More pix are at www.ColoradoDreamHomes.net!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
New Listing!
Offering luxurious living at a tremendous value, this beautifully appointed custom two-story home sits on a wooded .5 acre cul-de-sac site in prestigious Timber Canyon, a highly desireable luxury enclave of homes minutes to the Outlet Mall at Castle Rock and I-25. A full stone and stucco façade combines with a tile roof to produce a virtually maintenance free exterior. Whispering Ponderosa Pines and lush Gambel Oak surround this home, and you can enjoy natures brilliance from either of 2 Trex decks. If you ever craved a luxury home with 7 bedrooms, 6 baths, main floor office, upstairs loft, 2 story family room with a wall of windows, and fully finished walkout basement, your search is over! The professional gourmet kitchen is custom-fitted with top of the line features like rich cherry cabinetry, cherry flooring (also covering most of the entire main level), double ovens, trash compactor, butlers pantry, and large slab granite island with 5 burner gas cook top. The main floor master boasts 2 story ceiling, cozy gas fireplace, and large luxurious bath. This home is all about living large with gracious spaces. How about these secondary bedroom sizes; 18 x 22, 17 X 18, 17 X 20, 13 X 19, 12 X 15, 11 X 14. The room sizes speak for themselves. The lower family room is 22 X 27 with a third fireplace and private patio. Plus there is still a large unfinished portion of the basement that could be turned into a home theater. This never-lived-in spec home is in perfect condition, and ready to occupy immediately. Check the comps in this neighborhood and you will find that this home would appraise for hundreds of thousands more! Claim the warmth and charm of this home for yourself...before it is gone!
Don’t let someone else live YOUR dream. Come inside and experience this luxurious lifestyle yourself!
Call Jeff Kroll today for a private showing at 303-717-1492!
More pix are at www.ColoradoDreamHomes.net!
New Listing!
Offering peaceful tranquility on 5 acres that is a mere 12 minute commute to downtown Parker, this gorgeous 2005 custom home features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2901 finished square feet, and all the high caliber designer finishes you’d expect. Located just over the Elbert County line (where taxes are lower!) this lot fronts dedicated open space, with amazing forested valley views. Although professionally landscaped with many large Maples, Austrian pines, flowering crabapples, flower beds and a garden area, the show stopper of the homes’ exterior is the new flagstone patio and outdoor living space, ideally designed for mega entertaining with professional-grade outdoor kitchen, integrated wet bar, and cozy outdoor fire pit to snuggle up with loved ones during cool evenings. If you are a discriminating buyer who appreciates quality craftsmanship, you’ll see it everywhere. Anchoring the home is a vaulted great room with built-in entertainment center. The kitchen features 52” upgraded maple cabinets with pewter glaze, Brazilian Rosewood floors, Frigidaire Gallery Series appliances, large pantry, breakfast nook, tile backsplash, and granite countertops. The master bedroom boasts a see-thru fireplace, vaulted ceiling, 2 walk-in closets, and private patio access. The opulent 5 piece master bath features tile floors and countertops, antiqued maple cabinets, and corner Jacuzzi tub. You’ll revel in the spacious “flex room” above the garage, which could be used for a variety of uses; a home theater, second family room, artists studio, 5th bedroom, executive study...whatever your heart desires! With dormer windows flanking each side and wired for surround sound, it is a unique and special space. Speaking of “flex space”, this home boasts one of the largest walkout basements you will find, which at 2501 SF, could provide for a world of possibilities! It is as open as you could ever want a basement to be...with enough space for another house down there! Its unbelievable. You'll feel the quality in all the custom Kraft Maid cabinets, built with finger-jointed corners(of course), that also roll effortlessly. So make sure you open all of them up when you are in there! Other amenities include: dramatic see-thru slate fireplace, formal dining room with large arched window, central vac system (check out the crumb sweeper in the kitchen!!), air (of course), bull nose corners, 10’ ceilings, extra deep 25' three car garage with insulated doors, extra large laundry room loaded with cabinets and built-in ironing board, whole-house water filtration system, 50 gallon hot water heater, 3 phone lines installed, full sprinkler/drip system to all trees, outside 30 amp/120V outlet for RV's and 220V outlet for a hot tub installed, Travertine tile flooring, 6 ceiling fans, covered front Trex deck to soak in the views…the features are endless! Distinctive architecture completes the drama, resulting in a stunning getaway you’ll cherish and value!
Don’t let someone else live YOUR dream. Come inside and experience this luxurious lifestyle yourself!
Special financing rates apply for this home through Martin Funding. Call Brandon Martin at 720-296-0198.
Call Jeff Kroll today for a private showing at 303-717-1492!
More pix are at www.ColoradoDreamHomes.net!
New Listing!
