What's It Like In Denver?

Incredible home for sale in the heart of Denver

2011-09-02T21:53:00.000-06:00

My friends Jen & Curt are selling their gorgeous Cook Park home and I'm lucky enough to list it for them. This house has been a special place and home to many wonderful family gatherings as well as some great parties! The neighborhood is the perfect place for a family--close to the city yet full of tall trees, green lawns, and colorful gardens. The house has a great color scheme and everything is updated. There is so much space and so many different areas to relax, entertain, and enjoy family time. Check it out:

http://7002eastmexico.2seeit.com

Infill Project Complete

2011-07-05T10:19:00.000-06:00

Our gorgeous listing at 4530 E. Dartmouth in Eisenhower Park, Denver is finally finished and on the market! It is listed at $589.

Check out our Facebook Page and Website for more details, and contact me to drop by for a visit!

Wash Park Condo for Sale

2011-04-05T16:31:00.000-06:00

Gorgeous, light, bright and spacious 2 bedroom, 1 bath condominium at 1st & Ogden for sale! Enjoy gleaming hardwood floors, granite kitchen countertops, a modern tiled bath, 2 nice-sized bedrooms, a large pantry, tons of closet space, and a GARAGE for under $160K. This second-floor home is minutes away from Wash Park, Cherry Creek, and downtown. It is move-in ready, low maintenance, and has loads of charm. Call or email for more details. Website, QR code and more photos coming soon (so you can share with friends!).

Dwell in Eisenhower Park...

2011-03-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

Coming soon:

4530 E. Dartmouth, Denver Colorado

Mid-century modern home for sale in Denver at a price point well below the typical neighborhood scrapes.

Interest piqued? Contact me for more details...

Big Wheels

2011-01-09T21:00:00.001-07:00

Long time Denver legend Matt Armbruster (AKA Captain Obvious) has been holding his hilariously fun Big Wheel Rally each July for the past 20 years. Recently his creations (yes, he designs & builds adult-sized big wheels) were featured on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Jimmy didn't give our friend or his brand any credit, so I thought I would. Check out the video, Matt's big wheels, and some details about 2011's Big Wheel Rally here.

Also, give 'em a like on Facebook!

Denver Holiday Lights Calendar

2010-11-16T09:16:00.003-07:00

During this time of year, Denver's landscape is illuminated with a variety of holiday light shows. There are so many that I decided to create a calendar to keep track of them all. The hyperlinks on the calendar will lead you to information on times & prices. Please feel free to let me know if I missed anything!

Here's your guide to the fun:

Link to view entire sheet or to print

Have you ever worked with Maria?

2010-10-31T08:09:00.002-06:00

If you have ever bought a home or sold your home with Maria, please leave a quick review about your experiences. Thanks!

Denver, Fall and Beer

2010-09-14T08:19:00.001-06:00

We love our beer here in Denver. Even our mayor was once the owner of a brewpub (The Wynkoop, for those of you new to town). During September, it seems that the city revolves around hops and barley. To Denverites, the coming of fall means sampling a local microbrew and for the highly-motivated, dressing up in lederhosen & hitting the streets.

This month, check out The Denver Beer Fest. It's a "10-day celebration of all things beer" right here in Denver. It encompasses both the Great American Beer Festival as well as Oktoberfest (voted one of the best festivals in the nation by USA Today!). I'll be headed up to Breckenridge this weekend for their Oktoberfest--also a fantastic event.

If all this beer isn't enough to make you consider moving to denver, I don't know what is. For those of us who live here, cheers to a great city!

Happy fall, and happy drinking!

Dear Cupcake Truck

2010-09-02T06:33:00.001-06:00

Dear Denver Cupcake Truck: I have spotted you from afar on two occasions: one, lingering near Santa Fe on a First Friday, yet too far across too many lanes of margarita-infused pedestrian traffic for me to actually see you up close, and two, driving by the DAM, moving too quickly for me to reach out and touch you...

And now a friend has mentioned you to me. A setup, perhaps? Come visit me in Englewood, pretty please. Like all fathers, my dad always said there would be men "knocking down my door" when I was older...maybe he just meant cupcakes. I really think that you & I were meant to be, and I will follow you to the ends of the earth...or at least on Facebook and Twitter.

