Warm wishes for a Happy Valentine’s Day! We hope you celebrate it by doing all the things you love, and staying safe. Read on for  this month’s happenings and discover lifestyle tips curated just for you. – Just Sold – 6308 Jellison Way Alta Vista Area 4 Bed | 3 Bath 3285 South Akron Street […]

With 2020 behind us, it’s time to refresh, renew, and ring in the new year with style.  Here’s to a wonderful year ahead.  Read on for local events & discover the lifestyle tips curated just for you. Real Estate in the News The top housing markets heading into 2021Millions of Americans have embraced the work-from-home life. […]

WHAT MATTERS MOST – This is another difficult time in our collective history. Natural disasters, financial insecurities, and now a virus that is difficult to comprehend – how will it manifest in our individual lives and what will the economic and personal impact be for all of us? At a time when we need to […]

It has been four months since the Sultan Newman Group made the switch to Compass and thought it was time to share more information about the company and what lead us to make the switch. “The real estate industry is a $217 trillion-plus global asset class, yet it has been largely untouched by technology. Buying […]

We don’t often blow our own horn here, but some things are worth celebrating— and that includes our recent designation as the leading real estate franchise of 2018, by Entrepreneur magazine. More than 1,000 franchisors applied to be included in Entrepreneur’s annual Franchise 500 survey. Franchisees were evaluated on unit growth, financial strength, stability and brand power during 2018. […]

New River Mile development planned on Elitch Gardens site So long, Ferris wheel. Hello River Mile. With property values skyrocketing in central Denver, the owner of Elitch Gardens amusement park has announced that its thrill rides will eventually give way to high rises and associated amenities in a new neighborhood dubbed River Mile. Denver-based Revesco […]

Study shows the use of real estate agents highest in 18 years Despite the proliferation of apps and websites designed to help people buy and homes on their own, most people continue to choose traditional, in-person brokers. In fact, a new study shows that use of real estate agents is at its highest level since the […]

Denver International Airport earns accolades When it was first built, Denver International Airport (DIA) suffered so many operating glitches that it became the favorite go-to joke for late-night TV hosts. Now the joke is on them: The Wall Street Journal recently named DIA the best “big airport” in the country.  “Drawing from a survey of 4,800 readers […]

Shhhh. The newest trend in home decor is a secret! Can you keep a secret? Then you might be a candidate for the newest trend in home décor: secret doors. That’s right – those hidden passages once confined to mystery movies and novels have now made their way to the average home. According to the Washington Post, it’s all due to manufacturers offering ready-made doors disguised as bookshelves, mirrors and other options. “[A]s pre-built, ready-to-install doors become more widely available,” notes the Post, “people are adding them for aesthetics, for fun or maybe because they watched too much Scooby Doo.” The Post reports that three years ago Home Depot began offering online pre-hung bookcase-doors from Murphy Door in Utah. “It has become more of a trend than we expected,” Jeff Watchko, interior door buyer for the store told the Post. The development can be attributed in part to homeowners hoping to hide valuables in secret rooms. But concealed doors can also solve design issues. For example, in Nicole Buell’s small condo, the doors to her only bathroom were in her bedroom and living area. The door in the living area was taking up space she would have liked for pictures or bookcases. But removing the door and replacing it with a wall would have left the only entrance to the bathroom in her bedroom, making it awkward for guests. A bookcase that doubles as a door was the perfect fix. “With the help of her father,” notes the Post, “she constructed shelves and mounted them on the ball bearing hinges to create a bookcase that swings open to reveal the loo.” Some, however, admit they don’t care about practicalities. Sometimes, the $850 to $1,750 price tag just pays for fun. “We were redoing our master bathroom and closet, and I don’t know where I saw hidden doors,” Leigha Basini told the Post, but I was a big mystery reader as a child, and when I saw we could have a hidden door, I wanted one. It was probably three-quarters fun and one-quarter storage.” In all, it’s an exciting trend hiding in plain sight. But, remember: you didn’t hear it from us. If you need help finding any properties feel free to reach out to me directly! The  Colorado Broker, Joseph Newman REMAX of Cherry Creek Photo Copyright: Katy Belcher/Unsplash 

