10 Questions to ask your Realtor

1. Are you a full-time professional real estate agent? How long have you worked full time in real estate? How long have you been representing buyers? What professional designations do you have?
Knowing whether or not your agent practices full time can help you determine potential scheduling conflicts and his or her commitment to your transaction. As with any profession, the number of years a person has been in the business does not necessarily reflect the level of service you can expect, but it is a good starting point for your discussion. The same issue can apply to professional designations.

2. Do you have a personal assistant, team or staff to handle different parts of the purchase? What are their names and how will each of them help me in my transaction? How do I communicate with them?
It is not uncommon for agents who sell a lot of houses to hire people to work with them. As their businesses grow, they must be able to deliver the same or higher quality service to more people.
You may want to know who on the team will take part in your transaction, and what role each person will play. You may even want to meet the other team members before you decide to work with the team. If you have a question about fees on your closing statement, who would handle that? Who will show up to your closing?

3. Do you have a Website that will list my home? Can I have your URL address? Who responds to emails and how quickly? What’s your email address?

See all 10 at www.denver-real-estate-agency.com

Blueprint for Buying in Highlands Ranch

By June Fletcher From The Wall Street Journal Online

To buy or not to buy?
That is the question facing homeowners all across the country as overall home prices reach yet another record & mortgage interest rates reach a six-year-high.

April and Adam Nichols are suffering from sticker shock. The newlywed New Yorkers would love to get out of their cramped one-bedroom rental ... click here for more of the story.

Million Dollar Property in Castle Pines

Check out this property for sale in Castle Pines Colorado - offered at $1.1 million. 1 Eagle Pointe Lane


www.1eaglepointelane.com



You can build your custom retreat on this one-of-a-kind lot in Eagle Point, a gated community within exclusive Castle Pines Village, an enclave of million dollar homes. Privacy and security are yours at the top of this cul-de-sac that enjoys views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountaintops and an expansive valley below.

Included are plans developed for this property by Craig Bush for a ranch with walk out with more than 10,000 finished square feet of living space. Call me to arrange your private tour at 303-913-9993. Also, check out the website with virtual tour!

How Buyers and Sellers can get the most for Highlands Ranch Real Estate

Contributed by Wall Street Staff Reporters

By now, almost everyone knows someone who postponed buying a house "until prices cooled off" -- and most of those buyers are still waiting (unless they've given up and bought, before they get completely priced out of the market).

See tips for buyers and tips for sellers, see the rest of the story at this link

Buying Commercial Real Estate in Highlands Ranch

Buying Commercial Real Estate Can Be a Secure Investment
by Phoebe Chongchua - Realty Times

Buying commercial real estate can be a secure and profitable investment if you take the time to research, get advice from experts and know your risks and benefits.

"There are four main reasons to buy investment real estate: cash flow, appreciation, depreciation and principal pay-down," says Mike McCaffery, Investment Property Consultant, GFS Commercial, a division of the Guiltinan Group Real Estate Specialists. See more by clicking on this link.

Home Inspection FAQs

If you're buying Highlands Ranch Real Estate, don't forget to learn about home inspections. Click here for some basics on home inspections.

2005 Water Restrictions for Highlands Ranch

The following measures are in place for all Highlands Ranch water customers:

• Outdoor sprinkler use is prohibited from 10am-6pm.
• Hand watering of trees, shrubs, and plants is allowed at any time, as long as the hose is held or a water conserving method is used (such as a drip, micro spray, deep root watering device or watering can).
• Car washing is allowed any time, but a hose end shut-off device must be used.
• Wasteful water practices are prohibited, such as allowing excess water to flow in street gutters and neglecting to repair leaks.

Learn more by clicking on this link below.

http://www.highlandsranch.com/custom/water.html?top=comm

Highlands Ranch School Directory

Looking for all the schools in Highlands Ranch? Check out this complete list at the link below:
http://www.highlandsranch.com/custom/DirectorySchools.html

Highlands Ranch Park System

Highlands Ranch owns and maintains an impressive network of outdoor recreation amenities. With 21 parks, more than 70 miles of trails, and 2,000 acres of natural open space areas, Highlands Ranch is home to active people and a diverse wildlife population.

Check out more by clicking here.

Highlands Ranch Youth Sports

Check out all the youth sports available in Highlands Ranch.

