This fenced, two-story equestrian property at 3672 Estates Circle features an expansive 2,907 square feet of living areas, with four bedrooms plus a bonus room and two bathrooms.  With a price under $450,000, this Larkspur real estate offers the best of both worlds.  It is easily accessible to employment along the Front Range via Interstate 25 and perfect for growing families.  The top-notch Douglas County School District provides innovation to help every child succeed.  It offers open enrollment, charter schools, and creative programming.  Additionally, colleges and universities from the Air Force Academy to the University of Colorado at Boulder are within commuting distance.

The property lies on the northern slope of Pike National Forest at over 6,600 feet in elevation.  Wonderful ranches and neighborhoods of homes with large acreage combine to ensure a rural feel to the neighboring landscape.  Equestrian facilities and 4-H activities complement the award-winning golf opportunities at the nearby Bear Dance PGA Golf Course.

Larkspur hosts delightful community events including a flagship summer Renaissance Festival that transforms the rural area into a tourist zone.  Residents are in the country only as long as they want to be.  Outstanding shopping is available in the outlet malls, premier malls such as Park Meadows, and in the quaint downtown areas.  The Front Range of the Rocky Mountains brings people from all over the world, many who have opened extraordinary restaurants ranging from casual to ultra-fine.

There are new double-pane windows, flagstone in the kitchen and dining rooms, wall-to-wall carpeting, an eating space in the kitchen, walk-in closets, a wood stove in the family room, high-speed Internet, and a central vacuum system.  The neutral décor is ready for all of your belongings and your horses.  From this vantage, you can explore the Rocky Mountains on horseback, on foot, or on skis.  There are no limits.

For more information about real estate in the greater metro area, including farms and horse properties, contact Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

Buyers who want the small acreages for horses close to the amenities of the metropolitan area need only click here to view our Featured Listings for Denver Real Estate.

Prices are good.  Interest rates are great but edging upwards.  According to Paula Moore’s article in the Denver Business Journal on June 8, 2009, the highest average selling prices for real estate in Denver are $527,216 in the Boulder plains area and $663,311 for homes within the Boulder city limits.  The lowest average prices for single-family homes in the Denver metro area rang up in southern Aurora at $92,230, the mountain area of southern Jefferson County at $147,125, and near the Denver International Airport at $152,204.

With the excellent interest rates and the ability to refinance, some people are choosing to upgrade their homes by adding more rooms.  Some are remodeling.  Yet there are families who are choosing to add more acreage and a couple of horses for their children or for a mid-life diversion.

Horses enjoy an evolutionary niche as grazing animals that herd together for mutual protection.  They are quite social and love the horse circuit in the Mile High City as much as their owners do.  One larger property, suitable for several horses, would make them smile.  A smaller property under five acres would be fine for one horse—as long as someone in the family will fulfill the social need.

Horse properties are marvelous buffers from the hustle-bustle of life.  We can steer you towards a number of properties in great school districts located less than 20 minutes from business parks or the downtown metro area.  As the city expands, these choice properties with present covenants allowing horses could face redevelopment or rezoning if horse lovers resist them.

There are small ranchettes on less than five acres and larger ranches with hundreds of acres to roam.  No matter the size, the peaceful equestrian oasis promises to offer residents a world just a canter away from stress and a trot from equestrian heaven.  All while supplies last.

For more information about real estate in the greater metro area, including farms and horse properties, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

The first step is to go sightseeing with the intent of getting ideas for your color scheme and precise Western theme.  Western usually means plenty of earthy tones.  Accent colors like turquoise, white, and red brighten up the palette.   Look in old bars and hotels, restaurants, ranches, and museums for get ideas to help you decide on a wall color or two for a specific room. 

Try to narrow down your Western theme to one or combine two themes.  For example, your son’s cowboy bedroom may have an old cowboy hat, saddle, spurs, chaps, and posters of horses and cowboys.  A pioneer theme may have wagon wheels, old milking pails, rustic woods, etc.  Pulling off a fur-trader or Indian theme may incorporate fur rugs and wall hangings.  The Western hunter would have elk horn chandeliers or tables with possibly woven blankets on the wall or used for throws.  One theme may be better suited to the family room and another to the kitchen or bedroom.

