Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO - perryandco.comPerry & Co. Broker Associate Shelley Bryant was interviewed on 1/18/10.

How many years have you been in real estate?
8.5 years.

How long have you lived in Denver?
33 years.

What was your background before you got into real estate?
I was in corporate product marketing, strategic pricing, and sales management.

How does your level of experience benefit your clients?
I work with many corporate executives so I understand the culture they are in.

What organizations do you volunteer for?
I volunteer at the Denver Dumb Friends League.

Do you have any Realtor designations? If so, how do they benefit your clients?
Yes, I am a Certified Relocation Specialist or CRS.  My extended real estate education has given me additional tools to better assist my clients.

How do you differentiate yourself from other Realtors? What makes your personal services unique?
I don’t take on more than a reasonable number of clients so as to provide them the best service.  I believe in a strong marketing plan. I take the time upfront to understand my clients specific needs whether they are selling a home, or purchasing one.

What sets Perry & Co. apart from other real estate companies?
Perry & Co. has a boutique feeling and two retail storefront locations, combined with agents with an average of over 10 years of real estate experiece.

What are your favorite hobbies?
Walking, hiking, skiing, swimming, spending time with my pets, playing the piano, singing, and traveling.

What neighborhood(s) do you know particularly well?
Heritage Hills in Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Castle Pines, Greenwood Village, parts of Aurora, Cherry Creek, Stonegate, and Boulder.

What area(s) of real estate would you say you are your area(s) of expertise?
Luxury homes.

Describe your typical day showing property?
Setting the area and properties ahead of time.  Showing about 5 to 8 properties to see at the most so the client does not get confused with the properties.

How many listings do you have at any time? And what kind of support do you have to handle your business?
Five to ten. We are fortunate to receive great support at Perry and Co.

Tell me about your last transaction?
The buyer was moving from Canada and his home value had dropped over $300,000 so he was expecting the same price drop in the $1,000,000 price range in Colorado but sellers here were not necessarily dropping that much.  We had to make a few offers before he became more realistic and settled on the right home.  Also, because he was moving from another country; it involved a more detailed process with the move, transferring money through relocation, and all the other hurdles involved with an international transfer.

What technologies would you say you are proficient in?
Microsoft Outlook, the Internet, and I’m working on my social media skills now.

What modes of communication do you prefer to use to connect with your clients? Face to face, phone, direct mail and email.

Tell me a little bit about your family, and the neighborhood you live in?
My husband and I recently moved to a patio home in the DTC from a large luxury home in Lone Tree.  There is a mix in our current neighborhood of empty nesters, and professionals.

Have you received any Awards, or Honors, recently?
I was a Sterling Award recepient for Coldwell Banker in 2009. Other previous awards include President’ s Circle and Diamond Award.

Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO - perryandco.comTo what single thing, or person, would you attribute your success in real estate to?
My marketing background really assisted me in hitting the ground running when I started in real estate.  Also I try to be patient and listen to my clients needs.

Learn more about Shelley Bryant, and see her current listings, by clicking here.


Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO - perryandco.comPerry & Co. Broker Associate Nicole Ridley was interviewed on 12/28/09.

How many years have you been in real estate?
5

How long have you lived in Denver?
15 years plus 4 during college (University of Colorado Boulder).

What was your background before you got into real estate?
I designed and managed restaurants.

How does your level of experience benefit your clients?
I have a high attention to detail, am dedicated to customer satisfaction, and fiercely loyal.

What organizations do you volunteer for? Or, do you sit on any outside boards or committees?
Delta Gamma Sorority, Bow Mar Garden Club, PTO for Wilder Elementary, and PTO for Goddard Middle School.

What makes your personal services unique?
Passion for what I do. High level of customer service, dedication to finding the perfect home, research and knowledge of the different areas in and around Metro Denver, and I try to be at each showing for my sellers.

What sets Perry & Co. apart from other real estate companies?
Perry & Co. cares about their brokers and clients, the company is unpretentious and genuine.

What are your favorite hobbies?
Skiing, biking, swimming, running, anything outdoors and in the sun

What neighborhood(s) do you know particularly well?
Bow Mar, Bow Mar South, Columbine Valley, Grant Ranch, Littleton, Denver Country Club, Cherry Hills, Wash Park, and Observatory Park.

What area(s) of real estate would you say you are your area(s) of expertise?
Luxury homes and first-time homebuyers.

Describe your typical day showing property?
I do a lot of research beforehand on schools, locations, even drive the area to acquaint myself.  I research the criteria of my buyers needs and wants. Set the showings allowing plenty of time, if my buyers are unfamiliar with the area I make a pretty broad scope of style, location, price, etc. keeping within the guidelines of size. Typically the first round is to narrow down the search and criteria.  The second trip out hones in on the client’s specific needs.  I’m fortunate that I can take the necessary time to find the perfect home.  I’m never in a greater hurry than my buyers.

How many listings do you have at any time? And what kind of support do you have to handle your business?
I used to take a maximum of 6 listings, now that I’ve partnered with Kristi Lucas we are able to handle more listings – but no more than 12 at any given time.

Tell me about your last transaction?
Each transaction is different, each has its challenges and each teaches me a bit more about real estate and makes me a better agent. They all need persistant attention and follow up.

What technologies would you say you are proficient in?
I’m pretty impressed with all technologies – from airplanes to cell phone technology and computers.  I’d say I’m pretty tech savvy.  I’m always curious and impressed by how proficient my daughters are. 

What modes of communication do you prefer to use to connect with your clients? I let my clients dictate the means of communication.  Each generation seems to have their preference and comfort level but it all varies. Sometimes I’m surprised by who prefers texting, and who wants emails.

Tell us a little bit about your family, and the neighborhood you live in?
Bow Mar… it’s a pretty special neighborhood. I could write a book… started in the mid 1950’s by Lloyd King of King Soopers.  212 homes on predominately one acre sites, ranch style homes, mature landscaping. The community is a little bit of a throw-back – kids outside playing, neighbors genuinely care about each other and help out during times of need, neighbors are an extended family.  Garden Clubs help beautify the neighborhood.  Dads sit around the firepit during Scotch and Cigar club meetings.  Our community revolves around the lake..now that it’s winter the lake has frozen and we ice skate in the cove, hockey games seem to be going on early in the am and late into the night.  In summer, the lake is a flurry of activity with lifeguards from Memorial Day to Labor Day sun up to sun down.  Children swim in the lake, jump off docks and play for hours on the water tramp.  Adults love to “swim the bouys” for exercise – it’s a mile in circumference. Concerts and events are organized throughout the year.  Pretty idyllic…  we moved here 12 years ago and my children won’t live anywhere else.

Have you received any Awards, or Honors, recently?
Rookie of the Year in 2005 at my former company Fuller Sotheby’s.

Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO - perryandco.comTo what single thing, or person, would you attribute your success in real estate to?
My family for their continued support and encouragement. My husband who never stops believing in me.  My daughters who are ever curious, love checking out homes with me and intrigued by what I do. My neighbors and friends for choosing me as their realtor and the realtor they recommend to their friends.

Learn more about Nicole Ridley, and see her current listings, by clicking here.


Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO - perryandco.comPerry & Co. Broker Associate Kristi Lucas was interviewed on 12/28/09.

How many years have you been in real estate?
3 years.

How long have you lived in Denver?
15 years.

What was your background before you got into real estate?
I was a Flight Attendant.  And I have extensive experience in design, staging, building and renovation.

How does your level of experience benefit your clients?
I have a strong background of customer service.

What organizations do you volunteer for?
Through my own church and the Mile High United Way.

What makes your personal services unique?
Very high level of service.  Experience in design and building give me a stronger knowledge base which benefits my clients.

What sets Perry & Co. apart from other real estate companies?
Perry & Co. is a boutique firm, strong sense of community and customer service.  Perry & Co. offers a higher level of support for real estate brokers and their clients.

What are your favorite hobbies?
Gardening, design, scuba diving, and skiing.

What neighborhood(s) do you know particularly well?
Columbine Valley, Bow Mar, Polo Reserve, Coventry, Columbine Country Club, Pinehurst Country Club, and Highlands Ranch.

What area(s) of real estate would you say you are your area(s) of expertise?
First-time home buyers, and especially relocation clients because I relocated here with my family a couple of years ago and I understand first-hand the emotions and complexities of such a move. I researched all the different areas and school systems and really have a lot to offer relocation clients.

Describe your typical day showing property?
I always preview the properties beforehand, map out the route, bring snacks, drinks and plan a fun spot to break for lunch.

How many listings do you have at any time? And what kind of support do you have to handle your business?
I like to have several listings at one time. I find you have more access to buyers who are active in the marketplace that way and all of my sellers benefit. My partner Nicole Ridley and I both work full-time so we have plenty of time to service our sellers.

