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Here's a simple step-by-step guide for the first-time buyer. Knowing the process makes it less stressful and surely more fun to own your own home. 1) Before we even begin to look, let's get a "loan commitment" (not a pre-qualification or pre-approval). A loan commitment is the only sure way to know that when it comes time to close, there won't be any surprises. I can help you find the lender that's...

As winter winds down we’re all looking forward to spending more time out-and-about. It’s also the kick-off of the official home buying season. From April 1st through the end of July more homes go on the market and are sold than at any other time of year. While the economy is improving, interest rates are still very low, so if you’ve been thinking about this for a while, now might be a good...

Here's 7, 8, 9 & 10. 7) Henry Barnes, a Denver traffic engineer from 1947 to 1953, installed traffic lights at intersections stopping traffic in all directions so pedestrians could cross directly or diagonally (dubbed The Barnes Dance). It’s a crazy idea, isn’t it? 8) The nation's first juvenile court was started in Denver in 1903 by Judge Ben B. Lindsey. Denver's juvenile court became a...

OK, relax, Restaurant Week lasts longer than a week (14 days:) but it does start on February 26 and it will go fast. Here's the deal, more than 270 top Denver restaurants will offer multi-course dinners for the set price of $52.80 for two, or $26.40 if you're dining alone. It's really one of my favorite Visit Denver promotions... to visit some of Denver's classic establishments, and some of our newest!...

Tasty Tax Tip #4: Buy a House By Kay Bell, Bankrate.com The first-time homebuyer credit is no longer available, but owning a home still offers many good tax breaks. Sure, the bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform has suggested that the mortgage interest deduction be eliminated or at least reduced. That won't happen any time soon. Other home-related costs, such as...

With Valentine's Day only weeks away, I thought it would be fun to scout around and search out Denver's most delicious desserts. To help me with this I've asked my foodie friend, Biker Jim Pittenger, of Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs,  to give me some suggestions. Here's what we've come up with! D Bar Desserts at 1475 E 17th Avenue in Denver is a destination dessert dining at its best. With a focus...

The Denver Loan Guy Demystifies the Mortgage Process (and why it’s still a good time to buy) Regina’s Q&A with Mike Kazell, senior loan officer with Fairway Mortgage Corp. RP: So Mike, as of mid-December, what’s up with mortgage rates? MK: While interest rates are still historically low they are inching up, and many analysts think that in 2011 they are headed higher. What was 4.25...

Real estate activity continues to improve and if you're beginning to think about buying you first home, now would be a good time to begin making a real plan. Call me at 720-220-1394 so we can begin the process. I can supply you with a checklist of things to keep in mind when considering your first...

This past week I was on my way to do a condo inspection, and in the parking lot, a man and his wife pulled in front of me and stopped. I thought this is odd, but I lowered my window and asked them if they were lost. "Where's the leasing office." He wanted to know. "These are private condos," I told him. "But can I help you with something?" "I'm looking for a place to live," he said. Of course, not...