Besides wall colors, other elements of the Western decorating project are the flooring, lighting, artwork, furniture, and the all-important accessories. 

Flooring depends on the location and use of the room. Today the rough wood floors are popular but they do need care.  Earth toned ceramic tiles, hardwood, or laminate wood may be options.  Existing floors can be transformed by area rugs with Western designs.  Look for vintage western lanterns or wall sconces with cowboys, cows, horses, arrows, teepees, etc.  For brighter light, use rustic chandeliers, pub lamps, or swag lamps.

Western posters, prints, and original artwork from secondhand stores, auctions, country stores, and on the internet are invaluable.  Posters of old cowboy movies, “wanted” posters, branding irons, animal skins, originals by western artists, and many other pieces are suitable.  Furniture should be comfortable.  Most simple styles will blend with the Western décor.  Choose tans and browns but accent them with throws, throw pillows with a Western appliqué, etc.

Now for the treasure hunt. Accessories and knick-knacks add the personalized touch.  Collect just the right pieces of old pottery, figurines, cast iron relics, whiskey bottles, horseshoes, bits, and the like.  ‘Add some creative touches of your own, maybe putting an old saloon door on the kitchen.  Stamp horseshoe prints onto a plain-colored comforter or throw pillows or create your own branding symbol to put on the headboard or wall.  Use rope.  Make a lasso or several small ones to hang in the perfect places.

As time goes on, change out your Western treasures for new ones and enjoy your home on the range.   For more information about real estate in the greater metro area, including farms and horse properties, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

So to give our readers any heady information, we will share some news from the May 19, 2009 Denver Business Journal.  The article is entitled, “Denver tops on Today show list of cities poised for real-estate rebound.”  My horse is only concerned enough to wonder if more Colorado horse lovers are moving to our equestrian-friendly town. 

Author Mark Harden noticed a clip on NBC’s Today Show.  Real estate expert Barbara Corcoran, after measuring several factors, announced that Denver, more than any other U.S. city, is on the rebound.  She checked for job-growth potential, a growing population, good weather, abundant first-time buyers, no overbuilding, a vital downtown, a well-educated population, and foreclosures before other cities.

How specifically does Denver measure up?  We have all of the above in addition to boasting one of the largest park systems in the nation.  Interestingly, the Mile High City was one of the first cities to experience a high number of foreclosures and so it is one of the first to resolve that problem. 

Metro Brokers’ Real Estate Advisor similarly applauded Denver.  Among large cities, the Denver metro area ranked third with -14.2 percent of market decline since its real estate peak in August 2006.  Overall, the metropolitan real estate markets peaked between September 2005 and August 2007.

Now, math is useful, stats are fine, but we tend to observe another key factor:  horse sense.  Horse sense says, Wow!  What a gorgeous setting we live in along the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies.  Our citizens appreciate where they live.  They work hard and play hard.  Our communities are beautiful.  People take pride in volunteering and getting involved in education, culture, the arts, sports, and recreation.  We are an hour from the ski slopes and boast an international airport.  The magical weather brings us sunshine, flowers, changing leaves, and plenty of snow. 
For more information about real estate in the greater metro area, including farms and horse properties, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

System-build modular homes, not to be confused with manufactured homes, are almost twice as fast to build.  Costing less time and less money, they are popular not only within Great Denver real estate but in the Rocky Mountains where the construction season is cut short. 

Building systems are highly engineered methods of producing buildings or building components.  A modular home is one type of building system.  Homes begin as components designed, engineered, and assembled in an indoor controlled environment.  Under the system-built construction method, simultaneous construction of the foundation and first and second floors speeds up the finished product.  At a time coordinated with the building contractor, the final components are transported to the home site.

