Our team at Nostalgic Homes – specialists in Denver Highlands homes for sale and the surrounding communities – has put together this short list of some of the top springtime activities in the Denver Highlands and the Denver Metro Area as a whole. Let’s take a look:

Rockies Games at Coors Field: April 5^th marked opening day at Coors Field for the Colorado Rockies. What spring in Denver would be complete without catching a few games at Coors Field? Whether you’re a Rockies fanatic or simply want to enjoy the scenery, atmosphere and food, you’re sure to be entertained. Residents of the Denver Highlands have quick access to the ballpark. Check the Rockies 2013 Season Calendar for more information on upcoming games.

A Taste of the Highlands: Perhaps one of the most anticipated events in the Highlands each year, A Taste of the Highlands is an intriguing mix of fabulous restaurants, markets and gourmet shops all wrapped in the area’s beautiful history and landscape. Happening May 18, 2013, join in exploring Denver’s coolest up and coming neighborhood and a wealth of fantastic restaurants. Tickets and information can be found by visiting: TasteoftheHighlands.com.

Outdoors Adventure: One of the best parts of living in the Denver Highlands is the quick access it gives you to many of the area’s best recreational activities. Springtime is the perfect time for enjoying more than 850 miles of hiking, biking and running trails around Denver and the Rocky Mountains. Whether you choose to explore the community on bicycle, take an afternoon to hike the foothills, or head west for a day of skiing before the snow is gone, there is something for all your adventure needs here in Denver.

Denver Botanical Gardens: Located a short 5-mile drive from the Denver Highlands neighborhood, nothing welcomes spring better than enjoying the pristine landscape and nature at the Denver Botanical Gardens. Special events are held throughout the spring including the Spring Plant Sale, the One-Man Bonsai Show, and the popular Concert Series. Park hours are 9am to 5pm daily, and tickets can be purchased for most events at the gate.

The United States Mint: One of the most popular spring break attractions for families is the US Mint. A visit to the Mint has a lot of things going for it. For starters, it’s free! Additionally, it’s educational and it’s fun to see how our nation’s circulating coinage and medals are made. Tours generally run Monday through Thursday and start every 90 minutes. You will want to make reservations, as there are only a limited number of tours available.

Explore Highlands Real Estate

These are just a few of the many wonderful activities available to those living in and around the Denver Highlands area during the spring. Be sure to bookmark our blog, as we will be posting more information regarding upcoming events and activities in the area.

Should you have any questions about the activities you see here, or would like to speak directly regarding your personal real estate needs, our team of Denver Highlands experts are just a phone call or inquiry away. At Nostalgic Homes, we look forward to hearing from you and to welcoming you home to our beautiful and truly wonderful community. Connect with us today to get started!

Home prices nationwide, which includes distressed sales, soared 10.2 percent year-over-year, according to CoreLogic’s February report. It’s the largest year-over-year increase in home prices since March 2006. It also marks the twelfth consecutive monthly increase in national home prices, according to CoreLogic’s report.

When excluding distressed sales, home prices rose 10.1 percent year-over-year in February, according to CoreLogic.

“Nationally, home prices improved at the best rate since mid-2006, marking a full year of annual increases and underscoring the ongoing strengthening of market fundamentals,” says Anand Nallathambi, president and CEO of CoreLogic.

CoreLogic predicts that home prices — excluding distressed sales — will likely rise 11.4 percent year-over-year from March 2012.

“The rebound in prices is heavily driven by western states,” says Mark Fleming, CoreLogic’s chief economist. “Eight of the top ten highest appreciating large markets are in California, with Phoenix and Las Vegas rounding out the list.”

The five states with the highest price appreciation as of February 2013, according to CoreLogic, were:

• Nevada (+19.3%)
• Arizona (+18.6%)
• California (+15.3%)
• Hawaii (+14.6%)
• Idaho (+13.5%)

Source: CoreLogic

The 2013 Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Now in its 51^st year of celebration and the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration west of the Mississippi River, the 2013 parade will kick off on March 16^th at 10am and generally lasts until 1:30 or 2:00pm. Starting off at Coors Field, the parade steps off at 27^th and Blake, follows Blake west to 17^th, heads from 17^th to Wynkoop, and finishes back at Coors Field. Street parking is prohibited on the parade route, but plenty of parking is available in lots on near-by streets. Some families have been staking out spots for 20 years and make this an annual tradition, so be sure to arrive early for the best spots!

LoDo Running of the Green: The Running of the Green has been a Colorado charity event for more than 24 years. The 7K is a family oriented foot race/walk is dubbed “Denver’s Classic Irish Jog,” and is the worlds largest 7K. Voted twice as the best race of the year, you’ll enjoy a bagpipe start, Irish step dancers, an exciting block party and an urban course through LoDo and the Highlands. This year’s event will take place on March 10^th at 17^th and Wazee in LoDo in front of McCormick’s Fish House and Bar. Registration starts at 7am, with the race starting at 10:15am.

