Bamboo Floors..A “Green” hardwood floor alternative.

In today’s Denver Real Estate market “Green” is Great!  A “Green” alternative to hardwood flooring is “Bamboo.”  Bamboo flooring is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice to hardwood floors.  Bamboo is not wood it is actually a grass that is durable and long-lasting.  Bamboo replenishes itself quickly when cut for material use which is why it is such a great “Green” flooring alternative.  Bamboo flooring comes in many different colors, sizes, and patterns just like hardwood floors do so you can mix and match to find your unique style and fit.  Of course when investing in Bamboo floors it pays to do your homework about the Bamboo itself.  Bamboo grows in a moist climate so when purchasing these floors in such a dry climate like Denver there are things to consider.  Ask the manufacturer about the age of the bamboo, because as bamboo ages the more time it has to acclimate and it becomes less risky for you to have problems.  A common problem that could happen if you don’t do your homework is that gaps may occur in the appearance of your floors as it dries out and shifts.  Also if you are trying to be as eco-friendly as you can, be sure to ask about the treatment of the bamboo as some manufacturers cut corners by using cheap finishes that dent, scratch, & omit horrible toxins into the atmosphere when applying them to the bamboo that defeats the action of “Going Green” and result in a less than satisfactory finish.

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When There Is Blood In The Streets…

It seems today, that everywhere you turn, everybody is talking about how bad the Denver Colorado real estate market is. I recall a similar time during the tech bubble of the late 90’s when everybody was talking about how great the stock market was. It was just after the most recent stock pick advice I had received from the bag boy at the local grocery store that the tech bubble burst, and most speculative investors lost their fortunes and early retirement dreams almost overnight. This was a great lesson in contrarian thinking. I believe the same holds true for today’s greater Denver Colorado real estate market. If you notice, every day the news reports have something negative to say. In fact I recently overheard a negative comment being made from a bag boy at my local Safeway grocery store, in regards to the current real estate environment. This to me signals the true bottom of our real estate trend. With interest rates holding at 30 year lows along with great inventory choices and heavily slashed prices, now is an ideal time for longer term investors and primary residence seekers to jump into the buying game with both feet. This however is not the time for quick fix n’ flips but rather longer term holding strategy. With high gas and food prices, a weak dollar along with a more than likely bad recession on the horizon, the housing market will not rebound overnight. I believe that we still have up to 2 more years of a relatively flat market before the trend line goes up again. If you recall the last Colorado real estate foreclosure bloodbath of the 80’s, due to the oil shale bust, it only took about 5 years before we were off to the races again, with huge gains continuing well into the late 90’s. Those who purchased during the collapse did quite well on their investments within a 10 year period. Real estate is not a typical get rich quick game, but if you are willing to hold long term (5-20+ years) there is probably no better investment that an individual can make. The super rich all have one thing in common and that is a large portion of their wealth is in the form of real estate holdings in their portfolio. So if you are on the fence about investing long term in today’s market, dare to separate yourself from the “sheeple” (with their negative herd mentality) and buy, buy, buy…and of course HOLD!! Call ReLogic today to see how we can turn this negative press into positive results 303-551-9000

Buy Low, Sell High!

Aside from the bad publicity in the media about the real estate market in general, one only has to look at the numbers and apply some common sense. The Denver Real Estate market has seen a downturn in property values the last 18 months. That’s the bad news. The good news is that statistically we are “mirroring” almost exactly what has happened to us in the past. Back in the late 80’s, we hit a 3 year valley of real estate values. We are about 18 months in, which means that we are as low as we probably will go (maybe another ½ percent). About the fall of next year we should see home values resume their historical growth. What does this mean?

For sellers, if you don’t have to sell, then it is better to wait a few years. If you need or want to move on to another home, consider renting your home for a few years. This will allow you not lose all the equity (if any) in your home, while building your overall investment portfolio. Plus if you have lived in the home as a primary residence for 2 out of the last 5 years before you sell it, you will not have a capital gains tax.

For buyers, it is one of the best times ever to buy a home. Inventory is high, prices are low and interest rates are awesome. Ever heard the phrase “the best time to buy something is when it is on sale!” or “Buy low and sell high”. People seem to grasp this concept when they see it at Wal-Mart or when their looking at their stock portfolio. But the same principle applies to real estate. You make money in real estate when you buy, not when you sell. Confused? It simple means if you buy when prices are low you maximize your future value.

Historically, real estate is the best investment you can make. But understand the market and manage your risk. If you need to sell, account for buyer’s market condition. If you want to buy…it doesn’t get any better.

Lawns are turning Green…You can too!

It is spring time and lawns and parks are “Going Green” all around the Denver metro area.  There are ways that you can “Go Green” too that will help you save on ever rising energy costs as well as help you get top dollar on your investment when selling your home.Today we have energy efficient appliances, windows, heating/cooling systems, solar panels, and wind powered electricity that can help us save money and capitalize on our Denver Colorado sunshine and wind.  You can call excel energy if they are your energy provider to receive wind powered electricity if applicable in your area!

earth-pic.jpgThere are other simple ways to “Go Green” and save if upgrading is out of your reach at the moment.  For example, hanging your clothes out to dry, hand washing dishes, and keeping your lights off when you are not using them.  Use cold water when washing your clothes so you don’t have to heat up more when you are finished.  Always be sure to have a clean furnace filter and back up filter on hand so your furnace is running as efficiently as possible.“Going Green” is not a fad, it is here to stay.  Anything you can do to “Go Green” helps, weather upgrading your home, or hanging your clothes out to dry…you’ll be making a difference in your energy bills and the world. 

