Relocation – Jennifer Blake

April 15, 2021April 15, 2021

Introducing Knock, the smart way to buy before you sell!

August 14, 2020August 14, 2020

What does average look like?

Price is relative to location so let’s so let’s check out what average looks like in 3 popular suburban areas. Starting with detached single family; Aurora is offering some of the best values with the “average” sold home in July coming in nearly $150,000 below the overall metro area. In Littleton on the other hand, you’ll be looking above the overall metro average. And in Arvada you’ll be just below with an average sold home coning in around $575,000.

Looking at condos and townhomes; Aurora once again is offering a great value at $100,000 below the overall Denver metro area. Arvada and Littleton are both below the overall metro average as well with condo’s and townhomes selling on average for around $320,000 in Arvada and just under $360,000 in Littleton.

Did I miss a neighborhood or area you’d like more information on? Please reach out and I’d be happy to answer your questions and be of assistance. I look forward to hearing from you to answer your questions and help unlock the home of your dreams!

June 24, 2017October 24, 2017

Door to door move

If you’re like many homeowners, you’re interested in selling your current home to move on to the next chapter of your life BUT you’re afraid your house will sell faster then you can find your replacement home. Who wouldn’t prefer a door to door move over a temporary housing situation? Here are 4 potential solutions to help ease your anxiety and seamlessly move you from your current home to your new home.

1. Buy first. Some are fortunate enough to be in a position to buy then sell. If you don’t just have the cash lying around perhaps you have enough equity in your current home for a bridge loan toward a down payment, or you’re able to borrow money from a retirement account or receive a “gift” to be used as a down payment. Before pursuing this option be sure to speak with your lender if you’ll be financing a portion of the purchase price. There may be certain requirements that need to be met or documentation needed.

2. Rent back. If prospective buyers know up front you need to find a replacement home, many will be happy to work with you on a rent back. A number of details should be agreed upon up front between you and the Buyer if pursuing this option.

3. Extended close. Once again, if prospective buyers know up front you need to find a replacement home you may find one that would agree to a closing further out than 30 days. A number of details should be considered before entering in a contract with a prospective buyer with this option.

4. Conditional sale provision. Just like a buyer who’s contract is contingent upon the sale of their existing home, you can add language into the additional provisions of the contract providing you as the seller an out by a certain date if you haven’t successfully found your replacement home. There are likely fewer buyers who will agree to this provision, but it’s another option to weigh with your REALTOR and prospective buyer.

There are pro’s and con’s to each option. Be sure to consult with your REALTOR to discuss your options and the best way to achieve finding a buyer who is not only flexible but well qualified. For more information and a consultation on this topic, contact Jennifer Blake today!

February 24, 2015October 24, 2017

Columbine

Columbine consists of more than 10 neighborhoods on the Southwest side of Littleton, Colorado (80123 and 80128). It’s a desirable area for families with convenient access to shopping, downtown Denver, the Rocky Mountains, parks, trails and top rated schools. The majority of properties in Columbine are detached single family, with a few townhome communities and no condo’s. The three High Schools servicing this community are: Columbine, Chatfield or Heritage High School.

Columbine Country Club – elite neighborhood sits East of Platte Canyon and South of Bowles. This community features custom homes with country club amenities. 2014 home sales ranged from $500,000 to $1.2 Million
Columbine Heights – well appointed neighborhood developed in the mid 1960’s-late 1970’s sits North of Coalmine and West of Platte Canyon. 2014 home sales ranged from $525,000-$610,000.
Columbine Hills – entry level neighborhood sits East of Pierce and South of Ken Caryl Ave. 2014 home sales ranged from $208,900-$380,000.
Columbine Knolls -mid level Columbine neighborhood developed in the mid 1960’s to mid 1970’s sits between Ken Caryl Ave, Coal Mine, Sheridan and Pierce. 2014 home sales ranged from $281,750-$472,900.
Columbine Knolls Estate – small development built mid 1970’s, sits between Ken Caryl, Wadsworth, Pierce and David. 2014 home sales ranged from $441,100-$490,000.
Columbine Knolls North – small, late 1970’s to early 1980’s development situated West of Pierce and North of Coal Mine. 2014 home sales ranged from $330,000-$400,000
Columbine Knolls South – established, mid level Columbine neighborhood built mid to late 1970’s situated between Wadsworth, Chatfield, Pierce and Ken Caryl. 2014 home sales ranged from $304,000-$529,000.
Columbine Knolls South II – sought after neighborhood, developed from 1980-the mid 1990’s, situated between Wadsworth, Chatfield, Carr and Ken Caryl. 2014 home sales ranged from $375,000-$525,000.
Columbine Lake – townhome community developed in the mid 1970’s to the West of Platte Canyon, just South of Bowles. 2014 home sales ranged from $143,325-$247,600.
Columbine Manor – One of the original Columbine neighborhoods, developed in the 1960’s situated West of Platte Canyon and North of Ken Caryl. 2014 home sales ranged from $327,000-$368,000.
Columbine West – entry level neighborhood developed in the early to mid 1970’s, situated between Ken Caryl, Wadsworth, Coal Mine and Pierce. 2014 home sales ranged from $126,000-$450,000.

View Columbine real estate market activity with information on homes actively for sale, under contract or recently sold.

Thinking about buying or selling in Columbine, I’m here to understand your goals, provide professional service and deliver outstanding results.