Highland’s Ranch 5K: The Higlands Ranch has it’s own 5K, the “St. Patrick’s Day 5K,” which is sponsored by the Highlands Ranch Community Association. Starting in Town Center, the race will take place on March 16^th at 8:30am. Children can also participate in the free Kids Fun Run with finisher prizes given to the kids along with the chance to have their hair dyed green! When the race is over, adults may enjoy the many vendors coming to supply you with live music, food and beer. Early bird registration is available until March 2^nd, however day-of-the-race registration is also available. This race is also a Bolder Boulder qualifier!

Irish Pubs Throughout Denver: There are numerous Irish Pubs around the Denver area including in the Denver Highlands and surrounding communities. Landsdowne Arms, Fado Irish Pub, The Celtic Tavern, Nallen’s Irish Pub and Scruffy Murphy’s are just a few of the many locations offering St. Patrick’s Day promotions and specials. Check local restaurant websites for a list of specials and entertainment.

Specializing in Denver homes for sale and Highlands real estate, the team of professionals at Nostalgic Homes has the in-depth knowledge of the local community needed not only to suggest fantastic St. Patrick’s Day events, but to help you find the neighborhood and home that best suits the needs of you and your family. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, need advice on local activities or information on a good handyman, we’ve got you covered. Connect with a member of our team today to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you and to seeing you wearing your green this St. Patrick’s Day!

Whether you’re headed to the Highlands to scout out your next Denver real estate purchase, are planning a romantic weekend, or want a list of activities to keep the family busy, you’ve come to the right place. Specializing in Denver Highlands real estate, and having assisted countless clients over the years, our team at Nostalgic Homes knows the Highlands community like the back of our hand. From local arts festivals to dog parks, the best hotels to award-winning restaurants, we are happy to offer our suggestions. Here are a few of our favorite “Must-Do” activities while spending time in our community.

Shopping in Highlands Square: Located at 32^nd and Lowell this a charming district of quaint boutiques and restaurants, positioned among bungalow-style homes. Offering a true small-town charm, you’ll find some great coffee shops and stores selling everything from fine lingerie to contemporary fashions, books and gifts. You won’t find any large chain stores here. Instead, you’ll be captivated by locally owned businesses that offer unique products they’re proud of.

Tennyson Street Cultural District: Spend some time enjoying the burgeoning creative scene of the Tennyson Street Cultural District. In fact, the popular First Friday Art Walk is held the first Friday of each month within this area. Enjoy visual arts, music, culinary arts and a mixture of incredible shops, boutiques and bars. The majority of businesses are open from 6-10pm, with many of the restaurants remaining open well into the night!

A Taste of the Highlands: Denver’s LoHi neighborhood is an intriguing mix of restaurants, markets and gourmet shops. Each year, the Highlands host a tasty afternoon exploring Denver’s newest and most intriguing culinary offerings. During the event you may discover exceptional cupcakes and baked goods, the best Panini in town, Denver’s newest brewery, the coolest ice cream joint in town and much, much more. Generally held in December, the event takes place at Highlands Bridge. 

Sloan’s Lake Park: Soak up the sun and enjoy the crisp Denver mountain air with an afternoon at Sloan’s Lake Park. Located at 25^th and Sheridan Street, this 177-acre park is an urban oasis, with the enormous Sloan’s Lake taking center stage. Enjoy a picnic, use the grills, play a ball game or just enjoy the outdoors – the options are endless.

Cocktails and Dinner: As the sun goes down the community comes alive with a number of great bars and restaurants. Long renowned as a landing point for Italian, and later Hispanic immigrants, you’ll find many exceptional family-owned restaurants specializing in regional cuisines from Italy, Mexico, Peru, and Argentina to name just a few.

Spend the Night in the Highlands: If you need extra time in this great neighborhood, consider spending the night and book a room at the charming Lumber Baron Inn and Gardens, a luxury bed and breakfast, which has become a staple in the community. While there are other popular chain hotels nearby, this one will make you want to come back over and over again!

To learn more about our local community, or should you have specific questions about any of the events or attractions mentioned, our team at Nostalgic Homes would be happy to assist. As a local real estate firm specializing in Highlands real estate, we look forward to welcoming you to our community and to introducing you to the many pleasures and opportunities associated with owning a home here. Connect with us today to learn more!

Best Valentines Day Flowers and Gifts in Denver

No Valentine’s Day is complete without flowers, and Denver has a number of expert florists who can help you choose the right bouquet. Located in the popular Highlands neighborhood, Lehrer’s Flowers on W. 38^th Avenue offers a great selection with a knowledgeable staff. You can even order directly from their website and have the flowers delivered to your sweetheart’s home or office. Bouquets in Lower Downtown is also a popular floral shop, having been named one of America’s Top 10 Florists by Bon Appétit Magazine.

If you’re looking to purchase more than flowers this Valentine’s Day, consider some of the many gift options throughout the city. Consider the popular Highlands Square, offering quaint boutiques and art galleries, or the premier shopping and dining destination of Cherry Creek North. Here you will find more than 320 independently owned shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and spas. The upscale Cherry Creek Shopping Center, with an addition 160 brand name stores, in conjunction with Cherry Creek North makes up one of the largest, most diverse shopping districts between Chicago and San Francisco.

Denver Date Night Ideas for Valentines Day

Once you’ve found the flowers and the gift, how about some great date night ideas? Here’s a list of a few of our personal favorites. We may be specialists in Highlands Denver homes for sale, but we know how to cut loose and have fun, too!

1. Romeo & Juliet at the Denver Center for Performing Arts: Running January 25^th – February 24^th at the Stage Theatre, you can’t go wrong with the greatest love story every told.

2. Southwest Rink at Skyline Park: Located in Skyline Park, take a whirl on the ice with your sweetheart in the heart of downtown Denver. Skate rentals are just $2.00!

3. Valentine’s Day 5K: If you’re looking to blend love with exercise, this may be for you! The 5K will meander through the Washington Park neighborhood on February 10^th. Registration is $30 and proceeds go to help cancer awareness.

4. The Most Romantic Classics with the Colorado Symphony: The perfect date night, enjoy classic love songs and romantic works in the Boettcher Concert Hall. Showtime is at 7:30 on Valentine’s night.

5. Culinary Date Night at Cook Street School of Culinary Arts: February 13^th – 15^th and also the 22^nd, take your date to a cooking class that’s perfect for pairs. Two glasses of wine are included with your meal.

6. Dive Lounge at the Downtown Aquarium: Located on the first floor of Denver’s Downtown Aquarium, you and your sweetheart can enjoy cocktails while being surrounded by beautiful marine life.

7. Orchid Showcase at the Denver Botanic Gardens: Take your date to view more than 200 orchid plants with over 1,000 blossoms. Running through February 24^th, the Botanic Gardens are a great place for an afternoon date.

8. Couples Massage at the Ritz-Carlton: The Ritz’s Reconnection Falls treatment offers relaxation with a partner in a luxurious couples suite. Contact the hotel for more details on this special.

9. Downtown Horse and Carriage Ride: The quintessential Valentine’s Day date; enjoy a romantic ride through Downtown Denver. There are various pick-up points along the 16^th Street Mall.

10. Jekyll & Hyde at the Denver Center: Playing from January 27^th through February 10^th at the Buell Theater, this darkly romantic tale features Constantine Maroulis of American Idol and Grammy-nominee Deborah Cox.

These are just a few of our favorite ideas for the coming Valentine’s Day holiday. If we can be of more assistance, or if you’d like to explore the Denver Highlands real estate options available to you, please do not hesitate to contact us at your convenience. We look forward to hearing from you and wish you and your sweetheart a very Happy Valentine’s Day! Thanks for visiting.

“REALTORS® know that curb appeal projects offer great bang for your buck, because a home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers see,” says National Association of REALTORS® President Gary Thomas. “Projects such as siding, window and door replacements can recoup more than 70 percent of their cost at resale. REALTORS® know what home features are important to buyers in your area and can provide helpful insights when considering remodeling projects.”

Results of the report are summarized on NAR’s consumer website HouseLogic.com, which provides information on dozens of remodeling projects, from kitchens and baths to siding replacements, including the recouped value of the project based on a national average. According to the Cost vs. Value Report, REALTORS® judged a steel entry door replacement as the project expected to return the most money, with an estimated 85.6 percent of costs recouped upon resale. The steel entry door replacement is the least expensive project in the report, costing little more than $1,100 on average. A majority of the top 10 most cost-effective projects nationally in terms of value recouped are exterior replacement projects; all of these are estimated to recoup more than 71 percent of costs.

Three different siding replacement projects landed in the top 10, including fiber cement siding, expected to return 79.3 percent of costs, vinyl siding, expected to return 72.9 percent of costs, and foam backed vinyl, expected to return 71.8 percent of costs. Two additional door replacements were also among the top exterior replacement projects. The midrange and upscale garage door replacement were both expected to return more than 75 percent of costs.

According to the report, two interior remodeling projects in particular can recoup substantial value at resale. A minor kitchen remodel is ranked fifth and is expected to return 75.4 percent of costs. Nationally, the average cost for the project is just under $19,000.

