Buyer and Realtor Safety in the Snow With all the recent snow, it is a great time to look over how to make safety a priority for Realtors and buyers alike. When planning to take your buyer out, consider the weather and area carefully. Realtors should ask: What route will I take? Am I heading into an area that is tricky to navigate? Will there be parking nearby? Am I heading into the mountains? Do I want to travel after it gets dark? This shows a buyer that Realtors are concerned for their safety. Realtors need to make sure insurance, tags, and maintenance is up to date. Tires need to be in good shape too.  If you answered yes to the mountain question, will you need chains or a shovel? Invest in good windshield wipers, a window scraper, and an emergency safety kit.  You can buy the most ... 12/31/2011

New Years Eve in Golden The New Year is fast approaching. Celebrating the end of one year and the beginning of another is an amazing tradition. If you have yet to make your plans for New Years Eve, here are a few suggestions in the Golden area: New Years Eve at the Golden Hotel 800 11th St Golden, CO 80401 303.279.0100 Celebrate the New Year in style in the historic Golden Hotel, with the Bridgewater Grill. Located in the heart of Golden, near Clear Creek, the Bridgewater Grill and the Golden Hotel would make the perfect setting to ring in the New Year. They have come up with an amazing four course menu that includes choices like Filet Mignon, Halibut, Cheese plate, and dessert. Couples can also choose to do wine tastings or pairings as well. Let Bridgewater Grill and the Golden Hotel i... 12/28/2011

Outdoor Retailers in Golden Residents of Golden get out into the fresh air as much as possible! It is good then to have Outdoor Retailers in the Golden area that understand how essential this is to living in Colorado. Two of these local retailers provide the best outdoor goods and services. Vital Outdoors 1224 Washington Ave #125, Golden, CO 80401 303.215.1644 What makes Vital Outdoors a step above the rest is their friendly, knowledgeable crew and all the gear you crave. They stand behind all of their products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. This Golden business also believes that good gear and apparel isn’t just for the hardcore backcountry bound and understands that many of us fit our activities in after work or on a quick weekend trip. They want to make great outdoor apparel eas... 12/26/2011

Golden Buy Local Buying Local is not just a movement; it is a necessity! The economy in so many American towns is dominated by staple conveniences. The argument is that they provide goods that cost less. In the long run they actually cost more. To keep a healthy economy we need to make sure we fix our selves first. Start at our door step.  When the economy took a downturn Wal-Mart grew at the cost of diversified local businesses. Everyone has heard the reasons to buy local before, but here is a more in-depth look: 1. Local businesses give back to the community. Dollars spent on at a locally owned business are more likely to be donated to local causes.  250% more money gets donated from local businesses according to sustainable connection. 2. Keeps communities unique. Diverse businesses ... 12/26/2011

New Year Fitness in Golden The New Year is just around the corner and I know many of you may be thinking about getting back into shape after the holiday festivities. Golden is such an active town and offers great fitness groups and classes to get you started on the right foot this New Year. Golden Pilates 922 Washington Ave #200, Golden CO If you have yet to try Pilates, you should consider adding this to your New Year’s fitness goals. Like Yoga, Pilates stretches and focuses the mind on the body. However, Pilates adds a large amount of strength and core training to the mix. Golden Pilates is conveniently located downtown, has wonderful instructors, and a great mix of the fitness community. They offer different classes and packages depending on your level. Try something new this year! B... 12/24/2011

If you are looking for some holiday cheer, look no further than this recipe for Rum Cake! No need to be an expert chef. Everyone can manage this recipe. Before you start, sample the rum and check for quality. Good isn’t it? Now, go ahead select a Large mixing bowl, measuring cup, etc. and check the rum again, for quality. It must be just right! Try it again. With an electric mixer, beat 1 cup butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add 1 teaspoon sugar and beat again; meanwhile, make certain that the rum is one of the finest quality. Add 2 large eggs and 2 cups of fried fruit and beat until very high. If the fruit gets stuck in the beaters, just pry it loose with a screwdriver. Sample the rum again, checking for consistency. Next, sift in 3 cups baking powder and a pinch of rum, 1 seaspoon toda ... 12/23/2011

Applewood Neighborhood in Golden When most people think of Golden, they usually think of the adorable downtown area, Clear Creek, and the mountain views. There is so much more to Golden, however! Applewood is a neighborhood outside of the downtown area that continues those perfect mountain views and has a unique personality that people flock to! The Applewood neighborhood is conveniently located near three major thoroughfares: I-70, 6th, and W Colfax Ave. The land Applewood occupies is a wonderful combination of beautiful, rolling, golden hills and fertile farmland. Gardens abound: there is even a community garden in the Applewood area too! The homes are eclectic; ranging from the original Golden homesteader houses to more modern, ranch style homes. Minutes from downtown Golden and fift... 12/23/2011