Boys T-ball / Baseball
Girls T-ball / Softball
Boys' and Girls' Flag Football
Tackle Football
In-line Hockey
Boys Lacrosse
Girls Lacrosse
Sport Camps
Skateboard Clinics & Competitions
NEW! Hershey Track & Field Meet

Highlands Ranch Real Estate still strong

By Robyn Lydick - Staff Writer
Highlands Ranch Herald

Two years after construction began, most of the retail space in Town Center is rented. Add the opening of Civic Green Park and the interest in town houses surrounding the park and retail areas, and Shea's vision of new urbanism has come to life. Many of the store are open: Jamba Juice, Lansdowne Arms, Egg & I, Qdoba, Coldstone Creamery, Fatburger, Tattered Cover, Bed Bath Beyond and Home Depot, once the lone business in the center.

State-of-the-art Recreation Centers in Highlands Ranch

The Highlands Ranch Community Association offers three recreation facilities (and one under construction) where residents can participate in athletic activities, enroll children in day camp or preschool, or participate in a wide selection of HRCA programs!

Chaeck out all the details by clicking on the link below.

http://www.highlandsranch.com/custom/rec_centers.html?top=dir

Free Information Packet for Highlands Ranch Area

Get a free Information packet for the Highlands Ranch area (maps, etc) courtesy of Shea Properties. No obligation information. Click here to get your free information about the Highlands Ranch area!

Highlands Ranch Events this Summer 2005

From Independence Day fireworks to Oktoberfest and beyond, your Highlands Ranch community hosts a wide assortment of special events twelve months a year! So, check out this website for the most up-to-date listing of fun activities for the whole family.

Academy to open doors this fall in Highlands Ranch

If all goes well, Highlands Ranch will have a new private school by December.
Aspen Academy is a private school based on Harvard University professor Howard Gardner's concepts of multiple intellegences and teaching children through what interests them.

Click here for the rest of the story.

History of Highlands Ranch

Before it was claimed as Spanish territory in the mid-1500s, our Highlands Ranch community was a prime hunting area for the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Indians. For the full story, courtesy of www.highlandsranch.com, can be found by clicking here.

Park opens June 4 for Highlands Ranch Residents

Courtesy of zwire.com

When Shea Properties began planning the Town Center shopping district and neighborhood, one important piece of the puzzle was an urban park for this suburban community. The park will open with a community celebration June 4.
Civic Green Park, which will be operated by Metro Districts, has been in gestation for more than two years. For more of the story, click here.

Get Local Highlands Ranch News

Looking for news bulletins specific for Highlands Ranch? Just click here for the most up to date information concerning the Highlands Ranch community!

Navy SEAL Basic Training for Kids
HRCA Activity Guide
Community and Special Events
Cultural Programs In Your Neighborhood

Highlands Ranch Model Homes Real Estate Map

Click here for a map of model homes in Highlands Ranch.

Highlands Ranch Home Owners Say Nextel Wants To Build Tower In Park

Some people in Highlands Ranch are upset about plans to put a cell phone tower in their local park. Residents in the Acres Green neighborhood near County Line and Quebec, next to Lonesome Pine Park, say the South Suburban Recreation District is talking to Nextel about the placement of a tower and other structures in the park, next to a school playground and their homes.

"Having a 60-foot tower right in our back yard -- that's my yard right there -- is certainly is going to impact property values. Nobody wants to walk out in the park and see a big ol' cell tower structure with a 20-by-20 building," said resident Neal Donovan. Neighbors say they want to have a say in how their park is used. They'll meet with representatives from Nextel and South Suburban on June 4.

Classic Car Show in Highlands Ranch - June 18

Saturday, June 18 (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m)

With an expected increase in entries, this year the show is being held in the St. Andrew Methodist Church Parking Lot located just off University Boulevard. The address is 3350 White Bay Drive, Highlands Ranch, 80126. There will be great oldies music, food and great fun. Come check out wonderful cars, many in cherry condition. Car classes include Vintage, Classic, Hot Rod, Street Rod, European and more! Last year there were over 115 cars!

Click here for more details and to see the list of 2004 winners.

Outdoor Rooms Are A Must-Have For Most

by Michele Dawson
Realty Times

Homebuyers aren't just clamoring for the upgraded kitchen and bathroom amenities when they look at and ultimately buy a new house. Climbing up the priority list is the outdoor room. Indeed, nearly 60 percent of the 1.8 million new homes built last year have a patio, porch or deck, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. In addition, outdoor hearth products were sold in record numbers for the second straight year.