This November, I have joined the movement to help raise money and awareness for men’s health. Together we can make a difference for men’s health – in prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. HELP ME STOP MEN DYING TOO YOUNG. I have joined up with my buddy Eric Elkins and we put on a MOVEMBER Happy Hour at Interstate! $1 from each Horse’s Neck cocktail purchased was donated to the Movember Foundation, $40 in total. Put your money where you Mo is! Visit my page to donate. We still have more days to donate to reach our goal! https://mobro.co/13852872?mc=1 In the United State, 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. More from the MOVEMBER FOUNDATION THE MOVEMBER FOUNDATION Stopping men dying too young Our fathers, partners, brothers and friends face a health crisis that isn’t being talked about. Men are dying too young. We can’t afford to stay silent. THAT’S WHY WE’RE TAKING ACTION. We’re the leading charity changing the face of men’s health. We’re addressing some of the biggest health issues faced by men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention. We know what works for men, and how to find and fund the most innovative research to have both a global and local impact. We’re independent of government funding, so we can challenge the status quo and invest quicker in what works. In 15 years we’ve funded more than 1,200 men’s health projects around the world. By 2030 we’ll reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25%. Again, I really appreciate your support. Visit my page with the MOVEMBER Foundation. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! –Joseph Newman, The Colorado Broker.

6 Near-Genius Ways to Fool Burglars Into Thinking You’re Home Like telling your lights to turn on and off when you’re miles away. Your home: You love it, but unfortunately sometimes you have to leave it, especially around the holidays. Traveling in itself can be a huge stressor, doing a few little things before you leave can help keep your mind at ease. Whether it’s the eight hours a day or eight days with the in-laws in Kansas, allowing your biggest investment to fend for itself can be stressful. And it’s a legit concern; when your home looks empty, break-ins happen. A lot. Ugh. You could deter burglars by never leaving your house again. Or you could do the next best (OK, way better) thing, and just make it look like someone is there all the time. Here’s how. #1 Light Up a Room (From the Road) Your parents may still rely on their lighting timer — on at 8 p.m., off at 7 a.m. That old-fashioned option still works, but apps are more fun. They not only turn your lights on and off, but can do so randomly for a more realistic effect. And you can decide to flip on your porch light while sipping a mojito in Fiji. You can Google your options, but one affordable example is the Lutron Caséta Wireless system (about $80 for the device and $55 per switch). You replace your current wall switches with these wireless ones and “talk” to your lights from afar. #2 Fake a Netflix Binge Nothing says “we are definitely home” like the colorful glare of a television dancing in the window. Put the little FakeTV gizmo where it can project light onto a curtain, and that’s exactly what your home will say to passersby. The device (which runs between about $20 and $40 depending on size) plugs into an adapter and can either work on a timer or with a light sensor, so it can switch on when it gets dark. #3 Change Up Your Shades Remotely Leave your window shades down while you’re gone and you might as well put out a “Gone Fishin’” sign. Check out wireless options to throw some shade on the go. Several companies have systems — including Hunter Douglas PowerView, Pella Insynctive, and Lutron Serena — that allow shades to go up and down at your command for about $300 to $500 a window. #4 Make Some Noise Burglars can change plans in a hurry at the first sound of life inside a home — they’re a bit tetchy that way. So one option when you’re just gone for the day is a noise app, like Sleep And Noise Sounds that can play on a homebound phone, tablet, or computer. With noises like vacuuming and a boiling kettle, it can deter a thief who cracks open a window. #5 Make Them Ring And Run “Burglars will often ring your doorbell, and if no one answers, they’ll go around back and kick in the door,” says Deputy Michael Favata with the Monroe County Sheriff’s office in New York. Now you can answer the door with the Ring Video Doorbell ($180 for the basic model). If someone pushes the doorbell, you can talk to them through an app on your phone. Whether it’s your nosey neighbor or a sketchy stranger, you can say, “I’m in the basement” while you’re really on the slopes. They’ll never know. And even if they don’t believe you, they know they’re being watched (insert devilish laugh here). #6 Try a No-Tech Technique Not everything requires a gadget. Here are ways to up your home security without downloading a single app: Hire a house sitter. Then someone will be home. If there’s snow, have a neighbor walk up and down the path to your door, shovel a passage up to the garage door and drive in and out of the driveway. If it’s hot out, ask them to keep your plants looking fresh with regular waterings. And don’t forget to bring them a nice gift from your getaway. Ask friends, family, or neighbors to just be present on your property — use your patio, play in your yard, or bring in the mail. Invite a neighbor to keep a car parked in your driveway. During the holidays, they may be happy if they need overflow for visitors. Install a fake security camera for as low as $8. Burglars may not notice these fakes don’t have all the wiring necessary to be real. And their blinking red lights offer reasonable doubt. Get a dog. A real dog. While you’re at work or running errands, nothing deters bad guys and gals like a barking, slobbery security guard. And when you go away, having a pet sitter stay can be as economical as some boarding facilities (especially if you have multiple dogs), and you’ll get the benefit of a human and canine sentinel. Many of you probably already know these home hacks, but it is always nice to have a quick little refresher! If you need any suggestions for home security don’t hesitate to reach out. Hope you have a safe and Happy Holidays! – Your Colorado Broker, Joseph Newman   House Logic  

