What A Year 2016

First off I just wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year! It seems like I was just making plans for 2016 and now here I am gearing up for a wonderful 2017. This year was one for the books for me, with some big changes and come unique opportunities that came my way, I would definitely say that I had a growing year full of lots of highs and very few lows, always good in my book.

And it wasn’t just a growing year for me; it was a growing year for Colorado. The state continued to blossom with real estate developments consistently being built and job opportunities making our city a even more desirable place for millennials to move to. Throughout the year, Denver was ranked as the number one city in the United States as a place people were moving to live due to the jobs, the price of living and the incredible outdoor lifestyle. With all these new transplants came a surge of people looking for homes and that is where I really got to step in. The housing prices in Denver have always been consistent but prices for homes have slowly risen due to the high demand and the low inventory. This year, I worked with many first-time homebuyers and out-of-state homebuyers to get them the house of their dreams. While we had to be patient and flexible more times than not, this year I was still able to find good homes for my clients, and that always is something I strive for each and every year.

While people were just moving to Denver on their own, there also was an influx of newcomers due to companies relocating. BP Oil moved their headquarters to Denver that brought a great number of new employees and their families. Viega Pipe also moved their headquarters here this year from Kansas that again brought more workers and their families.  Lucky for me I had the pleasure helping one of their families move here. This is something we are going to continue to see as Denver continues to grow as a city and as a possible international hub thanks to a new development looking to take over the River North Arts District.

I would have to say the biggest change for me this year when it comes to my real estate would be my decision to join Kentwood City Properties a Birkshire Hathaway Affiliate. After much consideration and lots of chats with my husband, we both decided this would be a positive move for me in growing my career and taking my real estate to the next level. And boy has that been the case! This year I have grown in so many ways and I know a lot of it has to do with the opportunities I have been given due to joining such a dedicated team like Kentwood.

This year has been one for the books and I am so excited for what 2017 has in store for me and for my clients! If this is the year you are thinking it is time to buy or sell, please shoot me an email or give me a call and let’s discuss your best options. Happy New Year!

A Mountain Get-A-Way You Can Enjoy All Year Round!

Looking for a place to get away?  I have two condos available in Granby, Colorado, a studio and a one bedroom.  They are 15 minutes from Grand Land and 15 Minutes from Winter Park.    

For Information on my Airbnb Rentals visit my Airbnb site at https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/4623364

Fun Winter Activities to do in Denver this Weekend

I think it is safe to finally say winter is here. With the cold days where temperatures are barely getting into double digits, the sun is a very friendly face to see when you walk outside to instant cold. I’ve seen people start to get on their social media and complain about Denver drivers in the snow (come on now, we know it’s all those transplants coming to town right? ;) and I recently heard on the radio Denver is ranked 8th worst driver’s in the United States, not exactly a title we will wear with pride! But we also are still one of the biggest growing cities in the US with more people moving her by the minute and that is one thing we can be really excited about.

A lot of people have asked me what is there to do in the city during the winter months. Many people head to the mountains to ski and snowboard but for those that want to stay city-side on the weekends here are a few events happening this weekend that are great for a date night, family outing or just a solo-time adventure:

Family Gingerbread Workshop – Denver Botanic Gardens – Saturday, Dec. 10th - $10-$17

Now this is something to take gingerbread house making to the next level for the whole family. Enjoy creating beautiful homes while learning about the plants that make up the cinnamon walls and how other holiday flavors like cloves, ginger and nutmeg get such their distinguished tastes.

Jingle Bell Run – South High School to Wash Park – Saturday, Dec. 10th – Prices vary

For the city that is renowned for being insanely active, here is a great race to put on your holiday garb and get the whole family running for research with Arthritis. Make sure to dress warm and put on your favorite antlers to enjoy this 5K course.

Santa Speedo Dash – 3625 W 32nd Ave – Saturday, Dec. 10th - $35

For those of you wanting a race with a little more flair, here is the perfect one-mile dash to get your heart beat racing. Come in your favorite speedo to help benefit Life is Better Animal Rescue by baring (most) all.

Denver Jackalope Holiday Market – McNichols Civic Center – Saturday, Dec. 10th – Sunday, Dec. 11th – Free

If you are still looking for some unique and awesome gifts for the holiday season, the Jackalope market is the place for you. With over 150 handmade vendors, you are sure to find something among the photographers, fashion and accessory designers, home décor, housewares and so much more.

