If you are planning to attend Denver’s annual Parade of Lights this weekend, click on the link above for times and street closures!

Builder Confidence Edges Up: Builder confidence in the market for new single-family home sales rose by 2 points in July, the National Association of Home Builders said July 18. read more here

Panel: Denver Commercial Real Estate Poised for Rebound: All three commercial real estate market sectors in metro Denver stand poised for a rebound, some quicker than others, a panel of experts said July 12 at the Colorado chapter of the NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association’s annual mid-year forecast event. read more here

Magazine Names Colorado No. 5 in Sustainability: Site Selection magazine ranks Colorado No. 5 on its list of the most sustainable states. The ranking appears in the July issue as part of the magazine’s annual “Green Guide.” read more here

16 Denver-Area Hotels Rated Tops by U.S. News; 2 Make National ‘Best’ List: Sixteen Denver-area hotels have made U.S. News and World Report’s 2011 list of the top 850 hotels in America, including two that made the exclusive list of “Best Hotels in the USA.” The Ritz-Carlton, Denver and Four Seasons Hotel Denver both placed on the list of the top 86 hotels in the country. read more here

National Jewish Again Tops in U.S. News Ranking: National Jewish Health continues to rank as the top respiratory hospital in the nation. The magazine has put National Jewish at the top of its list for respiratory hospitals for 14 consecutive years. read more here

Fort Collins Rates No. 5 on Forbes Best Places for Business List: FORT COLLINS – Fort Collins is rated No. 5 in the nation on the most recent Forbes’ “Best Places for Business and Careers,” while Denver placed No. 9 on the list. read more here

Weld Leads as Employment Rises in Colorado’s Nine Largest Counties: WASHINGTON, D.C. – Employment rose in all nine of Colorado’s largest counties from December 2009 to December 2010 with Weld County leading the state with a 2.9 percent employment gain, according to a new report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. read more here

MoneyTree: 5 Key Deals Boost Colorado Venture Investment in Q2: Venture capital investment in Colorado rose significantly in the second quarter, largely driven by five deals valued at more than $20 million each, according to the quarterly MoneyTree report developed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLPPricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Latest from The Business Journals: Maryland venture capital funding up 64% in 2QKansas lands M in venture capital investments during quarterVC investment in Colorado up in Q2Follow this company and the National Venture Capital Association. read more here

Special thanks to Shari Canon with Land Title Guarantee Company for providing this information that we can share with you.

4 bedrooms, 2 baths, $434,900 MLS#761038

• Remarkably Quiet ~ Don’t let Downing deter you!
• Pristine Craftsman Bungalow Bones & Character galore!
• Large Sun Filled Rooms with Wide Foot Print
• Meticulously Maintained
• Copper Plumbing upgrade
• Gorgeous Quarter Sawn Oak Floors & Woodwork
• Original 1905 Crystal Door Knobs
• Porch off of Master
• Garden Level Full basement features Family Room, full kitchen, bed and full bath – Zoned for legal duplex-currently used as single family residence.
• Beautiful Patio and garden area with sprinkler system and water feature
• You will not regret showing this one! Realtors: Schedule a showing . 4th Bedroom non-conform.

Property Features: Burglar Alarm, Cable Available, Cable Installed, Ceiling Fan, Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Eating Space/Kitchen, Fence, Fix-Up, Formal Dining, Garage Door Opener, Garden Area, High Speed Access, Landscaped Prof, Microwave Oven, No Covenants, New Paint, Patio, Quick Possession, Refrigerator, Smoke Free, Sprinkler, Storm Windows, Stove, Walk-In Closets, Washer, Wood Floors

YEAR: 1905  ~ SQ FT 1326 ~ LOT 4690 SQ FT ~ Annual Property Tax: $1,887

Property Details ~ Virtual Tour

Marking a city tradition for Denver’s 4th of July festivities, be sure to visit the 18th Annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival all weekend:

Fireworks Saturday, July 2nd

Fireworks Sunday, July 3rd

Colorado Symphony Concert in Civic Center Park at 8 p.m. with Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Lawn seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis; blankets or low-rise concert/beach chairs are encouraged. Free & open to the public: bring your own picnic. concessions will also be available. http://www.civiccenterconservancy.org/event-independence-eve-celebration_32.html

Across town.. fireworks will light up the sky at Invesco Field at Mile High after the Outlaws Lacrosse game.

Monday July 4th – Downtown is the place to be!