Design tricks to make tiny bathrooms look bigger It’s fun to look at magazine pictures of gleaming bathrooms the size of airplane hangars. But if you’re like most homeowners, your washroom can barely fit a sink and toilet, let alone a Learjet. How can you make the most of those rooms? There’s plenty you can do—from choosing the right color palette to employing visual tricks—to make even the smallest space look magazine-worthy. Here are some suggestions from Houzz: Choose white on white: White tile, white paint, and a white vanity can do wonders for visually enlarging a space. “This noncolor-color naturally recedes, making the space look bigger,” notes Houzz. Use varying textures to keep the design from appearing monotonous. Install a floating vanity: This choice allows for storage beneath the sink, while also giving the bathroom an airy look. Additionally, “in a very small space, having more room to plant your feet can make a big difference,” notes Houzz. Go minimal: Don’t choose the largest vanity possible. A smaller vanity will “make the area feel less stuffed and thus roomier.” Replace a shower curtain with glass: This makes the entire square footage of the room visible, opening things up considerably. Houzz also suggests homeowners consider replacing the bathtub with a shower stall. “They are easier to get in and out of, and removing the tub eliminates a lot of bulk that eats up precious room.” Use bright lighting: Consider multiple light sources in different locations. This will brighten the room and eliminate shadows that close in the space. If you need any contacts for contractors to aide you in your home renovations please feel free to reach out to me directly. I am always available to you as a resource. The Colorado Broker ReMax of Cherry Creek Photo Copyright: Chastity Cortijo on Unsplash

School Districts are More Important to Denver Home Buyers than other Amenities We all know home buyers desire high-performing school districts. But what are they willing to sacrifice for this priority? Plenty, according to a recent survey by Realtor.com. The survey found that 78% of home buyers place a good school district above other amenities. “School districts are an area where many buyers aren’t willing to compromise,” Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale noted of the survey’s findings, as reported by CBS MarketWatch. “For many buyers, ‘location, location, location’ means ‘schools, schools, schools’.” According to MarketWatch, more than half of home buyers (59%) studied test scores to determine a school district’s quality. Others considered whether the school had a gifted and talented program (53%) and art and music education (49%). Among the amenities they were willing to sacrifice for great schools: a garage (19% were willing to let this go); updated kitchen (17%); number of hoped-for bedrooms (17%) and outdoor living space (16%). “Of course, buying in a good school district comes with a significant premium as well,” adds MarketWatch, which cites a 2016 Realtor.com study noting that homes in higher-rated school districts were 49% more expensive on average than the median-priced home nationwide. Reach out to me at The Colorado Broker and I would be happy to provide you with a school district map so you can see what district is right for your family.   ReMax of Cherry Creek Photo Copyright: Pan Xiaozhen / Unsplash.com

Computers can do home appraisals. But humans are better In our computer-oriented world, decisions driven by data and algorithms have become commonplace. This raises the question: Is there still a need for human input to get the right outcome? It’s a question many are asking regarding home appraisals. “With these [technological] advances, will computers inevitably replace appraisers when it comes to valuing homes?” asks John S. Brenan, director of appraisal issues for the Appraisal Foundation. He explored the idea in a recent Realtor Magazine article. Computer models, called automated valuation models (AVMs), are used by websites like Zillow, tax assessors, lenders and others. Most experts agree that AVMs have their place in today’s world. For example, they are useful in situations where the appraisal isn’t critical. Brenan offers the situation where a person owns a $2 million home free and clear and wants to take out a $50,000 line of credit. “I’d be irate” he notes, “…if I had to pay a large fee” for an appraisal. In this case, an AVM would work nicely and save the homeowner as much as $700 in appraisal fees. Computer algorithms also work well when evaluating average homes with no special variations. But few homes are “cookie cutter.”  AVM’s don’t consider whether the home is located on a busy street corner, if it has been updated or is in major disrepair, and so on. As Brenan writes: “[C]omputers don’t buy houses; people do. An AVM does a great job of analyzing tangible features, such as a property’s age, number of bedrooms and baths, square footage and lot size. However, a property’s overall appeal is something that has been, at least to date, extremely difficult to quantify.” Brenan notes that while AVMs can help appraisers in their valuations, the human element is still critical in most situations. “[U]nless and until AVMs can better emulate the human factor, an ethical and competent appraiser remains indispensable.” I have been in the industry for a long time and have established relationships with reputable appraisers in Denver throughout the years. Contact The Colorado Broker, Joseph Newman,  if you would like contact information for our trusted appraisers in the area. ReMax of Cherry Creek