I hate dress clothes and the first critical feedback I got from my managing broker was “Please wear dress slacks around the office.”  My answer is NO. When I market to my clients, I use beer coasters not business cards, I wear jeans not slacks, and I am a self proclaimed Geek who loves things like Star Wars, Battle Star Galactica, and Harry Potter. Maybe it’s a generation thing, but when I see a suit and tie, or even dress slacks, I think “That guy must be a dishonest sleaze ball.”  Sorry to say, this is my association with dress clothes. I generally wear nice Jeans (not holey or to worn) and a casual collared shirt; Not a polo because I don’t want to look like a golfer (I am not a fan of golf.)  When I work for a client I come from a standpoint of contribution.  I will crawl in every c... 12/23/2011

Golden Coffee Houses with Free Wi-Fi It’s good to get out of the office and take work to a Coffee House some days. Golden has many Coffee Houses to choose from. Before you pack up your things, you want to make sure the Coffee House of your choice has Free Wi-Fi! It can be hard to imagine a coffee House without Wi-Fi, but just in case here is a list of the Coffee Houses in Golden that provide Free Wi-Fi. 5th Ring 2421 Ford, St Golden, CO 80401 As Coffee Houses go, 5th Ring is destined to be a classic. The drinks are delicious, the pastries fresh, the staff that perfect Golden likability, the Wi-Fi is free and fast, and they have a drive thru! Use that Wi-Fi to find out more about 5th Ring Coffee House. Café 13 1301 Arapahoe St, Golden CO 80401 If you are looking for a Coffee House that h... 12/22/2011

5th Ring Coffee House Golden, CO Right across from Golden High School at 2421 Ford St Golden CO, 80401. This is a Great Coffee house in Golden CO.  They offer a variety of drink and have delicious breakfast burritos.  I have been going here a while now and it shouldn’t be kept a secret. It is my favorite Coffee House in Golden. They often have live music and seem to always have new art by a local artist on the wall. Did I mention the coffee was good? Each cup of coffee is made individually and you can pick the type of coffee bean it is made with. This Coffee house takes great care in making sure that you are taken care of. If you want to get a deal on your next cup Check out this Golden Coffee House at their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/5thringcoffee . They will often slap a de... 12/22/2011

List of Foreclosures in golden http://www.rick-myers.com/listings/areas/38164/propertytype/SINGLE,CONDO,LAND,INCOME,RENTAL/listingtype/Foreclosure%20Bank%20Owned/pgn/1/ Foreclosures don’t come up much and when a good deal in Golden comes up they are snatched away pretty quick.  I have had to explain continuously about the market in Golden.  First the shadow inventory is not that bad in Golden.  Unlike other parts of the nation not everyone is behind on their payments. Next thing people don’t like to here. The difference between average original list price and sales price was only 6%.  The difference between current list and sales is only 4%.  These statistics came from the MLS the morning I wrote this article. So a low ball offer on a Foreclosure or any house for that matter doesn’t fly... 12/16/2011

Community Recreation Centers in Golden Residents of Golden know that their community is the best! To foster that sense of community, the City of Golden created the Golden Community Center! A recreational facility in Lions Park, the Community Center has everything you may want or need to promote a healthy neighborhood and lifestyle. This state of the art recreation center houses two indoor swimming pools, hot tub, sauna, a large fitness area, gym, track, climbing wall, various classrooms, and more. The community pool has slides, waterworks, and obstacles that bring out the kid in all of us. There is also an activity area with a small climbing wall, near the front of the Community Center just for kids. Classes are available year round for children; it won’t be a recreational activity beca... 12/13/2011

RV Parks in Golden If you are like me, when the winter becomes really bad you start to plan for the upcoming spring or summer. Some people can pack up the nearest vehicle and head out of town, but others prefer to take a piece of home along with them. This is where the popularity of RV parks began. Golden has a wonderful park called Clear Creek RV Park. Located within walking distance of downtown Golden and Clear Creek, this RV park offers the luxury of being near everything you need but far enough away to relax. Bring a bicycle and take Clear Creek trail to downtown Golden shopping or restaurants. Take the Clear Creek trail north from the RV Park to get out into the country, or bring a pan to try your luck at finding gold right outside your RV door. Clear Creek RV Park is family and pe... 12/13/2011