Shriners’ parade: cheer on their largest parade of  the year as it courses through Downtown Denver. It’s FUN and FREE for the whole family!! The parade starts at 1:30 p.m, at 14th St. and Tremont and continues to 17th St., to Champa St., turns at 15th St., and concludes at Glenarm Pl. and 13th St. More details and map of the route: http://www.shrinershq.org/sitecore/content/ShrinersHQ/Media/News/4thofJulyParadeDenver

For a great guide to city happenings visit: http://www.denver.org/what-to-do/museum-art/denver-4th-july

Denver No. 3 in Greatness Study: Denver is ranked third on a new list of cities considered to be poised on the edge of greatness. The rankings were compiled by research firm Sperling’s Best Places for the makers of Edge Shave Gel and based on such factors as sports, art, music, culture and population growth. read more here

Colorado Jobs Up, Unemployment Rate Down to 8.8%: The unemployment rate in Colorado fell to 8.8 percent in April from 9.2 percent in March, and the state’s employers added 2,200 jobs during the month, according to a report released on May 20th by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.read more here

Denver to Be No. 5 in Summer Visitors: Denver will be the fifth-most-visited destination of U.S. travelers this summer, according to projections compiled by travel website Orbitz.com.read more here

Chase Bank to Hire 100 in Denver: Chase Bank plans to hire nearly 100 new employees, including 50 personal bankers.read more here

Hotel Teatro Among Best Hotels in World: Denver’s Hotel Teatro is among the top 10 hotels in the world on Expedia.com’s new Insiders’ Select list, which is based on quality and value instead of on pure luxury. read more here

Vestas Lands Order for 34 Colo.-Built Turbines:Vestas Wind Systems has landed another big order for wind turbines, this time for a California wind farm. The blades will be made at Vestas’ Windsor plant and the towers at the company’s plant in Pueblo. read more here

Another Big Drop in Colorado Foreclosure Filings:Colorado officials reported another sharp decline in new foreclosure filings in April for the state’s urban areas from the previous year. read more here

Colorado 5th for income growth over last 50 years:Colorado is fifth among the 50 states for average annual income growth over the last half-century, according to a new analysis of U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data. read more here

Colorado Springs Rated Great for Grads: As soon as you pull off that mortarboard, college grads, head to Colorado Springs. That seems to be the advice of Kiplinger, which has included the Springs among its latest set of “10 Great Cities for College Grads.” read more here

Special thanks to Shari Canon with Land Title Guarantee Company for providing this information that we can share with you.

40th Annual Denver Capitol Hill People’s Fair in Civic Center Park.

This free event sponsored by the Capitol Hill United Neighborhood (CHUN) is a city favorite.

• 6 stages with live music and entertainment
• Delicious food
• Handmade Arts and Crafts
• Tons of fun for the kids and the whole family!

The People’s Fair has raised $1,000,000 for the CHUN Grants Program and Denver’s Capitol Hill Community.  ”Like”  their facebook page!   Check out the CHUN  website!

Friday, June 3:  First Friday Art Walk on Santa Fe 60 galleries. 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 4:  FREE Day at the Denver Art Museum! (walking distance from all the People’s Fair activities at Civic Center Park)

Old South Pearl Street will be buzzing with activities this weekend:

• Friday, June 3: First Friday Art Walk on South Pearl Street
• Friday – Sunday, June 3-5:  Sidewalk Sale on South Pearl Street
• Sunday, June 5: Farmers Market with the Green Fair on South Pearl Street 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Washington Park Open Houses: While you’re in the neighborhood, stop by our open houses!

Saturday June, 4:  623 S. Vine Street, Denver 80209 12:00 – 2:00

Saturday & Sunday June 4-5: 601  S. Race Street, Denver 80209 2:00-4:00

Have a wonderful weekend in Denver!

Downtown Denver Arts Festival Friday – Monday: May 27 –  30, 2011

The Downtown Denver Arts Festival is dedicated to supporting and showcasing Colorado artists. It is a juried fine art festival 130 of Colorado’s best independent artists representing works: 2-d Arts, 2-d Mixed Media, 3-d Mixed Media, Clay / Ceramics, Fiber, Furniture, Glass, Jewelry, Leather, Metal, Photography, Photography, Sculpture and Wood. The Downtown Denver Arts Festival holds its annual premier event each Memorial Day Weekend at the Denver Pavilions on the 16^th Street Mall. 130 of Colorado’s best artists with over 150,000 people expected to attend.

Veterans Memorial Day Tribute Parade - Saturday, May 28th

9:00 am Wreath Remembrance ceremony-Colo. Veterans Monument
10:00 am Denver’s Annual Parade (Review Stand-Broadway & Colfax)
11:15 am POW flag marched in from Ft. Logan-raised at end of Parade
11:30 am 12th annual Veterans Memorial Day Tribute ceremony
Plan to join us for this important observance near our State Capitol.

