New Area Mortgage Help Program

The City of Denver and several nearby cities are now offering down payment and closing costs help for homebuyers. The program, called Metro Mortgage Assistance Plus, offers up to 4% of the loan amount in the form of a grant, not a loan.
Requirements include a FICO score of 640 or higher. Income limits are $91,100 for one or two person households, and $103,000 for three person households or larger. Grantees are required to complete a HUD-approved homebuyer class.
For more information visit this site.

to sell or buy, call…
DEBBIE PALLAI
Brokers Guild cherry Creek, Ltd.
303-883-8837
debpallai@comcast.net

Neighborhood Profile: Sunnyside, Denver, Colorado

From Federal Blvd to the Inca Street, from I-70 on the north to West 38^th Ave on the south

The real estate market in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Denver has been robust for years, even during the recent recession. With great access to highways and downtown Denver, this locale has been growing in popularity and home ownership.

New restaurants and shops have taken advantage of this growth and opened their businesses in the area.

The neighborhood organization, Sunnyside United Neighbors, Inc. (SUNI) maintains a user-friendly website, complete with the area’s  historic information and current news and information.

Hip and happening, this may be the neighborhood for you to explore.

to sell or buy, call…

DEBBIE PALLAI

Brokers Guild cherry Creek, Ltd.

303-883-8837

debpallai@comcast.net

 

April is Fair Housing Month

The Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968. This act outlaws discrimination in housing based on race, color, gender, national origin, or religion.

In 1988, the Act was amended to include persons with disabilities and families with children under 18 years old.

The law forbids discrimination in the sale and rental of properties as well as disallowing discriminatory practices in advertising rentals and sales.

HUD is charged with enforcing the law. If you feel you’ve been a victim of discrimination, you should file a complaint with HUD.

The prevailing party may be awarded actual damages, equitable relief and attorney’s fees. Penalties may also include fines up to $50,000. A private citizen may also file a civil lawsuit in federal court against the alleged violator of the act. And the attorney general may file a civil lawsuit when there is evidence of a pattern or practice by the alleged violator that extends beyond one or two victims. When the attorney general prevails in these types of lawsuits, the act allows the awarding of injunctive relief and monetary damages to the aggrieved party. In addition, the court may assess civil penalties against the violator up to $50,000 for a first violation and up to $100,000 for any subsequent violation.

to sell or buy, call…
DEBBIE PALLAI
debpallai@comcast.net
www.debpallai.com

Denver’s 2020 Office of Sustainability Goals

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock has announced the goals of the new Denver Office of Sustainability.

By 2020, the intention is to make significant changes in 12 areas. These areas are: air quality, climate change, energy, food, health, housing, land use, materials, mobility, water quantity and quality and workforce.

The City of Denver’s website spells out the details of the goals, but does not say how these goals will be reached.

You may read the entire news story on the website, as well as link to the page itemizing each area and what the its target mission is.

to sell or buy, call…
DEBBIE PALLAI 303-883-8837
Brokers Guild Cherry Creek, Ltd.
debpallai@comcast.net

Denver Neighborhood Profile: Four Mile Village

540 South Forest

This complex of 130 units was built in 1981. The development offers one and two bedroom condominiums and 3 bedroom townhomes.
Grocery shopping is nearby. The Cherry Creek Shopping Center is 2 miles away.

The property backs to Four Mile Historic Park and is right near the Cherry Creek Bike Path.

The community offers tennis courts and a swimming pool, and ample green space.

Four Mile Village offers low maintenance living and an active lifestyle.

to sell or buy, call…
DEBBIE PALLAI
303-883-8837
Brokers Guild Cherry Creek, Ltd.
debpallai@comcast.net

Neighborhood Profile: Arapahoe Acres

Franklin to Marion, Dartmouth to Bates

Arapahoe Acres in Englewood, Colorado is a unique neighborhood. It is the first Post World War II residential neighborhood to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Eugene Hawkins, the developer, was fascinated by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. As a result, the 124 homes were designed in the Usonian style. This style reflects Wright’s aim to build functional, energy efficient homes. Usonian homes are typically ranch homes without basements or attics, with low (often flat) roofs. The homes are angular and have little ornamentation.

Although not all homes in Arapahoe Acres are ranch homes without basements, most are. The curvy streets mitigate the starkness of the architecture.

If you’re interested in living in a true Mid-century modern residential neighborhood, with a reasonable commute to Denver’s cultural and recreational offerings, Arapahoe Acres may be just the place for you.

to sell or buy, call…
DEBBIE PALLAI
303-883-8837
Brokers Guild Cherry Creek, Ltd.
debpallai@comcast.net

Facelift for Colfax Avenue

The Fax Partnership and West Colfax Business Improvement District have each been awarded grants of $30,000 to improve the safety and appearance of small businesses along Colfax Avenue. The grants were presented by The Denver Office of Economic Development through Denver’s Community Development Block Grant federal funding.

The money will provide new windows and exterior lighting and paint.

Up to $100,000 more in loans will be made available by the Mile High Community Loan funds for larger projects.

For details please click here.

to sell or buy, call…
DEBBIE PALLAI
303-883-8837
Brokers Guild Cherry Creek, Ltd.
debpallai@comcast.net

Neighborhood Profile: Congress Park

York to Colorado, 6th Avenue to Colfax

The Congress Park neighborhood is named after the park with the same name. The park has a public swimming pool, soccer and baseball fields and tennis courts.

The park was named when the U.S. Congress passed a bill permitting the area, once a cemetary, to be turned into a park.

The neighborhood has older homes that boast charm and grace. Many have been updated to today’s standards.

The central location and good bus service offers easy access to downtown Denver, the acclaimed Denver Botanic Gardens, the Cherry Creek Mall and many restaurants and shops.

to sell or buy, call…
DEBBIE PALLAI
303-883-8837
Brokers Guild Cherry Creek, Ltd.
debpallai@comcast.net

2012 Colorado Real Estate Commission HOA Information and Resource Center Annual Report

In 2010, The Colorado State Legislature established the HOA Information and Resource Center to help assist, protect and inform members of homeowner associations, HOA boards and other interested parties.

As a subdivision of the Colorado Real Estate Commission, it hears complaints, collects data and provides an annual report to the public.

To learn how to file a complaint, how to otherwise resolve HOA disputes and to read the 2012 annual report, click here.

to sell or buy, call…
DEBBIE PALLAI
303-883-8837
Brokers Guild Cherry Creek, Ltd.
debpallai@comcast.net