The cost of elbow room

Homeowners from parts of the country where the lots are large always want a large lot. "I need elbow room," they say. But of course it is natural to want to duplicate the conditions they are used to.

But let’s discuss this first. Denver and the metro area is high plains desert. What that translates to, is a different kind of climate than most people are used to. We have places not to far from the city where there is vacant land as far as the eye can see. But the land is dry. Yes, dry and dusty.

So my friend if you want land you can have it. But if you want anything green you will need to water it.

Mr. Transferring Buyer the green acre you want will need to be 1) on an automated sprinkler system. 2) mowed 3) watered.

Last year I sold a home to a couple who had to have an acre in a nice neighborhood. We found them the home, they bought it. 5 months later they called me to resell it. Why? There was nothing wrong with the house, it was the water bill they couldn’t live with. At a clip of $300-$400 a month, they decided the cost of elbow room just wasn’t worth it.

The good news is…

Denver metro neighborhoods are planned communities. Most of the lots have been scaled down to allow for a modest yard that offers some space at an affordable, sustainable cost. The county planners also provide many parks and open spaces throughout the neighborhoods. In fact some counties pride themselves on maintaining a large percent of land designed as "open space" never to have buildings on it.

My job as a relocation specialist is to help transferees find an acceptable home that allows them to feel comfortable with the Colorado lifestyle and still be able to manage the budget. Finding the right home in the right neighborhood is a process. Like putting the pieces of a puzzle together until you have the whole picture, we take one step at a time.

About the Author

Kristal Kraft
Kristal has been helping buyers and sellers in Colorado since 1984. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of the Metro Denver Real Estate market via blogging and in person while driving around the beautiful Rocky Mountain town of Denver! For fun, Kristal enjoys shooting things with a Canon. Visit Denver Photo Blog