Archive Page 7

Lake Dillon, ColoradoIf 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 Autumn colors in Lowrydown 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 Autumn colors in Lowryon right now and will keep you delighted for weeks.  Enjoy! 


Written by Perry & Co. Marketing Director Lorrie Grillo.


Heather ParnessHeather 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. 

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

Perry & Co - 2902 E 3rd Ave, Denver, CO 80206I 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.

Leading Real Estate Companies of the WorldHeather, 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.


Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO - perryandco.comPerry & Co. Broker Associate Kirk Hartshorn was interviewed on 9/7/09.

How many years have you been in real estate?
8 years total.

Kirk HartshornHow 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.

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


Kirk HartshornPerry & 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. 

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

Kirk Hartshorn Mountain BikingAlong 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!


(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 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


1700 Bassett St, #516, Denver, CO 80202 ViewPrice 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


2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (996)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…

1997 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (993)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, 2007 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (997)(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 2003 Birel Honda 125cc Shifter Kartfaster 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 air-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?”

2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (996) HeadlightThen 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.)

1997 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (993) InteriorBut 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)

2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (996) InteriorIn 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…

2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (996)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 Perry & Co. Denver Real Estate Professionals’ COO & Director of Relocation Services Jon Larrance.


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 was one of 9 retail sponsors of Colorado Homes and Lifestyles‘ 3rd Annual Cherry Creek North Wine Crawl on Thursday evening, August 20, 2009 benefiting The Kempe Foundation for the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. 

Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO - perryandco.comEach sponsor hosted a wine selection for patrons to try and some locations, like Perry & Co.’s showcase office at the corner of 3rd Avenue and Fillmore Street, also had a chef to prepare and serve appetizers for the wine connoisseurs. 

Colleen McGrath & Sherri Wheeler at the Cherry Creek North 2009 Wine CrawlThis kind of event is such a win-win for everyone involved,” said Don Larrance, President of Perry & Co.  “It’s a great cause, it’s a great way to invite people to enjoy the District, and the wine and food are fabulous.” 

Broker associates Colleen McGrath and Sherri Wheeler were on hand at the Perry & Co. office to welcome the wine-tasters and answer any questions about the District, homes for sale in the neighborhood and around Denver.  

Cherry Creek North 2009 Wine CrawlEvent-goers enjoyed a beautiful Colorado evening while strolling from shop to shop with their (empty) wine glasses – their “ticket” that let them participate in the tasting.  Each wine glass was printed with the Perry & Co. logo which includes the tagline: ”A Denver Tradition.”  (It is shown here by a modest oenophile.) 

The event ended with a party, jazz and prizes at Shaver-Ramsey Oriental Rugs, another long-time Cherry Creek North retail establishment.


Written by Perry & Co. Marketing Director Lorrie Grillo.


Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO - perryandco.comPerry & Co. Broker Associate Mary Sullivan-Ridge was interviewed on 8/18/09.

How many years have you been in real estate?
Over 20.

Mary Sullivan-RidgeHow long have you lived in Denver?
Since 1957.

What was your background before you got into real estate?
It feels like I have always been in real estate in some capacity.  For years I was the Customer Service Coordinator for Carmel Homes.  I had to schedule warranty work, repairs, etc., for all of their communities – at one point I had 16 projects going at the same time.  I managed the repair crew and met with homeowners on a regular basis.  I transitioned home owner associations from builder to owners.

After that I worked for an REO company, then owned my own REO company.

After that I took my license out in the world to work individual transactions… Here I am!

How does your level of experience benefit your clients?
I have seen it all.  I feel I am a good listener and can contribute to either buyer or seller needs.

What organizations do you volunteer for?
I am a Wish Grantor for Make-A-Wish Foundation.

GRIDo you have any Realtor designations? If so, how do they benefit your clients?
Yes, GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) & EcoBroker.  

Both designations required hours of ongoing education.  I continually try to get the latest real estate education to enhance my knowledge and to better serve my clients.

What sets Perry & Co. apart from other real estate companies?
Perry & Co. is a “boutique” company and is set apart from other companies that are corporately run, and thus only interested in revenues.

What are your favorite hobbies?
Running, biking, hiking, skiing, reading, and cooking.

What neighborhood(s) do you know particularly well?
I grew up in Bonnie Brae.  I know Washington Park, Platt Park, DU, Alamo Placita, Virginia Village, Congress Park, and Cory Merrill well.

What is an EcoBroker?What area(s) of real estate would you say you are your area(s) of expertise?
I am most fond of first time homeowners.  They appreciate my time and efforts and I feel I can help them the most.  Nothing is better than a closing with a first time home buyer!

 

Tell me about your last transaction?
The roof couldn’t be replaced prior to closing due to the extensive amount of hail damage this summer.  We had to be creative and get the home closed with buyer receiving the check for the roofing company for work to be performed in the future… Not exactly perfect, however, buyer and seller agreed and the transaction closed.  Learned that the mortgage company would not allow an escrow for roof when weather (specifically snow, or ice) is not the issue.

What modes of communication do you prefer to use to connect with your clients? Phone, email, and text messaging.

Tell me a little bit about your family, and the neighborhood you live in?
Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals, Denver, CO - perryandco.comI come from a large family that has grown from brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews to great-nieces and great-nephews.  Most of my family lives here in Denver. 

I live in the DU, Washington Park area with my husband of 25 years.  I spend most every morning running at Washington Park.  We enjoy walking to LightRail to go to baseball and hockey games.

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