2006 March

Snowshoeing above Georgetown, Colorado

Posted by kristal on March 29th, 2006

This year’s dividend from REI was burning a hole in my pocket. Last weekend I purchased a pair of showshoes, my first ever. We went looking for snow on Sunday, but didn’t find any deep enough to bother with the snowshows, but today was a different story.

Vali (my daughter) and I drove up I-70 to Georgetown and up toward Guanella Pass. The Pass is closed, so we drove to the end of the road, parked and donned the shiny new snowshoes.

Having them on my feet was an unusual feeling, my first instinct was to treat them like skis. I wanted to traverse hills, but after a few minutes learned to just dig the claws into the hardpack snow and go straight up or down.

The Silver Dollar Lake trailhead was mostly deep, hardpack snow, but the shoulders offered enough snow for us to carve first tracks. It was both challenging and fun to experiment.

We had to hike up to the trail, which was harder than the trail itself. The incline to me was not as Vali had described it "slightly sloping". Geeze I told her if she ever describes a hill as moderate or hard, I’d better be ready to climb vertical rocks! Of course she’s 28 (and I’m not!). Enough said.

Our hike up took us just below the timber line at the Lake. The scenery was outstanding. Our weather was a nice assortment of sun, snow and more sun. The only time we got chilly was on top when we sat to snack at the picnic table by the cabin.

The outing was a success, we both enjoyed being outdoors and doing something a little different than the normal grind. I look forward to snowshoeing again, but it will have to be soon. The snow is beginning to melt, we could actually hear the water traveling beneath us on the mountain. We could always hear the water, never actually see it.

So what does showshoeing have to do with real estate and Denver to relocation? This is just one of the many activities one can enjoy within a short drive from the city. Today the temperature in Denver was in the 70’s. Some folks in town were golfing, we were out in search of snow.

Whatever sport you enjoy, most likely you can find it in Denver, Colorado!

Colorado no smoking law

Posted by kristal on March 29th, 2006

Governor Bill Owens signed Colorado’s no smoking law. The much awaited law will go into effect July 1, 2006. The law isn’t "perfect" as there are still a few public places were smoking will be allowed, but considering the number of places where smoking was allowed and is no longer, it’s a good start.

Here’s to a healthy Colorado population!

In search of snow

Posted by kristal on March 26th, 2006

Today we went in search of snow to try out the brand new snowshoes. We took Highway 285 and went south to avoid the craziness of I-70. Well we avoided the traffic, but didn’t find enough snow to even bother with the snowshoes. Bummer! Guess we need to go to Steamboat Springs. I hear tell of 403 inches there…oh my!

Kenoshapasswinterhike

First sign of spring in Denver

Posted by kristal on March 25th, 2006

It seems to happen when no one is looking, first nothing then all of a sudden beautiful signs of new life appear. Spring! I love it! Coloradocrocus

Washington Park Home for Sale

Posted by kristal on March 23rd, 2006

Located just 6 blocks from Wash Park and walking distance to the Broadway Light Rail, this charming home has a lot to offer. Built in 1905 the home has all the period features one would want, wood floors, high ceilings, wide molding and an Updated kitchen. The basement has been renovated into a lovely area that can be used as additional space for the home, a mother-in-law apartment, or with a simple close of the upstairs door it becomes a private unit to rent out for extra income. There is an outside entrance to the apartment, so it is truely private.

The second story is finished into a bedroom (with a mountain view), full bath and a modest sized area for a library or sitting room. The home has abundant storage, both on the second level and in the basement. There is a 1 car garage, but if necessary one could build a two car.

The yard has been landscaped with grass, roses bushes, an arbor and patio. Yes, there is a front porch with a swing!

To view this home online visit the website at 748 S. Pearl Street, Denver, CO 80209

This home is priced to sell at $389,900. The square footage is 1641 above ground, plus 595 in basement making the total finished sq. ft. 2236. 4 bedrooms, 3 Full bathrooms.

To see this home call your broker or call Kristal Kraft today. 303-589-2022 Livingdiningroom Kitchen Sunroom

Home for sale in Golden Colorado

Posted by kristal on March 21st, 2006

Newly listed for sale, a great home in an awesome location! Yes, a close-in Lookout Mountain address offers unobstructed views of both North & South Table Mountain and the city lights of Denver. Visit the home’s website at: Lookout Mtn. Rd. Golden, Colorado

Lookoutmtnroad_163

1/4 acre lot has a very private back yard, a perfect setting for the hot tub. Lookoutmtnroad_153

The updated kitchen has Hickory Cabinets and slab granite:

Lookoutmtnroad145

Interested in seeing this home in person? Call your broker, or call Kristal Kraft 800-319-7738

Denver real estate and relocation

Rebuild a home in day!!

Posted by kristal on March 21st, 2006

There’s a heart warming story about a family who lost their home to a twister. The next day the neighbors showed up to rebuild the house.

We should send the neighbors to New Orleans.

Read about the destroyed home here.

February Statistics - Home Sales

Posted by kristal on March 11th, 2006

February 2006

Metro Denver Prices:

Metro Denver Prices:

Single Family Average Price: (Detached Dwelling)	&nbsp	Feb 2006	$305,017
&nbsp	&nbsp	Jan 2006	$306,982
&nbsp	&nbsp	Feb 2005	$291,036
Condo Average Price: (Attached Dwelling)	&nbsp	Feb 2006	$175,422
&nbsp	&nbsp	Jan 2006	$192,271
&nbsp	&nbsp	Feb 2005	$186,418
Combined Average Price:	&nbsp	Feb 2006	$276,746
&nbsp	&nbsp	Jan 2006	$280,554
&nbsp	&nbsp	Feb 2005	$267,771
Percent of Sales Price Change: from Feb 2005 to Feb 2006	&nbsp	Single Family:	+4.80%
&nbsp	&nbsp	Condo:	-5.90%
&nbsp	&nbsp	Combined	+3.35%
Total Combined Number of Homes for Sale:	&nbsp	Feb 2006	25,484
&nbsp	&nbsp	Jan 2006	24,387
&nbsp	&nbsp	Feb 2005	21,730
Percent of Change in Available Inventory: (Feb 2005 vs. Feb 2006)	&nbsp	&nbsp	+17.28%
Number of Combined Homes Sold this month	&nbsp	Feb 2006	3,273
vs. previous month	&nbsp	Jan 2005	2,843
vs. same month last year	&nbsp	Feb 2005	2,779
Average days on Market: (Combined Sales)		Feb 2006	109.58
&nbsp	&nbsp	Jan 2006	109.14
&nbsp	&nbsp	Feb 2005	106.00
Absorption Rate: (number of weeks necessary to sell current combined inventory at current rate of sales)	&nbsp	Feb 2006	33.74 weeks
&nbsp	&nbsp	Jan 2006	37.17 weeks
&nbsp	&nbsp	Feb 2005	33.88 weeks
Median Sold Price:Single Family		Feb 2006	$238,500
&nbsp	&nbsp	Jan 2006	$245,000
&nbsp	&nbsp	Feb 2005	$231,200
Condo	&nbsp	Feb 2006	$149,440
&nbsp	&nbsp	Jan 2006	$155,000
&nbsp	&nbsp	Feb 2005	$155,000