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. 

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!

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

Search all Denver & Denver Suburb Homes Here

Copyright © 2008 By Steve Scheer, All Rights Reserved. ~Highlands Ranch Living - Highlands Ranch Trails Are For More Than Just Recreation 9/27/2008~

 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. 

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 Highalnds 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.

If you are planning to sell your Denver home this fall or winter, here is a quick tip for getting a home on the Denver real estate market from October - March, particularly if you have a gorgeous yard.

Take out your camera and snap a few photos.  Your beautiful garden with perennials, flowering bushes and the like.  If your yard is covered in snow during showings, and your landscaping is a true gem, it can be nice to show off what is buried below the frozen ground. 

If you have photos like this at your fingertips come December, your Denver Realtor will thank you.  Your future potential buyers will thank you too.

Firelight is a community in Highlands Ranch, CO.

Located in the Southridge area - Firelight is known for its higher location - some of the homes are actually on the highest lots in Highlands Ranch.  This of course provides really terrific views form many homes in Firelight of both the front range and downtown Denver.  Some folks even enjoy the sparser twinkling of the Denver Tech Center.

But one of the really nice parts of Firelight is its proximity to the Back Country Wildnerness Open Space.  The homes that back to The Back Country Wildneress truly are something to see. 

You look out back, and there it is.  Colorado. 

Its not your average open space - its really something else.  It has rugged hills and valleys that leave you to feel that you are light years away from the hustle and bustle of chaotic life.  Even those that may not back to the open space, its a mere hop, skip & jump to enjoy the trails and Colorado outdoors of the BackCountry Wilderness area from Firelight.

The photos in this post are all taken from the backyard of one of my current listings in Firelgiht - Highlands Ranch.  From your back door you are at the edge of the BackCountry Wilderness.  If you would like more information on this listing, click here: Highlands Ranch Real Estate For Sale - 2932 Newbury Court, Highlands Ranch Colorado

I started this post last night - when I was told we had one more solid day of rain by the forecast.  But I awoke to a clearing sky so we’ll see what the day has in store.  Here’s my list - just in case.

So you have just moved to Denver and you heard everyone and their brother BRAG about the 300+ days of sunshine.  And now its been raining since Thursday night.  Personally I am enjoying it, but I understand that going into day 3 and 4 it can get a little antsy.

Well, it sounds like we have one more day of this to get through - so here are some ideas for you to enjoy the mile hi city indoors.  You can save this list for the snowy months that will come before you know it.

Denver Museum of Nature and Science - This goes first as its one of my own family’s favorites to revisit time and time again.  My son’s favorite area at the moment is the Mummy Room.  Denver, Colorado

Bowling at Brunswick Zone - There are a few locations in the area - but our favorite is in Lone Tree.  If you catch the timing right, you may be lucky to have the lights dimmed for glow in the dark bowling. Lone Tree, CO

APEX Indoor Pool - My son often has hockey games at the APEX rink, so whenever we are up there we bring our suites to hang out after.  They are closing on 8/18 for their annual maintenance, good thing they are open for this bout of rain. Arvada, CO

Movie at The Landmark Theatre - One of the nicest, and newest Theatres in town - admission includes all you can eat popcorn.  Great idea if you really like popcorn. Greenwood Village, CO

Denver Art Museum - This can be a full family experience as well and often has wonderful traveling exhibits. Denver, CO

Mr. Biggs - Previously called Fat City - If you have kids, you will be a hero.  Complete with an indoor raceway, bowling, video games, miniature golf, a bowling alley, roller rink and nerf-y ball area/playground & more - you could literally be here all day.  If your kids are old enough to roam a little on their own, bring a book & headphones. Littleton, CO

Hammond’s Candy Factory - I have written about Hammond’s before - a total sweet treat.  Denver, CO

Enjoy the cool down & the rain - the sun will be back before you know it - it is Denver after all.

Steve Scheer, RE/MAX Masters, Inc. 

Search all Denver & Denver Suburb Homes Here

Copyright © 2008 By Steve Scheer, All Rights Reserved. ~Indoor Ideas on a Rainy Weekend in Denver~ 8/16/2008~

Highlands Ranch Home in Denver’s Suburbs For Sale

 2932 Newbury Court, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80126

This is truly a home you need to see.  This Highlands Ranch home for sale has one of the best lots in Firelight backing to the open space on the edge of Highlands Ranch.  Bordering amazing open space with hills and valleys, its like having a private enclave behind you.  Add the cul-de-sac location & the house itself is truly fantastic as well.  It was raining when I was out there - but I will post more pictures of this gorgeous area as soon as the weather clears.