Tell me about your last transaction?
I had buyers relocating from Portland with two small children. I found them a short sale property in Highlands Ranch after showing them many different areas. The closing went smooth and on-time on Dec 21st. I am now helping them with paint, carpet, changing locks and cleaning prior to their arrival, so everything will be set when they arrive on Jan 9th. They are extremely happy clients.

What technologies would you say you are proficient in?
I am proficient in most common technologies.

What modes of communication do you prefer to use to connect with your clients? I prefer email.

Tell us a little bit about your family, and the neighborhood you live in? 
Married 15 years. Son Otto is 12 yrs old. Daughter Faith is 11 years old. We live in Bow Mar and love it. We are very happy with Littleton Public Schools.

Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO - perryandco.comTo what single thing, or person, would you attribute your success in real estate to?
My passion for houses – especially all aspects of renovation and design – coupled with my previous intensive training in customer service.

Learn more about Kristi Lucas, and see her current listings, by clicking here.


The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country that can provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, short sales and credit issues.

If you are currently undergoing a Homeowner’s Loan Modification Program, chances are your lender will require you to contact a HUD Approved Counseling Agency at some point during the process.  Regardless, a financial counseling agency can be an inexpensive and valuable resource to anyone comtemplating buying or selling a home.

Here is a list of HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies in Colorado provided by Denver’s Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals:

CITY OF AURORA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION      
Phone: 303-739-7900
Fax: 303-739-7925
Email: aormsby@auroragov.org
Website: www.ci.aurora.co.us
9898 E. Colfax Ave.
Aurora, Colorado 80010
- Spanish

BOULDER COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY      
Phone: 720-564-2279
Fax: 303-441-1537
Email: hcinfo@bouldercounty.org
Website: www.bouldercountyhc.org
2525 13th Street #204
Boulder, Colorado 80304
- Spanish

UPPER ARKANSAS AREA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS        
Phone: 719-269-7687
Fax: 719-275-2907
Email: housing@uaacog.com
Website: www.uaacog.com
3224 Independence Road
P.O. Box 510
Canon City, Colorado 81212       
- ASL - English

CCCS OF GREATER DALLAS – COLORADO SPRINGS   
Phone: 719-576-0909
Tollfree: 800-798-3328
Fax: 719-576-3756
Email: info@cccs.net
Website: www.cccs.net
1233 Lake Plaza Dr., Suite A
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906-3555
- English Only

CCCS OF GREATER DALLAS – COLORADO SPRINGS NORTH   
Phone: 719-598-2227
Tollfree: 800-249-2227
Fax: 719-598-7850
Email: info@cccs.net
Website: www.cccs.net
5265 N. Academy Blvd., Suite 1000
Colorado
Springs, Colorado 80918
          
- English Only

ADAMS COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY          
Phone: 303-227-2075
Fax: 303-227-2098
Email: ttrucker@achaco.com
Website: www.adamscountyhousing.com
7190 Colorado Blvd 6th Floor
Commerce City, Colorado 80022-1812    
- Spanish - French

BROTHERS REDEVELOPMENT, INC.   
Phone: 303-202-6340-4204
Tollfree: 877-601-4673
Fax: 303-274-1314
Email: Shannon@brothersredevelopment.org
Website: www.brothersredevelopment.org
2250 Eaton St Garden Level
Denver, Colorado 80214-1210
- English - Spanish

CCCS OF GREATER DENVER, A DIVISION OF MMI      
Phone: 303-632-2227
Tollfree: 800-473-2227
Email: jeanine.lipka@moneymanagement.org
Website: www.moneymanagement.org
10065 East Harvard Ave., Ste. 210
Denver, Colorado 80231 
- English

COLORADO HOUSING ASSISTANCE CORPORATION  
Phone: 303-572-9445
Fax: 303-573-9214
Email: michelle@coloradohousingassistance.org
Website: www.coloradohousingassistance.org
670 Santa Fe Drive
Denver, Colorado 80204 
- Spanish

DEL NORTE NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (NDC) 
Phone: 303-477-4774
Tollfree: 800-659-2656
Fax: 303-433-0924
Email: mkelly@delnortendc.org
Website: www.delnortendc.org
2926 Zuni Street, Suite 202
Denver, Colorado 80211 
- English - Spanish 

DENVER HOUSING AUTHORITY
Phone: 303-623-1735-223
Fax: 720-932-3006
Email: rnicol@denverhousing.org
777 Grant Street
Denver, Colorado 80203 
- English - Spanish - Vietnamese

HOPE COMMUNITIES  
Phone: 303-860-7747
Fax: 303-860-1914
2543 California Street
Denver, Colorado 80205 
- English Only

NACA (NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE CORPORATION OF AMERICA)
Phone: 303-694-5437
Tollfree: 888-297-5568
Email: ncalvo@naca.com
Website: www.naca.com
3515 S. Tamarac Dr. Suite 350
Denver, Colorado 80237 
- English

NEWSED CDC 
Phone: 303-534-8342
Fax: 303-534-7418
Email: lthompson@newsed.org
Website: www.newsed.org
901 West Tenth Avenue Suite 2A
Denver, Colorado 80204 
- Spanish

NORTHEAST DENVER HOUSING CENTER        
Phone: 303-377-3334-227
Fax: 303-377-3327
Email: tsmith111@nedenverhousing.org
Website: www.nedenverhousing.org
1735 Gaylord St
Denver, Colorado 80206-1208     
- Spanish

ROCKY MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES      
Phone: 303-863-8651-105
Fax: 303-997-1897
Email: lewism@rmmha.com
Website: www.rockymountaincommunities.org
225 East 16th Avenue Suite 1060
Denver, Colorado 80203 
- Spanish

ROCKY MOUNTAIN MUTUAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION
Phone: 303-863-8651
Fax: 303-863-8806
Email: lewism@rmmha.org
Website: www.rmmha.org

225 E. 16th Avenue Suite 1060
Denver, Colorado 80203-1614     
- English

SOUTHWEST IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL
Phone: 303-934-0923
Fax: 303-934-0035
Email: janswic@hotmail.com
Website: www.swic-denver.org
1000 South Lowell Blvd.
Denver, Colorado 80219-3339
- Chinese Mandarin - Spanish - Vietnamese

HOUSING SOLUTIONS FOR THE SOUTHWEST           
Phone: 970-259-1086-10
Fax: 970-259-2037
Email: tmiller@swhousingsolutions.com
Website: www.swhousingsolutions.com
295 Girard St
Durango, Colorado 81303           
- Spanish

CCCS OF NORTHERN COLORADO & SE WYOMING     
Phone: 970-229-0695
Tollfree: 800-424-2227
Fax: 970-229-0721
Email: general@cccsnc.org
Website: www.cccsnc.org
1247 Riverside Avenue
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524-3258          
- Spanish

NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR       
Phone: 970-484-7498
Fax: 970-488-2355
Email: contact@n2n.org
Website: www.n2n.org
1550 Blue Spruce Drive
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524      
- Spanish

CCCS OF GREATER DENVER, A DIVISION OF MMI      
Phone: 970-242-2000
Tollfree: 800-473-2227
Email: jeanine.lipka@moneymanagement.org
Website: www.moneymanagement.org
225 N. 5th Street, Ste. 820
Grand Junction, Colorado 81501 
- English

GRAND JUNCTION HOUSING AUTHORITY       
Phone: 970-245-0388
Fax: 970-254-8347
Email: acase@gjha.org
1011 North 10th Street
Grand Junction, Colorado 81501 
- English - Spanish

HOUSING RESOURCES OF WESTERN COLORADO (HRWC)    
Phone: 970-241-2871 x116
Fax: 970-245-4853
Email:jonl@housingresourceswc.org
Website: www.housingresourceswc.org
524 30 Road, Suite 3
Grand Junction,, Colorado 81504
- English - Spanish

DOUGLAS COUNTY HOUSING PARTNERSHIP
Phone: 303-784-7857
Fax: 303-814-2966
Email: tanderso@douglas.co.us
Website: www.douglascountyhousingpartnership.org
9350 Heritage Hills Circle
Lone Tree, Colorado 80124
- English


This informative video from www.makinghomeaffordable.gov talks about all of the options available to someone who is currently spending more than 31% of their pre-tax income on their monthly home mortgage payment.

For many homeowners a Loan Modification will be the best option all the way around. Click here to find out if you may be eligible. But before contacting your lender you will need to assemble the following documents:

After getting this all together visit www.makinghomeaffordable.gov, which will provide you with detailed information about these programs along with self-assessment tools and calculators to empower borrowers with the resources they need to determine whether they might be eligible for a modification or a refinance under the Administration’s TARP program.

It’s well worth the time to save your home.

