Home remodeling is on the rise.

And no wonder. Owners having trouble selling their homes in this sluggish real estate market want to give them as much buyer appeal as they can afford.

Others are deciding that if they can’t move, they might as well make the most of the house they may be calling home for a long time.

After a year of decline in home remodeling, the number of homeowners saying they plan to remodel in the next 12 months increased from last year, according to RemodelOrMove.com, a website that provides homeowners remodeling options and has conducted semiannual surveys of owners since 2005.

CLICK HERE to read more….

Despite a 27 percent drop in July home resales nationwide, the worst appears to be over for Colorado’s housing market, according to national housing expert Henry Cisneros.

If you’re looking for a great place to raise a family, Highlands Ranch is the place for you. With so many open spaces and walking trails, it retains a country feel while offering much more than the typical country setting. The area is clean and well-planned, with well designed infrastructure including wide streets, separate sidewalks, plenty of access to parks, walking paths, retail and recreation centers. The real estate offerings in Highlands Ranch are generally fairly new, and include a good amount of relatively young homes. In fact, the entire community was a ranch until the mid 1980′s! Now it’s a sea of production properties and custom made estates. The population growth boomed here through the 90′s and early 2000 which has fueled some terrific additions in amenities, parks and schools. Overall, crime is low, schools are good (or excellent depending on what you’re used to) and life is great in Highlands Ranch.

As one site describes it, “Experience one of the most successful designed communities in the country with Highlands Ranch, Colorado. 13,000 acres of open space, hiking trails, recreational areas and facilities for the community were approved in 1979 with the communities’ master plan.”

photo credit: jamieotterbein

A huge selling point of Highlands Ranch is the convenience factor, with most shopping, recreation, and dining only minutes away from most homes.. The four community recreation centers are spaced out very well throughout the neighborhood and offer tennis courts, pools, meeting rooms, gyms, concerts, handball, basketball, sports leagues, classes and so much more. Not far from Highlands Ranch is one of the best shopping centers the region has to offer in the Park Meadows Mall which houses four major anchor merchants and more than one hundred specialty stores. Dining in the area features restaurants ranging from home style to ethnic tastes.

“Highlands Ranch is one of the best places we’ve ever lived”

The whole city is beautiful, well kept, and fun to drive around–looking at all the homes and parks. The neighborhoods are well equipped with parks, walking paths and biking trails throughout. The community activities/gatherings are plentiful and open to the public mainly for free, or a very small fee! They also have a comprehensive collection of lessons (for much better than average prices) for everything you can imagine: t-ball, dancing, soccer, gardening, karate, the list goes on and on and on. The community association fees are very reasonable, and the amenities definitely are worth the price. There are great garage sales in Highlands Ranch usually from about Thursday-Sunday (beginning early spring through early fall)as well, and you just never know what treasures you’ll find! The schools in Highlands Ranch are phenomenal. They have such great teachers and parental involvement is frequent and encouraged. The activities and programs in each school are fantastic. They emphasize music, PE, computers and art, as well as all the normal curriculum–which is wonderful since a lot of schools across the country have had to cut programs based on lack of funds.

Are you interested in purchasing a home in the Highlands Ranch area? Search for highlands ranch real estate.

1) Number one has to be the sunshine. Over 300 days of sunshine every year is not only a plus, but it boosts your spirit. Even when it’s cold and snowy, a sunny day can do wonders for people’s frame of mind.

2) The mountains. Whether you like hunting, fishing, mountain biking, or camping, there’s plenty of outdoor activities to choose from around Denver. We may not have oceanside property, but the mountain chalets make for some attractive real estate..

photo credit: C. G. P. Grey

3) Lots to do. The Denver Nature and Science Museum, The Denver Zoo, The Wildlife Experience, Water World, Elitch Gardens, The Botanical Garden, Red Rocks, Garden of the Gods, and many other hot spots are all must sees when you live in Colorado

4) Our sports teams. The Denver Nuggets, The Colorado Avalanche, The Colorado Rockies, The Denver Broncos, and the Colorado Rapids are some of the best major league sports teams in the nation. Not to mention all five teams have relatively new venues that make the spectator experience 100 times better. Oh and don’t forget our major universities like the University of Colorado, Colorado State, and The Air Force Academy.

5) Shopping. If you have the need to shop until you drop, you can do it here. . The 16th street mall is one of a kind, Park Meadows Mall, Flatirons Mall, Cherry Creek, and the new Southlands and are just a few of the best.

