2011 Stapleton Pumpkin Decorating & Carving Contest and Food Drive

2011 Stapleton Pumpkin Decorating and Carving Contest and Food Drive

Bring your already carved or decorated pumpkin and something for The Gathering Place:

When: October 30, 2011: 5:30pm - 7:30pm (Check in by 6:00 pm with your pumpkin(s). Judging and viewing will take place between 6:00 and 7:00pm. Winners will be announced at 7:00pm!

Where: Founder's Green in Denver's Stapleton neighborhood

Who can participate: Anyone!

What: This is a contest for Jack-o-Lantern Decorating and/or Carving. We will also be accepting food donations for The Gathering Place of Denver, as a part of our Halloween Trick or Treating for a Cause (Please check out the needed items on The Gathering Place website)

Entries in each division will be judged based on originality & quality of work (including consideration for age in the kids divisions)

Udi's Restaurants is going to be providing hot chocolate and The Bon Bon Buggy buggy is going to be there as well, bringing their gourmet chocolate covered caramel apples and special treats for anyone who shows up in costume!

We also have a wonderful panel of judges lined up to judge the Jack O' Lanterns! (Please sign up if you want to enter any pumpkins in the contest).

Our judges are Laura Meixell, Events Coordinator from the Gathering Place, Colorado State Representative Angela Williams, and Bella the Princess from Wands and Wishes.

 

Divisions & Top Prizes (more prizes may be added):

• Little kids (11 and under) Top Prize: $50 Timbuk Toys Gift Card
• Big kids (12 - 17) Top Prize: $100 Best Buy Gift Card
• Adults (18 and over): Top Prize: iPad2

Rules:

• All contestants must register using the form below.
• No carving or decorating is to be done on location at the event. Anyone wishing to partcipate must bring an already carved or painted Jack-o-Lantern. Here is a list of locations where you can buy pumpkins.
• The main part of the entry must be a pumpkin or a member of the pumpkin family.
• Pumpkins may be carved OR decorated. Objects, paper & materials of any kind may be pinned or glued to pumpkins. Participants may also draw or paint on their entries, cut designs into their services or dress them up. No electrical device (other than battery powered candle/light) may be used as part of any entry.
• Kids division guidelines: Jack O' Lantern design must be created by the kid(s), but an adult can do the actual carving. Any painting/decorating must be done by the kid(s).
• Bring your own candle or light to illuminate your pumpkin at dusk
• This is a family event. We reserve the right to remove/disqualify any entries that are deemed to be inappropriate or offensive.
• We reserve the right to change the prizes, divisions, rules or other aspects of the contest (For example, we may add a division and more prizes if the number of entries is high enough)
• In the case of inclement weather, the contest will still proceed but may be relocated. All contestants will be notified and changes will be posted on this site.
• Have fun!

For more information, visit http://stapletonconnect.com/page/2011-pumpkin-contest 

Elegant Stapleton Home For Rent

Greg Pond | TJC Real Estate & Management | (720) 457-4520 2709 Hanover St, Denver, CO Elegant Stapleton Home For Rent 4BR/3+1BA Single Family House $2,895/month Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 1 partial Sq Footage 2,416 Parking None Pet Policy Conditional Deposit $2,895 DESCRIPTION Amazing 4 bedroom plus loft, 3.5 bath house, John Laing #3 model - rarely found on rental market – with all the upgrades Unique open floor plan has almost 3400 SF of living space including a finished basement First floor has a hardwood through-out – includes a family room (with fireplace off of kitchen) ; great room that can be used as a formal dining room or living room, and space for a large office Spacious Gourmet eat in kitchen with stainless appliances, top of the line dishwasher, built in microwave, and 5 burner gas cook top Upstairs has oversized master with large walk in closet and 5 piece bath, 2 large bedrooms, a 2nd full bath, and a loft perfect for 2nd office or kids game room. Finished basement has family room, 4th bedroom, 3rd full bathroom, and plenty of storage Large fenced in backyard with huge deck; 2 Car private garage with large (for Stapleton) backyard see additional photos below RENTAL FEATURES - Air conditioning - Fireplace - Walk-in closet - Hardwood floor - Family room - Living room - Bonus/Rec room - Office/Den - Dining room - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Granite countertop - Stainless steel appliances - Basement - Washer - Dryer - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard - Cable-ready COMMUNITY FEATURES - Garage parking - Guest parking - Storage space(s) - Fitness center - Swimming pool(s) - Tennis court(s) - Playground - New property (< 5 years) LEASE TERMS flexible ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Photo 1 Contact info: Greg Pond TJC Real Estate & Management (720) 457-4520 Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Oct 26, 2011, 8:23am PDT

