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.

Outlook for 2016

I’m pleased to report that Solterra continues to be an active and exciting real estate market. Crystal ball aside, this is how I see things shaping up for 2016:

We can expect another interest rate increase on top of the .25 percent bump we saw in December. Historically speaking, money is still cheap. Adding another quarter-percent won’t slow buyer demand.

The big appreciation increases we’ve seen in Solterra aren’t sustainable long-term, and will begin to level off. I believe the 7.8 percent appreciation we experienced in 2015 will drop into the more realistic 3-5 percent range in 2016.

Expect a jump in re-sale activity — a trend typical of new neighborhoods that experience high appreciation rates early-on. A percentage of 80228 homeowners will decide to “cash out” on their investment in 2016.

Ready to sell? First quarter 2015 saw some of the highest activity in the neighborhood for all of last year. Case in point: 15164 W. Washburn sold in two weeks last January.

Expect an equally active first quarter in 2016. For-sale inventory is low, and what’s currently on the market is stale. New inventory will go quickly—provided the home is in good condition and priced right. Heads up: the model at 2123 So. Juniper will be listing soon.

Questions? Call me at (303) 898-4572 or send an email. I'd be happy to discuss your situation. May health, happiness and prosperity be yours in the New Year.