Read more of the story by clicking here!

House Hunting in Highlands Ranch

Here are some good house hunting tips:

- Take pictures inside and outside the home.
- Bring a spouse, family member, or friend.
- Make sure the house fits into your budget.
- Ask about utility and maintenance costs.

See the full list of tips from the article on Freddie Mac's site.

Budgeting to Buy a Home - Highlands Ranch

Courtesy of MSN.com

If you want to buy a house, start by estimating what you can afford and making a budget to buy. Many prospective buyers find it difficult to accumulate enough cash for a down payment, especially if they are saddled with heavy debt. With some discipline and creative strategies, you can probably come up with more cash than you think. Check your current finances and investigate ways to save and raise extra funds.

This is a great comprehensive article, see the rest here!

Hot Tubs And Dirty Secrets

Many homes in Highlands Ranch have hot tubs. Here are some reminders.

by Stuart Lieberman
Realty Times

There is little that compares to a hot tub especially, if you live in a cold environment and have one outdoors. While it's 10 degrees outside, your soul can be warmed with 100 degree waters. Be at peace with yourself, meditate, and contemplate, as it's snowing around you.

Click here for the full story.

Taste of Highlands Ranch

The Taste of Highlands Ranch is a banquet of mouth-watering, tastebud-tingling, food extravaganza. Stroll a café-lined avenue as the amazing aroma the air causes your mouth to drool over the crème de la crème of area restaurants. Sample wines and beer from County Line Liquors as you enjoy this unparalleled dining experience.

The Taste of Highlands Ranch Friday, May 13, 2005
Recreation Center at Eastridge 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
$23 per person

For more details, click here.

Moving on Up? Thinking About it?

Courtesy of RealEstateABC.com

Sometimes, making the decision to sell your house and buy a new home is relatively easy. If you’re a couple and both partners agree that it is “time”….you move. If your employer s relocating, or chooses to relocate you to a different location, and you want to stay with the company…you move. Perhaps a child is on the way, maybe a divorce or a death. Maybe ..

Click here to see the full story.

The IRS Helps Cut Taxes

by Ray Smith, Staff reporter for Wall Street Journal

A recent decision by the Internal Revenue Service could provide considerable relief to many homeowners facing huge price gains when they sell. The sharp appreciation of house prices in recent years means many people could face steep capital-gains taxes. But in late January, the IRS put forth new guidelines that allow certain homeowners to defer paying taxes on a significant portion of those gains.

See more of the story by clicking on this link.

Avoiding 7 Costly Mistakes of Selling Your Home

Avoiding 7 Costly Mistakes of Selling Your Home

by M. Anthony Carr - Realty Times

Mistake 1: Putting the home on the market before it's ready. Most times this happens because the seller gets impatient or is a procrastinator and has pushed himself up against a moving deadline without getting the pre-sale work done. So it comes on the market with the horrible carpet (that gets replaced during the marketing of the home); or they are painting it while it goes on the market. Presentation is everything --

Read the other 6 reasons by clicking here!

Housing groups back home-ownership tax credit bill

Courtesy of Inman News

Investor alert!

Modeled after the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, the new program would provide investors with a tax credit of up to 50 percent of the cost of developing each home. The home-ownership tax credit is expected to generate nearly $2 billion in private investment annually for the construction and/or rehabilitation of approximately 50,000 homes for sale to lower-income families each year.

Click here for more of the story

Begin Your Search for your New Highlands Ranch Home

From Kiplinger.com

Buying a piece of real estate is a science. Buying a home is an art. The science is getting the legal and financial parts right. The art is finding a property that you'll be happy living in.

It can't be overstated: Focus on the location .....


Click here to read the rest of the article.

New Listing! 2154 Briarhurst Drive

2154 Briarhurst Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO
1.800.886.6729 x3049 (24 hours a day)

$ 580,000, 5 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms
Approx 3,456 sq ft

Wonderful family home with generous family living spaces throughout. Terrific formal and casual entertaining is easy here. Best plan and views in the neighborhood!

Click here for more details or give me a call for a showing.
Sandi Miyaki 303-913-9993.

Seller's Checklist: Inside your Home

From Kiplinger.com

Use this inside checklist to identify areas of your home that need work prior to putting it on the market.