“Reduce My Commission” Myth

I have to admit I was one of those typical Denver Real Estate agents that would be offended, if not insulted, if anyone asked me to “reduce my commission” to sell their home. After all this is my profession, my vocation, my passion, my…well you get the idea. And there is no way I was going to work for less than I deserve to sell your home. Maybe this argument sounds familiar…

“…Of course I will not reduce my commission. How would you feel if your boss came to you and told you he wanted you to do the same amount of work, the same amount of time for 1/3 of the pay? You wouldn’t do it and neither will I!”

Blah, blah, blah… This is the standard answer that a real estate agent will give you if you ask that question. He/she has to. It is engrained into their psyche ever since they were baby real estate agents. I think they had to memorize that answer to even get into a Tom Hopkins seminar! I know this for a fact because that was the answer I used to use. And it was effective.
But I have seen the light…

One only has to look at the United Auto Workers or grocery store cashiers as examples to see why this philosophy is antiquated and is quite frankly anti-capitalistic.

The UAW fought (and is still fighting) the use of machinery and computers to build cars. Their argument… “it takes jobs away from hard working red blooded Americans” or “ the pride and craftsmanship I put into each bolt that I turn cannot be matched by a machine”…you get the idea, right?

I, for years, would only buy American cars because I believed that we should do everything to keep the money into the hands of the American workers, even if it meant paying more for an equal or lesser product. Its American made and darn it I am an American!

Now flash over to Japan in the mid eighties. W Edward Deming’s went over to Japan after WWII and taught the principles of Quality Control. The Japanese embraced these concepts and took it to a whole new level. They realized that computers and machines could produce the same results more quickly, more consistently and at a cheaper price. The quality of their products was superior and they were able to produce the cars more efficiently, which turned into more profit for their companies.

The American car buying public realized that better quality (even if it was a few dollars more expensive) was more cost effective in the long run, and began buying Japanese cars as soon as they hit the coast. This forced the Big 3 to lay off workers (who were demanding higher wages, better health care, better grass on the kid’s soccer fields, etc…) and close plants. The Big 3 and the UAW were forced to embrace these concepts, change their thinking and the way they do business. I am proud to say that American cars are being produced much better now and that their quality is no longer even an issue.

Now I feel for the UAW workers and their families but this automation was inevitable and necessary, because consumers and their demands drive the market place. If a product can be made or delivered to them with equal or better quality, and is cheaper, then it doesn’t take a doctorate in economics to figure out what consumers are going to buy.

Go into any King Soopers or Safeway and you see this happening right before your eyes as well. The self checkout stands are always packed (I prefer to use them myself). The management realized that 1 clerk can run 6 checkout stands. This saves them tons of man-hours and helps them stay profitable even with less than 1% margins. The grocery buying public forced this to occur because the competition from Wal-Mart and Target caused them to deliver the same or better product, cheaper.

So how does this natural trend apply to Real Estate?

Smart listing agents should spend most of their time and effort marketing their listings intelligently (80% of all home buyers use the internet for research when buying a home, according to the NAR). This means using the internet for the bulk of your marketing, not running ads, for example, in home magazines that no one reads anymore.

Look. There is only one real reason a house sells…if it is priced right. Priced to high, the property sits. No matter whom you go with to list your home, no flashy yard sign, or fancy acronym after their name will really do anything to sell your house faster. Every agent will post your listing on the MLS, use a lock box, put up a yard sign, make fancy brochures, hold open houses (well most do) and tell other agents about your home.

But with the onset of the internet the second most important marketing tool after the right price, is the posting on the MLS. This opens up your listing to everyone in the world, but more importantly, your listing is exposed to the huge percentage of buyers who are going online to look for homes.

Now any additional internet marketing can be expensive, but with competition with online services being highly competitive, you can get more exposure per dollar than we used to be able to get through magazines.

The bottom line is that in the Denver Real Estate market, ReLogic can deliver the same services as the top 5% of real estate agents, but do it more efficiently, effectively, and for a lower price. So typical listing agents need to realize that there are companies out there that have changed their thinking, revamped their business model, and streamlined their costs to provide the consumer with a better product at a cheaper price (sound familiar to Detroit?).

So if we go back to the earlier argument about a boss asking you to cut your pay, what he (or the client) is saying is… “There are other companies out there that are delivering the same or similar types of services for a lot less money. So if you don’t change your business model or lower your costs then you will not have a job anymore”.

So don’t be offended. It is inevitability in any business, and real estate is no exception. If you don’t change, the world and the industry will change around you.

