Our Holiday Help Lists are back! Save time Google-ing – we’ve provided some links you will find useful in your holiday preparations:
All of us at Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals would like to wish you a Happy & Healthy 2009 Thanksgiving!
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 Sheldon, Amy Shonstrom, Boe Sullivan, Mary Sullivan-Ridge, Magi Trousdale, Frankie Waits, Cindy Webb, Sherri Wheeler, Peggy White, Mary Pat Wilson & Kat Zoefelt.
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Tags: Ann Kennedy, Amy Shonstrom, Magi Trousdale, Barb Perry, Barb Sheldon, Betsy Lutz, Boe Sullivan, Brad Benson, Brad Colburn, Brooke Granville, Brussels Sprouts, Carla Bartell, Chuck Anderson, Cindy Webb, Claire Averill, Colleen McGrath, Corrie Lee, Courtney Hamby, Courtney Ranson, Cranberry Sauce, Dagley Arnold, Dave Browning, Derek Rinetti, Diana Garrett, Don Larrance, Ed Quinn, Eric Grauberger, Frankie Waits, Gina Cornelison, Green Beans, Heather Parness, Holiday Cocktails, How To Cook Turkey, Jeanne Moore, Jerry Eubank, Jon Larrance, Karen Nichols, Karin Camarena, Kat Zoefelt, Kathy O'Donnell Gibson, Katie Hulings, Katie Nicholson Millice, Kim Hutchins, Kim Kouba, Kirk Hartshorn, Lindsay Filsinger, Lisa O’Neil, Mary Pat Wilson, Mary Sullivan-Ridge, Mashed Potatoes, Michele Brumelle, Pam Parker, Peggy White, Petey Fletcher, Recipes, Rene Harding, Sally Gardenswartz, Sandy Colling, Sherri Wheeler, Stuffing, Sue Bickert, Tammy Phillips, Thanksgiving, Turkey Brine
Denver’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.
Last 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.
“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.
This 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.
Filed under: Denver Colorado Real Estate, Denver News & Things of Interest, Home Selling, Neighborhoods, Perry & Co. Agents, Perry & Co. Events | Leave a Comment
Tags: Betsy Lutz, Carla Bartell, Colleen McGrath, Denver Colorado Real Estate, Denver Neighborhoods, Don Larrance, Heather Parness, Home Selling, Karin Camarena, Kim Kouba, Lorrie Grillo, Open Houses, Perry & Co
To whom it may concern,
I would like to commend to you my realtor, Carla Bartell, share with you my recent experiences with her in selling my house, and recount what a pleasure it was working with her.
As a physician I frequently tell my patients they should seek three important qualities in a provider: Competence, approachability and judgment. All three of these qualities excelled in Carla.
Her competence was outstanding. I found Carla consistently knowledgeable in all aspects of readying the house for market, placing it on the market and negotiating a price. She consistently guided me through the myriad of paperwork and signatures, explaining to me the purpose of each one, and making the process convenient by providing the necessary forms and methods of signature via computer. She aided me in pricing the house, and provided multiple suggestions to maximize the probability of selling the property at a reasonable price. When tasks required completion, such as cleaning or fireplace repair, she not only provided a list of competent services, but also called the vendors, arranged the work, and personally reviewed the results and reported back to me. Needless to say, the process here was virtually effortless form from my viewpoint, allowing me to proceed with my own busy day unimpaired.
Carla’s approachability was outstanding. She was always friendly, smart and immediately available whenever a question .arose. I received frequent updates on the progress of the viewings.
Finally, I believe an important quality in this transaction, was Carla’s judgment. Throughout the process of negotiation, I frequently found myself asking Carla, “What would you suggest?” Her recommendations were consistently accurate. As an example of her extra effort and judgment, at one point during the appraisal, Carla had me document a list of all property improvements I had made, and then personally met the appraiser during his visit to the property to accompanying him during the appraisal and be certain all the improvements were noted. I am convinced efforts like these played a critical role in the success of the selling the property.
In summary, then, I cannot commend Carla highly enough to you. She is a competent, hard-working, knowledgeable, pleasant and available agent, and I am convinced her judgment, competence and consistent hard work were critical factors in the success of selling my property.