You probably already know this about me but one of my favorite seasons in Colorado is upon us. Even though temperatures in Denver already feel more like winter we are still very excited for Colorado’s Fall Festivals! Also, if you are interested in buying or selling a home this fall don’t hesitate to reach out to me at TheColoradoBroker.com or email me at Joseph@theColoradoBroker.com John Denver Celebration Photo courtesy of JohnDenver.com When: Wednesday, October 10 – Monday, October 15 Where: Various locations, Aspen Cost: Free to $80 (depending on the event) The Lowdown: Singer-songwriter, John Denver’s last name isn’t actually ‘Denver,’ it is Deutschendorf. He changed his last name to make himself more marketable and chose Denver because Colorado was his favorite state. You may know his hit song “Rocky Mountain High,” boasting about the beauty of this state. To celebrate the musician, every year a John Denver Celebration is held in Aspen around this time, where fans gather together for a week of events. Festivities will include tribute bands, a gathering at the John Denver Sanctuary and stories of Denver told by his friend, Jim Salestrom. Telluride Horror Show Photo courtesy of Telluride Horror Show. When: Friday, October 12 – Sunday, October 14 Where: Various locations, Telluride Cost: $150 for three-day passes; $75 for six film tickets; $15 for individual film tickets. The Lowdown: Honestly, horror movies may be the best part about Halloween — so a film festival dedicated to the genre, with the bonus of being located in Telluride, naturally attracts scary movie fans from around the world. The Telluride Horror Show is a weekend full of film screenings with both new horror features and shorts from around the world including the US, Ireland, Japan, Austria and more. Most notably, commemorating the 30th anniversary of Killer Klowns from Outer Space will be a showing and a Q & A with director Stephen Chiodo. We can’t think of a better excuse to get out to Telluride. To see the full film lineup and more, check out our recent story. READ: Telluride Horror Show Adds More Films and a Scary Virtual Reality Experience Pumpkin Festival Photo courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens on Facebook. When: Friday, October 12 – Sunday, October 14, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton Cost: $10 per adult; $8 per child; Discounted advance and member pricing. The Lowdown: Just south in Littleton, the Botanic Gardens’ Chatfield Farms will soon be hosting its Pumpkin Festival — a full weekend of pumpkin picking and fall activities. This event is all about the kids with face painting, pony rides, photo booths, a mini-maze, bouncers and slides. Local craft booths, food and drink vendors, live music and horse-drawn hayrides will be available as well. This is the perfect fall day of fun for the family. Bloody Mary Festival Photo courtesy of Bloody Mary Liberation Party on Facebook. When: Saturday, October 13, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: EXDO Event Center, 1399 35th St., Denver Cost: $45 for general admission; buy tickets here.  The Lowdown: Are you a bloody mary aficionado? Well, we’ve got the festival for you. The Bloody Mary Festival will stop through Austin, San Francisco and here in Denver to fulfill your vodka and tomato juice dreams. It is ultimately a conquest to taste a variety of bloody marys from several restaurants in Denver and choose your favorite. Food trucks, food samples and live music will round out this event commemorating brunch’s most coveted drink. St. Dominic’s Oktoberfest Photo courtesy of St. Dominic’s Parish. When: Saturday, October 13, 2 to 8 p.m. Where: St. Dominic Catholic Church parking lot, 2905 Federal Blvd., Denver Cost: Free Admission The Lowdown: St. Dominic’s Oktoberfest held in the St. Dominic’s Parish parking lot, is essentially a brewery festival for the Highlands. The event will host seven micro-local breweries: Little Machine Beer, Zuni Street, Joyride Brewing, Blind Faith, De Steeg Brewing, Factotum Brewhouse and Diebolt. Three highlands food vendors have been announced so far and three Denver based bands will be playing live music throughout the day. Support local businesses and have a lovely beer drinking time. Pumpkins & Pilsners Festival Pumpkins and Pilsners. Photo courtesy of Families for Estes on Facebook. When: Saturday, October 13, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: Bond Park, 170 MacGregor Ave., Estes Park Cost: Free Admission The Lowdown: If you’re itching to get away, Estes Park is looking pretty good this time of year (as is all of Colorado), but still — it’s a nice fall getaway. The annual Pumpkins and Pilsners hosted by Families for Estes is a free fall festival, fun for kids and adults alike. Just like the name, it’s all about craft beer and picking pumpkins. For the kids, there will be a bounce house, games and crafts. All profits from the festival will go to the sponsor in order to support educational, family-friendly and recreational opportunities in Estes Park. Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival Photo courtesy of GoBreck.com When: Friday, October 19 – Sunday, October 21 Where: Various locations, Breckenridge Cost: $15 – $90 (depending on the event) The Lowdown: Breckenridge, if you haven’t been, is one of the coolest ski towns in Colorado and there is always something exciting going on. The Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival coming up is no exception. It will be hosted at Beaver Run Resort, where you can also book a room or condo to stay during the festival. The weekend will consist of cocktail workshops, a scavenger hunt and bar mix off, a guided tour of the town’s historic district and tastings. The main event is the Grand Tasting ‘Still on the Hill’ — admission provides craft spirit tastings, craft cocktails, artisanal snacks, people’s choice voting and live music. Giant Pumpkin Festival Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountain Giant Vegetable Growers on Facebook. When: Saturday, October 20, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Old Colorado City, 2324 W. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs Cost: Free The Lowdown: Charlie Brown’s: It’s the Great Pumpkin comes to mind with the mention of a giant pumpkin. Have a Charlie Brown moment this fall at the Giant Pumpkin Festival at Old Colorado City in Colorado Springs. The Rocky Mountain Giant Vegetable Growers (RMGVG) will be competing for the Biggest Pumpkin in Southern Colorado. In addition to browsing the large pumpkins, there will be a pumpkin patch for people and families to pick from. Kids can get their face painted or a balloon animal from a balloon artist. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween best. The area has tons of shopping and restaurants as well for you to enjoy before or after the event. Broadway Halloween Parade Photo courtesy of the Broadway Halloween Parade When: Saturday, October 20, 6 p.m. Where: Broadway from 5th Ave. to Alameda Ave., Denver Cost: Free  The Lowdown: Broadway is a very diverse area with all kinds of personalities and people roaming around, so what better place to have a crazy costumed Halloween Parade? In its second year, the Broadway Halloween Paradepresented by City Council, the Broadway Merchants Association and Lucky District 7 will take place two weekends before Halloween. The parade will travel down Broadway from 5th Avenue to Alameda. Decked out floats, marchers, bands and attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes. Close to the end of the parade, festival goers can march in the street with all of the floats and performers. READ: 15 Places to Enjoy Happy Hour on South Broadway Emma Crawford Coffin Races & Festival Photo courtesy of Manitou Springs Emma Crawford Coffin Races on Facebook. When: Saturday, October 27, 12 to 4 p.m. Where: Manitou Springs Cost: Free The Lowdown: Manitou Springs is having its 23rd annual festival about a woman, Emma Crawford, who came to the town in 1889. She arrived searching for a tuberculosis cure and fell in love with the town. Two years later, Crawford died and her wish was to be buried on the top of Red Mountain. In 1929, her coffin came racing down the side of the mountain and a few kids found the coffin and some of her remains. So the town made a coffin race and festival about this crazy story and legend of Manitou Springs. Watch racers and non-racers dressed up in their best spooky attire glide down the main thoroughfare of this gorgeous, old-timey town. Georgetown Loop Railroad – Oktoberfest Photo courtesy of Georgetown Loop Railroad and Mining Park. When: October 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28 Where: Georgetown Devil’s Gate Depot, 646 Loop Dr., Georgetown Cost: Prices vary; Tickets can be purchased here.  