Why shop at a locally owned business first? The following 10 reasons show how more money spent at local businesses is reinvested in your community creating diversity and helping the community maintain or create its unique appeal.

1. Shopping local creates jobs. 
   Shops in our town create local employment and self-employment. These people in turn spend in the local community.
    
2. Local independent shops invest more in our communities.
   Local business owners invest in the community and have a vested interest in the future of this community. Supporting local shops means a financial impact on your community.
    
3. Local shops sell a wide range of great products at affordable prices.
   Many people fall out of the habit of shopping locally and are then surprised by the range of products and gifts available. 
    
4. Shopping local saves you money.
   Out of town shops have done a good job of convincing us that local business equals expensive. If you add travel, fees to transfer items and your time, the overall cost is often much higher.
    
5. Shopping local retains our communities.
   People don’t like losing shops and services in small towns but don’t equate this to how they spend their money. The business community becomes reflective of this community’s unique culture.
    
6. Shopping local retains our distinctiveness.
   Independent shops create distinctive shopping experiences and stock different products. Local businesses respond quickly to the needs of local customers, stocking products to meet the changing population needs.
    
7. Shopping local saves the environment.
   Local shops often stock a high percentage of local sourced goods which do not require long car and bus journeys, helping reduce our global footprint.
    
8. Local shops are for everyone.
   Most people can get to their local shops easily and this is especially important for the elderly and young generations and those without transportation.
    
9. Local shops value you more.
   Evidence from numerous surveys show people receive better customer care and service locally. These businesses survive by their reputation and repeat business, which means you get a higher standard of service.
    
10. Parker is more important to Keenan Real Estate than a cheaper pair of socks!

SO SHOP SMART. SHOP LOCAL

Halloween is here!  As a mother of 3 and a grandmother to 1, I can tell you that Halloween is a big deal to them all, especially for my younger one.  In my quest to add value to your family this Halloween, I wanted to share with you something that I check on every year prior to taking my kids out for tricks and treats.

Here is the sex offender list for you to check the neighborhoods in your area:

1)    Douglas County - CLICK HERE FOR OFFENDER LIST

2)    State of Colorado - CLICK HERE FOR A LIST IN COLORADO; and

3)    Nationally - CLICK HERE FOR THE NATIONAL LIST

Have a save and Happy Halloween!!

ON-LINE and RELAY EVENT SILENT AUCTION

Make a bid for this "Legal Will Package: our Silent Auction item, all you need to do is simply type your name, and the amount you wish to bid in the comment section below. The opening bid must be at least $100.00. Each subsequent bid must follow the minimum increment of $20.00 Auction will close tomorrow at 7 pm. Find all the rules and details here.
THANK YOU Scott Goldman for Donating this super GREAT "Legal Will Package" valued up to $1500 for a married.couple and $750 for singles.
For rules and more details visit. http://www.perfecthouseforyou.com/Silent-Auction-for-Relay-…

Today is the BIG DAY! Who can tell me what this means, "Laissez les bons temps rouler." 
For more info visit here. http://bit.ly/2xe7eJP

Awww, even Barkley is giving me kisses because we sold his house! Have you asked your dog lately if they are ready for a move? It might surprise you.

Give us a call today or visit our website for a free home evaluation.http://www.homevaluecolorado.com

It time to get out of the house, get a little extra motivation and lace up those hiking boots!!!!!

If the city is stifling your inner hiker, head out of town for these five hikes within a short drive of Denver. The terrain ranges from paved trails to rugged climbs, but all make for scenic day hikes. All hikes listed below are moderate in nature, and no fourteeners are included on this list.

3 Reasons Why the Lowest Mortgage Interest Rate Isn’t Always Your Best Option

Adjustable Rate Mortgage

One of the more common methods that home loan applicants use to find the best loan program available is to compare interest rates, but choosing the lowest rate possible is not always the best option available. In fact, in some cases, it may be one of the least advantageous options when all factors are considered. With a closer look, home mortgage applicants may decide to review other factors in combination with the interest rate to make a more informed decision when applying for a new loan.

The Closing Costs Impact The Rate
It is important to note that lenders can increase or decrease the interest rate with adjustments to closing costs, and this means that some of the lowest interest rates available may also have some of the higher closing costs. In some situations, choosing the lowest interest and paying more in closing costs is acceptable. However, a loan applicant should be aware of this and should compare interest rates along with closing costs in order to find the best loan program available.

The Loan Term Affects The Rate
Generally, a shorter loan term will have a lower interest rate. However, even with the lower interest rate, the mortgage payment may be higher due to the shorter term. A higher mortgage payment can impact affordability as well as loan qualification in some cases, and there are instances when the higher interest rate associated with a longer term is most desirable.

The Interest Rate May Adjust
Adjustable rate mortgages typically have lower interest rates than fixed rate mortgages, but the interest rate with an ARM may adjust higher in the future. For those who only plan to own the home or to retain the mortgage for a short period of time, this may be acceptable and even desirable. However, for those who plan to own the home or retain the mortgage for a longer period of time, the potential for a rate adjustment in the future may not be preferable.

For individuals who are shopping around to compare interest rates and to find the best deal on a mortgage, there may be a desire to opt for the lowest interest rate, but this is not always the best strategy.

If you have questions regarding the mortgage process feel free to give us a call 720-515-0248

Receive the Latest Local Market Stats

Curious about local real estate? So are we! Every month we review trends in our real estate market and consider the number of homes on the market in each price tier, the amount of time particular homes have been listed for sale, specific neighborhood trends, the median price and square footage of each home sold and so much more. We’d love to invite you to do the same!

Get Local Market Reports Sent Directly to You

You can sign up here to receive your own market report, delivered as often as you like! It contains current information on pending, active and just sold properties so you can see actual homes in your neighborhood. You can review your area on a larger scale, as well, by refining your search to include properties across the city or county. As you notice price and size trends, please contact us for clarification or to have any questions answered.

We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. If you are wondering if now is the time to sell, please try out our INSTANT home value tool. You’ll get an estimate on the value of your property in today’s market. Either way, we hope to hear from you soon as you get to know our neighborhoods and local real estate market better.

Congratulations to my amazing friend, Jennifer!! It has been so fun being part of this journey with you! What a pleasure! Cheers to a quick and successful closing!!!