Buying a home in Denver is a huge step for most, and one of the most important processes, after choosing one’s dream home, is being granted a mortgage. Lenders look at a specific set of criteria when determining whether or not you are creditworthy enough to be granted the loan when applying.

When your credit score is being calculated your income, race, sex, or occupation is of no consequence to your credit worthiness. Your income is only important when it comes to calculating affordability. As an American, you are entitled to one free credit report per year. This means you can get a good indication of your credit standing before applying for your loan. Good, professional agents will always tell you things like this and keep you informed of all the steps of the mortgage application process.

When your credit score is being calculated, your income, race, sex or occupation are of no consequence to the final outcome.

The final credit score will range between 200 and 800, with scores over 620 being considered to be in the best range to acquire a mortgage at the best possible rate. To calculate your score, the following factors are considered:

1. Credit History.

Your entire credit history will be taken into account when you are being considered for a mortgage. Even late payments are taken into account when looking into your past, but the length of time taken for payment to be made is also taken into account. Be aware that bankruptcy filing, collection activity, and liens will also negatively influence a credit score.

2. Outstanding Debt Value

Be aware that large outstanding balances on many accounts point to overextension on one’s resources. But remember, it is a good thing to have some lines of credit open that displays a history of timely payments.

3. Credit History Duration

It’s generally true that the longer you’ve had a record as a credit consumer, the higher your chances of being granted more credit.
4. New Agreement Credit

If your credit is now under new agreement and even if accounts are paid regularly, the new credit will still be viewed as a higher risk to lenders.
5. Credit Types

If you have more than one kind of credit it shows a history that you can be trusted with multiple repayments for various kinds of debt.

Getting the absolute top advice is vital to allow you to invest in the best home. We make both of these easy.

Save time with your Denver home search today by requesting our innovative Denver Home Hot List.  You will get access to the latest homes in Washington Park, The Highlands, Plat Park, and more directly in your email.  No more wasting time visiting homes that are already sold, you will get access to ALL available homes in Denver.

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Nowhere is Denver’s abundant possibilities better accentuated than in the two adjacent neighborhoods of Bonnie Brae and Cory-Merrill. On the one hand you can find Bonnie Brae homes dating from the 1940’s set on established, and to borrow the oft used cliché, “tree-lined streets”. On the other, in Cory-Merrill lot sizes are larger – often suggesting opulence -  and homes are of modern design.

You can find Bonnie Brae homes dating from the 1940’s

Bonnie Brae is where you can explore winding streets, mature trees, and a community that welcomes all comers. The settled appearance of the neighborhood belies the fact that it is mere miles away from the center of Denver metropolitan. The best that shopping and restaurants are within easy reach and there is an abundance of parks and outdoor areas nearby.

Despite the old world appearance there is no real typical Bonnie Brae home. Here you can find imposing historic Tudor homes with three bedrooms, two bathrooms that is 2,700 square feet or larger. But there are also modern luxury homes set on Bonnie Brae’s beautiful streets.

Just to the east of Bonnie Brae lies its younger sibling, Cory-Merrill. Or so it would appear. The neighborhood was founded earlier than Bonnie Brae, but real development only started after World War II when homes were built for returning soldiers. Today Cory-Merrill is a modern neighborhood linked to the rest of the city by light rail service, close to Interstate-25 and the Denver Tech Center.

The homes built after the war years were too small for our modern needs – even though lots were generally large – and the neighborhood has moved with the times. Cory-Merrill homes are normally situated on larger lots than Bonnie Brae, often exceeding 10,000 square feet. On lots that large homes sizes can be equally accommodating, sometimes topping 5,000 square feet in size.

With two neighborhoods this rich in variety it is easy to see that homebuyers will find their dream home here. Be it traditional, modern, luxury, set in old world charm, or close enough to feel the city’s racing pulse, you’ll find it here. These homes are never around for long though.

When you are ready to explore the options Bonnie Brae and Cory-Merrill offer you can do so quickly and easily. No longer do you have to visit countless open houses or keep searching the internet for new listings as the properties can be delivered directly to your email.  Simply request our innovative Denver Homes Hot List and receive ALL of the available listings in the Bonnie Brae, Cory-Merrill and other Denver communities.  It takes less than 30 seconds to get started today.

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We’ve mentioned it before that Denver offers something unparalleled to its residents: a world where winter and summer outdoor activities are possible. Over the years the city has grown to be more than a sports offering; it’s become a real city with year round quality events.

