Holiday Events in the Highlands

Again this year, there are many fun holiday events in the Highlands for families to enjoy!  There are many great opportunities to get outside and enjoy the holiday season while supporting the local community!

• Holiday Lightening with caroling, chestnuts and photos with Santa and his reindeer!  This event held at Littleman Ice Cream is sponsored by the LoHi Merchant Associtation.  Sunday, December 2, 2012 at 6:00.
• Sunnyside Sleigh Rides.  Sleigh rides ($2 suggested donation) and a visit from Santa.....complimentary hot coco! Happy Hour specials and Ernie's dinner for four specail!  Ernie's Bar and Pizza (2915 W. 44th Ave.) 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/483526501692493/
• Jingle and Mingle on Tennyson Street.  Enjoy breakfast with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, resturants and businesses offering specials and Berkeley the Snowman handing out freebes....all this while supporting local businesses with your holiday shopping!  Saturday, December 8, 2012 in the Berkeley Business District along Tennyson Street (W. 38th Ave - W. 46th Ave.) 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  https://www.facebook.com/BerkeleyDistrict
• Winter Market and Holiday Fair. The Holiday Fair offers over 30 local artisan and crafters for an opportunity to get those last minute gifts and support local artisits and crafters. This is a free community event with photos with Santa, live music, sing-alongs featuring your favorite holiday tunes, craft-making stations, interactive kids activities and more! Saturday, December 8, 2012 at Valdez Elementary (2525 W 29th Ave.)  10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  http://www.winter-market.com/
• Holiday in the Highlands and 32nd Avenue Shop Night.  Saturday December 8, 2012 is Shop Night where Highland Square Business with remain open late to provide opportunitie for holiday shopping and to take advantage of specials for restruants and retail establishments  The tree lighting ceremony with be that evening at 7:00 p.m. at the Highland United Methodist Church.  Sunday, December 9th, is Holidays in the Highlands....and afternoon of fun for the entire family.  There will be carriage rides, pony rides, tree lighting, photos with Santa and free hot coco and cider!  http://highlands-square.com/
• Highland United Neighbors, INC (HUNI) annual HUNI Hour Holiday Party.  Celebrate the holiday season wtih friends, neighbors and local merchants.....appetizers and drink specials, plus opportunities to win fun door prizes and a grand prize!  Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at Highland Tap and Burger (2219 W. 32nd Ave.)!  Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with door prizes announced at 6:40 p.m.  http://www.denverhighland.org/

Lower HIghland's (LoHi) Visionairies

LoHi contiues to grow with new and exciting resturaunts and shops, as well as in new residential developments.  The LoHi real estate market is HOT and nnay of these multi-unit developments are selling out prior to breaking ground!!  Businesses are attracted to LoHi and so are new residents!  It is hard to say what makes a neighborhood take off in popularity.......what makes it the hot spot.  It usually starts with an individual or individuals having the faith and vision to invest in a particular area.  Here is a great article providing some history on the vision of LoHi........and the visionaries behind some of LoHi besr spots!

http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/print-edition/2011/06/03/high-times-for-lohi-now.html?ana=fbk 

Highland 4th of July Parade

This year was the 5th Annual Highland 4th of July Parade and once again the event drew many families, nieghbors and business owners to the parade and picnic in the park.  The festivities began with an old fashion parade led by a vintage fire engine from the Berkeley Gardens fire department.  Scores of children and adults on decorated bikes, wagons, roller blades and scooters followed behind.  The parade route went down W. 32nd Ave. ended in Hirshorn Park for live   music, hotdogs, a bouncy castle and games.  Children lined up to participate in the three legged, potato sack and wheel barrow races while their parents cheered them on and awaited their chance to participate in the races as well.  The Firemen from Station 7 stopped by to provide a surprise cool down to the crowd by spraying us all with their fire hose which then kicked off the water balloon fight (2,500 water ballloons!!!).  The event wound down with a 60 foot ice cream sundae provided by Little Man Ice Cream.  Children lined up for an opportunity to dig into the giant sundae topped with whipped cream, spinkles and chocolate sauce.  This is a great family event that has grown in attendance year after year.  It provides a fun and safe environment for the kids and allows friends and neighbors to gather to celebrate the holiday.  As the neighborhood continues to draw more trendy bars and resturants, and as Highland is touted in news papers and magazines as the "hip" and "hot" neighborhood in Denver, it is nice to experience the sense of small town and community which originally drew many of us to Highland before it really took off.



2012 Highland Farmers Market

The 2012 Highland Farmers Market is well underway with many venders selling fresh fruits and vegitables, flowers, crafts, doggie treats and much more.  The market is located in a perfect spot in LoHi, between 15th and 16th on Boulder Street, right in front of Lola, Vita and Shangrila Cafe.  This year's market brings many more food trucks and, along with the live music and umbrella tables......is a great place to sit back, relax and enjoy some specialty food from items. 