Closing Tips & Checklist For Home Buyers

Purchasing a new home includes more cash than an earnest money check for the down payment and a few hundred dollars for a home inspection.  Closing costs can be up to 2-4 percent, which typically includes: title insurance policies, recording fees, home inspection fees, courier charges, and other lender fees.   Several other factors that determine closing costs are points and origination fees, which are common lender charges to factor in to the equation.  The summary of fees for closing costs are disclosed on the Good Faith Estimate (GFE), so be sure to review a couple before closing.  

Mortgage Rate Averages

Refinance Rate Averages

View mortgage rate averages from banks and lenders.

View refinance rate averages from banks and lenders.

Prior to committing with a mortgage broker or lender, get a few Good Faith Estimates from potential lenders and mortgage brokers.  Comparing at least three (3) GFEs will provide a financial picture for you to make an informed decision.  For example, total closing costs for a $400,000 home could cost approximately $4,000 to $16,000, so doing your homework can save you thousands of dollars.  Below is a list of common closing costs for home buyers:

One-Time Closing Costs
The fees that are paid once at closing are as follows:

• Home inspection
• Title policies
• Escrow or closing
• Notary fees
• Survey fee
• Wire fees
• Courier/Delivery (i.e. FedEx, UPS)
• Attorney fees
• Endorsements
• Recording fees
• State, County, and/or City Transfer Taxes
• Lender fees paid in conjunction with the loan on HUD-1, line 800
• Loan discount fees
• Loan origination fees
• Documentation processing fees

Prepaid & Recurring Closing Costs
These fees will be paid again in the future, such as:

• Property taxes
• PMI (if applicable)
• Prepaid interest
• Flood insurance (if required)
• Fire insurance premium

Depending on the time of year that you close, will determine the prorated amount the lender will collect for future insurance premiums and taxes.  Click here for a list of settlement or closing costs from HUD.  Be sure to have your real estate professional review the HUD with you prior to your closing.  

What to expect on Closing Day?

• Present paid homeowner’s insurance policy or binder and receipt with proof that premium has been paid.
• Closing agent will list the money you owe the seller, such as: remainder of down payment, prepaid taxes, etc.
• Monies the seller owes the buyer, such as unpaid taxes, credit for repairs, credit for HOA fees, and other concessions negotiated.  
• Seller to provide proof of warranties, copies of invoices for repairs, etc.
• After you review and understand the documentation, you will sign the mortgage.  Signing the mortgage means that the lender has the right to sell the property if you do not make payments.  
• Sign a mortgage note, which is a promise to repay the home loan.  
• Seller will provide the title to the house in the form of a signed deed.
• The lender’s agent will paid be paid closing costs, and provide you with a settlement statement of all items that you paid for in the transaction.  
• The deed and mortgage will be recorded at the Registry of Deeds.
• Congratulations you are now a homeowner.

Documentation You Receive At Closing

• Settlement Statement, HUD-1 Form

• Itemized list of services provided and fees associated with services
• Filled out by closing agent
• Must be provided at or before closing
• Request a copy before closing
• Truth-in Lending Statement
• Mortgage Note
• Mortgage or Deed of Trust
• Binding Sales Contract
• Prepared by the seller
• Have your attorney review the contract
• Keys to your new home

Below is a list of specific ‘Settlement Costs’ from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development:

Stapleton Paired Home For Rent: Mountain Views

$2,395/month

8665 E. 29th Place in Stapleton

• Amazing 2 bedroom plus loft(ideal for office/study, or 3^rd bedroom), 3 bath John Laing Paired Home  
• Eat in kitchen has all the upgrades: Cherry Cabinets, Hardwood floor, stainless appliances, granite counters, gas cook-top and breakfast bar/island
• Large family room has fireplace and surround sound
• Oversized master with large walk in closet, 5 piece bath, and Juliet balcony with park views.
• Upstairs loft ideal for office or kids play area
• Home includes a large unfinished basement, security system, 2 car garage, &central a/c
• Great outdoor living with wraparound front/side porch, large “corner lot sized’ fenced in yard which includes a doggy door, and a shared courtyard with patio.
• Ideal location across from Central Park and minutes from the Stapleton Town Center, the four community pools, dog park, walking path/greenbelt, and various playgrounds
• Convenient to Downtown, DIA & Fitzsimons(Anschutz Medical Campus) with Easy Access to I-70
• Available mid-December; Some short Term Lease Options Available

HGTV: About Stapleton & 2011 Green Home

Stapleton Pumpkin Patch & Farmers Market

Stapleton’s last Farmers Market will be from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, October 16, on The Green. Pumpkins will also be on-site, and for every $5 you spend at the market, you’ll receive a coupon for the Pumpkin Patch. Get there early as the pumpkins will probably sell out fast.

Forest City Stapleton Realtor Development Panel Discussion

In late September, Forest City hosted a Realtor Development Panel Discussion at the Discovery Center in Stapleton.  The room was filled with real estate professionals noshing on croissants and coffee, and chatting about the ever-changing landscape of Stapleton.  Several speakers took to the panel and the discussion was underway.  Forest City started the discussion with an update on the current and future development, which is on display at the Discovery Center.  Below is a summary from the Forest City notes from the discussion about current and future development projects in Stapleton.

Central Park West

Central Park West

The new neighborhood west of Central Park is bustling with activity as new homes spring up amongst the construction trucks and heavy machinery.  There are two new builders in the neighborhood: David Weekley Homes and Standard Pacific.  According to Forest City, over 115 homes have sold in the Central Park neighborhoods since April.  Forest City predicts the remaining lots in Central Park West will be sold by the spring of 2012.  

Martin Luther King Boulevard/South Side of Central Park
There have been no definitive plans carved out as of yet, but the plan is to be finalized by first quarter of next year.  Forest City mentioned that this area will be high-end multi-family homes similar to the Brownstones currently along MLK.

I-70 Central Park Boulevard Interchange

The six-lane interchange will include a bridge over Interstate 70, and is tentatively scheduled to open November 1^st.  The road extension will connect Stapleton’s residential area south of I-70 to the Shops at Northfield Stapleton.

FasTracks

South Stapleton
The east side of Stapleton is one of the largest undeveloped neighborhoods south of interstate 70.  According to Forest City’s plans, there will be about 120 homes built in the next year, and another 200 homes in the second phase.  Construction is underway on two new apartment projects: Novella and Eastbridge Apartments.  According to Forest City, Novella Apartments will open next year with 85 units in the first phase, a couple of blocks north of the East 29th Avenue Town Center.  The carpenters are out assembling Eastbridge Apartments, which will be at East 29th Avenue and Geneva Court with 118 units.  The delivery date is set for summer of 2012.

In 2016, the tracks will be laid for FasTracks light rail stop in Stapleton, Central Park Station will be near the Quebec Square Shopping Center.  Surrounding Central Park Station will be mixed-use real estate offering passengers the opportunity to pick up a coffee and the newspaper before heading to work on the train.  This new trend in urban development called transit-oriented development (TOD) or transit-oriented community (TOC) is designed to offer residential and commercial (office and retail) space while maximizing public transportation.  Residents can take advantage of working, shopping, and living in an area that is convenient and walkable.  

Rendering of new Stapleton Library

Stapleton Library

The steel beams are being laid for the foundation of the future Stapleton Library.  The library is set to open in mid-2012, according to Forest City.  The project is set to be LEED Silver with environmentally friendly and energy efficient building systems. 

