By AmyFT December 28, 2015
Laureate has managed my rental property for over 3 years and 2 tenant changes. As a property owner I've only had good experiences with Laureate. They handle the showings, background checks and day to day management for me. As a property owner, I have only positive things to say about Laureate. I have found that they enforce the leases fairly and respond to my tenants' questions in a timely manner. Laureate provided guidance to me as a new property owner and allowed me to make the decisions. I found their guidance to be sound and fair and based on years of experience. I remember dealing with management companies during my many years as a renter. I have found Laureate to be strict but fair in comparison to many of the management companies I dealt with as a renter. ...read more
By wkprather December 28, 2015
I've had Jordan Strauss and his folks manage my residential properties for the last 5 or 6 years. They do a great job of dealing with the tenants, keeping me informed regarding current rental rates, what repairs need to be made, and for how much. Another real benefit is that their maintenance company does repair work for a lower cost than outside contractors. Bill P. ...read more
By mc2irish May 02, 2015
Patrick’s service and attention to detail was outstanding. From the house analysis to closing, Patrick was definitely a cut above other realtors I have dealt with. There is a big difference between someone who works for the individual versus rides the coattails of a known brand. From the staging to his proactive analysis made for a very simple and easy selling of my home. I will definitely be using Patrick again for all my future real estate dealings and telling all my friends ...read more
ByPatricia Calhoun, Westword From this state's start, manufactured messages designed to draw people here have not worked out particularly well. The "Pikes Peak or Bust" slogan that lured thousands of gold-seekers to the confluence of the South Platte and Cherry Creek saw far more of them go bust — and then back home — than strike it rich. Colorado's official tourism slogans — most infamously, "Colorado Above All," with its echoes of the Nazis' "Über Alles" — have done no better. And then there's the godawful new motto for Colorado Springs, "Live It Up!," which sounds like an anti-erectile-dysfunction ad. The truly successful siren songs for Colorado have been far less calculated. Seventy years after Katharine Lee Bates touted "purple mountain majesties," John Denver — born Henry John Deutschendorf — provided the inspiration for a generation of young pioneers to come to Colorado, gather around the campfire and enjoy a "Rocky Mountain High." And now this state is again experiencing a youthquake, with the Denver metro area suddenly ranking at the very top of the country's "cool cities." That's according to William Frey, senior fellow of the Metropolitan Policy program for the Brookings Institution, who parsed the numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey and determined that from 2008 through 2010, even as the hopes for a quick comeback from the recession faded, young adults between the ages of 25 and 34 were high on Denver...and proved it by coming here. "To the extent that they are moving at all," Frey says, "young adults are headed to metro areas which are known to have a certain vibe — college towns, high-tech centers, and so-called 'cool cities.'" And the coolest of all? Denver, which had ranked a mediocre twelfth in the last survey, covering 2005 through 2007. But in the years that followed, the metro area pulled far ahead of such previous hotspots as Phoenix and Atlanta, which barely gained any young adults between 2008 and 2010, while Denver added a chart-topping 10,429. "There is no doubt that the current economic doldrums are leaving many young people in limbo — some on city streets outside financial institutions and stock exchanges — waiting for employment and housing opportunities to emerge," Frey notes, citing the Occupy crowds that have sprung up across the country. "When the economy does eventually pick up, they will follow the jobs, no doubt, wherever they become available. In the meantime, a select group of metro areas with modestly growing economies, and strong youth cachet, seem to be the places where they are riding out the downturn." And why not cool their heels in the coolest city of them all? A quick inventory of Westword staffers — many of them recent residents of the area and exemplars of the very phenomenon that Frey described — came up with fifteen reasons to chill in Denver right now. Also see: "15 Reasons Denver is the Coolest City" slide show 15. You can wear flannel ironically or un-ironically. 14. Anyone can join the Mile High Club. 13. Occupy Denver has elected a dog, Shelby, as its leader, and continues to draw an enthusiastic, and all-ages, crowd to its Saturday marches. 12. The cultural conglomeration in the Golden Triangle includes the Denver Public Library, with awesome views and the awe-inspiring Fresh City Life, which puts on most of its programs for free. 11. Downtown Denver doesn't shut down after 6 p.m., like the downtowns of so many other cities. 10. Trucks and vendors peddle their wares to the let-out crowd, while breakfast-burrito salesmen knock on just about every office door each morning. 9. Green chile might have gotten its start in New Mexico, but it reached its peak in Denver, where it's best enjoyed smothering a Mexican hamburger, which was definitely invented here (unlike the much-touted cheeseburger). 8. The independent arts and music scenes are vibrant...and if you can't earn a living here, at least you can enjoy the show! 7. Denver offers every kind of free public-park option: dog parks, skate parks, bike parks, walking parks, grassy parks, gay parks...and, above all, Red Rocks. 6. Matt Stone and Trey Parker proved you don't have to graduate from the University of Colorado to hit it big on the small screen...and then make fun of Mormons on Broadway. 5. Denver enjoys 300 days of sunshine — if you're fairly liberal with your definition of sunshine — which quickly melt the snow in the city while keeping the white stuff on the peaks. 4. The view to the west, and the ability to head for those hills in under thirty minutes — unless you're driving on I-70 at rush hour. 3. Thanksgiving is affectionately dubbed "Danksgiving," thanks to the dozens of dispensaries that represent this city's major growth industry. 2. The Front Range is on the front line of this country's beer production, frequently clocking in at number one for craft beer... 1. And Colorado is certainly the only state whose governor got his start in the public eye as a bar owner. Let us give thanks. ...read more