 We’ve mentioned it before that Denver offers something unparalleled to its residents: a world where winter and summer outdoor activities are possible.

After the Colorado Rockies opened the baseball season on April 9 they will be in action at home throughout the month of May. The team starts the month against the Los Angeles Dodgers, followed by the Atlanta Braves on May 4 to 6 and will be in action against the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 16 and 17 and the Seattle Mariners on May 18 to 20. Get out to Coors Field and support our team.

The Tattered Cover Book Store in Colfax is bringing a number of authors to Denver this month. Christopher Farnsworth, the author of Red, White And Blood, will be in attendance on May 1, 2012. On May 2 it is the turn of Walter Boreman who wrote The Admirals. The double bill on May 3 includes Frank Deford, author of Over Time and Erika Napolentano who wrote The Power Of Unpopular. Entrance is free and remember to bring your copies of these books as the authors will be available to sign it for you. Various other authors will be presenting throughout the month, including Brandon Jones, Ron Rash, and Florence Williams.

Modern day adventurer Bear Grylls will be live on stage at the 1stBank Center on May 4 at 8 pm following a sellout tour of Australia. The star of Man vs. Wild, one of the most watched TV shows on the planet, shares his experiences of survival, his epic journey to summit Mt. Everest, his life, behind the scenes of his hit show, and stories from his bestselling book Mud, Sweat and Tears to debut in the US in May.

The Pro Musica Colorado Chamber Orchestra will feature women in music with a program that includes Cindy McTee’s beautiful Adagio, virtuoso flutist Christina Jennings in Mozart’s Flute Concerto in G Major. The program starts with a pre-concert talk at 6:30 pm and the program proper starts at 7:30 pm. The venue for the event is the First United Methodist Church in Boulder.

The Culinary Connectors, the foodies group that will help you explore the tastes of Denver, are at it again. On May 5 you can spend a leisurely afternoon and gain a unique glimpse behind the scenes of three of Denver’s top restaurants. Participation in the tour is limited, so be sure to book well in advance.

Don’t forget that May is Mother’s Day month! On May 12 there will be a fun walk presented by Florence Crittenton Services. You can also treat Mom to a brunch buffet on May 13 at Rialto Café while being entertained by Rat Pack Crooners singing crowd favorites with live piano tunes.

When you are ready to start exploring all that Denver has to offer, including its real estate, you can do so quickly and easily. Save time with your Denver home search today by requesting our innovative Denver Hot List.  You will get access to the latest homes in Washington Park, Platt Park, The Highlands, and more directly in your email.  No more wasting time visiting homes that are already sold, you will get access to ALL available homes in Denver.

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When you are looking for the right home there is much for you to consider – especially as there are so many options available to choose from in and around Denver. We’ve compiled a list of things not to do when house hunting and if you follow our advice you can concentrate on the important things, like which home suits you best.

We’ve compiled a list of things not to do when house hunting and if you follow our advice you can concentrate on the important things, like which home suits you best.

1. Don’t wait for the perfect house because there isn’t one. Compromise and prioritizing are necessary elements in home purchasing.
2. Don’t buy before you do some comparison shopping, especially if you’re new to the area.
3.  Don’t write an unrealistic offer or you will simply be helping someone else’s offer look better.
4.  Don’t feel a need to negotiate if a property is fresh to the market, priced right and popular. The good ones often go quickly and at full or close to full price.
5.  Don’t think all real estate agents and companies are created equal- they are not. Find a company with a great track record and proven home buying system.
6.  Don’t be afraid to write an offer above or below the asking price. Offer what it is worth to you.
7.  Don’t work with more than one agent. Find one you like and stick with them. If you make a bad choice, change but stick with the new one.
8.  Don’t wait for perfect conditions to buy. The best time to buy is when you have found the right home.
9.  Don’t get too many friends and family involved in your buying decision, you’ll go nuts!
10.  Don’t wait until after you find a house to be qualified for a loan. Do it upfront.
11. Don’t work with an agent who can’t show you checklists and systems. Only pick a friend or relative that is licensed as an agent if they are good! Look for value-added services.
12.  Don’t be surprised if you get buyer’s remorse at some time before closing – most buyers do. It is normal and it will pass.

