Rooney Valley Update: The Impact on Solterra

As your Solterra real estate specialist, I’m keen to stay on top of the plans for Rooney Valley. What happens to that acreage is of special interest to Solterra residents, to the buyers considering a move into this special neighborhood, and the homeowners who plan to sell in the next year or two.

The Solterra community in Lakewood, Colorado, is situated just north of the Rooney Valley.

To get the latest news, I attended last Saturday’s community meeting at the Green Mountain Presbyterian Church, with ward representatives David Wiechman and Barb Franks. There’s no question, our community is adamant that Lakewood gets this development right. I’m referring to the open land just south of Solterra, west of Indiana, north of Morrison and east of C-470.

Plans call for the City of Morrison to annex the land under discussion to the City of Lakewood. The annexation hasn’t happened yet, and probably won’t for some time. If you’re interested, the new Master Plan adopted by the city of Lakewood for the Rooney Valley is available online at www.lakewood.org.

Local residents continue to voice their concerns regarding plans for the development of Rooney Valley to the south of Solterra in Lakewood, CO.

Of utmost concern to all of us Solterra home owners is how the development of Rooney Valley will affect real estate values and our quality of life. Traffic at the access points of Alameda and Morrison Road to C-470 will definitely increase. The degree to which home values will be affected depends on the types of homes that populate the new neighborhood, who the builders are and the quality of the construction. All of that is yet to be determined.

Contact Andrew Nagel, Solterra Real Estate Specialist, with your questions and concerns about the development of Rooney Valley and its impact on Solterra homeowners, like himself.

I’ll continue to blog about this topic in the weeks and months ahead. Check back for new information. In the meantime, reach out by phone (303-898-4572) or email if you’d like to talk about the issues. I’m always happy to share what I know.

List my Solterra home in January? Yes!

Real estate sales in metro Denver are typically slow this time of year. The frenzied pace of the fall market starts to wind down as we approach the holidays, and usually stays slow for a few months. It’s cold. There’s snow to deal with. The market goes quiet, with fewer buyers and not many new listings.

Not so in Solterra.

Unlike a lot of metro neighborhoods, Solterra saw sales in January.

Solterra is a unique community in a lot of ways, including our sales activity. Despite the cold and the snow we’ve had this month, sales in our neighborhood picked up after the holidays. Some great new properties came on the market in January and sold.

List your Solterra home this month and get in the market ahead of the spring listings rush.

If you’re thinking about moving, I recommend putting your Solterra house into play this month, before new listings flood the market come spring. Homes that have been on for several weeks have gone stale. A new listing gets attention this time of year.

Timing in life is everything. Real estate is no exception. Give me a call (303-898-4572). I’d love to share my experience and wisdom about the Solterra sales cycle. We’ll see activity pick up in February-March as the market prepares for the onslaught of spring listings throughout metro Denver. My advice? Get in now, ahead of the pack. 

The Solterra community in Lakewood, Colorado, attracts home buyers throughout the year.

Solterra inventory running high

The slow-down in buyer demand means listings are on the market longer in Solterra and throughout metro Denver.

Fourth quarter usually brings a SLOW-DOWN IN BUYER DEMAND. This year is no exception. What we haven’t seen in Solterra in a long time is the current level of active listings—33 to be exact, and four of those are on the market for $1M-plus. That’s also unusual. In addition to the 33, another seven homes are under contract.

The Solterra neighborhood in Lakewood, Colorado features gorgeous homes, easy access to outdoor recreation and peaceful foothills scenery.

If you follow real estate, you’ve heard about Absorption Rate. The term refers to the rate at which homes in a given area sell during a given period of time. Homes in Solterra are currently selling at an average rate of five per month. Using that figure, we’re looking at another five to six months just to clear existing inventory.

HERE'S THE THING: putting your home on the market now means you’re listing during the slowest buyer-demand quarter of the year. We’re approaching the holidays. People are traveling. The kids will soon be on break from school. Most buyers put a halt to house hunting until after the first of the year. There’s no reason to go on now unless you absolutely have to.