Sincerely yours,
Bruce Morgenstern, MD
Filed under: Denver Colorado Real Estate, Denver News & Things of Interest, Home Selling, Perry & Co. Agents, Who's Who In Luxury Real Estate | Leave a Comment
Tags: Carla Bartell, Denver, Denver Colorado Real Estate, Denver Real Estate, Home Selling, Letters of Commendation, Perry & Co
Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals welcomes Eric Grauberger as a Broker Associate to our Main office in Cherry Creek.
Eric is seasoned real estate professional who has been recognized annually by the Denver Board of Realtors as being in the top 10% of all metro area Realtors. A fifth generation Coloradoan, Eric knows the Denver Metro area extremely well and is deeply devoted to his roots here. Eric comes to Perry & Co. after 11 years at Fuller Sothebys. A Realtor since 1990, Eric has built his business on referral, with over 90% of his business coming from past clients, their friends, and family. He enjoys working with first-time home buyers as well as sellers who find they move every couple of years. Having lived in Washington Park, Park Hill, and now Hilltop, Eric understands the complexities of the urban market. He has a unique ability to see potential where others see none. “I have first-hand knowledge when it comes to seeing potential as I have renovated several of my own homes. I can help my clients understand the process,” Eric explains. Eric’s business philosophy is short and simple … “Do your best and success follows”.
“We’re pleased to have Eric join us. His commitment to customer service and his experience in so many aspects of the real estate business make him a great addition to Perry & Co.,” said R. Don Larrance, President, Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals.
Eric received his economics degree from California State, Fullerton. His business experience stems from working as a medical sales representative for E.I. DuPont. Involved in the community, Eric has sat on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity and The Lundy Foundation; both non-profit organizations committed to securing homes for the less fortunate. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Denver Board of Realtors.
Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals is a privately-held, independent real estate brokerage in Metro Denver with three locations, two of which are retail showcases for the company’s listings. They are the exclusive Regent for the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate for the Metro area as well as an affiliate member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World.
For more information about Perry & Co., visit the website, perryandco.com, the blogsite perryandcoblog.com or the Twitter site @perryandco for breaking news.
Written by Perry & Co. Marketing Director Lorrie Grillo.
Filed under: Denver Colorado Real Estate, Perry & Co. Agents, Perry & Co. Events, Who's Who In Luxury Real Estate | Leave a Comment
Tags: Denver, Denver Colorado Real Estate, Denver Real Estate, Don Larrance, Eric Grauberger, Hilltop, Lorrie Grillo, Park Hill, People On The Move, Perry & Co, Perry & Co. Agents, Wash Park, Washington Park
Heather Parness, former President and COO of Fuller Sotheby’s of Denver, joined Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals as Managing Broker effective September 9, 2009.
A 17-year veteran in the real estate business, Heather Parness‘ experience includes all aspects of the real estate business including sales, management and IT. She joins Perry & Co. President R. Don Larrance, and Vice President Jon Larrance as the new Managing Broker for the firm. Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals is one of the few privately-held boutique residential real estate firms in the Denver Metro area. The company was established in 1971 and today has three offices and over 50 agents.
“We welcome Heather to our company with open arms and excitement about the energy, professionalism, knowledge and experience she brings with her.” said R. Don Larrance, President.
VP Jon Larrance added, “We look forward to working together with Heather and to capitalizing on our combined assets. I am convinced that together we will prepare Perry & Co., and our real estate agents, for even greater success in the coming years.”
The new Managing Broker was introduced at an impromptu meeting of company agents, managers and staff prior to the company’s weekly sales meeting. Agents were overwhelmingly supportive and excited.
“I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be part of Perry & Co. I sought out Perry & Co for the reputation, culture and philosophy that have been ingrained into this company. I have always admired the integrity of Perry & Co. agents, as well as the warmth and generosity of Don Larrance. I feel I can really make a difference in the company’s growth, and continue to foster a strong business model for a boutique real estate company to flourish,” said Parness on her first day on the job. Continuing, “I could not have found a more perfect place to call home!“
Heather started her real estate career in 1992 with Sears and Company, The Team, an independent firm in Greeley, CO. Since getting her start in real estate, she has gone on to work in sales and management for many of Colorado’s top brokerage firms. She joined Fuller Towne & Country Properties in 2002 and was appointed President in April 2005. During her 7-year tenure with Fuller Towne & Country Properties, Heather served in many capacities, including the Director of Technical Operations & Employing Broker. In the past year, she helped the firm transition to their status as the sole Sotheby’s franchise in Metro Denver.