Choosing the right home can be complex and sometimes frustrating, but our professional agents will lead you through it every step of the way. Save time with your Denver home search today by requesting our innovative Denver Hot List.  You will get access to the latest homes in Washington Park, The Highlands, Platt Park, and more directly in your email.  No more wasting time visiting homes that are already sold, you will get access to ALL available homes in Denver.

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When looking around for the perfect home to buy a homebuyer is confronted with a whole range of decisions that will be crucial to their family’s future happiness. These include what neighborhood to choose; the proximity of schools, shops, parks, and jobs; what amenities they want; and even what kind of property they really want. Choosing a good agent guarantees that you will get a look at all the best homes, but they will also protect you from any possible pitfalls in the process and give you the best advice.

Choosing a good agent guarantees that you will get a look at all the best homes, but they will also protect you from any possible pitfalls in the process and give you the best advice.

The following is a list of documents that you will need to have ready to get your mortgage application approved:

• W-2 forms — or business tax return forms if you’re self-employed — for the last two or three years for every person signing the loan.

• Copies of at least one pay stub for each person signing the loan.

• Account numbers of all your credit cards and the amounts for any outstanding balances.

• Copies of two to four months of bank or credit union statements for both checking and savings accounts.

• Lender, loan number, and amount owed on other installment loans, such as student loans and car loans.
• A list of addresses where you’ve lived for the last five to seven years. Also include the names of landlords if appropriate.

• Copies of brokerage account statements for two to four months, as well as a list of any other major assets of value, such as a boat, RV, or stocks or bonds not held in a brokerage account.

• Copies of your most recent 401(k) or other retirement account statement.

• Documentation to verify additional income, such as child support or a pension.

• Copies of personal tax forms for the last two to three years.

When you’re ready to start exploring the many options available in Denver a homebuyer can choose from you can rest assured that our team will handle all the other details so you have nothing else to worry about, all you need to do is choose the best home for you.

Save time with your Denver home search today by requesting our innovative Denver Hot List.  You will get access to the latest homes in Washington Park, The Highlands, Plat Park, and more directly in your email.  No more wasting time visiting homes that are already sold, you will get access to ALL available homes in Denver.

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The small established neighborhood of Platt Park has changed over the years, but it has kept many of its old single family homes. These homes range from 1920 bungalows, Victorians, and even original farm residences. Currently Platt Park is experiencing renewed popularity and growth and with that has come a number of town home developments.

Platt Park is popular with home buyers for a number of reasons. Many of its settled homes were built in the first half of the previous century and the streets reflect an old world charm, yet the many trendy shops, boutiques, and restaurants are signs of the vibrant community that calls Platt Park home.

Platt Park is experiencing renewed popularity and growth and with that has come a number of town home developments.

The popularity of the neighborhood is in no small part due to its proximity to downtown Denver and the other southern suburbs and the recent development of a light rail system has further contributed to placing the city within easy reach of Platt Park’s residents.

Apart from shops, clubs, and restaurants the community of Platt Park have many other entertainment options.  Outdoor activities are especially a highlight as Washington Park, Veterans Park, and Platt Park are all nearby and the Overland Golf Course offers a great golfing outing.

Platt Park offers a range of options for homebuyers ranging from single family homes, town homes, and multi-family properties. Single family homes can date back to the turn of the previous century with one or two stories, three bedrooms and two bathrooms that occupy around 2,000 square feet. Newer homes are also available and these offer larger options to the discerning homebuyer. These large homes can offer as much as 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and be in excess of 3,000 square feet in size.

Newer condos and town homes have also sprung up in Platt Park over the last couple of years. These properties also come in a range of options, from one bedroom bachelor pads to four bedroom, four bathroom units to meet larger needs.

The Platt Park neighborhood occupies a relatively small area nearby Washington Park.  With a small area and great homes for nearly every level of buyer you won’t often find too many properties listed for sale!

No longer do you have to visit countless open houses or keep searching the internet for new listings as the properties can be delivered directly to your email.  Simply request our innovative Denver Homes Hot List and receive ALL of the available listings in the Platt Park neighborhood.  It takes less than 30 seconds to get started today.

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Our city provides us with an environment where the extraordinary becomes the everyday – from snow capped mountains to a warm summer climate – it gives us every chance to enjoy the outdoors. The City does more though than just offer sport: it brings us the best in culture, art, film and literature, and other events from around the world. Here are just a few of the highlights to look forward to over the next month.