The Farmers Market draws many neighborhood regulars, as well as shoppers traveling in from other areas.  It is a great gathering spot to meet up with friends and neighbors and provides much fun and entertainment for the whole family!  The Highland Farmer's Market is sponsored by the neighborhood association, Highland United Neighbors, Inc (HUNI) and runs Saturdays, June through October 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 

Monthly Market Snap Shot - HIghland February 2012

Sales increased a bit in the Highland real estate market in February 2012. There are many buyers wanting to take advantage of the historically low interest and wanting to move to one of Denver’s hottest neighborhoods.   Inventory remains a challenge as it remains low, especially in the $400k and below price range.  Several properties in this price range have gone under contract in less than a week with multiple offers.  The market remains a seller's market with 4.5 MOI for single family homes, and an even hotter seller’s market for condos with 1.42 MOI.  A seller’s market means the seller has the upper hand in the negotiation process and sellers can expect to get very close to asking price for their property. 

If you are, or have considered putting your home on the market, now is a great time.  The further into the spring and summer selling months we get, the more competition there will be on the market .

Single Family

# of Sales                          9

Median Sales Price           $279,450

Average Sales Price          $298,425

Average PSF                        $228

Average DOM                       101

Average List to Sold Price      90.6%

Months of Inventory                4.5

Condos

# of Sales                            9

Median Sales Price            $315,000

Acerage Sales Price          $371,200

Average PSF                     $236

Average DOM                     210

Average List to Sold Price    97.6%

Months of Inventory             1.42

Monthly Market Snap Shot - Highland January 2012

Sales remained consistent in the Highland real estate market as we entered the new year. The typical slow down of the winter and holiday months did not seem to effect buyers looking to purchase proper in the area.  With the months of inventory (MOI) below 6 months for both single family and condo properties, the Highland market is a seller’s market.  A seller’s market means the seller has the upper hand in the negotiation process and seller’s can expect to get very close to asking price for their property. 

One struggle in the Highland market is low inventory of properties below $400K.  Properties in good condition and priced well are going quickly, and some receiving multiple offers.

 Single Family

# of Sales               7

Median Sales Price  $400,000

Average Sales Price  $400,500

Average PSF      $186

Average DOM      133

Average List to Sold Price  87.9%

Months of Inventory  4.8

Condos

# of Sales     5

Median Sales Price   $390,000

Average Sales Price   $405,500

Average PSF       $221

Average DOM      309

Average List to Sold Price  96.2%

Months of Inventory   2

Highland Condo/Town Home Inventory $400k and Below Frightenly Low!

As you know, Highland, or LoHi, has become an increasingly popular neighborhood in Denver.  New restaurants, coffee shops and businesses have made this the neighborhood to be in and a “hot spot” in the real estate market.  Who wouldn't want to call Highland home.......right? 

With popularity comes demand……..and demand requires supply.  Currently there is a shortage of condo/town home properties below $400,000 for sale in Highland.  There are currently 5 condo/town homes on the market that meet this criteria.  There are many people wanting to purchase a property in the neighborhood and it is difficult to help them find a property suitable for them.  Most are looking below $350,000.....which brings the selection to 3.

Condo sales in the neighborhood have remained steady over the past 6 months with and average of 4.8 sales per month and an average of 90 days on the market.  There is currently 1.2 months of inventory, making this segment of the market a seller’s market.  Sellers are getting an average of 97% of their asking price on the sale of their condo/town home.  Now is a GREAT time to put a condo/town home on the market.  If priced well it should get a lot of activity and move quickly!!!

December Events in the Highlands

The Holidays in the Highlands........time to mingle with your neighbors and support all our local merchants!!!

Here is a list of fun Holiday Happenings here The Highlands..........great opportunities for young and old alike!                                                         

• First Friday on Tennyson Street - Friday, December 2, 2011  5:00 - 9:00 p.m between 38th and 44th Aves. on Tennyson St.  Come on down to Tennyson Street to help celebrate the near completion of the streetscape project and find some great gift ideas for the holidays!!!  http://denverartwalk.squarespace.com/ 

• Sunnyside Sleigh Rides - Tuesday, December 6, 2011  5:00 - 8:00 p.m.  Come down to Ernie's at 2901 W. 44th Ave. for Sleigh Rides, hot coco and visits with Santa.  Stay for dinner at Ernie's!  A family of 4 eats for $30 - pizza or pasta!!!  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunnyside-United-Neighbors-Inc/127665897255428#!/events/152443328190592/               
• Jingle and Mingle on Tennyson Street - Saturday, December 10, 2011  8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. between 38th and 44th Aves. on Tennyson St. Support Tennyson St. merchants while enjoying breakfast with Santa at DJ's Berkeley Cafe, Holiday Storytime with Mrs. Claus, hot chocolate warming stations, Berekeley the Snowman give-aways and food and drink specials at your favorite Tennyson resturants!!  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunnyside-United-Neighbors-Inc/127665897255428#!/events/293078320732064/
• Winter Market Holiday Fair sponsored by Highland Mommies Business Group - Saturday, December 10, 2011  10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Valdez Elementary School  2525 W. 29th Ave.  Articians, crafters and providers of unique, boutique gifts and products from our neighborhood and the surrounding communities.  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunnyside-United-Neighbors-Inc/127665897255428#!/events/302203499795658/
• 32nd Street Shop Nite - Saturday, December 10, 2011  6:00-9:00 p.m. at Highlands Square (32nd and Lowell).  Support Highland Square merchants while enjoying store specials, free gift wrapping, treats and drinks and a chance to win gift cards!!  http://www.highlands-square.com/calendar.htm
• Holiday in the Highlands - Sunday, December 12, 2011  12:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Highlands Square (32nd and Lowell).  Horse drawn carriage rides, pictures with Santa,  carolers, treats and drinks and a chance to win give-aways!!!
• Highland United Neighbors, Inc (HUNI) Hour Holiday Party - Tuesday, December 13, 2011  5:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Highland Tap and Burger 2219 W. 32nd Ave.  Come out to meet your friends, neighbors and local merchants.  Free appetizers, drink specials and fun and exciting door prizes!!  http://www.denverhighland.org/HUNIHour                                                          