6) Healthiest Cities. Denver and Colorado Springs ranks in the top 5 of the healthiest cities in the nation year in and year out from national health and fitness magazines. Coloradans love the outdoor and stay active all year long which is why we have so many healthy people.

Littleton, situated just south of Denver is a small suburb with a big feel. Their town center area is filled with historic buildings that contrast Denver’s towering skyline. But Littleton’s so close to Denver that you can hike or bike the trail along the Platte River to get there. You can choose to ride the light rail train, or drive into the city. There’s fantastic shopping and eating in Littleton. The housing prices are less than in Denver proper with the majority being $1 million and over. There’s no proliferation of high-rise condos either. In Littleton residents usually have more acreage to spread out and many homes have horse stalls and tack rooms. The luxury is still here too with peaceful lake and mountain views, gourmet kitchen, wine cellar, home theater and separate guest quarters. Outside you’ll find many homes complete with decks and entertainment spaces to enjoy the weather.

photo credit: kennarealestate

Cherry Hills Village is one of metro Denver’s most exclusive communities. Its neighborhoods are jam packed with luxury offerings. Only six miles south of Denver it’s an easy commute. This is one of the most affluent areas in Colorado. The landscaping and meticulous groundskeeping is evident. Professionally manicured lawns and gardens, with large houses feauturing large windows, ornate decor, and big living spaces are common. Interiors use only the finest woods, stone, glass and tiles to create open flowing spaces for sumptuous living and easy entertaining. The magnificent mountain views are the backdrop for your picturesque home. You’ll often find a library, swimming pool, three-car garage, and other luxurious amenities in these houses.

Centennial is a new city, designed in February 2001. It’s so new in fact that many people who live in the area don’t even call it Centennial. They usually refer to the area using names of neighboring cities, like Littleton or Aurora. But it is a real city with about 100,000 residents. For horse owners, there are many places to call home, with lots of 20 acre lots that could be your definition of luxury living. The views from almost anywhere are absolutely stunning and homes will have lots of windows, many floor to ceiling, to show off the picture-perfect views. Bright and open interiors lend themselves to entertaining, and easy living. Some homes feature a guesthouse for visitors. For more security, a gated community with mature landscaping and views for miles may be the ideal place for you.

Also south of Denver is Larkspur – a small town on the northern slope of Pike Forest. A quiet living area, with only about three hundred residents, Larkspur provides dramatic views of the front range hills. If you like playing golf there’s a public 18-hole golf course with a pro shop, a well-appointed clubhouse, lounge and restaurant. There’s a great deal available in the way of luxury homes in Larkspur. From gated estates to sprawling ranches, you can be sure that no matter what home you’re in, you’ll be treated to dramatic views. There’s no shortage of amenities either. Some homes are equipped with a heated airplane hanger with runway or helipad when you’re ready to get out of town. Living here offers an abundance of options should you have money to invest. Purchasing a luxury home in Larkspur is almost like buying a piece of heaven.

When it comes to Denver real estate, there are an abundance of popular options. The Highlands area of downtown Denver and the Highlands Ranch community are two very popular, but different places. Denver’s Highlands neighborhood (not to be confused with Highlands Ranch) has undergone drastic changes in the past few years. Despite it’s remnants of a “shadier” past, the neighborhood is generally on the rise in all aspects. Highlands is now a cove of cozy restaurants, novelty stores and martini bars just outside the bustle of Downtown Denver.

Highlands’ residential district is, for lack of a better term, just plain cute. It’s unique architecture makes it attractive for both young families and younger business professionals. Magnificant Victorian architecture abounds, and the homes here feature spiral staircases, extensive molding and woodwork, spiraling towers and exposed brick walls. Highland is currently undergoing a housing revival with the construction of a number of new houses, condos and rentals in a variety of architectural styles. Numerous parks offer recreation activities of all sorts, and beautiful flower gardens and areas for picnics provide that smaller town ambiance.

The Highlands Ranch real estate market has grown into one of the most successful master-planned communities in the West. Despite its recent growth, the area is considered a “bedroom” community. The expansion of Light Rail transportation within the next few years will make these commutes even more common.

The first homes in Highlands Ranch were built in 1981. Since then, the community has grown exponentially to offer a range of housing options including single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and multi-story mansions. Highlands Ranch’s three public high schools, Highlands Ranch High School, Thunderridge High School and Mountain Vista High School have a high level of student involvement with an average of 80 percent of its students taking part in in one extracurricular activity or more and they also carry extraordinarily high graduation rates, approaching 95% or more..