The Lowdown: The last three weekends in October you can experience a magical Oktoberfest train ride on the Georgetown Loop. All riders on these dates will receive a free Colorado microbrew tasting, root beers for the kids and a free bratwurst or hot dog. Nothing too fancy, just a great excuse to take a ride and witness the changing leaves. Glow at the Gardens Glow at the Gardens. Photo courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens. When: October 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 Where: Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver Cost: $10 – $18; buy tickets here.  The Lowdown: Experience Glow at the Gardens where the botanic gardens get all dressed up at night with luminaria-lined pathways, spooky displays and glowing pumpkins. Several pumpkin artists carved them up in their own way, making for a different sight everywhere you turn. Enjoy scary storytelling, pumpkin carving demos, glow in the dark cornhole, a Halloween trivia wheel, LED performers and tons more. Seasonal food and beverages will be available at both of the gardens’ cafes. You can either just enjoy the sights or take in part in one of the many activities. Halloween Events at the Denver Zoo Photo courtesy of the Denver Zoo. When: October 5 – 28  Where: The Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., Denver Cost: Prices vary; Member and non-member pricing.  The Lowdown: The Denver Zoo has several events planned for the Halloween season, starting this weekend. The Enchanted Hollows, a night walk experience for both kids and adults, will be held every weekend until Halloween. Guides will tell stories of the roots of Halloween on an eerie trail through the zoo. Boo at the Zoo is an all-day event (Oct 21, 22, 28 and 29) for kids to trick or treat and wear costumes with a unique view of the zoo during fall. And Taps and Tails is for the adults on Thursday nights in October to sip local beers and watch live music — you may as well dress up and laugh at each other, too. Pumpkin Nights Photo courtesy of Pumpkin Nights. When: October 17 – November 4 Where: Adams County Fairgrounds, 9755 Henderson Rd., Brighton Cost: Prices vary; buy tickets here.  The Lowdown: Want to pretend you live in the movie The Nightmare Before Christmas? Well, you’re in luck, the event Pumpkin Nights which has 3,000 hand-carved pumpkins and eight “Pumpkin Lands” will be coming to Denver for its first time. Each pumpkin land is themed one being the Hogwarts castle in Happy Potter. It is a half mile long walking path with insane pumpkin displays covered in crazy lights and decor. There will be pumpkin painting, pumpkin artist carving demos and fire dancers from the Spirit of Pumpkins fire show. Enjoy local food and beverages while you take in this dazzling, spooky pumpkin wonderland. READ: A Huge Halloween Festival is Coming to Denver With 3,000 Hand-Carved Pumpkins November Día de Los Muertos – Breckenridge Dia De Los Muertos. Photo courtesy of Breckenridge Creative Arts. When: Thursday, November 1 – Saturday, November 3 Where: Arts District, Various locations, Breckenridge Cost: Free workshops, exhibitions, activities and more.  The Lowdown: If you’re an art lover, this festival is for you. The Breckenridge Dia de Los Muertos will be a weekend full of activities, starting with an opening party featuring a five-piece salsa band playing at the ‘Ofrenda’ exhibit at Old Masonic Hall. It will also have a free buffet, with a cash bar. Events include five exhibitions + performances, four folk art workshops and several activities and talks. Whether you want to make a Catrina skull doll, get your face painted or participate in a flash mob — your creative senses are sure to be pleased. Día de Los Muertos Celebration – First Friday Art Walk Photo courtesy of Art District on Santa Fe on Facebook. When: Friday, November 2, 4 to 9:30 p.m. Where: Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe, Santa Fe Dr., Denver Cost: Free The Lowdown: If you’ve never experienced first Fridays on Santa Fe, it’s a time when all of the galleries on the strip between 7th and 9th avenues come alive on the first Friday evening of the month. The first Friday of November will be a celebration of Dia de Los Muertos in the Santa Fe Arts District. Face decoration stations will be positioned throughout the Arts District starting at 4 p.m. Dress in Catrina attire and join in on the parade starting at 7 p.m. There will be a costume contest as well. If you don’t want to dress up, just come to enjoy the sights and celebrations. 10th Annual Pumpkin Smash Festival Photo courtesy of Scraps-to-Soil, Neighborhood Compost Club on Facebook. When: Saturday, November 3, 12 to 4 p.m. Where: Idaho Springs baseball fields, 101 Idaho Springs Rd., Idaho Springs Cost: Free with a signed ticket; Details here.  The Lowdown: The folks at Scraps-to-Soil, a composting collective in Idaho Springs, have a unique way of disposing of pumpkins after Halloween. The 10th annual Pumpkin Smash takes place at Shelly/Quinn Fields in town, where people bring their pumpkins and pulverize them into pieces using Louisville Sluggers and slingshots. There will also be food vendors, beer, a pumpkin pinata, pumpkin bowling, face painting and more. This is a great opportunity for kids and adults alike, to learn about composting all while smashing pumpkins. Día de Los Muertos Celebration – Botanic Gardens Photo courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens. When: Saturday, November 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver Cost: Free Gardens and Event Admission The Lowdown: It’s not often that you can get into the Botanic Gardens for free, so its Dia de Los Muertos celebrationis the perfect excuse to see the gardens and take in part in this 3,000-year-old Mexican celebration of the dead. Costumes are encouraged and featured activities include live art demonstrations, Lucha Libre, face painting, children’s crafts and more. Some activities will be dependent on the weather. A market (El Mercado) will showcase artist vendors from Colorado sharing their Dia de Los Muertos original art. Traditional altars and shrines for deceased loved ones will be arranged throughout, making for a colorful beautiful way to celebrate the dead. Vintage Market Days Photo courtesy of Vintage Market Days of Colorado Springs on Facebook. When: Friday, November 16 – Sunday, November 18 Where: Norris Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd., Colorado Springs Cost: $5 per person; Free admission for kids 12 and under.  The Lowdown: ‘Bringing the vintage experience to you.’ Vintage Market Days is an event that began in Tulsa in 2011 but has since grown to eight locations and five states. It is a gathering of vendors selling antiques and re-purposed and handmade items. Food vendors, artists, gardeners and chefs also showcase their products and talent. Vendors include Stella Ella Vintage Dress, Inglenook Soaps & Co., Rusted Rabbit and more. Venture to Colorado Springs next month for some fall decor and attire — and perhaps a few Christmas presents. I would love to hear about your experiences at these festivals, if you go to one and have a great experience, please let me know! 303Magazine.com  

