Things to do in Denver

Not that I am really sure just what that means, except that it is the opposite of misplaced optimism. I bring it up because I was “accused” last week of having “misplaced optimism” with regard to the real estate market. So, with my usual introspective take on the really silly things people say, I started to think about “misplaced optimism”. Just exactly what could that be? When could optimism ever be misplaced? Does “misplaced” mean that I should not express optimism? Or that optimism is in someway lost? Or If I, or the collective we, just do not want to recognize positive anything? And, if “optimism” is indeed lost, just where should I go searching for it?

Just so the average member of the home owning or wannabe home owner public is up to date, there is a large group of “optimistic” investors wandering around buying residential real estate. Lots of it. They are renting them out, covering the debt, and waiting patiently for the market to rebound. Grasping the fact that all markets move up and down is not a discussion of optimism, it is a discussion of and understanding of basic economics. It’s only been two years when the average American was buying real estate at a furious pace, using loan vehicles that transferred all the risk of borrowing to securities investors trying to get a bit more profit than made good sense. There was not even a hint that the market was at the peak. Just as few people recognize the peak of a market, if is also true that few people recognize the valley of that same market. And those securities investors forgot about the market also. If I owned stock in Merrill-Lynch, I would be furious today that a small group of greedy managers (who no doubt walked away with really big bucks) flushed both the company and my stock value.

In Denver, we are no longer in the valley’s creek. The Denver market has started slowly up toward the next peak. The operative word is “slowly”, because this time around it will take awhile for the the capital markets to re-establish themselves and create equalibrium in mortage loan origination’s. But, it will peak again in three years or ten. That is probably way to long for the average American, but long-view investors will get rich from Joe Citizens impatience.

Written by Larry D. McGee, Denver Realtor - Visit Website Sphere: Related Content

I took one last look at downtown “Demver” today…well, actually two last looks-one in the late morning accompanied by Janet Marlow, TBG’s VP in charge of everything and a second late afternoon trip with wife and business partner Kristal Kraft. The first trip was billed as a property search tour, with DNC rubbernecking thrown in. The second trip was rubbernecking on steroids, with Kristal’s ever present camera clicking away the whole time. Surprised we did not get detained by any one of a couple hundred cops on the beat for overzealous shutter clicking. Both trips featured an overwhelming police presence. COPS on every corner, dozens of COPS on bikes, cops on Harleys, SWAT team cops hanging on the foot racks of a Ford Expedition, COPS in black Chevy Tahoe Hybrids with way cool DNC license plates, COPS in cleverly disguised unmarked cars, COPS on horses, a whole squad of COPS dressed in riot gear with blue plastic handcuffs dangling-COPS from Aurora, Commerce City, Brighton, Boulder-I am sure everyone is in the act. As an ex-COP, I was impressed-a bunch.

Security is silly tight. Fences and concrete barricades, bomb smelling dogs, massive dump trucks barricading gates to the Pepsi Center, RTD buses stashed close by with COPS and Sheriff’s Deputies as escorts( to carry violent demonstrators off to the warehouse pokey). Plainly visible to anyone looking are Secret Service and F.B.I. Agents, and lest we forget, Colorado Highway Patrol Troopers and military and police helicopters circling above.

As we drove home, we passed by a hotel located close to our Lone Tree home (the southern boonies 20 miles from the convention). Spotted local Sheriff Deputies just hanging around watching the limos and folks with “creds” hanging around their neck. Get it yet? Metro Denver is SECURE!!

While I certainly understand the supposed need for this massive outbreak of protection, I question why the need for the whole event, considering it is really just a christening party. And if you think my concern is directed only at the Dems, I have the same thoughts regarding the Republican party in Minneapolis. OK, there is an upside. Denver (and Minny) get fantastic world wide media attention. Assuming that the “Wackos” don’t crawl out of the dark places and spoil the party, Denver will certainly profit from this exposure. The weather is supposed to be good to great, the world will note that there is no snow on the ground, building cranes announce prosperity everywhere, light rail hums along, and there are no visible “street people”. “Demver” has worked very hard to put it’s best foot forward, and doubly hard to make sure no one steps on that foot. I hope the party is great, everyone goes away happy, no one gets hurt, the “street people enjoy the movies, (where did you think they went?), and the clean-up is quick.

My best wishes to the thousands of police and security people. Here’s hoping your worst problem is helping a lost Democrat find their hotel.

Written by Larry D. McGee, Denver Realtor - Visit Website Sphere: Related Content

The 2008 HBA Denver Parade of Homes is in full swing and being hosted by Solterra a Carma Community located in Lakewood, CO. The community which is set to include approximately 1,400 residences is modeled after European hillside villages. The natural landscape fits the theme well and highlights the amazing views.

As with any showcase there are certain trends that jump out & make you take notice. Texture was the reoccurring theme this year. Everywhere you look & touch a new texture, some more familiar then others. Hand trowel walls were the norm with quite a bit of Venetian plaster as well. One home even featured natural straw as a wall texture. You may have seen granite but how about honed and leather finishes? Distressed wood and patterned carpet ruled when it came to floors. And of course that’s just on the inside. Stucco, stone and brick were on all of the exteriors in very rustic weathered styles and color.

I encourage you to take some time and tour for yourself you too may find that while many of the materials look familiar they sure don’t feel the same!

Written by Charles Ward - Visit Website Sphere: Related Content

Below is a list of Halloween events for your little trick-or-treaters! Enjoy!

Denver Zoo

Boo at the Zoo

Date: Saturday, October 27 – Sunday, October 28
Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: Members - Free
Non-Members - Regular Zoo Admission (Adults $9, Children 3-11 $5

Seniors - $7)
(All Activities free with zoo admission)

Strap on your cape, tie on your mask and become a Zooper Hero for the planet on October 27 and 28, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Denver Zoo’s 23rd annual Boo at the Zoo. Young heroes and their parent sidekicks will experience child-friendly trick or treating at more than 25 treat stations while enjoying magic shows, crafts and wild animal encounters in Denver Zoo’s 80 acres of exhibits featuring more then 3,500 animal residents.

Westminster MallSafe Indoor Trick or Treating - October 31
Halloween Night
Halloween Night at Westminster Mall will be held Wednesday, October 31, 2007, from 6PM to 7PM. Children can get a treat from most Mall merchants. So, treat your little tricksters to a safe and fun Halloween.

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Written by Angela Fox - Visit Website Sphere: Related Content