Attic:
Check underside of roof for leaks, stains or dampness.
Look around chimney for condensation or signs of water.
Clean and clear ventilation openings if necessary.
Clean out stored junk.

Click here for the full list!

Set the Stage for a Top-dollar Sale

by Pat Mertz Esswein (Kiplinger.com)

Be prepared to spend

Although your own elbow grease can take you far, you may need to lay out some money, as the Wests did, to fine-tune your property. You'll get back what you spend and more. The Wests' agent, Fujita, says that in his market, buyers can expect a return of about five times what they spend, though he notes that the impact is greatest with low-end properties that are likely to be bought by first-time buyers.

Conversely, doing nothing can cost you mightily in both sale price and time. Jenny Milligan, a real estate agent in.......

Click here to read more

10 most often overlooked real estate tax deductions

10 most often overlooked real estate tax deductions
By Robert J Bruss - Inman News

1 – DEDUCT PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE ACQUISITION MORTGAGE FEE IF YOU BOUGHT A HOME LAST YEAR
2 – REMEMBER TO DEDUCT HOME MORTGAGE REFINANCE LOAN FEES OVER THE LIFE OF THE HOME LOAN.

See all 10 by clicking on the link below
http://www.inman.com/hstory.aspx?ID=45107

Highlands Ranch Off-Leash Dog Areas

Highlands Ranch continues to grow and now offers 4 Off-Leash Dog areas nearby.

Hound Hill at Highland Heritage Park, located south of the Quebec/University/Lincoln intersection behind the Highlands Ranch Post Office. Parking is available at Highland Heritage Park.

Digger's at Dad Clark Park is located at 3385 Asterbrook Circle, west of Fairview Parkway and Summit View Parkway. Parking is available at Dad Clark Park.

Fido's Field at Foothills Park, located at 1042 Riddlewood Drive. To get to Foothills Park from Lucent Boulevard, turn south on Timbervale Trail to Riddlewood. It can also be accessed from Winterthur Way, west of Broadway. Parking is available at Foothills Park off Winterthur Way.

Rover's Run at Redstone Park is located east of Redstone Park, near the intersection of Town Center Drive and Foothills Canyon Boulevard. Parking is available at the Redstone Park Tennis Center

For more details about the Dog parks, please click on the link below.
http://www.highlandsranch.org/03_p&os/03_5dogoff.html

Highlands Ranch Mansion

Among the most architecturally unique structures in Colorado, the Highlands Ranch Mansion is a true treasure with a spectacular view of the Rocky Mountains. The Mansion itself comprises 22,000 square feet and features 14 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, 5 fireplaces, a great room, a ballroom, a dining room, a billiard room, a library, a butler’s pantry and kitchen, a private courtyard, and an elegant staircase. The property functions today as it did in the past, as a working ranch.

For more info about the Highlands Ranch Mansion, please click on the link below.


http://www.hrcaonline.org/Mvchistory.asp

Buy Real Estate for your IRA - Yes you can but beware

Can you buy real estate for your IRA? Yes, you can but the rules might not make it your best investment. Here is an article about the possibility but it neglects to mention the loss of depreciation in the financial equation - another key factor in buying real estate as an investment.

By Tom Kelly
Inman News

The guidelines covering real estate IRAs are stringent. If you break one of these rules, you could jeopardize your tax-free status on your account.

The land or house must be treated like any other investment.

All rental profits must be returned to the trustee.

Check out more info by clicking on the link below.

http://www.inman.com/hstory.aspx?ID=44848

Good laughs accompany real estate investment book

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

By Robert J. Bruss
Inman News

The most unusual real estate book I have ever reviewed is "What No One Ever Tells You About Investing in Real Estate" by Robert J. Hill II. It contains 112 mini-chapters about realty investor experiences and lessons to be learned from those stories. Click the link below for more of this story.....

http://www.inman.com/inmanstories.aspx?ID=44824

Current Real Estate News

Today's Top Real Estate News
Provided by Inman News

Real estate investing generates big tax benefits

With average annual residence market value appreciation hovering around 10 percent nationally, they opined, savvy investors are probably buying rental homes as a very profitable alternative to the stock market.

In addition, investors in rental houses, apartments and commercial buildings should also consider the tax-shelter benefits, leverage control of investment property with little or no cash down payments, and investment safety.