Some of the area’s best restaurants, retail shops and recreation activities can be found in Highlands Ranch. The Metro District of Highlands Ranch maintains 22 parks, four off-leash dog areas, 70 miles of hiking and biking trails and 2,000 acres of natural open space areas. The majority of homes in Highlands Ranch are located a short walk from a park, open space, or trail. In addition, community pools, skae parks, baseball fields, basketball courts and other playing fields offer year-round recreation options.

The zoning in this part of town has made it especially friendly for walking to a nearby restaurant or bar. It seems like a new restaurant, music house or bar opens each year, offering residents more options for social interaction and general enjoyment.

Denver is the capital and most populated city in Colorado. It’s named the Mile High City because it sits one mile above sea level in view of the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains. As in all of Colorado, outdoor recreation is big in Denver, too. The city has numerous bike paths and the city parks are filled with hiking, playgrounds and sports fields. Denver’s neighborhoods are varied and mostly because of the background of the area. Neighborhoods closest to the city are denser, older and have more brick buildings. As you veer out of the city, the neighborhoods you see were mostly developed post WWII. Some neighborhoods even farther from the city, and some redeveloped parcels in the city have very suburban qualities or are new urbanist developments. Denver is all about the lavish lifestyle. The downtown area has numerous high-rise luxury condominium complexes that cater to a stylish crowd and have the price tags to prove it. These complexes offer everything from fingerprint technology to limousine service to security – even an indoor dog park. Contemporary design with floor to ceiling windows and balconies off most rooms provide views you can only get in a high-rise. Both you and your guests will get to soak in, postcard views of the Rocky Mountains, Pikes Peak and downtown Denver. However, the condos are not the only places full of style and sophistication. Many of the houses are quite inspiring. Choose a contemporary style home with modern angles located in a tranquil setting yet close to town. Bright with lots of windows yet supplies much needed privacy. Indoor heated pools allow you to go swimming throughout the year. Remodeled historic homes provide gracious living seldom found in today’s architecture with ornate iron gates that open to a circular driveway. Lush landscapes with fountain and carriage house over the garage work flawlessly with contemporary features like an updated kitchen. An open floor plan makes it a pleasure to entertain.

The city is constantly growing.. The Denver real estate scene is quite attractive. Much of the commecial buildings are in downtown Denver. This area is a thriving one but also safe and clean. The heart of downtown offers condominiums, lofts, town homes, and single-family homes for aspiring homebuyers.

photo credit: notahandbag

, Denver Country Club, and Polo Club are highly exclusive communities around downtown. Prices of condominiums and homes in this area are priced around $400 to $500 per square foot.

Many of the more adventuresome, younger crowds are showing a desire to live in some of the wonderful lofts in Denver – with LoDo being perhaps one of the most popular. Other areas near LoDo are Curtis Park, Highlands, Riverfront, and Golden Triangle. Rapid development is taking place there, with new plans for construction and homes in the works. In Curtis Park and Highlands, we’re seeing a resurgence of renovated historic houses. Apart from Golden Triangle, Baker, Regis, and City Park are also undergoing renovations.

Cherry Hills and Greenwood Village are among the affluent suburbs in south Denver. Cherry Creek, Centennial, Aurora, Englewood, and Littleton are the other suburbs. They all offer a good amount of open spaces and have low crime rates.. However, the biggest attraction for people relocating to Denver is Highlands Ranch, the largest planned community area in Denver. This neighborhood is situated between Arapahoe and Douglas counties. The community is a combination of suburban neighborhoods and rural sections and is a perfect spot for Denver homes for sale.

The suburbs of Lakewood and Westminster lie in the west of Denver. Here you will discover a mix of new construction mixed with with old homes. The nearby foothills have the suburbs of Morrison, Evergreen, and Conifer. These might be termed as mountain communities, with excellent views, golf courses, hiking trails, and gravel roads. The northern suburbs include Broomfield, Louisville, Boulder, and Lafayette, with housing and shopping possibilities. Yet another location with old and new structures abounding side by side is made up of the communities of Northglenn, Thornton, Commerce City, and Brighton.

So, the Denver real estate market provides a great place for home buyers and realtors alike.. Despite the slump in the economy and housing market, home sales in Denver continue to be amongst the strongest and most affordable in the nation.