Eastbridge Town Center
As previously mentioned, Eastbridge Apartments are currently under construction.  The existing car wash is the future site of the Eastbridge Town Center.  Forest City is still courting grocers to anchor the new retail center.  At the time of the meeting in late September, Forest City did not have any grocery stores lined up, but did mention that they are in talks with several grocers.

Eastbridge & 26^th Avenue
The 25-acre park slated for East 26^th Avenue still has no grand opening date set.  Forest City is still in talks to give the park back to Aurora after the park is developed.  According to Forest City, “Dayton, Fulton, Iola and Kingston streets will connect Stapleton to Aurora.”

MLK to Peoria Extension

The MLK to Peoria extension will connect Iola to Fitzsimons Parkway.  The city of Denver is petitioning the federal government for $10M in funding for the project.  The city of Denver expects to hear back from the federal government in January of 2012.

North Development

Stapleton will continue to expand with new development north of I-70.  Homebuilders will showcase their new models in early spring of 2013.  Recently, Denver Public Schools (DPS) acquired a 20-acre parcel on the southeast corridor of 56^th Avenue and Northfield Boulevard.  DPS plans to build a high school that could open in 2014 or 2015, which depends on the growth of Stapleton and the city budget.

2011 Sales Data from Forest City

• Under Contract:
• Jan. 1 – Sept. 30, 2011 – 285 new home sales
• Jan. 1 – Sept. 30, 2010 – 204 new home sales
• New Home Closings
• Jan. 1 – Sept. 30, 2011 – 179 new home closings totaling $73,128,691
• Jan. 1 – Sept. 30, 2010 – 210 new home closings totaling $78,405,736
• Resale Home Closings
• Jan. 1 – Sept. 30, 2011 – 161 resale closings totaling - $66,053,207 
• Jan. 1 – Sept. 30, 2010 – 139 resale closings totaling $49,077.610
• New Home Sales Average
• 2011-- $422,407*
• 2010-- $410,268*
• *Based on market rate homes sold Jan 1. – Sept. 30

Click here to see the notes from the meeting.

Arapahoe Basin, Loveland open for skiing

Arapahoe Basin, Loveland open for skiing: Another Colorado ski resort — Arapahoe Basin — fires up the lifts for the first time this season on Thursday, and Loveland follows suit a day later.

Arapahoe Basin, located just west of the Continental Divide on U.S. 6, switches on a single lift serving the intermediate High Noon run at 9 a.m. MDT Thursday, with an 18-inch base of natural and machine-made snow.

The high-altitude resort closed for the 2010-11 season on July 4, just over three months ago.  A-Basin will pay tribute to founders Marnie Jump and Max Dercum, who passed away this year, before the opening...more

Courtesy of Denver Business Journalhttp://www.bizjournals.com/denver/ 

Tips to Refinance Home Mortgage

Stapleton Home For Rent

TJC Management Services: Stapleton Home For Rent:

2550 Xanthia Court

· Beautiful 2,000+sf, 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bathroom

· Kitchen has stainless appliances, double oven, and gas range

· Master Suite

· Master bath 5-piece bath, jetted bathtub

· Large walk-in closet

· Steps to the Puddle Jumper pool

· Office with French doors

· 2 Car Garage

· Central Air

· Unfinished basement for storage

· Loft upstairs, can be office

· Available January 1st

· $2,450 per month

Great location, steps from the Puddle Jumper Pool and blocks from Stapleton Rec Center pocket parks, greenway, playgrounds, Stapleton Town Center, the other three Community Pools, Dog Park, Walking Path/Greenbelt, and Westerly Creek/Bill Roberts/SMIS/DSA/DSST/Odyssey schools. Convenient to Downtown, DIA & Fitzsimons(Anschutz Medical Campus) with Easy Access to I-70 and Northfield Mall. Some Short Term Lease Options Available.

HGTV: All About Stapleton

September Home Sales For Stapleton, Denver

Stapleton Town Center

According to MLS sales data, the Stapleton real estate market experienced another month of solid gains.  There were 25 home sales in September 2011 in Stapleton, surpassing last years sales of only 18 homes and condos.  Homes sold from July 3, 2011 through October 3, 2011 were on the market for an average of 68 days.  This is up from last month, which experienced 55 days on the market, but much better than July 2011 which was 91 days on the market.  In brief, this is good news for Stapleton homeowners.