Astor House Museum’s first proprietor, Seth Lake, was known as a trickster and what better way to celebrate this than to join in the fun on April Fool’s Day. It promises to be a fun day with tricks, activities, and Victorian Era games. See if you can figure out what’s wrong with the historic boarding house and play some pranks on your family and friends.

The City does more though than just offer sport: it brings us the best in culture, art, film and literature, and other events from around the world.

Foodies unite! The Culinary Connectors explore the best and wide range that Denver’s restaurants have to offer. The tour takes a leisurely stroll to eateries and allows participants to enjoy the local fare and flavors. The tour kicks off every Friday at three and be sure to register beforehand. The group also has a special Denver Top Restaurant Tour on Saturday, April 7 from 2:00 pm.

April is also known for being Easter month. The Children’s Museum of Denver will be the place to be for kids’ entertainment on Saturday, April 7 from 10:00 am. Children can gather delicious treats, meet animal friends, hear stories with the Big Bunny, and explore the Instrument Petting Zoo with Swallow Hill Music.

April sees the end of the regular season for two of our sports teams, the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche have their last home game on April 7, while the Nuggets are in action six times at home in April with their last outing on April 22. But baseball swings into action on April 9 as the Colorado Rockies play host to the San Francisco Giants.

When you are ready to start exploring all that Denver has to offer, including its real estate, you can do so quickly and easily. Save time with your Denver home search today by requesting our innovative Denver Hot List. You will get access to the latest homes in Washington Park, Platt Park, The Highlands, and more directly in your email. No more wasting time visiting homes that are already sold, you will get access to ALL available homes in Denver.

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When you’ve chosen your next home it is important that you also have a home inspector visit the home to make sure that your choice is a good one. Always use an inspector who comes recommended by someone you can trust, preferably someone your agent has worked with before.

Home inspections will vary depending on the type of property you are purchasing. A large historic home, for example, will require a more specialized inspection than a small condominium. When you are ready to discover your new home you can use this list to make sure that your new home is safe and in a good condition.

The following are the basic elements that a home inspector will check:

When you are ready to discover your new home you can use this list to make sure that your new home is safe and in a good condition.

Structure: Structural components, including the foundation and the framing, should be inspected as this influences how the home will stand up to the forces of nature.

Exterior: The following components of the outside of the home should be covered by the inspection:

• Driveways and sidewalks
• Siding – brick, stone, stucco, vinyl, wood
• Attached porches, decks, and balconies
• Doors and windows

Roofing: The roof’s age, conditions of flashing, draining systems, buckled shingles, loose gutters and downspouts, skylight, and chimneys need to be inspected.

Plumbing: Areas of concern are highlighted by rust spots, corrosion, poor water pressure, and banging pipes. The water supply and drainage systems, water heating equipment, and fuel storage systems also needs to be inspected. Drainage pumps and sump pumps also fall under this category.

Electrical: A thorough inspection will ensure your safety. Look for the condition of service entrance wires, service panels, breakers and fuses, and disconnects. Also take note of the number of outlets in each room.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning: In addition to looking at the home’s heating, vents, flues, and chimneys, it is also important to inspect the water heater. Points to take note of here are: age, whether the size is adequate, speed of recovery, and energy rating.

Interiors: Construction defects, leaks, rot, and insect damage can be seen during an inspection of the home’s interior.

Insulation: Energy loss is prevented by adequate insulation and ventilation in the attic and in unfinished areas such as crawlspaces. There should also be proper, secured insulation in walls. The insulation in the home should be suitable for the climate.

Fireplaces: Inspectors should examine the system, including the vent and flue, and describe solid fuel burning appliances. Fireplaces can be dangerous if installed incorrectly.

When you are ready to discover your next home be sure to look carefully at the areas mentioned in the list.

As you can see, the process of choosing the right home can be complex, but our professional agents will take you through it every step of the way. Save time with your Denver home search today by requesting our innovative Denver Hot List. You will get access to the latest homes in Washington Park, The Highlands, Plat Park, and more directly in your email. No more wasting time visiting homes that are already sold, you will get access to ALL available homes in Denver.

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For many first time buyers townhouses and condos are often the way to go, but these properties offer more than just small apartments and loft units. Denver Condos come in a range of choices, from one bedroom units to luxury condos and everything in between. Gone are the days when condos were only seen as an affordable alternative to single-family homes, for many, condos and townhouses are the key to a modern, lock-up-and-go lifestyle.