Market Insights for Fall 2018 Housing inventory increases to the highest level in four years giving homebuyers more selection and signaling increased days on market and a slowdown in the rate of price growth. Is this the time to sit on the sidelines waiting for the market to turn? With interest rates expected to go to 5.1 percent in 2019 and forecasted appreciation softening but continuing to remain strong at 5.6 percent year over year in Denver, the cost of waiting is significant. Don’t fall into the trap of rumors about the Denver Real Estate market. Contact me directly and I will help guide you through the buying or selling process. A $425,000 home today will cost an estimated $23,800 more in purchase price in one year and $286 more a month in your mortgage payment – that’s a 13 percent increase or cost for waiting a year. With that being said, don’t wait to purchase until next year. The time to buy is now. Contact me directly to get the buying process start. I have an excellent team backing me that will make sure home buying is as seamless as possible. Quick Stats: Average active listings for August is 17,020 (1985-2017). Record high August was 2006 with 31,664 listings and 2016 represented the record low with 7,327 listings. August 2018 had 8,228 active listings. The 20-year average change in active listings from July to August is a .16 percent decrease. 2018 represents an increase of 7.65 percent. This is the highest percentage increase ever recorded. DMAR Market Insights If you have any real estate questions or needs please feel free to reach out to me directly at Joseph@thecoloradobroker.com.  