In November 2009, the National Association of Realtors inacted the SFR Designation for Realtors.  SFR (Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource) Certified real estate agents are specially trained to be Resource Consultants to homeowners who may find themselves in jeopardy.  Three Perry & Co. agents have already been granted the SFR Designation, they are Eric Grauberger, Derek Rinetti & Jon Larrance.  Please don’t be afraid to call one of them, or any Perry & Co. agent, to learn about the options available to you for saving your home.

Additionally here is a great resource to check out: HouseLogic.com.


It’s that time of year that we all may have some extra time, between cyber-shopping trips, to do some quick and easy maintenance on our Windows XP machines.  These six simple steps can dramatically improve your computer’s operating speeds.  Depending on the frequency you do regular maintenance of this type the amount of time required to complete these steps will be shorter or longer than what I have stated.  I reccommend doing it on a monthly basis.

Step 1. Clean Up Your Outlook
Hint: Sort your Messages by From, Subject or Received before organizing/deleting messages.
     A. Move any items you need from Inbox, Sent Items & Deleted Items into Safety Folders
     B. Delete all but the last month’s worth in Sent Items Folder
Hint: A Shift+Delete will delete items permanently.
     C. Delete all but the last month’s worth in Deleted Items Folder

Step 2. Delete all but the last month’s worth in your Recycle Bin.

Step 3. Run Windows Update: Go to Start > Windows Update, or when in Internet Explorer got to Tools > Windows Update.  This process can takes several hours to complete if you have never Updated or just a few minutes.

Step 4. Run Disk Cleanup on your C: Drive: Go to Start > Programs > Accessories > Systems Tools > Disk Cleanup  This could take 15 minutes to do the calculating and up to an hour to do clean up depending on how often you run it.

Step 5. Run Disk Defragmenter on your C: Drive: Go to Start > Programs > Accessories > Systems Tools > Disk Defragmenter.  This could take up to an hour depending on how often you run it.

Step 6. Advanced: Remove Old/Unnecessary Programs: Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs

Written by Perry & Co. Vice President Jon Larrance.
Connect with Jon on Facebook | LinkedIn | WordPress | Trulia | Realtor.com | ActiveRain | Inman.
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Mission Statement:

To be the premiere boutique real estate company in Metro Denver by creating a unique customer experience, one which emphasizes extraordinary service.

 

Company Goals:

  • Provide accurate and up-to-date information, skilled analysis and sound real estate advice to our customers and our community.
  • Recruit, and retain, the best agents and staff in the industry – productive, enthusiastic, and hard-working.
  • To continually explore ways to improve the real estate experience through new ideas and technologies.
  • Maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to high productivity and positive energy.

pc0_pms_med_internet1“Global Realtor Screening” is a term that Perry & Co. coined recently which means that whether you, or someone you know, is moving from New York to Aspen, or to Maui or even Athens (Greece), we have the expertise and the connections to find you a reputable Realtor to help you buy, or sell, a home anywhere in the world.  Because of this, our agents often refer to themselves as “Global Realtors.”  This attitude reflects the view that all global economies are interconnected, and “Global Realtors” pride themselves on their knowledge of real estate markets worldwide.  In fact, Perry & Co has a Global Property Search built right into our website perryandco.com.  Through advances in telephone communications, as well as, online networking sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook, Perry & Co agents have formed relationships with trusted Realtors all over the planet. 

 

whoswho_logoThere is another key that facilitates Perry & Co’s interconnectedness, and that is our associations within the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate Board of Regents exclusive networks.  As stated in the earlier blog, Perry & Co = International Exposure, “Perry & Company works hard getting to know the other Regent companies personally, in order that we can refer a client moving to another city to them with the assurance that they will be treated with the same level of integrity and professionalism that we’ve built our own reputation on.”

 

We’re specialists in Metro Denver real estate, but when you are thinking about buying or selling property anywhere else in the world, let us introduce you to the specialist in your new destination – that’s Global Realtor Screening.

 

Written by Perry & Co Vice President Jon Larrance.


Perry & Co. Real Estate Professioanls, Denver, CO - perryandco.comThe business of real estate is changing rapidly.  Obviously the internet and the current global economic situation have had a huge impact on every business.  Consumers are much more informed, and, they can get the information they want at their leisure.  However, today’s online consumer is also inherently impatient – rightly so.  If you can’t deliver the service they desire in a timely manner (within minutes) than they will find someone who can.  Needless to say, they can find that other person in mere minutes.  Service today is defined by instant gratification. 

 

To that end, Perry & Co. established its “Internet Lead Team.”  Most real estate companies have a system for addressing internet leads but we think ours’ is unique.  Most of our competitors’ systems rely on handing the lead down an assigned chain.  Such that if the first person in the chain doesn’t respond in 10 minutes, the lead gets handed to the next person in line, and so on and so on.  When a lead comes though the Perry & Co. system, a text message gets sent to all the members of our Internet Lead Team.  The first respondent receives the lead.  On average, five agents respond to the lead notification text message within 30 seconds.  Thus the consumer is responded to regularly within two minutes of submitting a request.  This response comes from a licensed Perry & Co. real estate professional, not some third party virtual assistant who is contracted to incubate leads.

 

The Perry & Co. Internet Lead Team is committed to the following principles: To always have their email enabled SmartPhone on their persons, and to responding to any lead within minutes – no excuses. The Perry & Co. Internet Lead Team members are: Claire Averill, Carla Bartell, Dave Browning, Michele Brumelle, Brad Colburn, Gina Cornelison, Brooke Granville, Kim Hutchins, Corrie Lee, Katie Nicholson Millice, Tammy Phillips, Courtney Ranson, Mary Sullivan-Ridge & Peggy White.  The members of this team are specialists in utilizing the latest technologies available to today’s real estate professional.

 

Don’t misunderstand us, the business of real estate is still all about relationships.  But how people foster and cultivate those relationships has changed dramatically.  Rest assured that we recognize that behind every internet lead is a human being who is asking for service.  At Perry & Co. we are committed to providing a unique customer experience, one which emphasizes extraordinary service.

 

 

Written by Perry & Co Vice President Jon Larrance


5/12/09 – Another change to the First-time Buyer $8,000 Tax Credit – it can now be used as a downpayment!  Click here to see the Colorado Housing & Finance Authority’s JumpStart Fact Sheet on the details of using the Tax Credit as a downpayment in Colorado.

2/19/09 – American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 expands the first-time homebuyer credit to include purchases made before Dec. 1, 2009.  Click here to see The National Association of Realtors’ full breakdown of the 2009 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit


The IRS announced Feb. 25 that for first-time homebuyers who purchase in 2009, the maximum credit is $8,000 (with no payback) and can be claimed on a buyer’s 2008 federal tax return. 
The credit is claimed using Form 5405

Click here to learn more IRS Information Related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  Or here for an informative Alert Letter from Michael Bennet, Senator for Colorado, dated 3/23/09.

Seem confusing?  Click here for further explanation, or contact a Perry & Co. agent with questions of how you can benefit from the revised First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit.


Perry & Co. is on Facebook!Join us on Facebook.  Write a Review, start a Discussion, click through to your Favorite Agent, or just become a Fan.  We welcome your input and look forward to communicating with you through Facebook.

 

Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals on Facebook.


Perry & Co. is on Twitter!Follow Perry & Co. on Twitter.  Twitter is a service for friends, clients, and anyone interested in Denver real estate to stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: “What are you doing?”

 

Don’t worry, we won’t bother you tweeting about which brand of coffee we’re serving today in our hospitality room; instead we will keep our tweets relevant to what’s happening in Denver real estate, luxury real estate, what Our Agents are doing, and the real exciting things happening at Perry & Co.  (And if we should deviate from our Twitter mission please let us know that our bird has flown the coop.)


Article written for Perry & Co. by Matt Richfield

Communications Assistant, Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center

www.maacenter.org

 

As a new homeowner or potential seller, it is not likely that you are acquainted with the inner materials of a home. However, most buyers seek an updated home

inspection before closing on a new property. It is important to reassure buyers that the home is safe and does not contain any potential health hazards. These

inspections are critical to clearing hurdles down the road that may slow the sale of property.

 

One of the most common surprises new homeowners and sellers confront is

asbestos in older structures. Indeed, asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are now banned for use in the United States but many older buildings still contain these products, which are generally safe, but homeowners should be aware of where they and when they become hazardous.