There are many reasons Denver is attractive for potential buyers – whether it will serve as your vacation or primary home. The city boasts thriving local communities and an ethnically diverse population. Downtown Denver has an exceptional blend of restaurants, clubs, boutiques, galleries and more that keep the area vibrant and fun. The city made a commitment to maintain open space and they’ve done a great job with their impressive park system.

Denver-area home prices rose an average of 4.4 percent in April from April 2009, marking the sixth consecutive month of year-over-year gains, shows the closely watched S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices released today.

The 4.4 percent gain was the largest since the trend began in November 2009, when prices were up 0.5% from November 2008. Each month, the percentage gain has grown.

Still, the 4.4 percent was only good for eighth place of the 20 metropolitan statistical areas tracked by Case-Shiller, as other markets, which previously had shown greater losses than Denver, are now enjoying greater percentage gains. San Francisco showed the biggest gain, rising a whopping 18 percent from April 2009.

Click here to read more….

Downtown Denver Lofts Gain Appeal

Today’s homeowner desires a neighborhood that features aesthetically pleasing buildings in which to live. With a wide range of unique lofts and apartments to choose from, almost anybody can find something to fit their style. Loft-livers seek diversity from the prefabricated, manufactured, cookie-cutter homes that line the streets of their parents’ communities. However, as one hunts for Downtown Denver lofts as a new home, finding a distinct, special location may seem an overwhelming task.

Denver features numerous residential areas. Each area brings with it its own dynamic styles of lofts, houses, and apartments to dwell in.If you are planning to relocate to Denver, Colorado, the mile high city, you will need to find a great place to stay. Downtown Denver lofts offer the convenience of location for an easy trip to all the downtown businesses and create a sense of success when you overlook the skyline of the city and the bustling energy that is brings with it.

Downtown Denver lofts produce a charm and personality that no ordinary apartment ever could. Many lofts in downtown Denver can be found in great areas, only a walking distance from everything you need. The city is rich in diversity and culture, and each neighborhood provides its own unique settings.

It’s just a short taxi ride to any place in downtown Denver, from the art museums and shopping stores to the restaurants and business areas. The urban life brings with it an energy you cannot find in the suburbs; you’ll find no shortage of options for entertainment and enjoying the city life.

When you decide that downtown Denver lofts could be the option for your move, it’s important to discover the ideal location. Five of the most popular urban locations for downtown Denver lofts are listed below:

1. Lodo: Filled with the cities most popular bars and clubs and located in the lower part of downtown Denver.. Buildings here are historical, and it’s a close walk to Coors field.

2. Golden Triangle: This area has a strong cultural experience with the area surrounded by galleries and museums the Civic Center Park, and many fine art studios and coffee shops for artists to hang out and chat.

3. City Park Neighborhood: The Downtown Denver lofts found here are full of families and younger couples who love being so close to the Parks and the Zoo. You will see strollers out on a daily basis with young parents jogging behind them. A manmade lake, golf course, and bars filled with urban socialites make for a trendy place to start a family.

4. Riverfront: The downtown Denver lofts in this region are surrounded by the Aquarium, the Children’s Museum, and Elitch Park where amusement park rides are populated by laughing kiddies and also game rooms full of noises and action. You’ll find bike paths along the river and a ferry to take you across.

5. Highlands: A lot of the business elite resides in these downtown lofts.. The historically Victorian buildings and specialty boutiques line the streets. The perfectly manicured landscaping create a suburban feel while still offering up all the treats of the urban life. You can walk to many of the hip restaurants, shops and bistros from your downtown Denver lofts in this area as well as from many of the other locations mentioned above.

Although those places listed above include some of the hottest lofts, many more are sprouting up. A number of new real estate projects and historical building renovations have taken place at: Art House, 24 Walnut Townhomes, Observatory Place, Merchants Row, 14th and Lawrence, 450 Seventeenth Avenue, 2999 Lawrence, South Sherman Row, Lofts at Berkeley Park, Lombard Gate and 2929 Lawrence.

If you’ve looked at the above lofts, and still don’t think they suit you, consider these alternative lofts:

Observatory Place, Homes at 2200 University Boulevard, offers you luxury living just steps away from the University of Denver and minutes away from the excitement of either downtown Denver or Cherry Creek, Colorado.

