Another Homebuilder Exits Denver Homebuilder Arena

Dallas-based Centex Homes is reportedly leaving Colorado. According to 9NEWS.com, the builder plans to cease operations by Spring 2009. The company, which builds in 10 communities from Castle Rock to Fort Collins, vows to complete all homes under construction in addition to unfinished homes. Denver-area Centex communities include: Highlands at Castle Oaks in Castle Rock, Carriage Hills Castle Rock Collection, Wheatlands in Aurora, Weaver Creek in Morrison, and several other communities north of Denver.

Centex’s departure is in response to Denver’s ultra-competitive homebuilding arena and difficult market conditions. Atlanta-based Beazer Homes has also announced plans to leave the Denver market by the end of the summer. Chicago-based Neumann Homes, who built homes at four Denver area communities, declared bankruptcy last year.

The Streets at SouthGlenn will be a major asset to the City of Centennial

The Streets at SouthGlenn is an upscale redevelopment project currently under construction on the site of the former Southglenn Mall, which opened in 1974. Three decades later, this exciting new development will completely revitalize its surrounding Centennial neighborhoods. The mixed-use project, slated for a Spring 2009 opening, is located in the heart of Arapahoe County near the intersection of Arapahoe Road and University Blvd.

Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Staples and a Macy’s Home Store, will be among the first stores to open at the Streets at SouthGlenn next year. A highly anticipated new Whole Foods store is also under construction. Plans for the project don’t end with shopping, though. According to the City of Centennial’s website, the project will ultimately feature a park, fountains, festivals, community events, and concerts.

The Centennial real estate market will be invigorated by this exciting new development. The neighborhoods surrounding The Streets at SouthGlenn will greatly benefit from the added tax revenue and heightened profile. You should also be on the lookout for new residential projects, including Alberta Development Partners’ (the developer of The Streets at SouthGlenn) 200 for-rent luxurious apartment homes, and The Portola, which will consist of both retail space and residential space.

As longtime residents of Centennial, we couldn’t be more excited about The Streets of SouthGlenn. For more information on Centennial real estate, please contact TeamCox Realtors at 303-400-6060. Happy Shopping!

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Aurora, Recently Named an “All-American City,” Recognized for its Affordability and High-Paying Jobs

TeamCox Realtors would like to follow up on our March blog post, regarding Aurora, Colorado’s nomination for the National Civic League’s prestigious “2008 All-America City Award.” We are happy to report that Aurora has won the award! According to the City of Aurora’s website, its delegation delivered a compelling presentation, encompassing the redevelopment of the Fitzsimons Life Science District, its Immigrant Integration Project and the COMPASS-Coalition of Many Providing After School Success (an after school program). According to the National Civic League, the All-America City Award distinguishes communities for collaboration, inclusiveness, and successful innovation. All-America Cities demonstrate community-wide civic accomplishments, cross-sector cooperation, grassroots participation, and creative approaches to issues.”

And, Aurora’s good fortunes just keep coming. According to a recent column in by Al Lewis of The Denver Post, Aurora was ranked second in a new Salary.com survey that compared salaries and living costs in 69 cities. Colorado Springs and Denver were ranked 11 and 22, respectively. Aurora landed at the top of the list because of its affordability and plethora of high-paying jobs in the medical and engineering fields, including those at the thriving Anschutz Medical Center. Aurora added 2,400 jobs last year in a variety of sectors.

Congratulations to Aurora, Colorado! For information on Aurora real estate, please contact TeamCox Realtors at 303-400-6060 or click here to e-mail us..

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Cherry Creek School District Boasts the Most “Top” High Schools

Since TeamCox understands the high importance of a child’s education, we constantly monitor reports that indicate which Denver metro area schools are the best. The recent release of Newsweek’s “Top High Schools,” includes several Denver metro area high schools that were recognized for their superior performance, including a high number of advanced programs and strong graduation rates. Not surprisingly, the Cherry Creek School District did particularly well with a whopping five high schools included in the list.

