reading their terrible reviews here, we decided to give Colorado Movers a try based on their Yelp rating. We received an estimate ahead of time (a rep came out to our house to look at the items we have) and agreed to a flat rate for the move, understanding it would include one truck load. Looking back, I'm glad we did the flat rate (although it was a wash money-wise with the hourly rate), because I wasn't worried about time or how fast/slowly things were going. A crew of four guys (we were only expecting three) called to let us know they were on their way and showed up on time. All were professional and courteous, and had great attitudes throughout the day. Each of the guys worked incredibly hard to move our things quickly, but were also very careful not to damage anything. They packed the truck as tightly as possible to maximize what we could get in the load. When we realized it wasn't all going to fit, they offered to do another trip for a flat fee, which we felt was reasonable. The only damage we saw was a drawer that fell out of a dresser and cracked a bit, but that was more from being an old dresser than anything the movers did. We were impressed with this company's transparency (no hidden fees, no tricks, etc.) and especially the movers' hard work. We'd use them again in a heart beat."
Cameron from Denver, CO says, "I called these guys on Wednesday and spoke with Mark (The Boss) and was able to schedule a two man crew on Friday morning no problem. The crew on Friday morning was a little late but only because the locks on the moving truck were frozen. The moving guys called me, told me the situation, and were very apologetic about being late. They even gave me a third mover for free. Awesome!! The crew was professional, personable, and got the job done. The whole time they kept saying "we're gonna get you taken care of". They weren't lying. The prices are very fair and they don't milk the clock like other moving companies i've used. For your moving needs, go with Colorado Movers. Seriously!"
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Take a stroll onto one of your Private Patios and Enjoy the View!
Do not miss out on this amazing luxury home in Lone Tree, CO! With amazing views both inside and out, you'll gaze over Downtown Denver and the Rockies each and every morning over coffee. The main living area boasts 20 foot ceilings and a two story fireplace that invites family and friends to gather every weekend. Talk a look at this property today! Call Dan Polimino at 303-522-1161 or Gary Lohrman at 303-829-5900 for a private showing.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The Quiet Listing. By Dan Polimino.
A seller calls their agent and says, "If you know of anyone who might be looking in this neighborhood, could you tell them about our house?" The agent then usually asks a series of questions, not the least of which is, "Do you want to put the house on the market?" This entails a listing agreement, entering it into the multi list, marketing it, and scheduling showings. This is usually where the conversation ends because the seller doesn't want to do all that and they just want to sell. They are basically saying that if you run across a buyer in the course of everyday business who may be a fit for their house, you can show it to the buyer and they may entertain an offer.
I know many good agents that take these quiet or pocket listings. In fact, I have taken some myself. The truth is, they aren't a listing at all. Until there is a written agreement, there is no listing, quiet or not. Moreover, it rarely works. If this were a hot seller's market, then I would say that this strategy could be a distinct advantage, but in a buyer's market, it's a disadvantage. Furthermore, if a seller is not willing to list the home and market the home, then chances are they're not very serious about selling the home. That also likely means the home will be overpriced, again preventing it from selling, quiet or not.
If a seller really wants to sell their home, it needs to be in the MLS and marketed properly. There are too many homes that are listed and are being marketed for a quiet listing to compete against. The homes in the MLS and on the web will sell long before the pocket listing ever gets a showing.
Dan Polimino is an Owner/Broker with Keller Williams Realty DTC. He can be reached at dan@coloradodreamhouse.com and www.coloradodreamhouse.com/denverpost
Friday, March 23, 2012
Penzeys Spices - Yelp review of the week
Few of the top reviews are given below:
Mo from Denver, CO says, "Just a delightful little spice shop in Olde Town Arvada. Go for the olfactory experience ;) I get so bored with McCormicks & Mrs. Dash, but I get so confused trying to come up with what spices I should put on things. This place is so helpful for someone like me. I walked in looking for a gift box of spices. Simple enough, right? Pick one that sounds good and snag it off the shelf. That is just not the way things are done here. They want to make sure you are getting exactly what you want. The lady that helped me showed me the gift boxes in my price range and pointed out what some of them are used for. Then, when I picked one, she walked me around the store and had me smell each type of spice I had picked and filled me in on what they could be used for. Awesome! I was getting the gift for someone else, but had to have some of the fish spice for myself. I especially love that they have several specialty spices that are salt-free! And, most of their gift boxes include suggested uses for the spices and even recipes, yay! I shall never buy McCormicks or Mrs. Dash again! In fact, I may just bring my shopping list in here and let them tell me what I should have on what I am cooking, ha ha."