Heather is a member of the Colorado Chapter of the Young President’s Organization (YPO), and serves as the co-membership Chair on their Board of Directors. Additionally, she serves as an area Chair for the Western Region for YPO. She is also a Board member for the DDI of the Downtown Denver Partnership. Heather was awarded Managing Broker of the Year for the Denver Board of Realtors in 2007.
Heather, a Colorado native, is an avid scuba diver and traveler.
“Heather is an amazing person, leader, and real estate professional. I can’t say enough about her reputation – she is fabulous and will surely lead an already terrific Perry & Co. into a whole new stratosphere of success.” – Pam Metzger, Colorado Landmark Realty
For more information about Heather Parness and Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals go to Perryandco.com, Perryandcoblog.com, Twitter.com/perryandco or call Heather directly at 303.399.7777.
Written by Perry & Co. Marketing Director Lorrie Grillo.
Filed under: Denver Colorado Real Estate, Denver News & Things of Interest, Perry & Co. Events, Who's Who In Luxury Real Estate | Leave a Comment
Tags: Denver, Perry & Co, Jon Larrance, Denver Colorado Real Estate, Denver Real Estate, Don Larrance, LuxuryRealEstate Board of Regents, Lorrie Grillo, Twitter, LeadingRE, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, Heather Parness
(9/3: Now Denver is #10 on Forbes‘ Best 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 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.)
Christopher 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):
1. 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
15. Sacramento, CA
16. Miami, FL
17. Milwaukee, WI
18. San Jose, CA
19. Jacksonville, FL
20. Minneapolis, MN
21. 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
Filed under: Denver Colorado Real Estate, Denver News & Things of Interest, Home Buying, Market Conditions | Leave a Comment
Tags: Best City Lists, City Park, CNBC, Colorado, Cramner Park, Denver, Denver Colorado Real Estate, Elitch's, Forbes, Housing Recovery, Market Conditions, Mt. Evans, Pepsi Center, Perry & Co, Real Estate, Working Mothers
Denver, 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.
“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.
The 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. 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
Filed under: Denver Colorado Real Estate, Denver News & Things of Interest, Home Buying, Home Selling, Information For Realtors, Perry & Co. Services, Who's Who In Luxury Real Estate | Leave a Comment
Tags: Cherry Creek, Cherry Creek North, Denver, Denver Colorado Real Estate, Denver Real Estate, Don Larrance, Frontdoor.com, HGTV, Jon Larrance, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, LeadingRE, Lorrie Grillo, Luxury Real Estate, Perry & Co, RealTrends, Relocation, RELOHomeSearch
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.
Filed under: Denver Colorado Real Estate, Information For Realtors, Perry & Co. Agents, Perry & Co. Services | 1 Comment
Tags: Denver Colorado Real Estate, Denver Real Estate, Mission Statement, Perry & Co, Real Estate
What’s Global Realtor Screening?
“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.
There 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.
Filed under: Denver Colorado Real Estate, Information For Realtors, LuxuryRealEstate Board of Regents, Perry & Co. Services | 1 Comment
Tags: Denver Colorado Real Estate, Denver Real Estate, Global Realtor, Jon Larrance, Luxury Real Estate, LuxuryRealEstate Board of Regents, Perry & Co, Relocation
The 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, Sherri Wheeler & 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
Filed under: Denver Colorado Real Estate, Information For Realtors, Perry & Co. Agents, Perry & Co. Services | Leave a Comment
Tags: Brad Colburn, Brooke Granville, Carla Bartell, Claire Averill, Corrie Lee, Courtney Ranson, Dave Browning, Denver Colorado Real Estate, Denver Real Estate, Gina Cornelison, Internet Lead Team, Jon Larrance, Katie Nicholson Millice, Kim Hutchins, Mary Sullivan-Ridge, Michele Brumelle, Michele Castilian, Peggy White, Perry & Co, Sherri Wheeler, Tammy Phillips
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.
Filed under: Denver Colorado Real Estate, Home Buying, Information For Realtors, Market Conditions | 1 Comment
Tags: ARRA, First-time Homebuyers, Home Buying, IRS, Perry & Co, Positive Attitude, Tax Credit
Perry & Co. Is Now 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.
Filed under: Denver Colorado Real Estate, Information For Realtors, Perry & Co. Services | Leave a Comment
Tags: Denver Colorado Real Estate, Facebook, LinkedIn, Perry & Co, Social Networking
Perry & Co. Is Now 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.)