Click to read the NPR story about the Cupcake Truck, and follow them on Facebook!

B-Cycle, Baby!

2010-08-01T09:12:00.002-06:00

Have you checked out Denver's new bicycle-sharing program? It's called B-cycle and launched earlier this year--and it's fantastic. Last night, a friend and I decided to drive downtown, get a quick bite at Vita (delicious manchego cheese antipasto), and borrow a couple of B-Cycles. We were worried on the way to the bike station: would there be lights on the bikes? How about a lock? What about a basket? Check, check, and check. (No helmets though, which would probably been a good choice for our urban adventure).

We sped down the hill to cross the Highland Bridge, whizzed through the redeveloped areas of the Platte, and landed right in LoDo. The 16th Street Mall was packed with bar-hoppers, families, tourists, and groups watching random people bang out "Freebird" on the new/old pianos scattered down the mall. We got to experience full-on nightlife without having to hang at a bar with a bunch of 23 year olds, and we covered a lot of ground in a few short hours. Yeah, we almost took out a few drunk bachelorettes and perhaps caused a pedicab driver or two to flip us off (if only those bikes had bells!!!), but we could tell you which bars were happenin' and which restaurants were the busiest. And boy was it fun. At least a dozen people asked us "hey, are those the new Denver rental bikes??" I think this trend going to catch on!

So, what do you think about the bike share? Have you tried it? Do you think it will be successful? I think this program really captures the essence of Denver--an accessible city where new and hip meets laid-back and relaxed....exactly what riding a cruiser bike on a Saturday evening through jam-packed city seems to be. Please share your thoughts!

Driving Tours of Colorado

2010-07-29T18:08:00.004-06:00

Thanks Colorado Culture Facebook Page! (Like them, they are awesome).

This site lists great driving tours through Central Colorado. Have fun getting your drive on!

http://www.centralcolorado.com/cartours.htm

Dragon Boat Festival

2010-07-22T09:20:00.000-06:00

This is a great annual Denver festival. I went a few years back & enjoyed the races as well as the stands full of fun festival food, arts & crafts, etc. Parking can be a pain though...check on info before you go.

Read all about it HERE

Adorable Bungalow in Englewood for Sale

2010-07-16T09:21:00.000-06:00

4138 S. Galapago, Englewood, Colorado is for sale at $219,000. Features include:

3 bedrooms plus office

2 bathrooms; one completely remodeled

Gorgeous brand new hardwood floors

2 covered patios with flagstone

Oversized alley garage

Wood-burning Fireplace

Beautiful updated color scheme

Gorgeous natural light

Brand new windows

Close to Rec Center, Light Rail, & Riverpoint Shopping

Wonderfully green backyard

Mountain views

Built: 1948

Finished SF: 1382

Schools: Englewood

Taxes: $1001

Marketed by Maria Fraietta, Home Real Estate, 720.838.5190
mariafraietta@gmail.com

Moonlight Classic!

2010-07-16T08:57:00.000-06:00

Coming up tomorrow night is Denver's Moonlight Classic bike ride--a ride that takes place at midnight through the streets of Denver. When I lived in Capitol Hill at 11th & Logan, I used to hear the group come by each year and wish that I had participated. This year, I think I will!! I just need an idea for a costume...

Read about it HERE.

Denver Chalk Art on Larimer!

2010-06-04T10:18:00.003-06:00

When I moved here in 1995, Larimer Square was about the ONLY place to go downtown. Now it's surrounded by hundreds of great neighborhoods full of fun restaurants, bars, and galleries. However, Larimer Square is still a great place to visit. This weekend, the Chalk Art Festival is happening on Larimer, and is sure to be something unique. I'm headed down to check it out for the first time on Saturday.

Ritter's Monthly Chat with CPR

2010-05-18T13:58:00.002-06:00

I like Bill Ritter. A lot. I even have to agree with his ideas about education, even if I don't agree with SB 191. Have a listen to his monthly interview with Colorado Public Radio (click).

DNC 08: Documentary

2010-05-18T13:19:00.004-06:00

"Convention" has been picked up by Sundance Selects, and while the rest of the world wanted more clips of a behind-the-scenes Obama, I'm pretty thrilled that we get an insider's view of John Hickenlooper, our mayor.

