Denver Real Estate ~ Highlands Ranch Real Estate ~ Douglas, Arapahoe, Denver, Jefferson Counties

Denver Living - Perfect Fall Day

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:18:16 -0600

I originally posted this 2 weeks ago on my other Denver real estate blog, but since this weekend was again picture perfect and involved shorts, snow peaked mountains in the distance, near 80 degree temps, beautiful fall colors and soccer, I thought I would share here as well. - Steve

Just a quick picture to show you what it may look like in the fall if you were moving to Highlands Ranch.

I spent some time on Saturday taking a break from working with some Denver home buyers to watch my daughter's soccer game. This picture was taken in the "Eastridge" area of Highlands Ranch in Heritage Park, just south of the Highlands Ranch Post office.

Steve Scheer, RE/MAX Masters, Inc.
Real Estate in Denver & The Suburbs

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Steve Scheer is a REALTOR® in the Denver area - serving Denver Colorado and the south suburbs including Denver, Highlands Ranch, Greenwood Village, Cherry Hills Village, Littleton, Lone Tree, Centennial, Parker, Englewood, Aurora, Castle Pines North, Castle Pines Village, Castle Rock. Steve is a Denver native and has been licensed in CO since 1994.

If you would like more information on the Denver area or more information on Denver real estate, contact Steve at 720-849-6101.

New Hamburger Joint Coming to Highlands Ranch?

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 21:24:13 -0500

My blogger friend from across the country has given me a scoop to tell you about. Cindy Jones lives in Northern Virginia, and has told her readers about one of her favorite Hamburger hangouts - Five Guys. I actually know of them vaguely - I have family in her neck of the woods and my brother in law mentioned to me that he likes Five Guys. My wife visited this summer and became familiar with them as well.

Well, Cindy has family here in the Denver Suburbs - right in Highlands Ranch so she has shared that her family will soon be able to enjoy Five Guys. So I did a little web surfing and found the location - looks like Five Guys is going to be off of University where Colorado Blvd meets Highlands Ranch Parkway - or somewhere in that vicinity. Since there is shopping and restaurants on all four corners - I am not yet certain of the exact location, but I will find out and keep you posted.

Five Guys already has a location open in Aurora on Parker Rd at the Promenade on Parker and in Fort Collins. They will also be opening restaurants in Colorado Springs, Longmont and a second Fort Collins Location. I may need to head over to Aurora soon and see what the buzz is about.

According to the Five Guys web site - it is a Zagat rated Top 40 Bangs For The Buck." I am all about Bangs For the Buck, especially if its really good.

New Real Estate Listings in Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Steve Scheer, RE/MAX Masters, Inc.
Real Estate in Denver & The Suburbs

Search all Denver & Denver Suburb Homes Here

If you would like more information on the Denver area or more information on Denver real estate, contact Steve at 720-849-6101.

Living in Denver ~ Gelazzi Is More Than Tasty Treats

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 09:43:09 -0500

Gelazzi is Much More Than Tasty Treats - They Give Back

If you have been reading here for any length of time, you know that I do like to feature local businesses that I enjoy. I have received very positive feedback, particularly from those relocating to Denver that they truly enjoy having the "local scoop" so to speak on where to head for what they are looking for.

Here is one more scoop that is too good to share. And this time its a scoop quite literally. For a bit I have had a new local business on my list and I have just this week found out that there is a tiny connection to me.

Gelazzi, with its newest location at 9579 University Blvd in Highlands Ranch opened just a few months ago - I found it at the very first visit to be one of the best treats I have had…in I don't know how long, maybe ever. I could tell it was incredibly fresh, which was confirmed when I found out that it is made each day. But it was just really, really good. Last summer I spent some time in Europe and visiting Gelazzi quickly brought me back to the Gelatto that my family and I treated ourselves to every day while we were there. And Gelazzi serves more than Gelatto, their menu for their coffees and Gelatinis look incredible, and I will be back to try those.

Perusing their menu today I also noticed that they have a very fun option for the "bambinos" as they call them - kids 12 & under can be treated to Gelatto Spaghetti - a very fun looking treat where the Gelatto passes through the spaghetti press and is then covered in chocolate or caramel sauce and then M&M's. I know my kids will be all about that!

And here is the best part and where we get back to that connection. I have spoken before about my family's participation in the Denver Komen Race for The Cure. This weekend ~ on Sunday, October 5th my entire family, along with about 70 of our friends will head to downtown Denver as the sun is just about to rise to participate in the 5K Co-ed race, along with all of Team FOJ. Our amazing team has raised a great deal of money this year and my wife just told me that one of the owners of Gelazzi was one of the many awesome sponsors that supported one of our team members. And there is more.