Good news for employees with moving expenses! Last year’s tax reform law, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Act), eliminated the rules allowing individuals to exclude from taxable income amounts an employer pays for some job-related moving expenses, except for certain active-duty members of the armed forces. Additionally, job-related moving expenses paid for by the individual and reimbursed by an employer are taxable. This change applies for tax years 2018 through 2025. (The Act terminates by its terms after 2025, assuming there is no extension.) The IRS has now indicated an employer can directly pay or reimburse an employee’s qualified moving expenses in 2018 if the expenses were incurred prior to Jan. 1, 2018. In other words, in determining whether employer-paid moving expenses are nontaxable, the IRS will look to the date the expenses are incurred, not when the amounts are paid or reimbursed by the employer. What were the rules prior to 2018? Prior to the change made by the Act, an employer could pay or reimburse tax-free an employee’s qualified moving expenses. No dollar limits applied to the amount of moving expenses that could be reimbursed tax-free (subject to the amounts being reasonable), no nondiscrimination rules applied under the tax code and the moving expense program was not subject to ERISA. Lockton comment: Any amounts not paid or reimbursed by the employer could be deducted when the employee filed his federal tax return. IRS Publication 521 provides the details on the parameters of tax-qualified moving expenses incurred before Jan. 1, 2018. Qualified expenses were those incurred for moving household goods and personal effects to a new residence, including related travel expenses but not meals. For moves outside the US (foreign moves), qualified expenses include moving personal effects in and out of storage. For employment-related moves, the employee’s new workplace had to be at least 50 miles farther from their former home than the old job location was from the former home. If there was no previous workplace, the new job location must have been at least 50 miles from their old home. Example: Joe moved to new home less than 50 miles from his former home because he changed employers. Joe’s old job location was 3 miles from his former home. Joe’s new job location is 60 miles from that home. Because his new job location is 57 miles farther from his former home than the distance from his former home to his previous job location, Joe meets this distance test and could have been reimbursed tax-free for his moving expenses, assuming he meets other requirements spelled out in IRS Publication 521. New tax law changes the rules The Act disallowed the tax-favored treatment of moving expenses beginning in 2018. However, the law was not clear whether the change applied based on when the moving expenses were incurred by the employee or paid (or reimbursed) by an employer. Based on the new IRS guidance, both of the following would be tax-free to the employee: An employer directly pays a third-party moving service after Dec. 31, 2017, for moving services provided to an individual prior to Jan. 1, 2018. An employer reimburses an individual after Dec. 31, 2017, for expenses incurred in connection with a move by the individual prior to Jan. 1, 2018. If an employer treated the payments or reimbursements noted above as taxable to the employee and withheld taxes, it can use the IRS-sanctioned adjustment process or refund claims process to correct the overpayment. The employer will want to make any such corrections prior to the issuance of the employee’s W-2 in early 2019. If you happen to be moving to the Denver area and are in need of a real estate agent, feel free to contact me directly The Colorado Broker Locktonbenefitsblog.com

