Low Rates to Stay Til 2013...

So I don't know if everyone has heard this, but yesterday the FED announced (for the first time ever) a specific timeline for interest rates. They have come out and said that rates will stay artificially low until 2013! This will mean close to a decade of superficial interest rates for the US. What does this mean for all of us? On a macro level, the government is trying to keep down the cost of doing business. Micro, car loans, big purchases and mortgages will continue to allow for more affordable payments. That said, Washington (more so banks) are going back to their roots and making qualifying for a mortgage more strict (relative to the subprime madness). My advice? Build your credit and take advantage.

Spaces Highlands Ranch

If you are interested in the suburbs, but the traditional suburban house isn't for you? Look no further. Shea has created a development that caused utter shock when I saw it. I had to pinch myself to make sure that I was actually there. They have taken current needs of homeowners into account brilliantly with their development in Highlands Ranch, Spaces (there is a similar development in Reunion). These homes are open, energy efficient, functional and well priced. They start in the mid 200s and go up to 400 with upgrades. Models offer an office/bedroom on the first floor accompanying and large open room that has spaces for dining, living and the kitchen (which are finished as well as anything on HGTV). The bedrooms are all sized well, with the master suite the gem of the house. Not excessively large, the bedroom flows into the en suite that is set up perfectly to handle the needs of two every morning and night. Some models include a common living space upstairs which provides a more secluded area in comparison to the downstairs. All units have the washer and dryer upstairs, so laundry isn't the biggest hassle in the world. Combine all of this with windows everywhere allowing natural light to slip in from every direction, not to mention the views you get of the mountains from different angles of the development (the development is on a hill so most of the homes have great views). There are two main types of homes (flat and garden level) with several different models underneath each. The flat level has the garage on the main floor (all of the garages back to an alley with the front of the house facing a street), while the garden level has a the garage on the the basement level with a walk-out to the yard. Yards are particularly small at Spaces, but that is made up for with what the HOA provides: community parks in the middle of the development, snow removal from the streets, alleys, and walkways, and lawn care for the front of the house. Factor in location (Highlands Ranch Parkway and Wildcat Reserve) and Shea has produced a winner here. Check out the website here.

What if the Debt Ceiling isn't Raised?

After talking with a couple lenders and hearing predictions today at my monthly office meeting, I am very scared for August 2nd to come. From what I have been hearing, if the debt ceiling is not raised, we can expect to see interest rates increase 2% in a span of 48 hours! This is absurd. Please, please, please come to some agreement DC.

Location, locati, loca

Everyone wants to find any area where they want to live. But what makes a good location? This answer is going to be different from one person to the next. From one family member to the next. Finding an area that can accomodate the most needs of everyone is huge. Homestead Farm, and Centennial for that matter, are not for everyone, but it is perfect for some. Think of it now: great schools, great people, great amenities and great homes. Depending on what you are looking for, this could be your perfect fit.

A huge draw to Homestead Farm is it's central location. Head 17 miles north and you will find yourself in the heart of downtown Denver (and only 2.5 miles from I-25 makes this seem even closer). All of the attractions of the Mile High City are only a half an hour drive from home. If shopping is what you crave, you only have to head 3.5 miles to the southeast and you will find yourself at one of the largest and nicest malls in the country: Park Meadows. Or, on your way downtown, stop off in Denver's famous Cherry Creek area, where you can find anything and everything as far as food and shopping is concerned. Go west two miles and you have The Streets at Southglen; a beautifully redone outdoor mall.

Something that gets overlooked more than it should is proximity to groceries. In Homestead Farm you are only a mile from two King Soopers grocers, and two miles from Whole Foods and Natural Grocers (both located at The Streets at Southglen). Don't have enough time to make coffee on your way out the door? Fear not; Starbucks is located less than a mile north of the neighborhood.

Staying healthy and fit is at the top of everyone's to-do list, but we often find any excuse under the sun not to work out. That won't fly here. There is a less-than-year-old Lifetime Fitness less than a 1/4 mile from the south entrance to the neighborhood. Not only is the place big enough to get lost in, it has indoor basketball, an indoor soccer field, racquetball, a 28,000 square foot workout room with both aerobic and weights, an indoor lap pool, an indoor rec pool and an enormous outdoor pool that resembles a water park. You have to make reservations for the kids to get some time to exercise? Don't worry, they thought of that too; there is a day care facility in Lifetime if the kids aren't old enough to go play on their own.

Homestead farm is also located in the South Suburban Parks & Recreation district, which means great parks throughout the area as well as a great public golf course (South Suburban Golf Course) just a mile to the south of the neighborhood. There youth leagues in a ton of different sports through South Suburban along with adult leagues. Members benefit from discounted greens fees, admission to the rec centers, and other promotional offers throughout the year.