By Patrick Murray - HomeSmart Realty Group April 03, 2015
After several years of promoting myself and my business, people will come up to me and say, “Are you the Candle Mom?" and I always respond with pride and offer them something, either the earning opportunity or a brochure of my products. I started with Partylite Candles and Gifts in 2007, just by being invited to have fun with friends. You are talking to someone who was afraid of light a match! I fell in love with the candle scent and products and said, I could do this and make money at the same time for my family. This was the creation of The Candle Mom. I started to find people just by having a conversation with them that they enjoyed candles. For me to receive phone calls from new people because they got my name from one of my good customers was so exciting. At least ¼ of my customers have come from referrals. Sure I have a web page, www.thecandlemombasketsandgifts.weebly.com to showcase my company; however I really feel that traveling in my local area and meet people is the best way to establish my business. Customer Service is vital when building a business. I have been asked many times how did I do it, so today I am going to share with you some of the ways and places that I go to prospect for customers and recruits. I connected with local venues such as www.http://www.openhousewithstyle.com/ Penny Brennen has venues to go to a local event and showcase your products. For a small fee your business has great exposure. 1) I booked myself into every local event that would allow me in. 2) I rented space in the local mall. 3) I put recruiting ballot boxes in any business that would let me. I always thanked them with some free product. 4) I took out the occasional newspaper ads. 5) Wore my company’s products everywhere. 6) I talked to new people anywhere and everywhere I went. On the street, in parks, cashiers and other business people. I would offer them a chance to learn more about earning money with my company or a brochure. I built up the name The Candle Mom, www.thecandlemombasketsandgifts.weebly.com and I know many others have taken this name for their business but I am the orignal Candle Mom and I pride myself in making sure this Candle Mom is showcasing her business. It may seem like a lot, but it takes a lot to build momentum. I was very intentional about promoting my business. I had activities planed every week so that my funnel was always filled with leads that I could work on. Consistency is the key. I want you to know that I believe in you and your ability to succeed. Do not stop if you truly believe in your business. Keep pressing forward and you will gain the respect your business deserves. ...read more
By The Candle Mom Independent Partylite Consultant/Designer April 07, 2013
What real estate questions were on your mind this year? We saw thousands of questions come in onour Q&A; sectionand noticed that people all around the country had a wide variety of questions. Below are some of the most frequently asked-about topics on Realtor.com with answers from the knowledgeable Realtors who helped buyers and sellers navigate the world of real estate. Contingent Offers This year many people searching Realtor.com were curious aboutwhat a contingent offer meanson a home listing. Matt Laricy of Americorp Realty in Chicagoexplained: “It means that there is an accepted offer on the house. Meaning both parties (buyer and seller) have come to an agreement on price. Now that there is an executed contract, they will probably not show the house anymore. They will accept back up offers, but won’t negotiate with you unless this contract falls apart.” Getting your heart set on a home with a contingency may not be the wisest choice. “It is often not productive to pursue those unless the contingency falls through and the buyer withdraws. If you express interest before that, the listing agent may well use it to pressure the buyer to remove the contingency or otherwise move toward the closing,” saysLinda Walters with Sage Realty in Wayne, Pennsylvania. But should this be your dream home don’t lose hope completely. “If you have your heart set on the house, keep an eye on it. You never know,” says Cathy Baumbusch with Re/Max Allegiance in Alexandra, Virginia. Multiple Offers Another thing we kept hearing about this year was multiple offers as buyers began to reenter the market only to find low inventory. One questioner inTroy, Michiganquestioned how multiple offers are handled and what would happen if another buyer offered more money. Multiple offers are usually handled by reviewing all the offers on the table at the same time,” explainedAdam Aguilar of Reliantrain West Toluca Lake, California. “This does not mean everyone or anyone will be counter-offered for different terms. A good negotiator should do so, but this does not mean that the particular person you are dealing will do so. So your son may not have a chance to raise his bid. I recommend to my buyers to put in their best and highest offer, then use the investigatory period to review the property and lower the offer price to what is fair or cancel the agreement. This helps to get your offer accepted and use the contingency period to negotiate, rather than the other way around where you negotiate before acceptance of your offer.” Buying With Bad Credit With renewed interest in the housing market many people wanted to buy butweren’t sure how to begin. The first step is often to start with the lender. “You should be in touch with a loan originator that you feel good about and they should be able to guide you throughby Coupon Companion">credit repair. They have the tools and know how to tell you specifically what must be done to increase your credit scores. It can take some time- months generally- but it usually can be