Winter’s Coming: Time to Prepare There’s a chill in the air and, along with it, that nagging feeling that home maintenance chores await. While it’s tempting to procrastinate, now is the time to attend to your home, winterizing before the cold sets in. Your to-do list should include these duties: Clean gutters: Now is the time to remove leaves and other debris that have fallen into your gutters. This will help ensure good drainage after snowstorms, when melting occurs. Clean the chimney: If you haven’t done recently, hire a professional to rout out soot, creosote and other dangerous elements that accumulate on the inside of the chimney. It’s also advisable to place a screen on top of the chimney to keep out rodents and other creatures. Have your furnace inspected: It’s important to have an HVAC professional check the furnace for any malfunctions. Also, be sure to change the filters and keep new ones handy for monthly replacement during the winter months. Be sure you know where your water main is located. This will speed your reaction time in the case of freezing pipes and other emergencies. Also, drain garden hoses and put them in storage for the winter. Check the foundation around the house: Clear away any debris and vegetation from the house’s foundation so that you can spot any cracks or entry holes. If you find some, be sure to seal them off to keep animals from entering your home as the cold sets in. Caulk gaps in siding, windows or doors: This will keep the cold wind from blowing through your living room—and help you save on energy bills.

Homeowners Required to Pay for Sidewalk Repairs In some parts of Denver, a stroll down a leafy block can be one part scenic, one part obstacle course. With so many sidewalks in terrible disrepair, a wrong step can send someone tumbling. As a result, the city has turned to a rule that has long been on the books but rarely enforced—one that makes Denver homeowners responsible for keeping the sidewalks near their properties well-maintained and, if necessary, repairing them at their own cost. Since summer, officials have begun sending city workers out to inspect sidewalks and to notify homeowners of their duties to repair any gaps, cracks or other deficiencies that could interfere with the ease of walking down a street. “We’re a growing city and we’re trying to give people other options to get around town,” Denver Public Works spokeswoman Nancy Kuhn told CBS4. “This program is addressing those hazardous sidewalks and making it easier to get around.” Most repairs will cost less than $1,000, notes CBS4. Homeowners are required to fix sidewalks within 45 days of receiving notice. If the job doesn’t get done in that timeframe, the city will fix it—and bill the homeowner. This year, the Neighborhood Sidewalk Program is focusing on central Denver, with other regions to get attention in following years. If you’ve received notice that your sidewalk is in disrepair, don’t choose someone to fix it randomly. Call us for referrals and we’ll happily guide you to trusted professionals. http://www.TheColoradoBroker.com   ReMax of Cherry Creek Blog

Are you making these decorating mistakes? Here’s how to fix them You’ve tried your best to make every room in the house shine, yet somehow you keep missing the mark. If only you could afford to hire a design professional. But there’s no reason to despair. Many decorating mistakes are easily fixed—and without the investment of a $200/hour designer. Recently the website Houzz listed common design mistakes and offered easy-to-follow ways to fix them. Here are four tips to improve the look of your home: Declutter your shelves. “Putting every ornament you own on open shelves often leads to a distracting mishmash of nondescript items,” notes Houzz. The website suggests taking every item off the shelf and categorizing each as   “beautiful, interesting or out.” Place anything in the latter category in a “no” pile. Then, once the sorting process is over, study what’s left with an eye toward showing every item in its best light. For instance, “[y]ou might want to paint the back of the shelves to emphasize lovely shapes and colors among your chosen collection,” Houzz suggests. Brighten up a white kitchen: White kitchens are popular these days, but without the right approach, they can seem bland and sterile. Houzz suggests displaying kitchenware to add interest. For example, “Hang great-looking saucepans from wall hooks, leave a stack of pretty dishes out on display or set a bowl filled with fruits or veggies on the counter.” Also, brighten select spots with flowers, small colorful appliances, and so on. Take care when hanging art: Homeowners often make the mistake of hanging art too high, says Houzz. Aim for the picture’s center point to be at eye level when hung in places where people stand. Aim lower in places where people will be seated. If in doubt, hire a professional to help; this is one area where it’s worth the investment. Create a focal point: When you walk into your rooms, do you find it hard to know where to rest your eyes? If so, chances are, you’ve neglected to designate  a central item of interest. When planning a room, start with a focal point—a stunning piece of art or furniture, a mirror, a rug. Then arrange the rest of your décor to complement it. If you like what you already have, pick one item to be the focal point and rearrange your furniture to direct attention to that item.   Photo Copyright: Unsplash ReMax of Cherry Creek