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Tags: Denver, Denver Colorado Real Estate, Denver Real Estate, Facebook, LinkedIn, Perry & Co, Positive Attitude, Social Networking, Twitter
Would 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.
Ok – 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.
We’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.
I 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
Filed under: Denver Colorado Real Estate, Home Buying, Home Selling, Information For Realtors, Perry & Co. Services | Leave a Comment
Tags: Denver Colorado Real Estate, Denver Real Estate, Lorrie Grillo, Perry & Co
There is still some confusion over how the First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit works. Hopefully, 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.
For 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).
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.
Filed under: Home Buying, Information For Realtors, Market Conditions | Leave a Comment
Tags: ARRA, First Time Buyers, First-time Homebuyers, Perry & Co, Real Estate, Tax Credit
The 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
“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
“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
A 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
“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”
“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
“Buyers 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
“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
“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
Filed under: Information For Realtors | 1 Comment
Tags: Abraham Lincoln, Bernice Ross, Brad Benson, Denver Colorado Real Estate, Don Larrance, Eric Qualman, Famous Quotes, Francis Bacon, Gary Player, Inman, Jerry Garcia, John Wooden, Jon Larrance, Kaira Rouda, Larry Kendall, LeadingRE, Marilyn Lewis, Michael Phelps, MyTechOpinion.com, Nicole Nicolay, Ninja Selling, Perry & Co, Positive Attitude, Quotes, Real Estate, Seth Godin, Steve Harney, Steve Martin, Thomas Edison, Zig Ziglar
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.
Filed under: Denver News & Things of Interest, Perry & Co. Agents | Leave a Comment
Tags: Central City Opera, Denver, Denver Neighborhoods, Kim Kouba, L’Esprit de Noel, Lowry, Perry & Co, Stanley British Primary School, Stapleton, Sweet William Market
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 lids 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. 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 lid 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.
Filed under: Luxury | 1 Comment
Tags: 911, 996, Boxster, Car Batteries, Carrera, DIY, Joel Reiser, Jon Larrance, Jump-starting, Luxury, PCA, Porsche
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!
Happy 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
Filed under: Denver News & Things of Interest | Leave a Comment
Tags: Kim Kouba, Stapleton, Sweet William Market, Vintage
Denver’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 
and 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.
Enjoy 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
Filed under: Denver News & Things of Interest, Restaurants & Nightlife | Leave a Comment
Tags: Art, ArtDistrict, Cherry Creek North, Denver, Denver Art Museum, Denver Arts Week, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Golden Triangle, Kim Hutchins, Molly Brown House, Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, Museums, Perry & Co, Positive Attitude, RiNo, River North Art District
(Note: Following up on our earlier post McStain Homes Files Bankruptcy, “For purchasers whose homes are still under construction, McStain will be purchasing a 3rd party warranty.“)
As part of its operational reorganization in a lean economy, Colorado home-builder McStain Enterprises Inc. has partnered with ProHome Colorado to decrease costs for warranty service on all their new homes.
“ProHome not only assisted McStain during these lean times, but they will play a vital role in our recovery by saving us money on warranty administration,” David Ware, vice president of community development for McStain neighborhoods said. “McStain has been a self insured warrantor and it became apparent during the market crash facing our industry that we needed to find a way to save and pass those savings along to consumers.”
The bursting housing bubble has been a major factor in pushing the country into the worst recession in 70 years, and builders have responded by sharply cutting back on construction and looking for ways to save money.
“Usually it’s a 30-60 percent savings over having their own warranty department,” Bill Armstrong ProHome Colorado President said. “One of the things our building customers like most is that their phones stop ringing with warranty calls, we handle it for them.”
In its September report, the US Commerce Department showed increasing strength in the construction industry with applications for building permits, considered a gauge of economic strength, up 2.7% in August. Industry experts say that this is partially due to home builders finding ways to cut costs while maintaining high levels of customer service. Construction of multifamily units surged 25.3% and most economists agree the overall recession has likely ended.
According to Armstrong, by saving money on their warranties, builders like McStain can pass savings along to consumers, and this can be an important part of their sales strategy in an economy just reaching recovery stages. This also gives builders more time to 
focus on business because their phones aren’t ringing with warranty claims and they have reduced liability exposure in dealing with the legalities of home warranties, Armstrong adds.