IF YOU CAN WAIT TO LIST, SIT TIGHT UNTIL JANUARY. In the meantime, I’m happy to talk strategy, timing, market saturation, value—all the considerations that factor into selling your home. Call anytime. (303) 898-4572.

RE/MAX realtor® Andrew Nagel, Solterra real estate specialist, has been helping people buy and sell homes in Solterra since day one.

Keeping tabs on Rooney Valley

This just in from Lakewood’s Planning Department: the City of Lakewood has received a proposal to annex approximately 310 acres of land from the Town of Morrison into the City of Lakewood. This land is located in the southern portion of the Rooney Valley, bordered by West Yale Avenue on the north and Morrison Road to the south, between South Rooney Road on the west and the Tamarisk neighborhood on the east.

The acreage is currently zoned as Planned Development (PD) within Morrison. The petitioner is asking that the land be annexed into Lakewood and rezoned according to Lakewood’s zoning ordinance. Given the proximity to Solterra, the zoning could definitely impact the neighborhood.

The applicant is holding a NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING prior to submitting a formal application, as required by Lakewood law. Neighbors and homeowners associations are encouraged to attend. Information will be provided about the proposed annexation and initial zoning, and there’ll be an opportunity to ask questions of the applicant and Lakewood City staff.

I plan to attend and would love to see other Solterra residents join me.

Red Rocks Baptist Church

14711 W. Morrison Rd 

Thurs, Oct 20, 2016

6 – 7:30 PM

Check back for updates on the development of the Rooney Valley and its impact on Solterra.

Solterra's in the 2016 Parade of Homes

Solterra neighborhood in Lakewood, Co, nestled against the foothills.

The metro area’s home summer showcase tradition is just three weeks away. Running from August 11 – Labor Day, this year’s Parade of Homes will feature 66 model and custom homes, ranging from luxury to affordably-priced properties located in communities throughout metro Denver, and all for sale.

The Parade offers visitors the chance to get a feel for a neighborhood, check out what local builders are creating and pick up design ideas. Buyers, it’s also a chance to walk through a variety of houses and see the size, floor plan, location and amenities you most prefer.

Hundreds of acres of protected open space are within view from Solterra.

Two Solterra homes are on the 2016 tour, both from Solterra builder Brookfield Residential. The 4-bed / 3.5-bath home at 2414 South Orchard St lists for $480,880 and features 2,158 sq ft. The second home, slightly smaller at 1,897 sq ft, is also a 4-bed/3.5-bath plan. Located at 2408 South Orchard Way, the home is on the market for $478,880. Expect to see more folks than usual in the neighborhood in August, checking out our distinctive architecture, community vibe and fabulous foothills location.

If you’re considering selling, the Parade dates are an opportune time to get eyes on your property. Call me (303-898-4572) if you’d like to discuss timing. The Parade of Homes website is your resource for all things relevant to this year’s event, including planning your own Parade of Homes tour. Hope to see you out there.

Look for Certified Negotiation Expert when vetting a realtor

An 80-year-old woman contacted me recently about listing her Solterra home and buying another, larger home. We found a home that suited her beautifully, only to learn that the property had just gone under contract (a typical scenario in today's market).  

Solterra community sits in the shadow of the foothills in Lakewood, CO

Another round of looking turned up the identical house—this one a model from a Solterra builder. My client liked the idea of a dirt-start. Their spring 2017 completion date worked for her. She signed the contract and gave the builder $25,000 in earnest money. Two weeks later she was diagnosed with health issues. The larger home would no longer work. It became imperative that she get out of her contract, and asked me to help her recover her earnest money.

Andrew Nagel, Certified Negotiation Expert with Re/Max of Cherry Creek

Armed with a letter from the woman’s doctor, I went to the builder to explain the situation and ask that the earnest money be refunded. The builder declined, citing that the contract did not specify a change in health status as an acceptable reason for termination.

