Latest Listings from Elevation Group at Your Castle Real Estate

Fall Maintenance Checklist For Your Observatory Park Home


November 30, 2016

Fall Maintenance Checklist For Your Observatory Park Home
Every Observatory Park homeowner knows the importance of maintenance when it comes to property values. The more effort you put into taking care of your home, the higher it will be valued if you decide to sell it. Before the winter season rolls around and makes it nearly impossible to work outdoors, make sure you check these fall maintenance items off of your list:

Rake your lawn

You may think raking up the leaves in your yard only helps improve the appearance of your outdoor space, but it actually serves another purpose. Leaves can damage your grass and any other plants in your yard if they are left untouched. How? They form a heavy, thick layer over the surface of your grass, blocking the sunlight and reducing water evaporation. If left on the ground, a thick layer of leaves can lead to fungus, mold, or disease. Learn about why leaving fall leaves could hurt your lawn.

Clean your furniture

If you have outdoor patio furniture around your back porch or garden, you may want to consider putting it into storage during the cold, winter months. But before you do, wipe it down to remove any dirt or grime that has built up over the last several months. If you leave this dirt on your furniture, it will be much harder to get rid of once spring rolls around.

Check your gutters

During the fall, leaves, twigs, and other debris fall onto your roof and slowly make its way into your gutters. If you don’t take the time to remove this debris before winter, it can cause serious damage to your roof in the form of ice dams. Before the temperatures begin to drop, call a roofing professional or tackle this project on your own to protect the integrity of your roof.

Shut off the water

In the winter, water pipes can easily freeze, which can be quite an expensive problem to fix. To avoid this issue, shut off the water that goes to any outdoor faucets or hoses. If you have hoses that you keep outdoors, drain the water from them and store them inside until spring.

Protect your home from creepy crawlers

When it gets cold outside, bugs, mice, and other creepy crawlers try to find warmth—and they sometimes find it inside of your home. Keep your family safe from these intruders by scanning the exterior of your home for missing or damaged roof tiles that could provide the perfect route into your home. You should also seal the holes around your plumbing with caulking or putty since these areas are vulnerable to pests as well. If you consider yourself a handyman, you should be able to complete this project on your own, but if you need some backup, don’t be shy about reaching out to a professional.
 
Ready to learn more about buying, selling, and maintaining homes in Observatory Park? Contact Elevation Realty to be connected to a team of experienced real estate experts ready to help you on your home buying or selling journey.
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Find Your Happy Place: Move to the Colorado Observatory Park Neighborhood


November 23, 2016

Find Your Happy Place: Move to the Colorado Observatory Park Neighborhood
Are you thinking of moving away from your home state? Perhaps your state is too expensive, or maybe it lacks a good restaurant scene or you’re just looking for a change. You might be thinking you want to move somewhere that you will love, where you can live comfortably and happily. Colorado has been ranked in the top five happiest states to live in based on a variety of factors by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. Colorado real estate markets cater to people who want to live a variety of lifestyles - urban, suburban, and rural. There are lots of amazing things about Colorado and it’s neighborhoods, especially Observatory Park that enable people to live happier lives.

Scenic Beauty

Colorado is home to National Parks as well as State Parks, showcasing a wealth of natural beauty throughout the state. including the Great Sand Dunes National Park. You’ll be able to enjoy the Rocky Mountains, clear lakes, red-rock formations, and grasslands. With beautiful green forests and fields of wildflowers, there is beauty to be found everywhere. Naturally beautiful surroundings may be just what the doctor ordered if you’re looking for a life change.

Staying Active is Fun

With all of Colorado’s wonderful landscapes comes a host of outdoor activities to help you get and keep active. Liven up your exercise routine with some natural beauty. Colorado has backpacking trails, gorgeous hiking opportunities, mountain biking paths and competitions, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and more. Being active has never looked so good!

Summer Fun

Enjoy one or more of many great Summer-time activities available to all around Colorado. Whether you want to go ballooning in a hot air balloon, take a boat onto one of many reservoir lakes, go camping with your friends or family, enjoy some fishing, play some golf on beautiful courses, or spend some time horseback riding in the mountains, Colorado has the perfect opportunities for you.

Even Winter is Fun

Winter can be miserable in some states, but Colorado has great opportunities to have fun in the coldest season. The state offers great cross-country skiing, dogsledding (seriously!), ice skating, sledding and tubing, snowboarding, skiing, real-life sleigh-rides, and snowmobiling.