 Highlands Ranch Home For Sale in Firelight neighborhood

Click here to view entire flyer & tour for this Highlands Ranch Home

Located in Firelight Neighborhood in Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Click Here to Search Highlands Ranch Real Estate in the DENVER MLS

 

For more information on this Highlands Ranch home give me a call or email anytime.

720-849-6101

My family loves finding local events to attend together and this weekend will be no exception in Highlands Ranch.  A much anticipated annual event by my own daughter - the annual Colorado Scottish Festival and Rocky Mountain Highlands Games will take place in Highlands Ranch, CO this weekend.  

On August 9th and 10th, Heritage Park will become a Scottish lover’s delight as some of the best area Scottish and Irish dancer descend on Highlands Ranch along with the Highlands Games, music, ancestry tracing, food, vendors & much more.  The festival is open both days from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.  A schedule of all of the events can be found here and a list of  all the types of things you will see is found here. 

We have been attending the Scottish Festival for years - many of my daughter’s friends are accomplished Scottish and Irish dancers and she loves to be able to see them all perform at the same time and so close to home.  My children also really enjoy seeing the Scottish dogs agility & frisbee competitions. 

The Colorado Scottish Festival and Rocky Mountain Highlands Games takes place on August 9th and 10th at Highlands Heritage Park just south of Lincoln/University at Quebec.  There will be signs all over and even shuttle transportation nearby.  Directions can be found here. 

Make sure you bring your sunscreen - shade is somewhat limited. 

Steve Scheer - Denver Real Estate - Denver, Colorado

Serving your residential real estate needs for the Denver Metro Area &
surrounding Denver, Colorado suburbs.

Denver, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Lone Tree, Centennial, Greenwood Village
Cherry Hills Village, Englewood, Parker, Castle Pines Village, Castle Pines
North, Castle Rock, Ken Caryl

About Steve Scheer, REALTOR®
Thanks for checking out my "About" page to learn more about me and what I can do
for you and your Denver area real estate needs.
I have been licensed & selling Denver real estate since 1994 and I choose this
profession because of its every day challenges and rewards, in short - I
absolutely love what I do. How many people do you know that absolutely love
what they do? Once we meet, you will be able to count me among them.
I am a Denver native and grew up in the north Denver area - unincorporated Adams
County. I now live in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. I left while I was serving in
the United States Air Force (was an Air Traffic Controller) and remained for a
short amount of time in the Seattle, WA area but quickly returned to my roots in
the Denver area.
When it comes to Denver real estate, I pride myself with offering every customer
the same superior service that I would offer my own family and I have heard that
people really like the way I can make the real estate lingo into every day
language in terms everyone will understand. I do practice real estate in the
south Denver area because I truly love it, and I believe my passion for my
career will show as I represent you and your interests fully in your real estate
needs.

Experience has become absolutely crucial in today’s Denver real estate market.
Between media blasts of local market conditions, rising home foreclosures,
mortgage crisis and the like - there is a lot going on. You need someone who
has the confidence not to just weather the storm with you but to guide you
through it confidently and perhaps even make the ride enjoyable. After all,
buying a home should be a pleasure - you are about to embark on an adventure -
and I am hear to help you understand your every move. Not only have I been in
the Denver real estate business for some time, I have excelled in it. I have
been representing buyers and sellers with Denver area homes since 1994 (14+
years) and has extensive experience with both Denver residential resales and new
homes for a large nationally known home builder.
I also spent several years selling Denver new construction homes for a well
known local new home builder. This can be a huge bonus for you if you are
looking for a new construction home in the Denver area- this experience alone
will be invaluable to you as I truly understands completely the complexities of
a Denver area new home build and will be ready to represent you through this
complicated process. I also have been successful negotiating new home
construction deals, when many buyers did not even know that negotiation was
possible.
And that is one part of the real estate transaction that I love the most and I
do want to share that with you. Real Estate Contract Negotiation. I love it -
There is nothing quite like helping you with your needs and meet your goals and
I have to say this is where I truly shine. I know when to talk and mostly I
know when to listen. I know what’s do-able because I constantly study my
market to a point of consistent understanding.
I am well versed in all areas of the Denver relocation process, regardless if
you are relocating in or out of Denver. I have had many opportunties over the
years to work side by side with all of the major relocation companies and am
very familiar with the intricacies of a Denver corporate relocation.
I also make it a point to really be on top of the latest technologies as
relating to real estate and where they can serve you best. Most REALTORS® will
now tell you they are tech savvy - it has become a standard marketing bullet
point. But are they? Do they blog? Do they personally manage your listing
syndication on over 30 real estate home listing sites to ensure their accuracy?
Do they network & build relationships daily with other REALTORS®nationwide that
may assist you in a out of town relocation? Do they use photography to its
potential to sell your home to online home buyers? Do they come up with many
multiple results when you Google their name? I do.
Prior to my days in real estate (and after the Air Force), I was a professional
in Sales & Marketing in other industries, bringing 25+ years of sales and
marketing experience to the table.
Throughout the years as a Denver Realtor® I have been honored to receive various
awards regarding Denver real estate. I will offer you outstanding real estate
marketing services, expert negotiating skills and find you the home you have
always wanted. I will always offer consistent, honest communication regarding
your real estate transaction and am committed to providing you the highest
quality of service and professional knowledge possible.
In addition to my services for Denver home buyers & sellers for primary
residence, I have also worked with Denver area investors and has extensive
knowledge regarding Real Estate investing in the Denver housing market.

