The Changing Trend over 10 Years in Denver

Real Estate Development has certainly changed over the past 10 years. While once the landscape of Denver was filled with cranes building such high rise projects as SPIRE, Glass House, and ONE Lincoln, today those cranes are focused on apartment buildings and for rent.

But development hasn’t stopped, it has just gotten much more focused and the projects are much, much, smaller. The new focus seems to be in Northwest Denver, specifically the Lower Highlands (LoHi) and Jefferson Park area. The size and scale is now focused on Modern Duplex projects, small multi dwelling unit projects, and mixed use projects in the 10-30 unit range.  Compare that to SPIRE’s nearly 500 or Glass House at nearly 400 and you see that not much in terms of high density is being built for residential.

Highland and LoHi Have New Development Projects

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t more than enough to pick from in terms of new development. According to last week’s Westword article “Condo projects in Denver: Where are they and why are they so rare?” there are 88 to pick from in the Highland area alone.  

And from our New Era Team knowledge of the area, there are even more new and exciting developments on the way. The tricky part is knowing which projects offer the best value, location, and construction in a time when buyers are feeling pressure to make quick decisions before inventory disappears. LoHi and the Highland area are in high demand. New Developments are often being sold off of floor plans and renderings. There is nothing wrong with this process if you know the questions to ask and what to look for. Buyers at Glass House and SPIRE that we worked with go through the same process as buyers for a modern duplex. But often common wall agreements or smaller HOA considerations should be looked at closely.

Now more than ever expertise and knowledge are critical in selecting an agent to work with.  Our buyer representatives will help you not only look at the real estate homes and condos for sale that you can walk through and “kick the tires”, but we will also help to navigate the often confusing world of pre sale agreements, floor plans, construction details, and association structures.

It’s a great time to be a buyer if you have the knowledge and experience on your side. Contact New Era Realty today to learn more.

Like Us here on Facebook:

One thing is evident, the Denver condominium market is blazing hot. Inventory on resale condo residences has been moving quickly and the available amount of new Denver condo lofts is limited. One of the last large scale high rise residential towers,  SPIRE,  reported that they have sold 459 of the property’s 493 total residences as of this article “Downtown Denver Condo Tower Selling Again “.   

That doesn’t leave a lot of new inventory, and with the current construction underway it may be quite some time before we see another major project.

How New Rental Development Affects For Sale Availability

It is amazing the difference a few years can make.  Just a few years ago the cranes that dotted the Denver skyline were dedicated to the build and construction of new For Sale towers.  

At that time SPIRE, Glass House, One Lincoln, the Four Seasons, and more were underway.  Competition among sellers was strong as each building fought to attract buyers with developer incentives and pricing opportunities.

Today we still have a huge amount of cranes dotting the skyline, but they are focused on new apartment buildings. In just the Union Station and Riverfront Park area one can see the new developments for the new Manhattan Apartment phase, AMLI Riverfront, The Cascade Building, and the site that was originally going to be the new City House.

Condos with Amenities are in Especially High Demand

All of them… Apartments.  For those seeking a brand new Denver condo or loft in a high rise with amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, media rooms, and more that means the wait could be a long, long time.  Even if a developer were to announce a new project tomorrow the amount of  time needed to build another high rise would likely be at least a year and most likely two.

That’s a long time away for today’s buyers to “hope” for a new building.  For buyers, existing inventory is prized.  If you are a Downtown Denve condo owner now could be a great time to find out what your residence might be worth.

Now is the Time to Find out What Your Denver Condo is Worth

Existing Denver condo owners, you are in a great position to list and sell your Downtown Condo as inventory continues to tighten and demand continues to increase.  Days on market have been getting shorter, bids are coming in often tens of thousands above asking price, and offers are getting leaner in terms of contingencies.

Sellers, today is a great day to learn what your condo might be worth.  To learn more about Downtown Denver condo values contact anyone on the New Era Realty team.

Like Us here on Facebook:

Barbecues, balconies and a cold tasty microbrew are staples when it comes to enjoying the Mile High lifestyle in a downtown Denver condo or loft. Known as the Napa Valley of beers, Colorado has more craft breweries per capita than any other state and the downtown Denver area in particular is where many breweries house their brew kettles, hops and barley. In celebration of Denver’s Oktoberfest starting this weekend and in anticipation of the Great American Beer Festival in October, craft breweries around Denver are buzzing as they tap their special season kegs all across the Mile High City.