Listen to the CPR article about the Convention: CLICK HERE

rp Last Chance for Tax Credit

2010-04-11T10:58:00.000-06:00

Posted on Sunday, 04.11.10
Still time to get that $8,000 homebuyer tax credit
BY DAVID PITT
Associated Press

There is a potential to save thousands of dollars but time is running out. If you're thinking of taking advantage of the government's homebuyer tax credits you must have a contract to purchase a home by the end of this month.

First time homebuyers can get a credit of up to $8,000.

This has pushed about 900,000 additional buyers into the market, said Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, a trade group. The additional stimulation has helped stabilize home prices, he added.

``It is laying the foundation for more normal housing market conditions,'' Yun said, ``and helping assure that we have a sustainable economic recovery as homeowners don't see further destruction of their wealth.''

The government also offered a tax credit to long-time residents who buy a new principal residence -- no credits for vacation homes. They're eligible for a credit of up to $6,500.

If you're convinced a new home may be in your future, consider some of the basic rules outlined in the tax credit.

WHO QUALIFIES?

Read More

National Open House Week

2010-04-08T22:14:00.002-06:00

This weekend is National Open House Weekend! 4138 S. Galapago, Englewood will be open on Saturday from 10-2. Head on out and say hello!

If you find any property you love in Denver this weekend, give me a call and we can go back and take a closer look after the open house.

Maria's cell: 720-838-5190; email: mariafraietta@gmail.com

Have a great weekend!

Denver Parking Meters Take Credit Cards

2010-04-05T19:26:00.003-06:00

Hooray! No more fishing for quarters just to park downtown! I will miss my "key to the city" cash key, but this is a way better setup. They are even solar. Read more here.

Is Denver Really a Cowtown? Well, sorta...

2010-03-20T10:10:00.000-06:00

People tend to think of Denver as a po-dunk town with a few good sports teams. Let me assure you that is not the case--it's pretty unbelievable how far Denver has come in the last 10 years in terms of culture, museums, nightlife, cuisine, theater...

But our cowtown roots? Yeah, we've got 'em. And they're pretty flippin' awesome. Here are three examples:

1. The stock show
Did you know that every year come January the air in Denver takes on a bit of a, uhh, farm-like smell? That's because hundreds of horses, cows, sheep, and COWBOYS decend upon the town for the annual National Western Stock Show. I grew up in New Jersey where this sort of thing occurs only in movies. The first time I went to the stock show I compared it to traveling to a foreign country: people dress different, things smell different, and I had no clue what people were talking about most of the time. However, it's a symbol of the west, and more specifically, of Denver. Not only is it a huge source of revenue for the city, but it's something a lot of Denverites love. People wait years for their kids to be chosen to go "mutton bustin" at the rodeo. Even the stinky 'ol cows are a source of pride (well, a certain bodily fluid of theirs, anyway). So, cowtown? Yes, in January at least...

2. The attire in fancy restaurants
Yes, it's true: you can go to the fanciest Denver restaurant in a pair of jeans and cowboy boots. Does this mean Denver doesn't have fashion? Au contraire. You can also wear Jimmy Choos and to an Avs game--it happens all the time. Point being--you can pretty much wear what you want here & no one will care. (Exception: Don't go to the Cherry Creek Mall in sweatpants--you'll regret it). But heck, even Mayor Hickenlooper runs around in cowboy boots whenever he darn well feels like it. And if you arrive to the city via DIA, you'll be greeted by smiling old retired folks with cowboy hats. Slightly cowtown-ish to me!

3. Guns, 4 wheelers, and other red-necky activities...we'eve got 'em but they are usually coupled with the sophistication of the typical REI shopper. For example:

My friend Matt was over last night, and shared with me how, in the spirit of the 2010 Winter Olympics, he and a few other friends competed in their very own biathlon this weekend. Yup, skiin' and shootin'. They drove up in a Toyota hybrid, strapped on $500 skis, and shot at tin cans. Only in Colorado.

So, cowtown? Yes. On occasion. But it only adds to the charm of our city; giving it a bit of character that you may not find anywhere else.

