What are the advantages of getting pre-approval for a loan to buy a home and why is it so important to get pre-approved for a loan? Typically a first time home buyer will get the itch to buy a home.  Perhaps they’ve been considering and planning this for a long time.  They call a Realtor to go look at a home they’ve found on the internet and the first thing they ask is, “have you been pre-approved for a loan?”  Whoops! Roadblock! So, why is this step in the home buying process so important and what are the advantages?

Save Time by Looking at the Right Homes

If you’ve been searching for homes on the internet or you’ve been setup by your favorite Realtor to receive automatic e-mail listings of available homes, you can ask him/her to change your search criteria to match the selection of homes in the price range that you’ve been pre-approved for. This way you can save your time by checking out homes that you can actually afford to buy.

Focus Your Time Examining the Right Homes

By decreasing the inventory of homes to those that fit your criteria and price range, you can spend your time thinking about the little nuances each home has to offer. Instead of spending your time looking at homes that are out of your price range, you can focus on the details that matter to you in choosing a home.  Are the bedrooms large enough? Will my car fit in the garage?

Gain Negotiating Power

Now when you find that perfect home and you want to put an offer in to purchase, no one can take that away from you by saying you can’t qualify. When your Realtor presents the offer to the seller or the seller’s agent, they will also present your pre-approval letter from your lender. That is one more powerful advantage your offer may have over a competing offer.  You’re giving the seller peace of mind that if they accept your offer, this deal will more than likely close vs. falling apart because the buyer can’t get a loan.

Gain Confidence and Avoid Disappointment

Let’s face it, buying a home can be a very stressful process.  You can minimize your anxiety by getting pre-approved. You can have the confidence that when you find that perfect home, you will be able to qualify for the loan. You can sleep better a night, because there shouldn’t be any last minute surprises.

Enjoy a Faster Closing Period

Because you’ve already met with your lender and submitted all of your paperwork, the entire process can go a lot faster. The lender can order the appraisal right away. The lender will make your deal a priority because they’ve already completed most of the hard work. It’s possible to close the transaction in 2-3 weeks vs. the typical 30 days that it takes to close a transaction.

Typically obtaining loan approval is the longest contingency in your purchase contract. So, by getting pre-approved for your loan, your process will go a lot faster and smoother.

If you’re thinking about purchasing a home and would like to speak with one of the lenders that we work with, get in touch and we’ll hook you up with a reputable lender.

The Colorado Association for Manufacturing and Technology will be working with site selection experts in Denver to find a location for a proposed 200-acre manufacturing and research park.

The park could reportedly house up to 100 businesses and create 10,000 jobs, according to CAMT. The idea is that companies would share facilities for research and manufacturing. NASA has apparently developed technology that could be turned into products with commercial uses in clean energy industries to be manufactured at the facility.

Estimates by CAMT indicated that the proposed “Aerospace and Clean Energy Manufacturing Innovation Park” could create as much as $7 Billion per year in economic output for Colorado. Representing a welcome addition to community coffers and job-seekers alike.

In addition, a surprising rush of interest by many of the proposed backers may force a quicker move than most had anticipated. CAMT executive director Elaine Thorndike said more than a dozen out-of-state companies have inquired about locating to the park. In response, they have opened up from working exclusively with one developer to now working with many site selection experts because they “had more options and much greater interest than they had anticipated”.

READ ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE

Tonight the Denver Nuggets face off against Division rivals the Los Angeles Lakers.  Every time these two teams battle it is incredibly entertaining and usually predicts the outcome in the Play-Offs.  If you haven’t been to a Nuggets game lately the ticket prices are a bit more expensive but the beautiful Pepsi Center and high energy players make up for the more expensive experience.

Right now the Nuggets are leading their division with a record of 6-3.  The Nuggets and Lakers see each other several times each season and each game is very exciting.  Hopefully with the home court advantage for the Nuggets they will be able to pull off this win and improve to 7-3.

If you go to the game there are tons of fun things to do in and around the Pepsi Center.  Tonight the game is at 8:30 and you should plan to go atleast 30-45 minutes before the game to allow for parking.  A great, cheaper parking lot is just across the street at the Metro State parking lot where parking prices are around $10.00 and it is a very short walk to the Pepsi Center.  A great place to eat or have some drinks before the game is Brooklyn’s located directly to the south of the Pepsi Center.

Go out and support your Denver Nuggets and lets all watch them battle their way to the Play-Offs.  GO NUGGETS!!