On Race Day - Sunday October 5th - Gelazzi is thanking all of the Denver Komen racers by giving back again. At both their new Highlands Ranch location and the Larimer location at 1411 Larimer St in downtown Denver, Gelazzi will treat each racer showing a Race Day bib to receive a free gellato or coffee with the purchase of one gellato or coffee. I have attached their flier for the details.

The Larimer location is very close to the Pepsi Center where you are finishing the Race, so what a great idea to head over and say hi and thank them for supporting the Denver Komen Race for the Cure. I personally will be heading over to the Highlands Ranch location in the afternoon with my kids. This is the first year my kids will be active participants and I want to definitely make sure they get a little treat later for a job well done.

I have since learned through my wife that Gelazzi partipates in other ways to support the community through Gelazzi Cares. I am thrilled to see Gelazzi give back to the community in the same fashion that I do and will definitely be supporting them!

Steve Scheer, RE/MAX Masters, Inc.
Real Estate in Denver & The Suburbs

Search all Denver & Denver Suburb Homes Here

If you would like more information on the Denver area or more information on Denver real estate, contact Steve at 720-849-6101.

Highlands Ranch Living - Highlands Ranch Trails Are For More Than Just Recreation

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 00:14:21 -0500

Living in Highlands Ranch - Trails Are Not Just For Recreation

I have written a few times in the past about how great the trail system is throughout Highlands Ranch Colorado and how the trails in Highlands Ranch even connect to other areas such as through the Highline Canal the East West Trail and the Back Country Wilderness. You can read some of those pieces here:

Highlands Ranch Real Estate - Firelight Neighborhood in Southridge on the BackCountry Wilderness Open Space

Living in Denver Suburbs - Biking the High Line Canal Trail

Living Along the High Line Canal - Summer is Really Here

Living in Douglas County - The Backcountry Wilderness Trail

On any given day throughout the entire year you can see a great number of people enjoying Highlands Ranch living on the trails - whether its a parent with a stroller, a jogger, a bike rider or a group of children taking their first nature walk.

But the trails in Highlands Ranch are for more than just recreation. They are for transportation! This has really come to light for me much more lately as my oldest child is getting a tad more freedom. For example, our home is approximately .8 of a mile from one of my oldest children's friends house. And to get there on a bike or by foot by following the roads - he would have to travel among the busy road of Highlands Ranch Parkway, something his mom is not keen on. He would also have to cross about 7 intersections. She put her foot down to that.

But Highlands Ranch is so well connected he can take the trail over that connects our neighborhood to his friends. By popping on the trail, he crosses one residential street with minimal traffic and is there is a flash - we get the "call me when you get there call" within about 4 minutes.

The fact of the matter is, Highlands Ranch is very well connected that way. Numerous neighborhoods are connected together through the wonderful trail system - allowing easy access to neighborhoods, parks, rec centers and more. In fact - the trails even make it possible for some to commute regularly by bike to jobs - allowing access to RTD stations, and even downtown and into the DTC.

Now of course I am not saying all kids should start wandering to their friends on the trails - you have to make decisions on what's best for your child - not only because of obvious concerns but remember that there is at times wildlife in Highlands Ranch including coyotes at times and even rattlesnakes here & there. If your kids are goign to travel on the trails without a parent, you definitely need to decide on your own when your kdis are ready for that. In the meantime, walk them there using the trails - you'll enjoy it too - not only will it be closer, but you will generally enjoy a beautiful stroll!

New Real Estate Listings in Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Steve Scheer, RE/MAX Masters, Inc.
Real Estate in Denver & The Suburbs

Search all Denver & Denver Suburb Homes Here

If you would like more information on the Denver area or more information on Denver real estate, contact Steve at 720-849-6101.

Living in Highlands Ranch: HRCA Taking Memberships

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 22:21:18 -0500

Living in Highlands Ranch: HRCA Taking Memberships

I was a little surprised to read an article in the Highlands Ranch Herald this week that the HRCA is now taking memberships from those outside of the Highlands Ranch HOA boundaries for membership. You can read that article here.

Its not the idea that surprised me, I have heard this idea kicked around in thought speculation for some time now. But I was surprised that it has started so soon.

HRCA has begun a program that they are offering up to 200 memberships for people to join.

Highlands Ranch is almost built out - that is no surprise. So at some point in the non so distant future homeowners dues will come in from existing homes only and growth will no longer be an issue. So increasing revenue without memberships would really only come from increasing dues - so this also seemed like a logically alternative.

How do I feel about it?

Actually I am ok with it. I think 200 memberships is a good number to try out. I know there are times of day where the Rec Centers in Highlands Ranch can be crowded and I know that my wife always mentions that the outdoor pools in the summer are a bit crowded form time to time - but overall I feel that it is manageable to increase revenue in this fashion.

Here are just a few examples: My daughters basketball league was canceled this summer due to not enough players. There are times mid-morning when at least half of the exercise machines in the Westridge Rec Center are not being used when I am in.