BIG TAX BENEFITS FOR REALTY INVESTORS. Major benefits for realty .......... Click below for more details from Inman News.

http://www.inman.com/inmannews.aspx?ID=44781

If you're interested in investing in real estate, give me a call or contact me by email. In addition to my own home, I've personally invested in other real estate (rentals, etc) over the past 15 years.

Sandi Miyaki 303-913-9993

sandi.miyaki@kw.com

New Tattered Cover in Highlands Ranch offers Storytime!

Weekly storytime at the Tattered Cover takes place at the Highlands Ranch location on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. in the children's section. For more information visit

http://www.tatteredcover.com.

Tycoon in the Making! - Real Estate Investment Success Stories

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - The Bouquets have a nice income, and they intend to keep it that way. After they retire, they want to be bringing in six figures, and they're counting on the proceeds of their real estate holdings as one of the pillars of that plan.

He figured the houses, at $70,000 each for three beds and two baths, were already under market value by about five percent and ........... Check out more of the story at the link below.
http://money.cnn.com/2005/01/24/real_estate/

If you're considering Real Estate investments as part of your overall goals, give me a call at 303-913-9993 or send me an email at sandi.miyaki@kw.com and let me help you get started. I've personally have had many Real Estate Investment properties and I'm familiar with 1031 Exchanges, special financing, etc.

Sandi Miyaki, Realtor

Mortgage Rates Drop again - 5th straight week

Long-term mortgage rates fell for the fifth consecutive week, according to Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage survey.

Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist. "Mortgages rates remain historically low, which helps to maintain a robust housing industry. Looking forward, we continue to expect rates will not rise very much this year, and that the economy will grow at a sustainable pace, and this should translates into a continued good atmosphere for housing."

Low Rates, Stable housing prices, rising income - great time to buy a new home or trade up!

Check out these Mortgage Calculators!

Free Highlands Ranch Real Estate and Area Information

FREE Access to Highlands Ranch Real Estate and Area Information!

Free 2 Page Information Guide on the Highlands Ranch Area

Free Search of ALL Colorado Properties

Free Full-Color Book of Properties in Highlands Ranch Area

Access to Special Buyer’s Reports

Access to Home Seller’s Reports

Free Market Analysis before you Sell in Highlands Ranch

Free 17 page ebook of Educational Real Estate Web Sites

See all New Home Builders in Highlands Ranch

List of the Best Mortgage Rates for Highlands Ranch

Free Access to Mortgage Calculators

Should I buy or Should I rent? (Free Calculator)

Complete Info on the Highlands Ranch Recreation Centers

Check out the Highlands Ranch Schools

Preferred Vendor List for Highlands Ranch Real Estate

Free online access to Local Highlands Ranch area Newspaper

Still don’t see what you’re looking for?
Just contact me and I’ll help find the information!

Email me at sandi.miyaki@kw.com
Or call me at 303-913-9993.

New Civic Green Park site in Highlands Ranch

Where is the Civic Green Park site?
Nestled in the Town Center, the park site is immediately south of the Highlands Ranch Library. The Metro Districts and Douglas County Libraries have worked for several years as partners on Civic Green Park. Check out the updated information by clicking the link below:

http://www.highlandsranch.org/civicgreen/

Highlands Ranch Facts

Interesting facts about the Highlands Ranch area courtesy of HighlandsRanch.com. For other Highlands Ranch Real Estate information, give me a call at 303-913-9993 or email be at sandi.miyaki@kw.com. Sandi Miyaki Broker.

1. Do you have a demographic profile for the community?
2. What is the history behind the building of Shea Stadium?
3. What are the plans for the field at the end of Broadway (southside of Wildcat)? If there will be homes, what builders, price ranges, and time frame?
4. Where does Highlands Ranch get its domestic/municipal water supply?
5. I have heard about the new planned development submitted by Erickson Retirement Communities for the land purchased from the Bowen family on the NW corner of Highlands Ranch.
6. If the re-zoning application submitted by Erickson is approved, how are all those new residents going to be supplied their indoor water usage? Shouldn't the drought we are in be taken into consideration before this massive project is approved?
7. How do we know when a new comunity has been approved before they start building it? (ie, the Town Center townhomes.)
8. What is the general description of Highlands Ranch?
9. What is the population of Highlands Ranch and what is the community's projected completion?
10. How is the local government made up in Highlands Ranch?
11. What business properties are there in Highlands Ranch?
12. What community events does Highlands Ranch have to offer?