This time of year is like the Super Bowl for craft breweries. If you are interested in getting in on the action brewing around the city, you may want to check out some of the following brewery-friendly downtown Denver neighborhoods. And, if you really want to get into the game of craft brewing, there are some unique loft, condo and single-family options in these hoppy neighborhoods that you could tap into for your next dream home.

Sunnyside Neighborhood Tapping New Brewery Concepts

With boundaries of I-70 to the north, Federal to the west, 38th Avenue to the south and Inca to the east, the historically urban Sunnyside Neighborhood northwest of downtown is becoming home to some new and unique microbrewery concepts.

• Diebolt Brewing Company: This family-owned, French heritage-inspired microbrewery recently opened its craft brewing doors this summer at 3855 Mariposa Street. Located in the heart of the Sunnyside neighborhood, this fun and relaxing brewery aims to combine a community-based neighborhood atmosphere with quality craft brews. What’s on tap this month you ask? Your hoppy taste buds can be treated to a pint of locally named Diebolt Standard Porter, Mariposa Pale Ale, Sunnyside Wheat or Colorado Greenback IPA.

• Factotum Brewhouse: Originally slated to open this month at 4735 Lipan Street, Factotum is still adding the finishing touches on its home brewery recipes meet professional brewing facility concept. As soon as this sibling-owned brew house receives final city approval, the German-inspired brewery and taproom will feature home brewer recipes brewed on professional grade equipment and served at the on-site taproom. Whether you are looking to drink unique beer or take your home brewing experience to the next level, Factotum Brewhouse will bring an interactive brewery experience to the Sunnyside neighborhood, hopefully within the next month or so.

River North (RiNo) Adds Microbrews to Neighborhood’s Creative Mix

This creativity-inspired neighborhood located just north of downtown is known for its uniquely designed residential and commercial concepts that mix office space with studios, lofts and urban-living space. With boundaries of I-70 to the north, I-25 to the west, Park Avenue to the south and Arapahoe to the east, the art of craft brewing is being thrown into the mix of this neighborhood’s eclectic culture.

• River North Brewery: Located on the border of the River North Art District and the Ballpark Neighborhood, this Belgian and American style ale brewery at 2401 Blake Street offers a mix of eight ales on tap, ranging from the River North White Belgian-style wit to the Hoppenberg Uncertainty Principle Belgian-style double IPA.

• EPIC Brewery: Striving for a comfortable and inviting neighborhood atmosphere, RiNo’s newest brewery and taproom at 3001 Walnut Street is scheduled to open at Noon on Saturday, Sept. 28. With a history of being Utah’s first brewery since prohibition to brew exclusively high alcohol content beer, this new Denver taproom will feature 25 Epic beers on tap when it opens its doors this weekend.

Ballpark Neighborhood Hosts Annual Denver Oktoberfest Celebration

As the name of this actively urban neighborhood implies, when you’re in the Ballpark Neighborhood you are surrounded by baseball, hotdogs and beer. And, as is typical in Denver, a lot of the beer poured in this northern downtown area is from large and small brewpubs and craft breweries. Starting this weekend and running through October 6, the German-inspired beers will be taking over the Ballpark Neighborhood at 20th and Larimer during the 44th Annual Denver Oktoberfest. Fill your stein and grab your lederhosen to pay tribute to one of the greatest beer drinking celebrations of all time.

When you are ready to tap into the downtown Denver condo and loft excitement that is brewing around town, contact the team of real estate experts at New Era Realty. Expert agents can help you find your next condo, loft or single-family home in the best craft brewing neighborhood that will satisfy your taste buds and your lifestyle. Prost! 

Like Us here on Facebook:

With housing prices going up it’s likely that fewer of those in need will have the chance we have in buying a home, or even keeping one. Though they are the most visible, the homeless remain one of the most pre-judged, misunderstood and most vulnerable group of people. The largest reasons for homelessness in Denver are the loss of a job, housing costs and the breakup of a family. Sixty-four percent of the homeless in Denver are people in families with children. Forty-two percent are women and one third are working.