My client and I consulted an attorney who reiterated the builder’s argument: a change in health status was not grounds for termination.

I asked my client to wait to sign the termination agreement and went one more time to talk with the builder. An email arrived a few days later. They had reconsidered the situation. The builder is refunding the woman her entire $25,000 deposit.

Andrew Nagel, Re/Max realtor, has worked in Solterra since the community launched in 2007

A lot can happen in the course of buying and selling a home. The skill set of an experienced, knowledgeable broker is indispensable when you encounter a sticky situation. In this case, my training in negotiation gave me the confidence to go back to the builder without a clause to stand on. Thanks to the training, I possess the skills necessary to advocate effectively, this time on behalf of an 80-year-old client with health issues.

What will your next real estate scenario require?

Be sure you hire a broker with the knowledge and the desire to protect your interests. 

The peaceful community of Solterra in Lakewood, CO

Like attracts like

It’s called the Law of Attraction: positive thoughts draw positive experiences and people to us. A negative outlook attracts more negativity. I’m no philosopher but I see the Law of Attraction at play in real estate transactions all the time, starting with the agent-client dynamic.

Brokers who discount their pricing attract buyers looking for deals. Don’t get me wrong: I like getting the best price for my sellers and buyers, but price is one factor among many when buying or selling a home. Haggling to get that price as low as possible triggers chaos and confrontation, which elevates stress and anxiety. Things can get difficult.

Two- and four-legged residents enjoying the dog park at Solterra in Lakewood, CO

Conversely, buyers who see a new home purchase as a lifestyle as well as a financial decision recognize that price is one aspect of a complex scenario. Location, neighborhood amenities, and the age and condition of the home are important considerations. Buyers who seek the skills and counsel of a trained and seasoned broker are more likely to have a smooth and seamless real estate experience.

Re/Max realtor Andrew Nagel with his dog in the open space overlooking Solterra

Working with a professional realtor means fewer hiccups and hassles; if one arises, the experienced realtor knows what to do because he’s dealt with the issue before. The stress level for his clients is lower; they know a professional has their back. A broker who jumps into an opportunistic market to make fast money is not concerned with building a career, a brand or a reputation, and it shows.

Andrew Nagel has been buying and selling in Solterra since the first home was built

In my years of buying and selling residential real estate, I’ve been blessed with great clients. The transactions are pleasant. My clients are courteous and easy to work with and they, in turn, refer like-minded family members, friends and colleagues. I’m a people-oriented guy who strives to make people happy, and it’s working: like attracts like, in work and in life. 

A word about discount brokers

Home sales are strong in Solterra, the Lakewood foothills community west of Denver

Houses are selling well in metro Denver, and have been for months. We’re in an opportunistic market. Real estate values continue to rise. Homeowners are making money when they sell. Inventory is low and, with 100,000-plus people moving into Colorado in the last year, the demand for housing is high. This overheated market is tempting discount brokers to get in on the action—ready or not.

Most aren’t ready.

Discount brokers typically list homes for less than their market value. They have neither the experience nor the skill set to provide counsel, expertise and guidance to the seller. Some discount brokers list homes simply to place a sign in the yard and advertise their services to the neighborhood. It’s a type of brand strategy that I’ve seen before in markets like the one we’re in.

Re/Max listing agent Andrew Nagel brings experience and expertise to selling your Solterra property

It may seem like selling your house is a piece of cake in this market, but here’s the thing: pricing, timing, handling and evaluating multiple offers—these things are as important now as they are when houses are moving slowly. Some would argue more important.

Another Solterra property sells with Andrew Nagel as listing agent

Getting maximum dollar for your home in as short a window as possible requires know-how, finesse and strategy. Those things come with training, experience and dedication—three assets I bring as the listing agent for your Solterra property. Selling or buying, you need an advocate in your corner, a professional who assumes fiduciary responsibility and has your best interests front and center.