“Because ProHome Colorado is staffed with professionals who understand warranties, we can take the process, and the headaches that come with it, completely out of the builders’ hands. In the case of McStain, this allows them to focus more on building homes,” Armstrong said. “We’ll be clear with the homeowners about what is and is not covered.”
To contact Bill Armstrong of Pro Home Colorado call 303-679-9090. To contact David Ware from McStain Neighborhoods call 303-591-2937.
Filed under: Denver Colorado Real Estate, Denver News & Things of Interest, Home Buying, Information For Realtors | Leave a Comment
Tags: Bankruptcy, Denver, Denver Colorado Real Estate, Denver Neighborhoods, Denver Real Estate, Home Builders, Lowry, McStain, Perry & Co
The 2009 Pumpkin Harvest Festival & County Fair at the Four Mile Historic Park in Denver, October 3rd & 4th, drew record crowds! Perry & Co. is proud to have been this year’s Presenting Sponsor for the annual crowd pleaser.
Did you know that the Four Mile Historic Park is named for its distance from the center of Denver, and is where the Pony Express riders exchanged their horses? And, that the nearly 10-acre site is preserved as a park with the existing farmhouse and some of the outbuildings? If 
you weren’t aware of these facts then you weren’t one of the 11,700 visitors to the park this past weekend during their annual Pumpkin Harvest Festival & County Fair. This historic park is one of Denver’s urban parks open to the public for free. The event raises money to keep the historic buildings restored and open to the public for tours and to run its myriad educational programs. In addition, Perry & Co. provided financial support by being the Presenting Sponsor of the event to ensure that all money raised went to supporting the future of the park.
“This was our first year sponsoring this event and we loved everything about being a part of it,” said R. Don Larrance, President, Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals.
The park was buzzing with activities – from selecting a pumpkin from the huge “patch”; horse and buggy and wagon rides, pie-eating contests, gold panning to making your own scarecrow.
“I was greeting people and keeping count and couldn’t believe that 400 people arrived in the first hour – through the back gate,” exclaimed Dave Browning, Perry & Co. Broker Associate and Festival volunteer.
The event is becoming more popular every year with an increase by 1000 over last year’s attendance. One of the favorite activities is making your own scarecrow where piles of shirts, jeans and hats were waiting to be filled with hay stacked in 
bales in the center of the park. Just look around your neighborhood and you may see a large scarecrow on your neighbor’s front porch – chances are they attended the Pumpkin Harvest Festival and County Fair on Saturday & Sunday, October 3rd & 4th, 2009.
“What a terrific job your volunteers did for the park at Pumpkin Fest – we had over 11,000 in the two days, and every one from Perry & Co. did a fantastic job of helping us host so many visitors. Four Mile Park really appreciates your support, and we are looking forward 
to working with you on an ongoing basis – everyone who helped was a delight,” said Mary Jane Bradbury, Volunteer Coordinator at Four Mile Historic Park.
At Perry & Co. our tag line is “A Denver Tradition” and a partnership with Four Mile Historic Park is a wonderful and meaningful way to “walk the talk.”
Click here to see more pictures of the event.
Written by Perry & Co. Marketing Director Lorrie Grillo.
Filed under: Denver News & Things of Interest, Perry & Co. Agents, Who's Who In Luxury Real Estate | Leave a Comment
Tags: Cherry Creek, Dave Browning, Denver, Don Larrance, Four Mile Park, Halloween, Lorrie Grillo, Perry & Co, Pony Express, Pumpkin Festival
Denver’s Perry & Co. is the Title Sponsor of the 2009 Four Mile Historic Park Pumpkin Harvest Festival & County Fair October 3rd & 4th 10am to 4pm!
Click here for directions to the Four Mile House.
It’s time to select the pumpkin to adorn your front step and we’ve got the place: the Pumpkin Harvest Festival & Country Fair
this coming weekend at Four Mile Historic Park in Denver. Admission is free to this fun event with lots of activities for the entire family including – of course – the giant pumpkin “patch” with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes to select and purchase. This event, which drew thousands last year, has grown to include something for everyone (some activities have an additional cost):
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Enter the pie eating contest!!
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Get your photo taken at the kissing booth!
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Make your very own scarecrow
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Listen and dance to period music
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Eat homemade caramel apples and other goodies
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Visit with Mountain Men at their encampment.
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Take a horse-drawn ride
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Tour Four Mile House as the Booth family prepares for harvest.