All these points come from the Denver Road Home who’s committed to end homelessness in Denver in 2015. Ending homelessness isn’t only a good humanitarian gesture it’s an infinitely better way to cut spending in our state.  The chronically homeless use our most expensive emergency services. This is why Denver Road Home works to provide the homeless with access to medical, mental health and substance abuse services. Working with the community to keep people who live on the streets safe and well cared for is important. But the goal isn’t to help the homeless; it’s to prevent homelessness in the first place.

And while Denverites give more than $4 million a year to panhandlers, most panhandlers are not homeless. Turns out, most homeless don’t panhandle. But there’s a better way to give. In seven years Denver’s Road Home increased the total housing stock by 2,653 housing units. Six thousand families received homelessness prevention assistance rather than being evicted or having their utilities shut off. Outreach workers lifted nearly 2,000 homeless from the streets and into homes. It’s not about free housing. Most tenants are expected to pay 30 percent of their income for rent. For those without an income they are assisted in applying for benefits to help support their rent payments. Of course, the best way to keep people in homes is to get them jobs. Collaborating with the hospitality industry and other private sector outlets, Denver’s Road Home is getting the homeless employed.

The Key Word here is Community

Even with a deep recession community support and commitment has brought Denver’s Road Home closer to its goals. Nothing would be possible without the resources and time given to them by the local Denver people. As they create new partnerships and expand existing ones, Denver’s Road Home is creating tangible results. By getting affordable housing for the homeless we as a whole can rest more comfortably in our own houses as taxes decrease, crime rates fall and drug use dwindles.

Tomorrow, September 17th from 10:00-2:00 pm at the Colorado Convention Center, the Homeless Connect 13 will be doing a one day, one-stop shop for individuals and families to receive free services and connect with resources. Services range from medical care and SNAP assistance to haircuts and hygiene bags. Since 2005, this event has provided assistance to over 15,000 families and individuals with the help of nearly 14,000 volunteers while delivering over $2 Million in free services. But all of this works because the community works to make it happen. If you’d like to help, sign up to provide a service at the event. If you can’t make the event, help by sponsoring PHC through financial or in kind donations or volunteer. For more information and to get involved, contact Melanie.Lewis-Dickerson@denvergov.org.

Like Us here on Facebook:

Let’s face it, we Coloradoans love to eat good and healthy food. We live an active life here as one of the most active states in the nation. So who has time to eat at home? We’re busy. We have fishing, skiing, camping, biking and so many events to do that make us hungry that we can’t get home fast enough. This might explain why this month and over the past year the leisure and hospitality sector continues to grow. In July jobs rose to 298,700 in that sector helping keep the job rate in Colorado at a steady 6.9 percent.

Craft Beers and Brewpubs go perfectly with Food and Jobs

Throughout the recession one of Colorado’s frothiest markets has been the craft beer scene. Craft breweries number more than 2,400 nationwide and nearly 200 in Colorado alone. Overall, craft beer is only 6 percent of the beer market. But so much of the Colorado beer market supports brewpubs as well as local multi-tap restaurants like the Falling Rock, Fresh Craft and Cheeky Monk which, not only serve great beers, but exceptional food as well. In essence, brewpubs need to account for a wait and kitchen staff as well as a brewing staff. That’s good news when you consider that 1,600 craft breweries are being planned nationwide in addition to the number that already are operating right now — twelve open in the Denver area before the Great American Beer Festival in October. And the craft beer guzzling isn’t going to slow down anytime soon. Locally crafted beer is something more people are seeking out, meaning taps will continue to flow and jobs will continue to grow.

Denver's Healthy Appetite for Growth

Even though restaurant sales remained flat through the first seven months of this year, the upscale, quick-service, fast-casual chain restaurants lunged forward.  This week the NPD Group released its survey showing the top three locations with the most fast-casual restaurants per resident were Fort Collins-Loveland area, Denver, Aurora and Broomfield area and Boulder. In other words, per capita, Coloradoans have and eat at more fast-casual restaurants than the rest of the nation. Fort Collins-Loveland area is way above the national average, with 13.14 fast casual chain locations per 100,000 residents.