Home prices have stabilized and demand for Stapleton homes continues to gain momentum.  Not to mention, the incredibly low mortgage rates have given the market a little nudge in the right direction.  Given the low inventory of homes on the market in Stapleton, the majority of home sales are new construction.  There just aren't that many resales to choose from, so the builders are winning the home buyers.  Another factor is that many builders are offering very attractive finishes and pricing to lure in home buyers.


According to the Chairman of the S&P Index Committee David Blitzer, the Denver area market did not experience the lows that other U.S. real estate markets experienced.  Blitzer commented that the real estate market is moving from a national picture to a local and regional marketplace.  In the recent Case-Shiller Home Price Indices report, Denver ranked #4 out of 20 metropolitan cities.  This is great news for the Denver area real estate market.


Below is the data for recent sales in Stapleton for the month of September, according to MLS.

#	Street Name	Baths	Beds	SqFt	Builder	Sold Date	Sold Price	PSF	Type
2708	SYRACUSE St	1	2	817	Palace Builders	9/14/11	$124,900	$152.88	Condo
9891	E. 26TH Ave	1	2	1,178	MCSTAIN	9/29/11	$151,100	$128.27	Condo
8272	E 24th Dr	2	2	1,133	MCSTAIN	9/30/11	$213,500	$188.44	Condo
8824	E. MARTIN LUTHER KING Blvd	4	4	3,950	DENVER BROWNSTON	9/12/11	$560,000	$141.77	Condo
2686	AKRON ST	3	2	1,341	KB	9/30/11	$265,000	$197.61	Res
10047	E. 31ST AVE	2	2	1,185	Wonderland	9/30/11	$290,000	$244.73	Res
2696	AKRON ST	3	3	1,586	KB	9/9/11	$297,000	$187.26	Res
9065	E. 28TH Ave	3	3	1,997	KB Gallery	9/23/11	$320,000	$160.24	Res
2362	XENIA St	3	3	1,639		9/7/11	$345,000	$210.49	Res
2850	XANTHIA CT	3	3	2,072		9/2/11	$350,000	$168.92	Res
3260	SPRUCE ST	3	3	1,692	WONDERLAND HOMES	9/23/11	$389,382	$230.13	Res
7792	E. 25TH AVE	4	4	1,778	Wonderland	9/8/11	$402,000	$226.10	Res
8641	E. 29TH AVE	4	4	1,837	McStain	9/23/11	$424,000	$230.81	Res
7877	E. 22ND Pl	4	4	2,049		9/22/11	$427,000	$208.39	Res
2834	ELMIRA ST	3	3	2,231		9/23/11	$430,000	$192.74	Res
3462	Trenton ST	3	3	2,134	DAVID WEEKLEY	9/23/11	$431,640	$202.27	Res
2829	WABASH ST	4	4	2,394		9/28/11	$436,650	$182.39	Res
3537	AKRON CT	3	3	2,349	Infinity	9/8/11	$469,068	$199.69	Res
8123	E. 34th Ave	3	3	2,204	New Town Builder	9/9/11	$517,274	$234.70	Res
9678	E. 28TH Ave	4	5	2,608	JOHN LAING 5	9/15/11	$558,000	$213.96	Res
9071	E. 29TH AVE	4	4	3,060		9/29/11	$570,300	$186.37	Res
9147	35TH AVE	3	3	3,022	INFINITY HOME CO	9/7/11	$636,673	$210.68	Res
9157	35TH AVE	4	4	3,255	INFINITY HOME CO	9/7/11	$655,484	$201.38	Res
3156	DAYTON ST	5	5	4,051	Harvard Communit	9/2/11	$975,000	$240.68	Res
8214	E. 25TH Dr	4	4	3,251	Latsis Custom Ho	9/8/11	$1,127,803	$346.91	Res
					Average Price Per Square Foot			$203.51