Saturday, May 28, 2011 The 16th Street Mall in Downtown Denver will be rockin’ with 20 different band performing Free Concerts on 5 different stages!

Denver Day of Rock is a one-of-a-kind music event presented by the non-profit organization, Concerts For Kids, to raise awareness of the children in our community. This free event will feature five stages of live music throughout downtown Denver.

MainStage:

• Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx – 8-9:30
• The Samples -6:10-7:10
• Alicia Witt – 4:40-5:25
• Angie Stevens – 3:35-4:20
• Strange Americans – 2:30-3:15

Skyline 2

• Gin Blossoms – 8-9:30
• John Common -6:15-7:15
• The Heyday – 5:05-5:55
• Young Cities – 3:55-4:45
• Monroe Monroe – 2:45-3:35

Curtis

• Trevor Hall – 8-9:30
• Something Underground – 6:10-7:25
• Boulder Acoustic Society – 4:45-5:50
• Mindless Behavior – 3:55-4:35
• The Give – 2:30-3:15

Champa

• Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band  - 8-9:30
• Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers – 6:15-7:15
• Bop Skizzum  - 4:55-5:55
• The Congress  - 3:35-4:35
• K.J. Denhert  - 2:30-3:15

Welton

• Oakhurst  - 8-9:30
• Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers  - 5:45-7:15
• The Railbenders – 4:15-5:15
• The Hollyfelds – 3-3:55

Get full details on these bands and musicians on the Line-up page at: DenverDayofRock.com

Colorado Rockies vs St. Louis Cardinals at Coors Field Friday – Sunday: May 27 –  29, 2011

Monday, May 30, 2011: Every year on Memorial Day a National Moment of Remembrance is at 3:00 p.m. (Local Time, nationwide)

Financial Resources:

The Denver United Way has a matched savings program, the Individual Development Account (IDA) , that matches $4 for every $1 saved, up to $1000 participant contribution. That means a total of $5000 available for the qualified participant!  The program and funds are for Education, Business or Real Estate (First-Time Home Buyers only).  This program educates participants on personal finance and encourages savings.  There are income qualifications as well as specific program requirements. This is a wonderful opportunity for a financial boost to those who qualify.

Take Root Denver is another great resource for programs to support Denver Neighborhood home ownership.

The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) offers:

Free Homebuyer Education.

Workshops are conducted monthy by NEWSED’s Housing Counselor. Learn how to  strategically buy their first home.  Workshops are held every 3rd Saturday of the month from 10:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. If you are interested in attending you must RSVP to Cecilia Cervantes at 303-534-8342 x 107 or Mercedes Fuentes at 303-534-8342 x 124.

Community Resources and Housing Development Corporation

Neighborhood Stabilization Program round 2 (NSP2) focuses on the North Denver Metro areas of Thornton, Northglenn, Westminster, Arvada and unincorporated Adams County and the San Luis Valley: South Alamosa, Monte Vista, Del Norte, Walsenburg, and Hayden; as well as portions of Costilla, Saguache and Conejos counties.

NSP2 Home Buyer Assistance Loan offers a forgivable loan to qualified borrowers set at a minimum five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) and up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the homes appraised value, depending on need, with the maximum amount of assistance capped at fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). The loan is recorded as a second mortgage lien with a fifteen (15) year forgivable affordability period.

Calling Denver Developers:

There are low interest loans available to create and/or maintain housing affordable to lower-income persons. Funds can be used to acquire land/property and to construct or rehabilitate rental or for-sale units. Bridge loans are also available. Get more information here

Last Thursday, the City of Denver Office of Economic Development posted a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program 3 (NSP3) Request for Proposals (RFP) for Single-Family Homebuyer Housing Development affecting (Tier 1) Globeville and West Colfax and (Tier 2) Elyria Swansea and Villa Park.

This is great news so stay tuned for more opportunities to support home ownership in these neighborhoods.

Please pass the word to anyone you know who would benefit from these great programs. If you know of a program that helps our low income residents experience the benefits of home ownership please post a comment with relevant links.

Realtors listen up! In a sign of the times, Freddie Mac’s real estate sales unit HomeSteps is launching a nationwide sales promotion for its inventory of foreclosed homes. Operators standing by!  ”The HomeSteps Summer Sales Promotion is offering up to 3.5% buyer’s closing cost and a $1,200 selling agent bonus for initial offers received until July 31 and escrows are closed on or before September 30. This offer is valid only on HomeSteps homes sold to owner-occupant buyers.”  There is a potential two-year Home Protect limited home warranty, along with discounts on appliance purchases. Check out SmartBuy or HomeSteps.