Now if we were a fat state like say, New York with a mayor’s urgent agenda to cut the fat and trim his fellow statesmen, then this would be horrible news. But Colorado still remains the skinniest state in the nation and one of the most entrepreneurial in the restaurant business. Colorado is the springboard for fast growing, home-grown, healthier alternatives to fast food restaurants like Smashburger, Chipotle Mexican Grill and the Noodles & Company.

David Prokupek, the CEO of Smashburger recently told USA Today that, “We want to become the Starbucks of burgers.” He plans to expand from his current 200 locations to 1,000 units in the next five years, an increase of sales from $250 million to $1 billion.

Being that these types of restaurants tailor their menus to take local tastes into account our appetites, our thirst and our jobs are all in a good health.

Like Us here on Facebook:

We have to share a little bit of news with everyone… or maybe we should say forecasting. The area around most cities where the stadium is located tends to be a thriving center of restaurants, pubs, and condos.  For Denver that hasn’t happened yet. But that may be about to change.

Sun Valley is going through a major redevelopment being led by some super savvy urban planners, architects, designers and possibly developers.

The Decatur Federal station is up and running and as a part of that project there is also a redevelopment being designed for that neighborhood. Here are so many reasons why this area is desirable, and here are a few of the reasons:

It's in the riverfront area
You remember years ago when Riverfront Park was open fields and train tracks.  Now it is a thriving center of restaurants, green space, and some of the most beautiful condos and lofts in Denver.  Sun Valley and the area around the Bronco’s stadium shares riverfront appeal along with the trail system for running, biking and fun.

The views are incredible!
If you go into Sun Valley or the area around the stadium you will notice that it slopes upward giving residents incredible views of the Downtown skyline.

Perfectly situated
This neighborhood has a great location within a mile of LoHi, Jefferson Park and of course easy access into the Downtown heart of Denver.

It’s affordable
Projects in Jefferson Park have been popping up like crazy and soon those projects are going to begin appearing in Sun Valley as well with the new landscape of streets and the great design the planners have in store.  We are speculating on what will be developed and only the design team and developers know for sure.

The Next Hot Spot in Denver

If the density of this hip and growing area begin to take root it may very well be the next Lower Highlands style favorite spot.  When folks ask what is next to “Pop” (a term folks seem to love to use) or the next undiscovered gem in Denver’s Real Estate Neighborhoods we have to mention three words you should look at.

• Jefferson Park
• Sun Valley
• Stadium District

The "Stadium District"

Of course we are coining the term Stadium District… but we think that is what this area around our beloved Broncos (and the high scoring Peyton Manning) will soon come to be known.

And see the Stadium District Twitter page to stay up to date.

Learn more today by calling anyone on the New Era Realty team.

Like Us here on Facebook:

With all the talk about super stars, new clear plastic bag rules and upcoming schedules, it is obvious that football season has descended upon this great city. The metro is abuzz with excitement and expectation that comes from a Broncos team that once again has the potential to do great things. We’re not going to waste your valuable time by providing in-depth player and strategy analysis; there is already plenty of that for you to read up on. We would however, like to discuss the great benefits of having so many professional sports teams located in the heart of Denver, Colorado.

The Best Place in America for Sports

The metro is a paradise for professional sport enthusiasts. Denver boasts seven teams, the Colorado Rockies, Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rapids, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Mammoth and Denver Outlaws. Every major sport is fully represented and despite the up and down years some experience, the locals love these teams. It would be easy to quote financial impact reports, tourism numbers and local sales tax effects, but clearly these teams bring this city together. It doesn’t matter if you are cheering on the Rockies in the bottom of the ninth or waiting on the edge of you seat for the winning goal from the Rapids, Coloradoans love sports and Denver is home.

Downtown Stadium Oasis

With the exception of the Rapids, all of the pro teams make their home downtown which is still growing from a residential explosion. As more people of all ages flock from the suburbs back into the city, they are finding a downtown area that always has plenty to do and great places to live. The abundance of lofts and condos make it easy for urban dwellers to quickly get to the sports they love. For many it is the allure of walking over to the Pepsi Center to watch basketball, striding up the street to Coors Field to catch a great game of baseball, or strolling to Sports Authority Field at Mile High to scream and shout for their boys on the grid iron.