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Challenge your kids to a sack race!
“Our city has so much to offer everyone and lots of activities are free or very little cost – in today’s economy, it’s important to remember that having fun doesn’t have to cost a lot of money,” said R. Don Larrance, President of Perry & Co. Many Perry & Co. agents have set aside time to volunteer for the event – they’ll be the “cowboys and cowgirls” with the red bandanas on.
Perry & Co. has a history of supporting Denver’s Scientific and Cultural Facilities (SCFD) including the Denver Botanic Gardens, Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Zoo, L’Esprit de Noel in support of the Central City Opera and now, the Four Mile Historic Park.
For more information about this event click here for the brochure or go to fourmilepark.org.
Written by Perry & Co. Marketing Director Lorrie Grillo.
Filed under: Denver News & Things of Interest, Perry & Co. Events | Leave a Comment
Tags: Caramel Apples, Cherry Creek, Denver, Don Larrance, Four Mile Park, Halloween, Lorrie Grillo, Perry & Co, Pumpkin Festival
If your weekends are looking like mine, there’s not enough time to head to the mountains to take in those fall colors – which are probably peaking as I write this. Luckily, for those of us living in Denver, our fall color display lasts all month – the peak is yet to come.
I love the mountains – don’t get me wrong! – it’s just being raised on the West Coast and then living on East Coast before landing in the middle of our country has given me a high expectations for “fall color.” The changing aspens in our mountains are spectacular, no question, but for color variety, the city of Denver has never let me 
down in my 25 years of urban leaf-peeping. With our varieties of oak and maple trees, clinging ivies and prairie grasses there’s a vibrant rainbow of colors in your backyard, on your drive to work, school or shopping. Plus, we’ve still got the splendor of those late summer flowers popping along with the changing leaves.
I invite you to open your eyes and celebrate the immediacy and proximity of very own Denver Fall Color Extravaganza. I’ve included photos from my neighborhood – Lowry. Send in photos of your neighborhood color and we’ll post them here. The show is going 
on right now and will keep you delighted for weeks. Enjoy!
Written by Perry & Co. Marketing Director Lorrie Grillo.
Filed under: Denver News & Things of Interest | Leave a Comment
Tags: Aspens, Autumn, Colorado, Denver, Fall, Lorrie Grillo, Perry & Co
Perry & Co. Broker Associate Kirk Hartshorn was interviewed on 9/7/09.
How many years have you been in real estate?
8 years total.
How long have you lived in Denver?
19 years, including 1.5 in Boulder.
What was your background before you got into real estate?
I have been involved in sales almost all my adult life. I did go back to school full time at age 27 to get my degree in Business Administration at UC Denver.
How does your level of experience benefit your clients?
I first started as a Real Estate Professional in 1986, when the interest rates were double digits and a 20-30% down payment was a must. Fast forward to my years in Florida as a Realtor in the late 90’s- early 2000’s when the rates were at all time lows, homes could be purchased with zero dollars out-of-pocket and it was a frenzy. Having been involved in the real estate industry in diverse and sometimes irrational climates, I feel my experiences and knowledge will benefit both buyers and sellers alike.
What organizations do you volunteer for? Or, do you sit on any outside boards or committees?
I volunteer at the Grant Avenue Street Reach at the St. Paul Lutheran Church on 16th & Grant.
What makes your personal services unique?
I am a firm believer in building relationships with the folks I will be representing and assisting in one of the largest transactions of their lives. I still keep in touch with clients (now friends) from years ago. I consider myself to be a very trustworthy and loyal individual/broker and feel these traits work toward my clients’ success.
What sets Perry & Co. apart from other real estate companies?
Having worked in real estate companies ranging from 3 agents to companies with hundreds, Perry & Co.’s boutique structure and size is absolutely perfect. The levels of professionalism, integrity and experience within Perry & Co.’s agents, owners and staff is unsurpassed by anything I’ve come across in the real estate industry.
I feel so fortunate to be a part of the “Denver Tradition“ known as Perry & Co.
What are your favorite hobbies?
I love cycling! I road ride and mountain bike. I also have a cyclo-cross bike that I ride in the winter months. I have raced in the past, races such as Leadville 100, but feel that competing on that level takes a lot of the pure joy out of the sport for me. I ride 150-250 miles per week, depending on my time constraints, and also go to Moab to mountain bike ride at least once a year.