At South Sherman Row you’ll find six brand-new town home-style units in the heart of West Washington Park. Completely renovated, modernized and expanded, this original 1901 gaslight building offers spacious two and three bedroom three-story living spaces outfitted with open floor plans, designer finishes, and state-of-the-art accents.

Lofts at Berkeley Park – This newer addition to NW Denver and the Highlands is a great opportunity for those who want to live close to downtown, but don’t want to pay LoDo prices. The building offers a true loft experience with open living spaces, high ceilings, wood floors and exposed beams and ductwork.

Despite where you decide to live in downtown Denver, a variety of lofts available will provide you with great access to the cities most exceptional, fun, and interesting areas.

Downtown Denver Lofts a Trendy Place to Live

For many looking to move to Denver, the many lofts available in downtown have become a popular place to call home. Lofts and condos must be unique, to suit the needs of unique personalities of people living in downtown Denver lofts. The new lofts in downtown Denver supply a welcome change from the typical apartment and feature unique design characteristics that aren’t found in many of the “cookie-cutter” type apartments and homes nearby. However, as one hunts for Downtown Denver lofts as a new home, finding a distinct, special location may seem an overwhelming task.

Denver contains many residential areas. Many such urban neighborhoods include unique architecture in its buildings, lofts, and condos that have their own unique charm and personality.If you are planning to relocate to Denver, Colorado, the mile high city, you will need to find a great place to stay. Downtown Denver lofts provide convenience of location for an easy trip to all the downtown businesses and create a feeling of achievement when you overlook the skyline of the city and the bustling energy that is brings with it.

Downtown Denver lofts provide a charm and character that no cookie-cutter apartment ever could. Many lofts in downtown denver are in great areas, only a walking distance from everything you need. You can step out your front door and find yourself in the middle of the action, immersed in the culture and diversity that the city has to offer.

The local museums, opera houses, art exhibits and shopping boutiques are all within a short walk or cab ride away. There’s an exciting urban nightlift in Denver that can’t be found in the suburbs; one that should be taken advantage of.

If you decide that downtown Denver lofts are the choice for your move, you need to find the ideal location. Five of the most popular urban locations for downtown Denver lofts are listed below:

Lodo Lofts: Filled with the cities most popular bars and clubs and located in the lower part of downtown Denver.. Buildings here are historical, and it’s a close walk to Coors field.

Golden Triangle: One of the more artsy areas in downtown Denver, it provides residents with a lot of culture, art studios, coffee shops and places for people to hang out, grab a coffee and chat.

City Park Neighborhood: The Downtown Denver lofts found here are attractive to those who have families and want to be closer to the parks and the Zoo.. You will see strollers out on a daily basis with young parents jogging behind them. A manmade lake, golf course, and bars filled with urban socialites make for a trendy place to start a family.

Riverfront: The downtown Denver lofts in this area are encompassed by the Aquarium, the Children’s Museum, and Elitch Park where amusement park rides are populated by laughing kiddies and also game rooms full of noises and action. You will find bike paths along the river and a ferry to take you across.

Highlands: Many of the business elite resides in these downtown lofts.. The historically Victorian buildings and specialty boutiques line the streets. Perfectly manicured landscapes create an almost suburban atmosphere, and it’s a safe location to live. However, you’re still near enough to the best dining places, night clubs, bistros, and stores from these downtown lofts.

Although those places listed above include some of the hottest lofts, many more are sprouting up. A number of new real estate projects and historical building renovations have taken place.: Art House, 24 Walnut Townhomes, Observatory Place, Merchants Row, 14th and Lawrence, 450 Seventeenth Avenue, 2999 Lawrence, South Sherman Row, Lofts at Berkeley Park, Lombard Gate and 2929 Lawrence.

You may also want to consider:

Observatory Place, Homes at 2200 University Boulevard, offers you luxury living just steps away from the University of Denver and minutes away from the excitement of either downtown Denver or Cherry Creek, Colorado.

South Sherman Row features six new townhouse style homes in the middle of West Washington Park.. These furnished lofts are modern and tastefully expanded upon an early 1900s building, and feature open floor plans and a modern flair.

Lofts at Berkeley Park – This newer addition to NW Denver and the Highlands is a great opportunity for those who want to live close to downtown, but don’t want to pay LoDo prices. The building offers a true loft experience with open living spaces, high ceilings, wood floors and exposed beams and ductwork.

Regardless of area you choose to live in, you’ll have the city life and city energy at your fingertips every day and every night.