Others gather at some of the best brewpubs in Colorado, restaurants and clubs to garner quality time with friends and companions while they watch the games and cheer. Pro sports in Denver are much more than just a revenue-producing machine — they produce a common thread of unity that brings this fantastic city together. Nowhere in the ordinary business world do you see two strangers from opposite corners of existence reach out, hug and high five like teenagers.

Team Unity Brings Denver Together

As we semi-patiently wait for the beginning of this season, we implore all to take more than just stock of our jerseys, caps and team paraphernalia. Glance around in the stands, the stadiums, the pubs and the streets and recognize the bond these teams bring to each of us. Enjoy the camaraderie that comes from sharing a passion and the thrill of competition. Enjoy every moment and be thankful that it is here in Denver. Then let’s start cheering for that next Super Bowl Victory!

Like Us here on Facebook:

As backpacks, glue sticks, No. 2 pencils and Sharpies overtake the aisles at your local department store, we are all quickly reminded that the summer season is quickly winding down. As parents, this time of year can be extra stressful as you make plans for coordinating everyone’s schedules, navigating driveline and arranging for after-school care. If your kids are new to the school scene and you aren’t too sure about the types of schools that are in your neighborhood, you might even be toying with the idea of moving to a better school district. If finding the right school for your children is keeping you up at night, consider the following three back-to-school basics to choosing a home in a school district and neighborhood that fits your needs.

School District Scores

Getting your kids started off on the right foot academically is an important stepping stone to raising successful kids. The days of just settling for the school closest to your family home are long gone and the different school options (charter, public, private, Montessori, alternative, etc.) throughout the metro Denver area can be quite a puzzle to navigate. When you have school-aged children, looking for the best home in the best neighborhood can rely heavily on where the best schools are for throughout your child’s academic career. To help you navigate through the metro Denver area school rankings, Colorado School Grades lists the following top three Denver area schools for the 2012/2013 school year.

Denver Metro Area Elementary Schools

• Bradford Intermediate School in Jefferson County School District, Littleton, Colorado.

• Cottonwood Creek Elementary School in Cherry Creek School District, Englewood, Colorado.

• Aurora Quest K8 in Adams Arapahoe School District, Aurora, Colorado.

Denver Metro Area Middle Schools

• Stargate Charter School in Adams 12 Five Star School District, Thornton, Colorado.

• Montessori Peaks Charter Academy in Jefferson County School District, Littleton, Colorado.

• Slavens K8 School in Denver County School District, Denver, Colorado.

Denver Metro Area High Schools

• DSST: Stapleton in Denver County School District, Denver, Colorado.

• Compass Montessori Golden Charter School in Jefferson County School District, Golden, Colorado.

• Arapahoe High School in Littleton School District, Centennial, Colorado.

Denver Neighborhood Busing Options

Getting your kids to/from school can take up a lot of your time. And, buses don’t just stop on every neighborhood corner anymore. At many schools in the metro Denver and surrounding areas, private transportation companies provide busing to schools, but they may only service neighborhoods with the most demand. The private busing services also can typically cost additional money.

Before you settle on the perfect neighborhood near the best schools, look for transportation arrangement options that best suits your family’s needs. Distance and location of your home from your school or bus stop can make a big difference when it comes to walking/biking to school or having to drive – whether using bus transportation, neighborhood carpools, after-school homework program vans or mom’s old fashion station wagon.

Local Area Sports/After-School Programs

Back to school not only means assessments, orientations and new teacher introductions. It also can mean the start of fall sports seasons and activities. What your kids do after school can be as important as what school they go to, especially if you are a two parent working household. To help reduce the carting around of kids to/from school and activities, the best case scenario is that your school offers academic or sports after-school activities on campus or they host these activities at your school through third-party providers. Either way, finding a home in a community that caters to your family’s before, during and after-school needs should be an important concern for families with school-aged children.

If you find yourself thinking about moving to a new neighborhood to get your kids closer to the school of their dreams, give the Denver real estate experts at New Era Realty a call. They can help navigate your search for the best Denver area home to meet your family’s academic and lifestyle needs.