High Rise news in Downtown Denver

The downtown Denver CO real estate market is changing and evolving into a world-class place to live right before our very eyes!
I recently attended a broker open for 1401 Lawrence, a new 52-story, $165 million luxury condo high rise in the heart of downtown Denver. The Great Gulf Group of Toronto has outdone itself with this project. Even the sales center is impressive with 5000 total square feet including a 2600 square foot model home and numerous touch screen televisions that help you to pick out your perfect home with the perfect view. This project is sure to be an amazing addition to the Denver real estate market.
Now travel directly across Lawrence Street to the new sales office for the much-anticipated Four Seasons Hotel which will include 230 hotel rooms and 102 condominiums that are sure to draw the most savvy, exclusive Buyers in the Denver real estate market. The tower will bring a new 45-story addition to the Denver skyline breaking ground this summer.
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If you’re looking for a more budget-conscious lifestyle (in terms of real estate,that is) then the Spire is the way to go. These new lofts will continue to change the Denver skyline with 42 new stories of loft-style living. Pricing for this project will start in the $200K’s, a veritable bargain considering the current Denver real estate prices. The project has yet to break ground but watch for it!

Google Maps Street View

Has anyone seen the new google maps streetview??? So cool! It essentially gives people the ability to “visit” a neighborhood or see the curb appeal of a house without leaving the comfort of their own home! There are a couple sites that have already integrated this API within their sites, and I plan on having our team at ReLogic start working on this very soon as well.
Check out the street view of where our office is located at 4601 DTC Blvd, Denver, CO 80237.

View Larger Map
This is really going to put us a step ahead of the competition for Denver, CO real estate when we get this API fulled embedded in our site. It won’t be long either!!!
In the meantime, you can do to google maps and play around.
Have fun and happy house hunting.

A Great Testimonial From 4/11/2008

Here is the latest testimonial from another happy ReLogic client that i wanted to share with everybody.

“The rebate concept was skeptical for me at first, but after Eric explained the process I felt I had a better understanding. Throughout the long process of contracts, amend/extends, inspections, resolutions, rebating and the HUD, Eric worked hard to keep this moving forward. He pretty much did all the work for all parties and James and I want to thank him for making this process as smooth as possible. He was always available, had answers and just on top of things. It’s been quite an experience and I honestly think Eric did all the work…for lender, listing agent, sellers etc”.

Thanks Eric!

Martha Little

ReLogic Buyer Testimonial 4-9-08

Check out this great testimonial I received today at a closing from some very satisfied clients!

ReLogic is a new agency in the Denver area which rebates you a ton of money at the closing, basically paying you their broker’s commission if you do the legwork and search for a place online. Their agents, Adam Cox and Eric Shaw, are fresh, savvy and eager to help, but since they don’t work on commission, they’re not at all pushy. These days, all a regular agent will do is give you a bunch of online searches anyway, or maybe waste your time showing you the bottom of the barrel, and then collect an obscene amount of money for his trouble. (I know; that happened to me with my last home purchase.) ReLogic is full service: they’ll show you the place, help you negotiate, take care of all the paperwork. I even asked Adam to preview a place for me because I was looking from another state, and he happily checked it out and even emailed me some cell phone video of the backyard! He is personable, knowledgeable and sharp as a tack (but everyone there is great). Most importantly, he is honest, a rare thing in real estate sales. If you’re looking to throw thousands of dollars into the toilet AND waste a lot of time, call your mom’s agent. But if you’re willing to spend a little time and effort, you will be rewarded! $$       

Melanie and Daniel    

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Riverfront Park

Since I live in Riverfront Park, I thought it only fitting to write my first blog about this Lower Downtown Denver area.

I like to refer to Riverfront Park as a city within a city because of the never-ending community feeling you get when you’re here not to mention the shops, restaurants and parks all located right in the heart of Downtown Denver.

You know you’re in Riverfront Park when you cross the Millennium Bridge-your walkway to the other side of the tracks. Literally. Once you cross over the railroad tracks into Riverfront Park, you’re in another world.

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A world where dogs rule. So much that a foundation has been started to open an off-leash dog park in the neighborhood called The Railyard Dogs.

A world where you’ll find an array of interesting and eclectic residents exercising, shopping and hob knobbing with their friends at places like Zengo and McLoughlin’s.

This neighborhood is set amidst the beauty of the South Platte River (the “river” in Riverfront Park) and Commons Park. East West Partners, the developer of the project, has found true magic in combining the best of city living and the beauty of the surrounding nature that every Coloradoan has in his heart.

This little “city within a city” has turned Denver real estate on its toes, breaking records and hearts with it’s opening of Glass House. Only a lucky few hopefuls were able to purchase condos in the house made of glass with views to the ends of the earth. The units sold out in record time leaving thousands of home-buying wannabes in its wake.

I’m one of the lucky few who call this one-of-a-kind neighborhood home. I’m anxious to see the development still to take place—the Union Station Redevelopment Plan will bring a whole new feeling to the Denver real estate community. New high rises and townhomes promise to bring a new generation of interesting and eclectic residents to experience the life and live the dream here in Riverfront Park.

ReLogic - The Smart Way to Buy and Sell Homes