Production line methods result in superior quality.  Several factors contribute to the structural integrity.  They include better equipment, climate control, high-grade materials, tighter construction that withstands transport, and quality control.   All building codes and standards are observed during every step of the construction process.  In addition, it is nice to know that banks, lending institutions, and insurers do not differentiate between modular and site-built homes. 

The quality conscious and cost conscious buyer finds state-of-the-art construction technology and great amenities.  The computer age allows homeowners to analyze the best and most cost-effective ways to design and construct their homes, including options of a long list of interior and exterior design elements.  Thanks to new technology, homebuyers are able to purchase empty land lots and horse properties and, within two to three months, they are moving into the homes that they help design. 

According to a January 2009 article in The Denver Post by Margaret Jackson, at least one development company in the residential real-estate market here decided to shift to system-built homes selling for $350,000 versus pursuing their original plan to build homes in the $500,000 to $700,000 price range without compromising style.  The homes feature open stairwells, solid oak treads, maple kitchen cabinets, slab kitchen counters, and onyx countertops in the bathrooms.

For more information about real estate in the greater metro area, including farms and horse properties, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

So how do we maintain a horse barn on Denver CO horse property?  First, the horse and the barn need regular grooming.  Horse lovers who create good hygienic habits end up enjoying the equestrian experience thoroughly.  It is imperative for horse owners to remove dirt, manure, dust, stench, and chaff, especially during wet weather.   

To facilitate the ongoing elimination of dirt, start by checking the drainage system of the barn.  On a sunny day, open the barn to allow full natural sunlight to enter.  Clean the floor, hosing it out and observing any drainage problems that may show up as it dries out.  If any drainage problem persists, consult a professional.  Horse barns with dirt floors need to have the top layer removed and replaced.

Establish a routine pattern for cleaning.  Start in one place and move methodically to the next to maintain a uniform maintenance process.  Tweak the method to simplify the removal of waste.  Be sure not to forget the regular cleaning of the loft, horse stables, stalls, walls, windows, and tack room.

Having the right tools for the job is half the battle.  Here are some suggestions:

• Handcart to carry out dirt, feedbags, and other materials
• Power blower
• Lightweight wheelbarrows
• Detachable feed tubs for ease of cleaning
• Rubber mats for the horses to stand on
• Strategically placed wall panels to hang tools and materials

Colorado State University advertises a DVD that features many tips for new ranchers.  It includes information from pasture-management experts, equine clinicians, nutritionists, veterinarians, ranch managers, owners of small acreage, and horse owners.  Homebuyers who will be boarding their own horses may find it especially helpful.

In summation, it is easier to groom horses that live in a clean environment.  Horse barn owners who get the hang of these basics will have more time to enjoy the Rocky Mountain sunsets and extensive equestrian activities offered in the aura of the Mile High City.
 
For more information about real estate in the greater metro area, including farms and horse properties, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

The National Western Complex is one reason why, owning Denver horse properties, local equestrian fans will find numerous competitions and social events, clubs, and associations in the Greater Denver area.  At the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo this weekend, everyone from 4-H students to old-time ranchers will enjoy a Sanctioned WRCA Ranch Rodeo, Extreme Cowboy Race, speakers and clinicians, Horseman’s College and Trail Rider conference, Green Ranch & Home Show, Green University, and lots of entertainment.

From Shire horses to working ranch cowboys, from cowboys racing through obstacle courses to test communication and athleticism of horse and rider, to a rich western rock/swing sound released by Carlos Washington and The Steel Horse Band—the exciting line-up for this weekend kicks off the next season and generation of horse activities.

Ty Pennington will make a rare appearance during the Denver Home Show scheduled March 19-22, where more than 500 experts and thousands of products and services will be on hand to help with homes, home remodeling, home décor and more.  Partnering with the producer of Marketplace Events, Ty explains, “People always ask me where they can buy the cool products they see on our show, and the truth is that the best place to find all the basics, plus all the hot new products—all in one place—is at the type of home shows Marketplace Events produces.”  