Free Rides in Golden On Saturdays and Sundays in Golden, you can get FREE horse drawn carriage rides and Newfoundland dog cart rides around town! If you are downtown looking for great items for all the people on your shopping list, or just in the area, taking a free ride in Golden is a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the weekend! Find your way down to 12th street between Washington and Arapahoe to grab a seat on a horse drawn carriage ride, as they take you through historic downtown Golden. Kids and adults alike will love this winter tradition. To see your child’s face light up even more, head a few blocks northeast to 12th St and Jackson for the free Newfoundland dog cart rides! Located across from the Golden Diner, all ride donations will benefit the Newfoundland Dog Rescue Fund. Mak... 12/11/2011

Resale Shops in Golden Located on South Golden Road, Golden Child resale shop in Golden should be your next destination if you have children. Specializing in buying and selling gently used children’s items, Golden Child has adorable clothes, books, gear and toys. Children are babies one minute and choosing their first choice in colleges the next, so after you separate the precious memories from the rest you can bring the things they have outgrown to sell to those who may need them. Planning for a child can be very expensive, so get a head start with Golden Child’s toys, books, DVD’s, puzzles, hiking packs, outdoor/ indoor play equipment, playroom furniture, strollers, bicycles, cribs, and other nursery equipment. Find not only clothing for your little one, but maternity clothing as well... 12/06/2011

Holiday Shopping in Golden If you are like me, you sometimes try to avoid the malls and big box stores around the holidays. Do your holiday shopping in Golden instead! Downtown Golden has so many great shops; you should be able to find something for the whole family. Here are some suggestions for everyone on your list! Bent Gate Mountaineering                 Bent Gate has all of his outdoor needs and a wonderful staff! Have them help you find exactly what he is looking for or something he did not even knew he wanted! Rockin’ Horse Antiques                 Holiday shopping can be so much fun when looking through all of the fun antiques at the Rockin, Horse. With endless amounts of possibilities, you can find a gift that is not only perfect but recycled too! Golden Quilt Company         ... 12/06/2011

Water Parks in Jefferson County The Splash at Fossil Terrace in Golden is the water park to be during the summer! As the water park in Jefferson County, the Splash at Fossil Terrace has two large body and tube water slides, leisure pool, lap pool and more. Surrounding the leisure pool there is a small play structure with smaller slides for younger children, spray fountains, and the ever-popular 500 gallon dump-bucket (for children of all ages). If you need some time to dry off there is always room at the sand area; build a great sandcastle! With plenty of lounge chairs, picnic tables and shaded structures, families can enjoy the fun and the sun in safety. The staff at the Splash Water Park is friendly and makes the safety of your family their number one concern. Don’t worry parents, 10 ... 12/04/2011

Middle and High Schools in Golden, CO   When moving to a new neighborhood, it can be difficult to find the right fit for your students. Golden is lucky to have such amazing schools in the area! Continuing our blog on schools in the Golden area, here is a list of Middle and High Schools.   Bell Middle School 1001 Ulysses St, Golden CO 80401 303.982.4280   Bell Middle School uses Positive Behavior Support to improve performance in their classrooms. This builds experiences that promote responsibility, leadership, and citizenship. With a Literacy Action Plan to motivate all students and Response to Intervention to keep achievement on track, Bell Middle School is set on building life-long learners.   Coal Creek Canyon K-8  11719 Ranch Elsie Rd, Golden CO 80403 303.982.3409   Coal Creek Canyo... 12/04/2011

Heritage Square in Golden Heritage Square in Golden is one of those destinations in Colorado that can not be missed. Many generations have fond memories spending time with family at this attraction. Located just outside of Golden and fifteen minutes West of Denver, Heritage Square is a Victorian inspired amusement park and shopping center.  Originally built as Magic Mountain by some of the Disneyland staff, its current incarnation includes a shopping center, restaurants, the playhouse, and park rides! Many of the shops feature Colorado specific gifts and food. The restaurants include Notz Landing, a 1950’s diner, which was featured on Food Network’s Unwrapped. Although the rides close for the winter season, the shops and both the Heritage Square Music Hall and Children’s Theater perform... 12/04/2011

Faith Tattoo Gallery in Golden From the moment you step into Faith Tattoo Gallery in Golden, you are greeted with warmth and professionalism. Located on 13th street in downtown Golden, Faith Tattoo Gallery really sets itself apart from other tattoo shops. The shop itself is open, with beautiful wood floors and much of the building has been left as it originally looked. Complemented with comfy couches, great music, and sterile work stations, the best part about Faith Tattoo Gallery is the artists. Each of the tattoo artists brings something special and unique to the table. Instead of looking through photo albums, each artist has a digital photo frame that highlights their best work. When you decide what you would like, the staff takes some time to really listen to your idea, make suggest... 12/02/2011