I do like the idea that they are thinking of alternatives instead of just raising dues. It shows that many folks are really looking at alternatives instead of just blanket increases. I hope innovative thinking continues.

By the way, I am not sure how many have purchased memberships yet. It would be interesting to know how its going in a few months or so.

New Real Estate Listings in Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Steve Scheer, RE/MAX Masters, Inc.
Real Estate in Denver & The Suburbs

Search all Denver & Denver Suburb Homes Here

If you would like more information on the Denver area or more information on Denver real estate, contact Steve at 720-849-6101.

Living in Denver Suburbs - Streets of Southglenn Start to Open

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:04:33 -0500

I have been driving some Denver area home buyers around lately that were curious about the construction going on at the old Southglenn Mall. They were relocating from out of state and their current area as they put it had "ancient shopping centers".

The new development is called Streets of Southglenn and although much of the construction is still underway, some of the shops are now opened.

My buyers in particular were delighted there would be such a nice place to shop & dine nearby.

Staples and Best Buy and the Macy Home Furnishings Department opened first and Dick's Sporting Goods in now opened as well. I know that my wife commenting that shopping at this brand new Staples for the kid's school supplies was very nice, she said that at first not many knew that it was opened so she was able to find exactly what she needed. It seems that the word has gotten out though as the few times I have been in, it is starting to get a little busier. Busy is good!

The Streets of Southglenn is a welcome addition to the Centennial, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Cherry Hills Village and Greenwood Village areas, - its fresh open air shopping experience, coupled with a movie theater, restaurant and cafes is a welcome fresh change for the area. Many that I have spoken to are very excited about the Whole Foods that will be opening here. Residential units within The Street of Southglenn will be upscale apartment homes (it was once planned for condos, but that did change late last year). The Streets of Southglenn has a completion date of Spring 2009.

Steve Scheer, RE/MAX Masters, Inc.
Real Estate in Denver & The Suburbs

Search all Denver & Denver Suburb Homes Here

If you would like more information on the Denver area or more information on Denver real estate, contact Steve at 720-849-6101.

Living in Denver - Fall Foliage Time

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:10:57 -0500

As I just posted this morning - the leaves are starting to turn here in Denver. You can read it here: Living in Denver - Fall Is In The Air.

And I have heard in the high country - things are just as starting as well. Things were very cool this past weekend in the mountians, even some snow on the peaks. I am hearing that between this weekend and the next 2 weeks it will be leaf viewing time. If you are here in Denver looking for a home and have some extra time, its a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the Colorado Outdoors.

Here is a post I originally wrote last fall (9/07) with some great areas for fall leaf viewing. I still think these are some of the great day trip for fall leaf viewing.

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As I was writing my recent Post, Why Aspens May Not be the Right Choice for Denver Home Owners, I was reminded that it is almost time to hit the car for the day, head to the west and view our flickering golden aspens.

The Fall is my favorite time in Colorado and making it up to the mountains to enjoy the fall floiage and the changing of the Colorado aspens is just something no one should ever miss, especially if you have only recently moved to Colorado. And if you are planning to move, now that it is something you will truly enjoy in the future.

Here are a few of my favorite day trips from Denver to enjoy the changing of the leaves. You can find many more suggestions here as well. You can see in the picture that the aspen leaves are just starting to turn here in the Denver Area, the next 2 weeks in the High Country should start to be grand and you will see lots of color generally through the first week or so of October in Denver.

Guanella Pass- Hands Down this is my favorite. Probably because I have such wonderful memories of the day my family spent driving this pass when my children were so young. There is a potion of the road that is unpaved (about 12 to 15 miles or so) but it is a very mild gravel road and most cars will be fine as long as the weather holds. There are numerous lakes along the pass and we stop often to get out, walk around and just relax and enjoy. There are also stunning views of Mount Evans in the distance. To reach Guanella Pass from Denver, take I70 to Georgetown and eventually you will be brought out to 285, which will lead you back to Denver.

Kenosha Pass- Take 285 west out of Denver (Hampden) and drive towards Fairplay. Another breathtaking pass which will allow you plenty of time to get out of the car and take beautiful photos of the aspens fluttering their golden leaves.

Golden Gate Canyon Sate Park - Located off of Highway 93 Between Golden and Boulder, Golden Gate Canyon State Park has a a great variety of activities and also has large aspen groves. There is also over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails in the park. Pack a picnic, if you plan to hike a bit, you are going to want to find that perfect spot to relax and enjoy such beautiful scenery.

Georgetown Colorado is one of the popular spots as well, and many are so glad that the Georgetown Loop Railroad is running again (after a short hiatus a few years ago) as this allows everyone a chance to get out of the car and sit and enjoy the Loop train ride from Georgetown to Silver Plume and back. Young children will especially enjoy the experience on this coal engine train. Georgetown is located off of I70, about 35 miles west of Denver.

