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

Every now and then I try to post a favorite picture or two of the Denver area.
On the 4th of July, I had dinner in Lakewood at a home with a lovely view.
How appropriate that it was our Nation’s Birthday. I believe this is what the
the line…"Purple Mountains Majesty" was referring to….

I have to include this one too from the same location - looking at the famous
Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado.

All those little dots in between the rocks, those are the folks enjoying the
Blues Travelers concert at dusk. I need to go back there with my better camera.

Are you looking for a home in the Denver area with views like this? Just let me
know & we can see what we can do!

Real Estate Market Reports - Jefferson County - Littleton Jefferson County Colorado - STATISTICS FOR HOME SALES IN THE AREA -Jefferson County - Littleton Jefferson County is certainly coming around. With just over 4 months supply of inventory this is a well balanced market. Days on market for sellers still remains over 3 months, but that could change if inventory reduces. This area is always popular with it’s close proximity to the foothills. Jefferson county homeowners should still remain price conscious when listing their homes if they want the best opportunity to swell. Updating can go a long way in selling if your home is a bit older. Keep the curb appal sharp this time of year and you’ll do fine. buyers looking in Jefferson County should know that there is still a good supply of homes to choose from and although many sellers are competitive on price, it is still a bit of a buyer’s market and sellers are willing to strike a fair deal. This report includes all areas of the Denver MLS known as JFS : Jefferson County (south) parts of Littleton - May 2008 JFS - Jefferson County - Residential Real Estate - Single Family Homes Total Active Homes For Sale 651 Average Asking Price $477,552 New Listings on the Market 389 Listings Back on Market 78 Sold Homes 149 Average Price Actually Sold $319,186 % of List Price 97% Days on Market 93 Under Contract 171 Expired Listings 30 Littleton - Jefferson County - Condos & Town Homes Total Active For Sale 258 Average Asking Price $176,195 New Listings on the Market 112 Listings Back on Market 19 Sold Listings 48 Average Price Actually Sold $160,137 % of List Price 97% Days on Market 65 Under Contract 49 Expired Listings 11 *Statistics from MLS deemed accurate but not guaranteed. *These numbers may not include FSBO and New Construction.

Market Reports & Sales Trends - Centennial, Littleton, Greenwood Village Homes Sales & Real Estate

This part of the south metro area is always a popular area. Just into the south Denver metro area and still close to the DTC and easy access to downtown these neighborhoods are coming alive. Sales times are a bit over 3 months, not too bad. Inventory levels are at just over 5 months, nice and balanced. Gas prices, the economy in general, there are so many reasons why closer in to the city centers are becoming more popular. But for this area, just great lots, nice homes and convenience to so many parks and shopping make this area ideal for Denver home buyers. Keep prices competitive and make sure your home shines. The market is starting to pick up as you can see with Under Contracts and if you continue to listen to your Denver Realtor you too will be at the closing table!

This report includes all areas of the Denver MLS known as SSC - South Suburban Central: parts of Littleton, parts of Centennial, western parts of Greenwood Village and parts of Englewood - May 2008 South Suburban Central - Residential Real Estate -

Single Family Homes Total Active 607
Average Asking Price Price $575,165
New Listings 333 
Listings Back on Market 57 
Sold 114 
Average Price 
Actually Sold $347,004 
% of List Price 97% 
Days on Market 93 
Under Contract 173 
Expired Listings 23 

South Suburban Central - Condos & Town Homes

Total Active 203 
Average Asking Price $196,778 
New Listings 87 
Listings Back on Market 21 
Sold 42 
Average Price actually sold $174,681 
% of List Price 96% 
Days on Market 100 
Under Contract 60 
Expired Listings 13 

*Statistics from MLS deemed accurate but not guaranteed. 
*These numbers may not include homes that are sold by owner (FSBO) and New Construction Read Also: Do You Need A Buyer’s Agent in Colorado? Selling Your Vacant Denver Home