What neighborhood(s) do you know particularly well?
Washington Park, particularly West Wash Park.
What area(s) of real estate would you say you are your area(s) of expertise?
I really enjoy working with first-time homebuyers, and sellers, with growing families making a move to a larger home.
What technologies would you say you are proficient in?
I have been increasingly interested in Facebook and blogging. I am in the process of setting up my own blog that will focus on the West Wash Park area of Denver, where my wife and I live. www.westwashparkliving.com
What modes of communication do you prefer to use to connect with your clients?
I really enjoy speaking with my clients on the phone when time permits but the use of email and texting in most of our busy schedules seems to be the most efficient.
Tell me a little bit about your family, and the neighborhood you live in?
As mentioned earlier, my wife and I and our dog Suki, live in the West Wash Park area. Having lived on the East and North sides of Wash Park over the years, West Wash Park is definitely home.
To what single thing, or person, would you attribute your success in real estate to?
I’d say I would attribute my success in real estate to my love of home ownership and having a passion in helping others achieve their dreams of ”their first home,” ”a larger home” or a ”home in the neighborhood they’ve always dreamed of living in.” That is what drives me, inspires me and motivates me everyday.
Learn more about Kirk, and see his current listings, by clicking here.
Filed under: Agent Interviews, Denver Colorado Real Estate, Home Buying, Home Selling, Perry & Co. Agents | Leave a Comment
Tags: Denver, Denver Colorado Real Estate, Denver Neighborhoods, Denver Real Estate, Perry & Co, Wash Park, Washington Park, West Wash Park
Perry & Co. is pleased to welcome Kirk Hartshorn as a Broker Associate in the Cherry Creek Main office.
A University of Colorado at Denver graduate, KIrk received a BS in Business Administration with an emphasis on marketing.
Kirk has 8 years experience in Real Estate sales. Although Kirk has moved about the country a fair bit, he has resided in Colorado for a total of 19 years, and has lived in the Wash Park area of Denver specifically for a total of 10 years.
Kirk proudly says, “I am dedicated to giving my clients my full professional expertise, knowledge and know-how to ensure their ultimate success in purchasing or selling real estate.”
Along with his considerable energy, Kirk brings to Perry & Co. a passion for cycling. In fact, we look forward to reading about Kirk’s journeys on his new blogsite www.westwashparkliving.com.
Welcome to Perry & Co. Kirk!
Filed under: Denver Colorado Real Estate, Perry & Co. Agents | Leave a Comment
Tags: Denver Colorado Real Estate, Denver Neighborhoods, Kirk Hartshorn, Perry & Co, Perry & Co. Agents, Wash Park, Washington Park, West Wash Park
Price reduced to 499,000! Denver’s coveted Glasshouse South Tower Unit 516!
This is a true show-stopper with the finest views and finishes! Top of the world views of both Downtown Denver and the beautiful Rocky Mountains. This unique two bedroom two bathroom South Tower Glasshouse condo unit 516 is a gem! This home has been impeccable kept and has been lived in ever so delicately. Go green in the heart of city, from walking out your front door to the local coffee shop, Ink Coffee, to dining at one of Denver’s hot spots, Zengo, not to mention the beautiful bamboo floors. The condo has the perfect mix of city energy outside and tranquility inside. This residence is competitively priced at $499,000. Come take a look as you will not be disappointed!
Written by Perry & Co. Real Estate Agent Courtney Ranson
Filed under: Denver Colorado Real Estate, Homes For Sale, LuxuryRealEstate Board of Regents, Neighborhoods, Restaurants & Nightlife | Leave a Comment
Tags: Condos, Courtney Ranson, Denver, Denver Colorado Real Estate, Denver Neighborhoods, Denver Real Estate, Glasshouse, Homes For Sale, LoDo, LuxuryRealEstate Board of Regents, Perry & Co, Zengo
It is well acknowledged, if not documented, that the 1999-2004 Porsche Carrera 911 (or 996) is the ugly step-child of the 911 family. Having been born right after the pampered darling, the 993, the much belittled 996 was intended as a leap forward in luxury and performance – a Porsche for the new age.