Ever wanted to live in the mountains? This may be the next best thing. A private retreat awaits the buyer of this home, which offers 3 beds, 2 baths, and 1847 finished square feet. Located on a 2.27 acre lot in Ponderosa Park, majestic 100 year old ponderosa pines combine with apple trees, gambel oak, and other evergreens to produce an enchanting setting unmatched in the area. The privacy is first defined as you drive up to the property...the home can’t be seen from the road. The property is fenced and cross-fenced, and zoned for horses with a 2 stall barn, allowing for horse enthusiasts to saddle up whenever they please. And the absence of a pesky HOA reduces hassles and costs if you are the lucky buyer of this home. This home is complete with a spacious great room with oak hardwood floors and a wood burning stove. A warm and soothing sun room with wood paneled ceiling provides both ample light and forest views, and opens out to a generous, newly stained wrap-around porch with hot tub, providing the perfect place to unwind or entertain. The kitchen features hardwood floors, a solid concrete countertop surface and stainless steel sink. A walk-in pantry gives way to a special feature of this home; stairs walk up to a full attic space for storage with plenty of room to move around. So no dealing with silly pull-down stairs or crawl space walls to climb over to get to your stuff! The lower level features a large room that could be used in any manner you choose; a home office, a 4th bedroom, home theater, or rec room. The brand new 24 X 30 detached garage is a perfect compliment to the home, where the car enthusiast or tinkerer can work in there with room to spare. Adjacent to the attached one car garage is a built-in work shop or storage area as well, providing yet another flex space for tinkering, gardening, or storage. Other amenities include a garden area, detached shed, 3 ceiling fans, and new roof.
Don’t let someone else live YOUR dream. Come inside and experience this special lifestyle yourself!
Special financing rates apply for this home through Martin Funding. Call Brandon Martin at 720-296-0198.
Call Jeff Kroll today for a private showing at 303-717-1492!
More pix are at www.ColoradoDreamHomes.net!
New Listing!
Awesome Investment Opportunity!
Call Jeff Kroll today for a private showing at 303-717-1492!
More pix are at www.ColoradoDreamHomes.net!
New Listing!
Great opportunity in Stroh Ranch! Fully finished basement. More pix are at www.ColoradoDreamHomes.net!
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Comparing Title Insurance
The article below shows you it is important to compare rates. Like many articles in the Denver Post, this one is flawed though. The rates aren't as different as you would expect, and they have to be filed with the State of Colorado, so its not like you can "negotiate" anything. Our Broker-Owned Title Company, Meridian Title, offers You will find that there is very little difference in pricing from company to company...because the company does not set the rate, the larger underwriters post the rates and all must follow in pricing. Reissue rates offer the only real savings, like 50% off of the full rate. Some companies offer a 1 year reissue rate some have up to 10 years. Our broker-owned title company, Meridian Title, offers a significant amount of savings to the consumer. In fact 80% of the title insurance we sold in 2006 was provided at 50% reissue rate. We offer 6 year and 10 year reissue rates, which are unheard of for traditional Big Name title insurers.
With title-insurance firms, it's home seller beware
By The Denver Post
Article Launched: 10/02/2007 01:00:00 AM MDT
Title-insurance companies have some explaining to do.
Why does the cost of title insurance vary from one company to the next by hundreds or even thousands of dollars?
In these difficult times, many home sellers are trying to squeeze every dollar out of their home sales, just to pay off their mortgages and their brokers and be free.
What they often don't know is that they can get a better price from title companies - which close the deals and ensure that homebuyers have clear title - by shopping around.
Littleton-based title-insurance consultant Garry Wolff is showing them how.
In March, he launched a website, MyTitleIns.com, where consumers can get quotes from about 20 title companies with just a few punches of a keyboard.
On a $110,000 condo, the costs can vary by as much as $500. On a $275,000 home, they can vary by up to $900. And on a home costing $600,000 or more, they can vary by as much as $1,500. And for what?
"The big players (in the title-insurance industry) keep stressing that it's based on service and relationships," Wolff said. "The industry doesn't want to change."
People selling their homes pay most of the costs of title insurance, yet they typically do not select their title-insurance company. They usually rely on their real-estate broker, their lender or some other professional to make that choice for them, not thinking about the price.
For their part, real-estate professionals tend to go with whom they know.
"That's not infrequently bad advice," said Jim Maher of the Washington, D.C.-based American Land Title Association, a title-industry trade group.
"A real-estate broker does three or four closings a month, whereas you may do a closing every seven to 10 years," Maher said. "If you've ever been to a closing, you know it doesn't take much to screw something up. You want to have someone who has been there before. Is it worth paying ... more to have that? Or is it better to pay some newbie to do it on a discounted basis?"
What's better is information, said Paula Sisneros, director of compliance and investigation for the Colorado Division of Insurance.
"We support any entrepreneurial effort that provides accurate information to the consumer," she said.
In 2005 and 2006, the division reached settlements with some large title companies after a broad-reaching investigation of kickbacks between affiliated companies. Many title companies have affiliated relationships with brokerages, homebuilders and other players involved in the transaction. Most of these affiliations are not illegal, as long as they are properly disclosed, but this may help explain some disparities in price.
"Affiliated business arrangements are still pervasive," said Sisneros. "The division will be looking at these and weeding out the bad actors."