My last caution: when you think someone sounds too good to be true, they probably are. Pass on the discount broker and work with a pro.

Andrew and his dog on the rim of Solterra, a foothills community in Lakewood, CO

High sales activity in Solterra

Healthy sales activity in Solterra this spring

The numbers are impressive. Ten Solterra homes closed in the last 30 days—all re-sales, spec homes or model homes. Another nine Solterra properties went under contract. We’re down to three new, active listings in the neighborhood.

Real estate sales typically slow down by the end of June

As lively as it’s been, the window won’t last. There’s a seasonality in the real estate world, and summer is typically slow. The kids are out of school, families take vacations, the pool of buyers shrinks.

Sunset comes to the foothills of Solterra in Lakewood, CO

If you’re thinking about listing your Solterra home, now’s the time to get in the market. In another month, we’ll enter the dog days of summer. Houses will take longer to move. Call (303-898-4572) or email me today. We’ll get your home listed in time to take advantage of this year's incredible spring selling season.

Andrew Nagel, Re/Max listing agent in Solterra since day one, 2007

Balancing multiple offers and the appraisal

A Solterra home goes under contract with Andrew Nagel as the Solterra listing agent

In a market like the one we’re in, it’s not uncommon for a seller to receive multiple offers. Odds are, at least one of those offers will be above the asking price.

Working multiple offers to your advantage requires strategic thinking and an expertise that comes with experience. The goal is to sell your home for the highest possible price to a qualified buyer. The last thing you want is to grab the highest offer only to realize it’s the weakest one, and possibly lose the sale.

The biggest risk with multiple offers is the appraisal piece. Your deal will not go through if the home doesn’t appraise for your buyer’s offering price.

Andrew Nagel, Solterra listing agent and RE/MAX realtor

To offset this risk I, as your Solterra listing agent, meet the appraiser at your home. I’m there to answer questions, to call out the features of the property that may be overlooked, and to discuss the offers on the table.

Successful home sale in Solterra

Taking the time for an in-person exchange, at the house, helps my listings receive appraisals that reflect the home’s true value in a competitive marketplace.

When it’s time to sell, make certain the Solterra realtor you hire has handled multiple-offer scenarios, and handled them well in a high-price, low-inventory market like the one we're in today. Solterra sellers, I’m ready to make the current pricing environment work for you. Call any time. 303.898.4572.

Andrew and his dog overlooking beautiful Solterra and the foothills

Need a mortgage? Think local lender

Andrew Nagel, Solterra listing agent and RE/MAX realtor

One of my listings was scheduled to close last week. I was representing the seller. A few days before the closing, the buyer’s agent called to push back the date. Their too-big-to-fail bank was backlogged. The paperwork wasn’t completed, the loan was still in underwriting, they needed ten more days. The agent shared that the bank’s communication had been poor throughout the loan acquisition process. Moving back the closing date caused both parties unnecessary stress and frustration.

Anyone who’s been through buying or selling a home knows the process entails a lot of moving parts. A professional realtor assumes responsibility for as many of those moving parts as possible to lighten the load for their client.

Andrew's listing sells in Solterra

One of the ways I control the process and the outcome is to recommend that clients work with a local lender. Through the years I’ve experienced many delays with large banks. That’s never happened with a local lender. I send my clients to mortgage brokers in Denver who I trust and have personally vetted.

A shout-out here to Sean Sedita from Platte River Mortgage. Sean provides a buttoned-up, first-class experience for his clients. He’s a good communicator. He stays on top of every step in the loan process, and he honors closing dates. In a word, I trust the guy and send him business whenever I can. Sean is a Solterra homeowner and lives in the neighborhood. If you’re in the market for a new mortgage or a refinance—or just want to talk loan solutions—you can reach Sean at (720) 635-3438 or contact him via email.