Nestled in the Rocky Mountain Foothills fifteen miles west of Denver, there stands a symbol of nature’s unparalleled majesty. Red Rocks is a geologically formed, open-air Amphitheatre that is not duplicated anywhere in the world. With Mother Nature as the architect, the design of the Amphitheatre consists of two, three hundred-foot monoliths (Ship Rock and Creation Rock) that provide acoustic perfection for any performance.

The area of Red Rocks, originally known as the Garden of Angels, has attracted the attention of musical performers since before the turn of the century. The majestic setting of the Amphitheatre, along with the panoramic view of Denver, makes for a breathtaking scene.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is not just a concert destination, but also a favorite spot for locals and tourists to enjoy amazing Colorado scenery. With hiking and biking trails, picturesque picnic spots and a Visitor Center chock-full of amenities – including Ship Rock Grille, the venue’s on-site restaurant open for lunch, weekend brunch and pre-show dinner – visitors are encouraged to leisurely enjoy the amphitheatre and surrounding Red Rocks Park. Colorado is known for its health-conscious culture and with 69 rows of benches and an abundance of stairs, Red Rocks Amphitheatre has become a popular site for runners and those looking for a challenging workout at 6,400 feet. Individuals and groups are welcome to take advantage of the venue’s natural beauty and unique physical challenges whenever the amphitheatre is open to the public. Make sure that these activities do not negatively impact the enjoyment of others, or contribute to any structural damage of the venue. When working out at Red Rocks, please keep the following rules in mind:

• Respect the personal enjoyment of everyone at the amphitheatre.
• Amplified music is not allowed; please limit the enjoyment of music to earphones.
• Equipment that obstructs the access to stairs, benches and all other areas is not allowed.
• Equipment that has the potential to cause damage to the venue or injury to others is not allowed.
• Hanging on or from venue structures is not allowed.

The best way to appreciate this unique town is to first understand the natural wonder that neighbors it.

Majestic, complex, filled with promises at every turn – the Black Canyon is a reservoir of hidden delights, revealing itself only to those who take the time to appreciate it. With its vast shadows, sheer walls and somber gorges, this is no five-minute stop. This is an encounter that, properly experienced, will stir your soul at a level far deeper than you could ever imagine.

Located on the canyon’s very doorstep, Montrose is no less intriguing.

Montrose has carved out a place for itself in the landscape and culture of Colorado. Montrose has been nurtured by the waters of the Gunnison River and blessed with the majesty of the Black Canyon. There is a unique authenticity about Montrose. It is not a fabricated western town nor is it a new-age ski resort, it is a real town with real people.

From its thriving art, rich culture and bustling downtown to a deep history that still infuses the air with Old West flavor, this multi-faceted town serves up layer upon layer of discoveries, each more unique than the last. Whether you’re looking to come face to face with the humbling power of nature or simply want to get away for a relaxing weekend, take a deeper look at Montrose.

You never know what you might see.

Head for the hills and check out all the fun Central City and Blackhawk have to offer. Once called the “Richest Square Mile on Earth”, Central City and Black Hawk are two historic old mining towns from the 1870s that have come alive in recent years. Located 34 miles (55km) west of Denver, the two towns offer more than 30 casinos with over 10,000 slot machines, blackjack tables and poker games. And as of July 2, 2009, the stakes in Black Hawk have been raised – betting limits are now $100, craps and roulette tables have been added and casinos will be open around the clock. In other words, a fun mountain town just got a lot more fun.

The two cities are also known for having some of the best-preserved Victorian architecture in the West. Other attractions include the Teller House Hotel where President Grant once stayed and the Central City Opera House, which still features an outstanding summer season of opera. There are mine tours, mining museums and several places offering instruction in the fine art of gold panning in streams where a half billion dollars of the coveted, shiny metal was found.

Just West of Denver Central City and Blackhawk are great little town’s to visit with lots to offer. Get immersed in the Old West just minutes away from the Big City.

Here are a couple of great  Halloween/ Fall events that will entertain the whole family.  First is “Nick’s Fall Festival,” located at Nick’s Garden Center at 2001 S. Chambers Rd. in Aurora.  This festival has tons of pumpkins and Halloween decorations to choose from.  It is an outdoor event so be sure to dress warm.  Click here for more information and coupons for Nick’s Fall Festival!