Everyone’s situation is different and it is important to take into account the specific pros and cons that buying a condo will bring into your life. The following are some of the important factors to consider:

For many, condos and townhouses are the key to a modern, lock-up-and-go lifestyle.

• Life’s Little Extras.
Condos often come with extras that would be too expensive for the average single-family home. Amenities like swimming pools, fitness centers, doormen, and more are often part of the perks of living in a condo.

• Keeping And Maintaining Everything In Working Order.
A condo’s common areas are maintained with the owners’ contribution to the association fees and in-house maintenance personnel are often used to do this. There is also the extra benefit that they can perform repairs in your unit and let other workers into your unit when you are away. This means your unit is well maintained even when you travel.

• Storing Away What You Don’t Need Right Now.
In some condos there are storage lockers, but for the most part attics and basements aren’t there to store additional belongings.

• The Great Outdoors.
Condos generally have smaller gardens and outdoor areas. This can be a pro or a con: If you like to garden or entertain outdoors, this may not be the best choice. However, if you dislike yard work, this may be just right for you.

• Lock-up-and-go.
Regular travelers can do so without having to worry.

• Security.
Many condos in Denver have keyed entries. There are also neighbors closer to you if there is an emergency.

• Reserve funds and association fees.
The benefit of amenities and repairs come at a price and this is decided by the condo board, whether or not you’re interested in the amenity.

• Moving On.
The ease of selling your unit will depend on what else is for sale in your building, because the units are usually fairly similar.

• House Rules.
As an owner you have a vote, but the rules of the condo association can affect your ability to use your property. Some condos prohibit home-based businesses. Others prohibit pets, or don’t allow owners to rent out their units. It’s important that you read the covenants, restrictions, and bylaws of the condo carefully before you make an offer.

• Love Thy Neighbor.
You live much closer to your neighbors in a condo. Be a good neighbor and try to meet your neighbors nearest to you.

Condos in Denver come in a range of options from one bedroom and bachelor units designed for singles to designer luxury condos with all the stops. All that remains is for you to decide if a condo lifestyle is right for you.

Save time with your Denver home search today by requesting our innovative Denver Hot List. You will get access to the latest homes in Washington Park, The Highlands, Plat Park, and more directly in your email. No more wasting time visiting homes that are already sold, you will get access to ALL available homes in Denver.

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In Denver we are privileged to have a climate that affords us year round activities and the best of summer and winter sports. The City does more though than just offer sport: it brings us the best in culture, art, film and literature, and other events from around the world. Here are just a few of the highlights to look forward to over the next month.

Attend a live taping of the popular “The Nerdist Podcast Live show” which also includes standup comedy performances beforehand by hosts Chris Hardwick, Jonah Ray, and Matt Mira. The shows are presented by AEG Live and take place at the Boulder Theater.

We are privileged to have a climate that affords us year round activities and the best of summer and winter sports.

Our very own Colorado Avalanche is in action five times during the month of March at the Pepsi Center. Bring the whole family and support them if you can. The team will be in action on March 1 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and thereafter again on March 3, 10, 20, and 24.

Don’t forget what March is famous for: On the 17th it’s St. Patrick’s Day! The annual parade packs the sidewalks of Blake Street with our city’s residents. Remember to wear green!

Here’s another quality event that’s coming to Denver: The Banff Mountain Film Festival

World Tour comes to Denver from March 1 to March 2 and brings with it award-winning films and audience favorites from approximately 300 films entered in the annual festival in Banff, Canada. Tickets are available at Englewood and Lakewood locations, the Paramount Theatre, REI Boulder, the Colorado Mountain Club, and online. The festival takes place at the Paramount Theatre.

Here’s an activity for the whole family. The Children’s Museum of Denver is hosting a sleepover on the night of March 2/3. Children can spend the night on the fire truck, inside the museum’s anthill, or on a lily pad. There will be pizza and a movie, and in the morning pancakes!

When you are ready to start exploring all that Denver has to offer, including its real estate, you can do so quickly and easily. Save time with your Denver home search today by requesting our innovative Denver Hot List.  You will get access to the latest homes in Washington Park, Platt Park, The Highlands, and more directly in your email.  No more wasting time visiting homes that are already sold, you will get access to ALL available homes in Denver.

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