Solterra in the Lakewood foothills

What do YOU want to see in Rooney Valley?

Solterra neighborhood in Colorado's beautiful foothills

City officials from Lakewood and Morrison are asking residents for their feedback regarding the development of roughly 2,000 acres directly south of Solterra. Known as Rooney Valley, the land runs along the C-470 corridor between West Alameda Parkway and Morrison Road. Developers continue to show an interest, propelling Lakewood and Morrison administrators to update the Valley’s master plan. City officials are hosting a series of community meetings to gather input from the public. Those ideas and suggestions will be used to help shape the future of Rooney Valley.

Trails are a priority for foothills residents

Residents attending the first meeting were asked to rank what they like most about Rooney Valley. Access to parks, trails and open space came out on top. Second-ranked were scenic resources and views, followed by the Valley’s location and convenience.

When asked what was missing, the folks at the meeting felt strongly that retail was the biggest gap. Restaurants and dining came in second, and neighborhood amenities and services ranked third.

Open space against the foothills at sunset

What Rooney Valley eventually becomes will, without a doubt, affect the lifestyle of Solterra residents—and possibly influence home values. The option to walk or bike to restaurants and brew pubs would give Solterra the walkability that draws homebuyers to certain Denver neighborhoods. On the other hand, the expansive feel of open space and views would be compromised.

The next community meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 24, from 6-7:30 PM in the Red Rocks Baptist Church. This is an opportunity for you to weigh in and share your ideas and opinions. Want to talk about it? Give me a call. 303.898.4572.

Selling your higher-end home requires patience

Solterra nestled against the foothills in Lakewood, CO

In a real estate market like the one we’re in now, it’s tempting to assume your home will sell the week it hits the market. Priced right, that’s happening in some pockets of Denver, but not necessarily in Solterra, and especially not with homes whose prices approach $1MM.

 Why?

The pool of buyers at that price point is smaller, but there’s another reason: Solterra attracts a different buyer from the one who’s looking in Wash Park, Congress Park and other central Denver neighborhoods. And that urban pool of buyers is not only different but larger.

Millennials are pouring into Denver by the thousands. These 20- and 30-somethings are attracted to the density, energy and excitement of an urban setting. Living in the city means a shorter commute (or no commute at all), walk-to coffee shops, brew pubs and dining, and greater diversity in home products, architecture, price point and demographics. City dwellers also move more frequently, creating greater turnover. 

Walking path winds past Solterra

Choosing to live in an outlying community is a different decision from living in the city. The suburban Solterra buyer is ready to establish roots, to settle into a good school system and a community that offers a lifestyle, vibe and amenities that will be a fit for years to come. The expansive views, access to hiking and biking trails, acres of nearby open space, and ski resorts an hour from home pull buyers to Solterra—when they’re ready.

Quality of life ranks high in Solterra

If you’re a Solterra seller in the higher price range, don’t be rattled by the numbers in the news. Here’s the thing: the time usually comes when that younger, urban-loving homeowner wants out. Children have arrived. They’re looking closely at schools and family recreational opportunities. There are safety concerns. The excitement and energy of the city have worn thin. The density, congestion and noise aggravate rather than energize. They’re ready for a more peaceful, stable setting. For that buyer, Solterra offers everything they’re looking for in a home, in a community and in a setting. Be patient.

Solterra sky

Solterra scores big on quality of life

Solterra neighborhood in Lakewood, CO

Investing in a home involves a whole lot more than buying the house. Buying a home means buying a lifestyle: schools for the kids, proximity to the activities you love, the time you’ll spend commuting. They all affect your quality of life, and they’re all worth thinking about when you hit the market to look for a new home.

Solterra neighborhood

I’ve been selling homes in Solterra since before the first homes were built. Quality of life comes up a lot with buyers. Skiers are ecstatic to learn they’re an hour from some of the best skiing in the world. Folks who value living near open space, with access to hiking and biking trails, love the foothills location.  