Another great Fall event is Denver Botanic Garden’s Corn Maze.  It is one of the most visited corn maze’s in the country and is definitely fun for the whole family.  The Corn Maze spans a huge 8 acres of twists and turns and at night the Botanic Gardens host a very scary haunted house called “The Butcher.”  “The Butcher” is for mature audiences, so if you like extremely terrifying haunted houses click here for more details!

These three homes in Aurora have been foreclosed on and would make great cash flow properties!

Fall is in the air and now is the best time to see the gorgeous Rocky Mountains show their seasonal beauty.  From Denver there are several day trips you can take up to the mountains to enjoy the majestic Aspen trees change color.  Whether you have a car full of people or going solo the beginning of Fall is a special time in the High Country.  Here are a few drives you can take to appreciate one of the most stunning seasons in Colorado.

1. Guanella Pass between Georgetown and Grant- Take Highway 285 (West Hampden turns into Hwy 285) south through Conifer and Bailey. At the town of Grant, head north on the Guanella Pass Scenic and Historic Byway to Georgetown, where you will meet back up with I-70. The aspens are typically exceptional on the south side of Guanella Pass, which sits at 11,699 feet in elevation. This refreshing 23-mile road will take you through the Pike and Arapahoe National Forests. Approximately 12 miles of this scenic road is a gravel surface, but maintained year-round.
2. Trail Ridge Road (US 34) through Rocky Mountain National Park- Take the Boulder Turnpike (US 36) west to Rocky Mountain National Park via Estes Park. Once in the park, drive Trail Ridge Road (the highest paved through highway in the US) and enjoy the breath-taking scenery. The weather can change quickly in the park so be sure and get the latest forecast. Trail Ridge Road peaks at 12,183 feet in elevation. Just west of the high point is Fall River Pass, elevation 11,796 feet, and the Alpine Visitor Center. Exit the west side of the park and continue on US 34 down into Grand Lake. From there, take US 40 east through Fraser and Winter Park, eventually meeting back up with I-70 at Empire.
3. Boreas Pass between Como and Breckenridge- Take I-70 west and then Highway 9 south through Breckenridge. Make a left at the stoplight on the south side of Breck onto Boreas Pass Road. After 3.5 miles the pavement ends, but you can continue another 11 miles to the town of Como. From there, take Highway 285 back to Denver over Kenosha Pass. The Boreas Pass Road will take you above timberline where the weather can change quickly, so check the local forecast before making the trip. Boreas Pass Road follows an abandoned railroad grade which was the original route of the Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad. You will have incredible views of the Continental Divide as you pass the flank of Bald Mountain.
4. Colorado 14 through the Poudre Canyon west of Fort Collins- Take I-25 north and exit onto Colorado 14 heading west. (Exit # 269) You will pass through the town of Laporte before entering the beautiful Poudre Canyon in the Roosevelt National Forest. The Pourde River Canyon was designated Colorado’s First National Wild and Scenic River in 1986. Drive to Cameron Pass (10,276 feet) in the Medicine Bow Mountains for gorgeous views, and perhaps a picnic lunch while you enjoy the foliage.
5. Colorado 67 Between Divide and Cripple Creek- Take I-25 south to Colorado Springs, exit onto US 24 west (exit 141) toward Woodland Park. At Divide head south on Highway 67 toward Cripple Creek and Victor. The scenic Golden Loop Historic Parkway between Cripple Creek and Victor will not only afford beautiful views of fall color, but a look back to the 1890s gold rush that made this area one of the most famous mining districts in the world. As an added bonus, you will cross Colorado’s highest bridge on the state highway system. The bridge crosses Arequa Gulch just west of Victor, is 250 feet tall at its highest point, and 1,218 feet long. Colorado has 8,479 bridges on its highway system.
6. Independence Pass, Colorado 82, Between Twin Lakes and Aspen- Take I-70 to exit 171 just past Vail to pick up US 24 west. This will take you to Twin Lakes, where you pick up Highway 82 toward Aspen. This beautiful drive through the San Isabel National Forest will afford picturesque views of the Sawatch Range, which is home to several of Colorado’s 14ers. From Aspen you can continue on Highway 82 to Glenwood Springs where you will meet back up with I-70. Heading back toward Denver, you will drive through the gorgeous Glenwood Canyon where a hike to Hanging Lake and Spouting Rock would make for a nice picnic.

Those are just a few routes you can take from Denver.  Remember, the weather can change in the mountains within the hour so make sure to be prepared for anything and have a safe, fun adventure!