The schools were given a score that was calculated by dividing the number of students taking Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and/or Cambridge tests, by the number of graduating seniors. The top 1,391 schools were included on the list, indicating that they scored in the top five percent. The top-ranked Denver area high schools were as follows: Peak to Peak Charter School in Lafayette (40), Lakewood High School (108), Fairview High School in Boulder (235), Boulder High School (237) and Denver’s East High School (241).

The following Denver area high schools made Newsweek’s list of the “top” high schools:

Cherry Creek School District:
Cherry Creek High School (Greenwood Village)
Eaglecrest High School (Aurora)
Grandview High School (Aurora)
Overland High School (Aurora)
Smoky Hill High School (Aurora)

Douglas County School District:
Chaparral High School (Parker)
ThunderRidge High School (Highlands Ranch)

Denver Public Schools:
East High School (Denver)
George Washington High School (Denver)

Jefferson County School District:
D’Evelyn High School (Lakewood)
Lakewood High School (Lakewood)

Littleton Public Schools:
Littleton High School (Littleton)
Heritage High School (Littleton)

Boulder Valley School District:
Boulder High School (Boulder)
Farirview High School (Boulder)
Monarch High School (Louisville)
Peak to Peak Charter School (Lafayette)

Adams 12 Five Star Schools:
Legacy High School (Broomfield)

Are you looking for a home in a specific school district? TeamCox’s cutting-edge Denver MLS search system allows you to search by school district, which is extremely helpful to many prospective homebuyers. For more information on Denver area schools, please contact TeamCox Realtors at 303-400-6060 – We are your Denver real estate specialists.

Aurora was recently named a finalist for the National Civic League's prestigious '2008 All-America City Award”

 Grab Some Apple Pie and a Baseball Glove and Check Out Aurora, Colorado ~ a Truly “American” City!

 TeamCox Realtors would like to congratulate Aurora, Colorado, recently named as one of the 17 finalists for the National Civic League’s prestigious “2008 All-America City Award.” Aurora was chosen for this highly-coveted award based on its commitment to community betterment through civic engagement. The winner of the "2008 All-America City Award" will be named in June.

The Aurora real estate market offers homebuyers a diverse mix of properties at various price points. Whether you are searching for a home in one of the up and coming neighborhoods surrounding the new Anschutz Medical Campus, or near the thriving Southlands area, Aurora is bound to have a property that will fit all of your needs!

For more information on living in Aurora, Colorado, please contact TeamCox Realtors - your Denver real estate experts at 303-400-6060.

Parts of LoDo, Centennial and Highlands Ranch Still Experiencing Substantial Home Price Appreciation

Homebuyers are always interested to hear which Denver metro area neighborhoods are thriving and which are flopping. I came across a very interesting article written by John Rebchook of the Rocky Mountain News this week, which revealed the hottest (and coldest!) zip codes in the Denver housing market. 

If you are looking for a hotbed in an otherwise stagnant Denver real estate market, consider heading to the 80202 zip code that encompasses the trendy Denver neighborhoods of LoDo and Riverfront Park. Homeowners are in high spirits as their property values appreciated a whopping 16.2% from 2006 to 2007. This impressive figure is no surprise as scores of ultra-stylish loft and condo projects are popping up everywhere in Downtown Denver. The top three were rounded out by 80112 in Englewood and Centennial (+15.8%) and 80126 in Highlands Ranch (+12.8%).

Aurora’s 80010 zip code, close to the flourishing Anschutz Medical Campus, saw a 12.8% increase in property values that likely stemmed from the new medical facilities are breathing new life into surrounding neighborhoods. Other Denver area zip codes that saw increases include the Southeast Aurora zip code of 80016 (+12.8%), Evergreen’s 80439 (+12.2%), Boulder’s 80303 and 80305 (+10.8% and +8.6%), Littleton’s 80127 (+7.5%).

The list of "colder" zip codes included parts of Adams County, Jefferson County and Denver. Please click here to read the article in the Rocky Mountain News. For more information on booming neighborhoods in the Denver real estate market, please contact TeamCox Realtors.

Many Reasons that Affect a Home's Salability Including Improper Marketing

While price and condition are absolutely crucial to a home’s salability, there may be other reasons that a particular home just isn’t selling. For instance, perhaps a home that has been on the market for nine months really isn’t a dog. It is possible that it has been on the market for a very long stretch due to the poor, inept efforts of its listing broker. Marketing DOES impact salability! 

