Rueter-Hess Reservoir will add to Parker's recreational opportunities while boasting its water supply

TeamCox Realtors often recommends Parker, Colorado, to our homebuyers since the southern Denver suburb appeals to almost everyone – first time buyers to young families to empty nesters. The charming town and its surrounding neighborhoods offer a unique blend of small-town charm blended with the conveniences of being near a large city.

Yesterday’s Denver Post featured an article about the future Rueter-Hess Reservoir, slated to be 50 percent larger than the Cherry Creek Reservoir, which is under construction near Parker. This reservoir brightens Parker’s already vivid future, since it will add to the area’s existing charm and recreational opportunities, while boasting its water supply. Planning for the reservoir began in 1985, as the Parker Water and Sanitation District sought to improve its long-term water supply.

Projected to be completed in 2011, the  Rueter-Hess Reservoir will provide water to the Town of Parker, in addition to surrounding Douglas County areas, including Stonegate, Castle Pines North and Castle Rock. While the recreation plans for the reservoir haven’t been finalized, there are plans to include fishing and non-motorized boating, including canoes and rowboats. In addition, approximately 2,000 acres of land will be set aside for wildlife, hiking, and biking trails.

Are you thinking about moving to the Parker area? TeamCox Realtors has extensive knowledge of the Parker real estate market, so please free to contact us at 303-400-6060.

Convenient location and affordable home prices make Park Hill very attractive to buyers

Don’t miss today’s Denver Post real estate section that features, “A lesser-known Park Hill,” by Christian Toto. My expertise on the Park Hill neighborhood is showcased in the article, which examines the “unofficial” Park Hill neighborhood, lying to the east of Monaco Parkway. Many of TeamCox’s buyers are attracted to the vibrant Park Hill neighborhood, including a young couple who will be arriving this week for a house-hunting trip. The couple, a newly minted doctor and her husband, is searching for an affordable home in the dynamic northeast Denver neighborhoods of Park Hill or Stapleton. 

The attractiveness of the Park Hill neighborhood is endless – it is not only a short distance to the Anschutz Medical Campus, home to Children’s Hospital and the University of Colorado Health Science Center, but boasts lower home prices than neighboring areas. As mentioned in the Denver Post article, Park Hill’s eastern section’s close proximity to the highly popular Stapleton community could equate to substantial future equity for its homeowners.

This particular young couple has several other factors to consider, including safety and environmental issues. Buyers are willing to pay a premium if an older home has high-energy thermal windows, or an energy efficient heating and air conditioning system. Since sophisticated buyers are willing to pay a premium for products that will save energy dollars in the future, they easily recognize the inherent value of features like Energy Star rated appliances.

Park Hill real estate, which ranges in price from the $200s into the millions, features a diverse mix of architectural styles, including the famous Denver Square, Colonial, Mediterranean and Queen Anne. Similar to other Denver neighborhoods, many homes in Park Hill have been extensively renovated. 

For more information regarding the Park Hill, Mayfair, Congress Park, City Park, Hilltop, Hale or Montclair neighborhoods, please contact TeamCox Realtors at 303-400-6060 - our intricate knowledge of the Denver real estate market allows us to lead our buyers to the very best homes available!

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.

Douglas County School District Reveals Names for Newest Schools in Parker and Castle Rock

Two new Douglas County School District elementary schools have remained nameless – until this week!

According to The Douglas County School District, its Board of Education formally approved, “Gold Rush Elementary,” as the name for Elementary School #44. Gold Rush Elementary, Parker’s newest elementary school, will be open for the 2008-2009 school year. Parker subdivisions feeding in the new school include Antelope Heights, Bradbury Hills, Horse Creek, Newlin Meadows and Jordan Crossing. The name has historical meaning as gold was found in Newlin Gulch during the gold rush.

The Castle Rock area’s newest elementary school (formerly Elementary School #45) will now be known as “Clear Sky Elementary School.” The brand new school, located in The Meadows subdivision, will also be open for the 2008-2009 school year.

For more information on schools throughout Douglas County or in the Denver metropolitan area, 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.

Parker, Colorado, is a Safe and Family-Friendly Community

Since community safety is a prime concern among our buyers, TeamCox Realtors makes a point to keep a close eye on Denver area crime rates.

Parker, Colorado, a family-oriented community located 20 miles southeast of downtown Denver, recently reported a remarkable decline in crime rates. The Douglas County News Press reports that despite the Parker’s sustained population growth, the Douglas County town has seen a significant decrease in crime with 12.9 percent fewer charges filed in 2007 than 2006. Incidences of property crimes and crimes against another person were down last year. 

This is just one more reason why Parker is a wonderful place to live. In addition to low crime rates, residents savor the town’s small-town charm, top-notch schools, and state-of the art recreational opportunities.

For information on Parker real estate or regarding crime statistics in other Denver area communities, please contact TeamCox Realtors.

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.

Brand New Schools are in the Pipeline for Parker, Castle Rock and Highlands Ranch!

The well-regarded Douglas County School District, which serves more than 50,000 students, is the third largest school district in the state. Despite the recent slowdown in the general Denver real estate market, the district is still growing in response to Douglas County’s popularity among Denver area homebuyers.

Since the Douglas County School District has added approximately 2,500 students per year over the past five years, there are many new schools in the works for communities in Parker, Castle Rock and Highlands Ranch:

PARKER

High School #9 (Idyllwilde/Canterberry Crossing)

While it is waiting for its official name, “High School #9,” is under construction in the heart of Parker’s beautiful Idyllwilde community right off Hilltop Road. Tentatively scheduled to open during the fall of 2008, it will be the Parker area’s third high school. Please click here for more information on the new high school.

Middle School #9 (Idyllwilde/Canterberry Crossing)

Middle School #9 is under construction at the same location as the new Parker High School. It is also scheduled to open during the fall of 2008. Please click here for more information on the new middle school.

Mammoth Heights Elementary (Stonegate)

While Mammoth Heights’ classes are already in session at neighboring elementary schools, its new facility will open in January. The brand new elementary school is located on the north side of the popular Stonegate Subdivision on Stonegate Parkway. Please click here for to view the boundaries for Mammoth Heights Elementary.

Elementary School # 44 (Bradbury Hills/Antelope Heights/Horse Creek/Newlin Meadows)

Also nameless, another new Parker elementary school is under construction and scheduled to open in 2008. This new elementary school will affect the current attendance boundaries for Prairie Crossing Elementary. Please click here for to see view the boundaries for Elementary School #44.

CASTLE ROCK

Middle School #8

Castle Rock’s newest middle school is slated to open in August of 2008. Elementary Schools feeding into the new school include Castle Rock, Cherry Valley, Flagstone, Rock Ridge and South. Please click here for more information on the new middle school.

Elementary School #45 (Boundaries TBD)

There is a meeting scheduled on November 20th to determine the boundaries for the Castle Rock area’s newest elementary school to be located in the Castle View High School feeder area. It is scheduled to open in 2008.

HIGHLANDS RANCH

Stone Mountain Elementary (Weatherstone)

Stone Mountain Elementary, to be located in the Highlands Ranch subdivision of Weatherstone, is scheduled to open in 2008. Please click here for to see view the boundaries for Stone Mountain Elementary.

For more information on Denver area schools, please contact TeamCox Realtors. We realize how important education is to you and your family so we make a point of keeping updated on all new developments.

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.