Kristyn from Arvada, CO says, "Best spices I have ever purchased and always fantastic customer service. I will go no where else."
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Spring is in the Air! Are you ready to spend this summer on Lake Granby?
Spring is in the Air! Are you ready to spend this summer on Lake Granby where Vacationers on the lake often look up and wonder what it might be like to have the extreme good fortune to own an amazing home overlooking the natural beauty of Lake Granby. Why wonder?
Gracefully poised on 2.12 acres in one of the most picturesque areas available, this outstanding 6,072 square-foot, four bed room, five bathroom home boasts breathtaking views from every window. The spectacular panorama of lake and mountains also surrounds the expansive, wrap-around deck where every blink and every breath is rewarded with a wondrous affirmation of life.
Celebrating that view, from the peak of the Main Living Area’s soaring ceiling, an impressive cascade of windows flows all the way to the floor, bathing the main floor in natural light and beauty. As a final touch to the main living area, a massive, natural-stone gas fireplace climbs to that ceiling, providing drama as well as cozy light and heat. Opening into the main living area, the Formal Dining Room has its own windows on the remaining three walls and access to the deck.
The gourmet, eat-in Kitchen features generous granite work areas and counter dining highlighting professional-grade stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and a butler’s pantry with prep sink. Warm wood cabinets and flooring offset the steel and granite, giving the kitchen a comfortable, yet opulent feel. The main-floor Master Suite continues this theme of easy opulence with another fireplace, his and hers closets, vaulted ceilings, and a full bath with spa tub. Incredibly, this home also offers an Second Master Suite on the lower level with full bath and his and hers sinks.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
I Was My Mother's Third Choice. By Dan Polimino.
1) By the time a seller gets around to using their third Realtor, they are sick and tired of the whole process. They just want to know one thing and that's, "What's it going to take to sell this house?"
2) By this time, they generally have a very realistic view of the true value of their home.
3) By this time, they usually make all the right moves like having the home picture perfect and never missing a showing.
4) By this time, they not only understand the word compromise, but practice it.
5) And by this time, they are feeling and doing all of the above to sell the home.
That's a great environment for me to be in as their agent and that's why I tell people I don't mind being their third choice. In most cases, I hope to save them the pain of using three Realtors by being their first choice, but it doesn't always work out that way. I tell consumers all the time, "If what you are doing isn't working, then change gears quickly to make the necessary adjustments." That does not always mean switching Realtors. Look to see if you need to adjust the price first, then how the home is showing, and finally, if you have great marketing. If any of those three are out of whack, fix them fast and yes, sometimes that may mean getting a third Realtor.
Dan Polimino is an Owner/Broker with Keller Williams Realty DTC. He can be reached at dan@coloradodreamhouse.com and www.coloradodreamhouse.com/denverpost
Friday, March 16, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Now is the time to list your home in Denver, CO!
http://www.coloradodreamhouse.com/index.php/news/ Dan Polimino explains what all the buzz is about regarding the shortage of real estate in the Denver, CO area. Dan is a columnist for the Denver Post and recently formed the Colorado Dream House team with Gary Lohrman. If you are interested in buying, selling or investing in real estate, contact us at team@coloradodreamhouse.com or 720-889-6491.
FHA refinancing fees dropping!
The proposed changes for FHA refinances is to reduce the current upfront mortgage insurance premium from 1% to .01%, and the annual premiums paid monthly from 1.15 to .55%. On a $200,000 mortgage, the upfront premium would decrease from $2,000 to $200, and the monthly mortgage insurance would decrease from $192 per month to around $92.
The only catch, so far, is that the new fees only apply to loans taken out before June 1, 2009. I have no clue why this cutoff date was chosen.
Chip Allen
Crestline Mortgage Bankers
A Division of Universal Lending Corp
Direct: 303.947.2109
Fax: 303.987.0676
Loanchip@hotmail.com
Colorado Mortgage Broker License # 100019831
NMLS# 378621
Your Lender for Life!
When people you care about need a mortgage,
for purchase or refinance, please do not keep me a secret.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
We Are Blessed In Colorado. By Dan Polimino.
I heard a story of man in Las Vegas that sold his BMW for $30,000. He then took that money and bought not only one, but TWO $15,000 condos. Each condo was a relatively new build, two-bed and one-bath. He rented each condo for over $900 a month and in his first year made almost all the money back he invested. Can you imagine a nice condo like that selling for $15,000 dollars? Now that is a depressed market.
