Hello Ms. Walker,

It's ironic that you are looking for a place in the very area I just wrote a contract in today. Depending on your price point, for purchase or lease, I have come across several homes that most likely meet your budget. Since I have another client relocating from the south...I have already been searching all available homes.

If you are interested in hearing about the homes I have found, please let me know...you can email me at kim.olson23@gmail.com
It would my pleasure to forward my findings to you and your husband.

Kim

Hi Anne,

Congratulations on choosing Denver! I am an expert at relocating couples to Colorado! See my website at:

http://www.denvercoloradorealestatenow.com/page/48597/BuyaHo…


Here is a link to homes available in City Park:

http://www.denvercoloradorealestatenow.com/search.php?show=s…

Another area to consider is north west Denver for a more suburban feel and lower priced homes. Here is a link to search north west Denver:

http://www.denvercoloradorealestatenow.com/search.php?show=s…

I would be glad to answer any of your questions on properties or your move to Denver.

Thank you!

Ethan Besser
303-856-8980

Hi Anne, Prior to becoming a realtor I worked in downtown Denver for most of my career so am pretty familiar with it. You mentioned City Park. Are you looking for something near downtown? I'd love to help you find that 3br/2ba you're interested in and know of several opportunities you might be interested in. Contact me and we'll see about finding you the right home to buy; afterall when you own, the government gives you so many more reasons to own versus renting - i.e., deferrable and deductible tax incentives.

Hello Anne,

I extend my empathy for your frustration in trying to acquire a rental that will meet your needs.

Possibly you might want to explore your options in purchasing a property. The inventory of properties is very high in Denver; the interest rates are at all time lows and the TAX CREDIT PROGRAMS....yes, there are now TWO TAX CREDIT PROGRAMS for First Time Home Buyers......to assist you to pay your mortgage. You have to purchase a property by November 2009.

There are also additional options for First Time Home Buyers through the alliance with the Colorado Housing Authority. They offer assistance with communities for affordable housing; down payment options and with lending. These communities offer condos, town homes and detached housing.

With reference to market value in the Highland there are 8 neighborhoods. Each neighborhood is a separate entity unto itself and so are their market values. The best way to approach the Highlands is to get a neighborhood map and then look at properties from that perspective. Some neighborhoods are stable and other neighborhoods are still 5-10 years out in becoming stable.

City Park is similar in nature with 6 neighborhoods. I would again suggest the same strategy.

There are other great neighborhoods in Denver that have the "flavor" of Chicago. I lived outside of Chicago so I am familiar with some aspects of that region.

I think a great place is to start with a lender in Denver. You should decide what amount you want to spend on rent/mortgage each month. The TAX CREDITS will increase your monthly cash flow up to several hundred dollars each month. You can then decide if you choose to put it in real estate or funnel those proceeds toward another personal goal.

If any of this information is pertinent for you please contact me at your convenience.
It would be an honor to serve your real estate needs,
Susan Shannon
Coldwell Banker
Integrity Certified Professional
303-513-1812
susan.shannon@coloradohomes.com http://www.coloradohomes.com/susanshannon

Hello Anne,
You can buy a home for 3.5% down and 3.5% closing costs (which can be included in your offer) with an FHA loan, which is the very best way to go right now.
I have an automated email listing service that emails you new listings every morning that meet your criteria.
See my website or reply if interested in my service. http://www.laurengardiner.com
Thank you,
Lauren

Anne,

You did not mention if you and your husband are "first time" homebuyers, meaning that you have not owned a primary residence for the past 36 months. As first time homebuyers, you could qualify for up to an $8,000 federal tax credit if you purchase and close on a home before December 1, 2009. I have worked with several first time homebuyers recently who were able to combine that $8,000 tax credit with an FHA loan, so that there downpayment was minimal.

To answer your specific question, you should be able to find a 3BR/2BA home in the Highland or City Park neighborhoods in the $300,000-$400,000, range depending on your specific needs and requirements. I have a buyer who started out looking in both the Highland and Uptown/City Park areas and is now under contract on a home in the Park Hill neighborhood, which is just East of City Park. Congress Park, Mayfair and Montclair are neighborhoods that might also be of interest to you, if you are looking for older, more established neighborhoods that are centrally located.

If I can be of assistance to you in your search for your new home here in Denver, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Bob Durack - Broker Associate
Distinctive Properties, Ltd
303-316-2148 or 800-797-6660
bobdurack@dpdenver.com

Hi Anne,

I moved to Denver from Arlington Heights in 1975 and you are going to love living in Colorado. If you would give me a call or write me an email letting me know your email, I can send you some property information via the MLS so you can see what you'll be looking at in the way of price and condition in those areas. These MLS sheets will have interior/exterior photos which will be very helpful in your decision making.

Thanks,

Kathy Donley-Strickler
720-840-1911
KathyDSHomes@aol.com

Hi Anne,

My family and I relocated to Denver from Chicago almost 3 years ago, and we love it. What part of the City are you from? We lived in Ravenswood (Lawrence and Ashland).

We currently live in Stapleton and you can check out some great rentals here at:
http://www.stapletonforrent.com/

But you also correct, that for what you will pay in rent for a nice place you can practically buy something. Then, once you figure in the tax benefits it is actually cheaper in the long run.

You will find Denver much more affordable than Chicago!

In fact, Forbes just ranked Denver the #1 city in America to buy a home:
http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/06/22/dail…

Give me a call. I would love to share with you my experience and would welcome the opportunity to assist you with your move. I also have some great referrals to help you sell your current home in Chicago.

Best of luck,

John Keene
Keller Williams
303-547-7578