Have anything else to add? Please share your thoughts!

Top 10 Denver Stereotypes, or the "I AM KBCO" Factor

2010-03-07T10:05:00.001-07:00

Our local radio station, 97.3 has produced over the years a series of ads for their station which feature various Coloradans talking about all of the things they like about Colorado and then claiming their allegiance to 97.3 by stating "I am KBCO."

I always wanted to create this into some sort of halloween costume: A KBCO listener sporting all things Colorado, including:

1. A fleece vest.

Natives wear Patagonia, others wear Columbia

2. A roof rack on a Subaru wagon.

I had one when I first moved here. And I don't even ski!

3. Skis or a Snowboard.

Funny, you know who doesn't ski or snowboard? People who are FROM here!!! Weird, huh?

4. Interest or experience in competing in a triathalon.

People around here love those things. I even know an Ironman.

5. An REI dividends card.

Friends have mocked my Coleman tent for years because it's not a fancy kind that most people deem acceptable for camping in Colorado. "What? You bought outdoor gear at KMart?? Are you nuts?" People here love REI.

6. A dog.

7. Those wraparound sporty sunglasses.

8. Birkenstocks or Tevas.

Just google this: "When I grow up, I want to work at Alfalfa's" and have a good laugh listening.

9. A really, really expensive bike. Maybe two: one for road, one for mountain. Oh and maybe a vintage-inspired cruiser for Sundays.

Don't get me started on those bikers who wear spandex on a 1-hour bike down the Cherry Creek bike path.

10. A $30 water bottle.

BPA free, baby.

If you own more than 8 of these things, consider yourself a true Coloradan transplant :-).

What's it like in Highlands Ranch?

2010-02-23T18:26:00.003-07:00

Highlands Ranch: people either love it or hate it. It's the epitome of the suburbs--tract housing in planned subdivisions with tiny backyards and huge empty living rooms--but does offer some pretty great features for families. Drive though the Ranch on a Saturday and find dozens of kids at the parks, folks walking their dogs along the greenbelt trails, soccer games happening and barbeque smells in the air.

People are attracted to Highlands Ranch because it looks newer, has nice shops and restaurants, and is very clean & tidy. Plus, the schools are fairly good, and it's the kind of place where your kids can ride bikes up & down the cul-de-sac while you chill in a camp chair over a beer with the neighbors.

People dislike it because it lacks some of the character of older nearby suburbs (Littleton, Centennial) and, well, everything there just seems to look the same.

Highland Ranch is the area south of C-470 in Douglas County stretching from Santa Fe to the west and approximately Quebec to the east. Developed in the 80's & 90's, it offers homes from a variety of builders in a handful of architectural styles. Prices range from low $200's up to the $750's, but the average house costs about $260.

It takes a while to get from the Ranch to downtown Denver (30 minutes with no traffic), but has easy access to the Tech Center on the east side and to the mountains on the west.

Do you live there? Share your thoughts about the Ranch and what it's like to be a part of it.

Photos & video welcome!

What's it like in Baker?

2010-02-23T15:38:00.004-07:00

Once upon a time I lived in the attic apartment of a 3 story Victorian home on the corner of 1st and Bannock, right in the heart of Baker neighborhood. Actually, back then it was the edge: areas beyond Delaware (streets are alphabetized) seemed run down & frankly, a bit scary. Baker has changed a lot since then, and the gorgeous Victorians than line the streets and the proximity to downtown make it a really appealing place to live for singles & young couples.

Anchored by Broadway to the east and roughly Santa Fe to the west; Alameda to the south and 6th ave to the north, Baker offers homes anywhere from about $250 - $600K.

To me, the funky shops on Broadway, the Mayan Theatre, and again, that short jaunt to downtown (and I-25, and Wash Park) make it a really fun place to live.

What do you think?

Moving to Denver? Live in the city first!

2010-02-23T10:04:00.010-07:00

I beg of you, if you listen to anything I have to say on this blog, it's to consider living in Denver proper if you are relocating here.

*Alert! If you have children, this may or may not apply to you. I have a vast collection of information (anecdotal, first-hand, and researched) about family neighborhoods, school districts, and parks & rec centers, but have addressed that here.