Like Us here on Facebook:

Home Sales are Stronger Than Ever

We were not surprised to see the latest market trends report discussed in the CBS article “Big Milestone for Denver Real Estate Recovery” where Denver home prices broke a record in May for the first time since before the market experienced it’s downturn.  

The study was done by the Standard and Poor’s Case-Shiller Home Price Index, where only two cities were found to be experiencing above pre-recession price market growth.  The other city, just in case you are curious, is Dallas.

The article mentioned that nowhere in Denver is this trend more apparent than in our own Highland Neighborhood.  We could not agree more. Our main office is in the Highland / LoHi area and we have been amazed at the amazing growth of this neighborhood.   It’s not just the real estate that continues to develop as new modern townhomes and mod homes are added to the mix of historic Denver Square homes and cool bungalows…. The dining, shopping, and entertaining scene here has been exploding with some of Denver’s most popular restaurants.

The Reality of a Strong Denver Market

The team at New Era Realty loves to see the positive growth of Denver and we have been working nonstop to ensure our service to clients is the best in Denver.  A strong market means one thing for us, we have to be ahead of the game in everything we do.  

Homes are going quickly with this surge in demand.  It is important to know about listings the instant they are available to see (or for pre-development way in advance of actual sales) and to understand property values and other competitive sales in the area.

The past year has followed a trend towards multiple bids on new listings and fairly short days on market.  Buyers need to find that happy balance where their offer is strong enough and still within what is fair in this market.  

We work with buyers to help structure winning offers that factor not just price, but often other conditions that might make an offer more attractive and save our buyers on their financial investment overall.  

It’s a market where expertise, experience, and specific market history is critical.  It is also where New Era Realty shines.   

Denver’s market is growing and home ownership more valuable.  Contact anyone on the New Era Team today and learn how we can help you in your dream home search or the value of your home to list for sale.

Like Us here on Facebook:

A World of Beer Economics from Colorado

Throughout the economic crisis there’s been one industry that has stood out—the craft beer industry. For four straight years craft breweries are reporting double-digit percentage growth with a 15 percent jump in sales and a 13 percent in volume beating the national growth and making Colorado about $450 million annually according to a report by the Denver Business Journal.

“The last time craft-beer sales didn’t jump by a double-digit percentage from January through June was 2009, when they rose by 9 percent from the first half of 2008. Since then, mid-year sales rose year over year by 12 percent in 2010, 15 percent in 2011 and 14 percent in 2012 — numbers that were very similar for end-of-year sales during those periods.”

Colorado Leads the Craft Beer World

While California boasts more breweries, Colorado has more breweries per capita than any other state. Only Portland comes close with Washington following. There’s a good reason Colorado is where it is today in the craft beer world. One name: Charlie Papazian.

Charlie Papazian discovered home brewing in the 1970s. At the time, home brewing was still illegal, a case forgotten when the sweeping laws of prohibition were being repealed. In short, brewing beer was a federal offense, but one that was never enforced. He eventually relocated to Boulder and continued his passion for home brewing. He also wrote what has become the bible for home brewers, The Joy of Home Brewing. Working along with Charlie Matzen, they were instrumental in repealing the law that made home brewing illegal. In 1978 Jimmy Carter signed HR 1337 into law legalizing home brewing.

Papazian then built what would become the foundation for all this economic growth, the Brewer’s Association. With the Brewer’s Association came the Great American Beer Festival, a takeoff of the Great British Beer Festival with a few exceptional changes that made the festival a more inclusive event for many types of beers. The Great American Beer Festival is the largest beer festival on this side of the planet. Only Europe has bigger beer festivals.

As of June 30^th, the number of breweries open today in the U.S. has reached 2,500. But the craft beer movement has spilled over worldwide. Countries like Italy are becoming world players in craft beer. Even with the economic quicksand there, craft beer has grown exponentially. While countries like Brazil, Spain, Japan and even Palestine are finding a taste for a bubbly economic option. All of this because of a fellow Coloradoan and the fine tastes of our great state.

Denver's Beer Lovers Paradise

The downtown area is full of local brewing companies and loved fine beer connoisseurs. One of the greatest advantages of living in a loft or condo is the quick access and diversity of these establishments. Give us a call today at 303-991-9878 or contact us below and allow us the privilege of showing you all the benefits of great downtown living.

Like Us here on Facebook: