Denver Colorado LUXURY Real Estate

West Denver is home to several communities, one of which is Sun Valley. The Sun Valley neighborhood is not large, with approximately only 1,500 residents. The area contains single family homes, apartment buildings, parks, and industrial buildings. With its recreation center, bike paths, and baseball field, Sun Valley sounds like an all-American place to live. But in reality, it’s Denver’s poorest neighborhood. Almost all of the neighborhood’s residents live in subsidized housing, and more than 70 percent of its residents live in poverty, with a median household income of approximately $8,000 per year.

For many years, the outlook for the Sun Valley neighborhood was consistently negative. Being labeled as Colorado’s poorest neighborhood has not been helpful as far as attracting local small businesses to the area or encouraging the City of Denver to spend money on improved infrastructure. But things are changing. Recently, it was announced in a Denver Post article that the Denver City Council is expected to approve a new land use plan for the Sun Valley area in hopes of revitalizing the vicinity. This announcement coincided with the debut of the West Light Rail (dubbed the “W” line), which provides easy access to Light Rail for Sun Valley residents.

The opening of the Decatur/Federal station on the W lightrail line will make it possible for Sun Valley residents to travel easily to surrounding Denver Metro areas. There is hope that this new access to other Denver areas that are served by the Light Rail system will result in greater employment opportunities for Sun Valley residents.

Denver City Council members see a large potential for the Sun Valley area. Words that have been used to describe the revitalization plan include “metamorphosis” and “transformational.” The development plan is referred to as “The Decatur-Federal Station Area Plan” and it is described as follows: “A high-level vision for how the area a half-mile around the light rail station should develop in the years to come. It foresees high-quality housing for the poor class and the middle class, a riverfront park, streets that connect to downtown and a new entertainment and cultural area around the Broncos stadium.”

The development plan for Sun Valley is exciting and encouraging. The plan is expected to increase the desirability of the area and also to be a stepping stone for a continued increase in economic development for the area’s residents. The hope is that Sun Valley will eventually become known as an area with mixed-income residents instead of an area limited to those with low incomes. What do you think these changes are going to do to the area?  Revitalization for current and new residents, or total Gentrification?

In addition to the development plans for Sun Valley, other exciting things are happening for the neighborhood’s residents. An organization called Fresh Start, Inc. is working with the Sun Valley Local Residents Council to provide assistance and support for deprived families and youth in need. The organization works with area children to make available the resources that are necessary to meet their basic needs and to offer programs that will help them pursue their life ambitions. For more information about how you can help Fresh Start, Inc. or the young residents of Sun Valley, check out their website to find the ways in which you can get involved!

Photo Credit: Proposed Changes To Sun Valley provided by The City and County of Denver

I believe that a career in Real Estate is one of THE ONLY professions that can offer you the potential to achieve pure, financial independence and wealth, without already being wealthy.  Seriously.  Your income is only limited by YOU.  People from all walks of life, and from every educational background can be successful real estate agents.  They can also be horrible real estate agents, and barely scrape by.  What type of real estate agent would you like to be?  If you’re already an agent, what type of agent are you?  If you are not a top agent, would you like to be?  If you are already a successful agent, would you like to achieve even more?  If you want to be a successful agent, and are not currently a Keller Williams agent, we should talk.

Times are changing for me.  Yes, I am STILL selling real estate – I am NOT retiring.  I love my career and clients.  However, I am beginning a new chapter – one of education and excellence.  Have you thought about a career in Real Estate?  I will be mentoring both new & experienced real estate agents.  Do you want your real estate sponsor to be a knight or a Jedi?  I would like to offer you real world education from a Jedi. =) I work at a TERRIFIC company (Keller Williams), with a WONDERFUL team leader (Tammie Daily), that offers inarguably the BEST ongoing education of any real estate company in the industry.

If you think you have what it takes to be an amazing real estate agent, this is it.  This is your opportunity.  And I am offering to help you for FREE. I am looking for a SELECT group of highly motivated individuals, who are go-getters, ethical, personable, service-oriented, hard working, and committed to their own success.  I am not saying it will be easy, but it WILL be worth it.  Your first year (and probably several more years) as a real estate agent will likely demand a 60-80 hour work week – if you are willing to do what I have done.  I’m hoping you will benefit from my growing pains, and squeak by on the lower end of the scale.  BUT, be prepared to give more…and reap the benefits.  I will be your official sponsor, and it will be challenging.  I will have high expectations for you, and I don’t like to be disappointed. Please contact me  to discuss the possibilities if you believe it’s possible for you.

PRESS RELEASE: For Immediate Release 4/27/2013  Contact: Rachel Betz 303-534-5000

April 27, 2013 [Denver, Colorado]—HGTV’s FrontDoor and Zillow have announced the official nominees for the 2nd annual Doory Awards, an online competition to select America’s most incredible homes for sale. Listings are selected in 20 categories for nomination, with one eventual winner in each and one overall winner for the entire year. Local Denver real estate agents Rachel Betz & Karina Christensen’s listing located at 2001 Lincoln St. #2513 was chosen as an official nominee in the category “CITY STUNNERS”. Online voting for the Doory Awards begins May 1st, 2013, and the winners will be announced in June.  Anyone can vote at www.frontdoor.com/dooryawards.

The Doory Awards were established in 2012 by HGTV’s FrontDoor.com, a part of the HGTV cable network’s family of web sites, devoted to taking audiences inside America’s most incredible homes. For 2013, FrontDoor has partnered with the biggest name in real estate listing searches, Zillow.com, to present the second annual Doory Awards, which spotlights America’s most impressive listings and the real estate agents who represent them.      ###

Rachel Betz notes, “I’m thrilled to announce that for the second year in a row, one of my amazing Denver luxury home listings has been nominated for the HGTV Doory Awards!  Last year, it was The Sanctuary Residence in Cherry Creek North.  This year, it is the most stunning penthouse in all of downtown Denver, Colorado.  The modern masterpiece, 2001 Lincoln St. #2513 is a truly one-of-a-kind,  luxury penthouse condo with a sky high 1,400 square foot patio.  It boasts expansive mountain & city views, a private 6 car garage, and hundreds of thousands of fine, custom Italian finishes throughout.  The penthouse is one of very few downtown residences across the nation that was selected as The Best of The Best in HGTV’s “City Stunners” category.”

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO WIN!  Please vote for this amazing residence on beginning May 1, 2013.  Please ask your friends and family to help vote for it too.  I will send out reminders.  I can’t do it without your help!  Vote here: www.frontdoor.com/dooryawards.

This gorgeous penthouse was designed by Martin and Melissa Goldstein of Venture Architects in Washington Park, Denver Colorado, and built by Mike Spencer of CBM Contractors.

Looking for your own perfect modern City Stunner condo to buy?  Search all Denver Homes & Condos now!  Download the official  2001 Lincoln #2513 Penthouse HGTV Doorys 2013 Press Release.

Many years ago, Denver’s “Mousetrap” was notoriously known by most Colorado residents as the vicinity where I-25 and I-70 converge – an area stricken with horrendous traffic jams during morning and afternoon rush hours. This location was definitely not seen as a highly desirable place to live or work, but its time has come.

You will likely see Denver homes for sale and other real estate investments around the new development, begin to increase in value.  If you are considering buying a home in the area, now is the time to buy to get your best deal.  Once construction is complete, property values are anticipated to increase exponentially.  While this northwest Denver neighborhood does not yet have the cache of The Highlands or Lohi, it will be a more affordable opportunity for home Buyers, and will offer even more shopping & dining options.  I predict a big jump in Sunnyside home values as a result of its close proximity.  And I’m not alone in this prediction. =) Talk about a walkable lifestyle, 25/70 is it!  Stay updated on all Northwest Denver happenings by following this Facebook page.

The revitalization of the Mouse Trap area is supported by major three factors:

• First, the reconfiguration of I-25 and I-70 over the course of many years, which has alleviated many traffic jam problems.

• Second, Denver’s extensive Light Rail expansion plan. The design is a 12-year, $6.5 billion dollar project that is currently under construction, and will expand on previous public transportation projects in the area both in and around the Mouse Trap.

• Third, a $100 million project proposal submitted by real estate development company Ascendant Development that will create and build a mixed-use campus area consisting of a combination of multi-family housing, professional office space, design studios, restaurants, conference and event venues, and retail stores on the site of the old Denver Post printing plant (northwest of 25/70 interchange).

Ascendant Development purchased the parcel of land in 2008 for $17 million from the Denver Newspaper Agency, and plans to complete the entire development project in three phases. The first phase should be finished in late 2014.  This development is just one more example of Denver’s continued growth, expansion, and desirability.  The phased, mixed-use development is planned to include residential living, terrific designer shopping options, other retail, and office space.  There are plans for a dynamic live/work type of atmosphere.

The old printing plant area consists of a 41 acre parcel that is slated to be designed by a distinguished architect by the name of Brad Cloepfil, who is best known in the Colorado region for drawing the architectural plans for Denver’s Clyfford Still Museum.  Mr. Cloepfil’s architectural firm is also responsible for designing many prestigious projects such as the expansion for the Seattle Art Museum in 2007 and the renovation of the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City in 2008.

Interested in buying a home for sale around the future Denver 25/70 Development?  Start searching for homes now, and call me for an appointment: Rachel Betz Real Estate 303-534-5000.  Visit the 25/70 official website.

Whether you already live in Denver, you are searching for a new Denver home, you are looking for a second home in the area, or you are simply a tourist visiting Colorado, you should not miss one of the best attractions the City of Denver has to offer.

Residents and tourists tout the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the Denver Zoo, all of which are exceptional and “must-see” attractions for anyone and everyone. But the History Colorado Center, which celebrated its grand opening in April 2012, should not be missed.  The Center is highly educational, and ranks high in entertainment value.

Entertainment for Kids and Adults of All Ages!
Many of the exhibits at the History Colorado Center are hands-on and interactive. But this absolutely does not mean the Center is intended to appeal only to children. People of all ages are bound to learn fascinating facts about Colorado that are thought-provoking and serve to peak everyone’s curiosity and interest. The Center offers ongoing programs, activities, exhibits, behind the scenes guided tours, discussion groups, lectures, and classes. The schedule of events can be found on the Center’s events calendar.

A few historical facts about the State of Colorado:

• The human history of Colorado extends back more than 13,000 years
• Colorado entered the union on August 1, 1876
• Colorado is the 38^th state
• Colorado means “colored red” and is known as the “Centennial State”
• The United States federal government owns more than 1/3 of the land in Colorado

Want to Live Near the History Colorado Center?
Are you relocating to Colorado, or are you thinking about purchasing a second home in the state? The History Colorado Center is conveniently located close to many of Denver single-family homes, condominiums, and lofts. It’s also situated within walking distance of Denver’s main public library branch, the Denver Art Museum, Civic Center Park, the Capital Building, and Denver’s City and County building. The newly opened History Colorado Center is truly a great addition to Denver’s already world-renowned scope of cultural attractions!

The facility is located in the same general area as the old Colorado History Museum (which was originally one block north of the new location) and the exhibits in the new building are designed to be engaging, enjoyable, interesting, and enlightening. “Colorful Colorado” has a fascinating history, and the History Colorado Center is designed to provide the general public with remarkable information about the state in the most engaging manner possible.

Downtown Denver has much to offer its residents. If you are looking for a home in the downtown area that is located close to one or more of Denver’s famous cultural venues, please call my office. In addition to the fascinating attractions discussed above, Denver also offers a wide variety of famous restaurants as well as views of Colorado’s beautiful Rocky Mountains.  Denver is a highly desirable place to live. I am an expert when it comes to pinpointing the best possible real estate for my clients. I will work to find you the home of your dreams in the location you want!  You can reach me at: 303-534-5000.

I’m so proud to announce our stunning luxury Gaudi – esque, Dr. Suess loft will be showcased on TLC!

View the original property profile for 628 14th St. -3A Denver, CO 80204 and the panoramic virtual tour showcase.  AND check out the stunning home showcased on pages 32-41 of the January 2013 issue of Urban Home Magazine.

SURREAL ESTATE Premieres May 18 at 10/9c on TLC
In this one-hour special, viewers will meet enthusiastic homebuyers in search of one-of-a-kind properties that appeal to their own highly unique tastes. With the help of their savvy realtors, buyers will take a look at an array of different properties – such as a house in the shape of a Pyramid, a converted missile silo, and a home whose interiors are loosely based off of a Dr. Seuss adventure. But it doesn’t take long for both realtor and buyer to realize that finding the perfect place to call home isn’t always as easy as it seems.

Do you have a unique luxury home you would like to sell?  I develop custom, one-of-a-kind marketing strategies for each property, to get it sold for the highest possible price.  I would love to sell yours!  Rachel Betz Real Estate 303-534-5000

Fifth Annual “RED Day” Set to Lend a Hand in Denver CO

Keller Williams Realty Downtown LLC, is part of a community service initiative across the globe

Denver CO, April 11^, 2013—Keller Williams associates will be taking the day off on Thursday, May 9, 2013, but it will hardly be a day of rest. Associates with the Keller Williams Realty Downtown office have chosen to “Give Where They Live” as part of RED Day, one of the biggest events in the real estate industry.

Short for “Renew, Energize and Donate,” RED Day was created to unite Keller Williams Realty offices and associates in an international day of service.

As part of the RED Day effort, Keller Williams Realty Downtown has chosen to spend the day with Extreme Community Makeover in the La Alma area.  Extreme Community Makeover coordinates volunteer teams to partner with underserved people to improve their own homes and neighborhoods. These projects build safer environments; cultivate community among residents, neighborhoods, and networks of local resource providers; and connect residents to a permanent path towards healthy, hopeful, and stable lives. http://www.extremecommunitymakeover.org

“This event is an entrenched part of Keller Williams Realty’s culture and displays the extraordinary effect a company can have when individuals come together to work as a team for the greater good of everyone,” said Team Leader Tammie Daily  “Last year, we worked along side ECM to improve the look of buildings walls, removing graffiti. We can’t tell you what an impact it made on each of us personally – it felt so great to give back to the community we know and love.”

Since the first RED Day in 2009, Keller Williams associates have given almost a half million hours of community service through activities ranging from food and blood drives to cleaning up trash in public parks, revamping gardens at nursing homes and rebuilding homes and schools for community members in need. To this day, it is one of the largest events in the real estate industry.

For more information about RED Day, visit (www.kw.com/redday.)

The Keller Williams Realty Downtown LLC  Market Center, located at 901 Auraria Parkway Ste #301, is a full-service real estate firm with143 sales associates.

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About Keller Williams Realty, Inc.:
Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the largest real estate franchise company in the United States, with approximately 700 offices and 80,000 associates around the world. The company has grown exponentially since the opening of the first Keller Williams Realty office in 1983, and continues to cultivate an agent-centric, education-based, technology-driven culture that rewards associates as stakeholders. The company also provides specialized agents in luxury homes and commercial real estate properties. For more information or to search for homes for sale, visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com). For more information about KWWorldwide, please visit (www.kwworldwide.com).

6,000 Residential Units Added or Under Construction in Downtown Denver Over Course of Past 5 Years

The Denver residential Real Estate Market is undergoing an incredible transition.  Denver is rapidly becoming known across the globe as a World Class City, and it continues to grow exponentially with more than 6,000 residential units either added or under construction in the Downtown Denver area alone over the past five years. But not only is the residential sector growing, the commercial, hotel, and entertainment realms have also seen extensive progression. Since 2007, there have been more than 2 million square feet of office space added or currently under construction and more than 2,000 hotel rooms added or currently under construction in Downtown Denver. Essentially, private and public real estate investments in Denver’s urban core have been vigorous and currently, they show no signs of slowing down!

Perform a map search of all residential new construction homes now.

Another terrific article was done by Denver Infill about the Downtown Denver Residential Boom.  Be sure to read it too.

According to the Downtown Denver Partnership, an organization dedicated to enhancing Downtown Denver by focusing on Leadership, Environment, Experience, Jobs, Connections and Housing, there is much evidence that the area is currently in great economic shape in terms of real estate. Following are some of the statistics published in their second annual State of Downtown Denver Report:

• Downtown Denver is the hub of the region.
• There are approximately 112,000 individuals employed in Downtown Denver.
• Approximately 17,000 people live in Denver’s urban core and 65,000 people live in the neighborhoods surrounding the city’s center. Also, 44,000 students are currently enrolled in Downtown Denver’s institutions of higher learning.
• Aside from residential growth and development, there have been $3.6 billion in non-residential public and private real estate investments in the past 10 years, and more than $1 billion more are slated for 2013-2014.

The Map
The Denver Downtown Partnership recently published a “Downtown Denver Developments 2007-2013” map that illustrates private and public investments in Denver’s urban core over the past five years. The purpose of the map is not only to allow current and potential residents and business owners to have an easy-to-navigate record of the real estate projects in the area, but it also provides information to future potential real estate investors. The map assists individuals and investors in identifying development trends. It also serves as a guide to anyone simply wanting to know more about Denver’s real estate development progression.

The development categories on the map include:

• Entertainment & Culture
• Government & Academic Institutions
• Hotel
• Hotel + Residential
• Office
• Office + Residential
• Residential
• Transportation & Public Realm

Following are the number of projects indicated on the map by year: 

• 2007: 10
• 2008: 12
• 2009:  5
• 2010:  9
• 2011:  6
• 2012: 10
• Currently Under Construction: 20

The mere fact that more than 6,000 residential units have been added or are currently under construction in the Downtown Denver area is impressive. A few of the most significant projects include One Lincoln Park, One Riverfront and Glass House Denver. If you are interested in learning more about living in one of Downtown Denver’s newest and most desirable real estate locations, or if you want more information about exciting projections related to future real estate development and advancement in the Downtown Denver area, contact me today! I have extensive knowledge regarding all Downtown Denver neighborhoods – both new and old!  Rachel Betz Real Estate 303-534-5000

Rachel Betz, Denver, Colorado Realtor will be featured in an upcoming issue of 2013 Top Agent Magazine.

Top Agent Magazine features articles highlighting real estate agents and firms, as well as industry expert editorials focusing on the business of real estate.

The magazine seeks out the most successful and unique Realtors and companies Nationally and Internationally to profile their accomplishments in in-depth feature stories. These stories highlight their production, community involvement, and industry involvement. The magazine continues to feature “up and coming” industry agents who bring a fresh perspective to the marketplace.

The featured industry experts help agents with their sales and marketing, education, finance, and business strategies. In addition, Top Agent Magazine includes motivating articles about the newest trends and products in the marketplace, which allow readers to learn how to bring their own careers to the next level.

Contact Rachel Betz directly for all your metro Denver Real Estate needs at: 303-534-5000

Search for your next home in the Denver metro area now!

The Metro Mayor’s Caucus and the City and County of Denver recently announced the launch of a new $15 million grant program to help low and moderate income individuals and families purchase homes within the city boundaries of Denver, Edgewater, Littleton (city only, not Douglas County), Dacono, Sheridan, & Arvada (just added). Check back daily, as more cities will be added to the program in coming weeks.

The program was designed to enhance and help build the local economies in these cities, and also to provide much-needed financial assistance to prospective homebuyers who may otherwise be unable to afford a down payment.  Many homebuyers who can afford to make their own downpayment are also taking advantage of this program.  It’s an incredible opportunity for any Buyer who can qualify! The most significant aspect of the program, entitled “Metro Mortgage Assistance Plus,” is that it provides recipients with down payment and closing cost assistance of up to 4 percent of the value of the loan that will be used to pay for the property. Furthermore, the funds do not have to be paid back to the program!  It’s like receiving a free money gift!

The program is slated to be ongoing through December 2014, and funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. And while the program is currently only valid on homes purchased within the cities of Denver, Edgewater & Littleton (city only, not Douglas County), Dacono, Sheridan, & Arvada.  The Denvergov.org website notes that additional Metro Mayors Caucus jurisdictions are expected to join the program in the future.

Qualifications – You do have to qualify for the Metro Mortgage Assistance Plus program in order to receive it. The top qualifying factors are the following:
Income – Your income must be less than $91,100 for households with two or fewer people (and less than $103,000 for households with three or more people).
Credit – You must have a minimum credit score of 640 (and slightly higher if you are considering the purchase of a manufactured home).
Debt-to-Income Ratio – The maximum debt-to-income ratio allowed for this program is 45.
HUD Education – You must be willing to complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course.
Money for Closing – While the program provides significant assistance with  down payment and  closing costs, you must be able to bring a small down payment – - equal to one half of one percent of the total mortgage – - to the closing.
Primary Residence – The program does require that the homebuyer(s) use the property as his/her/their primary residence.  Unlike many other popular and well-known mortgage assistance programs, this particular program does not have any type of first-time homebuyer requirement. Additionally, the program allows for the purchase of a single-family detached house, a condominium or townhome, a duplex, or a manufactured home.
Mortgage Lenders – I can connect you with a terrific mortgage lender who can best assist you with the Metro Mortgage Assistance Plus program.  Call me for a great lender referral. Contact me if you would like additional information on the Metro Mortgage Assistance Plus program! If you are looking to purchase a home in Denver or Littleton, and if you think you may meet the criteria of this program, I will assist you through every step of the process.  Rachel Betz Real Estate 303-534-5000.