Joetta’s Neighborhood Newsletter
February, 2011
Hello, Friends & Neighbors!
Do you ever wonder how to choose a Realtor? Here’s one tip – try ‘Googling’ their name, see what kind of web presence they have!
And if you want to keep an eye on the real estate market, I have a great web site I can set you up on. There’s no cost, and no obligation. But you will have your own password, can set up as many searches as you want, can ‘save’ homes and then you’ll be notified of any changes.
This is useful for folks who are thinking about buying a home, or who are thinking of selling and want to keep an eye on their neighborhood. And you won’t be inundated by a bunch of real estate agents who suddenly have your email address! (Did you know that most search sites are actually lead generation services for real estate agents?)
Just email or call me if you’re interested!
Input from Readers
Georgia wrote to say: “I’m not sure you knew this, but my husband Paul has been doing remodeling both in residential and commercial for over 25 years. We’d appreciate any referrals. His direct number is 303-257-9510. The name of his company is Accurate Carpentry and Construction.” Georgia is a trusted friend, and I’ve seen one of her homes. The work I saw there was top-notch. Give Paul a call if you need something done at your home!
Did you know there’s a bookstore in Olde Town Arvada? It’s called the Book Cranny. Alice asked me to mention it, because she said a lot of people who come in never knew it was there before. It’s at 7580 Grant Place (Grant Pl. is just south of Ralston Road, the Book Cranny is just east of Old Wadsworth). Go see them when you have a few minutes to browse. Who knows – maybe you’ll go home with a new love!
While I’m on the topic of Olde Town Arvada, I’ll mention Fiori Di Flavio. Did you know there’s a flower shop in Olde Town? I was searching for a flower shop recently, all the ones I used to frequent near my house have disappeared. I ended up settling for a bunch from the grocery store, but I really wanted something nicer. I mentioned my quandary to my friend Cindy, and she took me to Fiori di Flavio. It’s a nice shop, with friendly people and lovely arrangements. Stop in there some time too!
Kathy emailed me to ask for an update on ‘the nightmare that is King Soopers’, and on what’s going on with Westminster Mall.
So I called King Soopers and asked. I found out that their Grand Opening is scheduled for December 8. I asked her to repeat that, because December is a long time from now! But yes, she said December 8, 2011. If things go as planned they’ll close from Thanksgiving until the Grand Opening. I was surprised to hear it was going to take that long. I hope it will be worth it!
I called Sue Grafton, Economic Development Manager for the Westminster Center. Here’s what she said: “Still proceeding, we now own about 20% of the property. Currently talking with the ownership group, still negotiating with the developers to determine the kind of project we will have there. Our vision is sort of building a new downtown, it’s a ten to twenty year project.”
BTW – One way I stay on top of what’s going on in Arvada is to attend Senator Evie Hudak’s Town Hall Meetings. They’re on Saturday mornings, usually at the Standley Lake Library. One thing I keep meaning to do is find out of our other Senators do similar meetings, I’ll work on that this month!
How ‘Bout Them Locksmiths?
I’ve been hearing stories about people getting ripped off when they need a locksmith at their home or car, and it happened to me. So, I’d like to compile a list of honest local locksmiths, so you can keep their numbers handy. It’s a safety issue, as the time to try to find assistance is NOT when you’re helpless, standing by your car in bad weather, or outside your locked door late at night. I have one contact to give you. If you know of any honest local locksmiths, please let me know and I’ll pass them on.
Robert Ayers, Front Range Lock and Key Service 303-466-1841
Real Estate News
I want to address a news story I saw, about a real estate agent that behaved unethically. It involved not presenting to the seller an offer that had been received, and the property was foreclosed on soon after. He then bought the property, and then sold it to the same person who made the offer!
After watching that news story I thought, “There are probably a lot of people who wonder after they hear this story, how they can protect themselves from the same kind of bad faith.”
This is one reason why I try so hard to get feedback when agents show my listings. I try to get the feedback via email, then I forward the email to the seller. So, my clients know for sure whether or not someone who viewed their home is thinking about making an offer.
However, a lot of agents refuse to give feedback. They have some reasons, but all those reasons can be dealt with. I’m on a campaign to get more agents to provide the common courtesy of giving feedback after showings.
So, if you are looking at houses with an agent other than me, please ask them if they provide feedback. Encourage them to do so if they don’t.
A more open, transparent real estate industry benefits everyone, in my opinion!
See My Blog Posts at AboutArvada.com
How Much Money do I Need to Buy a House?
How can I Find a Great Buyer’s Agent?
Peppermint Tea, by Celestial Seasonings
Are Arvada Short Sales Listed at ‘Bait and Switch’ Prices?
Gardening in Arvada – Now You See Her, Now You Don’t!
Could Your Home End up To a Legal Marijuana Facility?
If you have input for, or a response to, this newsletter, I’d love to hear from you.
Joetta Fort~ Metro Brokers ~ 720-353-8031 ~ Joetta.fort@gmail.com
My website (see all available homes here): www.DreamHouseHunting.com
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I write posts on real estate issues and local events in the Denver metro area, especially those *communities between Denver and Boulder, as a public service. My hope is to give people an idea of the ‘flavor’ of our community, in case they’re new or moving to the Denver area.
I am a residential real estate agent, happily helping folks buy a house or sell a house in the beautiful and friendly *suburbs northwest of Denver.
*Arvada, Broomfield, Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, Westminster; also Thornton, Golden, Wheat Ridge, Northglen, Lakewood
Read more about life between Denver and Boulder - things to do, shopping, entertainment, neighborhoods, real estate
I do tire of writing profiles about myself, I'd much rather talk about you! So please email or call me sometime.
And if you're looking for someone to maybe help you buy or sell a home in the vicinity north of Denver, Colorado and you'd like to learn more about me, visit my website, DreamHouseHunting.com.
If at least a little info would be helpful, I've lived in Arvada since 1993, I've been a licensed, full-time real estate agent since 2001. You can read some past clients' testimonials on my website.
I hope to hear from you soon!
Joetta Fort, Broker Associate
Equity Colorado 