Buy vs. rent: Guiding clients through the age-old dilemma - Inman News

With millennials’ preference toward a mobile lifestyle, the question of “buy versus rent” is prevalent among a demographic that constitutes a large segment of our first-time homebuyers.

Furthermore, baby boomers are confronted with the same question for varied reasons that include a newfound desire to be mobile and investing in a market that is appreciating from the aftermath of the recent housing bubble.

Real estate agents well-versed on the variables that determine whether a client should pursue homeownership instead of a lease, are positively guiding people through this major life decision.

So posed with the question of whether to buy or rent, what is the answer?

If you do the math, buying in booming markets such as San Francisco, New York, Boston, Los Angeles and my hometown of Denver becomes less expensive than renting over time; plus, with property values rising, it is generally favorable to purchase a home as a long-term investment.

“Renters who want to become buyers hear the buzz that there is a frenzy in the real estate marketplace with multiple offers, over list price and low inventory, so they are nervous to enter into the homebuying market, and they are sticking to renting,” said Denver-area Realtor Brigette Modglin.   <<Read More >>

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest in Colorado this year

I feel weird writing about Oktoberfest but the truth is, we are only a couple of days away from September and that means Oktoberfest will be here faster than you think! With Labor Day weekend approaching, I am looking ahead to the fall and getting excited for such things as apple cider, pumpkin spice everything, the leaves changing and of course, celebrating Oktoberfest.

 

First, let me give you a little history lesson on this wonderful event. The origin can be traced back to October 12th, 1810, which was the wedding day of Bavaria’s Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Unlike tradition of only nobles and clergymen attending the wedding, the couple invited all of Munich’s common people to participate in the day’s festivities. The event was a big success spanning over five days and bringing around 40,000 people to help the newlyweds celebrate and every year on that day, a celebration is held to remember that special day.

 

Fast forward to today, and put a marker on Colorado, and you will find there are so many great ways to celebrate the event starting of course in Denver:

 

Denver Oktoberfest – Sep. 22-23 & Sep. 29-30 – 11:00-Midnight

Taking place in the heart of downtown, this is the 48th year that this event has gone on in Denver. In 1969, Fred and Hertha Thomas owned two shops in Larimer Square and had a tradition of tapping a keg and serving pretzels and white radishes. Until 2007 the event was held there until it was moved to the block of Larimer Street, on 14th and now 20th Street. It attracts around 350,000 people during the six days. For more information and to get tickets, check out their website: http://thedenveroktoberfest.com/

 

Keystone Oktoberfest – Sep. 2nd

Admission is only $35 for this event in Keystone with event goers getting a free stein, three free drink tickets and all the craft beers from New Belgium your heart desires. Or if you would rather work for your stein, there is a 5k you can participate in with a stein waiting for you at the finish line.

 

Breckenridge Oktoberfest – Sep. 8th-Sep. 10th

The town closes down Main Street for this event with live music, German food, keg tapping and lots of activities for the whole family.

 

Loveland Oktoberfest – Sep. 15th – Sep. 16th

If you have a good outfit for the event, might want to head up to Loveland to celebrate since they are holding a contest for best-dressed dirndl and lederhosen. There will also be games for the young and old ones in your life with mini golf, hammerschlagen, corn hole, ladder ball, washer toss and much more. The event is free to attend.

 

Colorado Springs Oktoberfest – Sep. 22nd – Sep. 24th

There’s a keg tapping ceremony to get things started on Friday night at 6:30 followed by a weekend full of fun with a 5k, dachshund dash, brat eating contest, German costume and stein hoisting contest.

 

Because there are so many places celebrating Oktoberfest this year (and I can’t possibly write about all of them) check out this awesome website for more info and make sure to hit up one (or a few) of the celebrations next month!

https://www.funtober.com/oktoberfest/colorado/

How to enjoy the last of summer with your family

Hard to believe it but the school year is already upon us once again! My husband Jay and I were able to participate in our daughter’s first-day experience as she begins a new year as a kindergartener in a new school, all very exciting, all a little nerve-racking for Reagan (and us parents!) alike. While it is an exciting time I know we are all a little sad to see summer go and want to still make the most of it before the seasons really start to change. Reagan and I have come up with some great ideas of things parents and their kids can do together after school or on the weekends to make the most of the rest of their summertime:

 

Take a day trip – Many people have already gone of their family vacation for the summer but that doesn’t mean a little weekend getaway is out of the cards! Whether you head to the mountains or simply pack a picnic and head to one of the great parks around Colorado, a day trip is a great time to have with your whole family.