On another front, Denver lawyer Jeffrey Berens is organizing a class-action lawsuit against Land Title Guarantee Co.
His client, David Resnick, filed suit in Denver District Court, claiming the company did not give him a required discount when he refinanced his home.
The lesson here is, shop around.
But Wolff has his own motives for getting consumers to compare prices. He represents smaller, less established title companies that don't have the connections with real-estate professionals that larger companies enjoy.
"They're going up against the big dogs," said Wolff, "and if it's based on relationships, these little guys are going to have to be around a long time before they can compete ... so cost is critical to them."
Like many brokers, Al Loya of Metro Brokers/Colorado Homes Real Estate relies on people he knows to close deals.
"Most title companies have a good bit of turnover in a tough market," he said, "so you learn to follow the people rather than companies. ... I've been inclined to follow people I know are good closers. Most companies offer the same type of service. But the people make all the difference in the world."
Recently, however, Loya has been getting quotes from MyTitleIns.com.
"The site taught me there is a great disparity (in price between companies)," he said, "and that these rates are more negotiable than I ever thought."
Al Lewis' column appears Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Respond to him at denverpostbloghouse.com.
NOW, for everything you ever wanted to know about how Title Insurance works (its good reading), go to:
http://www.realestatezealot.com/blog/2007/09/land-title-sued.html
For more information about real estate, go to http://www.ColoradoDreamHomes.net
With title-insurance firms, it's home seller beware
By The Denver Post
Article Launched: 10/02/2007 01:00:00 AM MDT
Title-insurance companies have some explaining to do.
Why does the cost of title insurance vary from one company to the next by hundreds or even thousands of dollars?
In these difficult times, many home sellers are trying to squeeze every dollar out of their home sales, just to pay off their mortgages and their brokers and be free.
What they often don't know is that they can get a better price from title companies - which close the deals and ensure that homebuyers have clear title - by shopping around.
Littleton-based title-insurance consultant Garry Wolff is showing them how.
In March, he launched a website, MyTitleIns.com, where consumers can get quotes from about 20 title companies with just a few punches of a keyboard.
On a $110,000 condo, the costs can vary by as much as $500. On a $275,000 home, they can vary by up to $900. And on a home costing $600,000 or more, they can vary by as much as $1,500. And for what?
"The big players (in the title-insurance industry) keep stressing that it's based on service and relationships," Wolff said. "The industry doesn't want to change."
People selling their homes pay most of the costs of title insurance, yet they typically do not select their title-insurance company. They usually rely on their real-estate broker, their lender or some other professional to make that choice for them, not thinking about the price.
For their part, real-estate professionals tend to go with whom they know.
"That's not infrequently bad advice," said Jim Maher of the Washington, D.C.-based American Land Title Association, a title-industry trade group.
"A real-estate broker does three or four closings a month, whereas you may do a closing every seven to 10 years," Maher said. "If you've ever been to a closing, you know it doesn't take much to screw something up. You want to have someone who has been there before. Is it worth paying ... more to have that? Or is it better to pay some newbie to do it on a discounted basis?"
What's better is information, said Paula Sisneros, director of compliance and investigation for the Colorado Division of Insurance.
"We support any entrepreneurial effort that provides accurate information to the consumer," she said.
In 2005 and 2006, the division reached settlements with some large title companies after a broad-reaching investigation of kickbacks between affiliated companies. Many title companies have affiliated relationships with brokerages, homebuilders and other players involved in the transaction. Most of these affiliations are not illegal, as long as they are properly disclosed, but this may help explain some disparities in price.
"Affiliated business arrangements are still pervasive," said Sisneros. "The division will be looking at these and weeding out the bad actors."
On another front, Denver lawyer Jeffrey Berens is organizing a class-action lawsuit against Land Title Guarantee Co.
His client, David Resnick, filed suit in Denver District Court, claiming the company did not give him a required discount when he refinanced his home.
The lesson here is, shop around.
But Wolff has his own motives for getting consumers to compare prices. He represents smaller, less established title companies that don't have the connections with real-estate professionals that larger companies enjoy.
"They're going up against the big dogs," said Wolff, "and if it's based on relationships, these little guys are going to have to be around a long time before they can compete ... so cost is critical to them."
Like many brokers, Al Loya of Metro Brokers/Colorado Homes Real Estate relies on people he knows to close deals.
"Most title companies have a good bit of turnover in a tough market," he said, "so you learn to follow the people rather than companies. ... I've been inclined to follow people I know are good closers. Most companies offer the same type of service. But the people make all the difference in the world."
Recently, however, Loya has been getting quotes from MyTitleIns.com.
"The site taught me there is a great disparity (in price between companies)," he said, "and that these rates are more negotiable than I ever thought."
Al Lewis' column appears Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Respond to him at denverpostbloghouse.com.
NOW, for everything you ever wanted to know about how Title Insurance works (its good reading), go to:
http://www.realestatezealot.com/blog/2007/09/land-title-sued.html
For more information about real estate, go to http://www.ColoradoDreamHomes.net
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