The modern, user-friendly facilities at the National Western Complex recently saw the completion of a $30 million expansion program.  The 2 million people in the metro trade area seem to be quite pleased with the results.  Facilities now include the Events Center, Expo Hall, Hall of Education, Stadium Arena, and Stadium Hall.

So, think about it.  The high-energy Mile High City boasts a gently thriving economy and a central location at the intersection of Interstates 25 and 70 along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountain recreational playground.  It is one of the most accessible cities in America and meeting places such as the National Western Complex continue to drive herds of interest our way.

For more information about real estate in the greater metro area, including farms and horse properties, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

Foxfield neighborhoods extend over 1.3 miles.  They feature street names as varied as the architecture of the Denver CO real estate:  Sedalia, Andes, Costilla, Telluride, Easter, Richfield, Waco, Pitkin, Buckley, Quintero.  That’s probably because the community of small Colorado ranches only recently incorporated when the town of 750 sought to preserve their little bit of countryside so close to the big city.

To prevent being annexed by Aurora or Greenwood Village, the community rose to the occasion and protected their country values.  To this day, townsfolk continue to communicate through a monthly newsletter called Communiqué, form neighborhood watch groups, volunteer, gather for a Fourth of July Parade and BBQ, and trot through the ten miles of country streets.  The board regularly meets at the Parker Fire Station #2 over budget and any concerns.

Foxfield is specifically located at an elevation of 5,755 feet at the southeast tip of Cherry Creek State Park and Valley Country Club.  It is east of Highway 83, well within the 470 circle.  The Centennial Airport and Denver Tech, Inverness, and Meridian business centers lie to the west. 

Hiking trails in the area are located as close as Cherry Creek State Park, Aurora Reservoir, and Smokey Hill Ridge.  Horseback riders explore trails systems along the Platte River South Trail, The Colorado Trail, and into the Rocky Mountains.  Centuries ago, the Kiowa, Cheyenne, and Arapaho likewise traversed the area.  And there are numerous ways to enjoy the Colorado sunshine out on the golf courses at South Suburban, the Meridian Golf Club, Inverness Golf Course, Highlands Ranch, and the Family Golf Nine Hole.   

Residents find ample opportunities for employment, recreational and cultural activities, and interesting shopping at places such as the Park Meadows Mall or five miles into Downtown at trendy pavilions and at LoDo.  But Foxfield’s business district does mighty fine for most residents with its Barn Store that brings in 1-percent tax revenues to fill the coffers. 

For more information about farms, horse properties, and real estate in the greater metro area, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

Lori Richardson, Vice President of Cherry Creek Mortgage Company in Greenwood Village Colorado reveals why.  Her e-bulletin dated February 4, 2009 explains that the Fed is buying FNMA 30-year 5.5 percent and 5.0 percent bonds.  These bonds represent outstanding mortgages with rates of 6.0 percent to 6.5 percent.  These loans are being refinanced at today’s low interest rates.  The Fed says they can continue this throughout June 2009.

Richardson goes on to say that many pools of the FMNA 5.5-percent pools will be refinanced and paid in full, giving the Fed an immediate return on investment.  Now the catch.  After the initial influx of cash from the refinanced loans, the wheels may slow down to school zone speeds.  Money will then go back to trickling in from the loans originated at today’s low rates.

That is because the monthly payments on the low-interest-rate mortgage products that are currently being used to refinance are a far cry from the large sums of money going to the Fed when the higher-interest-rate Mortgage Backed Securities are being paid in full right now by homeowners who are refinancing.

The question becomes, what will they do then?  Most likely, interest rates will start edging back up. 

And how does that affect buyers?  Richardson suggests that after the initial money flow slows down, “rates could turn higher and this window of opportunity could pass them by entirely.”  That is the reason she warns, “If you snooze, you may lose.”  Waiting for possible lower interest rates to come along could cost hundreds or thousands of dollars in monthly payments.

For more information about farms, horse properties, and real estate in the greater metro area, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.