Great Food and Drink

From world-class breweries, famous wineries and distilleries, and legendary farm-to-fork dining, whatever makes your mouth water can be found locally all over the state. Colorado’s food and drink scene is emerging as one of the best.
 
Are you ready to start thinking about the Colorado real estate market and more specifically the Observatory Park Neighborhood or one of the surrounding areas? Start with a company that is local, and owned and operated by people who actually live in your target area! No one knows the market in our area like our agents at Elevation Realty. We’re united by the idea that a sense of family and community is important when introducing people to their new lives in Colorado. We can help you find the perfect home for you, and you can start your search for a home quickly on our website with the help of an expert realtor. If you want to speak to an agent directly, don’t hesitate to contact us at our office by calling 303-579-3566.
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What to Expect When Moving to A Favorite Denver Neighborhood


November 16, 2016

What to Expect When Moving to A Favorite Denver Neighborhood
The city of Denver is considered to be one of the most active cities in America. Denver has a lot going on, from business to cultural events and sport events to outdoor activities. Denver is located western plains and Rocky Mountains. The city and the areas surrounding the city have continued to be favorites among visitors, prospective residents and existing residents. However, the love for the city is causing major growth which can make finding a house a full-time job. To help you out, working with an experienced realtor is an excellent idea. Let’s explore some what Denver has to offer, before moving to your favorite neighborhood.  

The Downtown Area

The area downtown is functional, vibrant and attractive. In fact, it is one of the most popular downtowns in the United States, viewed as an attraction, business center and a great place to reside. Many Americans love to live in close proximity to the downtown area in a city for easy commute. This is possible in Denver because new housing is being built in previous industrial districts.These are adjacent to the South Platte River and downtown area.

Urban Access

In the lower northwest location of downtown, there have been renovations done to factory and commercial buildings to repurpose this urban municipality into small businesses, shopping venues, and entertainment centers. The Coors Field ballpark and Denver Union Station makes this area a crown jewel for those who are looking for accessibility. South of the downtown area, you will find a newly built convention center, museums, sports facilities, and performing arts center. This has added utility and life to the downtown area.

The Suburbs

Beyond the downtown area is a collage of older communities with attractive twentieth century homes and a mixture of high rise buildings, which are well spaced. There are suburban areas spread in different directions, but still connected to downtown. The suburbs provide a lot of attractive options and different housing prices. Many of the suburban areas have excellent town centers and lots of openings for employment. This is especially true for the Denver Tech Center located to the south.

Other Areas

Park Hill, Observatory Park, Hilltop and University Hills are excellent areas to live. They provide an urban retreat and are in close proximity to Denver’s vibrant downtown area. There are a lot of delicious restaurants for when you don’t feel like cooking and place to go out on the town.

New Residents

The many attractions in Denver continue to entice new residents to the area. From the 1990s to 2005, the population has grown to about 54% and it shows no sign of slowing down. The cost of living has been impacted by the fast growth. It is now around 115 percent based on the US average. However, the good news is that the cost has remained relatively constant in comparison to other large cities.

If you are interested in relocating to Denver or moving to your favorite neighborhood, the staff at Elevation Realty can help you out! Speak to our real estate professionals at by calling 303-579-3566 or filling out a contact form on our website!
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Tips for Buying a Foreclosed Home in Observatory Park


November 9, 2016

Tips for Buying a Foreclosed Home in Observatory Park
What’s all the buzz about foreclosed properties? Many investors and savvy homebuyers love snatching up foreclosed properties in Observatory Park because of the low prices and high return on investments. But, not every foreclosed property is a deal worth making. Here are some tips for buying a foreclosed home:
 

Understand the different types of properties.

Pre-foreclosure or short sale Observatory Park properties are still under control by the homeowner, and both the homeowner and the lender must approve any offer that comes through. These properties tend to be in better condition because action was taken to avoid foreclosure. Auction properties are usually cash only sales that are awarded to the highest bidder. The lender cannot make a profit at an auction sale, so investors and bidders receive great deals on properties. REO (real estate owned) properties are in full possession of the lender because no one big a high enough amount at the initial auction. At this point, lenders are typically eager to get the property off of their hands, but keep in mind that properties will be in a more poor condition by the time they get to this stage.
 

Be competitive.