done,” saidJoan Flood of Homestead Real Estate in Cape May, New Jersey. Recovering After Bankruptcy Many people who weathered the financial turmoil that began in 2008 are recovering from bankruptcy and eager toby Coupon Companion">startover and own a home again butnot sure when they can move forward. “If you filed bankruptcy and it has been two years since the discharge date, you need to contact your local lender or bank. It is best to meet with them and have them look at your bankruptcy papers and pull an updated credit report. The lender will then let you know what price of a home you can qualify for and if there is anything still onby Coupon Companion">your credit reportfrom the bankruptcy that needs to be removed,” advisedSandy Straley in Layton Utah. Jackie Davis with American Realtyin Inverness, Florida adds “In speaking with my favorite lender he states that, if NO home was involved than the time frame is two years from the date of filing. IF a home was involved than it’s three years. If you are close to the two year time limit and don’t want to lose a particular property, see if you can adjust the closing date to fall outside the two years and, if need be, ask for pre-closing occupancy wherein you pay a prorated rent, assume the utilities, complete your inspections and just await the closing date. See a lender first, get yourself pre-approved and submit this with your offer.” Real Estate As A Career 2012 also saw a resurgence of interest in real estate as a career. Oneperson in Indianapolis wonderedhow to get started and whether or not it was possible to begin as a part-time agent and still be successful. Realtors from around the country offered support and advice, sharing their own experience in the business. “I started out part time in 2001 and moved to full time in 2004; my guess is you will wish you’d done it sooner just like me. You’ll need to put your license with someone…a broker until the laws for everyone to be a broker go into effect,” Cindy Marchant ofThe Marchant Team in Fishers, Indiana. You may be able to start out part time but plan for a short period of time to be able to do it that way. Buyers and sellers want to be able to contact you and if you are at another job-it will not be easy to do, cautionedLana Lavenbargwith Re/Max Ideal Brokers in Grants Pass, Oregon. Not everyone started out part time.David Welchwith Re/Max 200 Realty in Winter Park, Florida made the leap all at once. “I can give you the answer from my perspective. I jumped in with both feet. Before making the move, I made sure my family was in a financial position that would give me time to become successful. The truth is, most people fail in real estate. That does not mean all people fail. Getting into it part time has probably worked very well for some people by allowing them to learn the ropes before completely committing to the career change. For others, working part time has probably held them back. They typical agent in our market is closing fewer than four transactions a year, that tells me there are a lot of part timers. If you do decide to give it a go part time, you still need to devote the necessary time to your business. If you do that, you can be successful.” Home Improvement: Floors Are Hot Not everyone was looking to buy or sell in 2012, many owners were looking for advice on sprucing up their homes but with an eye toward resale value. We received many questions on the value of hardwood floors versus carpetincluding one from San Joseasking if it is better to have carpet or hardwood in the bedrooms and if it would add more resale value if hardwood was though out the house. Hardwood floors appear to be the clear winner. “Hardwood floors enhance the chances of your house selling faster. Generally speaking, most buyers prefer the hard wood floors over the carpet. It may not get you a high return, in fact, it may sell for about the same price as with carpet but it may sell faster because it will compete better with the inventory of “like” properties,” saidMaria Jeantet with Coldwell Banker C&C Propertiesin Redding, California. “At this time, in the real estate market, wood floors in the bedroom add a little panache,” addedDerek Sankey with Sankey Real Estatein North Attleboro, Massachusetts. “Buyers may not ask for wood floors in the bedrooms but if displayed with attractive area rugs, will definitely choose the bedrooms with wood floors over all carpeted bedrooms It tells the buyer that the seller did not hold back on spending more so that their home would be presented as a more custom look.” But hardwood floors aren’t necessarily a must. “Hardwood floors add a lot of value to a home and make hallways, dining rooms and living rooms, even kitchens, have a wonderful warm feeling, but I have seen more often though that the bedrooms are left with carpeting,”Joyce Mitchell with Mitchell&Associates Real Estatein Bigfork, Montana explains. “I think you would achieve both the value and the enjoyment without needing to carpet your floors.” “My experience would suggest that hardwood throughout is the best option. But if there is any area that can have carpet without seriously detracting from the value, it would be either a basement or an upper level bedroom. People understand that the noise and warmth benefits of carpet sometimes make installing it there worthwhile. If you do put in carpet, make sure it is neutral. No one wants blue or green carpeting,” advised Linda Walters of Sage Realty. Courtesy of Realtor.com Patrick MurrayHomeSmart Realty Group(303) 881-1333PMBRKR@aol.comwww.selldenver.net ...read more
By Patrick Murray - HomeSmart Realty Group February 05, 2013
Are you looking to buy a house? When you go to look at houses, you will quickly see that realtors do not use street addresses as a method of identifying houses. They use an MLS number which allows them to quickly access information about a property for sale. Using a street address gives you some infor... ...read more
Finding the perfect place for your business can take a great deal of time and research. You may want to lease a building rather than rent it. Leasing a building helps you build equity in the building. Depending on your location, commercial property may be listed for lease differently than traditional ... ...read more