Hiking trails near Solterra

Views of natural surroundings are high on some buyers’ can’t-live-without lists. Other people are keen on a commute that’s doable and leaves time in their day for working out, hanging out, and catching up.

Solterra European-inspired architecture

A lot of buyers put a priority on living among homes of a certain value, look and feel. The creators of Solterra drew their inspiration from European hilltowns, and it shows. Solterra’s architectural styling is unique and tasteful, suggesting the romantic regions of Tuscany, Andalusia and Provence.

Solterra neighborhood

Quality of life, it’s a big one, and Solterra delivers quality of life big-time. What’s your favorite quality-of-life reason for living in Solterra?

Why you need a realtor for new construction

The excitement that comes with building a new home can also mean surprises that eat your time and money. How to bypass those surprises and protect yourself? Work with a realtor from start to finish.

Here’s why:

·      Builder sales people represent the builder; a realtor represents you, the buyer, and will protect your interests as specified in the buyer agreement.

·      Your realtor will help you navigate the increasingly complex waters of today’s home-buying process.

·      The realtor has fiduciary responsibility to the buyer and is obligated by contract to protect your financial interests.

·      Some realtors like myself are Certified Negotiation Experts who work on your behalf to negotiate the terms of your contract, including upgrade options, financing and closing costs.

·      Signing a contract with the builder is just the beginning; there’s also financing, dealings with the title company and multiple inspections.

Andrew Nagel, Certified New Home Specialist and Certified Negotiation Expert

If you decide to get involved from the ground up, call me first. I know the questions to ask your builder and the upgrades that are worth your investment. I‘ll track deadlines, advocate for you during inspections and help you find a reputable lender. Most importantly, I’ll protect your financial interests.

Call 303-898-4572 or email me today if you’re contemplating new home construction in Solterra. I’m here to advocate on your behalf, from start to finish.

Solterra neighborhood in west Lakewood

A Day in the Life of Your Solterra Realtor

It’s one thing to say I’ll work hard to sell your home—and I will—but I'm hoping a snapshot of a typical Saturday convinces you.

Sat Feb 27, 2016

5:30 – 6:30 AM

Arrive at Solterra to place 30 “Home for Sale” directional signs and 10 “Open House” signs throughout the neighborhood for my new listing at 15435 West Adriatic Circle.

6:30 – 8 AM

Because working hard requires working fit, I head to Green Mountain Rec Center for a two-mile swim with the Lakewood Dawgs Master Swim Team.

10 – Noon

Show a buyer all the resale inventory currently available in Solterra.

12 – 1 PM

Lunch break – fuel-up for the afternoon.

1 – 1:30 PM

Stop by the Infinity Home Collection, Cardel Homes, and the Brookfield sales offices to drop brochures for 15435 West Adriatic Circle. I’m covering my bases in case a buyer comes through a builder’s sales center looking for a move-in-ready home in Solterra.

1:30 – 4 PM

Host the open house at 15435 West Adriatic Circle.

4 – 5 PM

Wrap up the open house and pick up the signs I’d set out as the sun was coming up.

5:30 PM

12 hours later, I’m done for the day.

I’ll put the same effort into selling your Solterra home. Put a hard-working realtor in your camp. Call 303-898-4572 or email me today.

McIntrye opens to ease traffic flow in Solterra

Great news this week for Solterra homeowners whose property backs to South Indiana Street. McIntrye Street is now open from West Wesley to West Alameda Parkway, spreading out the volume of traffic on South Indiana.

On the flip side, homeowners who back to West Wesley may experience an increase in traffic.

It’s all part of living and owning a home in a popular neighborhood, which is good news for EVERY Solterra homeowner. Buyers want in. Folks love the streetscape and vibe of Solterra as well as the vast trail network, natural beauty and expansive feel of our Lakewood foothills location. 