                                                                                                           

Where Oh Where Do You Park in LoHi?

Here is a great article in the Denver Post about parking issues that have been been effecting LoHi.  Several new resturants and boutques that opened this past year have increased traffic to the area and made it difficult to find parking for those who live in the area, as well as for those wanting to patronize the local businesses.   The parking issues are only expected to get worse with the addition of 2 high-end apartment developments with first floor commercial to open within the next year.

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_19230116?utm_medium=facebook

For some the issue is doubled sided......it is the very businesses that attract people from other neighborhoods, increasing the traffic to the area and making parking difficult in front of your own home, that make LoHi such a desirable place to live and increase property values.

                                                          

Highland Quarterly Market Statistics........3rd Quarter 2011

Highland is a very diverse community, and the real estate market is no exception.  The homes in Highland vary significantly with older single family homes, newly constructed modern homes and townhomes and condos.  Keeping and eye on the sales activity in each of these catergories is important to help determine trends in the market, as well as help advise clients on the market.

                                                                                               
Single Family Homes
# of Sales  27
Median Sales Price  $270,000
Average Sales Price  $272,500
Average PSF  $209
Avergage DOM  114

New Construction/New Builds
# of Sales  26
Median Sales Price  $410,000
Average Sales Price  $496,500
Average PSF  $248
Average DOM  134

Condos

# of sales 13                                                                      
Median Sales Price  $230,000
Average Sales Price  $263,750
Average PSF  $233
Average DOM  57

Halloween Activities in the Highlands

There are many fun Halloween activites throughout the Highlands this coming weekend so get your costume together, pull out your favorite pumpkin carving knife, dress up your pet.......there is fun for every member of the household!

• Fourth Annual Highland Haunt - Saturday, October 29, 2011 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. On W. 32nd Ave. between Zuni St. and Clay St.  Costume parade and contest, trick-or-treating, jumpy castle, hay rides, face painting, balloon animals and live music.  http://www.highlandhaunt.com/
• Little Man Ice Cream Pumpkin Carving Contest - Saturday, October 29, 2011 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Hot dogs, drinks, a live bluegrass band, pumpkins for purchase, jumpy castle and professional photographer.  All ages welcome!  Grand prize for most creative pumpkin! Costumes encouraged!  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=117984354952669
• Halloween Critter Costume Contest - Saturday, October 29, 2011 12:01 - 2:00 p.m. at Chaffee Park on 44th and Tejon Street.  Coffee, hot Chocolate, donuts with a costume contest for pets to include cutest, scariest and most creative.  Also prizes for best person/pet pair costume and group costume.  http://www.sunnysidedenver.org/OurCommunity/Events/Item/103
• Trick-or-Treat on Tennyson - Saturday, October 29, 2011 10: a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Tennyson St. between W. 38th Ave and W. 44th Ave.  Wear your costume while trick-or-treating at participating mechants along Tennyson Street.
• Trick-or-Treat Street - Sunday, October 30, 2011 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. in Highlands Square along W. 32nd Ave., Julian St. to Perry St.  Trick-or-treating to local merchants for candy and treats.  Face painting, pumpkin patch photo area and hay rides.  http://www.highlands-square.com/calendar.htm#trick

Have a FUN and SAFE Halloween weekend!             

2011 Highland Farmer's Market Comes to a Close

The close to the 2011 season of  the Highland Farmer's Market was this past weekend and although all good things must come to an end, the end of the market leaves a large void in my Saturday morning ritual.  The market, held each Saturday morning, June - mid-October, on Boulder Street in front of Lola and Vita, is not only a place for fresh fruits, vegetables, hand made soaps, organic dog treats and farm fresh eggs, but also a place to connect with the community, socialize with friends and meet new neighbors.   This was the third year of the Highland Farmer's Market and with live music, a jumpy castle, face painting, a variety of food trucks and the addition of bloody marys and mimosas, the market is a great place for the entire family to spend a sunny Saturday morning.  Although it was sad to say goodbye...I look forward to market season 2012!