 

Asbestos was included in thousands of construction products and still exist in nearly 80% of homes built prior to 1978. Common asbestos materials include attic insulation, ceiling tiles, and pipe lining. Asbestos was particularly adept at insulation and prevention of temperature transfer and was used extensively until adverse health effects began to manifest in those who worked with the material frequently. It is only when asbestos containing materials are compromised or very old that they become hazardous. Asbestos products under these conditions are rendered “friable.” Home inspection companies should be able to identify these circumstances and advise you on a course of action. When asbestos material is friable, asbestos fibers can be released into the air, potentially endangering those in the area. Inhaled asbestos fibers lodge in the body’s inner tissue and have been conclusively linked to the rare cancer, mesothelioma in addition to many other respiratory disorders. There are few options for mesothelioma treatment or curative therapies for other conditions caused by sustained asbestos exposures. Homeowners need to be aware of potential hazards that may exist so they may be able to avoid potentially harmful effects of hazardous asbestos.

 

Again, most asbestos containing materials will not pose an immediate hazard and an informed buyer will not be turned off by their presence if they’re reassured of their safety by a professional opinion. These simple precautions can be taken to assure that both sides know that they and their families will be happy and healthy in their new home.


Perry & Co - 2902 E 3rd Ave, Denver, CO 80206Would you rather shop at a boutique than a department store?  It’s a legitimate question, because I suppose there are some who love department stores – the haphazard  conglomeration of goods, smashed together on racks, difficult to look at and almost impossible to buy (as there is never help around!)  Well, it’s evident what my answer would be: boutique wins every time.  And, it’s not just because of its definition: “a small, fashionable retail shop.”  Very good boutiques are much more than simply small and fashionable: they are the accumulated knowledge of the shop owner who knows his or her customer so well that they can find exactly the right item for those customers when they’re ready to buy.  When I shop at a boutique, it saves me time, saves me trouble, makes me feel good and because of those three reasons gives me the best reason of all: saves me money in the long run. 

Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO - perryandco.comOk – so what does this have to do with a real estate company?  (Are you on to my analogy yet?)  At Perry & Co. we pride ourselves on being a boutique real estate company.  We fit the small definition for some, because we’re small, say, compared to the franchise operations, but we still have multiple offices in specialized locations to serve our agents, and their clients.  Dare I say we’re “fashionable”?  Yes, because there is no greater fashion statement than having a pristine reputation.  (Your mother may have told you this.  Well, she was right.)  Our reputation carries through 25 Years of Continuous Accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, as well as, being told by many, many colleagues how happy they are to know there’s a Perry & Co. agent on the other end of their deal.  Maintaining professional standards isn’t always easy at the “department store” level – as there simply aren’t enough people around to help.  With the same private ownership for over 37 years, and over 50 years of real estate experience at the management level, Perry & Co.’s  “boutique” owner and staff make sure that every question is answered, every issue dealt with, every problem aired and reviewed, every deal stamped with the approval of our clients.  Over 84% of all our business comes from past clients and referrals. 

Perry & Co - 8000 E Belleview Ave, Greenwood Village, CO 80111We’re feeling our boutique status acutely these days as several privately owned companies in Denver have been subsumed by larger entities, creating more “department stores”.  And, as everyone in the industry knows, but consumers may not, WE ALL HAVE THE SAME INVENTORY.  Yes, those shelves pretty much have the same goods.  Ok, so why shop with us?  Getting back to that department store – do you really want to go through floors and floors of goods and services, wandering aimlessly, wondering how to choose?  Wouldn’t you like to be treated to boutique service in a department store world?  When you work with an experienced agent, they can help you define your needs and your wants; help you identify where you’re going to be most comfortable by neighborhood, by school district, by commute, by any of a myriad of factors that are important to you, uniquely.  Our clients are a happy bunch; we know because they tell us

Perry & Co - 8000 E Belleview Ave, Greenwood Village, CO 80111I know, you’re still looking for a bargain, right?  Looking for the best discount? When department store real estate agents cut commission fees, believe me, they are cutting services too.  Do you not realize that when someone cuts their personnal commission they also need to cut their upfront marketing costs in order to maximize their return?  What’s the old adage?  You get what you pay for.  Do you want an inexperienced agent willing to cut fees just to get your listing in their portfolio?  Also if they’re willing to cut their pay without much of a fight with you, then they probably aren’t gonna be the strongest negotiator when the time comes to get you the best deal.  My guess is they’ll bend just as easily in order to get a deal done as quick as possible (saving them time and marketing expenses).  You need an experienced agent who can price your property to meet your time frame for moving, and get you top dollar for your investment.  Expert pricing advocacy and marketing services will help sell based on your needs and budget.  That’s boutique service that is priceless.  So, come on over.  Summer’s around the corner.  We’ve got some great new inventory to show you.  Come in and take a look – there’s a custom fit waiting for you.   


Written by Perry & Co Marketing Director Lorrie Grillo


This is Part 1 of 3 of A Real Estate Feng Shui Analysis.  Click here to jump to Part 2, or Part 3.

You’ve gotten the call and it goes something like this:  “We’re thinking about putting our house on the market to see what will happen.  We’re not sure if we really want to sell right now because of the market, but we want to know what it Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO - perryandco.comcould sell for.”  As a real estate agent, this is a call you love to get – an opportunity to work with new or former clients and show them your expertise at pricing, reviewing their home versus the competition, showing them your marketing savvy and implementation and your follow-up – and that’s all before you really go to work:  negotiating that sales contract.  But if they are sitting on the fence:  “We’ll sell if we can get our price,”  they might not really be ready to sell.  And, you could take a listing that may linger. 

Feng Shui PatioEvery real estate agent I know has their own determining factors on whether or not they want to take a listing.  One such factor you may not have thought of is a Feng Shui analysis with the homeowner.  Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese practice of object placement in an environment to change the energy of the space and ultimately of the people using the space; in this case, a Feng Shui analysis’ purpose is to create positive energy which leads to a home sale. 

The first step in this kind of analysis is for the Feng Shui practitioner to ask the sellers some questions about their goals for selling their home.  Are they looking for a quick sale so they can move before the start of the school year?  Will one person have to move first and settle somewhere else while other members of the family stay put until the house sells?  Are they downsizing or upsizing due Feng Shui Officeto family circumstances?  All of the answers will help the Feng Shui practitioner make recommendations that will help the sellers to reach their specific goals.

A most important aspect of a Feng Shui analysis with a seller is to ascertain their connectedness to their space and their willingness to say good-bye to the house as a whole, and/or to each room specifically.  This process – whether formal and vocal or informal and silent – is very personal and can be deeply moving for owners but it helps them to begin to see themselves in a new way:  as sellers of the home instead of its owners.  New owners will be invited and welcomed in as the space is cleared; the process begins with this good-bye.  It can be a very powerful experience for all family members. 

Feng Shui Family RoomA Feng Shui practitioner can give agents and sellers some guidelines for detaching from a home, but there aren’t any right ways of saying good-bye.  The process should feel natural and comfortable.  Some ideas include:

  • having each family member write a poem, sing a song or make a drawing about an experience of being in the home and sharing that with other family members
  • lighting candles and saying a blessing
  • inviting friends over for a farewell party, announcing your intention of leaving the space but maintaining your circle of friends.

Once the owners have said their good-byes, there are space-Perry & Co. Marketing Director Lorrie Grilloclearing measures and Feng Shui practices that will help potential buyers to feel welcomed into the space. 

See Part 2 of the Real Estate Feng Shui Analysis.  Or click here to skip to Part 3.


Written by Perry & Co. Marketing Director Lorrie Grillo.  Lorrie is a certified Practitioner of Essential Feng Shui, a designation of the Western School of Feng Shui in Solano Beach, California.


There is still some confusion over how the First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit works.  Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO - perryandco.comHopefully, this explanation will resolve many of the questions you have:

Who’s eligible for the tax credit?
First-time homebuyers who purchase a principle residence between April 9, 2008 and December 1, 2009 are eligible. If you (and your spouse, if married) have not owned your principle residence for a 3-year period before your purchase, and you have never taken advantage of the DC first-time homebuyer credit, you qualify as a first-time homebuyer.

Hoe does the tax credit work? 
Like all tax credits, it will directly reduce the total amount of taxes you owe. When you file your taxes, for the year you purchased your home (2008 or 2009), you will be able to subtract the amount of the credit from your Federal income tax liability, this will increase the size of your refund or reduce the amount you owe. For example, you file your ‘normal’ tax return and find that you owe $2,000 in taxes. With this credit, your tax liability could be lowered by $8,000 – which means, you instead get a $6,000 tax REFUND check from IRS. 

I still don’t understand how much of the tax credit I will get?
The tax credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of your home up to $8,000.  The full credit is available for single individuals whose adjusted gross income is less than $75,000. If your adjusted gross income is greater than $75,000 and your home purchase qualifies you for the full credit, the credit phases out according to the dollar amount (or percentage if less than $8,000) in the chart below.