We’ve seen numerous homes sit on the market way too long only to finally sell for considerably less than what they are worth. It is important to remember that just because someone has a real estate license or the ability to "put a home in the MLS", does not mean that the home is being properly marketed through photographic images or through a suitably written MLS description 

We’ve seen homes with beautifully finished basements be listed in the Denver MLS as having no basement - let alone a finished one. Or, a home with four bedrooms might listed as having only three bedrooms, a two-story might be described as a raised ranch, or a beautiful wooded lot might be described as  an "oversized city lot.” In addition, many beautiful homes’ MLS listings have no photos, virtual tours, or remarks section that are filled with inane "stuff.”

While a potential buyer may or may not care if the water heater was replaced last year, he or she would definitely care about the home’s unmentioned luxurious master suite with his/hers walk-in closets, luxury bath with double sinks, separate shower, Jacuzzi tub, etc.

When TeamCox Realtors lists a home, we immediately download multiple pictures and labor over the verbiage that we present to both Realtors and the public. Before submitting the premium marketing presentation, we have the homeowner review it since he or she is the most important team member in our eyes. Most homeowners will never have the opportunity to see their home in the MLS. Sometimes, but not often, the homeowner will want a feature mentioned differently or request that a photograph be taken from a different angle. We will happily do all of these things. Since buying and selling a home is usually a family’s biggest investment, it is essential that it is presented correctly through multiple real estate websites–with multiple exterior, interior and virtual tour pictures.

Do you have questions about putting your Piney Creek home on the market? As your Piney Creek real estate experts, TeamCox Realtors will happily walk you through the entire process.

Arapahoe County Works to Help Preserve the South Platte

South Platte gets $5.25 million Legacy Grant from Great Outdoors Colorado

On Monday, GOCO awarded a $5.25 million grant to Arapahoe County and members of the South Platte Working Group, a coalition of 16 local governments and organizations working together on the South Platte Greenway Legacy Project – a plan to beautify the South Platte River corridor and enhance its connectivity to the recreation trails and wildlife habitat in the region. The South Platte Greenway Legacy project extends from Englewood to the Arapahoe County line south of Littleton. The South Platte Working Group has embarked on an ambitious, comprehensive study to look at ways to improve the major east-west trail connections to the river, such as the High Line Canal, and to build upon the preservation and recreational activity that already exists.

Arapahoe County’s South Platte River is undergoing rapid change and redevelopment as it transforms from an industrial corridor to retail, office and residential developments. It is critical now to set aside open space along the river.

"Wow, $5.25 million – the second largest GOCO grant in the State of Colorado. This money couldn’t have come at a better time and wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for the partnerships that came together last year," said Arapahoe County Commissioner Susan Beckman, a founding member of the

Arapahoe County will receive $5.25 million, which when combined with more than $20 million the South Platte Working Group has committed will enhance the South Platte River corridor as a recreational and habitat amentity by purchasing land from willing landowners to set aside for open space. Funds also will be used to construct recreational improvements including nature education and trails.

A dual trail for bikes and pedestrians traces the river’s course, but access is difficult along segments of the trail. Critical east-west trail connections are missing and recreational users compete for limited trail space in some areas. Other parts of the trail are marked by heavy industrial uses and automobile storage yards that eclipse the view of the river.

Members of the South Platte Working Group consists of Arapahoe County, the cities of Littleton, Englewood, Cherry Hills Village, Sheridan, Columbine Valley, Centennial and Greenwood Village, the Town of Bow Mar, as well as South Suburban Parks and Recreation and its Foundation, the Arapahoe County Open Space Advisory Board, Trust for Public Land, Urban Drainage and Flood Control District, South Metro Land Conservancy and Colorado Water Conservation Board.

