According to WalletHub’s 2014 Most and Least Happy States in America study, people in the Centennial State are happier than almost the entire rest of the country, with Colorado coming in fourth out of 50 states. The study ranked states based on: 1. Emotional and physical health 2. Work 3. Community, environment and recreational activities […]
Archives for October 2014
Denver: Fifth Best Market for Sellers
October 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment
According to a new report from Zillow, Denver is the fifth best market for sellers of homes in the nation. Within metro Denver, Evergreen is the top buyers’ market. Top sellers’ markets are not necessarily those where home values are rising, but instead are those in which homes are on the market for a shorter […]
Buying Investment Property
October 23, 2014 by Leave a Comment
With historically high rents being collected and expected to rise, we have several clients who have asked us to help them with purchasing investment properties. One client is interested in purchasing duplexes and triplexes, another only wants single-family homes, and yet another only wants town homes and condos. Some investors are open to any type […]
Unemployment Falling Despite Lost Jobs
October 22, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Colorado lost 700 jobs in August, however, state unemployment still fell two-tenths of a point, to 5.1 percent – its lowest level in six years. August was a paradoxical month in which two different government employment surveys (one of employers and the other of workers) showed differing job trends in Colorado. The August survey of […]
Imagine a Future without Utility Bills
October 21, 2014 by Leave a Comment
What would it be like to not have to pay a utility bill ever again? Net zero communities are communities that use power only from energy they produce through solar, wind, and underground geothermal systems on site, ending all dependence on electric and gas provided by utility companies. Fascinatingly, the largest net zero community in […]
Part 3: The Future of Solar
October 17, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Colorado consumers and the economy could greatly benefit if home builders had a more predictable and consistent program in place for the widespread installation of solar systems in new subdivisions. A typical homeowner can save more than $40,000 over 30 years by reducing energy bills 50 percent with standard rooftop solar system on an efficient […]
Part 2: New Community Solar Power Systems
October 16, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Community solar is a clean energy plan solution that combines both accessibility and financial sense to the average person or business, and two Xcel community solar power systems, each capable of generating 500 kilowatts of power, have recently opened in Denver. Community solar expands the solar power market to customers who can’t put solar power […]
Part 1: The History of Community Solar
October 15, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Community solar is the name given to commercial-sized solar power systems in which individuals or businesses can buy or lease individual solar power panels and get credit off their monthly bill for the renewable power generated by the systems. The first system came online in Colorado in 2009, when United Power, an electric cooperative serving […]
Tips for Small Spaces
October 13, 2014 by Leave a Comment
If you’re dealing with a small-apartment or small bedroom, here is a list of clever space-saving solutions. 1. A nightstand that mounts on the wall is perfect for a small bedroom. The open space underneath the nightstand visually enlarges the space, and you can also stash things like shoes and books underneath. 2. Mounting a […]
Steps to Prepare for an Appraisal
October 9, 2014 by Leave a Comment
You may think you own the nicest house on the block, but when it comes down to market value, getting a high house appraisal is crucial. If you need to appraise your home, here are a few suggestions to help get that high number you’re looking for. Curb Appeal First impressions matter, so make sure […]