In Florida, couples are in court NOT fighting about who gets the house from the divorce, but rather who gets STUCK with the house after the divorce. Divorce is hard enough, but now you have a judge telling you that you must keep this huge liability called a home and make payments on it. I have never heard of a divorce couple going to court so they wouldn't keep their home. That's a bad market!
In Detroit, there are so many foreclosures that have no hope of selling and are in such bad neighborhoods that the cheaper option is to tear them down. That in and of itself is not new, but what we are seeing in Detroit is entire city blocks demolished. Neighborhoods of 50 to 100 homes are gone with only empty streets and fire hydrants as reminders of homes that once stood. Again, can you imagine driving to an area of town that was a vibrant neighborhood at one time and now is no more? It looks like something out of the movies.
The down real estate market has hurt everyone in every part of the country, but if you look closely, we are blessed in Colorado. Our unemployment rate is lower than the national average, we have a good corporation base, a vibrant downtown, 300 days of sunshine a year, and it is still a place that people want to live and relocate. Inventory is low, we sold a large majority of our foreclosures, prices are stable and in some cases rising.
Next time you hear people grumbling about the real estate market in Colorado, tell them about Las Vegas, Florida, and Detroit. It makes you appreciate where you live.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Beatrice & Woodsley - Yelp review of the week
Few of the top reviews are given below:
Jason from Commerce City, CO says, "What an incredible experience! If I had to describe the inside of this restaurant, it would be "Enchanting." We had brunch in the beautiful golden glow of the restaurant. It was wonderful. I had the Eggs Johnny Fever, which I would have loved had it not been for sampling my brunch-mate's Ugly Crepes. They were loaded with Crab, Goat cheese and crawfish. I felt really stupid for dismissing these while reading over the menu. For some reason, I see "crepes" and think sweet. I will be back...and they will be mine. I flirted with the idea of giving just 4 stars, only for the reason that ALL of our dishes came out barely above room temperature. Our waitress and the manager were quick to remedy this situation and we were grateful. With all of the attention to detail, I am guessing that this may have been an anomaly. The cocktail menu was fun and inventive. I stuck with the Bloody Mary (I know...Boring!) and while it was very good, next time, I hope to try the Tea Thyme (Earl Grey Infused Gin, Lemon Juice and Thyme Essence) or the Tip Toe Through the Tulips (Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka, Lavender and Lime)."
Heather from Denver, CO says, "Wow, this place is magical! Lanterns, aspen trees, high ceilings, the design is the best I've EVER seen in Denver. My husband and I split the EMPEROR'S RISOTTO, CRAWFISH BEIGNETS and a KALE CEASAR SALAD. For dessert we spilt of BIG piece of chocolate cake and finished it off with a whiskey espresso. Surprisingly, this was PLENTY of food for both of us. The meal wasn't cheap, but the food was flavored exquisitely.... this is definitely a special occasion place, but I'll save my pennies, This is my favorite place in Denver."
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Bountiful Estate for Sale in Greenwood Village
http://coloradodreamhouse.com/featured/property.php?id=42 Resting on a peaceful two and three-quarter acres on a quiet no-through street in select Greenwood Village, this bountiful six bed, seven bath, 10,441 square feet estate abuts to the Highline Canal trail system. This location affords relaxing recreation opportunities and views of mature trees while a glance westward rewards the eye with an inspiring panorama of the Rocky Mountains.
Proximity to recreation with worry-free security: this property boasts a completely fenced and gated perimeter and a home-security system. However, leaving the grounds to enjoy recreation isn't always necessary. Overlooking the impressive water feature and landscaping, the swimming pool also serves as a reflecting pool, perfectly complementing the home design. Similarly, the hot tub unobtrusively blends into the patio.
Easy elegance recurs as the theme throughout. The expansive Home Theater becomes a hideaway on the lower level, quietly out of sight unless in use. In the spacious eat-in Kitchen, the center island is the focal point as the massive, dramatically angular silhouette of the granite draws the eye into the room. Yet the dishwasher and the Sub-Zero refrigerator seem part of the surrounding cabinetry until needed.
FHA fees increasing on April 1, 2012
At a Senate Hearing last week on the state of the housing market, Secretary Donovan indicated that FHA would be reducing premiums for FHA loans that were endorsed on or before May 31, 2009. The logic behind this is to help people, who have demonstrated a track record of performance, refinance their FHA loans.
Chip Allen
Crestline Mortgage Bankers
A Division of Universal Lending Corp
Direct: 303.947.2109
Fax: 303.987.0676
Loanchip@hotmail.com
Colorado Mortgage Broker License # 100019831
NMLS# 378621
Your Lender for Life!