Denver Pavilions Holiday Carousel – Denver Pavilions – Dec. 9th – Dec. 23rd - $3 per ride or FREE with purchase at a Denver Pavilions Merchant

Want to take your significant other on a fun date downtown? Why not stop at the annual carousel that is put up right by Denver Pavilions. With a portion of the proceeds going to help the Food Bank of the Rockies, this fun night activity is a great way to see the Christmas lights downtown while enjoying the company of your special someone.

There are so many great things going on in Denver this month so make sure to check my blog to see where to go! And don’t forget, just because the winter months are upon us doesn’t make it any less of a time to buy or sell your house! If you are thinking it may be time to do so, please shoot me an email or give me a call today and let’s grab a warm beverage to discuss your options.

A Thank You Message on this Thanksgiving

We just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving. This time of the year we really are reminded what we are thankful for and what we have to be thankful for.

We would not be where we are today without the love and support of our families. Our families have been strong rocks in our lives who have watched us grow from high school sweethearts to the strong couple we are today, encouraging us every step of the way as we took risks and paved the way for new business endeavors. We are thankful for each other, as we are one another’s best friend and confidant. Our beautiful and kind daughter Reagan who reminds us daily to laugh and enjoy every little moment. She has shown us what true love really looks like and continues to amaze us as she grows into a smart and wonderful young woman.

We are also thankful for God who continues to bless us with opportunities and show us direction as we strive to make this world a better place. Our church, Flatirons Church, that has been a staple in our lives for a long time helping guide us to meet new friends and grow long and lasting relationships. Our church is a safe place we feel we can go and grow in our faith and our friendships.

Of course we are also beyond thankful for all of you our clients! Without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today! Clients are what make a business work from start to finish, clients make a company move and grow and eventually it is those continuous clients who become long-time friends as well. With all of our businesses, we know how imperative it is to have loyal clients and we are so very thankful to everyone who uses us time and again and also refers us to new clients.

Our business partners are also at the top of this thankful list because they are the ones who share our dreams and ambitions when it comes to our work. Together, we work to make our dreams a reality and work to continuing building a foundation for many great businesses.

We hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving this year full of good food, laughs and lots of love. We look forward to continuing to serve as your real estate agents and hope to continue to grow with you into the New Year!

Best,

Jay & Brigette

Photo by Walnut Street Photography

Giving Thanks and Giving Back

Hard to believe the holidays are upon us already. Seems like I was just making my New Years resolutions just yesterday and it is almost time to make them again! I really love the next few months, from Thanksgiving to Christmas to the New Year, this is a time of the year when I really am thankful for my family and friends and my businesses.

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays because it is a time to gather with family and a time to give back. If you take apart the word Thanksgiving you are left with the words ‘thanks’ and ‘giving’. We give thanks for our families and our friends, for the food we eat that day and for the gathering of people we hold dear. People fly all over the country to get home to be with their loved ones that alone is something to give thanks for. The second word is ‘giving’ because while this is a holiday to be appreciative for everything we have, it is also a holiday to give back to those in need. One thing my family and I enjoy doing for Thanksgiving and Christmas is going to a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter and help serving meals. I think it is important to give back anyway we can, whether by donating time or food or clothes or money, our city will only get better if each of us does our part to help it do so.

For this Thanksgiving, I would encourage you to get out and do something to help your city. After a day with your family, eating good food and enjoying one another’s company, head out and give your time to those who may not have a family. Here are some ideas of things you can do this holiday season:

Volunteer at a soup kitchen: If you head onto Google and type in ‘Denver soup kitchens’ you will get a huge list of places you can go help cook and serve hot meals to those in need.

Put together a potluck: Sometimes it is hard to find the time during the holidays and on the actual holiday to go serve at a soup kitchen. Here’s an idea to have you and your friends pick a day in the next month or so where you each cook a dish and have a potluck. You can either find a spot to serve or drop all the food off at a shelter.

Give clothing: It’s not just food that is needed this time of year, especially in the Denver-Metro area. When the temperatures start to drop, more and more people are in need of warm clothes. Gather up old coats and boots and sweaters and find a local shelter or church that would distribute these goods.

Help out at an animal shelter: People aren’t the only ones needing time and love over the holiday season. If you are a fan of the furry ones, look into volunteering at a local animal shelter. Some cats and dogs would love some extra playtime and snuggles.

This is a time of the year to really count your blessings and to help give back where help is needed. Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season!