I am completely dedicated to furthering my education in Real Estate, Sales,
Marketing and Business Growth. I am an avid reader of both business practice
and inspirational growth and also attends classes and workshops whenever
possible to further my industry knowledge. I am truly committed to serving my
clients and constantly makes sure I am on top of the industry’s hottest trends.

Experience, Knowledge, Affiliations & Awards

Licensed REALTOR® in the State of Colorado since 1994 - 14+ years experience

SMDRA member - South Metro Denver Realtor Association
CAR member - Colorado Association of Realtors
NAR member - National Association of Realtors
MLS member - Denver MetroList
Highlands Ranch Chamber of Commerce
Best of the Best - Highlands Ranch REALTOR® - 2004 & 205 - voted by readers of
The Highlands Ranch Herald
"The Platinum Club", RE/MAX - representing some of the top performing Realtors

"The 100% Club", RE/MAX - representing an elite group of the top producing
Realtors
Keller Williams, Double Gold award winner - representing a very elite group of
top performing Realtors (former affiliation)
Voted Best of the Best Real Estate Agent 2005 & 2004 by Colorado Community
Newspapers, Highlands Ranch Herald
#12 RE/MAX agent in the entire state of Colorado, February 2004
1995 - 1999, Pyramid Club, representing the top 10 Realtors with one of
Colorado’s home builders - Richmond American Homes (former association)
My dedication, 100% effort and innovative marketing practices will get your home
sold quickly at a great price. I will provide you a detailed market analysis of
your existing home, allowing you the largest profit possible while still
maintaining the most accurate picture of what your home will sell for in today’s
market. I will discuss with you in-depth the strategies I see best to implement
and together we will make a decision that you are comfortable with.
On a personal note, I am a Denver native and is a longtime resident of Highlands
Ranch, Colorado with his wife Laura and 2 children. When I’m not working and
selling real estate in the Denver area, you can find me playing in his yard with
my kids, cheering on their sports teams (hockey, basketball & soccer), golfing,
camping, skiing, hiking, fishing, reading, volunteering at the school, cheering
on the Avs and DU Pioneers and I have even been attempting to learn to skate as
well. I am also a veteran of the United States Air Force, operating as an Air
Traffic Controller, serving during Operation Dessert Storm.

Steve Scheer - REALTOR®

Direct Cell Phone Number 720-849-6101 6400 S Fiddlers Green Circle #100
Greenwood Village, CO 80111

About This Denver Real Estate Blog
This blog is a constant work in progress and represents the author (my, Steve
Scheer’s) opinion and the opinion of any guest author on their particular blog
entry. They are my own opinions and those that choose to provide comments are
their own comments and do not reflect my own opinion, or the opinion of my
brokerage, RE/MAX Masters, Inc. unless somewhere noted.
The information that I provide on this blog/website is deemed to be accurate at
the time of the post and I do my best to update any information as necessary.
In regards to comments on this blog, they are very welcomed but I do always
reserve the right ot delete any comment or edit any comment (which I will rarely
if ever do) and will do so if offensive or hateful language or profanity is
used in a comment.
Comments are moderated, at the moment, if you are a first time commenter, so
there may be a delay in a comment being published. As soon as i get back to my
computer I will push though your comments, as long as it is not complete spam of
course.
A spam catcher is used on this blog and pure spam comments will not be
published.

Phyllis & RIchard V. - Littleton, Colorado 

"As an out-of-state Realtor for 13 years, it was a pleasure working with Steve when we recently moved to Colorado. He knows his business and was always available when we needed help. I would certainly recommend him to my family & friends."