Helpful Resources
Here’s a well known secret: Denver is known as the ‘Mile High City’ because its official elevation is 5,280 feet (one mile) above sea level. It’s where our brokerage firm, milehimodern, gets its name. Today, Denver is a bustling metropolis, with over 700,000 residents, many vibrant neighborhoods, an acclaimed music scene, four major sports teams, nationally recognized museums, and tons of local breweries. But it wasn’t always that way; Denver was founded as a Western mining town during the Gold Rush. Whether you live in Denver and need a suggestion, or you’re planning a move to Denver and need advice for how to find and buy a home, I hope this resource guide is helpful. Check it out below or contact me today to set up a coffee meeting; I’ll share what I know and find out what I don’t!
Paint Recycling
GreenSheen Paint has a recycling facility in Colorado and will help you dispose of old paint, stain, and varnish for free! They can handle both oil and latex paints, but not spray paint. All paint disposals handled by GreenSheen are sustainably recycled. You must live in Arapahoe, Adams, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas or Jefferson counties and have used paint containers that, combined, held at least 10 gallons to qualify for free pickup. If you don’t live in these counties, or have less than 10 gallons for disposal, you can drop off at one of their sites. To arrange a pick up, call (720) 927-2923.
Denver Tool Library
Like a book library; but for tools! At 5th and Santa Fe, the Denver Tool Library offers over 4,000 tools for paying members to check out. This is a great resource for homeowners that either either don’t want to buy tools or don’t have the space for them. There is even a workshop where you can use them! Membership is $100 per year. The Denver Tool Library is open Tues/Thurs from 3-7pm and Sat/Sun from 10am-2pm.
Title Insurance
Have you ever been in a conversation when someone is talking about a concept, a person, or an idea that you SHOULD know about, but in all reality, you have no idea what it actually is? And it’s too embarrassing to admit that you don’t understand that thing, so you carry on acting like you know what they’re talking about? Title insurance seems to be one of those vague things that lots of people don’t really understand. First American Title offers a quick explanation of title insurance that you can read here. Next time title insurance comes up in your conversations (I know, YAWN!), you’ll at least know what it is!
Neighborhood Map
Confused about the boundary lines of each Denver neighborhood? I get it. Denver has 78 neighborhoods, some big and some small, and their boundary lines can zig zag haphazardly. Often an MLS listing will highlight the neighborhood where a property is located, but that input is not automatically entered; agents have to manually type it in. So, often it’s listed incorrectly or it includes a subdivision or district name but not the true neighborhood. Go straight to the source by clicking here, or visit the denvergov.org site to learn more about each neighborhood and to learn where your home - or a home of interest- is located.
Home Inspection
Prospective buyers often ask if they should get an inspection and what to expect from the inspection process. In most circumstances, buyers will want to know as much as possible about a property’s physical condition and problems that could affect the house’s value, use, or desirability. There are many types of inspections, including general inspections, sewer scopes, radon testing, mold tests and more. Ultimately, it’s your choice whether or not you want to hire professional inspector(s). I’ve worked with many general and specialized inspectors and would be happy to offer a recommendation based on your needs. Contact me for more information! This article provides a general understanding of what to expect from a home inspection in Colorado.
Radon
Radon is an odorless, radio-active gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. It comes from the breakdown of uranium in the soil and can enter your home through running water, cracks in the foundation, and even through open windows in your house. According to the EPA, 1 in 15 homes in the United States have elevated levels of radon. The EPA recommends that action be taken if the radon level is equal to or greater than 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) and to consider fixing your home if the radon level is equal to or greater than 2 pCi/L. Additionally, the EPA recommends getting your radon levels checked every few years to make sure the radon remains low, whether or not you have a mitigation system. Getting a radon test done during your inspection period is something I strongly recommend. This test usually costs around $150, but installing a radon mitigation system usually costs between $850-$1200 (well worth the $150). Most radon mitigation system companies will provide an EPA approved radon test at the completion of their install and many will guarantee the results. You can read more about radon here.
Sloan's Lake Local News
Looking to catch up or learn more about the Sloan’s Lake neighborhood through a hyper local news source? I find that is often the best place to start when you move to a new place or as you consider your next move. The Denver North Star, launched in October 2019, is a monthly community newsletter that covers local politics, community events, health, culture, arts, dining, entertainment and more. You can see articles that I’ve contributed to the Denver North Star here.
Get Involved
Jamming on the Jetty is the signature live music event, held annually each fall in Sloan’s Lake. All proceeds from the event go to the Sloan’s Lake Park Foundation, a non-profit committed to bettering the future of Sloan’s Lake through funding efforts to promote clean water and sustainability, create safe welcoming spaces, and provide program activities for all.
Spring 2024 has been an interesting time for the Denver real estate market.
When we bought our bungalow at the end of 2019, we weren’t exactly looking to move. Being a real estate agent, I always have my eye on the market.
Move out day was stressful but thrilling. I remember telling the girls that in one year’s time, we’d be back in the house.
By May, the entire house was framed and it started to take shape. Seeing the second story, even just with lumber, was really exciting.
By September, the contractors were laying hardwood floors (we picked an engineered European oak in a 7.5” width). Then came interior doors, trim, and stairs.
It took a long time, cost a lot of money, and required a million decisions. I understand what a luxury this experience has been, I feel extremely lucky.
Whether you live in Denver or you're planning a move and need advice for how to buy a home here, this guide will be helpful.
This is a favorite breakfast, brunch and lunch spot in the area and we had the opportunity to speak with the co-owner Tim. Read the interview below!
One of the best parts of my job is that I get to be that source of “all things home” for clients and friends.
We recently had the opportunity to interview the Nurture leadership team to learn more about this amazing Wellcare Marketplace.
It’s my favorite time of year! I get to celebrate the holidays and put on my stats hat to review the real estate happenings for the Sloan’s Lake neighborhood.
It’s always an honor to serve my clients, but it’s extra special to give back to our community on their behalf.
While we're still living in a low inventory market, we've started to see more homes taking longer to sell, which is creating more options for buyers.
We had the pleasure of interviewing past clients and local business owners. Nikki started her jewelry business here in Denver in 2015 and until 2023.
More like June gloom is here. This rain sure is making things green around here, but I’m itching for real summer.
This boutique specializes in women’s clothing and accessories, sourcing many of their items from brands made in America.
It’s no 2022, but with fewer homes to sell than buyers looking, supply and demand is doing its thing.
Every year, I put my stats hat on and review the real estate happenings of the year for the Sloan’s Lake neighborhood.
This fall, the market has been impacted by rising interest rates and inflation. It made buyers hit pause, and I get it.
As summer winds down, it’s clear that we’re experiencing a shifting market in Denver. This shift means multiple offer situations are occurring less.
One business that I’m excited to highlight here is a photography business, M Stevenson Photo, run by a friend and past client, Molly Stevenson.
If you live in the neighborhood and are open to moving, know that the odds of selling are better now than they’ve ever ever been.
Last year, I had some fun reviewing the year with a million different stats for the Sloan’s Lake neighborhood. One year later, I’ve decided it should be a tradition.
Experience Caitlin Clough's dedication and expertise in real estate. Caitlin brings unmatched negotiation skills, empathetic communication, and a deep understanding of Denver's neighborhoods to guide clients seamlessly through their home-buying or selling journey, making dreams come true one key at a time.