But back to the rest of you.

Why should you live in the city?

Often I see relocators choose areas like Thornton (inexpensive), Lakewood (close to the mountains), or Littleton (seems safe). If you are moving from a suburb to a brand new region of the country, I realize that a suburb can sound appealing.

But let me see if I can change your mind. Here's what it's like:

Denver is easy. What do I mean? Aside from directly downtown, Denver is incredibly easy to navigate using the grid. Most streets are even alphabetized. So, put away those fears of being lost in a big city--I've never seen anyone spray paint "honkey lips" on a family truckster, ever.

Denver is safe. Now, as a real estate agent, I can't legally tell you anywhere is safe. That said, Denver is no Philly, or Chicago, or Detroit (gasp!), or LA. Yes, there are a few sketchy areas, but you probably won't be living in them, and probably will find them actually more interesting than scary. I am a 37 year old female and there isn't one place in this city I wouldn't walk through alone at night. Seriously.

Denver is fun. You will move here and meet new friends, but rarely visit them if you have to drive 30 minutes from your suburb to their hip bungalow in Alamo Placita. If you are young, old, or somewhere in the middle, Denver's got a great neighborhood for you.

Denver has unique things to do and see. You will see less strip malls and more boutiques. You will find less chain restaurants and more trendy bistros. You will have indie movies, street fairs, farmer's markets, and art galleries within walking or biking distance. You will get to enjoy architecture: the Victorian, the Bungalow, the Denver square, the Tudor, and a bit of mod thrown in here & there. It makes for a very pleasant place to live.

Don't fear the city. It's friendly, accessible, and full of charm and life.

5 Reasons Why the Denver Area is a Great Place To Live

2010-02-23T08:34:00.014-07:00

I love Denver. I moved here in 1995 with the intention of staying for 6 months, and have never left. The city and its surrounding areas offer so much for all types of people: singles, young couples, families, and even retirees. Here's what I think is best about it--feel free to add more or disagree with me.

1. Accessibility to City Amenities

Whether you live in Littleton or right in LoDo, it's so easy to visit the many attractions Denver has. I grew up in New Jersey, and to visit the Philadelphia Zoo required planning, at least an hour in the car, some serious navigation through some very sketchy neighborhoods, and money for tolls. Denver Zoo? No problem from almost anywhere in the metro area. It's all on the (very simple to use) grid. Same goes for the Art Museum, Museum of Nature & Science, cool neighborhoods, restaurants, bars...it's just so easy to get around here. You never have to worry about driving your kids through a rough part of town just to find the Children's Museum, and you can make a plan to visit downtown Denver without having to actually work your calendar around the event. I love that.

2. The Neighborhoods: Something for everyone

What's super cool about Denver is that you can choose to live in a neighborhood that suits your lifestyle. It doesn't matter who you are or how much money you have--there is something out there for you. Denver has areas within the city that are full of baby strollers, yellow labs, and folks hanging out on their front porches, and areas where the coffeshops are full of urban hipsters dressed in vintage clothing they bought down the street. At 6:00 am on a Saturday morning in Wash Park, you'll see skiers & boarders loading their cars to catch the first chair up in Breck, and in Cap Hill, you'll see a few beer bottles & walk 'o shamers. You can live near an art gallery, an ice rink, a health food store, a dog park, an observatory, a botanic garden, or a zen garden. You can be who you want to be (socks & Birkenstocks? skinny jeans & studded wristband? jogging pants & college sweatshirt?) and live how you want to live...if you pick the right place for you.

*Alert! If you don't have kids, I strongly recommend living in Denver proper. Here's why.

3. The Parks, Rec Centers, and Open Spaces

The Denver metro area is designed around green spaces and parks. From the older neighborhoods centered around a specific park (Wash Park, Platt Park, Cook Park) to the newer areas of Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree, houses here almost always have easy access to nature. Rec Centers and public swimming pools replace giant backyards, but make much more sense for both green living and community building. We get 300 days of sunshine a year here, and there is no shortage of places to enjoy it.

*Alert! Often buyers move here and gravitate toward Cherry Creek State Park or the foothills because these areas seem like they offer the nature and greenery that people are looking for. This isn't necessarily the case. Don't be fooled by a large patch of green on Google maps!