Check the information on the link below:
http://www.highlandsranch.com/faq/default.html?cid=9#291

Buy vs Rent - Easy to use calculator

Use this calculator to determine whether you should buy or rent a home in Highlands Ranch. Click on the link below!


Easy to use calculator from www.ginniemae.gov

5 Steps to a more useful Garage

Great article from CNN. Another way to simplify your life and make it less stressful. Here are the 5 steps and for the details, click on the link below.
Clear out, make a plan, categorize, containerize and safety-proof.

http://money.cnn.com/2005/01/25/real_estate/

Free Full-Color Book of Properties for Highlands Ranch Area

Order your free Highlands Ranch Real Estate properties listing book courtesy of The Real Estate Book and Livingchoices.com. Select the Denver South box and you'll receive the book via mail within 7-10 days. If you're local, you can find these books in many local grocery stores.

http://livingchoices.com/order/default.aspx?mid=2080

Or if you'd like me to create a more specific list of properties to preview that meets your needs, just call me at 303-913-9993 or email me at sandi.miyaki@kw.com. Thank you.

Ten Questions You Must Ask a Realtor Before You List or....You Could Lose Big!

10 Questions You Must Ask a Realtor Before You List or....You Could Lose Big!

Most of us sell only a small number of homes in our lifetimes. With limited experience in real estate how are we to be capable of maximizing the profits from our home sale? Many home sellers make the critical mistake of thinking all Realtors are the same. They list with the first agent who comes along. Does it make good business sense to put the responsibility of selling your home with someone who has no plan or qualifications? This special report will educate you with valuable information that will help you make the best decision concerning: Which real estate agent should you list with? Check out the 10 item checklist by clicking on the link below:

http://www.totalrealestatesolutions.com/articles

Top 10 things to know before buying Highlands Ranch Real Estate

Courtesy of CNN Money here's a link to CNN Money's Top 10 Things to know before you buy a home. Here's #3. Check out the link below for more!

3. Aim for a home you can really afford.
The rule of thumb is that you can buy housing that runs about two-and-one-half times your annual salary.

http://premium.money.cnn.com/pf/101/lessons/8/index.html

Free 2 Page Report - Highlands Ranch Info

Below is some general information about the Highlands Ranch area for those interested in purchasing Highlands Ranch Real Estate.

Highlands Ranch is a 22,000-acre master-planned community in Douglas County, Colorado. It is located 12 miles south of Denver along C-470 and approximately 1 mile west of Interstate 25 (I-25).

The Highlands Ranch Development Plan, approved by Douglas County in 1979, laid the foundation for the innovative development of a community with a wide variety of housing opportunities designed to meet the needs of a broad range of new homebuyers. The master plan calls for 61 percent of the land to be devoted to non-urban uses including open space and recreation, 31 percent to residential uses, and 8 percent to business properties. Highlands Ranch currently ranks as one of the top twenty master-planned communities in the country.

For more info, check out this PDF file by clicking on the link below:
http://www.your-key-to-success/highlandsranchinfo.pdf

Highlands Ranch Real Estate - Newcomer's checklist

Courtesy of highlandsranch.com here is an article of the few things you'll need when you purchase Highlands Ranch Real estate. It starts with:
comer's Checklist
Welcome to Highlands Ranch! In order to help you get settled in as quickly and easily as possible, we’ve provided you with a “checklist” of things to do. We hope you’ll find it to be useful. And once again, welcome! It’s nice to have you here!
AT&T Cable Services: 303-930-2000
Driver License:
Castle Rock (Full Service) 927 Park Street 303-688-4625
Littleton (Limited Services) 311 E. County Line Road 303-795-5954
Electricity and Gas:
Public Service, 303-623-1234

And much more by clicking on the link below:
http://www.highlandsranch.com/articles/article.html

Don't forget about the $500,000 exemption

Here's a good article as a reminder not to forget about your $500,000 tax exemption (married couples and $250,000 for single people) when selling your house. Enacted 8 years ago, you may have forgotten.

Here's an excerpt from the article- by Walter Updegrave
But here's the deal in a nutshell: A married couple that sells their primary residence can rake in a profit of up to $500,000 without having to pay income tax on the gain, while singles can shelter up to $250,000 from taxes. Read the entire article by clicking on the link.


http://money.cnn.com/2005/01/14/pf/expert/ask_expert/index.htm

What is Your Home Worth? Free, no obligation!

