Snowshoeing above Georgetown, Colorado
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
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
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!
First sign of spring in Denver
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!
Washington Park Home for Sale
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
Home for sale in Golden Colorado
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
1/4 acre lot has a very private back yard, a perfect setting for the hot tub.
The updated kitchen has Hickory Cabinets and slab granite:
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!!
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
February 2006
Metro Denver Prices:
| Single Family Average Price: (Detached Dwelling) |   | Feb 2006 | $305,017 |
|   |   | Jan 2006 | $306,982 |   |   | Feb 2005 | $291,036 | Condo Average Price: (Attached Dwelling) |   | Feb 2006 | $175,422 |   |   | Jan 2006 | $192,271 |   |   | Feb 2005 | $186,418 | Combined Average Price: |   | Feb 2006 | $276,746 |   |   | Jan 2006 | $280,554 |   |   | Feb 2005 | $267,771 | Percent of Sales Price Change: from Feb 2005 to Feb 2006 |
  | Single Family: | +4.80% |   |   | Condo: | -5.90% |   |   | Combined | +3.35% | Total Combined Number of Homes for Sale: |   | Feb 2006 | 25,484 |   |   | Jan 2006 | 24,387 |   |   | Feb 2005 | 21,730 | Percent of Change in Available Inventory: (Feb 2005 vs. Feb 2006) |   |   | +17.28% | Number of Combined Homes Sold this month |   | Feb 2006 | 3,273 | vs. previous month |   | Jan 2005 | 2,843 | vs. same month last year |   | Feb 2005 | 2,779 | Average days on Market: (Combined Sales) | Feb 2006 | 109.58 |   |   | Jan 2006 | 109.14 |   |   | Feb 2005 | 106.00 | Absorption Rate: (number of weeks necessary to sell current combined inventory at current rate of sales) |   | Feb 2006 | 33.74 weeks |   |   | Jan 2006 | 37.17 weeks |   |   | Feb 2005 | 33.88 weeks | Median Sold Price:Single Family | Feb 2006 | $238,500 |   |   | Jan 2006 | $245,000 |   |   | Feb 2005 | $231,200 | Condo |   | Feb 2006 | $149,440 |   |   | Jan 2006 | $155,000 |   |   | Feb 2005 | $155,000 |
Top 10 Metro-area home builders
- D.R.Horton Continental KDB MElody Trimark
- Richmond American Homes
- Lennar Colorado Genessee Laureate U.S. Home
- KB Home
- Oakwood Homes
- Shea Homes
- Engle James Co.
- Ryland
- Centex
- Beazer Homes
Rankings are for single builders in a given subdivision
- Ranked by recorded new home closings
- Based on recorded closings
- Eleven month YTD 2005
source: Denver Business Journal/Home Builders Research
(Rankings are for single bulders in a given subdivision










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