First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit Phase Out For IndividualsFor married couples filing jointly, the credit begins to phase out at an adjusted gross income of $150,000. The dollar amounts in the chart below correspond to a phase out of the full tax credit (percentages are for credits less than $8,000). 
First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit Phase Out For Married Couples 
I’ve heard I have to repay the tax credit over time, is that still true?
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 made a big change to this tax credit by removing the repayment provision on homes purchased in 2009. Previously, the tax credit had a payback provision that made it similar to an interest free loan that would have been paid back in full over 15 years (or at the time of resale unless the home was sold at a loss). Now the repayment provision is gone from the updated credit, unless you sell your home within 3 years of purchase – the entire amount of the credit needs to be repaid if that is the case.

Still have more questions (most of us do)?  Please contact your Perry & Co. Agent for further explanation.
Click here for our earlier breakdown of the First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit.


Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO - perryandco.comThe following quotes have been used in the Perry & Co. Weekly Realtor Sales Meeting Agendas.  They are included in the weekly agenda in order to motivate company real estate agents and also illustrate the current economic situation in real estate.  They are presented together here in chronological order beginning January 6, 2009.

“If you want to be as successful as you dream to be, you need to be thinking about your goals all the time.” – Michael Phelps, Olympic Gold Medalist

Realtor Logo“There’s no better time than now to make the shift from doing ‘listing presentations’ to doing ‘listening consultations.’”Bernice Ross, Inman Real Estate News

“Success is the progressive realization of worthwhile, predetermined, personal goals.” – Paul J. Meyer, Entrepreneur

“If you believe you can, you probably can. If you believe you won’t, you most assuredly won’t. Belief is the ignition switch that gets you started.” – Denis Waitley

“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” – Abraham Lincoln

Member of Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate“You can no longer ignore the fact that 60% of today’s buyers were born after 1964. In fact, 54% of first-time home buyers are in the 25-to-34 age group.”Bernice Ross, Inman Real Estate News

“Being a great online networker is no substitute for being a knowledgeable professional. You have to know your business, know your market, and communicate effectively.” – Blanche Evans, Realtor Magazine

“The answer is always ‘No’ if you don’t ask for the sale.” – Patricia Fripp, sales trainer

“Focus on what works and be willing to declare what doesn’t work. Embrace change.” – Larry Kendall, Ninja Selling

Perry & Co is the exclusive Denver Regent of LuxuryRealEstate.comA child laughs an average of 300 times a day. An adult, 15. Let’s take a lesson from our children!R. Don Larrance, President, Perry & Co.

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” – Thomas Edison

“We have a ‘strategic’ plan. It’s called doing things.” – Herb Kelleher, former CEO Southwest Airlines

“Measuring ‘Return On Investment’ (ROI) is no longer an accurate way to gauge your marketing efforts. Instead, you must focus on your ‘Return On Time’ (ROT).”Bernice Ross, Inman Real Estate News

“Success isn’t a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire!” – Arnold H. Glasgow

“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.” – Conrad Hilton

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World“Your power is always in the present moment.” – Louise L. Hay

“You will never be the person you can be if pressure, tension and discipline are taken out of your life.” – Dr. James G. Bilkey

“It’s everybody’s business to navigate a tough economy.” – Microsoft TV commercial

“Through the years, I have learned there is no harm in charging oneself up with delusions between moments of valid inspiration.” – Steve Martin, comedian

“This may be the best time to buy a home that we’ve seen in this generation.” – Marilyn Lewis, MSN

“Listening to insightful, experienced advice takes all the fun out of screwing things up on your own.”Kaira Rouda, Author “Real You Incorporated”

Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO - perryandco.com“For those who like information over fluff, check out the Perry & Co Blog (yes, realtors are now better journalists than journalists).” – Channon, a DenverPost.com Reader

“When your thoughts become habits, they literally ‘pull’ you towards your goals.” – Larry Kendall, Ninja Selling

“Greatness isn’t just talent. It’s talent applied consistently.” – Gary Player, golf legend

“Safe is risky. If you acknowledge that you’ll never catch up by being the same, make a list of ways you can catch up by being different.”Seth Godin

“The more people you help, the more people will like you and trust you. What you’re really doing is educating people, that is, solving problems, thus . . ‘teaching sells’.” – Angela Brooks, Marketing Professional

“Your net worth is directly dependent upon your social network!”Brad Benson

“Create a custom social media marketing plan for your real estate business and commit to it. Schedule daily check-in times for maintaining your social profiles.” - Nicole Nicolay, MyTechOpinion.com

Leading Real Estate Companies of the WorldBuyers are very choosy right now, and only best of the best homes are selling. It’s better to spend money up front to properly condition the home than to provide
buyer incentives.”
– Pam O’Connor, CEO Leading Real Estate Companies of the World

“If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?” – John Wooden, UCLA Basketball Coach

Agents who are pessimistic about the future of our economy should work with sellers, optimists should work with buyers.” – David Abernathy, Waterfront Properties, FL

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily!” - Zig Ziglar

Realtor Logo“Our market dictates home prices – If 100 comparables sold last month the price goes up, if 100 were listed the price goes down. Supply and demand, it’s as simple as that.” – Diane Turton, Diane Turton Realtors, NJ

“I believe that one very positive effect of the challenges we have experienced over the last few years is that many real estate agents are recommitting to excellence in their work.” - Steve Harney

“There is no comparison between that which is lost by not succeeding and that which is lost by not trying.” – Francis Bacon

“Anyone can push a business card into someone’s hand, but unless you take the time to really talk to that person and connect with them, you might as well throw that business card away.” – Michelle Sandlin, John Daughtery Realtors, TX

Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO - perryandco.com“You do not merely want to be considered just the best of the best. You want to be considered the only one who do what you do.” - Jerry Garcia

“Buying real estate is no longer about making money – it’s about living where you want to live.” - Bob Starodoj, Mason Morse, Aspen

“When people ask me what the Return-On-Investment of social media is, I ask them what the ROI of their cell phone is.” - Eric Qualman, Author of Socialnomics

“Regardless of which social media platform you use, your ultimate goal is to engage in conversations that lead to online friendships or that produce followers for your real estate business.”Bernice Ross, Inman Real Estate News


(9/3: Now Denver is #10 on ForbesBest US Cities To Earn A Living List)
(Update 8/14: Forbes now calling Denver #7 in Best Cities For A Housing Recovery.)
(Update 8/4: Forbes also names Denver #10 on Best Cities For Working Mothers.)
(Update 7/28: CNBC ranks Colorado #3 on Top States For Business List.)

June 23, 2009:
Denver tops the list of Forbes‘ 2009 Best Cities for Real Estate Deals. 

Denver looking from City ParkDenver Colorado has topped this year’s Forbes real estate list for several reasons.  Denver had a Price Per Square Foot increase in March of 2009 to Feb. of 2009 of 5.7%. Total numbers of real estate transactions decreased from March 2008 by 8.4%. And 25% of the property sales occured within approximately 25% of the city’s ZIP codes. This means sales in various parts of the city were evenly distributed, showing proportionate movement. (The further a city deviates from the 25% mark, the less evenly distributed the market is in that city, and thus the lower that city ranks.)

Denver looking from Cramner ParkChristopher Cornell, an economist at Moody’s Economy.com says, “Denver scores very well in terms of being able to bring people into a stable housing market. It has better growth potential than most cities today.”Here’s a rundown of the Forbes’ Top 25 Best Cities for Real Estate Deals (click on link to see Forbes’ deciding factors):
Denver looking West from downtown1. Denver, CO
2. Phoenix, AZ
3. Boston, MA
4. San Diego, CA
5. Los Angeles, CA
6. St. Louis, MI
7. Tampa, FL
8. Philadelphia, PA
9. San Francisco, CA
10. Washington, DC
11. Chicago, IL
12. New York, NY
13. Atlanta, GA
14. Charlotte, NC
Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO - perryandco.com15. Sacramento, CA
16. Miami, FL
17. Milwaukee, WI
18. San Jose, CA
19. Jacksonville, FL
20. Minneapolis, MN
Member of Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate21. Columbus, OH
22. Detroit, MI
23. Seattle, WA
24. Cleveland, OH
25. Las Vegas, NV

Additionally, Cornell attributes Denver’s stability to its energy and technology industries that, “…aren’t likely to decline simultaneously.” Cornell also says, “Denver’s housing market didn’t grow as much as in other parts of the country over the last five years, thus ’little boom, little bust.’”

 

Written by Perry & Co Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO


Leading Real Estate Companies of the WorldDenver, CO – Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals has been selected to join Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (“LeadingRE”) as one of only two privately-held, locally-owned real estate companies representing the Denver metro area. 

The relationship as a LeadingRE Member Affiliate provides clients of Perry & Co. a world-wide network of real estate brokers and agents who can help sell their property, as well as, assist them in purchasing property elsewhere.  With nearly 700 companies representing 5,500 offices and 170,000 sales associates in 38 countries – Leading Real Estate Companies of the World lives up to its eponymous name. 

Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO - perryandco.com“We’re thrilled to be a part of this great network.  It’s a group of Davids competing against the Goliaths.  LeadingRE is first in sales compared to the top 500 residential firms in the nation, beating many well-known franchise operations such as Coldwell Banker, Re/Max, Keller Williams, and Sotheby’s.  This is the kind of clout we like to bring to our clients,” says R. Don Larrance, President, Perry & Co. 

RELOHomeSearch.comThe powerful online presence of LeadingRE – which all Perry & Co. properties will now be presented on – includes RELOHomeSearch.com, LeadingRE.com and an exclusive relationship with HGTV’s FrontDoor.com.  With roughly 87% of all home buyers starting their new home search on the Internet, having a branded presence in as many places as possible is the most important professional marketing activity an agent provides their clients.  Buyers can find their perfect home – wherever they choose to look – and sellers know they are getting their property in front of them regardless. 

The welcome we’ve received from across the nation from other members has been overwhelming; voicemails, emails, hand-written notes.  This is not just a network on paper; it’s clear this is a network of people.  We’ve made some new friends,” said Jon Larrance, Vice President of Perry & Co. on the response he received when LeadingRE announced the affiliation.  “As it turns out, we already know a lot of the member companies from our other global affiliations.”

Perry & Co - 2902 E 3rd Ave, Denver, CO 80206Perry & Co. Realtors® has been a local name in real estate since its establishment in 1971.  Originally central Denver real estate specialists, the company has expanded its horizons as the city has expanded its neighborhoods.  Perry & Co. has three metro-area offices in Cherry Creek, Cherry Creek North, and in Greenwood Village.  Many Perry & Co. agents are Top Producers acknowledged annually through the Denver Board of Realtors.  A real estate leader in corporate sponsorship, Perry & Co. has supported local schools, the Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Zoo, Kempe Foundation for Children, Central City Opera and the Four Mile Historic Park.  

According to real estate research source, RealTrends, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World had the highest number of sales units among the top 500 residential firms in the U.S. with 1.2 million transactions valued at nearly $370 billion annually.


Written by Perry & Co. Marketing Director Lorrie Grillo


Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO - perryandco.com

The following quotes have been used in the Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals Weekly Denver Realtor Sales Meeting Agendas. They are included in the weekly agenda in order to motivate company real estate agents and also illustrate the current economic situation in real estate. They are presented together here in chronological order beginning January 6, 2010.

“None of us is as smart as all of us.” Ken Blanchard

“Ask for help to jumpstart your business. It’s smart, not weak. Spend 10 minutes brainstorming who could give your business a boost. Now give that person a call!” Success Magazine

“Get in the habit of interviewing prospective buyers and sellers… Focus on discovering what is most important to the client rather than focusing on how great your services are.”Bernice Ross, Inman News

“Most art has nothing to do with oil paint or marble. Art is what we’re doing when we do our best work.”Seth Godin

“The single best thing you can to increase your business is to set up Prospecting for your past clients in PrimeAccess.”Jon Larrance & Lorrie Grillo 
 
 
“Everything we put on the Internet pretty much stays there forever. It is a good idea to take care with tweets, comments on blogs, and blog posts. They all go on our permanent record and usually we don’t get the chance to explain.”Teresa Boardman
 

Click here to read our Motivational Quotes of 2009.


The Metrolist Board of Directors finally approved a flat fee of $38 per month for Denver Metrolist real estate services, effective on March 1, 2010.

“This is a historic moment for Metrolist. Our customers have been asking for a flat fee for years, and now we are able to respond,” stated Pat Bybee, President and CEO.

Why now you ask?
Recent customer feedback surveys have indicated that users of PrimeAccess are not fully learning or adopting the new tools due to concerns about high timeshare bills.  Customers complain about having to “watch the clock” and feeling pressured to get in and out of the system in order to avoid being billed.

Responding to which services will be covered under the new rate Melissa Olson, MetroList’s Senior Manager of Marketing, stated, “The monthly $38 flat fee will be per Realtor Associate/Appraiser. This fee includes UNLIMITED use of PrimeAccess MLS and Public Records tools – no more timeshare!  We will also include IDX Professional services with the monthly flat fee, currently billed at $5/month. And, all of the other professional-grade tools such as Instanet (online forms and document management), ShowingAssist, Colorado FactFinder, Financial Calculators and more are included with the flat fee.”

What’s this mean for the consumer (the home buyer or seller)?
Bottom line… It means that your Denver Realtor will now be able to provide you with better service!


On Wednesday December 9, 2009, Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals of Denver, CO had their Annual Company Holiday Party at the Grant-Humphrey’s Mansion.  Roughly 80 people were in attendance that night including Perry & Co. Agents, Staff and significant others.  Here is a sampling of some of the Potluck dish recipes that made a hit that night:

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Don Larrance’s Luxury Eggnog
   
Click here for The Perry & Co. Spirited Holiday Eggnog Recipe

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Chuck Anderson’s Broccoli Salad
    4-5 Cups of Broccoli
   Clean and cut into small pieces
   1 Cup sunflower seeds-have to be shelled
   1 Cup golden raisins
   12 slices bacon (1 pound) crumbled
   1 medium red onion, just 1/4 to 1/2

   To make dressing – but don’t put on until 1-2 hours before serving
   ½ cup sugar
   1 cup mayo
   2 tablespoons vinegar

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Jan Hall’s Festive Layer Dip
   4 packets of cream cheese
   Parmesan cheese
   Jar of sun dried tomatoes in oil
   Jar of pesto
   Black olives

   Line a bowl with plastic wrap
   Mix cream cheese with parmesan cheese and layer some on the bottom
   Next layer the sun dried tomatoes
   Cream Cheese layer
   Then layer the pesto
   Cream cheese layer
   Layer the olives
   Cream cheese layer
   Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator over night

   When it’s time to serve, turn the mixture put side down on a plate and serve with crackers.

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Brad Benson’s Linzer Torte
   1/2 lb. butter (room temp.)
   1/2 lb. sugar 1 egg
   1 shot glass Kirsch (Brandy)
   1/2 lb. ground almonds (or hazelnuts or walnuts)
   1/2 lb. flour
   1 heaping Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa
   1 teaspoons Cinnamon
   1 packet Vanilla sugar (or ‘/2 to 1 teasp. vanilla)
   1 teaspoons ground cloves
   1 egg yolk
   1/2 jar red currant or raspberry jam (about 6 oz.)

   Mix butter, sugar and brandy with dough. Hook (or flat beater, or by hand) to make a smooth dough. Blend in nuts, flour, cocoa, cinnamon, vanilla and cloves. Refrigerate approx. one hour. Pat 2/3rds of dough into bottom of 9 to 10 inch greased Springform pan and about 1 inch high rim. (I try to roll out dough and then pat it into pan, or cover dough with foil or plastic wrap and pat into pan.) Take off foil or wrap and cover bottom with jam. Roll out remaining dough and cut out half moons with a water glass. Cover Torte with these cutouts making a trellis design. Whisk egg yolk with one teaspoon water and brush top of dough. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes.

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Sue Bickert’s Baked Artichoke Dip (makes about 2 1/2 cups)

1 cup Hellman’s or Best Food Mayonnaise
1 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup finely chopped onion

Stirred together in a medium bowl

One 13 3/4 ounce can artichoke hearts – drained well and finely chopped.

Stir into the cheese mixture along with:
One tablespoon fresh lemon juice or dry white wine   (I use lemon)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Scrape into a small baking dish or ovenproof crock

Sprinkle 3 Tablespoons dry bread crumbs  (I use more and I brown them in butter before I spread them over the dip) over the dip:

Bake at 300 until top is browned  – about 20 minutes – serve with crackers or toast or whatever you like

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Click here for the Perry & Co. 2009 Holiday Help List for lots more recipes and useful holiday information.


Created by Perry & Co. Vice President Jon Larrance, and his good friend Todd Heiserman, back in the late 1980’s, the “Gorbachev” is essentially a White Russian made with Eggnog.  

Jon & Todd named their holiday drink of good cheer after Mikhail Gorbachev who was serving at the time as the last head of state of the former USSR. The drink’s creators were compelled to honor Mr. Gorbachev with a drink because of Gorbachev’s generous introduction of glasnost, a system which gave new freedoms to the Russian people, including greater freedom of speech.  He was of course the country’s leader when the Berlin Wall came down.

Ingredients:

  • Stolichnaya Vodka (actually any Russian vodka will suffice)
  • Kahlua Coffee Liqueur
  • Eggnog
  • Rose’s Grenadine Syrup
  • Ground Nutmeg

Make your Gorbachev in a Highball glass filled high with ice.  Pour in 2 hefty shots of Vodka and 1 good shot of Kahlua over the ice.  Top off the glass with Eggnog (roughly 3 to 4 shots worth), stir to blend, and finish off with a tiny amount of Grenadine trying to imitate the birthmark on Mr. Gorbachev’s forehead.  Sprinkle Nutmeg freckles on top if so desired.