Jennifer Blake, Columbine Realtor®

Call/text/email 303.842.2306 or jblake5280@gmail.com

May 24, 2014January 14, 2021

Neighborhoods – Suburban

North

Arvada
Brighton
Broomfield
Golden
Henderson
Lakewood
Northglenn
Thornton
Reunion
Westminster
Wheat Ridge

South

Aurora
Castle Pines
Castle Rock
Centennial
Columbine
Englewood
Greenwood Village
Highlands Ranch
Ken Caryl
Littleton
Parker
Roxborough Park

February 24, 2014October 24, 2017

Littleton

Littleton Colorado, a Great Place to Call Home

Littleton is a charming yet modern suburban area on the southwest side of Denver, covering nearly 14 square miles. Just a short commute (typically a 20 minute drive) to downtown Denver, the Denver Tech Center and the mountains, Littleton is conveniently located for work and play when you want to get away.

The Littleton area offers top rated public schools, endless outdoor activities, shopping, dining, seasonal events and a handful of attractions. Favorite annual events include Western Welcome Week and the Fire Truck Parade in downtown Littleton, the outdoor summer concert series at Hudson Gardens, and the Pumpkin Festival and Trail of Lights at the Botanic Gardens at Chatfield.

Littleton also boasts miles of parks and trails such as Chatfield State Park, Roxborough State Park, the Highline Canal, South Platte Park, Waterton Canyon, and Lee Gulch where you’ll find convenient hiking, biking, horse back riding, kayaking, tubing, hot air ballooning, camping and fishing.

Historic downtown Littleton, coined a “Modern Day Mayberry”, is lined with turn of the century buildings filled with specialty boutiques, art galleries, dance studios and locally owned eateries.

Appealing to a broad population, Littleton offers all types of housing from renovated victorians to multi-millon dollar estates to studio condos. Housing in Littleton is slightly more affordable than the city of Denver with Littleton’s average home sale in 2013 $298,497 and Denver $326,886. Popular neighborhoods with a Littleton address include Ken Caryl, Columbine, Polo Reserve, Roxborough, Trailmark, Grant Ranch, Stony Creek, Governors Ranch and Bow Mar.

If you’re looking for a family friendly community with a small town atmosphere enriched with culture Littleton is a great place to call home.

Thinking of buying or selling in Littleton, I’m here to understand your goals, provide professional service and deliver outstanding results.

Jennifer Blake, Littleton Realtor®

Call/text/email 303.842.2306 or jblake5280@gmail.com

80110, 80120, 80121, 80122, 80123, 80127, 80128, 80129

February 24, 2014October 24, 2017

Denver Weather

Denver weather is unpredictable at times, but with low humidity, high altitude and more than 300 days of sunshine a year the conditions tend to be mild most days. In the winter, the average daily high is 45 and it’s not uncommon to have a day in the 60’s. The snow melts quickly after most snowstorms and Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) does an effective job of keeping the highways and main streets plowed and de-iced so residents can travel as safely as possible. With the well built infrastructure for snow, most school districts in the Denver Metro have very few if any “snow days”. In the summer, days are warm and most evenings are cool and comfortable. The average daily high temperature in August is 86.

It’s not uncommon for Denver to have large temperature spreads, with a high in the 60’s one day and a high in the teens the next. If you’re traveling to the area or new to Denver here are a couple of tips to be prepared for the altitude and sometimes crazy weather conditions that may exist:

drink plenty of water – you need about twice the amount of water intake in Denver than at sea level.
don’t forget the lip balm, sunscreen and sun glasses – with the dryer climate you’ll find yourself reaching for your chapstick several times a day and with the intense sun rays at the mile high altitude you’ll want sun glasses when you’re outside (especially driving) and sunscreen if you’ll be outside for an extended period of time.
dress in layers – it often feels much warmer than the actual temperature during the day, but once the sun goes down the chill sets in. Also, with the swing in temperatures you’ll be thankful if you’re able to remove layers or add layers to adjust accordingly.

For more information about moving to Denver, I’d love to answer your questions and be of assistance. I’m here to understand your home ownership goals, provide professional service and assist in preparing you on a successful move.

Jennifer Blake, Denver Realtor®

February 24, 2014December 4, 2018

Denver metro schools

As a mom and REALTOR® who works with family’s every day concerned with selecting a home that will provide the “best” schools I understand the importance of education for our children and the effects schools have on our community. Not only is education the foundation for our children’s future; schools have a direct impact on property values.

I’ve compiled a summary of the largest school districts in the Denver Metro Area, along with information on private schools and links to several third party resources. Generally speaking Cherry Creek, Douglas County, Jefferson County and Littleton consistently rank as top districts; however, choices do not end with public schools and you can find terrific schools in every district.

Denver metro schools:

Name	# of Schools	Accolades
Adams County 12 adams12.org	56 total	7 schools receive top academic honors by the Colorado Department of Education
Adams County 14 adams14.org	13 total
Aurora Public Schools aurorak12.org	59 total	3 schools received the 2012 Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award.
Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools archden.org/index.cfm/ID/44	38 total	AoDCS 8^th grade students score 3.6 years above grade level.
Cherry Creek School District cherrycreekschools.org	67 total	95% of schools are in the Colorado Department of Educations highest category.
Denver Public Schools Dpsk12.org	172 total	12.8% of students are in a gifted and talented program.
Douglas County Dcsdk12.org	68 total	23 schools received the John Irwin Award for excellent academic achievement.
Englewood Englewoodschools.net	8 total 4 elementary 2 middle 2 high school	1-on-1 iPad distribution for students k-8.
Jefferson County Jeffcopublicschools.org	155 total	6 high schools ranked in the top 40 in US News 2013 Best High Schools.
Littleton Public Schools Littletonpublicschools.net	23 total	All 3 high schools are nationally recognized and have the highest gradation rate of any high schools in Denver
Private Schools greatschools.org/colorado/denver/schools/?st=private	300+