In my opinion, Porsche accomplished that leap with great clarity – but we’ll get to that later…
The reason the 993 become everyone’s favorite baby is because you need to pamper it (see my earlier post for 993 babysitting instructions). The 993 is fussy and prone to tantrums – take your eye off its’ three oil gauges for more than a month for example and you risk serious engine damage. It always has issues that consume you (but rarely detract from the pure driving excitement), like the heater and AC controls, sunroof operation, overall electronic operation, and I had constant flat tires – although this had more to do with the tire manufacturer than anything (aside: Michelins over Bridgestones always). It takes a considerable effort to drive. The 993 needs you, and your constant attention, and that dependence creates a bond unlike any other vehicle. In fact, some nights you actually go to sleep worried about its’ well-being.
Granted, the 996 is a transitional figure in the Porsche genealogy. It’s a given, that money being no object, every sportscar enthusiast would choose the styling and performance of the current Porsche progeny, 
(the 997 – 2005-present), over the 996. But the 996 paved the way for the 997 by leaving behind the antiquated air-cooled system for a conventional “water”/radiator engine cooling system, as well as computerized driver aids. No question, the 993 is precise in its turn-in and road-feel. The driver aids of the 996 do take away from this precision with intentional understeer, but the 996 delivers so much more in terms of luxury, information, and comfort, without abandoning that guttural Porsche “thrill factor.”
Compare the figures (“S” versions): 1997 993 – 282HP weighing 3064lbs = a Power-To-Weight Ratio of 1:11 vs. 2003 996 – 320HP weighing 2920lbs = PTW 1:9 (the lower the ratio, the 
faster the vehicle). If you desire an unadulterated driving experience I would suggest you purchase a 125cc Shifter Kart, which provides a Power-To-Weight Ratio of 1:4.
The Porsche Snobs, sorry Purists, say, “It isn’t a ‘real Porsche’ unless it is water-cooled and rear-engined.” This way of thinking leaves the 944 and the classic 928 orphaned as well. But the general public sees, and respects, any Porsche progeny saying, “Ah, there goes a Porsche – isn’t she beautiful?”
Then there’s the headlights. The Porsche Purists say, “Round headlights are a 911 trademark,” following with, “Porsche turned their back on us with the introduction of the 996.” I willfully concede on this argument. This applies to the re-invented 996 front grill as well. Notice how the well-received 997 made a return to a rounded, albeit oval, headlight and a more traditional front end – also notice how 993 and 997 resale values are holding steady, while 996 resale values plummeted within a couple years of their unveiling – honestly, that fact greatly added to my personal affection for the 996. (Click here to see current 911 resale prices on Cars.com.)
But compare the interiors of the 996 with the 993. No comparison! The 993 looks as if it was stillborn in the 70’s – no cup holder or right arm rest, to which the Purists like to respond, “How many racing cars have cup holders?“ Can you believe the original MSRP on the 993 was over $60,000 in 1997? (Most final sticker prices were well over $70,000.) The 996 is indeed a modern luxury sportscar – ergonomics, computers and all – and its original MSRP was only $5,000 more in 2003. (Aside: the original MSRP of my 1997 C4S was $81,700 compared to my 2003 C4S of $83,560)
In truth, I too was waiting for resale prices of the 997 to drop into my affordable range before moving out of my 993. In fact, I’ve driven all three recent 911 generations numerous times and the 997 is without a doubt the best (especially with PDK), but 997 resale prices just haven’t dropped enough yet. So I bit the bullet and settled for a 996. Settled for the goofy headlights and the front-end slippage on tight turn-ins, even the second gear which is admittedly not well ratioed. I resigned to receiving dirty looks from the Purists, rather than the friendly waves of my former 993 brotherhood. But alas, after just one month of driving my 996, following five years fathering a 993, I have a confession…
I am confessing to the “Porsche Purists” (you know who you are), the ones who celebrate the brutish 993 with a verbose and self-righteous rhetoric, that I have grown to love my fledgling 996. I love it as if it were my first-born. And better yet, I trust it. I trust it in the hand’s of my wife and other lesser-experienced 911 drivers. Trust that it will hold its line if my attention should ever momentarily wane. I trust that I won’t ever have to experience snap-oversteer while putting it through its paces (thanks to PSM). Trust that I will receive an equal, if not greater, number of speeding tickets.
Lastly, I trust that I made the best decision, for the money, of which pre-owned Porsche Carrera 911 to buy.
Written by Jon Larrance.
Filed under: Luxury, Market Conditions | 3 Comments
Tags: 911, 993, 996, 997, Birel, Carrera, Jon Larrance, Kart, Luxury, Porsche