When people you care about need a mortgage,
for purchase or refinance, please do not keep me a secret.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Watch "Bountiful Estate for Sale in G...
Watch "Bountiful Estate for Sale in G...
Watch "Bountiful Estate for Sale in G...
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Check out my latest real estate colum...
Check out my latest real estate colum...
Check out my latest real estate colum...
Are You Ready for the Selling Season? By Dan Polimino.
Sellers:
1) Make sure your home is show ready.
2) Does it need a fresh coat of paint? Or do you just need to get the scuffmarks off the wall? Start the project list and complete it.
3) De-clutter. Move some of that furniture into storage and take some of the knick-knacks with it. Remember, buyers need to see themselves living in your home. They are not there to see all things IN your home.
4) Clean, clean, and clean again. A house that looks like it has been well kept and cared for will always sell.
5) Meet with a real estate agent as soon as possible to talk about how long it will take to sell your home, at what price, the competition in the market, and what you can expect from his or her services.
Buyers:
1) Make sure that you have started your homework; and for many, that begins with speaking to a lender. What can you afford to buy? What does it take to get qualified, and what can you expect?
2) If you are thinking of buying, chances are you have been looking at homes online. Do you know what areas you would like to live in? What you can buy in those areas? Have you refined your wants and needs list?
3) Meet with a real estate agent. There is no doubt that a real estate professional will help make your home buying experience so much smoother and happier.
4) Refine your search, get out, view homes, go to open houses, and drive around neighborhoods.
Finally, for both buyers and sellers, remember that buying and selling a home should be a pleasant experience. It's not about who wins or losses; if you can keep the word "compromise" in the forefront, then chances are it will be a smooth transaction for everyone involved.
Dan Polimino is an Owner/Broker with Keller Williams Realty DTC. He can be reached at dan@coloradodreamhouse.com and www.coloradodreamhouse.com/denverpost
Monday, March 5, 2012
Friday, March 2, 2012
Check out "The Original Pancake House...
Check out "The Original Pancake House...
Check out "The Original Pancake House...
The Original Pancake House - Yelp review of the week
Few of the top reviews are given below:
Katie from Littleton, CO says, "Continuing the celebration of my birthday, my parents opted to take me and the boyfriend out to brunch. I was craving eggs, he was craving pancakes, mom-french toast and dad-anything yummy. This shop is super cute and country-ish. With long oak tables, old and new dishes displayed on the walls and big stone fireplace burning makes me feel at home...a country home to be exact. I ordered the special, which was Green Chile Eggs Benedict [amazing!] while the others in my party ordered the Banana french silk pancakes, cowboy omlette [eggs, meat and cheese topped with gravy!] and spinach eggs. All the food not only looked pretty but was delicious and we spent our morning sampling the various dishes at our table. Overall - Food: excellent. massive portions. but totally worth it. Service: insanely friendly. helpful. quick. Atmosphere: super cute. LOVE!"
Holly from Englewood, CO says, "The staff is always so friendly and attentive, even when you come in at 1:30 like we do. The food is consistently good and the coffee had a flavor that's good for picky drinkers. They also have complimentary coffee while you wait. I find that this location has a shorter wait than the other one in the DTC."
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Read "Refinancing a condo that has a ...
Read "Refinancing a condo that has a ...
Read "Refinancing a condo that has a ...
Refinancing a condo that has a conventional mortgage
Non agency portfolio products are a great option for someone who has a condo with a mortgage that is not FHA or VA. A portfolio product is a mortgage that a company will hold and service, giving them more flexibility in the underwriting requirements. Examples of this flexibility are: a loan to value up to 90% without mortgage insurance, projects up to 8 stories may be acceptable, etc. While project approval will still be a consideration, the guidelines are often less stringent than required to for other mortgage options.
A "condotel" is a building that is used both as a condominium and a hotel, which are popular in resort areas. Condotels are characterized by a "front desk" to rent the unit out when the owners are not using it. They are different than a time share because the owner is not restricted to using the property for specified time frames. Condotel financing is a rare product, but available. A consumer should be very careful to identify this upfront so that they do not waste time and money on appraisals and application fees only to find out the property is ineligible.
Chip Allen
Crestline Mortgage Bankers
A Division of Universal Lending Corp
Direct: 303.947.2109
Fax: 303.987.0676
Loanchip@hotmail.com
Colorado Mortgage Broker License # 100019831
NMLS# 378621
Your Lender for Life!
When people you care about need a mortgage,
for purchase or refinance, please do not keep me a secret.