Some other popular, and simpler, Eggnog combinations include: Bourbon & Eggnog, Brandy & Eggnog, Rum & Eggnog, and the infamous Tequila & Eggnog (as ordered by a mystery patron in the 1980’s Rob Reiner classic film “The Sure Thing“).  However, if you want something even more complex try “The Perry & Co. Spirited Holiday Eggnog Recipe.”

But, if you love White Russians then you will really love the Gorbachev during the holiday season.  Try it out and leave us your best holiday drink story.


Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO - perryandco.com

The Perry & Co. Holiday Help Lists are back!  Everything you’ll need to know to have a great season is all right here (pass it along to all your holiday-stressed-out-host friends). 

· Holiday Movie Times

· Holiday Cocktails - Click here for Don Larrance’s Eggnog recipe.

· College Football Bowls Schedule

· Prime Rib Recipes

· Goose Recipes

· Perfect Mashed Potatoes

· Challah Recipes

· Chocolate Fudge Recipes

· OpenTable Restaurant Reservations

· Top Rated Charities

· How To Cash In Your Colorado Lottery Winnings

· How To Return a Gift To Amazon.com

· Colorado Ski Conditions

· Denver Holiday Weather Forecast

All of us at Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals would like to wish you a Happy Holiday Season!

Chuck Anderson, Dagley Arnold, Claire Averill, Carla Bartell, Brad Benson, Sue Bickert, Dave Browning, Michele Brumelle, Karin Camarena, Brad Colburn, Sandy Colling, Gina Cornelison, Jerry Eubank, Lindsay Filsinger, Petey Fletcher, Sally Gardenswartz, Diana Garrett, Kathy O’Donnell Gibson, Brooke Granville, Eric Grauberger, Courtney Hamby, Rene Harding, Kirk Hartshorn, Katie Hulings, Kim Hutchins, Ann Kennedy, Kim Kouba, Don Larrance, Jon Larrance, Corrie Lee, Betsy Lutz, Colleen McGrath, Katie Nicholson Millice, Jeanne Moore, Karen Nichols, Lisa O’Neil, Pam Parker, Heather Parness, Barb Perry, Tammy Phillips, Ed Quinn, Courtney Ranson, Derek Rinetti, Barb SheldonAmy Shonstrom, Boe Sullivan, Mary Sullivan-RidgeMagi Trousdale, Frankie Waits, Cindy WebbPeggy White, Mary Pat Wilson & Kat Zoefelt.


This is the Eggnog recipe made popular by Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals’ President R. Don Larrance. This eggnog has been served at Perry & Co. company holiday parties for the last 30 years or so.

The origin of my recipe comes from Mrs. Ruth Waring who was a Denver neighbor of Kennard Perry (one of the original four owners, and namesake, of Perry & Co.),” said Don Larrance.

Ingredients: (serves 60)

  • 6 quarts of Eggnog
  • 3 pints of Whipping Cream
  • 48 ounces of Bourbon
  • 18 ounces of Brandy
  • 6 ounces of Rum
  • 1 gallon of Vanilla Ice Cream 
  • Ground Nutmeg

Blend the eggnog, cream, bourbon, brandy and rum in a large serving bowl.  Add scoops of ice cream when served to keep chill.  Serve with nutmeg added to taste.  Lastly, designate a non-drinking driver before consuming.

Click here for other 2009 Holiday Recipe suggestions from Perry & Co.

Click here for Jon Larrance’s “Gorbachev” eggnog recipe.

Click here for other popular recipes served at the 2009 Perry & Co. company holiday party.


Perry & Co. Denver Colorado Real Estate Professionals held its 2009 Annual Client Appreciation Holiday Party at Denver’s Zoo on December 1, 2009 – record numbers of people attended.

It was cold, but not too cold for the crowds attending Perry & Co.’s 7th annual Holiday Lights celebration for clients and friends on Tuesday, December 1st. “We’re never quite sure if everyone who RSVPs will show up as the event day goes on and the weather gets colder,” said Jon Larrance, VP of Perry & Co. They did show up for Zoo Lights though: all 2415 guests (not including the under 4 stroller set).

(View all the pictures on Facebook)

This year the Denver Zoo’s Exploration Station was open for guests who wanted to get “up close and personal” to some the animals – a raptor and a cobra! The Zoo’s new light displays were outstanding – particularly those that “moved” – fluttering butterflies, kicking zebras and leaping frogs. The Endangered Species Carousel was running and both little ones and “big” ones enjoyed the ride. Santa stopped by Norgren Hall to warm up and visit with children who wanted to give him their wish lists.

This is one of the best, and most fun, things we do as a company,” said Cindy Webb, Perry & Co. Broker Associate from the Greenwood Village office while waiting to greet clients at the Zoo’s entrance. “It’s such a great way to start the holiday season,” agreed Claire Averill, another Perry & Co. real estate agent.

Sixty-five Perry & Co. brokers and staff members participated in inviting clients, guests, family and friends. “Our family gets bigger every year, and that’s just how we like it,” said R. Don Larrance, President of Perry & Co.

Written by Perry & Co. Marketing Director Lorrie Grillo.

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Central City Opera House Association kick’s off the holiday season with their 33rd Annual L’Esprit de Noel 2009 Holiday Home Tour and Gift Boutique.

The proceeds from the event will benefit the Central City Opera House Association and is scheduled for November 20-22, 2009 in the historic Lowry neighborhood. The tour will begin at 6th Avenue & Quebec and run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The event will feature six destinations, including three custom homes, the historic Eisenhower Chapel at Lowry Town Center, and two very unique spaces at the Steam Plant Lofts.

The destinations on the tour have all been decorated for the holidays by local florists and table top designers, including Perry & Co.’s own Kim Kouba. Kim is not only a broker associate with Perry & Co. but also is the owner of the Sweet William Market in her Stapleton neighborhood. Her table design incorporates pieces from several the antique and vintage collectors and artisans who regularly participate in her summertime open-air market.

The L’Esprit Gift Boutique will have more than 35 vendors at the Stanley British Primary School Gymnasium at 350 Quebec. The boutique will feature such items as gourmet foods, hand-painted pottery, holiday silverware, unique handbags, children’s clothing, bath products and more. Music of the season will be performed at L’Esprit de Noel this year with performances by the professional singers of the Central City Opera Ensemble in the Eisenhower Chapel on Saturday, November 21st at 2 p.m.

Tickets for the home tour are available for $18 in advance at local King Soopers locations or $20 through the Central City Box Office online at www.CentralCityOpera.org or by calling 303-292-6700. Tickets will also be available at the door during the event. Admission and parking for the Boutique are free.


I’ve noticed that “Dead Battery Locked Hood 996” is an ever-increasingly popular Porsche Tech Q&A search. For that reason I’ve provided detailed instructions in 12 steps on unlocking the lids and jumping the battery with easy to understand pictures to solve this modern Porsche Carrera driver’s dilemma. I believe this applies at least to all 996 911s & Boxsters manufactured 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

It’s inevitable. Like all cars I know, eventually your battery is going to fail. Chances are pretty good that it’s going to fail with the doors locked and your Owner’s Manual inside the glove box. Chances are also pretty good that the Porsche designers responsible for engineering the luggage compartment lid electronic release were oblivious to this eventuality. Seriously, if the battery is dead how good is a electronic release going to be to get battery access. Luckily, they did engineer a way around the problem but it is slightly complicated (“…the lids can only be opened with the aid of a donor battery,” meaning, you must jump your 996 in order to get into the trunks so that you can jump start your 996) – and the Owner’s Manual on the subject is somewhat confusing (besides it’s locked in your glovebox).

Step 1:  Unlock your car using the manual door lock, and leave the key in the door. Be aware that your 996 key is programmed to enter into a remote-control battery saving Standby Mode after five consecutive days of inactivity. To many, this will be confused with having a dead car battery because none of the remotes will unlock the car. In either case, unlock your car using the manual door lock keyhole on the door. If you see lights inside then your issue was the remote-control battery saving Standby Mode. If so, press the key button on your remote to reactivate the remote. You are now good to go. If you don’t see any lights on the inside you in fact probably have a dead battery.

Step 2: With the key still left in the door, remove the plastic cover over the fuse box in the driver’s side foot-well. 

Step 3: Pull out the positive terminal in the lower left of the fuse box (next to the manual rear spoiler rocker switch).