Steve Scheer, RE/MAX Masters, Inc.
Real Estate in Denver & The Suburbs

Search all Denver & Denver Suburb Homes Here

If you would like more information on the Denver area or more information on Denver real estate, contact Steve at 720-849-6101.

Living in the Denver Suburbs - Fall is In The Air

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:09:32 -0500

Denver Living - Fall Is In The Air

Its hard to know it with today's temperatures reaching into the mid 80's here in the Denver area, but fall is just around the corner.

Last week's cooler temps and the overnight cool down have started the leaves - I got my first real glimpse this morning while taking my morning walk around my Highlands Ranch neighborhood with my dog.

One of the things I have always really enjoyed about living in the Denver area is the wide range of temperatures - it can be in the 50's one day and much warmer the next. And once we get closer to that first snow, it can happen on the same day as a warmer morning begins - you just never know. But in the same way - a snowy morning can warm up and melt traces by mid afternoon and lead to a warmer afternoon. The climate is a bit erratic - but overall very mild, dry and pleasant here in Denver. If you are relocating to Denver, you will be in for a treat and I feel certain you will love the weather here.

See these leaves - a full patch of golden yellow. It won't be long before we see it everywhere.

Fall is in the air. And you know what that means...snow is just around the corner.

Steve Scheer, RE/MAX Masters, Inc.
Real Estate in Denver & The Suburbs

Search all Denver & Denver Suburb Homes Here

If you would like more information on the Denver area or more information on Denver real estate, contact Steve at 720-849-6101.

Living in Denver - Chatfield State Park - Dogs Love It Too

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 10:10:28 -0500

The weather is starting to turn here in the Denver area - cool crisp mornings and evenings are still warm enough on most days for shorts & T-Shirts. So before the weather completely turns we decided to take a much needed adventure to Chatfield State Park.

This wasn't our ordinary visit with fishing in the south ponds, or a picnic on the beach or an afternoon on a boat or a hike on the trails - this time we decide to bring our dog for his first swim! It was also an excellent time for me to share an afternoon with my son.

Chatfield has a wonderful Dog Training Area that is an off-leash area for dogs and includes a very popular pond for the dogs to swim. I found out quickly that my 6 month old is a complete natural. A full swim off the bat and was retrieving in minutes. (Side note - Dogs must be leashed in all other areas of Chatfield State Park.)

The pond is extremely popular and I can see why - the dogs love it.

If you have recently moved to the Denver area, specifically the south Denver suburbs and you have a dog, you have to check out Chatfiled.

Chatfield State Park is only about an 8 minute drive from my home on the west side of Highlands Ranch. It is easily accessible from all parts of the Denver South suburbs and it is right off of C470. The dog training area is located on the north side of the park and will be most easily access from the Wadsworth entrance to the park.

Chatfield is a State Park, so there is a daily entrance fee of $7. You can also choose to purchase an annual pass for the Colorado State Parks for $60, which if you plan on going often, is well worth it.

We plan on heading back to the Chatfield Dog Training Area a few more times before the water is too cold.

Steve Scheer, RE/MAX Masters, Inc.
Real Estate in Denver & The Suburbs

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New Real Estate Listings in Denver, Colorado & Suburbs

If you would like more information on the Denver area or more information on Denver real estate, contact Steve at 720-849-6101.

Living in the Denver Suburbs - IKEA Will Build A Store in Centennial

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:13:36 -0500

IKEA Is Coming To The South Denver Suburbs - Centennial CO To Be Exact

By noon yesterday, I had heard mention of the new IKEA store 3 times. And by 5pm - that number grew to at least 15. Word spread quickly that there would be an IKEA store opening in the Denver area and while shoppers that are familiar with IKEA are delighted, there are further implications of the news as well.

Let's face it - the media tells us every day how rough the economy is over and over across the board nation wide. But we have been hearing some other messages in the Denver area, such as this latest report that I posted about: The Health of the Denver Real Estate Market. The bottom line is, IKEA is not going to build a store where they see no promise for a lucrative future - so the fact that they are expanding into Colorado is good news.

So for those that like the IKEA style from Sweden - you will soon be able to shop without driving to Utah or Phoenix. IKEA has long been a favorite with first time home buyers as it offers a great selection of higher quality furniture and accessories at affordable prices. On more than one occasion I have had had home buyers in Denver- especially first time home buyers tell me that they are having furniture shipped into town from IKEA - so this is also good news for those IKEA fans. It will also create more jobs in the area and its a good indicator that the Denver area economy is doing better than other areas and can support this growth.

Its looking like IKEA will be located near I25 and County Line Road, just a bit north of Park Meadows Mall. An opening date has not yet been announced but its sounding like it is about 2 years out.