As always, bring me your questions about the Solterra lifestyle, property values and real estate trends, here and throughout metro Denver. Call or email, I'd love to talk.

Be the first to call this house Home

From the front courtyard to the rear patio, the home just completed on the cul-de-sac  at 15434 W. Adriatic Circle exudes warmth, style and sophistication. An earthy-stucco exterior mirrors the nearby foothills and open space, beautifully aligning the property with its coveted natural surroundings in this stellar location.

The architectural styling, interior details and tile selections reflect a Spanish influence, and the gourmet kitchen will convince even the most reluctant cook to participate:

·      Quartz countertops, induction cook top with hood, double ovens

·      Rich mosaic tile and quality cabinetry

·      Large island for casual dining and entertaining

·      Bright and sunny eating nook plus handy butler’s pantry

Large windows—and lots of them—stream soft natural light into the entire home, including the finished lower level, and the open plan creates an easy flow on the spacious main floor. Enjoy mountain views from the master suite.

Design highlights include:

·      Coffered ceiling in the eating nook

·      French doors in the main floor office or study

·      Full-glass double doors to outdoor living

·      Contemporary living room fireplace with raised hearth

·      Master soaking tub and European frameless shower

·      Master His and Her walk-in closets featuring custom organizer

·      Private outdoor patio with fireplace

·      Full finished basement with rec room, bedroom & 2 baths

This BRAND NEW, never-lived-in 5-bed / 5-bath home hit the market yesterday, Feb 23rd, priced at $779,900. Interested? Call or shoot me an email. I’d love to show it to you.

Last Two Infinity Homes For Sale

The Infinity Collection has sold well—so well that only two remain in the builder’s Solterra inventory. Both are good-sized 4-bedroom homes with approximately 5,000 sq ft of living space.

 15343 W Evans Dr — Ready November 2016

·      4 beds / 5 baths

·      Quiet, coveted cul-de-sac location

·      Stacked stone & stucco Spanish exterior

·      15-ft stacking sliding doors to covered patio

·      Distinctive Moab-red barrel-tile roof

·      Huge master with coffered ceiling

·      Private main level guest suite

·      Kid’s upstairs family room

·      Three eating areas

·      5,317 Sq Ft

·      $851,137

 2123 S Juniper — READY NOW!

·      Last model home for sale

·      4 beds / 4 baths

·      4,951 Sq Ft

·      $1,028,637

 Be the first to live in the home at 15435 West Adriatic Circle. It’s hitting the market next Tuesday, Feb 23.

·      NEW construction!

·      5 beds / 5 baths

·      3,781 Sq Ft

·      $779,900

If you’ve been frustrated by how few homes are for sale in Solterra, it might be time to look again. Listings that didn’t sell last fall are coming back on. Your timing could be excellent. Call or email me for updates. If you’re interested, I wouldn’t sit on it. Despite these latest additions, inventory is still thin.

Location, Location, Location

It's a favorite topic of realtors—and for good reason. Location is one of the biggest determinants of home value. Where you live influences where you work and where you work out, what schools your kids attend, where you shop for groceries, and the distance between you and your favorite ski run.

Solterra’s home city of Lakewood boasts some amazing location stats:

• Home values rose approximately eight percent in 2015.
• Lakewood is equidistant between downtown Denver and the mountains.
• 35 percent of the city’s land area — more than 7,000 acres — is devoted to parks, trails and open space.
• Lakewood maintains a cultural center and four full-service rec centers.

Hikers and mountain bikers enjoy the trail network woven through Lakewood’s foothills, creating scenic and sometimes challenging outdoor recreation opportunities just minutes from home, or very possibly out your back door.

Excellent schools, cultural offerings, the shops and restaurants of Belmar and a light rail system connecting residents to downtown Denver and soon to DIA have turned Lakewood into one of the metro area’s most well-loved, vibrant communities. Pat yourself on the back, Solterra residents: you’ve chosen a first-class location.

Not here yet? What are you waiting for.