4. Small Town Feel, Big Town Stuff

Six degrees of separation is a fun game to play in Denver. You will generally find a match after the third degree. I'm no celebrity, nor am I a native, but I run into someone I know about 75% of the time I'm out & about. It's nice to feel connected like that, yet still live in a city where you have lots of options to be your individual self. There is an art scene here, and a music scene, and a food scene. If I want to go Geocaching, there's a strong community to chat about it with. I belong to three or four Mom's groups. Clubbing...not so much for me anymore, but I have DJ friends who can always tell me about the latest hotspot. I just joined the Urban Homesteading group because I'm considering a backyard chicken (!). But I could just as well volunteer for the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, hit up a movie at Red Rocks, enjoy Denver Restaurant Week or listen to Dave Eggers speak at the Tattered Cover. It's cliche, but there is truly something for everyone, but what's cool about Denver is that it doesn't take that much effort to get out & find what that is.

5. Mountains without the Mountains

Contrary to popular belief, Denver is NOT in the mountains. However we can enjoy seeing them almost everywhere we go, can navigate our way around town by knowing they are always to the west, and can visit them whenever we want. We just don't have to deal with the higher altitude, higher snowpack, and higher costs of mountain living. Sweet!

Teacher Next Door

2010-02-21T21:31:00.005-07:00

One of the best-kept secrets in real estate is HUD's Teacher Next Door program, or more currently labeled the "Good Neighbor Next Door."

This is a leftover program from the Clinton administration, and offers something you won't find anywhere else: an almost guaranteed 100% return on investment. Actually, because you have to put very little down on one of these homes, it's even more.

How so? Teachers, firefighters, EMT's and police all qualify to place bids on homes listed with HUD in areas considered "revitalization areas." When a good listing comes up, these folks can bid (only with the help of an agent) on the property and then eagerly await the results of the lottery that follows.

The prize? A half-price house. Seriously. If the home is listed on HUD for $200,000, the buyer will pay $100,000 for it. The catch? The "good neighbor" must work in the area (school district or city) where the property is located, must not already own a home, and must be the primary occupant of the property for three years. And, it's hard to win that lottery.

Hard, but not impossible. Yours truly won one for a client a few months ago, so I'm now familiar with the (paperwork-laden) process and am happy to scour HUD for more properties for anyone interested.

Contact me for more information. This is a federal program, so I can assist folks outside of the Denver area as well!

What's it like in Stapleton?

2010-02-21T19:52:00.002-07:00

Ahhh, Stapleton. I was once romanticized by the lure of a (future) light rail stop, a Denver address, and a front-porch style community, but I never made the move to Stapleton. Now when I visit, I see dogs, babies, and college flags flying throughout a well-designed, strategically planned neighborhood.

But is it for everyone? It's northeast location can be brutal for a tech-center commuter, and the backyards...well let's just say horseshoes & volleyball probably aren't the most popular activites for Stapleton dwellers.

Do you have an opinion about Stapleton? Tell us about your house, your neighbors, and what you love and hate about life in your neighborhood. What drew you to the neighborhood, and what keeps you there?

What's it like to live in Stapleton?

Pictures and videos welcome!

What's it like in Platt Park?

2010-02-21T16:27:00.007-07:00

First of all, is it spelled Platte Park or Platt Park? Well, technically the subdivision is called "Platt Park." However, the Platte River, which runs through Denver, is spelled with the "e" on the end, which often is the cause of the confusion.

Platt Park is the area bounded by Broadway, Downing, I-25 and Evans.

And yes, there is a lovely official park of the same name which anchors this neighborhood.

Nevertheless...do you live in or near Platt Park? If so, tell us what it's like to be a part of the neighborhood. What do you like best? The least? What are your neighbors like? What's the architectural style of your home? What brought you to the area?

Tell us what it's like to live in Platt Park! Photos and videos welcome.

Welcome

2010-02-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

Howdy and welcome to my website: the first of its kind in Denver. Here I'll strive to bring you not only current information about Denver real estate, but also instant MLS access, sneak peeks into Denver homes and neighborhoods, and general thoughts and musings about all things Denver.

Let's find out what it's like to live in Denver!