Observatory Park homes in foreclosure are attractive not only to homebuyers looking for a place to live, but also to investors on the prowl for a good deal. Because of this heightened interest, expect the competition to be fierce when it comes to negotiating a deal for a foreclosed home in Observatory Park. It’s best to always work with a real estate agent for this reason. Experienced real estate agents are strong negotiators and more familiar with property values, so they’ll prevent you from overpaying because you think you’ve snagged a deal.
 

Never skip the inspection.

Observatory Park foreclosed homes may sit on the market for a long time, leading to a buildup of problems that go unrepaired. Or, in many cases these homes previously had disgruntled owners that damaged the interior in some way. Never go through with purchasing a foreclosed property without getting a thorough home inspection. You may think the house looks decent from the inside, but can you tell what’s going on behind the walls or underneath the floorboards? Not without a qualified inspector.
 

Remember the repairs.

Some Observatory Park homebuyers may get overly excited when they see a low price on a foreclosure home, but remember that this is not the only expense when it comes to purchasing the property. Many of these foreclosed homes will need an extensive amount of repairs, so before making an offer, be sure to factor in the cost of these repairs and see if the price is still within your budget.
 

Get a helping hand.

Foreclosed properties are heavily regulated, and each state has its own set of laws. When you’re ready to look into buying a foreclosed home in Observatory Park, be sure to find a real estate who has experience in dealing with foreclosures. Although every real estate transaction can be complex, there is an added layer of complications and legal regulations that come along with foreclosed properties, so you need to have an experienced professional by your side.
 
Ready to search for the Observatory Park home of your dreams? Contact Elevation Realty to be connected to a team of experienced real estate experts ready to help you on your home buying journey.
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Find a Colorado Home with Your Dream Kitchen


November 2, 2016

Find a Colorado Home with Your Dream Kitchen
For many prospective homeowners, the kitchen is an important factor when looking to buy a new home. What do you want most from your kitchen? When considering the Colorado real estate market, speak to your realtor about your kitchen preferences to help narrow down your search to only the most ideal home for your desires.

Kitchen for Two
- Not everyone loves to cook. If you’re one of those people, you may not want an elaborate kitchen. A kitchen with enough room for a fridge, a single stove, and a microwave, along with moderate counter space, may be just what you’re looking for. A nice, cozy kitchen that is perfect for one chef and not much else could be your idea of the perfect kitchen. Simple wood cabinetry will be perfect for your needs, as will a basic stainless steel fridge and an easy to use stove. Your ideal kitchen could be complemented by a small bar, perfect for two or three people to dine in the kitchen without needing an elaborate dining room. If you dislike the idea of a bar, perhaps enough space for a small kitchen table as opposed to a full dining table would be ideal.
 
Large Kitchen - If you have a large family, you will want a lot of cabinet space, as well as plenty of room in the kitchen for cooking large meals. A stovetop with six burners instead of four will likely be advantageous to you. A gas oven with multiple racks as well as a smaller, convection oven will make cooking for a large family a breeze, even during the holidays. You will likely also want a fridge with two doors, with a freezer or additional fridge space in drawers beneath the primary part of the fridge - consider a fridge like this one by Samsung. Pantries with pull-out drawers will be great for making sure snacks for the whole family are within reach. To store your pots and pans, you may want large cabinets, or you may want a kitchen with a hanging pots and pans holder above the stove.

Other Kitchen Considerations
- There is more to consider about your kitchen than the size, utilities, and cabinetry. For instance, would you prefer a gas or electric stove? Do you want a big window in your kitchen to let light in? Are you craving a kitchen with marble countertops, or do you prefer a more rustic look? Would you prefer a bright kitchen, or a black and white kitchen? Are you hoping you get a spice rack included in one of your cabinets? How much work are you willing to put into renovating your kitchen? Is having the already perfect kitchen your plan, or would you like one that you can tweak to your liking?
 
Our expert realtors here at Elevations Real Estate want to make sure you get the most out of your kitchen. We know our available properties like the back of our hand, and we will show you the houses that are most compatible with your dream kitchen if you tell us what it is you would like. Even if you are unsure of what you want, we can make suggestions based on generalities like the size of your family or how much space you need to cook during the holidays. We seek to pair our clients with the perfect home, not just show them properties that may or may not need their needs. Get to know Elevations Real Estate by visiting our website, and meet our enthusiastic realtors. When you’re ready to make the move to your ideal home in Colorado, reach out to us by phone during regular business hours to get started on an amazing journey!
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