The second interior remodeling project in the top 10 is the attic bedroom, which landed at number eight and tied with the vinyl siding replacement with 72.9 percent of costs recouped. With an average national cost of just under $48,000, the attic project adds a bedroom and bathroom within a home’s existing footprint. The improvement project projected to return the least is the home office remodel, estimated to recoup less than 44 percent.

The 2013 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report compares construction costs with resale values for 35 midrange and upscale remodeling projects comprising additions, remodels and replacements in 81 markets across the country. Data are grouped in nine U.S. regions, following the divisions established by the U.S. Census Bureau. This is the 15th consecutive year that the report, which is produced by Remodeling magazine publisher Hanley Wood, LLC, was completed in cooperation with NAR.

REALTORS® provided their insights into local markets and buyer home preferences within those markets. The 2013 national average cost-to-value ratio rose to 60.6 percent, ending a six-year decline. The ratio represents nearly a three-point improvement over 2011-2012. Lower construction costs are the principal factor in the upturn, especially when measured against stabilizing house values. In addition, the cost-to-value ratio improved nationally for every project in this year’s report and is higher than it was two years ago for both remodeling and replacement projects.

“A REALTOR® is the best resource for helping homeowners decide what improvement projects will provide the most upon resale in their market,” says Thomas. “Each neighborhood is different, and the desirability and resale value of a particular remodeling project varies depending on where you live. When making a home remodeling decision, resale value is just one factor that homeowners should take into consideration. Consult a Realtor® to make sure you are making the best decision.”

Most regions followed the national trends; however the Pacific region, consisting of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington, once again led the nation with an average cost-value ratio of 71.2 percent, due mainly to strong resale values. The next best performing regions were West South Central, South Atlantic, and East South Central. These regions attribute their high ranking to construction costs that were lowest in the country. While still remaining below the national average, most remaining regions showed strong improvement over last year. These are Mountain, New England, East North Central, Middle Atlantic, and West North Central.

To read the full project descriptions and access national and regional project data, visit www.costvsvalue.com [2]. “Cost vs. Value” is a registered trademark of Hanley Wood, LLC.

Courtesty of the National Association of Realtors

The National Association of Realtors said that December sales of previously-owned homes were up 12.8% from a year ago. That brought full-year sales to 4.65 million, up 9% from 2011 and the best year for home sales since 2007, when there were 5 million homes sold just before the start of the recession.

The improved demand for homes in December led to the inventory of homes for sale to fall to 1.82 million homes on the market, the lowest supply since January 2001 .The tighter supply, and the drop in distressed sales, have helped to lift home prices so that the median sales price for the year rose to $176,600, up 6.3% from 2011. That’s the biggest gain in prices in since the bubble year of 2005.

And the Realtors are predicting strong sales should continue into 2013 and beyond. It has a forecast for 5.1 million existing home sales this year, and 5.4 million next year.

NEW HOMES:

The Commerce Department said than New U.S. single-family home sales hit a seasonally adjusted 369,000-unit annual rate.

The median price for a new home rose to $248,900 in December from $245,600 in November, according to figures that are not adjusted for seasonal swings. Rising prices are seen as a sign of improving health in the housing market.

Economists think home building added to economic growth last year for the first time since 2005. Friday’s report showed 367,000 new homes were sold last year, the most since 2009.

Courtesy-

Jaxzann Riggs, The Mortgage Network

According to Commerce Department data, New Home Starts climbed 12.1 percent last month to a 954,000 annual rate, which exceedied all forecasts of economists. Spurred by record-low mortgage rates, home construction will probably keep making headway in 2013 as it recovers from the worst slump since the Great Depression.

Housing starts remain short of the 2.07 million in 2005 at the peak of the boom, which was three-decade high. They averaged 1.74 million a year from 2000 through 2004. All four regions of the country showed a gain in starts last month, led by a 24.7 percent surge in the Midwest. Construction of single-family houses climbed 8.1 percent in December from the prior month, to the highest level since June 2008. Work on multifamily homes jumped 20.3 percent.

Courtesty of Jaxzann Riggs – The Mortgage Network

But a new report by Zillow shows that one third of all homes are owned “Free and Clear” with no mortgage at all.

Demographics, home prices and geographical location all seem to play into “free-and-clear” home ownership, according to Zillow’s survey. Obviously, the longer someone owns a home, the more likely they are to have paid off a mortgage. When looking at free-and-clear ownership rates as a percentage of homeowners in various age groups, however, Zillow found 34.5 percent of 20- to 24-year-old homeowners are free of mortgages. This represents an upwardly mobile block of homeowners that can sell their homes and purchase a new one.

-Courtesy of Jaxzann Riggs, The Mortgage Network