 

Volunteer together – There are so many great organizations in Denver that could use a few extra helping hands before the weather gets too cold. Check online to find a place that suits both you and your kids and help make a positive impact on our community.

 

Find a free event to attend – Denver has so many great events for the family that are FREE to attend. A great website I like to check out to see what is coming up is https://www.denver.org/ or https://303magazine.com/ which both compile great lists on a weekly basis so you will always be in the know of when great free activities are around.

 

Get some yard time in – It isn’t cold yet and there is still plenty to do outside! If you haven’t already planted a garden it isn’t too late, we still have plenty of months ahead to enjoy some beautiful colors of a garden (this is a really fun thing to do with your kids!).

 

Go camping (as close as your backyard) – You can head to the mountains to have one last camping trip or you can even set up shop in your backyard! Set up the tent, have your kids invite some friends over and make sure to have some yummy snacks like popcorn and s’mores for the whole gang.

 

Enjoy an outing to the zoo or a museum – Your kids might already be heading out on some field trips but that doesn’t mean you can’t still go to one of the great museums or the Denver zoo with your family.

 

Make sure to spend some quality time with your kids before they head back to school. I know it is nice to get time back and some parents count down the days before their kids return to the classroom. But every day with your kids is a blessing, because they won’t be kids forever!

Born – a Kimpton Hotel opening in Denver’s Union Station on Tuesday, August 15th

Union Station certainly has seen a transformation in the past couple of years. From the actual station getting revamped, to the addition of retail spaces and restaurants and now condominium buildings like the Coloradan, the area is becoming one of the highlights of Denver.

 

Because this area is attracting more tourists and locals alike, it made sense that many hotels have been eyeing the area for their next endeavor. Well tomorrow, Tuesday, August 15th, Kimpton Hotels is opening their newest addition to the family, Born Hotel that will serve as Union Station’s most authentic urban refuge. This uniquely designed hotel is sure to please everyone with its distinct architecture and culinary details crafted to convey an elegant vibe. The hotel hopes to invite guests into a community of creativity, comfort and ultimately revitalization. With 200 guest rooms, this hotel was designed with a contemporary Alpine aesthetic – comfortable furnishings of Bavarian inspiration, soothing earth tone palettes and many elegant accents. Exposed concrete ceilings add an urban element which spacious bathrooms boast freestanding tubs in the suites and King Spa rooms. For those art lovers out there, this hotel is going to be on your list of places to stay with many custom pieces adorning the walls.

 

Some amenities to look forward to during your stay:

·      Kimpton Karma Rewards members get a personalized stay, $10 bar credit, free WiFi, exclusive offers and more, all while earning reward nights — it’s free to sign up, so join now

·      A yoga mat in every room

·      Daily hosted wine reception and complimentary morning coffee and tea service in our lobby

·      Complimentary hotel bicycles to use during your stay

·      Concierge services

·      Valet parking ($49)

 

You will also have two of the most anticipated restaurants right at your fingertips, Citizen Rali and Tavernetta. Indulge in the spirit of Colorado with aged cuts of local beef, pork, lamb, game or seafood caramelized over an authentic wood-fire at Citizen or enjoy Tavernetta whose food is deeply inspired by the cuisine and wine of all regions in Italy.

 

For those of you that might need to hold a meeting or even an event (such as a wedding), Born has plenty of spaces to accommodate your wants and needs.

 

The hotel is running some deals right now for their first guests so make sure to check out their website and if you can, head down to Born tomorrow for the opening ceremonies and a tour of this beautiful new hotel.

 

http://www.hotelborndenver.com/