Step 4: Attach the positive red clamp of your jumper cable from your donor battery to the exposed positive terminal in the fuse box. Note: If you are using a donor battery, a minimum of 12 volts is required.  If you are using another car’s battery, now attach the positive red clamp to the positive terminal on that battery.

Step 5: Note: the alarm will sound when you attach the negative black clamp of your jumper cable coming from your booster battery to the exposed door latch striker. Turn the alarm off by locking and unlocking the car at the door lock.

(Note: I found this handy battery jumper at Costco for about $60.)

Step 6: Unlock the rear engine compartment hood using the switch. Although the battery is located in the front luggage compartment (under an additional lid), the terminals for jump-starting the 996 are located in the engine compartment. These terminals are much easier to access than trying to jump the battery directly.

Step 7: Disconnect the negative black jumper clamp first, then the positive red clamp (first from the your 911 then from your booster battery always being careful not to let the two clamps touch – shock danger).

Step 8: Push the positive terminal back into the fuse box and replace the fuse box cover. Turn off all accessories such as stereo, wipers, headlights, etc, move the gear shift into neutral position and set the parking brake before attempting to jump start your 911.

Step 9: Locate the positive (+) and negative (-) jumper terminals inside the rear engine compartment lid.

Step 10: Open the cap of the positive terminal and attach the positive red jumper cable clamp.

If you are using another car’s battery as a booster, now attach the positive red clamp to the positive terminal on the booster battery.

Attach the negative black cable first to the booster battery and then to the negative terminal in the Porsche engine compartment.

Step 11: Run the engine of the booster car at a higher RPM and start your Porsche. Any attempts to start your car should not last more than 15 seconds with a waiting period of one minute between attempts.

Step 12: With the engine running, disconnect both jumper cables from both cars in reverse order.

If jump-starting the car did not resolve your problem then you’ll probably need to replace the battery which is located in the Porsche’s front luggage compartment – by now you have access to your Owner’s Manual for complete instructions on replacing your 996 battery (see page 218 of 911 model year 2003’s manual).

Please see additional comments below by PCA 993 & 996 expert, Joel Reiser.

See you down the road.

Written by Perry & Co. VP Jon Larrance.


Like most Perry & Co. agents, I wear many hats in life as a Realtor, Mom and Community Volunteer.  In addition to those hats though, I also am the co-founder of the outdoor vintage and lifestyle market, fondly known to locals, as the Sweet William Market.  I love all things vintage and the thrill of connecting folks with the treasures these artisans and collectors bring to market.  The market is located on the green in my Stapleton neighborhood, every last Saturday of the month, from May through September.  Yet even when it gets cold, I’m making sure that folks know where to get their goodies.  So if you’re not the type to settle for the ordinary or something off the rack, discerning treasure hunters like yourself can find some of the great Sweet William Market crowd at one of my favorite holiday shows.  Surely, the eclectic mix of this season’s trends and one-of-a-kind gifts you’ll find, will hold you over until Sweet William Market’s 2010 season opens in May! 

Kim KoubaHappy Holiday Hunting!  Kim Kouba

This Weekend!

L’Esprit de Noel Holiday Home Tour and Gift Boutique Benefiting the Central City Opera
Nov. 20-Nov. 21 10-4 pm
Stanley British Primary School Gymnasium—320 Quebec St

Be sure to give the home tour a whirl as well.  Sweet William Market is partnering with Moss Pink and showcasing some of their collectors in a one of a kind table top design

December

Dizzie Izzie and Friends Holiday Open House
Dec. 3rd ,  4:30
9201 E. 33rd Ave-Stapleton

Holiday Handmade Denver’s Alternative Craft Fair
Dec. 4 & 5th 10-4 pm
From the fun folks at Fancy Tiger Crafts and the Denver Handmade Alliance
South Broadway Church
23 Lincoln

Open Studios Holiday Show
Dec. 4-6 and Dec. 11-13, 10-7pm
1685 29th St. Boulder



Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO - perryandco.comDenver’s Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals held its first quarterly “Company Wide Open House” on Sunday November 8, 2009.  Perry & Co. Agents held open 35 homes in and around the Metro Denver Area.

All-Company Open House, November 8, 2009 - BalloonsLast Sunday’s beautiful fall weekend was the perfect time to host an all-company open house. “We decided to create some buzz by holding all of our listings in central Denver open,” said Heather Parness, Managing Broker of Perry & Co. Every available agent in the company participating in holding the listings open from Lowry to Stoneybrook, Crestmoor to Wash Park. Agents stopped by Perry & Co.’s retail office in Cherry Creek North to pick up their helium balloons to top their open house signs. In addition, the company took out a full page, color ad in the Saturday Denver Post with pictures and information about the homes.

All-Company Open House, November 8, 2009 - 4“Traffic was great – from the signs, balloons and the ad,” said Carla Bartell, Perry & Co. Broker Associate who hosted open her listing in Hilltop. “And, it was great to be able to give my visitors a list of all our open houses to continue their afternoon of looking.”

Thirty-five listings where held open on Sunday, November 8th from 1 – 4 p.m. The date was planned so that it wouldn’t interfere with the Denver Broncos game, which was played on Monday, November 9th. Each listing was featured in a flyer with all the open houses listed on the back so agents could support each other during the event by sending their visitors to neighboring listings.

All-Company Open House, November 8, 2009 - 3This all-company open house was so successful that the company is committed to holding one each quarter in different areas of the city. For information about open houses go to perryandco.com – where we list our open houses each weekend.


Written by Perry & Co. Director of Marketing Lorrie Grillo.


Denver Arts Week bannerDenver’s 2009 art and cultural scene is thriving and about ready to take Center Stage in a weeklong spotlight on Denver’s art scene.  Beginning November 6th through November 14th Visit Denver presents Denver Arts Week. 

More than 100 art galleries are participating along with dozens of theatres and museums and countless artisans, performers, volunteers and gallery owners/staff have prepared to showcase something for everyone.  Whether you are hankering for our historical heritage, have a thirst for a modern masterpiece or simply want to explore, this week is for you.

Visit Denver has coordinated a wide range of exciting events and they are counting on us to join in all the fun.  For our purposes, I’m going to highlight 3 events, one event for each day of the weekend, that represent Denver’s Arts Week; Know Your Arts First Friday, Night Out at the Museums and Sunday on Stage.  However, I encourage you to investigate the countless activities happening through out the week. 

Kicking off Denver Arts Week is Know Your Arts First Friday, taking place on Friday, November 6, 2009.  Know Your Arts First Friday is the perfect event for an introduction into Denver’s local art scene and provides access to amazing art galleries Denver Arts Week logoand talented artists.  Did you know Denver has 7 art districts; ArtDistrict on Santa Fe, Cherry Creek North, Golden Triangle Museum District, Downtown Denver, RiNo (River North Art District), Tennyson Street and Belmar Block 7.  Each of these locations feature one-of-a kind galleries, hip artists and swank eateries.  If you’ve never participated in an art walk, you may want to pick a district that is nearest to you or start out with the ArtDistrict on Santa Fe.  If you didn’t already know, First Friday Art Walks take place every month and the galleries are open late, the atmosphere is festive and you may end up making this a monthly tradition.  For more information on Know Your Arts First Friday and for all the special events surrounding this special evening, visit www.denver.org/DenverArtsWeek/FirstFriday.aspx.    

If Dinner and a Movie sound routine you can’t miss Denver’s Night Out at the Museums.  On Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 5-10 PM, eleven museums will be open with FREE admission including the Denver Art Museum, Molly Brown House, Museum of Contemporary Art and Denver’s Museum of Nature and Science.  AND, FREE transportation is provided.  Shuttles start at 5:00 and leave from the Denver Art Museum and Cherry Creek Shopping Center.  Shuttle service ends at 10:00 PM.  For more information on Denver’s Night Out at the Museums, a fantastic surprise and transportation schedules, check out www.denver.org/DenverArtsWeek/NightAtTheMuseum.aspx#schedule

The third and last event I’m going to spotlight takes place on Sunday, November 8th.  Sunday on Stage is the showcase for performance art.  There will be opportunities to go behind the scenes and learn about the actors and dancers and how productions come together.  Several theatres and performing arts studios are offering free or discounted tickets for shows.  For example, The Denver Center Theatre Company is offering 2 for 1 tickets to “A Christmas Carol” for only $52.80.  Or, you can look into other discount tickets offered by the Ballet, Symphony or performances at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.  The Denver Performing Arts Complex open house is just one of the many events being held on Sunday.  Please visit the following link for more information regarding Sunday on Stage, www.denver.org/DenverArtsWeek/SundayOnStage.aspx.

Kim HutchinsEnjoy and explore our plentiful art scene this week, indulge your inner virtuoso and stretch your imagination.  These events and our focus on the arts is one of the many reasons we love Denver.


Written by Perry & Co. Real Estate Agent Kim Hutchins