Arapahoe County convened the coalition in September 2006 to develop a unified vision for how resources would best be invested in open space, recreation, connectivity and habitat conservation along the South Platte and the Mary Carter Greenway Trail.The South Platte Working Group – using expertise from the Trust for Public Land - has identified a list of 21 viable projects that can be completed within the next three years. The Working Group’s first effort – the Oxbow property – a 2.6-acre parcel that straddles the Littleton and Englewood border, was purchased in late November. The property represents a portion of the historic course of the South Platte River and it retains many of its original natural features, including a riparian habitat, wetlands, trees, vegetation and ponds. It is surrounded by commercial and industrial development and the purchase will protect water quality, wildlife areas and scenic vistas, as well as provide future recreational opportunities.

The $730,000 purchase was funded by Englewood, Littleton, South Suburban Parks and Recreation and Arapahoe County using Arapahoe County Open Space funds. The property will be owned by South Suburban Parks and Recreation.

South Platte Working Group. "It’s called a legacy grant for a reason. With the money that we’ve been able to generate for this project, Arapahoe County and its partners are going to leave a legacy for this area. This is fantastic."

The legacy for the South Platte River corridor – a vision of beauty, wildlife, preservation and recreation set forth by Arapahoe County and 15 entities - is about to get underway thanks to a $5.25 million boost from Great Outdoors Colorado.

Southlands is one of the Denver Area's Best-Kept Secrets

While traveling along the Denver area’s E-470 tollway used to be rather lackluster, the development of Arapahoe County’s Southlands area has changed the southeastern Aurora landscape for the better. Southlands, which has 1.7 million sq. ft. of shopping and dining space, is a fashionable area nestled along E-470 on Smoky Hill Road. The outdoor mall’s last phase opened in October of 2006. While residents of the Southeastern Aurora communities of Piney Creek and Tallyn’s Reach likely include Southlands in their regular shopping routines, the area is one Denver’s best-kept secrets.

Southlands features an architecturally charming four block main street and community plaza that is reminiscent of trendy urban areas like Bel Mar and Larimer Square. The main area is surrounded by almost every store and restaurant that you can name including P.F. Changes, JC Penney, Babies R Us, Home Depot, On The Border, etc.

Southlands isn’t all about shopping. There are many family-friendly events throughout the year including a summer farmer’s market that runs from May through October and a variety of events during the holiday season. The first annual Southlands 5K Race and Family Run/Walk is coming up on September 15^th. The 5K Race begins at 8 am and the Family Run/Walk starts at 8:30 am.

As the Southlands area continues to grow, real estate in surrounding communities including Tallyn’s Reach will only appreciate. Homebuyers are always attracted to communities that are not only close to conveniences but also nearby more distinctive shopping and dining establishments. The Southlands area is also in the heart of the coveted Cherry Creek School District, which further adds to the area’s overall appeal. The Southlands area takes typical suburban development to a whole new level.

For more information on the Southlands area or other southeastern Aurora communities, please contact TeamCox Realtors.

Crime Rates are Decreasing in Parts of Denver and Douglas County

Denver and many surrounding suburbs are becoming safer places to live. According to the 2006 Denver Neighborhood Crime Report, overall crime in the City of Denver declined 10% between 2005 and 2006. In addition, some of the Denver suburbs are seeing decreases in crime rates.

• Overall, there were approximately 46,000 reported crimes in Denver, which averages out to around 43 crimes per 1,000 residents.

   

• Bear Valley, Kennedy and Washington Park were among the Denver neighborhoods that saw the biggest decrease in crimes from 2005 to 2006. Washington Park saw a 31% decrease in crimes during the period including a 31 % decrease in the number of burglaries and auto thefts. A few Denver neighborhoods did not fare well in the report including Sun Valley, Five Points and City Park. These neighborhoods posted the largest crime rates per 1,000 residents in Denver.

   

• Douglas County continues to be a very safe place to live. YourHub.com reports that Douglas County saw a 14% decrease in violent crimes during the first half of 2007 compared to the same period last year. This conclusion is based on statistics from the Castle Rock Police, Lone Tree Police, Parker Police and the Douglas County Sheriff’s office. Both Castle Rock and Parker have seen slight reductions in violent crimes this year.

   

• In late 2005, the 12th Annual Safest Cities Award recognized Centennial, located in Arapahoe County, as the 25^th safest American city.

   

Low crime rates mean only good things for the local real estate market. For more information on specific crime rates or other safety issues in your Denver area neighborhood, please contact TeamCox Realtors.