Looking to sell your Highlands Ranch home, but you don't know where to start. Determining the value of your home is a good first step? To start the process, I can send you a quick email with the price of the homes that have recently sold in your neighborhood. Just send me your first and last name, full street address, your email address and you'll receive an email with the most recent sold homes in your immediate area. No obligation.

Just send this information to me at sandi.miyaki@kw.com

Thank you and if you'd prefer to call, I can be reached at 303-913-9993.

8 Big Mortgage Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Great article from MSN Money on common mortgage mistakes by Liz Pullman Westin.

Starts with:
You can borrow too much or prepare too little. You can misjudge terms or overestimate your credit. With so much at stake, it’s no wonder so much can go wrong.

Not fixing your credit
Not looking for first-time buyer programs
Not being pre-approved for a loan
Borrowing too much
Paying junk fees
Not shopping around for rates and terms
Not preparing for closing costs
Not having enough money after closing

Click on the link below for details - good stuff

http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Banking/Homefinancing

40 Year Mortgage - Friend or ???

The 40 year mortgage is being mentioned in the papers again and in my opinion, a 40 year loan is generally not a good idea. Rates are generally higher than a 30 year loan and if you need a 40 year loan to get your payment low enough to handle, then you should consider buying a less expensive home.

Here are some other opinions:
http://realtytimes.com/rtcpages/20050118_40yearmtg.htm
http://loan.yahoo.com/m/cq_fortyyear.html
http://www.century21.com/learn/content.aspx?content_id=243
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6281881/

Check out the easy-to-use tools on the right side to find out what your payments will be for your new home in Highlands Ranch.

Can I afford this home?

A commonly asked question is "Can I afford this home?". While each family has their own level of comfort when deciding on how much to spend on their home, a typical first question is "If I borrow $150,000 at a rate of 6.5%, how much are my monthly payments?". We've just added another easy to use tool on the right side of this website. Simply select the loan amount, interest rate and your zip code and you'll see the monthly payment amounts. Simple, easy and free.

If you're looking to buy or sell Highlands Ranch Real Estate, I'll make it easy for you, I'll keep you informed and I provide great service with no surprises! Sandi Miyaki 303-913-9993

Highlands Ranch Real Estate - Testimonial

My husband and I have bought and sold many homes over the past thirty plus years, dealing with a variety of brokers and real estate companies. Sandi Miyaki exceeded all of our expectations (and prior experiences) during our very first interaction. She has consistently continued to do so over the past several weeks from both buyer and seller perspectives. Sandi's entire approach .... See more at the link below:

http://agent.kw.com/140806/testimon.php

Free ebook on Real Estate Web Sites - 17 pages

Here's a free ebook that contains 17 pages of real estate web sites that can answer almost any real estate question. Here' just a few of the website links in this ebook.


Free ebook website link:
http://your-key-to-success.com/rewebsiteguide.pdf


Sample listing in free ebook.
www.inspectamerica.com
http://www.irs1031exchanges.com/manual/book.shtml
http://www.foreclosures.com/

Courtesy of your Highlands Ranch Real Estate Specialist.

Do you need a Lawyer?

Do you need a Lawyer to purchase Highlands Ranch Real Estate? In many cases no. However, everyone's situation is different. You should do what is most comfortable for you and what is best for your unique situation. I've used a lawyer in the past and for our situation at the time, it was very appropriate. His information is listed below.

Attorney, Real Estate & Incorporation
Name: Mark Payne
Company: Winzenburg, Leff, Purvis & Payne
Address: 1660 Lincoln Street, Suite 1750
Denver, CO 80264
Office Phone: 303.863.1872
Office Fax: 303.863.1872

You can find more of preferred vendor list at the link below:
http://agent.kw.com/140806/vendors.php


Our editorial objective is to provide our readers with a forum for Highlands Ranch Real Estate Information. Our information, links and posts should not be construed as specific advice for the reader, nor does any article imply an endorsement by Sandi Miyaki or Miyaki Realty, Inc. Your best course of action must be based on your individual situation.

MonsterMoving.com - Highlands Ranch Real Estate City Profile

This city profile courtesy of MonsterMoving.com provides information on economic factors including cost of living, taxes, home cost, insurance cost and quality of life